Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jing Liu, Jie Wang, Jie Gao, Zhongyin Sun, Chaohua Fan, Xuejing Cui, Luhua Jiang
Summary: In this study, a unique carbon material was developed as a catalyst support for fuel cells. The material showed strong anti-corrosion property and high electronic conductivity, exhibiting comparable activity and stability to commercial catalysts. This work provides a facile strategy for synthesizing robust supports for fuel cells.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Minh Tam Hoang, Chen Han, Zhipeng Ma, Xin Mao, Yang Yang, Sepideh Sadat Madani, Paul Shaw, Yongchao Yang, Lingyi Peng, Cui Ying Toe, Jian Pan, Rose Amal, Aijun Du, Tuquabo Tesfamichael, Zhaojun Han, Hongxia Wang
Summary: The low phase stability of metal halide perovskite catalysts limits their application in CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). In this study, a reduced graphene oxide (rGO) wrapped CsPbI3 perovskite nanocrystal (NC) CO2RR catalyst (CsPbI3/rGO) showed enhanced stability in the aqueous electrolyte and exhibited >92% Faradaic efficiency toward formate production. The superior performance of the CsPbI3/rGO catalyst was attributed to the synergistic effects between the CsPbI3 NCs and rGO, which stabilized the alpha-CsPbI3 phase and tuned the charge distribution.
NANO-MICRO LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
L. Kashinath, K. Byrappa
Summary: In this study, a highly efficient and excellent electrocatalyst material for the oxygen reduction/evolution reaction (ORR/OER) was synthesized using the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The material exhibited high activity and current density for both ORR and OER, and the microwave-assisted hydrothermal technique played a significant role in improving its performance. The study provides insights into the bifunctional activity of Ce and may guide the design of robust catalysts for electrochemical applications.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Dong Hyun Min, Xiaotong Han, Nannan Li, Min Gyu Jung, Sang Joon Lee, Hyun Woong Park, Jin Yong Lee, Ho Seok Park
Summary: Doped carbon nanomaterials with out-of-plane B-C bonds show enhanced electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The out-of-plane B-C bonds contribute to the cleavage of O-O bond and improve the ORR activity. The heterostructure composite of boron nano-sheet/reduced graphene oxide (B@rGO) exhibits higher ORR activity and better durability and methanol tolerance compared to commercial Pt/C catalyst.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yibo Tang, Ying Lei, Kang Tong, Tong Yang, Tiantian Fu, Yang Xiang, Shulin Zhang, Yujun Si, Chaozhong Guo
Summary: A Fe, N-doped graphene-like carbon layers-wrapped carbon black composite was developed as an efficient catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The composite showed excellent ORR activity, selectivity, stability, and performance in a zinc-air battery, indicating its potential to replace precious metal catalysts.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kee Chun Poon, Wei Yang Wan, Haibin Su, Hirotaka Sato
Summary: The study reports a simple one-step electroless reduction synthesis of amorphous phosphorus-doped graphene (RGO-P), which showed enhanced electrocatalytic performance for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The amorphous nature of RGO-P was found to be essential for its high catalytic activity compared to crystalline reduced graphene oxide (RGO).
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tongchang Liu, Xinmeng Hao, Jiaqi Liu, Pengfei Zhang, Jiaming Chang, Hong Shang, Xuanhe Liu
Summary: Two graphdiyne materials, GDY nanotube and nitrogen-doped GDY (NGDY) nanotube, were prepared via cross-coupling reactions on the surface of Cu nanowires. As metal-free catalysts, their electrocatalytic activities for ORR were demonstrated, with NGDY nanotube exhibiting superior performance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chen-hui Wei, Jin-liang Liu, Hong-xia Huang, Hua-ling Wang, Chen-xin Li, Shi-long Wu
Summary: The perovskite oxide La0.4Sr0.6Co0.8Ni0.2O3 was synthesized using sol-gel method and used as an oxygen electrode. N-doped graphene (NG) was coupled with La0.4Sr0.6Co0.8Ni0.2O3 to enhance its catalytic activity. Structural and morphological characterization of the samples were performed using XRD, SEM, and FT-IR. The hybrid catalyst 10%NG exhibited current densities of 359 mA·cm(-2) for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at 0.9 V vs. Hg/HgO and 393 mA·cm(-2) for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at -0.6 V vs. Hg/HgO. The superior ORR/OER activity and stability of the hybrid catalyst can be attributed to the synergistic effect between La0.4Sr0.6Co0.8Ni0.2O3 and NG.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yongbin Hu, Xin Zhao, Fan Li, Qinglong Dong, Bo Wen, Dipeng Sun, Weicheng Liang, Xiao Lyu
Summary: This study aims to synthesize a spinel catalyst, ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles anchored on nitrogen-doped graphene (ZFO-NG), to improve the catalytic activity and stability of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The synthesized ZFO-NG catalyst exhibits excellent activity and stability in the OER, outperforming commercial IrO2 and other reported spinel OER catalysts.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xinyi Wang, Yuanyuan Guo, Yueqi Zhao, Wenjing Liang, Yang Jiang, Rongna Chen, Li Hou
Summary: A novel non-Pt catalyst N-MnMOF@rGO with excellent catalytic performance and stability has been designed and synthesized for practical ORR application requiring low cost, high catalytic behavior, and excellent stability.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Biao Zhang, Yanan Wang, Keru Cao, Yuheng Zhang, Yuxiao Xie, Chunxia Liu, Qi Wang
Summary: Nanostructures derived from metal-organic frameworks have shown great potential as efficient electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), due to their three-dimensional porous carbon architecture and distinctive coordination environment. In this study, tiny cobalt nanoparticles were uniformly embedded in N-doped porous carbon carriers grown on carbon fibers, resulting in enhanced electrocatalytic activity and long-term durability. The as-synthesized catalysts exhibited minor overpotentials for HER and OER, achieving high current densities.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jorge Pavel Victoria Tafoya, Szymon Doszczeczko, Maria Magdalena Titirici, Ana B. Jorge Sobrido
Summary: The study demonstrates that ultrasonication treatment can enhance the oxygen reduction reaction performance of boron-doped reduced graphene oxide by increasing substitutional boron, electrocatalytic surface area, and reducing pore size.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Adriana Marinoiu, Mircea Raceanu, Elena Carcadea, Mihai Varlam
Summary: Nitrogen-doped graphene is a highly promising catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), functioning as a metal-free electrode with excellent electrocatalytic activity and long-term stability in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). This paper presents a simple and scalable single-step method for synthesizing nitrogen-doped graphene oxide. The study compares the physical and chemical properties of materials obtained from different precursors and concludes that ammonia leads to a higher nitrogen concentration due to its high vapor pressure, facilitating the functionalization reaction of graphene oxide. Electrochemical measurements demonstrate that nitrogen-doped oxide significantly enhances the electrocatalytic activity and stability for ORR, making it a viable candidate for practical application as a PEMFC cathode electrode.
Article
Physics, Applied
Marie-Luise Braatz, Nils-Eike Weber, Barthi Singh, Klaus Muellen, Xinliang Feng, Mathias Klaeui, Martin Gradhand
Summary: In this study, the structural and electronic properties of co-doped graphene were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy, magneto-transport, and Hall measurements. The results demonstrate the challenges in understanding the microscopic properties of graphene beyond simple preparation methods, as the introduction of dopants can have complex effects. Additionally, the inhomogeneities across individual graphene sheets pose challenges in interpreting measurements.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yating Zhang, Pei He, Dongxian Zhuo, Jianlan Zhang, Nana Zhang, Xiaobo Wang, Gang Lin, Zhenghan Kong
Summary: Exploration of efficient non-noble metal catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is crucial for the industrial application of fuel cells. In this study, a hierarchical porous catalyst called Fe-NC-Gs was synthesized using a simple stirring and one-step pyrolysis method. The Fe-NC-G-2 catalyst exhibited superior ORR performance, with a high surface area, hierarchical porous structure, and comparable performance to Pt/C in alkaline media. The catalyst also showed good methanol tolerance and electrochemical stability. These findings suggest that the proposed strategy could provide a new pathway for constructing efficient electrocatalysts for ORR.
ELECTRONIC MATERIALS LETTERS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Manila Ozhukil Valappil, Subbiah Alwarappan, Vijayamohanan K. Pillai
Summary: Phosphorene quantum dots (PQDs) are unique zero-dimensional nanostructures with special physicochemical and surface properties. Considerable progress has been made in PQD research in catalysis, particularly in the fields of photocatalysis and electrocatalysis. This review systematically summarizes the synthesis methods and physicochemical properties of PQDs, and critically discusses their potential applications and future prospects in catalysis.
Review
Polymer Science
Suji Mary Zachariah, Tinu Antony, Yves Grohens, Sabu Thomas
Summary: This article discusses the use of industrial by-products and bio-wastes as raw materials to eliminate the adverse environmental impacts of solid waste and to synthesize shielding materials. It covers the sources, effects and mechanisms of electromagnetic radiation, as well as the factors affecting EMI shielding. This review opens up new opportunities for upcycling waste materials into efficient shielding materials.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Jesiya Susan George, Poornima P. Vijayan, Anh Tuan Hoang, Nandakumar Kalarikkal, Phuong Nguyen-Tri, Sabu Thomas
Summary: Research and developments in novel smart coating systems, inspired by biomimetic materials such as lotus leaf, pitcher plant, and mussels, have shown promising results in providing better corrosion protection and longer service life for metal substrates. Introducing multifunctionalities through bioinspired coatings is an exciting route for enhancing anticorrosion efficiency.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Abitha Vayyaprontavida Kaliyathan, Ajay Vasudeo Rane, Sabu Thomas
Summary: This paper discusses the influence of increasing concentration of carbon black (CB) on the physical and mechanical properties of SBR/BR rubber blends. The partitioning of CB towards the BR phase is quantitatively determined and confirmed using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (SS-NMR spectroscopy). The results show that increasing CB concentration increases its partitioning towards the BR phase, affecting the properties and dispersion characteristics of the material.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Lata Samant, Alka Goel, Jessen Mathew, Seiko Jose, Sabu Thomas
Summary: This study investigates the effect of different surface treatments of flax fiber on the mechanical properties of the natural fiber reinforced natural rubber composites. The results show that flax fibers with a length of 1.25 cm and a volume loading of 40% exhibit higher tensile strength. Furthermore, treating the flax fibers with NaOH and laccase enhances the mechanical properties of the composites.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dali Ji, Yunah Lee, Yuta Nishina, Kazuhide Kamiya, Rahman Daiyan, Dewei Chu, Xinyue Wen, Masamichi Yoshimura, Priyank Kumar, Daria V. Andreeva, Kostya S. Novoselov, Gwan-Hyoung Lee, Rakesh Joshi, Tobias Foller
Summary: This study introduces a simple electrochemical method utilizing the angstrom confinement of laminar rGO nanochannels to achieve atomically thin transition metal oxides. The method allows for sub-unit-cell growth of 2D-TMO and demonstrates a balance between high activity and stability.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Abitha Vayyaprontavida Kaliyathan, Ajay Vasudeo Rane, Sabu Thomas
Summary: This research aims to investigate the partitioning of carbon black in miscible styrene butadiene rubber/butadiene rubber blends. DMA and TEM were used to determine the partitioning and dispersion of carbon black in the blends. The study provides valuable insights for academics and industrial researchers in the field of rubber composites.
JOURNAL OF RUBBER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Veena Sahajwalla, Rumana Hossain
Summary: Developments in recycling technology have mainly focused on short-life-cycle products, neglecting complex, resource-rich, long-life-cycle electronic products and components. This article suggests a shift towards a product-centric approach, which emphasizes the circularity of the whole product and the combined use of design and recovery methods. Opportunities for improved circularity include design for disassembly, material substitution, selective synthesis of metals, high-throughput manufacturing, and the use of recycled materials.
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Sneha George, Sabu Thomas, Namitha Nandanan Nedumpillil, Seiko Jose
Summary: In this study, fibers were extracted from water hyacinth plant using a specially designed decorticating machine. The extracted fibers were subjected to aerobic and anaerobic retting, followed by alkali treatment. The physical and mechanical properties, as well as the chemical composition and structural characteristics of the fibers, were analyzed. The results showed that the fibers could be easily extracted after 5 days of retting. The alkali treatment significantly improved the tensile strength and crystallinity of the fibers.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL FIBERS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Rumana Hossain, Montajar Sarkar, Veena Sahajwalla
Summary: The LIB market is growing due to consumer demand and the need to reduce GHG emissions. It is crucial to understand the impacts of lithium metal mining on human health, farming, and the ecosystem. To minimize environmental impacts and conserve resources, the supply chain for LIBs should include recycling from waste. Additionally, studying the hazards and economic considerations of waste LIB management is important.
WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiaoyu Liu, Dali Ji, Xiaoheng Jin, Vanesa Quintano, Rakesh Joshi
Summary: By combining the random forest (RF) model with experimentally observed X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data, a complete chemical analysis dataset of Co(III)/Co(II) ratio for thermally synthesized Co-rGO supercapacitor electrodes was constructed. The predicted dataset showed less than 8% error compared to experimental validation.
Article
Polymer Science
Prajitha Velayudhan, Jibin Keloth Paduvilan, Bindu Patanair, Sisanth Krishnageham Sidharthan, Abitha Vayyaprontavida Kaliyathan, Nicolas Delpouve, Allisson Saiter-Fourcin, Sabu Thomas
Summary: In this research, the hybrid reinforcements of silica with either graphite or graphene oxide in natural rubber were studied. The addition of GO/SiO2 with a 3:1 ratio showed a synergistic reinforcement effect, significantly improving both strength and modulus while maintaining decent strain at break levels. The experimental data correlated well with the Guth Gold model, suggesting that filler/matrix interactions primarily govern the mechanical properties. The calometric response of the nanocomposites at the glass transition was analyzed, and the 3:1 GO/SiO2 composition showed the highest glass transition temperature and the most efficient filler intercalation.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jialin Deng, Yan Kou, Hanqing Liu, Mingzhao Yang, Keyan Sun, Rakesh Joshi, Quan Shi
Summary: This study successfully fabricated a lightweight composite phase change material (PCM) without liquid phase leakage, addressing the requirements for high enthalpy and solar-thermal energy conversion and storage. By utilizing a combination of melamine foam (MF), graphene nanoplatelets (GNP), and carbon nanotubes (CNT) as the supporting framework, along with octadecane as the core PCM, the composite PCMs with an 85.8% loading amount exhibited comparable phase transition enthalpy to that of pure octadecane. Furthermore, the composites showed minimal alterations in thermal performance after 350 simulated hot and cold cycles, and exhibited exceptional abilities in solar-thermal conversion and electrothermal conversion, with a photothermal conversion efficiency exceeding 95%. Consequently, the developed composite PCMs demonstrate significant potential for applications in thermal energy storage and conversion.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Renbo Zhu, Yanzhe Zhu, Long Hu, Peiyuan Guan, Dawei Su, Shuo Zhang, Chao Liu, Ziheng Feng, Guangyu Hu, Fandi Chen, Tao Wan, Xinwei Guan, Tom Wu, Rakesh Joshi, Mengyao Li, Claudio Cazorla, Yuerui Lu, Zhaojun Han, Haolan Xu, Dewei Chu
Summary: Low-cost moisture-electric generators (MEGs) are fabricated using whey protein, with tunable performance through surface charge and hydrophilicity modulation. The MEGs demonstrate high voltage output and operation under extreme temperatures, showing great potential for powering various electronic devices in dynamic environments.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jissy Jacob, Vijay Robert, Ravi Babu Valapa, Sunny Kuriakose, Sabu Thomas, Sravanthi Loganathan
Summary: This study focuses on the fabrication of PLA/PEI-MS composites to improve the limitations of PLA as food packaging material. The addition of PEI-MS enhanced thermal stability and mechanical properties while reducing oxygen transmission rate for PLA composites.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
