Article
Engineering, Chemical
Hang Wang, Nanan Sun, Xianlin Xu, Shubo Wang, Weimin Kang, Xupin Zhuang, Yan Yin, Bowen Cheng
Summary: In this study, bioinspired proton conducting channels are designed by immobilizing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) on graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets to form ordered ATP@GO laminates in Nafion. The composite membrane exhibits low methanol permeability and high proton conductivity, leading to enhanced performance of direct methanol fuel cells. The proposed ATP channel strategy serves as a reference for developing high-performance PEMs for fuel cells.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fatemeh Mahdi, Leila Naji, Alireza Rahmanian
Summary: This study presents a fabrication method for a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) with low Pt loading based on a Nafion/sulfonated graphene oxide (SGO) nanocomposite membrane. The fabricated MEA showed improved physicochemical and electrochemical characteristics compared to MEAs based on pure Nafion or Nafion/GO membranes. The best Nafion/SGO MEA exhibited higher water uptake, electrochemical surface area, and proton conductivity, as well as high durability in acidic solutions.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ziyi Meng, Yuxi Zou, Ningning Li, Bei Wang, Xudong Fu, Rong Zhang, Shengfei Hu, Xujin Bao, Xiao Li, Feng Zhao, Qingting Liu
Summary: The performance of Nafion-based proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is significantly reduced at low relative humidities, requiring external humidification. To address this issue, a graphene oxide (GO)-intercalated microbial montmorillonite (mMMT) layered stack (GO@mMMT) was developed to improve the proton conductivity of Nafion membranes under low humidity and high temperature conditions. The GO@mMMT/Nafion composite membrane exhibited excellent proton conductivity at various humidities, with a significant increase compared to the recast Nafion membrane. The assembled single cell demonstrated higher peak power density, indicating the potential of Nafion composite membranes with GO@mMMT incorporated layered stacks for PEMFC applications with simplified water management.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhuang Rao, Minqiu Lan, Deyu Zhu, Lipei Jiang, Zhengyun Wang, Huihai Wan, Beibei Tang, Hongfang Liu
Summary: This study investigated the potential of one-dimensional and two-dimensional nanomaterials as proton conduction accelerators. Functionalized nanotubes and graphene oxide showed improved proton conductivity and enhanced proton transfer pathways in the codoped proton exchange membrane, leading to significant enhancement in proton conductivity and peak power density.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Gang Wang, Shuai Yang, Na Yoon Kang, Mingxia Lu, Bingyan Hua, Hongliang Wei, Jiaqi Kang, Wenshuai Tang, Young Moo Lee
Summary: A series of sulfonated polybenzothiazoles (sPBT-E) with flexible ether groups in the polymer backbone were synthesized. Sulfonated graphene oxide (SGO) was doped into the sPBT-E matrix to enhance proton conduction. The sPBT-E62.5/SGO3 membrane exhibited excellent potential as an alternative proton exchange membrane for fuel cells.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Shoulei Miao, Zhenrong Liu, Haiqiu Zhang
Summary: 1,2,4-triazole is successfully grafted onto graphene oxide nanosheets by CC bonds without damaging other groups, resulting in improved oxidative stability and higher proton conductivity under anhydrous conditions. The PBI/NGO composite membranes exhibit superior mechanical properties and achieve a maximum proton conductivity of 27 mS cm(-1) for PBI/NGO-3 membrane at 160 degrees C, with a maximum power density of 254 mW cm(-2).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Chongshan Yin, Chunqing He, Qicheng Liu, Bangyun Xiong, Jingjing Li, Yawei Zhou
Summary: In this study, sulfonated graphene oxides (SG) were synthesized and used to prepare SG/Nafion composite multilayer membranes through layer-by-layer assembling. These membranes demonstrate improved gas-barrier properties and proton conductivity, with the orientation of the SG sheets playing a significant role in determining these properties. The diffusion coefficients of gas molecules in the membranes remained consistent despite changes in SG sheet orientation, indicating that morphology of diffusion paths is altered by the orientation of SG sheets.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Junghwan Kim, Kihyun Kim, Taeyun Ko, Jusung Han, Jong-Chan Lee
Summary: By using ImGO as a filler, the PBI composite membrane shows improved mechanical properties and proton conductivity compared to traditional filler GO. The compatibility of ImGO with PBI matrix is better, resulting in better overall performance of the membrane.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Anupam Das, Nilanjan Mukherjee, Tushar Jana
Summary: In this study, graphene oxide (GO) was functionalized by growing polymer chains on its surface to make a highly efficient nanocomposite-based proton exchange membrane (PEM) with oxypolybenzimidazole (OPBI). Three different types of polymer-g-GO, which were pAAM-g-GO, pAMPS-g-GO, and pSPAK-g-GO, were obtained by polymerizing different monomers on the activated GO surface. The effects of grafted polymer structure and chain length on nanocomposite PEM properties were studied. The nanocomposite PEM exhibited excellent thermal stability, improved tensile properties, increased proton conductivity, and superior phosphoric acid (PA) retention. When 2.5 wt% pSPAK-g-GO was mixed with OPBI, the resulting PEM showed significantly enhanced proton conductivity compared to the pristine OPBI membrane. This is the first report on the utilization of polymer-g-GO in polybenzimidazole membranes for high-temperature PEM application.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Matteo Di Virgilio, Andrea Basso Peressut, Saverio Latorrata, Marco Mariani, Giovanni Dotelli
Summary: This study presents a novel self-assembling naphthalene sulfonate-functionalised graphene oxide membrane as a potential alternative to per fluorinated proton conductors. The most suitable functionalisation conditions were identified by combining different graphene oxide-to-naphthalene sulfonate ratios and process temperatures. The prepared membranes exhibited good uniformity and demonstrated proton-exchanging ability. The water sorption and proton conductivity of the most promising sample were further examined to assess its feasibility for future use as an electrolyte in alternative energy generators.
SOLID STATE IONICS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Hao Liu, Runmin Tian, Chunxu Liu, Jinghan Zhang, Mingwei Tian, Xin Ning, Xingyou Hu, Hang Wang
Summary: In this study, a novel method called direct electrostatic deposition was used to prepare a proton exchange membrane (PEM). This method allows precise control over the thickness and size of the PEM. By directly spraying a Nafion solution containing amino modified SiO2 nanoparticles onto a metal collector, a hybrid membrane with a thickness of 30 μm was fabricated. The direct electrostatic deposition method showed potential benefits for the preparation of ultrathin PEMs, as evidenced by the higher power density achieved by the DMFC assembled with the prepared ultrathin membrane.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yilser Devrim, Gizem Nur Bulanik Durmus
Summary: The objective of this work is to examine the polybenzimidazole (PBI)/sulfonated graphene oxide (sGO) membranes as alternative materials for high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC). The proton conductivity of composite membranes was considerably enhanced by the existence of sGO filler. Amongst the PBI/sGO composite membranes, the membrane containing 5 wt. % GO (PBI/sGO-2) showed the highest HT-PEMFC performance. After a long-term performance test for 200 h, the HT-PEMFC performance loss was obtained as 9% and 13% for PBI/sGO-2 and PBI membranes, respectively. The improved HT-PEMFC performance of PBI/sGO composite membranes suggests that PBI/sGO composites are feasible candidates for HT-PEMFC applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ana R. Monteiro, Catarina I. Ramos, Leandro M. O. Lourenco, Sara Fateixa, Joana Rodrigues, Maria G. P. M. S. Neves, Tito Trindade
Summary: The aggregation of phthalocyanines (Pcs) can be weakened by the presence of graphene oxide (GO), which affects their fluorescence. Non-covalently assembled Pcs on GO can be slowly released for long-term detection of G-quadruplexes (G4).
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Di Huang, Jiann-Yang Hwang
Summary: This study presents a promising strategy of incorporating hydrocarbon-based proton exchange membrane (PEM) with dual-functionalized GO to improve proton conductivity and other properties for direct methanol fuel cell application. The proton conductivity, ion exchange capacity, and power density of the PEM were significantly enhanced through the doping of functionalized GO. The results also showed that the improvements were proportional to the functionalized GO contents and the dual-functionalized GO had better effects compared to single functionalized GO.
SOLID STATE IONICS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuhao Wang, Lili Liu, Yue Liu, Na Li, Zhaoxia Hu, Shouwen Chen
Summary: Composite polymer electrolyte membranes show great potential in fuel cell applications. By preparing double-filler composite proton exchange membranes using sulfonated poly(aryl ether ketone)s, graphene oxide, and graphite carbon nitride, the physicochemical stability and proton conductivity of the membranes can be improved. This work provides significant progress in the development of multi-component composite polymer electrolyte membranes.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yuan Gao, Jun Zhang, Nan Cheng, Zhong Liu, Yuan-Bin Wu, Qian-Qian Zhou, Chen-Yan Li, Miao Yu, Seeram Ramakrishna, Rong Wang, Yun-Ze Long
Summary: The heart, as the central organ of the human body, requires effective strategies to treat damage and stop bleeding. This study proposes a two-step hemostasis strategy using nanocomposites and in-situ electrospun medical glue fibers, which successfully stops bleeding in a porcine heart with a penetrating wound.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tong Li, Ru Li, Lei Yang, Rongxu Wang, Rui Liu, Yelin Chen, Shiying Yan, Seeram Ramakrishna, Yunze Long
Summary: Flexible fiber membranes with conducting polymer graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and TiO2 show high photocatalytic activity for the degradation of organic pollutants. The combination of GQDs and TiO2 broadens the optical response threshold and reduces the energy required for electron transfer. The interface charge transfer mechanism between GQDs/TiO2 and conducting polymer follows a Z-scheme heterojunction, maximizing the retention of strong reducing electrons and oxidation holes.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Han Tang, Xiaoli Wang, Jie Zheng, Yun-Ze Long, Tingting Xu, Donghong Li, Xuran Guo, Yanzhong Zhang
Summary: This study proposes a cell-fiber integrated sheet (CFIS) with a spatially homogeneous distribution of cells within a low-density fibrous network for improving the efficacy of tissue engineering in repairing and regenerating impaired tissues. CFIS showed enhanced cell spreading, proliferation, stemness maintenance, and matrix remodeling compared to traditional dense electrospun mats. CFIS also exhibited enhanced immunomodulatory effects by promoting macrophages towards an M2 phenotype.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yining Ding, Lei Xu, Shengnan Chen, Youfu Zhu, Yuehua Sun, Liqiang Ding, Bingyu Yan, Seeram Ramakrishna, Jun Zhang, Yun-Ze Long
Summary: We designed a micro-nano effect fiber membrane combining Ti3C2Tx MXene and fibers, which regulates the heat distribution and effectively ablates residual cancer cells after surgical excision, inhibiting tumor growth. The fiber membrane also exhibits excellent bactericidal effect and accelerates post-surgical wound healing without losing its ability to prevent post-surgical tumor recurrence.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chao Hui, Li-Qiang Ding, Tian-Cai Sun, Zhong Liu, Seeram Ramakrishna, Yun-Ze Long, Jun Zhang
Summary: Inspired by the Collocalia birds, we propose a technique to prepare Janus composite nanofiber membrane in one step by pouring large-particles of self-gelling powders onto nanofibers during the spinning flight path. This membrane material has strong adhesion and can gel at 5.3 seconds, without the need to wipe up the blood on the wet tissue beforehand. Compared to medical gauze and commercially available gelatin hemostatic sponges, this membrane reduces the hemostasis time to 1/5 (1.16 +/- 0.28 min) and the blood loss to 1/3 (111 +/- 11 mg). Furthermore, it has the potential for large-scale production and is expected to become a new commercially available material for hemostasis in the future.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xueyan Wang, Xianfeng Liu, Zhong Liu, Wenying Cui, Shilong Gao, Jun Zhang, Tingting Fan, Seeram Ramakrishna, Yun-Ze Long
Summary: In this study, a non-contact responsive superhydrophobic SiO2 aerogel blankets (SAB) with excellent magnetic and solar heating effect was developed for efficient removal of viscosity oils under harsh environments. The Fe3O4/MXene@SAB exhibited excellent compression tolerance, superhydrophobic performance, corrosion resistance, and high separation efficiency. Furthermore, the responsive Fe3O4/MXene@SAB also showed outstanding magnetic heating and solar-heating conversion efficiency, which could continuously separate high viscosity crude oil from seawater.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wei-Zhi Song, Ting-Ting Zhang, Duo-Shi Zhang, Chang-Long Li, De-Jun Sun, Jun Zhang, Seeram Ramakrishna, Yun-Ze Long
Summary: By studying the TENG based on LM-TPU composite film, this paper provides a clear understanding of how the thickness of the dielectric layer affects TENG output. The existence of the most suitable thickness of the TENG dielectric layer is demonstrated, which increases the LM-TENG's output power by a factor of nine. This result provides important guidance for the structural design of TENGs. Additionally, an antipeeping smart door lock password system based on LM-TENG was successfully designed, revealing the great application potential of TENG in the field of smart home.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yanchao Yu, Yuan Gao, Wenjuan Wang, Hanyang Chen, Yuzhe Yun, Seeram Ramakrishna, Jun Zhang, Yun-Ze Long
Summary: Traditional detection methods using a spectrometer are inconvenient to carry and require skilled operators. We have designed a smartphone-based portable test sensor using a CsPbBr3 composite fibrous membrane that allows testing by taking pictures. This method requires only a small amount of liquid (<25 mu L) and has a detection sensitivity of 0.1 ppm, surpassing conventional methods. The membrane can be reused for multiple tests. This portable sensor is easy to use and can be used anywhere, anytime.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
Yue-Hua Sun, Wei-Zhi Song, De-Jun Sun, Tong Zhang, Duo-Shi Zhang, Jun Zhang, Seeram Ramakrishna, Yun-Ze Long
Summary: This study successfully prepared a pure inorganic TENG based on WS2 and ITO glass, which has higher current and voltage output, and performs better under illumination. Compared with conventional polymeric nanogenerators, the inorganic nanogenerator exhibits better performance degradation and higher stability.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Shufang Zhu, Xiaoyu Jia, Yanpeng Ni, Bing Pan, Yunze Long, Dagang Miao, Xu Yan
Summary: Plastics, particularly PET bottles, are essential in people's lives, but the plastic crisis is currently one of the biggest challenges for the planet and humanity. This study successfully prepared a low-cost 3D seawater evaporator using recycled PET and carbon black. The evaporator showed high water evaporation rate, conversion efficiency, and stability for seawater desalination, making it a promising solution for cleaner reuse of PET.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Rong Huang, Bin Lin, Zhanjun Lei, Lirong Xu, Hao Zhang, Wenxuan Wang, Yuheng Zhang, Shuao Xiao, Yunze Long, Jing Li, Xueyong Li
Summary: In this study, a novel full-thickness skin tissue containing blood capillary networks was developed using a handy electrospinning apparatus. The tissue exhibited promising potential for wound coverage and showed excellent cell survival and integration with host vasculature. This is the first report of a full-thickness skin equivalent constructed using a battery-operated electrospinning apparatus, highlighting its tremendous potential in regenerative medicine.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Rui Liu, Ru Li, Lei Yang, Rong-Xu Wang, Han-Yang Chen, Nan Wang, Zhi Li, You-Qiang Chen, Seeram Ramakrishna, Yun-Ze Long
Summary: In this study, FeOOH quantum dots and a Z-scheme BiVO4/g-C3N4 catalyst were coupled to form a Z-scheme heterojunction for photo-Fenton reactions. The obtained materials showed enhanced visible light-driven photo-Fenton degradation of Rhodamine B, surpassing the performance of pure BiVO4, g-C3N4, and BiVO4/g-C3N4. The system effectively facilitated electron transport and generation of reactive species for the rapid degradation of organic pollutants.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Peng Wang, Jin-Hua Liu, Wenbo Cui, Xuehao Li, Zhi Li, Yong Wan, Jun Zhang, Yun-Ze Long
Summary: All-solid-state lithium metal batteries (ASLMBs) have high energy density and are highly safe, but face challenges due to poor interfacial compatibility and low ionic conductivity of solid inorganic and polymer electrolytes. Inorganic-organic composite solid electrolytes (CSEs) that combine the advantages of rigid and flexible materials have shown promise, but have limitations such as low ionic conductivity and lithium dendrite growth.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Litao Wu, Qian Zhang, Xuefang Wang, Na Wang, Xin Ning, Jinfa Ming
Summary: In this study, a polyethersulfone@MOF (PESU@MOF) membrane with excellent mechanical property and high filtration efficiency (>99%) was successfully fabricated. Compared with traditional membrane materials, the PESU@MOF membrane showed a significant increase of 134.1% in the quality factor value, indicating excellent filtration performance. Moreover, the membrane exhibited good acid and alkali resistance as well as reusability, suggesting great potential for practical applications in air filtration and oil-water separation fields.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ting Chen, Wei-Zhi Song, Meng Zhang, De-Jun Sun, Duo-Shi Zhang, Chang-Long Li, Wen-Ying Cui, Ting-Ting Fan, Seeram Ramakrishna, Yun-Ze Long
Summary: We demonstrate a chemical-resistant triboelectric nanogenerator (CR-TENG) that can stably harvest biological motion energy and perform intelligent safety protection monitoring in a strong corrosive environment.
