Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Matteo Gigli, Barbara Mecheri, Silvia Licoccia, Alessandra D'Epifanio
Summary: Crosslinked hydrocarbon-based cation exchange membranes have been developed for vanadium redox flow battery applications, with the membrane containing 9% of crosslinker showing the best performance. The crosslinking strategy allows for stable membranes in highly oxidizing environments, increasing the rigidity of the polymer backbone.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tong Mu, Weiqin Tang, Yaping Jin, Xuefu Che, Jianguo Liu, Jingshuai Yang
Summary: In this study, aryl-ether free poly(p-terphenyl-co-acetylpyridine) (PTAP) was synthesized through a one-pot Friedel-Crafts polyhydroxyalkylation reaction. The resulting PTAP membrane exhibited good sulfonic acid absorption capability, low area resistance, ultralow vanadium ion permeability, and excellent chemical stability. The VRFB based on PTAP-55 μm membrane showed high energy efficiency and stable operation.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Eun Joo Park, Sandip Maurya, Ulises Martinez, Yu Seung Kim, Rangachary Mukundan
Summary: A series of quaternized poly(arylene ether benzonitrile)s were synthesized for VRFB applications, showing desirable properties such as low water uptake, high dimensional stability, and low VO(2+) permeability. The membranes exhibited excellent performance in single cells, with high coulombic efficiency and energy efficiency. The cycling stability and oxidative stability data confirmed the potential of QAxCN membranes to replace Nafion membranes in VRFB energy storage applications.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Fan Yang, Yu Dai, Yu Zhang, Wei Wei, Shicheng Xu, Ronghuan He
Summary: A novel blended polymer membrane is prepared for vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) as the diaphragm, which possesses superior affinity to sulfuric acid due to acid-base interactions. The membrane exhibits high oxidation stability and low vanadium permeability. The VRFB assembled with this membrane shows energy efficiency above 82% at a current density range of 20 to 120 mA cm-2 and stable performance after 50 charge-discharge cycles.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Samal Babanzadeh, Shahram Mehdipour-Ataei, Samaneh Khodami
Summary: A novel aromatic poly(sulfide sulfone) (PPY) and poly(ether sulfone) (PBM) were synthesized, and dense membranes of PBM/PPY blends were prepared and characterized in this study. The results showed good miscibility between the two polymers, and the addition of PPY could enhance the thermal stability and hydrophilicity of the membranes.
POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Lara E. Gruenig, Andreas Meyer, Thomas Emmler, Volker Abetz, Ulrich A. Handge
Summary: Crystallization of poly(phenylene sulfone) occurs in solvents with low solvent quality, leading to the formation of distinct crystalline structures. DMAc results in banded spherulites while DMF forms separate crystalline plates.
Article
Polymer Science
Nana Zhao, Harry Riley, Chaojie Song, Zhengming Jiang, Keh-Chyun Tsay, Roberto Neagu, Zhiqing Shi
Summary: This study identified five high-priority characteristics of membranes and evaluated eight commercially available ion exchange membranes, recommending perfluorosulfonic acid membranes and hydrocarbon anion exchange membranes as candidates for further in-situ testing, while one hydrocarbon cation exchange membrane was deemed not suitable for VRFB application.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Y. Lei, B. W. Zhang, B. F. Bai, X. Chen, T. S. Zhao
Summary: The study introduces a transient model of VRFB with a bipolar membrane, which improves the Poisson equation to describe the Donnan effect between the two layers for a full description of charge and ion transport. Numerical results demonstrate that bipolar membranes with thin anion exchange layers exhibit higher energy efficiency at large current densities.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Amirreza Khataee, Hannes Nederstedt, Patric Jannasch, Rakel Wreland Lindstro
Summary: In this study, we synthesized two types of poly(p-terphenylene alkylene)s containing perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid and perfluorophenylsulfonic acid, respectively, through superacid-mediated polyhydroxyalkylations and made proton exchange membranes (PEMs) out of them. Compared to Nafion 212, the PEM with perfluorophenylsulfonic acid groups (PTPF-Phenyl-SA) showed higher ionic conductivity and eight times lower vanadium (IV) permeation rate. The VRFB based on PTPF-Phenyl-SA exhibited longer self-discharge duration, high average coulombic efficiency of 99.6%, and lower capacity fade of 0.24% per cycle compared to Nafion 212.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Didem Yazili, Emanuele Marini, Torben Saatkamp, Andreas Muenchinger, Tym de Wild, Lorenz Gubler, Giorgi Titvinidze, Michael Schuster, Clara Schare, Ludwig Jorissen, Klaus-Dieter Kreuer
Summary: We demonstrate the performance and durability of a fluorine-free poly(phenylene-sulfone) membrane for proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The blend membrane with lower gas permeability and higher storage modulus shows good stability under high temperature and water conditions. Compared to Nafion, the blend membrane exhibits greater durability under low humidity conditions.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Brian H. Robb, Thomas Y. George, Casey M. Davis, Zhijiang Tang, Cy H. Fujimoto, Michael J. Aziz, Michael P. Marshak
Summary: Redox flow batteries (RFBs) with highly selective and conductive membranes can achieve long lifetimes and high performance. The use of a sulfonated Diels-Alder poly(phenylene) membrane in RFBs shows low and stable potassium area specific resistance, high efficiency cycling, and undetectable ferricyanide crossover. This membrane also exhibits favorable conductivity for different monovalent cations, which can improve the performance of other RFBs.
JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jing Li, Fei Xu, Yanbo Chen, Yuyang Han, Bencai Lin
Summary: A series of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone)(SPEEK)-based ionic exchange membranes were prepared by introducing sulfonated Schiff base network-type (SSNW-1) covalent organic frameworks. The membranes showed enhanced properties for application in vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs), with reduced vanadium permeability and improved efficiency.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jianfeng Xu, Shu Dong, Pan Li, Wenhao Li, Feng Tian, Junran Wang, Qingqing Cheng, Zhouying Yue, Hui Yang
Summary: The development of a novel ether-free amphoteric ionic exchange membrane with long alkyl chains and zwitterionic groups shows high stability, low swelling ratio, and excellent proton conductivity. Compared to Nafion212 membrane, the optimized TA15-SPBP membrane exhibits higher ion selectivity and better electrical efficiencies.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Hamid Amiri, Mohsen Khosravi, Mojtaba Ejeian, Amir Razmjou
Summary: The future of energy relies on batteries like VRFBs, with membranes playing a crucial role in controlling proton transport and preventing mixing in VRFBs. While Nafion membranes have made breakthroughs, their high cost and low selectivity make them unsuitable for VRFBs, suggesting sulfonated aromatic hydrocarbon polymers as a cost-effective alternative.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2021)
Review
Electrochemistry
Baye Gueye Thiam, Sebastien Vaudreuil
Summary: The vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) is a promising electrochemical system, with a key component being the membrane that separates the positive and negative half-cells. High-performance, low-cost membranes are crucial for reducing overall system costs, with current research focused on developing membranes with high ionic conductivity, low permeability to vanadium ions, and good chemical and mechanical stability.
JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
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
Computer Science, Information Systems
Giovanni Romanelli, Carla Andreani, Enrico Ferraris, Christian Greco, Salima Ikram, Silvia Licoccia, Giuseppe Paladini, Stewart F. Parker, Enrico Preziosi, Roberto Senesi, Lucy Skinner, Andre J. Veldmeijer, Valentina Venuti, Valentina Turina
Summary: This study experimentally characterized a series of samples from the Museo Egizio, revealing partial dehydration within the samples, affecting their surface morphology and chemical composition. The findings are significant for understanding the preservation status and manufacturing methods of leather artifacts.
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
Chemistry, Physical
Mei Gui Vanessa Wee, Amutha Chinnappan, Runxin Shang, Poh Seng Lee, Seeram Ramakrishna
Summary: Cooling processes, from residences to industries, require a lot of energy and are essential. This study introduces MIL-101(Cr), a new desiccant, to heat exchangers for more efficient cooling. By improving the synthesis method and using a special binder, the MIL-101(Cr)-coated heat exchanger shows improved water uptake capacity and lower regeneration temperature.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ao Zhen, Guanyu Zhang, Ao Wang, Feng Luo, Jiehua Li, Hong Tan, Zhen Li
Summary: In this study, a solvent-free microemulsion method was used to synthesize waterborne polyurethane (WPU) material with high retention of mechanical properties and satisfactory water absorption rates. The material showed excellent biocompatibility and has broad application potential in the field of biomedicine.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2024)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Wensong Ge, Rui Wang, Xiaoyang Zhu, Houchao Zhang, Luanfa Sun, Fei Wang, Hongke Li, Zhenghao Li, Xinyi Du, Huangyu Chen, Fan Zhang, Huifa Shi, Huiqiang Hu, Yongming Xi, Jiankang He, Liang Hu, Hongbo Lan
Summary: This paper reviews the research on the surface tension of eutectic gallium-indium alloys (EGaIn) in the field of stretchable electronics. It covers the principles of oxide layer formation, factors influencing surface tension, and methods for surface modification of liquid metals. The paper also discusses the applications of EGaIn surface modification in different fields and highlights the challenges still faced and the future outlook.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2024)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Xiang Song, Lianghao Jia, Zhengen Wei, Tao Xiang, Shaobing Zhou
Summary: This paper provides an overview of the application, preparation, and role of biomimetic structures in solar evaporators with improved evaporation rate and lifetime.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wei Yuan, Qian Deng, Dong Pan, Xiang An, Canyang Zhao, Wenjun Su, Zhengmin He, Qiang Sun, Ran Ang
Summary: Optimizing the performance of n-type PbTe thermoelectric materials is crucial for practical applications. Dynamic doping has emerged as an effective method to improve the performance of n-type PbTe by optimizing the carrier concentration. This study demonstrates the significance of Mn alloying in enhancing the performance of Ag-doped n-type PbTe by creating a hierarchical structure to suppress thermal transport and improving the Seebeck coefficient.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2024)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Xiaoyan Wang, Meiqi Geng, Shengjun Sun, Qian Xiang, Shiyuan Dong, Kai Dong, Yongchao Yao, Yan Wang, Yingchun Yang, Yongsong Luo, Dongdong Zheng, Qian Liu, Jianming Hu, Qian Wu, Xuping Sun, Bo Tang
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the progress and challenges in the field of bifunctional electrocatalysts and efficient electrolyzers for seawater splitting. It summarizes recent advancements and proposes future perspectives for highly efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts and electrolyzers.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jason K. Phong, Christopher B. Cooper, Lukas Michalek, Yangju Lin, Yuya Nishio, Yuran Shi, Huaxin Gong, Julian A. Vigil, Jan Ilavsky, Ivan Kuzmenko, Zhenan Bao
Summary: Dynamic block copolymers (DBCPs) combine the phase separation of traditional block copolymers with the supramolecular self-assembly of periodic dynamic polymers, resulting in the spontaneous self-assembly of high aspect ratio nanofibers with well-ordered PEG and PDMS domains. DBCPs with a periodic block sequence exhibit superior properties compared to those with a random sequence, including delayed onset of terminal flow and higher ionic conductivity values.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hong Kyu Lee, Yasaswini Oruganti, Jonghyeon Lee, Seunghee Han, Jihan Kim, Dohyun Moon, Min Kim, Dae-Woon Lim, Hoi Ri Moon
Summary: This study reports the moisture-triggered proton-conductivity switching behavior in Zn5FDC MOFs induced by the presence and absence of coordinating solvents, which illustrates the significant role of coordinating solvents in conductivity variation.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bommaramoni Yadagiri, Sanjay Sandhu, Ashok Kumar Kaliamurthy, Francis Kwaku Asiam, Jongdeok Park, Appiagyei Ewusi Mensah, Jae-Joon Lee
Summary: The molecular engineering of the interface modulator between the perovskite and hole transporting material is crucial for achieving satisfactory performance and stability of perovskite solar cells. In this study, cruciform-shaped dual functional organic materials were employed as surface passivation and hole transporting interfacial layers in perovskite solar cells. The use of these materials significantly improved the power conversion efficiency of the solar cells.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Joaquin Martinez-Ortigosa, Reisel Millan, Jorge Simancas, Manuel Hernandez-Rodriguez, J. Alejandro Vidal-Moya, Jose L. Jorda, Charlotte Martineau-Corcos, Vincent Sarou-Kanian, Mercedes Boronat, Teresa Blasco, Fernando Rey
Summary: This study investigates the synthesis of all-silica RTH zeolites using triisopropyl(methyl)phosphonium as the organic SDA. The results show the formation of two distinct crystalline phases under different synthesis conditions, with fluoride bonding to different silicon sites. It demonstrates the possibility of controlling the placement of fluoride in RTH zeolites through synthesis conditions.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Luyao Zheng, Cong Liu, Wenbiao Zhang, Boxu Gao, Tianlan Yan, Yahong Zhang, Xiaoming Cao, Qingsheng Gao, Yi Tang
Summary: This study successfully improves the efficiency and stability of water splitting by constructing a heterostructured electrocatalyst. The catalyst shows extraordinary performance and could offer an effective approach for the sustainable production of hydrogen.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Carlos A. Campos-Roldan, Raphael Chattot, Frederic Pailloux, Andrea Zitolo, Jacques Roziere, Deborah J. Jones, Sara Cavaliere
Summary: This study systematically evaluated the hydrogen evolution/oxidation reactions on a series of Pt-rare earth nanoalloys in alkaline media, and identified the effect of the lanthanide contraction. The experimental results revealed that the chemical nature of the rare earth modulates the adsorption and mobility of oxygenated-species, enhancing the kinetics of the reactions.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sara Frank, Mads Folkjaer, Mads L. N. Nielsen, Melissa J. Marks, Henrik S. Jeppesen, Marcel Ceccato, Simon J. L. Billinge, Jacopo Catalano, Nina Lock
Summary: This study investigates the thermal decomposition of ZIF-67 and its correlation with structural evolution and electrocatalytic performance. The researchers used in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy and total scattering techniques to analyze the process. They found that disorder emerges at lower temperatures and that extending the pyrolysis process can result in materials with superior electrochemical properties.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zi-Yang Zhang, Hao Tian, Han Jiao, Xin Wang, Lei Bian, Yuan Liu, Nithima Khaorapapong, Yusuke Yamauchi, Zhong-Li Wang
Summary: By constructing Cu-0-Cu+-NH2 composite interfaces with the assistance of SiO2, the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) achieves high Faraday efficiency and current density for C2+ production, improving the productivity of carbon cycle.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ting Wang, Ruijuan Zhang, Pengda Zhai, Mingjie Li, Xinying Liu, Chaoxu Li
Summary: This study successfully exfoliated COFs using a simple electrochemical method, which resulted in improved photocatalytic performance for COFs and enriched the fabrication approach of COF exfoliation.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2024)
