Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Noemi Leick, Ba L. Tran, Mark E. Bowden, Thomas Gennett, Tom Autrey
Summary: This study investigated the thermal stability of coordination complexes formed between different glymes with Mg(BH4)(2), revealing diverse phase transitions, speciations, and decomposition pathways despite their structural similarities.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xuancheng Wang, Xuezhang Xiao, Jiaguang Zheng, Zhouming Hang, Wenping Lin, Zhendong Yao, Meng Zhang, Lixin Chen
Summary: The study shows that ball-milling magnesium borohydride with titanium nano-particles results in enhanced hydrogen release, improved dehydrogenation kinetics, and lower activation energy. The catalyzed magnesium borohydride also exhibits high reversibility during partial dehydrogenation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yongyang Zhu, Shaoyang Shen, Xu-Sheng Yang, Liming Zeng, Gary Tsui, Zheng-Long Xu, Qing Zhou, Renheng Tang, K. C. Chan
Summary: This study proposes a cost-effective method to regenerate LiBH4 by ball milling hydrous lithium metaborate with low-cost Mg-based alloys. The introduction of light rare-earth metals into Mg improves the regeneration kinetics of LiBH4 by facilitating the breakage of B-O and conversion of H+ into H-. A yield of 40% can be achieved for LiBO2 center dot 2H(2)O-CeMg12 system with a relatively short ball milling duration of 10 hours. The optimized regeneration of LiBH4 is believed to be efficient and economical, utilizing an intrinsic hydrogen source in LiBO2 center dot 2H(2)O and cheap reducing agents. This finding is expected to promote the widespread use of LiBH4 for hydrogen storage.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Noemi Leick, Nicholas A. Strange, Andreas Schneemann, Vitalie Stavila, Karl Gross, Nancy Washton, Amy Settle, Madison B. Martinez, Thomas Gennett, Steven T. Christensen
Summary: This study utilizes nanoencapsulation and chemical additives simultaneously to modify borohydrides by using atomic layer deposition (ALD). The use of trimethylaluminum and water in the ALD process significantly improves the low-temperature H2 capacity and desorption kinetics of magnesium borohydride, while suppressing the release of diborane. These results suggest the potential of ALD as a method to functionalize solid-state H2 storage materials.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qinfu Zhao, Lei Chen, Bingbing Suo, Zhiyong Zhang, Dan Deng, Bo Zhou, Haiyan Zhu, Qi Song
Summary: Inspired by alkaline metal borohydrides and organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite, a complex structure of (CH3NH3)BH4 with high hydrogen capacity is predicted. Through analysis of electronic structures, it is concluded that (CH3NH3)BH4 can be synthesized by a substitution reaction. The structural symmetries, elastic constants, and electronic properties of (CH3NH3)BH4 are investigated, showing strong elastic anisotropy and the influence of a planar dihydrogen bonding network on the dehydrogenation reaction. The proposed dehydrogenation process of (CH3NH3)BH4 via intermediate compounds suggests that it can decompose spontaneously, similar to ammonium borohydride.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Robert T. Bell, Nicholas A. Strange, Noemi Leick, Vitalie Stavila, Mark E. Bowden, Tom S. Autrey, Thomas Gennett
Summary: The use of an organic borohydride salt additive, tetramethylammonium borohydride (TMAB), has been shown to enhance the chemical stability and thermal cyclability of Mg(BH4)(2) melt. This finding is significant for applications in hydrogen storage and magnesium battery technologies.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nicholas A. Strange, Noemi Leick, Sarah Shulda, Andreas Schneemann, Vitalie Stavila, Andrew S. Lipton, Michael F. Toney, Thomas Gennett, Steven T. Christensen
Summary: Magnesium borohydride is a promising material for hydrogen storage, but its slow dehydrogenation kinetics and formation of intermediate polyboranes limit its application in clean energy technologies. This study presents a novel approach of modifying the physicochemical properties of magnesium borohydride by adding reactive molecules in the vapor phase. The effects of four different molecules on the additive-Mg(BH4)(2) interaction and hydrogen release at lower temperatures are examined. The results demonstrate the efficacy of this approach and provide a new path for additive-based modification of hydrogen storage materials.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Nurul N. Sulaiman, Mohammad Ismail, Sharifah N. Timmiati, Kean L. Lim
Summary: This study investigated the preparation of the LiAlH4 + Mg(BH4)2 combined system using ball milling technique, revealing superior hydrogen storage performance compared to individual components. The addition of TiF3 significantly enhanced hydrogen storage properties by reducing the initial decomposition temperature and improving isothermal absorption/desorption kinetics. The catalytic role of TiF3 facilitated interactions between Mg(AlH4)2, MgH2, and LiBH4, enhancing de/hydrogenation performance of the destabilized system.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Yongyang Zhu, Jianding Li, Limei Yang, Xu-Sheng Yang, Qing Zhou, Renheng Tang, Shaoyang Shen, Liuzhang Ouyang
Summary: Metal borohydrides have high hydrogen storage capacities and are extensively studied. However, developing a low-cost and high-efficiency closed loop of hydrolysis and regeneration is challenging. This work provides an overview of the latest advances in hydrolysis and regeneration processes of Li(Na)BH4 and Mg(BH4)2, with a focus on NaBH4 hydrolysis and regeneration. The development of catalysts, synthesis techniques, and reducing agents for NaBH4 regeneration are discussed. The use of low-cost transition metal-based catalysts has shown great potential for catalyzing the hydrolysis reaction.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yuchen Liu, Djafar Chabane, Omar Elkedim
Summary: In this study, the structure, phase stability, and electronic structure of La4MgNi19 alloy with partial substitution of La by Pr, Sm, Gd, Nd and Co substitution of Ni were investigated using density functional theory. The calculation results showed that La4MgNi19 alloy exhibited negative enthalpy of formation, indicating thermodynamic stability. When La was substituted, Pr, Nd, Sm, and Gd preferably occupied the La(4f) site. The addition of doping elements reduced the phase stability, with Pr substituted La4MgNi19 showing the highest structural stability. Co substitution of Ni destabilized the crystal structure, and the system still exhibited metallic character after substitution.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
E. Albanese, M. Corno, M. Baricco, B. Civalleri
Summary: Modeling thin films of beta-Ca(BH4)(2) reveals that nanostructuration of the material can significantly decrease dehydrogenation enthalpy. Quantum mechanical calculations show that reducing the size from bulk to nanoscale leads to a notable decrease in decomposition enthalpy, supporting the potential advantages of nanostructured metal borohydrides for energy storage applications.
RESEARCH ON CHEMICAL INTERMEDIATES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
R. S. Jin, J. Zhang, X. J. Zhou, S. X. Pan, J. H. He, J. N. Chen, X. Z. Lu, X. M. Chen, D. W. Zhou
Summary: In this study, the microstructures and hydrogen storage properties of Mg-Y-Zn alloys with different Zn content were systematically investigated. The results indicate that the formation of LPSO phases increases with higher Zn content, mainly located at the grain boundaries. The distribution of YH2/YH3 hydrides in these alloys becomes non-uniform due to the higher concentration at grain boundaries with increasing Zn content, resulting in poorer hydrogen storage performance.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yongyang Zhu, Hao Zhong, Hui Wang, Liuzhang Ouyang, Jiangwen Liu, Zhenguo Huang, Min Zhu
Summary: A new method for synthesizing sodium borohydride using ball milling hydrated sodium tetraborate with aluminum or aluminum-silicon alloy has been developed to facilitate mass transfer during the reaction and reduce costs. This method also utilizes hydrogen from the starting materials to generate sodium borohydride, showing potential for more economical production compared to commercial processes.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Huaiwei Zhang, Liang Bao, Ying Pan, Jing-yuan Ge
Summary: This paper illustrates a simple and facile preparation strategy for Mg-Y based nanoscale materials. The microstructure transitions and sample formation process are studied, which involve two stages of pure metal particles collision surface adsorption and low temperature heat-treatment molding. The nanoscale sample exhibits a higher hydrogen storage capacity of about 4.5 wt% compared to the as-cast alloy. Additionally, the sample also shows lower dehydrogenation temperature and reaction enthalpy.
CHEMICAL PHYSICS LETTERS
(2022)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Cezar Comanescu
Summary: Calcium borohydride is a complex hydride that has potential applications in hydrogen storage and batteries due to its stability and reversible hydrogen storage capacity. Recent research has focused on improving the hydrogen storage capacity through various strategies, such as DFT calculations, polymorph investigations, and catalytic effects. The rich speciation of borohydride anions also enhances the ionic conductivity, expanding the use of calcium borohydride to battery applications.
Article
Physics, Applied
Chen Xuefeng, Han Wenna, Jia Minglei, Ren Fengzhu, Peng Chengxiao, Gu Qinfen, Wang Bing, Yin Huabing
Summary: Through first-principle calculations, a MoSi2N4/BlueP heterostructure is designed and investigated, which exhibits the characteristics of direct Z-scheme vdW heterostructure, favorable for the spatial separation of photogenerated carriers and retains a strong redox capacity. The heterostructure has a stronger light absorption from the visible to ultraviolet region compared to two monolayer materials. The solar to hydrogen conversion efficiency is over three-fold and four-fold as great as that of pristine MoSi2N4 and BlueP monolayers, respectively.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Miao Guo, Chongyang Yuan, Tengfei Zhang, Xuebin Yu
Summary: This review summarizes the development and classification of magnesium-ion solid-state electrolytes and discusses the migration mechanism and structural characteristics of Mg2+ ions.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xin F. Tan, Manjin Kim, Qinfen Gu, Julio Pinzon Piraquive, Guang Zeng, Stuart D. McDonald, Kazuhiro Nogita
Summary: This study investigates the effects of Na in hypo-eutectic Mg-lwt.%Si alloys for H-2 storage applications. The addition of trace amounts of Na is vital in improving the H-2 sorption kinetics, achieving a high storage capacity. The study also analyzes the hydrogen sorption mechanisms and identifies the role of Na in facilitating hydrogen diffusion.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaoyue Zhang, Yahui Sun, Shunlong Ju, Jikai Ye, Xuechun Hu, Wei Chen, Long Yao, Guanglin Xia, Fang Fang, Dalin Sun, Xuebin Yu
Summary: This paper demonstrates a concept of solar-driven reversible hydrogen storage of metal hydrides by utilizing the photothermal effect and catalytic role. The photothermal effect of Cu@MXene raises the temperature of the hydrogen storage material, while the hydrogen pump effect of Ti and TiHx species formed on the surface of MXene reduces the operating temperature, achieving efficient hydrogen storage.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhenhua Liu, Tengfei Zhang, Shunlong Ju, Yanda Ji, Zhaotong Hu, Yingtong Lv, Guanglin Xia, Xuebin Yu
Summary: The Li(NH3)xBH4@SiO2 composite material prepared by ammonia absorption and ball-milling shows good ionic conductivity and electrochemical performance in all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhongchen Zhao, Tian Xu, Xuebin Yu
Summary: Metal chalcogenide anodes with a layered structure have potential as K-based electrochemical energy storage devices, but the slow K-ion transport kinetics and poor structural stability hinder their development. This study investigates the energy storage behavior and links it to the capacity degradation of layer-structured WSe2. A single-phased WSe2 with pre-intercalated high K content is designed to overcome capacity degradation. Theoretical calculations demonstrate the beneficial effect of K-ions on boosting the electrochemical performance of WSe2. The novel design enables the pre-intercalated WSe2 anode material to exhibit high reversible specific capacity and cycling stability.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chongyang Yuan, Tian Xu, Miao Guo, Tengfei Zhang, Xuebin Yu
Summary: In this study, phosphorus-doped Co3O4 was synthesized and it was found that the doping improved the catalytic activity for ammonia borane hydrolytic dehydrogenation. Furthermore, combining phosphorus doping with copper doping showed a strong synergistic effect and greatly enhanced the catalytic H2 generation. This research is important for designing more efficient metal-based nanocatalysts for energy conversion reactions.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuanmeng Tian, Ming Kong, Zeyu Tao, Chen Yang, Shanshan Shang, Qinfen Gu, Daniel C. W. Tsang, Liangchun Li, Jin Shang
Summary: A microporous covalent triazine framework (CTF) was developed as an effective adsorbent for NO2 capture, achieving high cyclable capacity and moderate adsorption affinity. The pristine CTF exhibited a high NO2 adsorption capacity, which was further enhanced by surface nitrogen conversion. This work not only provides promising adsorbents for mitigating NO2 pollution, but also a strategy for developing robust adsorbents for corrosive and toxic gases.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Anita M. D'Angelo, Helen E. A. Brand, Valerie D. Mitchell, Jessica L. Hamilton, Daniel Oldfield, Amelia C. Y. Liu, Qinfen Gu
Summary: This study examines the capabilities and limitations of total scattering experiments on the Powder Diffraction (PD) beamline at the Australian Synchrotron, ANSTO. The results show the effects of Qmax, absorption, and counting time on the pair distribution function (PDF) and how different parameters affect the refined structural parameters. Considerations for conducting total scattering experiments at the PD beamline are discussed, including sample stability, dilution for highly absorbing samples, and resolution limits for correlation length differences. A case study comparing the PDF with EXAFS-derived distances also demonstrates good agreement between the two techniques. This research provides guidance for researchers considering total scattering experiments at the PD beamline or similar setups.
JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jun Lu, Gengping Jiang, Huacheng Zhang, Binbin Qian, Haijin Zhu, Qinfen Gu, Yuan Yan, Jefferson Zhe Liu, Benny D. Freeman, Lei Jiang, Huanting Wang
Summary: An artificial sodium channel with unprecedented Na+/K+ selectivity and Na+/Li+ selectivity was developed by confining 4'-aminobenzo-15-crown-5 ethers (15C5s) into a metal-organic framework subnanochannel (MOFSNC). This study proposed a co-ion-responsive single-file transport mechanism for the preferential transport of Na+ over K+ in the 15C-MOFSNC. The findings offer an alternative strategy for developing single-ion selective channels and membranes.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Hui Wu, Zhennan Xiong, Yiyang Mao, Huihui Zhang, Yingying Hu, Jun Shen, Baofeng Wang, Xuebin Yu
Summary: Developing new types of metal-ion batteries beyond lithium-ions is progressing quickly, but the lack of appropriate electrode materials has hindered their large-scale applications. In this study, a MoS2/MoO2/CC electrode material is developed, which effectively addresses the issues of ion diffusion distance, conductivity, and volume change. The electrode exhibits high reversible capacities, excellent rate capacities, and long-term cycling stability in magnesium-ion and sodium-ion storage.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuqin Huang, Panyu Gao, Tengfei Zhang, Xiang Zhang, Guanglin Xia, Fang Fang, Dalin Sun, Zaiping Guo, Xuebin Yu
Summary: In this work, an ultra-stable electrode-solid electrolyte composite for high-performance all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries (ASSLIBs) is fabricated by uniformly covering each MgH2 nanoparticle with ultrathin Mg(BH4)(2) layers on the surface of graphene. The presence of Mg(BH4)(2) layers enhances the Li ion conductivity of the graphene-supported MgH2 nanoparticles, resulting in uniform stable interfaces with high ionic and electronic conductivity. Additionally, the stable framework of inactive Li2B6 and the structural support of graphene alleviate volume change and facilitate intimate contact, leading to an ultrahigh specific capacity of 800 mAh g(-1) for MgH2 after 350 cycles at 2 A g(-1).
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiening Zheng, Tian Xu, Guanglin Xia, Wen-Gang Cui, Yaxiong Yang, Xuebin Yu
Summary: This study reports a new strategy of utilizing water-contained VOPO4·H2O to enhance Al3+ migration in Al ion batteries. It is revealed that VOPO4·H2O has a water lubrication effect and smaller steric hindrance, resulting in high capacity and fast Al3+ diffusion. However, the instability of water leads to rapid performance degradation. To solve this problem, ultrathin VOPO4·H2O@MXene nanosheets were fabricated to improve the cycling stability. The VOPO4·H2O@MXene composite delivers high discharge potential and maintains discharge capacities after cycling. This work provides new insights into water-contained AIBs cathodes and guidance for developing high-performance AIBs.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kaifei Chen, Zhi Yu, Seyed Hesam Mousavi, Ranjeet Singh, Qinfen Gu, Randall Q. Snurr, Paul A. Webley, Gang Kevin Li
Summary: Research has found that gas adsorption capacity and selectivity in zeolite molecular sieves can be regulated by an external electric field-induced cation relocation and framework expansion, leading to improved gas separation performance.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hui Wu, Guanglin Xia, Xuebin Yu
Summary: Considering the abundance and low cost of sodium resources, sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have been considered as potential alternatives to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their similar electrochemistry. However, the challenges of sluggish reaction kinetics, volume change, and low electric conductivity of iron-based electrode materials have hampered their long-term cycling stability and rate performance. This review summarizes recent progress in the development and design of nanostructured iron-based anodes for SIBs, focusing on the relationship between structural features and sodium storage performance, as well as addressing the current challenges and future directions for improving iron-based anodes.
