Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vartika Sharma, Prashant Upadhyay, Nehal H. Rathod, Jeet Sharma, Sarthak Mishra, Savan K. Raj, Vimal Kishore, Vaibhav Kulshrestha
Summary: Sol-gel modified sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) organosilane-based composite proton exchange membranes were investigated for their suitability in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). The addition of aminopropyl trimethoxysilane (APTES) in different concentrations improved the physico and electrochemical performances of the composite membranes by inducing H-bonding interactions between free -NH2 and -SO3H groups. The Si-SPEEK membrane showed potential as an alternate for DMFCs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mamta Kumari, John C. Douglin, Dario R. Dekel
Summary: A series of mechanically robust and highly conducting crosslinked anion-exchange membranes were synthesized using quaternary phosphonium-functionalized poly(ether ether ketone) (QPPEEK) as the base polymer and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as the crosslinker. Among different compositions, the QPPEEK-PEG 20 membrane showed the best properties with high hydroxide conductivity, good mechanical strength, and flexibility. This crosslinked membrane was chemically stable in alkaline environment and performed well in anion-exchange membrane fuel cell applications, indicating the potential of PEEK-based membranes for such applications.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lichao Shang, Dan Yao, Bohao Pang, Chengji Zhao
Summary: The presence of N-spirocyclic quaternary ammonium (QA) cations was found to enhance the alkaline stability of anion exchange membrane materials (AEM). By introducing N-spirocyclic QA cations and bulky spacers into the phenyl side chains simultaneously, the performance of AEM was improved, resulting in higher hydroxide conductivity and peak power density in fuel cells. Factors such as the presence of ether bonds in the main chain also play a role in alkaline stability, making this study a valuable reference for molecular design of AEMs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Sanaz Abbasi, Antoni Forner-Cuenca, Wiebrand Kout, Kitty Nijmeijer, Zandrie Borneman
Summary: In this study, cost-effective dense membranes for hydrogen-bromine flow batteries were developed by blending proton-conductive sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) with inert poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) to improve ionic conductivity and bromine diffusion properties. The use of wire-electrospinning enhanced the performance of the membranes, but the decreased thickness and insufficient stability of the membrane containing 80/20 SPEEK/PVDF led to rapid decay in cycling performance. This research promotes a long-term comparison study between the low-cost wire-electrospun SPEEK/PVDF blend membranes and typically used PFSA membranes for HBFB performance.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Nur Ain Masleeza Harun, Norazuwana Shaari
Summary: DBFC is a liquid fuel cell technology with many advantages, but the commonly used Nafion membrane has some drawbacks. This review introduces a cheaper alternative membrane, SPEEK, and discusses the effects of mixing SPEEK with other fillers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alphonse Haragirimana, Na Li, Zhaoxia Hu, Shouwen Chen
Summary: This study investigates the effect of thermal crosslinking on SPEEK/SPAES membranes, showing that the thermally-crosslinked membranes exhibit excellent physicochemical and electrochemical performance, indicating potential applications in fuel cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Minghan Xu, Hao Xue, Qingfu Wang, Lichao Jia
Summary: Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are potential clean energy sources attracting attention, with a focus on developing high-performance, low-cost PEMs to replace benchmark Nafion membranes. Sulfonated poly(arylene ether ketone)s (SPAEKs) and sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone)s (SPAESs) are promising candidates due to their performance and cost advantages. Efforts are classified and introduced in developing SPAEK and SPAES membranes for promising research directions in the field.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Minglin Zhao, Jianfeng Xu, Jianan Zhao, Shanshan Sun, Wenbin Tang, Qinghong Huang, Nengfei Yu, Yuping Wu
Summary: In this study, a novel composite membrane was developed by incorporating MnO2 nanorod into SPEEK matrix to improve its durability. The composite membrane with 2.5% MnO2 loading showed a 4 times longer start broken-up time in Fenton's solution compared to pure SPEEK membrane, indicating the enhanced durability. In DMFC test, the SPEEK-2.5% MnO2 membrane exhibited a higher max power density of 24 mW cm-2 (at 8 M methanol and 25 degrees C) and better durability, showing the potential of SPEEK-MnO2 composite membrane for fuel cell application.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Lijun Sun, Shuguo Qu, Xueyan Lv, Luyang Ding, Jihai Duan, Weiwen Wang
Summary: In this study, a Co-MOF-74/[IM2][H2PO4]/SPEEK ternary composite membrane was prepared by encapsulating ionic liquid (IL) in metal-organic framework (MOF), which improved the proton conductivity and thermal stability of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) membrane.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Rajender Singh Malik, Udit Soni, Sampat Singh Chauhan, Devendra Kumar, Veena Choudhary
Summary: Proton conducting membranes of PVA-FNCs/SPEEK were synthesized by solution casting, exhibiting good proton conductivity and enhanced fuel cell performance. The addition of SPEEK and the crosslinking of PVA-FNCs were found to be key factors affecting the properties of the membranes. The semi-interpenetrating network membranes showed promising potential for applications in fuel cell technology.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Vaidhegi Kugarajah, Sangeetha Dharmalingam
Summary: This study introduced silver as an effective additive in SPEEK membrane to reduce membrane biofouling in MFC. The incorporation of silver ions reduced biofilm formation, leading to the highest maximum power density from SPEEK + 7.5% Ag membrane after three months of MFC operation. Microbial community analysis identified microbes contributing to electron transfer.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Cong Deng, Qian Liu, Shouhai Zhang, Zhaoqi Wang, Yuning Chen, Xigao Jian
Summary: Sulfonated poly(phthalazinone ether ketones) (SPPEK) with high thermal stability and ion selectivity show promising performance in electrodialysis applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Meriem Daoudi, Evelise Ferri, Claire Tougne, Assma El Kaddouri, Jean-Christophe Perrin, Jerome Dillet, Laurent Gonon, Vincent Mareau, Hakima Mendil-Jakani, Veronique Dufaud, Eliane Espuche, Olivier Lottin
Summary: This study focuses on the impact of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (sPEEK) membrane pretreatments on fuel cell performance. Four different protocols, including acidification, hydrothermal treatments, and hydro-alcoholic steps, were used to pretreat the membranes. The results showed that the fuel cell performances of membranes from the 2020 batch subjected to hydro-alcoholic followed by 72-hour hydrothermal pretreatments exceeded those obtained with a perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membrane (Nafion XL), likely due to the improved sPEEK nano-structuration and higher protonic conductivity.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Nawader Alqadhi, Mohamed H. Abdellah, Sarvarkhodzha Nematulloev, Omar F. Mohammed, Mahmoud A. Abdulhamid, Gyorgy Szekely
Summary: Polymer engineering can improve the properties and performance of membranes. In this study, two customized PEEKs were synthesized and green membrane preparation methods were used. The effects of polymer structure, green solvent, and crosslinking on membrane performance were investigated, as well as the molecular interaction between organic solvents and PEEKs. The membranes showed high permeance and long-term stability in acetone, making them suitable for active pharmaceutical ingredient purification.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
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
Chemistry, Physical
Tianyu Chen, Zhibin Lu, Guangjin Zeng, Yongmin Xie, Jie Xiao, Zhifeng Xu
Summary: The study introduces a high-performance LSGM electrolyte-supported tubular DC-SOFC stack for portable applications, which shows great potential in developing into high-performing, efficient, and environmentally friendly portable power sources for distributed applications.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wenbin Tong, Yili Chen, Shijie Gong, Shaokun Zhu, Jie Tian, Jiaqian Qin, Wenyong Chen, Shuanghong Chen
Summary: In this study, a three-dimensional porous NiO interface layer with enhanced anode dynamics is fabricated, forming a Schottky contact with the zinc substrate, allowing rapid and uniform zinc plating both inside and below the interface layer. The resulting NiO@Zn exhibits exceptional stability and high capacity retention.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yafeng Bai, Kaidi Li, Liying Wang, Yang Gao, Xuesong Li, Xijia Yang, Wei Lu
Summary: In this study, a flexible zinc ion supercapacitor with gel electrolytes, porous alpha-MnO2@reduced graphene oxide cathode, and activated carbon/carbon cloth anode was developed. The device exhibits excellent electrochemical performance and stability, even at low temperatures, with a high cycle retention rate after 5000 cycles.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Anmol Jnawali, Matt D. R. Kok, Francesco Iacoviello, Daniel J. L. Brett, Paul R. Shearing
Summary: This article presents the results of a systematic study on the electrochemical performance and mechanical changes in two types of commercial batteries with different anode chemistry. The study reveals that the swelling of anode layers in batteries with silicon-based components causes deformations in the jelly roll structure, but the presence of a small percentage of silicon does not significantly impact the cycling performance of the cells within the relevant state-of-health range for electric vehicles (EVs). The research suggests that there is room for improving the cell capacities by increasing the silicon loading in composite anodes to meet the increasing demands on EVs.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yohandys A. Zulueta, My Phuong Pham-Ho, Minh Tho Nguyen
Summary: Advanced atomistic simulations were used to study ion transport in the Na- and K-doped lithium disilicate Li2Si2O5. The results showed that Na and K doping significantly enhanced Li ion diffusion and conduction in the material.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zongying Han, Hui Dong, Yanru Yang, Hao Yu, Zhibin Yang
Summary: An efficient phase inversion-impregnation approach is developed to fabricate BaO-decorated Ni8 mol% YSZ anode-supported tubular solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) with anti-coking properties. BaO nanoislands are successfully introduced inside the Ni-YSZ anode, leading to higher peak power densities and improved stability in methane fuel. Density functional theory calculations suggest that the loading of BaO nanoislands facilitates carbon elimination by capturing and dissociating H2O molecules to generate OH.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Suresh Mamidi, Dan Na, Baeksang Yoon, Henu Sharma, Anil D. Pathak, Kisor Kumar Sahu, Dae Young Lee, Cheul-Ro Lee, Inseok Seo
Summary: Li-CO2 batteries, which utilize CO2 and have a high energy density, are hindered in practical applications due to slow kinetics and safety hazards. This study introduces a stable and highly conductive ceramic-based solid electrolyte and a metal-organic framework catalyst to improve the safety and performance of Li-CO2 batteries. The optimized Li-CO2 cell shows outstanding specific capacity and cycle life, and the post-cycling analysis reveals the degradation mechanism of the electrodes. First-principles calculations based on density functional theory are also performed to understand the interactions between the catalyst and the host electrode. This research demonstrates the potential of MOF cathode catalyst for stable operation in Li-CO2 batteries.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ganghua Xiang, Zhihuan Qiu, Huilong Fei, Zhigang Liu, Shuangfeng Yin, Yuen Wu
Summary: In this study, a CeFeOx-supported Pt single atoms and subnanometric clusters catalyst was developed, which exhibits enhanced catalytic activity and stability for the preferential oxidation of CO in H2-rich stream through synergistic effect.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dimitrios Chatzogiannakis, Marcus Fehse, Maria Angeles Cabanero, Natalia Romano, Ashley Black, Damien Saurel, M. Rosa Palacin, Montse Casas-Cabanas
Summary: By coupling electrochemical testing to operando synchrotron based X-ray absorption and powder diffraction experiments, blended positive electrodes consisting of LiMn2O4 spinel (LMO) and layered LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2 (NMC) were studied to understand their redox mechanism. It was found that blending NMC with LMO can enhance energy density at high rates, with the blend containing 25% LMO showing the best performance. Testing with a special electrochemical setup revealed that the effective current load on each blend component can vary significantly from the nominal rate and also changes with SoC. Operando studies allowed monitoring of the oxidation state evolution and changes in crystal structure, in line with the expected behavior of individual components considering their electrochemical current loads.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chiara Cementon, Daniel Dewar, Thrinathreddy Ramireddy, Michael Brennan, Alexey M. Glushenkov
Summary: This Perspective discusses the specific power and power density of lithium-ion capacitors, highlighting the fact that their power characteristics are often underestimated. Through analysis, it is found that lithium-ion capacitors can usually achieve power densities superior to electrochemical supercapacitors, making them excellent alternatives to supercapacitors.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Weihao Wang, Hao Yu, Li Ma, Youquan Zhang, Yuejiao Chen, Libao Chen, Guichao Kuang, Liangjun Zhou, Weifeng Wei
Summary: This study achieved an improved electrolyte with excellent low-temperature and high-voltage performance by regulating the Li+ solvation structure and highly concentrating it. The electrolyte exhibited outstanding oxidation potential and high ionic conductivity under low temperature and high voltage conditions, providing a promising approach for the practical application of high-voltage LIBs.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Martin Bures, Dan Gotz, Jiri Charvat, Milos Svoboda, Jaromir Pocedic, Juraj Kosek, Alexandr Zubov, Petr Mazur
Summary: Vanadium redox flow battery is a promising energy storage solution with long-term durability, non-flammability, and high overall efficiency. Researchers have developed a mathematical model to simulate the charge-discharge cycling of the battery, and found that hydraulic connection of electrolyte tanks is the most effective strategy to reduce capacity losses, achieving a 69% reduction.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
M. Rodriguez-Gomez, J. Campo, A. Orera, F. de La Fuente, J. Valenciano, H. Fricke, D. S. Hussey, Y. Chen, D. Yu, K. An, A. Larrea
Summary: In this study, we analysed the operando performance of industrial lead cells using neutron diffraction experiments. The experiments revealed the evolution of different phases in the positive electrode, showed significant inhomogeneity of phase distribution inside the electrode, and estimated the energy efficiency of the cells.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jiawei Liu, Chenpeng Wang, Yue Yao, Hao Ye, Yinglong Liu, Yingli Liu, Xiaoru Xu, Zhicong Chen, Huazheng Yang, Gang Wu, Libin Lei, Chao Wang, Bo Liang
Summary: The study focuses on utilizing double conductive Ni-pads as anode collectors in micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cells. The simulation results show excellent performance and stability of DCNPs, and also highlight the potential applications in various fields.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yang Wang, Kangjie Zhou, Lang Cui, Jiabing Mei, Shengnan Li, Le Li, Wei Fan, Longsheng Zhang, Tianxi Liu
Summary: This study presents a polyimide sandwiched separator (s-PIF) for improving the cycling stability of Li-metal batteries. The s-PIF separator exhibits superior mechanical property, electrolyte adsorption/retention and ion conductivity, and enables dendrite-free Li plating/stripping process.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2024)