Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Khadijeh Hooshyari, Samira Heydari, Hossein Beydaghi, Hamid Reza Rajabi
Summary: This study aims to improve the proton conductivity and fuel cell performance of polymer-based membranes by using specific nanoparticles. The produced membranes exhibit remarkable electrochemical and mechanical performances, achieving high proton conductivity and power density over a wide temperature range and demonstrating long lifetime. These nanocomposite membranes show potential application in fuel cells.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Qingting Liu, Xiaohe Wang, Xiaoxiao Zhang, Zhiwei Ling, Wenzhuo Wu, Xudong Fu, Rong Zhang, Shengfei Hu, Xiao Li, Feng Zhao, Xujin Bao
Summary: Polyethyleneimine-filled sepiolite nanorods (PEI@SNR)-embedded poly(2,5-benzimidazole) composites (ABPBI/PEI@SNR) were synthesized to enhance the proton conductivity and stability of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The composite membranes showed improved thermal stability and achieved high proton conductivities from room temperature to 200 degrees C. The cell performance of the composite membrane-based PEMFCs was significantly better than previously reported zeolite-embedded membranes.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Funda Arslan, Khajidkhand Chuluunbandi, Anna T. S. Freiberg, Attila Kormanyos, Ferit Sit, Serhiy Cherevko, Jochen Kerres, Simon Thiele, Thomas Boehm
Summary: A new ion-pair-coordinated membrane (IPM) system with quaternary ammonium groups for high-temperature proton-exchange membrane fuel cells is introduced, showing reduced swelling and better mechanical properties upon doping. The best-performing IPM-based HT-PEMFC achieves higher power density compared to conventional PBI membranes, making them promising candidates for application in this field.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Jiangshan Gao, Xiaokun Dong, Qingbin Tian, Yan He
Summary: This review summarizes recent progress and developments on per-fluorinated and non-fluorinated membranes with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as reinforced fillers in various key areas. The topics reviewed include the correlation between the mechanical stability, thermal stability, water retention capacity, and proton conductivity of different membranes with different functionalized CNTs. In addition, it presents the preparation strategies of membrane matrix and CNTs filler, as well as the reinforced mechanism of CNTs in the membrane. Furthermore, the impact of interactions between CNTs and various types of PEM is discussed to provide a deeper perspective. Finally, the strategy for improving the performance of PEM and the challenges of CNTs-based membranes are analyzed for prospects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
A. I. Anu Karthi Swaghatha, Louis Cindrella
Summary: Freestanding nanocomposite membranes composed of cross-linked chitosan and magnetically active NiO-Co3O4 spinel oxide filler were successfully synthesized through the solution-casting technique. The externally applied magnetic field allowed for better alignment of the filler and enhanced intermolecular interactions between the biopolymer and filler, leading to improved physicochemical properties. Increasing the SO doping concentration resulted in substantial enhancements in various properties, such as water uptake, ion-exchange capacity, water retention, and high-temperature proton conduction, making these membranes promising for use in high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zhi Long, Kenji Miyatake
Summary: A new SPP-based ionomer, SPP-TP-f, was developed with high ion exchange capacity and superior proton conductive performance, surpassing Nafion even under low humidity conditions. Additionally, the solvent solubility of SPP-TP-f 5.1 allowed for the preparation of a composite membrane SPP-TP-f 5.1/DPTFE, showing excellent fuel cell performance.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
M. Yusuf Ansari, Khursheed B. Ansari, Inamuddin, S. J. A. Rizvi
Summary: This study develops and characterizes Nexar-based nanocomposite membranes as an alternative to Nafion. The membranes are characterized for their crystallinity, surface morphology, functionalities, and thermal stability. Modification with doped silica and sulfonated silica nanoparticles significantly improves water uptake, swelling ratio, and proton conductivity. The functionalized nanocomposite membranes show higher ion exchange capacity and less swelling ratio, making them suitable for PEM fuel cell operation.
ARABIAN JOURNAL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xue Li, Shubo Wang, Hong Zhang, Cheng Lin, Xiaofeng Xie, Chenxing Hu, Ran Tian
Summary: Copoly (arylene ether sulfone)s were used for proton exchange membrane preparation, achieving enhanced phase-separated morphology and favorable proton conductivity. The membranes exhibited higher water uptake and reasonably high proton conductivity, making them suitable for use in PEMFCs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ernestino Lufrano, Cataldo Simari, Apostolos Enotiadis, Isabella Nicotera
Summary: In this study, sPEEK was used as a polymer matrix and the addition of organosilica nanoplatelets improved the mechanical and proton transport properties of the membranes. This nanocomposite material shows great potential for applications in PEMFCs.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Kirill Cherednichenko, Dmitry Kopitsyn, Svetlana Batasheva, Rawil Fakhrullin
Summary: Halloysite, a tubular clay nanomaterial with oppositely charged surfaces, is a promising material for biopolymer composites with applications in drug delivery, food packaging, and anti-microbial coatings. Advanced characterization techniques like electron microscopy provide valuable insights into the structure and composition of these composites.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Guoxiao Xu, Xinwei Dong, Bin Xue, Jianyou Huang, Junli Wu, Weiwei Cai
Summary: A proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is an efficient energy conversion device with many advantages, and it is expected to have great potential in addressing the global uneven distribution of green energy. However, Nafion membranes, which are widely used as proton exchange membrane materials, show poor adaptability to high temperatures and low relative humidity, leading to a decrease in overall performance. This paper summarizes recent approaches to improving the operating temperature of Nafion membranes, focusing on the modification of materials and application of different methods.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yan Cui, Zongwang Huang, Li Lei, Qinglin Li, Jinlong Jiang, Qinghai Zeng, Aidong Tang, Huaming Yang, Yi Zhang
Summary: This study reports a novel nanoclay electrospun membrane hemostatic material with excellent hemostatic effects and biocompatibility, which is a potential effective hemostat. This material can achieve rapid and effective hemostasis, suitable for prevention and emergency treatment in situations of dangerous bleeding.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Francesco Ferrante, Dario Duca, Marco Bertini, Chiara Ferlito, Lorenzo Lisuzzo, Giuseppe Lazzara
Summary: Density functional theory calculations were used to study the formation of silanol groups on the outer surface of halloysite nanotubes through reactions with water in alkaline environments. The results demonstrate the highly exothermic nature of the formation of various silanol group configurations and the extraction of orthosilicic acid in the presence of hydroxide ions. Experimental analyses including thermogravimetric analysis, FT-IR, XRD, and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry confirm the increased adsorption of water on the outer surface and the corresponding increase in the number of silanol groups.
APPLIED CLAY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Khadijeh Hooshyari, Mohammad Bagher Karimi, Huaneng Su, Shahrzad Rahmani, Hamid Reza Rajabi
Summary: Novel nanocomposite proton exchange membranes were prepared using a solution-casting method, incorporating ZnS functionalized quantum dots. The effect of the functionalized groups of the quantum dots on the membrane properties was investigated. The nanocomposite membranes showed high proton conductivity and remarkable performance for fuel cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mahaveer A. Halakarni, Veerababu Polisetti, Anita A. Samage, Ashesh Mahto, Anna J. Svagan, Mikael S. Hedenqvist, Sanna Kotrappanavar Nataraj
Summary: Selective and self-cleaning nanofiltration membranes were designed with iron aminoclay nanoparticles incorporated in a piperazine-based polyamide active layer supported on an ultrafiltration PAN substrate. These membranes exhibited low contact angles, high water flux, and enhanced selectivity for molecular separation, making them suitable for industrial wastewater treatment and selective separation.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Ruggero Poiana, Ernestino Lufrano, Akiko Tsurumaki, Cataldo Simari, Isabella Nicotera, Maria Assunta Navarra
Summary: In this study, gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) based on PVdF-HFP, 1 M LiPF6 in EC/DMC (LP30), and [Py-14]PF6 were developed to enhance the safety and electrochemical performance of high voltage lithium batteries. The GPEs demonstrated nonflammable character and mechanical stability through physical crosslinks, and showed improved lithium ion conduction property. When using LP30 with 30 wt% [Py-14]PF6, the lithium metal batteries exhibited enhanced electrochemical performance with high coulombic efficiency and specific capacity retention throughout 150 cycles. This suggests that [Py-14]PF6 is a promising additive for extending battery life.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Electrochemistry
Cataldo Simari, Ernestino Lufrano, Muhammad Habib Ur Rehman, Avital Zhegur-Khais, Saja Haj-Bsoul, Dario R. Dekel, Isabella Nicotera
Summary: In this study, nanocomposite Anion Exchange Membranes (AEMs) based on tetramethylammonium Polysulfone ionomer and Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) were extensively investigated. The effect of LDH filler on the performance of the membranes and the carbonation kinetics were studied. The results revealed that the presence of LDH filler improved the ionic conductivity and mechanical properties of the membranes, while reducing the rate of alkaline degradation.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alfonso Policicchio, Giuseppe Conte, Raffaele Giuseppe Agostino, Paolino Caputo, Cesare Oliviero Rossi, Nicolas Godbert, Isabella Nicotera, Cataldo Simari
Summary: Global warming and environmental concerns have led to global efforts to reduce anthropogenic carbon emissions, leading to a focus on mesoporous silica materials for their carbon capture properties. A recent study investigated the internal arrangement and diffusion properties of CO2 in silica mesopores, revealing multiple physisorbed species coexisting. Through C-13 NMR and C-13 PFG NMR analysis, it was found that CO2 in mesopores exhibited anisotropic long-range mobility with different diffusion coefficients depending on direction.
JOURNAL OF CO2 UTILIZATION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ernestino Lufrano, Cataldo Simari, Apostolos Enotiadis, Isabella Nicotera
Summary: In this study, sPEEK was used as a polymer matrix and the addition of organosilica nanoplatelets improved the mechanical and proton transport properties of the membranes. This nanocomposite material shows great potential for applications in PEMFCs.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tamar Zelovich, Leslie Vogt-Maranto, Cataldo Simari, Isabella Nicotera, Michael A. Hickner, Stephen J. Paddison, Chulsung Bae, Dario R. Dekel, Mark E. Tuckerman
Summary: Recent studies have shown the enormous potential of operating anion exchange membrane (AEM) fuel cells at high temperatures. This work presents a combined theoretical and experimental study on the effect of temperature on hydroxide ion and water diffusivities in AEMs. The study reveals a non-monotonic change in hydroxide ion diffusion with increasing temperature and suggests ways to identify the optimal operating temperature for AEM systems.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Electrochemistry
Cataldo Simari, Mariarosaria Tuccillo, Sergio Brutti, Isabella Nicotera
Summary: The expansion of renewable energy sources relies on the availability of affordable, safe, and suitable energy storage systems. Among various battery chemistries, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are currently the leading option due to their excellent performance, low self-discharge, and technological readiness. However, the high costs, sustainability concerns, and safety issues hinder the widespread adoption of LIBs. Aprotic sodium ion and sodium metal batteries offer a more balanced performance-to-sustainability ratio compared to LIBs. Improving the electrolyte technology is crucial for both LIBs and NIBs to enhance safety and enable commercialization. This study proposes and demonstrates the use of a sodiated Nafion membrane as a single-ion conductor electrolyte for sodium-ion batteries, providing a new avenue for the development of safer and more efficient energy storage systems.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ernestino Lufrano, Isabella Nicotera, Apostolos Enotiadis, Muhammad Habib Ur Rehman, Cataldo Simari
Summary: This study involves the synthesis and characterization of a new polymer electrolyte membrane for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). The nanocomposite membrane exhibits good dimensional stability and proton conductivity, making it a potential candidate for DMFCs.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Isabella Nicotera, Alfonso Policicchio, Giuseppe Conte, Raffaele Giuseppe Agostino, Ernestino Lufrano, Cataldo Simari
Summary: A novel polymeric sorbent has been synthesized by modifying polysulfone with quaternary ammonium groups. It exhibits high CO2 adsorption capacity, good stability, and fast capture kinetics, making it suitable for low-temperature and low-pressure CO2 sorption.
JOURNAL OF CO2 UTILIZATION
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Muhammad Habib Ur Rehman, Ernestino Lufrano, Cataldo Simari
Summary: This study investigated the effect of introducing layered double hydroxide (LDH) into different polymer matrices. The LDHs can provide additional hydrophilic sites or act as physical crosslinkers, leading to enhanced dimensional stability and electrochemical performance. The relevant filler choice is crucial for the preparation of highly-performing composites.
Article
Electrochemistry
Eliana Quartarone, Stefania Davino, Ernestino Lufrano, Luigi Coppola, Cataldo Simari, Isabella Nicotera
Summary: A successful strategy to enhance the safety of new-generation lithium-ion batteries is to use solid or quasi-solid membranes instead of liquid electrolytes, which ensures sufficient ionic conduction and mechanical strength.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Valentina Gargiulo, Alfonso Policicchio, Luciana Lisi, Michela Alfe
Summary: The role of graphene-related materials (GRMs) in the structural and adsorption properties of MOF-based hybrids was investigated. The GRMs used were oxidized graphene-like (GL-ox), hydrazine-reduced graphene-like (GL), and amine-grafted graphene-like (GL-NH2) materials. The hybrid materials showed high specific surface area (SSA) and good affinity for CO2 and CH4, with different pore size distributions due to interactions between MOF precursors and specific functional groups on the GRM surface. The maximum storage capacity for CO2 and CH4 was highest for HKUST-1/GL-NH2, followed by HKUST-1, HKUST-1/GL-ox, and HKUST-1/GL. The measured uptakes were comparable or higher than those reported in the literature under similar conditions for Cu-HKUST-1 based hybrids.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
C. Simari, M. H. Ur Rehman, A. Capri, I. Gatto, V. Baglio, I. Nicotera
Summary: 'Green' hydrogen production using anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis is a promising approach to address the energy crisis. In order to achieve commercially viable hydrogen generation, improvements in AEM technology, including membrane stability, operating temperature, ion conductivity, power performance, and cost reduction, are essential.
MATERIALS TODAY SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Minju Thomas, Catia Cannilla, Antonino Brigandi, Isabella Nicotera, Francesco Lufrano
Summary: Introduces the potential of mesoporous carbons for high energy and power density energy storage devices, with CMK-3 as a promising candidate for supercapacitor electrodes. The authors synthesized a series of ordered mesoporous carbon materials using two different methods, and achieved high capacitance values and long-term durability when applied in supercapacitors.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tamar Zelovich, Cataldo Simari, Isabella Nicotera, Dario R. Dekel, Mark E. Tuckerman
Summary: This study investigates the effect of CO2 on the efficiency of anion exchange membrane (AEM) fuel cells and the reactions between CO2 and hydroxide ions. The results show that increasing hydration can delay the reaction between CO2 and hydroxide ions, but once reacted, HCO3- ions significantly reduce the diffusion of hydroxide ions.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
