Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shamail Ahmed, Anuj Pokle, Matteo Bianchini, Simon Schweidler, Andreas Beyer, Torsten Brezesinski, Juergen Janek, Kerstin Volz
Summary: The study shows that antiphase boundaries play a critical role in determining the performance of cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries, and their behavior evolves and distorts the material structure with prolonged cycling.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Honghong Lin, Zhendong Hu, Katie H. Lim, Siwen Wang, Li Qin Zhou, Liang Wang, Gaohua Zhu, Keiichi Okubo, Chen Ling, Yu Seung Kim, Hongfei Jia
Summary: Understanding the impact of H3PO4 on catalyst activity is crucial for HT-PEMFC catalyst research. This study utilized HT-RDE to investigate the ORR in H3PO4 and found that H3PO4 reduction occurs during cyclic voltammetry, forming H3PO3. A modified protocol was developed to avoid H3PO3 generation and reliable ORR measurements were obtained. The results showed that carbon-supported PtM bimetallic alloy catalysts had higher ORR activity than Pt and that H3PO4 primarily reduces available sites for ORR.
Article
Electrochemistry
Antonio M. Chaparro
Summary: The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) limited by surface diffusion is studied using an analytical model that considers electrosorption of dissolved oxygen and surface diffusion of the adsorbate towards a catalyst center for reaction. The model shows that electrocatalysis assisted by the surface transport of intermediates can improve the performance of air cathodes in low-temperature fuel cells and metal-air batteries.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yasukazu Kobayashi, Shohei Tada, Masaru Kondo, Kakeru Fujiwara, Hiroshi Mizoguchi
Summary: Intermetallic CaPt2 nanoparticles, prepared using a molten salt method, exhibited superior catalytic activity compared to a commercial Pt/C catalyst in the hydrogenation of ketones to alcohols, which could be attributed to electron-rich Pt sites in CaPt2.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shlomi Polani, Katherine E. MacArthur, Malte Klingenhof, Xingli Wang, Paul Paciok, Lujin Pan, Quanchen Feng, Attila Kormanyos, Serhiy Cherevko, Marc Heggen, Peter Strasser
Summary: Various synthesis protocols of PtNi nanocatalysts have improved platinum mass and specific activities for the oxygen reduction reaction, but are still lower than the activity of Pt3Ni single-crystal (111) surfaces. Molybdenum-doped, Ni-rich PtNi octahedral catalysts exhibit enhanced stability compared to undoped counterparts, with high mass activities. Combination of high-resolution compositional analysis, electrochemical measurements, and online inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry allows correlation of size, morphology, and composition with oxygen reduction reaction activities.
Article
Electrochemistry
Secil Unsal, Thomas J. Schmidt, Juan Herranz
Summary: Non-noble metal catalysts (NNMCs) have the potential to replace expensive Pt-based catalysts in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). This study investigated the effect of film thickness and quality on the electrochemical behavior of three NNMCs with different aggregate sizes. The results showed that a smaller particle size enhanced the ORR limiting current and improving thin film quality led to a 2-fold increase in H2O2-yield.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Naomi Helsel, Pabitra Choudhury
Summary: Finding a platinum-free cathode catalyst with better oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance than the current commercial Pt/C catalyst is a major challenge in fuel cell technology. This study investigated the stability of iron phthalocyanine monolayer supported on pristine graphene (GFePc) and boron-doped graphene (BGFePc) under different conditions. The results showed that BGFePc exhibited higher stability in both low and high iron concentrations, making it a promising candidate for ORR in PEM fuel cells.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Piyush Chauhan, Juan Herranz, Maximilian Winzely, Maximilian Georgi, Pavel Khavlyuk, Alexander Eychmueller, Thomas J. Schmidt
Summary: Despite increased relevance in energy transition, understanding of CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is still limited, especially regarding the impact of surface-specific parameters such as interfacial pH on its kinetics and product outcome. In this study, CO2RR on polycrystalline Au and Au aerogel was investigated using a rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE) setup, with the quantification of interfacial pH through measuring the pH value of the gold ring electrode. The results showed that the polycrystalline Au surface had approximately twice the current efficiency compared to the aerogel surface, suggesting a roughness factor effect on this key performance metric.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jinxing Chen, Qian Ma, Minghua Li, Daiyong Chao, Liang Huang, Weiwei Wu, Youxing Fang, Shaojun Dong
Summary: Gold nanoparticles exhibit enzyme-like activities and can mimic the catalytic process of glucose oxidation enzyme, producing H2O2; other noble metal nanoparticles can also catalyze glucose oxidation reaction, where oxygen is preferably reduced to water.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Timon Lazaridis, Bjoern M. Stuehmeier, Hubert A. Gasteiger, Hany A. El-Sayed
Summary: Cost-competitive fuel cells and water electrolysers require efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen and oxygen reactions. Rotating disk electrodes (RDEs) and membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) are common tools for assessing electrocatalyst activity and durability. However, RDE technique cannot answer certain scientific questions. Therefore, we advocate for the greater adoption of MEA testing in the early stages of electrocatalyst development.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Joshua J. Tully, Zhaoyan Zhang, Irina M. Terrero Rodriguez, Lee Butcher, Julie V. Macpherson
Summary: Rotating ring disk electrodes (RRDEs) are important tools for investigating electrochemical reactions. However, the commercial options for electrode materials are limited. This study presents a method that uses 3D printing and machined brass components to produce RRDE housings that can accommodate any electrode material. The custom approach not only extends the range and usability of RRDEs, but also reduces the cost compared to commercial options. Additionally, boron-doped diamond (BDD) RRDEs are fabricated using this method for the first time, with experimental results aligning closely with theoretical predictions.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xue Wen, Jie Miao, Daniel Mandler, Mingce Long
Summary: An online RRDE method is proposed to evaluate the performance of electrocatalysts in H2O2 activation by rapidly detecting •OH.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiafang Ji, Peng Chen, Yuanjun Liu, Zhenyuan Ji, Hongbo Zhou, Caiyao Chen, Xiaoping Shen, Xiaoqi Fu, Guoxing Zhu
Summary: In this study, Ir/Ni-NiO/CNT composite catalysts were designed and prepared. The as-prepared catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic performance in alkaline media, surpassing commercial Pt/C catalysts. Experimental and theoretical calculations showed that the presence of Ni-NiO facilitated the Volmer step for HOR by weakening the hydrogen binding energy on Ir sites.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hui Xu, Xue-Hui Lv, Hao-Yu Wang, Jin-Yu Ye, Jiayin Yuan, Yu-Cheng Wang, Zhi-You Zhou, Shi-Gang Sun
Summary: This study investigates the impact of pore structure parameters, S-BET and f(micro), on ORR activity and selectivity in both RRDE and FC. The results show that S-BET is positively correlated with ORR mass activity, while f(micro) is negatively correlated with H2O2 selectivity. These insights are important for the design of carbon materials for H2O2 synthesis.
Article
Electrochemistry
Jing-Fang Huang, Jia-Ruei Sie, Ruo-Hua Zeng
Summary: A novel approach combining Cu-UPD-GAL was used to construct highly jagged Pt nanoclusters, leading to enhanced activity for oxygen reduction reactions. A sequential flow injection procedure allowed for direct modification of commercial MEAs with H-Pt(c)s, improving fuel cell performance.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
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)