Nanomaterials

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4 pages, 192 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Nanostructured Electrodes for High-Performance Supercapacitors and Batteries

by Xiang Wu

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(20), 2807; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13202807 - 23 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1056

Abstract

Emerging renewable energy sources have received extensive attention in the past few decades [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Electrodes for High-Performance Supercapacitors and Batteries)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

10 pages, 3162 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Mechanical Vibration on the Durability of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

by Sitong Chen, Xueke Wang and Tong Zhu

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(15), 2191; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13152191 - 27 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1401

Abstract

To study the durability of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), the experiments were performed by using a 300 h accelerated stress test under vibration and non-vibration conditions. Before and after chronic operation, the polarization curve, impedance spectra and cyclic voltammogram were measured [...] Read more.

To study the durability of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), the experiments were performed by using a 300 h accelerated stress test under vibration and non-vibration conditions. Before and after chronic operation, the polarization curve, impedance spectra and cyclic voltammogram were measured at regular intervals. The voltage under vibration shows a small decline at the current density of 400 mA cm⁻² and decreases quickly along the time in high current density. Meanwhile, the pavement vibration dramatically impacts the contact resistance of the membrane electrode assembly to the bipolar plates and the clamping screws of the fuel cell easily loosen under vibration. The calculations from X-ray diffraction patterns indicate that the average diameters of Pt particles under vibration are smaller than those under no-vibration conditions. It increases from 3.17 nm in the pristine state to 3.43 nm and 4.62 nm, respectively. Moreover, much more platinum that dissolved from the catalyst layer and redeposited was detected inside the polymer membrane under vibration conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Electrodes for High-Performance Supercapacitors and Batteries)

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13 pages, 5315 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hollow Porous CoO@Reduced Graphene Oxide Self-Supporting Flexible Membrane for High Performance Lithium-Ion Storage

by Junxuan Zhang, Jie You, Qing Wei, Jeong-In Han and Zhiming Liu

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(13), 1986; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13131986 - 30 Jun 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1610

Abstract

We report an environment-friendly preparation method of rGO-based flexible self-supporting membrane electrodes, combining Co-MOF with graphene oxide and quickly preparing a hollow CoO@rGO flexible self-supporting membrane composite with a porous structure. This unique hollow porous structure can shorten the ion transport path and [...] Read more.

We report an environment-friendly preparation method of rGO-based flexible self-supporting membrane electrodes, combining Co-MOF with graphene oxide and quickly preparing a hollow CoO@rGO flexible self-supporting membrane composite with a porous structure. This unique hollow porous structure can shorten the ion transport path and provide more active sites for lithium ions. The high conductivity of reduced graphene oxide further facilitates the rapid charge transfer and provides sufficient buffer space for the hollow Co-MOF nanocubes during the charging process. We evaluated its electrochemical performance in a coin cell, which showed good rate capability and cycling stability. The CoO@rGO flexible electrode maintains a high specific capacity of 1103 mAh g⁻¹ after 600 cycles at 1.0 A g⁻¹. The high capacity of prepared material is attributed to the synergistic effect of the hollow porous structure and the 3D reduced graphene oxide network. This would be considered a promising new strategy for synthesizing hollow porous-structured rGO-based self-supported flexible electrodes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Electrodes for High-Performance Supercapacitors and Batteries)

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13 pages, 5228 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Facile Synthesis of Battery-Type CuMn₂O₄ Nanosheet Arrays on Ni Foam as an Efficient Binder-Free Electrode Material for High-Rate Supercapacitors

by Chandu V. V. Muralee Gopi, R. Ramesh, Rajangam Vinodh, Salem Alzahmi and Ihab M. Obaidat

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(6), 1125; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13061125 - 21 Mar 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2854

Abstract

The development of battery-type electrode materials with hierarchical nanostructures has recently gained considerable attention in high-rate hybrid supercapacitors. For the first time, in the present study novel hierarchical CuMn₂O₄ nanosheet arrays (NSAs) nanostructures are developed using a one-step hydrothermal route [...] Read more.

The development of battery-type electrode materials with hierarchical nanostructures has recently gained considerable attention in high-rate hybrid supercapacitors. For the first time, in the present study novel hierarchical CuMn₂O₄ nanosheet arrays (NSAs) nanostructures are developed using a one-step hydrothermal route on a nickel foam substrate and utilized as an enhanced battery-type electrode material for supercapacitors without the need of binders or conducting polymer additives. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques are used to study the phase, structural, and morphological characteristics of the CuMn₂O₄ electrode. SEM and TEM studies show that CuMn₂O₄ exhibits a nanosheet array morphology. According to the electrochemical data, CuMn₂O₄ NSAs give a Faradic battery-type redox activity that differs from the behavior of carbon-related materials (such as activated carbon, reduced graphene oxide, graphene, etc.). The battery-type CuMn₂O₄ NSAs electrode showed an excellent specific capacity of 125.56 mA h g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹ with a remarkable rate capability of 84.1%, superb cycling stability of 92.15% over 5000 cycles, good mechanical stability and flexibility, and low internal resistance at the interface of electrode and electrolyte. Due to their excellent electrochemical properties, high-performance CuMn₂O₄ NSAs-like structures are prospective battery-type electrodes for high-rate supercapacitors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Electrodes for High-Performance Supercapacitors and Batteries)

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11 pages, 2152 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Vapor Transport Synthesis of Fibrous Red Phosphorus Crystal as Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

by Lei Liu, Xing Gao, Xuemei Cui, Bofeng Wang, Fangzheng Hu, Tianheng Yuan, Jianhua Li, Lei Zu, Huiqin Lian and Xiuguo Cui

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(6), 1060; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13061060 - 15 Mar 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2118

Abstract

Red phosphorus (RP) is considered to be the most promising anode material for lithium-Ion batteries (LIBs) due to its high theoretical specific capacity and suitable voltage platform. However, its poor electrical conductivity (10⁻¹² S/m) and the large volume changes that accompany the [...] Read more.

Red phosphorus (RP) is considered to be the most promising anode material for lithium-Ion batteries (LIBs) due to its high theoretical specific capacity and suitable voltage platform. However, its poor electrical conductivity (10⁻¹² S/m) and the large volume changes that accompany the cycling process severely limit its practical application. Herein, we have prepared fibrous red phosphorus (FP) that possesses better electrical conductivity (10⁻⁴ S/m) and a special structure by chemical vapor transport (CVT) to improve electrochemical performance as an anode material for LIBs. Compounding it with graphite (C) by a simple ball milling method, the composite material (FP-C) shows a high reversible specific capacity of 1621 mAh/g, excellent high-rate performance and long cycle life with a capacity of 742.4 mAh/g after 700 cycles at a high current density of 2 A/g, and coulombic efficiencies reaching almost 100% for each cycle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Electrodes for High-Performance Supercapacitors and Batteries)

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15 pages, 3874 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Boosting the Initial Coulomb Efficiency of Sisal Fiber-Derived Carbon Anode for Sodium Ion Batteries by Microstructure Controlling

by Yuan Luo, Yaya Xu, Xuenuan Li, Kaiyou Zhang, Qi Pang and Aimiao Qin

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(5), 881; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13050881 - 26 Feb 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2388

Abstract

As anode material for sodium ion batteries (SIBs), biomass-derived hard carbon has attracted a great deal of attention from researchers because of its renewable nature and low cost. However, its application is greatly limited due to its low initial Coulomb efficiency (ICE). In [...] Read more.

As anode material for sodium ion batteries (SIBs), biomass-derived hard carbon has attracted a great deal of attention from researchers because of its renewable nature and low cost. However, its application is greatly limited due to its low initial Coulomb efficiency (ICE). In this work, we employed a simple two-step method to prepare three different structures of hard carbon materials from sisal fibers and explored the structural effects on the ICE. It was determined that the obtained carbon material, with hollow and tubular structure (TSFC), exhibits the best electrochemical performance, with a high ICE of 76.7%, possessing a large layer spacing, a moderate specific surface area, and a hierarchical porous structure. In order to better understand the sodium storage behavior in this special structural material, exhaustive testing was performed. Combining the experimental and theoretical results, an “adsorption-intercalation” model for the sodium storage mechanism of the TSFC is proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Electrodes for High-Performance Supercapacitors and Batteries)

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14 pages, 4167 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of the Composition and Testing Modes on the Electrochemical Performance of Li-Rich Cathode Materials

by Lidia Pechen, Elena Makhonina, Anna Medvedeva, Yury Politov, Aleksander Rumyantsev, Yury Koshtyal, Alexander Goloveshkin and Igor Eremenko

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(22), 4054; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12224054 - 17 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1633

Abstract

Li-rich oxides are promising cathode materials for Li-ion batteries. In this work, a number of different compositions of Li-rich materials and various electrochemical testing modes were investigated. The structure, chemical composition, and morphology of the materials synthesized were studied by XRD with Rietveld [...] Read more.

Li-rich oxides are promising cathode materials for Li-ion batteries. In this work, a number of different compositions of Li-rich materials and various electrochemical testing modes were investigated. The structure, chemical composition, and morphology of the materials synthesized were studied by XRD with Rietveld refinement, ICP-OES, and SEM. The particle size distributions were determined by a laser analyzer. The galvanostatic intermittent titration technique and galvanostatic cycling with different potential limits at various current densities were used to study the materials. The electrochemical study showed that gradual increase in the upper voltage limit (formation cycles) was needed to improve further cycling of the cathode materials under study. A comparison of the data obtained in different voltage ranges showed that a lower cut-off potential of 2.5 V (2.5–4.7 V range) was required for a good cyclability with a high discharge capacity. An increase in the low cut-off potential to 3.0 V (3.0–4.8 V voltage range) did not improve the electrochemical performance of the oxides and, on the contrary, considerably decreased the discharge capacity and increased the capacity fade. The LMR35 cathode material (Li_1.149Ni_0.184Mn_0.482Co_0.184O₂) demonstrated the best functional properties among all the compositions studied. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Electrodes for High-Performance Supercapacitors and Batteries)

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14 pages, 5006 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Graphene-Modified Co-B-P Catalysts for Hydrogen Generation from Sodium Borohydride Hydrolysis

by Xinlei Jia, Zhen Sang, Lixian Sun, Fen Xu, Hongge Pan, Chenchen Zhang, Riguang Cheng, Yuqian Yu, Haopan Hu, Li Kang and Yiting Bu

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(16), 2732; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12162732 - 9 Aug 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2341

Abstract

Sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) is considered a good candidate for hydrogen generation from hydrolysis because of its high hydrogen storage capacity (10.8 wt%) and environmentally friendly hydrolysis products. However, due to its sluggish hydrogen generation (HG) rate in the water, it usually [...] Read more.

Sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) is considered a good candidate for hydrogen generation from hydrolysis because of its high hydrogen storage capacity (10.8 wt%) and environmentally friendly hydrolysis products. However, due to its sluggish hydrogen generation (HG) rate in the water, it usually needs an efficient catalyst to enhance the HG rate. In this work, graphene oxide (GO)-modified Co-B-P catalysts were obtained using a chemical in situ reduction method. The structure and composition of the as-prepared catalysts were characterized, and the catalytic performance for NaBH₄ hydrolysis was measured as well. The results show that the as-prepared catalyst with a GO content of 75 mg (Co-B-P/75rGO) exhibited an optimal catalytic efficiency with an HG rate of 12087.8 mL min⁻¹ g⁻¹ at 25 °C, far better than majority of the findings that have been reported. The catalyst had a good stability with 88.9% of the initial catalytic efficiency following 10 cycles. In addition, Co-, B-, and P-modified graphene showed a synergistic effect improving the kinetics and thermodynamics of NaBH₄ hydrolysis with a lower activation energy of 28.64 kJ mol⁻¹. These results reveal that the GO-modified Co-B-P catalyst has good potential for borohydride hydrolysis applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Electrodes for High-Performance Supercapacitors and Batteries)

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12 pages, 4346 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bimetallic Pt-Ni Nanoparticles Confined in Porous Titanium Oxide Cage for Hydrogen Generation from NaBH₄ Hydrolysis

by Yuqian Yu, Li Kang, Lixian Sun, Fen Xu, Hongge Pan, Zhen Sang, Chenchen Zhang, Xinlei Jia, Qingli Sui, Yiting Bu, Dan Cai, Yongpeng Xia, Kexiang Zhang and Bin Li

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(15), 2550; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12152550 - 25 Jul 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2175

Abstract

Sodium borohydride (NaBH₄), with a high theoretical hydrogen content (10.8 wt%) and safe characteristics, has been widely employed to produce hydrogen based on hydrolysis reactions. In this work, a porous titanium oxide cage (PTOC) has been synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal [...] Read more.

Sodium borohydride (NaBH₄), with a high theoretical hydrogen content (10.8 wt%) and safe characteristics, has been widely employed to produce hydrogen based on hydrolysis reactions. In this work, a porous titanium oxide cage (PTOC) has been synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method using NH₂-MIL-125 as the template and L-alanine as the coordination agent. Due to the evenly distributed PtNi alloy particles with more catalytically active sites, and the synergistic effect between the PTOC and PtNi alloy particles, the PtNi/PTOC catalyst presents a high hydrogen generation rate (10,164.3 mL∙min⁻¹∙g⁻¹) and low activation energy (28.7 kJ∙mol⁻¹). Furthermore, the robust porous structure of PTOC effectively suppresses the agglomeration issue; thus, the PtNi/PTOC catalyst retains 87.8% of the initial catalytic activity after eight cycles. These results indicate that the PtNi/PTOC catalyst has broad applications for the hydrolysis of borohydride. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Electrodes for High-Performance Supercapacitors and Batteries)

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9 pages, 2358 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Micro/Nano Energy Storage Devices Based on Composite Electrode Materials

by Yanqi Niu, Deyong Shang and Zhanping Li

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(13), 2202; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12132202 - 27 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2182

Abstract

It is vital to improve the electrochemical performance of negative materials for energy storage devices. The synergistic effect between the composites can improve the total performance. In this work, we prepare α-Fe₂O₃@MnO₂ on carbon cloth through hydrothermal strategies [...] Read more.

It is vital to improve the electrochemical performance of negative materials for energy storage devices. The synergistic effect between the composites can improve the total performance. In this work, we prepare α-Fe₂O₃@MnO₂ on carbon cloth through hydrothermal strategies and subsequent electrochemical deposition. The α-Fe₂O₃@MnO₂ hybrid structure benefits electron transfer efficiency and avoids the rapid decay of capacitance caused by volume expansion. The specific capacitance of the as-obtained product is 615 mF cm⁻² at 2 mA cm⁻². Moreover, a flexible supercapacitor presents an energy density of 0.102 mWh cm⁻³ at 4.2 W cm⁻². Bending tests of the device at different angles show excellent mechanical flexibility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Electrodes for High-Performance Supercapacitors and Batteries)

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14 pages, 4158 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Organic Crosslinked Polymer-Derived N/O-Doped Porous Carbons for High-Performance Supercapacitor

by Jianhao Lao, Yao Lu, Songwen Fang, Fen Xu, Lixian Sun, Yu Wang, Tianhao Zhou, Lumin Liao, Yanxun Guan, Xueying Wei, Chenchen Zhang, Yukai Yang, Yongpeng Xia, Yumei Luo, Yongjin Zou, Hailiang Chu, Huanzhi Zhang, Yong Luo and Yanling Zhu

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(13), 2186; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12132186 - 25 Jun 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2108

Abstract

Supercapacitors, as a new type of green electrical energy storage device, are a potential solution to environmental problems created by economic development and the excessive use of fossil energy resources. In this work, nitrogen/oxygen (N/O)-doped porous carbon materials for high-performance supercapacitors are fabricated [...] Read more.

Supercapacitors, as a new type of green electrical energy storage device, are a potential solution to environmental problems created by economic development and the excessive use of fossil energy resources. In this work, nitrogen/oxygen (N/O)-doped porous carbon materials for high-performance supercapacitors are fabricated by calcining and activating an organic crosslinked polymer prepared using polyethylene glycol, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and 4,4-diphenylmethane diisocyanate. The porous carbon exhibits a large specific surface area (1589 m²·g⁻¹) and high electrochemical performance, thanks to the network structure and rich N/O content in the organic crosslinked polymer. The optimized porous carbon material (C_OCLP-4.5), obtained by adjusting the raw material ratio of the organic crosslinked polymer, exhibits a high specific capacitance (522 F·g⁻¹ at 0.5 A·g⁻¹), good rate capability (319 F·g⁻¹ at 20 A·g⁻¹), and outstanding stability (83% retention after 5000 cycles) in a three-electrode system. Furthermore, an energy density of 18.04 Wh·kg⁻¹ is obtained at a power density of 200.0 W·kg⁻¹ in a two-electrode system. This study demonstrates that organic crosslinked polymer-derived porous carbon electrode materials have good energy storage potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Electrodes for High-Performance Supercapacitors and Batteries)

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8 pages, 1923 KiB

Open AccessArticle

First-Principles Study of n*AlN/n*ScN Superlattices with High Dielectric Capacity for Energy Storage

by Wei-Chao Zhang, Hao Wu, Wei-Feng Sun and Zhen-Peng Zhang

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(12), 1966; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12121966 - 8 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1875

Abstract

As a paradigm of exploiting electronic-structure engineering on semiconductor superlattices to develop advanced dielectric film materials with high electrical energy storage, the n*AlN/n*ScN superlattices are systematically investigated by first-principles calculations of structural stability, band structure and dielectric polarizability. Electrical energy storage density is [...] Read more.

As a paradigm of exploiting electronic-structure engineering on semiconductor superlattices to develop advanced dielectric film materials with high electrical energy storage, the n*AlN/n*ScN superlattices are systematically investigated by first-principles calculations of structural stability, band structure and dielectric polarizability. Electrical energy storage density is evaluated by dielectric permittivity under a high electric field approaching the uppermost critical value determined by a superlattice band gap, which hinges on the constituent layer thickness and crystallographic orientation of superlattices. It is demonstrated that the constituent layer thickness as indicated by larger n and superlattice orientations as in (111) crystallographic plane can be effectively exploited to modify dielectric permittivity and band gap, respectively, and thus promote energy density of electric capacitors. Simultaneously increasing the thicknesses of individual constituent layers maintains adequate band gaps while slightly reducing dielectric polarizability from electronic localization of valence band-edge in ScN constituent layers. The AlN/ScN superlattices oriented in the wurtzite (111) plane acquire higher dielectric energy density due to the significant improvement in electronic band gaps. The present study renders a framework for modifying the band gap and dielectric properties to acquire high energy storage in semiconductor superlattices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Electrodes for High-Performance Supercapacitors and Batteries)

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12 pages, 7477 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sophisticated Structural Tuning of NiMoO₄@MnCo₂O₄ Nanomaterials for High Performance Hybrid Capacitors

by Yifei Di, Jun Xiang, Nan Bu, Sroeurb Loy, Wenduo Yang, Rongda Zhao, Fufa Wu, Xiaobang Sun and Zhihui Wu

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(10), 1674; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12101674 - 14 May 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2502

Abstract

NiMoO₄ is an excellent candidate for supercapacitor electrodes, but poor cycle life, low electrical conductivity, and small practical capacitance limit its further development. Therefore, in this paper, we fabricate NiMoO₄@MnCo₂O₄ composites based on a two-step hydrothermal method. [...] Read more.

NiMoO₄ is an excellent candidate for supercapacitor electrodes, but poor cycle life, low electrical conductivity, and small practical capacitance limit its further development. Therefore, in this paper, we fabricate NiMoO₄@MnCo₂O₄ composites based on a two-step hydrothermal method. As a supercapacitor electrode, the sample can reach 3000 mF/cm² at 1 mA/cm². The asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC), NiMoO₄@MnCo₂O₄//AC, can be constructed with activated carbon (AC) as the negative electrode, the device can reach a maximum energy density of 90.89 mWh/cm³ at a power density of 3726.7 mW/cm³ and the capacitance retention can achieve 78.4% after 10,000 cycles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Electrodes for High-Performance Supercapacitors and Batteries)

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13 pages, 2838 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Flexible TENG Based on Micro-Structure Film for Speed Skating Techniques Monitoring and Biomechanical Energy Harvesting

by Zhuo Lu, Changjun Jia, Xu Yang, Yongsheng Zhu, Fengxin Sun, Tianming Zhao, Shouwei Zhang and Yupeng Mao

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(9), 1576; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12091576 - 6 May 2022

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3346

Abstract

Wearable motion-monitoring systems have been widely used in recent years. However, the battery energy storage problem of traditional wearable devices limits the development of human sports training applications. In this paper, a self-powered and portable micro-structure triboelectric nanogenerator (MS-TENG) has been made. It [...] Read more.

Wearable motion-monitoring systems have been widely used in recent years. However, the battery energy storage problem of traditional wearable devices limits the development of human sports training applications. In this paper, a self-powered and portable micro-structure triboelectric nanogenerator (MS-TENG) has been made. It consists of micro-structure polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film, fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) film, and lithium chloride polyacrylamide (LiCl-PAAM) hydrogel. Through the micro-structure, the voltage of the MS-TENG can be improved by 7 times. The MS-TENG provides outstanding sensing properties: maximum output voltage of 74 V, angular sensitivity of 1.016 V/degree, high signal-to-noise ratio, and excellent long-term service stability. We used it to monitor the running skills of speed skaters. It can also store the biomechanical energy which is generated in the process of speed skating through capacitors. It demonstrates capability of sensor to power electronic calculator and electronic watch. In addition, as a flexible electrode hydrogel, it can readily stretch over 1300%, which can help improve the service life and work stability of MS-TENG. Therefore, MS-TENG has great application potential in human sports training monitoring and big data analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Electrodes for High-Performance Supercapacitors and Batteries)

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12 pages, 4038 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Zinc-Ion Storage Mechanism of Polyaniline for Rechargeable Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries

by Jiangfeng Gong, Hao Li, Kaixiao Zhang, Zhupeng Zhang, Jie Cao, Zhibin Shao, Chunmei Tang, Shaojie Fu, Qianjin Wang and Xiang Wu

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(9), 1438; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12091438 - 23 Apr 2022

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4800

Abstract

Aqueous multivalent ion batteries, especially aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs), have promising energy storage application due to their unique merits of safety, high ionic conductivity, and high gravimetric energy density. To improve their electrochemical performance, polyaniline (PANI) is often chosen to suppress cathode dissolution. [...] Read more.

Aqueous multivalent ion batteries, especially aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs), have promising energy storage application due to their unique merits of safety, high ionic conductivity, and high gravimetric energy density. To improve their electrochemical performance, polyaniline (PANI) is often chosen to suppress cathode dissolution. Herein, this work focuses on the zinc ion storage behavior of a PANI cathode. The energy storage mechanism of PANI is associated with four types of protonated/non-protonated amine or imine. The PANI cathode achieves a high capacity of 74 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.3 A g⁻¹ and maintains 48.4% of its initial discharge capacity after 1000 cycles. It also demonstrates an ultrahigh diffusion coefficient of 6.25 × 10⁻⁹~7.82 × 10⁻⁸ cm⁻² s⁻¹ during discharging and 7.69 × 10⁻¹⁰~1.81 × 10⁻⁷ cm⁻² s⁻¹ during charging processes, which is one or two orders of magnitude higher than other reported studies. This work sheds a light on developing PANI-composited cathodes in rechargeable aqueous ZIBs energy storage devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Electrodes for High-Performance Supercapacitors and Batteries)

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12 pages, 3495 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Temperature-Dependent Fractional Dynamics in Pseudo-Capacitors with Carbon Nanotube Array/Polyaniline Electrodes

by Igor O. Yavtushenko, Marat Yu. Makhmud-Akhunov, Renat T. Sibatov, Evgeny P. Kitsyuk and Vyacheslav V. Svetukhin

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(5), 739; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12050739 - 22 Feb 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1924

Abstract

Pseudo-capacitors with electrodes based on polyaniline and vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes (PANI/VA-MWCNT) composite are studied. Fractional differential models of supercapacitors are briefly discussed. The appropriate fractional circuit model for PANI/MWCNT pseudo-capacitors is found to be a linearized version of the recently proposed [...] Read more.

Pseudo-capacitors with electrodes based on polyaniline and vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes (PANI/VA-MWCNT) composite are studied. Fractional differential models of supercapacitors are briefly discussed. The appropriate fractional circuit model for PANI/MWCNT pseudo-capacitors is found to be a linearized version of the recently proposed phase-field diffusion model based on the fractional Cahn–Hilliard equation. The temperature dependencies of the model parameters are determined by means of impedance spectroscopy. The fractional-order

α

is weakly sensitive to temperature, and the fractional dynamic behavior is related to the pore morphology rather than to thermally activated ion-hopping in PANI/MWCNT composite. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Electrodes for High-Performance Supercapacitors and Batteries)

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11 pages, 4314 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Improvement of Lithium Storage Performance of Silica Anode by Using Ketjen Black as Functional Conductive Agent

by Guobin Hu, Xiaohui Sun, Huigen Liu, Yaya Xu, Lei Liao, Donglei Guo, Xianming Liu and Aimiao Qin

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(4), 692; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12040692 - 19 Feb 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2285

Abstract

In this paper, SiO₂ aerogels were prepared by a sol–gel method. Using Ketjen Black (KB), Super P (SP) and Acetylene Black (AB) as a conductive agent, respectively, the effects of the structure and morphology of the three conductive agents on the electrochemical [...] Read more.

In this paper, SiO₂ aerogels were prepared by a sol–gel method. Using Ketjen Black (KB), Super P (SP) and Acetylene Black (AB) as a conductive agent, respectively, the effects of the structure and morphology of the three conductive agents on the electrochemical performance of SiO₂ gel anode were systematically investigated and compared. The results show that KB provides far better cycling and rate performance than SP and AB for SiO₂ anode electrodes, with a reversible specific capacity of 351.4 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.2 A g⁻¹ after 200 cycles and a stable 311.7 mA h g⁻¹ at 1.0 A g⁻¹ after 500 cycles. The enhanced mechanism of the lithium storage performance of SiO₂-KB anode was also proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Electrodes for High-Performance Supercapacitors and Batteries)

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14 pages, 4490 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Sea Urchin-like Si@MnO₂@rGO as Anodes for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries

by Jiajun Liu, Meng Wang, Qi Wang, Xishan Zhao, Yutong Song, Tianming Zhao and Jing Sun

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(2), 285; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12020285 - 17 Jan 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3439

Abstract

Si is a promising material for applications as a high-capacity anode material of lithium-ion batteries. However, volume expansion, poor electrical conductivity, and a short cycle life during the charging/discharging process limit the commercial use. In this paper, new ternary composites of sea urchin-like [...] Read more.

Si is a promising material for applications as a high-capacity anode material of lithium-ion batteries. However, volume expansion, poor electrical conductivity, and a short cycle life during the charging/discharging process limit the commercial use. In this paper, new ternary composites of sea urchin-like Si@MnO₂@reduced graphene oxide (rGO) prepared by a simple, low-cost chemical method are presented. These can effectively reduce the volume change of Si, extend the cycle life, and increase the lithium-ion battery capacity due to the dual protection of MnO₂ and rGO. The sea urchin-like Si@MnO₂@rGO anode shows a discharge specific capacity of 1282.72 mAh g⁻¹ under a test current of 1 A g⁻¹ after 1000 cycles and excellent chemical performance at different current densities. Moreover, the volume expansion of sea urchin-like Si@MnO₂@rGO anode material is ~50% after 150 cycles, which is much less than the volume expansion of Si (300%). This anode material is economical and environmentally friendly and this work made efforts to develop efficient methods to store clean energy and achieve carbon neutrality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Electrodes for High-Performance Supercapacitors and Batteries)

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32 pages, 8997 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review on the Application of Cobalt-Based Nanomaterials in Supercapacitors

by Lin Yang, Qinghan Zhu, Ke Yang, Xinkai Xu, Jingchun Huang, Hongfeng Chen and Haiwang Wang

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(22), 4065; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12224065 - 18 Nov 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4240

Abstract

Among many electrode materials, cobalt-based nanomaterials are widely used in supercapacitors because of their high natural abundance, good electrical conductivity, and high specific capacitance. However, there are still some difficulties to overcome, including poor structural stability and low power density. This paper summarizes [...] Read more.

Among many electrode materials, cobalt-based nanomaterials are widely used in supercapacitors because of their high natural abundance, good electrical conductivity, and high specific capacitance. However, there are still some difficulties to overcome, including poor structural stability and low power density. This paper summarizes the research progress of cobalt-based nanomaterials (cobalt oxide, cobalt hydroxide, cobalt-containing ternary metal oxides, etc.) as electrode materials for supercapacitors in recent years and discusses the preparation methods and properties of the materials. Notably, the focus of this paper is on the strategies to improve the electrochemical properties of these materials. We show that the performance of cobalt-based nanomaterials can be improved by designing their morphologies and, among the many morphologies, the mesoporous structure plays a major role. This is because mesoporous structures can mitigate volume changes and improve the performance of pseudo capacitance. This review is dedicated to the study of several cobalt-based nanomaterials in supercapacitors, and we hope that future scholars will make new breakthroughs in morphology design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Electrodes for High-Performance Supercapacitors and Batteries)

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14 pages, 4803 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in g-C₃N₄ for the Application of Perovskite Solar Cells

by Jian Yang, Yuhui Ma, Jianping Yang, Wei Liu and Xing’ao Li

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(20), 3625; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12203625 - 16 Oct 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2072

Abstract

In this study, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) was extensively utilized as an electron transport layer or interfacial buffer layer for simultaneously realizing photoelectric performance and stability improvement of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). This review covers the different g-C₃ [...] Read more.

In this study, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) was extensively utilized as an electron transport layer or interfacial buffer layer for simultaneously realizing photoelectric performance and stability improvement of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). This review covers the different g-C₃N₄ nanostructures used as additive and surface modifier layers applied to PSCs. In addition, the mechanism of reducing the defect state in PSCs, including improving the crystalline quality of perovskite, passivating the grain boundaries, and tuning the energy level alignment, were also highlighted in this review. Currently, the power conversion efficiency of PSCs based on modified g-C₃N₄ has been increased up to 22.13%, and its unique two-dimensional (2D) package structure has enhanced the stability of PSCs, which can remain stable in the dark for over 1500 h. Finally, the potential challenges and perspectives of g-C₃N₄ incorporated into perovskite-based optoelectronic devices are also included in this review. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Electrodes for High-Performance Supercapacitors and Batteries)

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16 pages, 5601 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Recent Advances of Transition Metal Chalcogenides as Cathode Materials for Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries

by Ying Liu and Xiang Wu

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(19), 3298; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12193298 - 22 Sep 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3384

Abstract

In recent years, advances in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have pushed the research of other metal-ion batteries to the forefront. Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) have attracted much attention owing to their low cost, high capacity and non-toxic characteristics. Among various cathodes, transition metal [...] Read more.

In recent years, advances in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have pushed the research of other metal-ion batteries to the forefront. Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) have attracted much attention owing to their low cost, high capacity and non-toxic characteristics. Among various cathodes, transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) with a layered structure are considered as suitable electrode materials. The large layer spacing facilitates the intercalation/de-intercalation of Zn²⁺ between the layers. In this mini-review, we summarize a variety of design strategies for the modification of TMCs. Then, we specifically emphasize the zinc storage capacity of the optimized electrodes. Finally, we propose the challenges and future prospects of cathode materials for high-energy AZIBs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Electrodes for High-Performance Supercapacitors and Batteries)

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20 pages, 2828 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advancements of Polyaniline/Metal Organic Framework (PANI/MOF) Composite Electrodes for Supercapacitor Applications: A Critical Review

by Rajangam Vinodh, Rajendran Suresh Babu, Sangaraju Sambasivam, Chandu V. V. Muralee Gopi, Salem Alzahmi, Hee-Je Kim, Ana Lucia Ferreira de Barros and Ihab M. Obaidat

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(9), 1511; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12091511 - 29 Apr 2022

Cited by 61 | Viewed by 6030

Abstract

Supercapacitors (SCs), also known as ultracapacitors, should be one of the most promising contenders for meeting the needs of human viable growth owing to their advantages: for example, excellent capacitance and rate efficiency, extended durability, and cheap materials price. Supercapacitor research on electrode [...] Read more.

Supercapacitors (SCs), also known as ultracapacitors, should be one of the most promising contenders for meeting the needs of human viable growth owing to their advantages: for example, excellent capacitance and rate efficiency, extended durability, and cheap materials price. Supercapacitor research on electrode materials is significant because it plays a vital part in the performance of SCs. Polyaniline (PANI) is an exceptional candidate for energy-storage applications owing to its tunable structure, multiple oxidation/reduction reactions, cheap price, environmental stability, and ease of handling. With their exceptional morphology, suitable functional linkers, metal sites, and high specific surface area, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are outstanding materials for electrodes fabrication in electrochemical energy storage systems. The combination of PANI and MOF (PANI/MOF composites) as electrode materials demonstrates additional benefits, which are worthy of exploration. The positive impacts of the two various electrode materials can improve the resultant electrochemical performances. Recently, these kinds of conducting polymers with MOFs composites are predicted to become the next-generation electrode materials for the development of efficient and well-organized SCs. The recent achievements in the use of PANI/MOFs-based electrode materials for supercapacitor applications are critically reviewed in this paper. Furthermore, we discuss the existing issues with PANI/MOF composites and their analogues in the field of supercapacitor electrodes in addition to potential future improvements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Electrodes for High-Performance Supercapacitors and Batteries)

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