Article
Polymer Science
Gun Young Ryu, Seong Jin An, Somi Yu, Ki Jung Kim, Hyunmo Jae, Dongkyu Roh, Won Seok Chi
Summary: In this study, dual-sulfonated polysulfone/metal-organic framework composite membranes were designed as proton exchange membranes. The membranes showed improved proton conductivity and dimensional stability due to the incorporation of sulfonated MOFs and the controllable sulfonation degree of the polysulfone matrix. The composite membranes exhibited high proton conductivity and moderate swelling ratio, even at high temperatures and humidity levels.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sydonne Swaby, Nieves Urena, Maria Teresa Perez-Prior, Carmen del Rio, Alejandro Varez, Jean-Yves Sanchez, Cristina Iojoiu, Belen Levenfeld
Summary: A series of proton exchange membranes based on sulfonated multiblock copolymers with different polysulfone (PSU) and polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) ratios were successfully prepared. The membranes with a higher proportion of PSU exhibited selective sulfonation of PSU blocks. These materials showed higher water uptake and lower tensile strength. Among them, the SPES 75/25 membrane displayed the highest ionic conductivity and maximum power density, making it a promising solid electrolyte for polymeric fuel cells.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
N. Prabhu
Summary: Sulfonated mesoporous SBA-15 was used as a filler for the preparation of sulfonated polysulfone based composite electrolyte membranes. The physical and chemical properties of the membranes were analyzed using various characterization techniques. The results showed that sulfonated SBA-15 provided additional ion exchange sites and retained water, leading to increased power density in the fuel cell.
HIGH PERFORMANCE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chang Dong, Xin Xu, Jin Zhang, Haining Wang, Yan Xiang, Haijin Zhu, Maria Forsyth, Shanfu Lu
Summary: Introduction of porous structure is an effective approach to enhance the proton conductivity of high temperature polymer electrolyte membranes. This study comprehensively investigates the proton transport behavior of porous triazole-polysulfone membranes. The results show that the porous structure improves the proton diffusion coefficient and proton conductivity, but excessive pore connectivity leads to increased gas permeability and decreased cell performance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Nieves Urena, M. Teresa Perez-Prior, Belen Levenfeld, Pablo A. Garcia-Salaberri
Summary: The study examines the effects of relative humidity and degree of sulfonation on the performance of proton-exchange membranes based on multiblock copolymers. It is found that ionic conductivity increases with RH and non-linearly with DS, with a decrease in conductivity rate when DS is excessively high. The copolymer membranes show similar performance to Nafion under well-hydrated conditions and have the potential to be further optimized for better properties.
Article
Electrochemistry
A. Amalorpavadoss, N. Kavitha, A. Chandramohan, P. Santhiya, K. Dinakaran
Summary: A new polyaspartimide was synthesized through a Michael addition reaction and blended with polysulfone, showing enhanced water uptake and chemical stability. The addition of polyaspartimide increased ion exchange capacity and proton conductivity of the membranes.
JOURNAL OF SOLID STATE ELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Maryam Mohammadi, Mohammad Bagher Karimi, Fereidoon Mohammadi, Shahram Mehdipour-Ataei
Summary: The use of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) improves the anhydrous conductivity of sulfonated polysulfone membrane. By adjusting the HBD/HBA molar ratio of DES and the DS of sulfonated polymer, the proton conductivity of membranes can be significantly influenced.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
S. Melda Eskitoros-Togay, Y. Emre Bulbul, Zeynep Kubra Cinar, Alpay Sahin, Nursel Dilsiz
Summary: Composite membranes composed of PVP/PES/HNT were successfully fabricated and showed high potential as alternative candidates for PEMFC applications. The fabricated membranes exhibited enhanced proton conductivity and ion exchange capacity, and demonstrated promising fuel cell performance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Nilanjan Mukherjee, Anupam Das, Tushar Jana
Summary: In this study, a simple and efficient method was developed to functionalize the surface of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) with precise functional polymer chains, which were covalently grafted on the surface of the MWCNT. These polymer-grafted MWCNTs were then used as nanofillers in developing proton conducting membranes with enhanced properties. The novelty of this work lies in successfully grafting a same N-heterocyclic block copolymer structure covalently on the surface of the MWCNT.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Sahng Hyuck Woo, So Young Lee, Young-Gi Yoon, Arnaud Rigacci, Jung-Je Woo, Christian Beauger, Hyoung-Juhn Kim
Summary: The incorporation of nanoclays into polymer matrixes improves the performance of proton exchange membranes (PEMs) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), especially at high temperatures and low relative humidity (RH). Nanoclays also enhance the mechanical properties and reduce the cost of composite membranes.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Oliver Fernihough, Holly Cheshire, Jean-Michel Romano, Ahmed Ibrahim, Ahmad El-Kharouf, Shangfeng Du
Summary: This study demonstrates that patterned membranes, particularly the sharklet pattern, can significantly enhance the power performance of PEMFCs at low relative humidity conditions.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Maryam Mohammadi, Narges Mohammadi, Shahram Mehdipour-Ataei
Summary: This article evaluates the proton conductivity of 19 different compositions of porous sulfonated/fluorinated polysulfone membranes using an artificial neural network. The study found that sulfonation degree has a direct impact on proton conductivity, while the content of fluorinated groups needs to be optimized. Additionally, membrane cost has the highest impact on conductivity, considering the effect of diol structure, sulfonation degree, and fluorinated content.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Farid Wijaya, Seunghee Woo, Hyejin Lee, Adam F. Nugraha, Dongwon Shin, Byungchan Bae
Summary: In this study, sulfonated multiblock poly(phenylene-co-arylene ether sulfone) (SmPPES) membranes were prepared via Colon's Nickel catalyzed cross-coupling reaction. The membranes showed well-defined phase separation and proton conductivities comparable to or exceeding that of a reference Nafion membrane. The control over sulfonated phenylene and ether sulfone hydrophobic blocks provides new insight into designing high-performance polymer electrolyte membranes.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ping-Yen Chen, Tse-Han Chiu, Fan-Jie Lin, Jyh-Chien Chen
Summary: Two novel tetraamines have been synthesized, and polybenzimidazoles with outstanding thermal stability, solubility, and oxidative stability have been prepared. The resulting membranes exhibit excellent tensile strength, proton conductivity, and peak power density, making them promising candidates for high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC) applications.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Maria Jose Martinez-Morlanes, Carmen De La Torre-Gamarra, Maria Teresa Perez-Prior, Sara Lara-Benito, Carmen del Rio, Alejandro Varez, Belen Levenfeld
Summary: New proton conducting membranes based on sulfonated polysulfone (sPSU) reinforced with TiO2(B) nanowires were successfully synthesized and characterized in this study. The addition of TiO2(B) nanowires led to improved thermal properties, water uptake, and proton conductivity, making it a promising candidate for proton exchange electrolyte in fuel cells, especially those operating at high temperatures.
Article
Polymer Science
Mahmoud Mohammed Gomaa, Arturo Sanchez-Ramos, Nieves Urena, Maria Teresa Perez-Prior, Belen Levenfeld, Pablo A. Garcia-Salaberri, Mohamed Rabeh Mohamed Elsharkawy
Summary: This study characterizes multifunctional copolymer membranes using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and finds that free volume plays a significant role in the ionic conductivity of proton exchange membranes.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Keti Vezzu, Ester Garcia-Gonzalez, Gioele Pagot, Esteban Urones-Garrote, Maria Eugenia Sotomayor, Alejandro Varez, Vito Di Noto
Summary: In this study, a family of perovskite-type solid-state electrolytes were investigated, revealing a complex nanostructure and different crystalline domains. Broadband electrical spectroscopy studies confirmed the structural fluctuations and long-range diffusion of lithium cations, similar to the segmental mode in polymer-ion conductors.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
B. Pascual-Jose, C. del Rio, J. Mosa, A. Ribes-Greus
Summary: A series of hybrid membranes were prepared using sol-gel chemistry and direct infiltration method. The thermal stability and proton conductivity of the membranes were investigated. The results showed that the addition of inorganic component improved the thermal stability but decreased the glass transition temperature. Meanwhile, the infiltration time also affected the proton conductivity of the membranes at the appropriate temperature.
Article
Polymer Science
Ivan Gorban, Nieves Urena, Maria Teresa Perez-Prior, Alejandro Varez, Belen Levenfeld, Carmen del Rio, Mikhail Soldatov
Summary: Novel proton-conducting hybrid membranes consisting of sulfonated multiblock copolymer of polysulfone and polyphenylsulfone (SPES) reinforced with a HKUST-1 metal-organic framework (MOF) were prepared and characterized. The hybrid membranes showed improved water uptake, ion exchange capacity, thermal stability, mechanical stability, and proton conductivity compared to pure SPES and Nafion membranes. However, the proton conductivity of the hybrid membranes was lower than that of the HKUST-1/Nafion system.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Pablo Salcedo-Abraira, Catalina Biglione, Sergio M. F. Vilela, Erik Svensson Grape, Nieves Urena, Fabrice Salles, Maria Teresa Perez-Prior, Tom Willhammar, Philippe Trens, Alejandro Varez, A. Ken Inge, Patricia Horcajada
Summary: Despite the limitations of low stability in proton exchange membrane (PEM) technologies, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising electrolytes due to their higher stability, proton conductivity, and porosity. In this study, a novel bismuth phosphonate MOF (IEF-7) with unusual topology was successfully synthesized and characterized. IEF-7 exhibited high stability, potential porosity, and ultrahigh proton conductivity, making it a promising electrolyte for PEM technologies.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sydonne Swaby, Nieves Urena, Maria Teresa Perez-Prior, Carmen del Rio, Alejandro Varez, Jean-Yves Sanchez, Cristina Iojoiu, Belen Levenfeld
Summary: A series of proton exchange membranes based on sulfonated multiblock copolymers with different polysulfone (PSU) and polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) ratios were successfully prepared. The membranes with a higher proportion of PSU exhibited selective sulfonation of PSU blocks. These materials showed higher water uptake and lower tensile strength. Among them, the SPES 75/25 membrane displayed the highest ionic conductivity and maximum power density, making it a promising solid electrolyte for polymeric fuel cells.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Cynthia S. Martinez-Cisneros, Bidhan Pandit, Belen Levenfeld, Alejandro Varez, Jean Yves Sanchez
Summary: Post-lithium batteries based on alkaline and alkaline earth elements are cheaper technologies that have the potential to disrupt the transition towards cleaner and sustainable energy sources with less dependence on fossil fuels. This study focuses on the development and characterization of solvent-free polymer electrolytes for sodium polymer batteries. The polymer electrolyte, obtained through polycondensation, shows excellent cationic conductivity exceeding 1 mS cm-1 at 90 degrees C and maintains mechanical integrity up to at least 120 degrees C.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wilmer Bucheli, Ricardo Jimenez, Jesu's Sanz, Maria Eugenia Sotomayor, Alejandro Varez
Summary: The Li1/2-2xSrxLa1/2TiO3 series was studied using X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance and impedance spectroscopy techniques. The substitution of Sr2+ for two Li+ in Li1/2La1/2TiO3 generates cation vacancies that give a two-dimensional character to Li mobility. The results show that effective vacancies play a significant role in conductivity, and the vacancy percolation model is more suitable for explaining Li conductivity than the conventional hopping probability model.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
C. de la Torre-Gamarra, D. del Rio Santos, B. Levenfeld, A. Varez
Summary: This work developed a method for producing thick ceramic LiCoO2 (LCO) electrodes using a conventional desktop 3D printing as an alternative to conventional electrode manufacturing for Li-ion batteries. The filament formulation was optimized to achieve suitable features for the 3-D printing, and printing parameters were optimized to produce defect-free bodies with a specific coin geometry. Thermal debinding and sintering processes were studied to obtain all ceramic LCO electrodes with adequate porosity.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Johanna M. Naranjo-Balseca, Cynthia S. Martinez-Cisneros, Bidhan Pandit, Alejandro Varez
Summary: In this work, a processing methodology combining tape-casting and low temperature hot-pressing is proposed to develop ceramic NASICON electrolytes for solid-state sodium batteries at room temperature. The electrolytes show good mechanical properties and high ionic conductivity, and are successfully tested in a Na/NASICON/FePO4 cell configuration. Charge-discharge cycles reveal an unusual redox pair of FePO4, indicating the effectiveness of the all-solid-state battery with Na metal anode at room temperature. The NASICON ceramic electrolyte is a viable option for reliable and safe all-solid-state batteries, thanks to its high ionic conductivity and thermostability.
JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Jose F. Vivo-Vilches, Alvaro Vazquez-Navalmoral, Carmen de la Torre-Gamarra, Jesus Cebollada, Alejandro Varez, Belen Levenfeld
Summary: Powder extrusion molding is used to fabricate ceramic LiFePO4 layers as solid boosters for a semisolid redox flow battery. Material with different porosity and dimensions can be obtained through partial decomposition and complete removal of the binder, followed by sintering. The binderless materials exhibit faster reaction rates and higher degrees of oxidation, showing better performance.
BATTERIES & SUPERCAPS
(2022)
Article
Electrochemistry
Abdul Qayoom Mugheri, Shaista Khan, Ali Asghar Sangah, Aijaz Ahmed Bhutto, Muhammad Younis Laghari, Nadeem Ahmed Mugheri, Asif Ali Jamali, Arsalan Ahmed Mugheri, Nagji Sodho, Abdul Waheed Mastoi, Aftab Kandhro
Summary: Green hydrogen has the potential to transition to a pollution-free energy infrastructure. This study proposes a solution to produce hydrogen during the photoelectrochemical process, offering greater stability and control over chemical reactions. Techno-economic assessments show the efficiency and economic feasibility of co-producing value-added chemicals to enhance green hydrogen production.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Danpeng Cheng, Wuxin Sha, Qigao Han, Shun Tang, Jun Zhong, Jinqiao Du, Jie Tian, Yuan-Cheng Cao
Summary: LiNixCoyMn1-x-yO2 (NCM) is a critical cathode material for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. The aging of cathode/electrolyte interfaces leads to capacity degradation and long-term cycle instability. A novel neural network model called ACGNet is developed to predict electrochemical stability windows of crystals, allowing for high-throughput screening of coating materials. LiPO3 is identified as a promising coating material with high oxidation voltage and low cost, which significantly improves the cycle stability of NCM batteries. This study demonstrates the accuracy and potential of machine learning in battery materials.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
P. Mohana, R. Yuvakkumar, G. Ravi, S. Arunmetha
Summary: This study successfully fabricates a non-noble CuO/NiO/rGO nanocomposite and investigates its electrocatalytic performance for oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline environment. The experimental results demonstrate that the electrocatalyst exhibits high activity and good stability, offering a new synthetic approach for sustainable energy production.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Qiong Qu, Jing Guo, Hongyu Wang, Kai Zhang, Jingde Li
Summary: In this study, a bifunctional electrode host design consisting of carbon nanofibers implanted ordered porous Co-decorated Al2O3 supported on carbon nanotube film (CNTF) was proposed to address the shuttling effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and dendrite formation of metal lithium anode in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. The electrode exhibited excellent conductivity, efficient confinement of LiPSs, and catalytic conversion performance, resulting in high initial capacity and good capacity retention during cycling. As an anode, the electrode showed excellent Li+ diffusion performance and uniform lithium growth behavior, achieving a dendrite-free lithium electrode. The flexible pack cell assembled from these electrodes delivered a specific capacity of 972 mAh g(-1) with good capacity retention.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Hong Zhang, Jin-Peng Yu, Chen Chen, Cheng-Yong Shu, Guang-Yu Xu, Jie Ren, Kai Cui, Wen-Fang Cai, Yun-Hai Wang, Kun Guo
Summary: Spray coating of acetylene black nanoparticles onto stainless steel mesh can enhance its biofilm formation ability and current density, making it a promising electrode material for microbial electrochemical systems. The spray coating method is simple, cost-effective, and suitable for large-size stainless steel electrodes.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Binpeng Hou, Jingjin Chen, Li-Hong Zhang, Xiaowen Shi, Zizhong Zhu
Summary: The electrochemical performance of Li1.20Mn0.44Ni0.32Co0.04O2 and its oxygen-deficient phase Li1.20Mn0.44Ni0.32Co0.04O1.83 was studied through first-principles calculations. The results show that the oxygen-deficient phase has a higher theoretical capacity but lower voltage platform and higher chemical activity compared to the pristine phase.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Yating Du, Sayoko Shironita, Daisuke Asakura, Eiji Hosono, Yoshitsugu Sone, Yugo Miseki, Eiichi Kobayashi, Minoru Umeda
Summary: This study investigates the effect of high- and low-temperature environments on the charge-discharge performance of a Li-ion battery. The deterioration mechanisms of the battery at different temperatures are analyzed through various characterization techniques. The results indicate that the battery performance deteriorates more significantly at a low-temperature environment of 5 degrees C compared to higher temperatures. The understanding of the deterioration mechanisms can contribute to the development of safer battery usage methods.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Si-Si Shi, Zhi-Xiang Yuan, Fei Zhang, Ping Chen
Summary: In this study, a new nano-electrocatalyst was prepared, which exhibited superior electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of NO2- to ammonia in a neutral electrolyte, potentially due to the synergistic enhancement between Co3O4-x and Co.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Berna Dalkiran, Havva Bekirog
Summary: This study reports the use of deep eutectic solvents (DES) based on ethylene glycol and urea as low-cost and green electrolytes for enhancing electrochemical detection of natural antioxidants. The study successfully developed a disposable and effective electrochemical sensing platform for simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid (AA) and gallic acid (GA) using NaOH nanorods on a pencil graphite electrode. The proposed electrode showed improved analytical performance, with higher peak currents and shifted oxidation potentials in DES compared to BR buffer medium.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Sijun Ren, Jianguo Huang
Summary: In this study, a novel bio-inspired nanofibrous WO3/carbon composite was synthesized using a facile hydrothermal method. The three-dimensional network structure of the composite alleviated the volume expansion of WO3 nanorods and enhanced the charge-transport kinetics. The optimized composite exhibited superior lithium storage properties.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Zhilong Zheng, Yu Chen, Hongxia Yin, Hengbo Xiao, Xiangji Zhou, Zhiwen Li, Ximin Li, Jin Chen, Songliu Yuan, Junjie Guo, Haibin Yu, Zhen Zhang, Lihua Qian
Summary: This study found that interstitial Zn cations in CoMoO4 can modulate the dissolution kinetics of Mo cations and improve the OER performance. The interstitial Zn cations can prevent the dissolution of Co cations at high potential, enhancing the durability of the catalyst.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Xiaobo Lin, Shern R. Tee, Debra J. Searles, Peter T. Cummings
Summary: Molecular dynamics simulations using the constant potential method were used to investigate the charging dynamics and charge storage of supercapacitors. The simulations revealed that the water-in-salt electrolyte exhibited the highest charge storage and significantly higher capacitance on the negative electrode. The varying contributions of different electrode regions to supercapacitor performance were also demonstrated.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Wiktoria Lipinska, Vita Saska, Katarzyna Siuzdak, Jakub Karczewski, Karol Zaleski, Emerson Coy, Anne de Poulpiquet, Ievgen Mazurenko, Elisabeth Lojou
Summary: The spatial distribution of enzymes on electrodes is important for bioelectrocatalysis. In this study, controlled spatial distribution of gold nanoparticles on Ti nanodimples was achieved. The efficiency of enzymatic O2 reduction was found to be influenced by the size of the gold nanoparticles and their colocalization with TiO2. The highest stability of enzymatic current was observed with the largest gold nanoparticles.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Tariq M. Al-Hejri, Zeenat A. Shaikh, Ahmed H. Al-Naggar, Siddheshwar D. Raut, Tabassum Siddiqui, Hamdan M. Danamah, Vijaykumar V. Jadhav, Abdullah M. Al-Enizi, Rajaram S. Mane
Summary: This study explores a promising self-growth approach for the synthesis of nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)2) nanosponge-balls on the surface of a nickel-foam (NiF) electrode. The modified NiF electrode, named Ni(OH)2@NiF, shows distinctive nanosponge-ball morphology and demonstrates excellent energy storage capability and electrocatalytic performance in both hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Rafael Del Olmo, Gregorio Guzman-Gonzalez, Oihane Sanz, Maria Forsyth, Nerea Casado
Summary: The use of Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs) is becoming increasingly extensive, and it is important to optimize the devices to achieve their maximum practical specific capacity. In this study, mixed ionic-electronic conducting (MIEC) binders based on PEDOT:PSS and PEDOT: PDADMA-TFSI were developed for Li-ion cathodes, and their performance was compared with conventional formulations. The influence of electrode formulations, including the addition of conducting carbon and an Organic Ionic Plastic Cristal (OIPC), was also analyzed. The proposed binders showed improved performance compared to conventional formulations with different electrolyte types and active materials.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
