Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yuanlin Huang, Lei Fang, Yu Gu, Pingshi Wang, Hao Yan, Yanjie Wang, Zexing Cao, Zhaowu Tian, Bingwei Mao, Li Zhang
Summary: A novel additive, n-octylphosphonic acid (OPA), is introduced to improve the performance of aluminum-air batteries by modifying the aluminum anode/electrolyte interface and stabilizing the discharge product. Experimental and theoretical evidence shows that OPA can restrain side reactions, homogenize aluminum dissolution, and enhance the overall performance of the batteries.
ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chaonan Lv, Yuanxin Zhu, Yixin Li, Yuxin Zhang, Jialin Kuang, Yougen Tang, Huanhuan Li, Haiyan Wang
Summary: This study presents a strategy of using a hydrogen-bonds reconstructing electrolyte with glycerol molecule to enhance the performance of aluminum-air batteries. The glycerol-based electrolyte suppresses the self-corrosion of aluminum anode and reduces the freezing point of electrolyte, resulting in a flow aluminum-air full battery with high specific capacity and low operating temperature. This finding provides a synthetic design strategy to mitigate metal corrosion and expand the temperature adaptation range of aqueous batteries.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yaqi Wu, Yongxin Zhu, Xiaohui Li, Daquan Zhang, Lixin Gao
Summary: In this study, an aluminum alloy doped with Mg, In, Sn, and Bi was prepared and its electrochemical performance as an anode for aluminum-air batteries was investigated. The results showed that the synergistic effect between the alloy elements significantly reduced the self-corrosion rate of the aluminum anode. The prepared alloy exhibited high capacity density and energy density at a high discharge rate, making it a desirable candidate for high-performance aluminum-air batteries.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Robert Buckingham, Tristan Asset, Plamen Atanassov
Summary: Research on high theoretical energy density metal battery anode materials, such as aluminum in Al-air batteries, has been ongoing for several decades. Despite the attractive properties of aluminum such as light weight and low cost, commercialization has been impeded by challenges such as aluminum hydroxide surface barrier formation, high corrosion rate, and self-discharge susceptibility. Many studies have explored the use of alloying elements to address these issues in aqueous electrolytes.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yuming Xie, Xiangchen Meng, Zhiwei Qin, Yuexin Chang, Dongxin Mao, Long Wan, Yongxian Huang
Summary: Reversible passivation can prevent self-corrosion in primary aluminum-air cells, and carbonaceous nanomaterial-reinforced aluminum matrix composites have been developed as anodes for this purpose. These composites achieve a considerable increase in effective energy density and possess high energy utilization and discharge efficiency.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jianming Ren, Chaopeng Fu, Qing Dong, Min Jiang, Anping Dong, Guoliang Zhu, Jiao Zhang, Baode Sun
Summary: The study investigates aluminum anodes with various purity grades for aluminum-air batteries and found that the 3N6 Al anode is the most cost-effective option, enhancing battery performance and reducing self-corrosion.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Seok-Ryul Choi, Kyung-Min Kim, Jung-Gu Kim
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of adding polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to aluminum-air batteries, showing that PVA can reduce the corrosion rate of aluminum and improve battery efficiency.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chaonan Lv, Yixin Li, Yuanxin Zhu, Yuxin Zhang, Jialin Kuang, Qing Zhao, Yougen Tang, Haiyan Wang
Summary: A clay-based quasi-solid-state electrolyte is proposed for the first time to enhance the lifespan and safety of aqueous aluminum-air batteries. The clay with uniform pore channels facilitates aluminum ions uniform stripping and reduces the activity of free H2O molecules, thus suppressing the self-corrosion of aluminum anode. The fabricated aluminum-air battery achieves high energy density, liquid-like operating voltage, and outstanding specific capacity, surpassing previous aluminum-air batteries.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Thi Huong Pham, Woo-Hyuk Lee, Ji-Hae Byun, Jung-Gu Kim
Summary: In this study, glycerol was used as a low-cost and eco-friendly electrolyte additive in primary aluminum-air battery. Glycerol molecules formed hydrogen bonds with water molecules to reconstruct the hydrogen bond network in the electrolyte, resulting in a reduction in water activity. This expansion of the hydrogen evolution potential of the electrolyte suppressed the hydrogen evolution reaction and self-corrosion of aluminum anodes, leading to significantly increased capacity density and energy density of the Al-air battery. With a glycerol content of 20% in 4 M NaOH electrolyte, the capacity density of the Al-air battery reached 2564 mAh g -1, which was 2.3 times higher than in the absence of glycerol.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Xueqin Wang, Weiming Liu, Yanxian Jin, Xian Xie, Zhen Yang
Summary: To inhibit the self-corrosion of aluminum in alkaline electrolytes, a hybrid of nonionic surfactant BAG and ZnO is developed as an inhibitor. The results show that the hybrid inhibitor successfully inhibits the self-corrosion of aluminum with an inhibition efficiency of 85.7%. SEM and FTIR analysis reveal the formation of glucoside-Al and glucoside-Zn bonds on the aluminum surface. The BAG/ZnO hybrid improves the discharge performances of Al-air batteries, with a specific capacity of 2396 Ah kg(-1) at 20 mA cm(-2) and a high anode utilization efficiency of 80.4%.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Soraya Hosseini, Ting-Hao Xu, Salman Masoudi Soltani, Ta-En Ko, Yu-Jui Lin, Yuan-Yao Li
Summary: The study demonstrates that introducing cations on the acetoxy groups can effectively mitigate self-corrosion in aluminum-air batteries, improving capacity and power density. The barium-Ac/KOH electrolyte shows good cyclic stability and low voltage gap in Al-air batteries, indicating high potential for practical applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Hao Cheng, Tao Wang, Zheng Li, Chun Guo, Junquan Lai, Zhongliang Tian
Summary: A hybrid corrosion inhibitor containing ZnO and acrylamide was developed to construct a protective interface on the aluminum anode, effectively suppressing self-corrosion and enhancing the performance of Al-air batteries. The optimized combination of inhibitors showed a high inhibition efficiency, remarkable capacities, and a high power density in AABs, demonstrating the potential of this corrosion inhibition mechanism for ZnO and AM in alkaline solutions.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Lixia Yang, Yuntao Wu, Shuo Chen, Yuanqiang Xiao, Sen Chen, Penghua Zheng, Junxia Wang, Jun-E Qu
Summary: By using zinc sulfate and sodium alginate as electrolyte additives, the corrosion of aluminum can be effectively mitigated, leading to an improved discharge performance for aluminum-air batteries.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Ze-hang Zhuang, Yan Feng, Chao-qun Peng, Liu-zhong Yang, Meng Wang
Summary: The addition of 0.01 wt.% Ga in Al-0.4Mg-0.05Sn-0.03Hg anode enhances its corrosion resistance and discharge activity by refining second phases and creating a homogenous microstructure, which restrains local crystallographic corrosion and chunk effect. The corrosion current density and mass loss rate of Al-Mg-Sn-Hg-Ga anode decrease by 57% and 93% respectively compared to Al-Mg-Sn-Hg anode. The discharge voltage, current efficiency, and specific capacity of the Al-air battery with Al-0.4Mg-0.05Sn-0.03Hg-0.01Ga anode are 1.46 V, 33.1%, and 1019.2 A.h.kg(-1) when discharging at a current density of 20 mA/cm(2). Activation mechanism of Ga on Al-Mg-Sn-Hg-Ga anode materials was also discussed.
TRANSACTIONS OF NONFERROUS METALS SOCIETY OF CHINA
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yuming Xie, Xiangchen Meng, Dongxin Mao, Yuexin Chang, Zhiwei Qin, Xiaotian Ma, Long Wan, Yongxian Huang
Summary: In this study, a deformation-driven modified high-alloy aluminum was proposed as an anode for primary aluminum-air batteries. The alloy exhibited homogeneous microstructures and suppressed self-corrosion, leading to improved power and energy densities of the batteries.
SCRIPTA MATERIALIA
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
G. Lourinho, P. S. D. Brito
Summary: Electrochemical methods, such as electrocoagulation and electrooxidation, show promising prospects for treating wastewaters with higher efficiency and shorter reaction times compared to biological processes. This review focuses on electrolytic treatment of swine production wastewaters, highlighting achievements, fundamental principles, electrode materials, and key operating parameters for swine wastewater remediation. Emerging issues and challenges in practical adoption of these methods, such as combined processes, hydrogen production, electrocatalysts, reactor design, and characterization techniques, are briefly discussed for future research outlook.
WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
J. R. Copa, C. E. Tuna, J. L. Silveira, R. A. M. Boloy, P. Brito, V. Silva, J. Cardoso, D. Eusebio
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Roberta Mota-Panizio, Manuel Jesus Hermoso-Orzaez, Luis Carmo-Calado, Goncalo Lourinho, Paulo Sergio Duque de Brito
Summary: The study found that when digesting cork boiling wastewater (CBW), the biomethane potential is very low for Ino/CBW ratios of 1:1 and 2:1 compared to other organic substrates using digested sludge as inoculum; however, co-digestion with cow manure showed better biomethane yields.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ahmed M. A. ElSheikh, Gordana Backovic, Raisa C. P. Oliveira, Cesar A. C. Sequeira, James McGregor, Biljana Sljukic, Diogo M. F. Santos
Summary: The research demonstrates that palladium-based trimetallic catalysts synthesized via a facile procedure show great potential for borohydride-based fuel cells in compact environments. Three different routes were used to prepare carbon-supported trimetallic catalysts, each showing unique structural and activity characteristics.
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cesar A. C. Sequeira
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Rodrigo Salvador, Murillo Vetroni Barros, Mechthild Donner, Paulo Brito, Anthony Halog, Antonio C. De Francisco
Summary: This article aims to study the drivers, opportunities, challenges, and barriers for businesses in a circular bioeconomy (CBE) from both theoretical and practical perspectives, as well as to identify regional differences in these aspects across continents. Through a mixed-method approach including a literature review and interviews, several drivers, opportunities, challenges, and barriers were identified, and strategies and business implications for advancing CBEs were proposed.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Octavio Alves, Luis Calado, Roberta M. Panizio, Catarina Nobre, Eliseu Monteiro, Paulo Brito, Margarida Goncalves
Summary: Gasification is a promising thermochemical technology that converts waste materials into energy with low environmental impact. By conducting gasification tests on solid recovered fuels containing different proportions of polymeric wastes, it was found that adding polymeric wastes improves the calorific value and cold-gas efficiency of the gas.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ana Carolina Assis, Roberta Panizio, Luis Calado, Paulo Brito, Paulo Mourao
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the possibility of valorizing by-products from the gasification and carbonization of polymeric residues and biomass of natural origin. The characterization of the materials and samples prepared in this work involved a variety of analytical techniques. The BET surface area analysis of these chars shows values between 100 and 400 m²g⁻¹.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Roberta Mota-Panizio, Luis Carmo-Calado, Ana Carolina Assis, Vitor Matos, Manuel Jesus Hermoso-Orzaez, Pedro Romano, Margarida Goncalves, Paulo Brito
Summary: The construction industry is a major contributor to CO2 emissions and energy consumption. This study aimed to investigate the use of biochar produced at different temperatures as a partial replacement for cement in mortar production. The results showed that biochar produced at 400 degrees C had the best performance.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Goncalo Lourinho, Octavio Alves, Bruno Garcia, Bruna Rijo, Paulo Brito, Catarina Nobre
Summary: In recent years, gasification technology has shown potential and attractiveness in converting biomass and solid waste into valuable syngas for energy production or synthesis of new biofuels. Understanding the economic parameters, such as capital and operational expenditures, and their trends over time, can assist decision-makers in choosing appropriate technologies and making comparisons with other scenarios.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Santa Margarida Santos, Catarina Nobre, Paulo Brito, Margarida Goncalves
Summary: A large amount of municipal solid waste (MSW) is still disposed of in landfills, which is a concern for the environment. The circular economy approach can help effectively manage MSW while also addressing the increasing energy needs. The production of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) from MSW is analyzed in this study, focusing on Portugal and Europe. The study discusses the applicable legislation, potential energy-recovery routes, and challenges associated with energy recovery. The research highlights the importance of improving RDF characteristics and properties for waste-to-energy processes. It also suggests that gasification may be a more attractive and sustainable option compared to incineration for MSW and RDF conversion.
Article
Agronomy
Luis Carmo-Calado, Manuel Jesus Hermoso-Orzaez, Jose La Cal-Herrera, Paulo Brito, Julio Terrados-Cepeda
Summary: The objective of this study was to conduct a technical study and economic analysis of the gasification of almond shells and husks at different temperatures. The results showed that thermal gasification is a perfectly suitable technology for the recovery of raw materials of lignocellulosic origin, and it has interesting economic viability.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Roberta Mota-Panizio, Ana Assis, Luis Carmo-Calado, Catarina Nobre, Andrei Longo, Jose Silveira, Maria Margarida Goncalves, Paulo Brito
Summary: This study investigates the production and activation of biochars using waste insulation electrical cables (WIEC) and lignocellulosic biomass wastes. It reveals that increasing carbonization temperature enhances the fuel properties of the biochars, reducing oxygen and volatile matter content, increasing heating value, chlorine removal, and ash content. The activation process further increases the surface area of biochars.
C-JOURNAL OF CARBON RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Luis Carmo-Calado, Roberta Mota-Panizio, Ana Carolina Assis, Catarina Nobre, Octavio Alves, Goncalo Lourinho, Paulo Brito
Summary: This study conducted a pre-feasibility assessment of an integrated multi-product biorefinery for the valorization of endogenous feedstocks in rural areas. The proposed concept involves steam distillation of forestry biomass to extract essential oils, followed by biomethane production via syngas methanation using the spent biomass as feedstock. The results demonstrate attractive financial benefits for investors and suggest further investment consideration to promote the implementation of multi-product biorefineries across Europe.
C-JOURNAL OF CARBON RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andrei Longo, Catarina Nobre, Ali Sen, Roberta Panizio, Paulo Brito, Margarida Goncalves
Summary: The torrefaction process of mixed wastes composed of cork and chlorinated polymers was studied. The waste was converted into biochars with potential for energy or material valorization through torrefaction and hot water washing.