Article
Chemistry, Physical
Walter Orellana, Cesar Zuniga, Angelica Gatica, Maria-Soledad Ureta-Zanartu, Jose H. Zagal, Federico Tasca
Summary: In this study, the electrocatalytic behavior of FeN4 macrocycles in acidic media was investigated through experiments and theoretical simulations. It was found that the adsorption of anions from specific acids at the iron center competes with oxygen coordination, hindering the catalytic process.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Walter Orellana, Cesar Zuniga, Angelica Gatica, Maria-Soledad Ureta-Zanartu, Jose H. Zagal, Federico Tasca
Summary: It is found that FeN4 macrocycles perform poorly in acidic media. Experimental results show that the absorption of anions from specific acids at the Fe center competes with the coordination of oxygen, preventing the catalytic process and modifying the rate-determining step and final product of the oxygen reduction reaction.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wenlin Zhang, Eva J. Meeus, Lei Wang, Lu-Hua Zhang, Shuangcheng Yang, Bas de Bruin, Joost N. H. Reek, Fengshou Yu
Summary: This study presents a strategy for synthesizing efficient oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts by precise regulation of the electronic states of catalytic sites through molecular engineering. The catalysts, based on mononuclear iron phthalocyanine supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes with electron-donating functional groups, showed enhanced ORR performance compared to non-functionalized catalysts. Density functional theory calculations revealed that the coordination of electron-donating groups facilitated oxygen adsorption and activation.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Priyanka Gupta, Komal Pandey, Nishith Verma
Summary: Iron phthalocyanine (FePc) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-dispersed activated carbon fiber (ACF) are used as electrodes in a microbial fuel cell (MFC) for the first time, showing good electrochemical performance and biocompatibility. The FePc-rGO/ACF electrodes exhibit pseudocapacitive behavior and 4 electron pathway for oxygen reduction reaction, achieving high bioelectricity generation and biodegradation of glyphosate in wastewater. The synergistic effects of FePc and rGO contribute to the enhanced performance of MFC as a green bioelectrochemical device.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sheng Zhu, Lingtong Ding, Xuehuan Zhang, Kun Wang, Xiao Wang, Feng Yang, Gaoyi Han
Summary: A novel one-dimensional heterostructured ORR catalyst, FePc-{PW12}@NTs, was fabricated through the host-guest self-assembly of FePc and polyoxometalate-encapsulated carbon nanotubes. The heterostructure exhibits enhanced ORR catalytic performance due to the strain and curvature effects of {PW12}@NT scaffold, which tune the geometric structure and electronic localization of FeN4 centers. The FePc-{PW12}@NT electrocatalyst demonstrates excellent durability, methanol tolerance, and ORR activity in alkaline medium, surpassing the performance of the commercial Pt/C+IrO2 cathode.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
R. G. Morais, N. Rey-Raap, J. L. Figueiredo, M. F. R. Pereira
Summary: Carbon nanotubes were modified with cobalt and/or iron phthalocyanines to enhance oxygen reduction and evolution reactions. Increasing FePc content improved electroactivity towards oxygen reduction, while a 1:1 CoPc:FePc mass ratio showed the highest electroactivity for oxygen evolution. These materials have potential as substitutes for noble metal electrocatalysts.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Beatriz Martinez-Sanchez, Diego Cazorla-Amoros, Emilia Morallon
Summary: In this study, Iron(II) phthalocyanines supported on functionalized nanostructured carbon materials were investigated as electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The coordination mode of FePc and the structure of CNTs were found to be crucial for the ORR performance, and a novel strategy for developing precious metal-free catalysts for the ORR was proposed.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhi-yuan Mei, Sheng Cai, Genfu Zhao, Xiaoxiao Zou, Yao Fu, Jingwen Jiang, Qi An, Mian Li, Tingting Liu, Hong Guo
Summary: A non-contact scheme is designed to improve the ORR performance of iron phthalocyanine (FePc) by inducing electron localization around the Fe-N site, enhancing oxygen adsorption capacity and accelerating the ORR rate. The catalyst shows promising activity and stability in alkaline medium.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Tian Tian, Yi Cheng, Zhenfan Sun, Kai Huang, Ming Lei, Haolin Tang
Summary: It has been found that carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with 2-7 inner tubes are better supports for developing efficient oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts. CNTs functionalized with CoPc or supported with Pt nanoparticles (NPs) demonstrated better activity for ORR, proving that CNTs composed of 2-7 concentric tubes are the best supports for developing CNT hybrids for ORR in alkaline condition. This new discovery provides guidance for developing highly efficient catalysts by selecting carbon nanotubes as supports.
ADVANCED COMPOSITES AND HYBRID MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shaoxuan Yang, Yihuan Yu, Xinjin Gao, Zhengping Zhang, Feng Wang
Summary: The applications of phthalocyanines (Pcs) in electrocatalysis have attracted attention due to their advantages of low cost, facile synthesis, and good chemical stability. Pcs offer high tailorability and structural diversity, making them promising for optimization in electrochemical devices and for various electrochemical reactions. Further research is needed to explore the structure-composition catalytic activity relationships of different Pc materials for future practical applications.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gongjia Lan, Huayi Li, Jianquan Shen
Summary: Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a promising future energy conversion technology, playing a significant role in the area of sustainable and renewable energy. This study successfully developed a highly efficient and economical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst, which demonstrated excellent performance and stability in MFCs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Shuai Wang, Li-Hong Deng, Yi-Fei Du, Xian-Liang Song
Summary: Efficient oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) species accessibility to catalyst surface is crucial for catalysis, and can be achieved by engineering the structure and morphology of catalyst supports. The 3D rGO/CB/rGO network, as a unique catalyst-loading platform, demonstrates efficient transport of ORR-species to each catalytic site, leading to significant improvements in cell performance. The synergistic effect of rGO and carbon black, as well as pi-pi interaction between rGO and TFePc, play important roles in achieving a high power density of 0.86 mWcm(-2) for TFePc/rGO/CB-3 in practical cells.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xuhui Li, Ruixue Zhao, Yuanyuan Fu, Dawei Xu, Yunpeng Kang, Kai Li, Zhongfeng Li, Lirong Zheng, Xia Zuo
Summary: Metal phthalocyanines (MPcs) exhibit excellent electrocatalytic performance during the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), but they suffer from aggregation and poor conductivity and durability. This study introduces iron phthalocyanine (FePc) into hollow carbon shells (HCSs) to create an ORR catalyst with single Fe atoms, which shows promising oxygen reduction properties and can be an alternative to Pt-based ORR catalysts.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Song-Jeng Huang, Aristotle T. Ubando, Yan-Ting Lin, Chuan-Yun Wang, Alvin B. Culaba, Chin-Tsan Wang
Summary: This study evaluates the performance of three oxygen reduction catalysts in microbial fuel cells, with results showing that the B12/CNT catalyst exhibits the highest performance. This research could facilitate the application of wastewater for energy conversion.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mohamed R. Berber, Numa A. Althubiti, Ziyad A. Alrowaili, Felipe Rosa, Alfredo Iranzo
Summary: The advanced energy conversion catalyst composed of pristine carbon nanotubes and conductive polyaniline polymer exhibited remarkable catalytic activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), leading to improved fuel cell performance. The use of polyaniline as an anchor to enhance Pt-catalytic activity opens up opportunities for wider applications of hydrogen energy.
Article
Electrochemistry
Valerio C. A. Ficca, Carlo Santoro, Enrico Marsili, Williane da Silva Freitas, Alexey Serov, Plamen Atanassov, Barbara Mecheri
Summary: This article introduces a new sensing strategy based on platinum-group-metal-free electrocatalyst for detecting nitrite contamination in groundwater. The sensor has a wide linear range and high sensitivity, and it is cost-effective, making it practical for various applications.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Williane da Silva Freitas, Daniele Gemma, Barbara Mecheri, Alessandra D'Epifanio
Summary: This work reports the development of an iron-nitrogen-carbon electrocatalyst (Fe-N-C) that shows high catalytic activity towards oxygen reduction at neutral pH. The Fe-N-C electrocatalyst was incorporated in air-breathing cathodes and optimized for oxygen reduction activity and stability. These cathodes were then tested in single-chamber microbial fuel cell prototypes, demonstrating good electrical power and voltage generation over time.
BIOELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Williane da Silva Freitas, Barbara Mecheri, Carmelo Lo Vecchio, Irene Gatto, Vincenzo Baglio, Valerio C. A. Ficca, Atanu Patra, Ernesto Placidi, Alessandra D'Epifanio
Summary: Metal-organic frameworks were used to synthesize Co-N-C catalysts, which showed competitive performance and high methanol tolerance. This has important implications for the development of more efficient fuel cells.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Valerio C. A. Ficca, Carlo Santoro, Ernesto Placidi, Fabrizio Arciprete, Alexey Serov, Plamen Atanassov, Barbara Mecheri
Summary: The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is crucial for the conversion of energy in fuel cells, and platinum group metal-free (PGM-free) electrocatalysts show promise as alternatives to Pt/C electrocatalysts. However, evaluating the performance of PGM-free catalysts requires specific activity descriptors, and differentiating between the primary and secondary sites of these catalysts can be challenging. In this study, a method for evaluating the interaction between probing molecules and primary and secondary sites of PGM-free electrocatalysts was proposed, with the results suggesting the exchange current density as an effective tool for discriminating poisoning of specific active sites.
Article
Electrochemistry
Jorge Montero, Williane da Silva Freitas, Barbara Mecheri, Mattia Forchetta, Pierluca Galloni, Silvia Licoccia, Alessandra D'Epifanio
Summary: A neutral-pH aqueous organic redox flow battery with a highly water-soluble ferrocene and two viologen derivatives was developed. The battery exhibited good redox potential and kinetics, resulting in high cell voltage and energy density.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Williane da Silva Freitas, Alessandra D'Epifanio, Carmelo Lo Vecchio, Irene Gatto, Vincenzo Baglio, Valerio C. A. Ficca, Ernesto Placidi, Barbara Mecheri
Summary: Fe-N-C catalysts were synthesized using a Zn-based zeolitic imidazolate framework and thermal treatment. The pyrolysis temperature during synthesis affected the formation of Fe-based catalytic sites and the removal of Zn. Increasing the pyrolysis temperature resulted in higher ORR activity and better performance durability. The Fe-N-C-1000 catalyst showed competitive performance in fuel cells compared to Pt/C, even demonstrating higher ORR activity and tolerance to high concentrations of methanol.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura Fazi, Carla Andreani, Cadia D'Ottavi, Leonardo Duranti, Pietro Morales, Enrico Preziosi, Anna Prioriello, Giovanni Romanelli, Valerio Scacco, Roberto Senesi, Silvia Licoccia
Summary: The increasing interest in stretchable conductive composite materials has led to a demand for scalable fabrication techniques and tailored geometries. Combining carbon nanotubes with polymer films allows for the creation of low-cost, conductive, elastic, moldable, and patternable materials. The interface properties between the carbon nanotubes and different polymer substrates play a significant role in the mechanical and electrical performance of the composites.
Article
Electrochemistry
Beatrice Ricciardi, Barbara Mecheri, Williane da Silva Freitas, Valerio C. A. Ficca, Ernesto Placidi, Irene Gatto, Alessandra Carbone, Andrea Capasso, Alessandra D'Epifanio
Summary: High-performance platinum group metal-free (PGM-free) electrocatalysts were prepared from porous organic polymers (POPs) precursors with highly-porous structures and adjustable surface area. The effect of Fe content on the material's structure, surface chemistry, and electrocatalytic activity toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was elucidated through electrochemical and spectroscopical characterization. The Fe-N-C catalysts with different iron contents showed promising ORR activity, with further advancement prospects for fuel cell applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Khair Un Nisa, Williane da Silva Freitas, Jorge Montero, Alessandra D'Epifanio, Barbara Mecheri
Summary: Rechargeable Zn-air batteries are important for a cleaner and more sustainable energy system. The study optimizes the architecture of the air cathode and demonstrates its potential for improving the overall performance of ZABs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Valerio C. A. Ficca, Carlo Santoro, Ernesto Placidi, Fabrizio Arciprete, Alexey Serov, Plamen Atanassov, Barbara Mecheri
Summary: The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is crucial for energy conversion in fuel cells, but requires an electrocatalyst. Platinum group metal-free (PGM-free) electrocatalysts are a promising alternative to Pt/C, but their evaluation requires specific activity descriptors. This study proposes a method for evaluating the chemisorption interaction of probing molecules with PGM-free primary and secondary sites to effectively evaluate site density. The results identify the exchange current density as a tool for discriminating specific site poisoning.
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)
