Article
Engineering, Chemical
Miao Song, Yafeng Yang, Maoqiao Xiang, Qingshan Zhu, Hongdan Zhao
Summary: The conventional CVD process to fabricate high quality TiC powders faces challenges due to the low conversion rate of TiCl4. To address this issue, TiCl3 was proposed as a precursor and a fluidized bed reactor was utilized to enhance homogeneous nucleation, resulting in the successful fabrication of high purity nanosized TiC powders.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yanru Sun, Jun Li, Hongzhong Li
Summary: Large core-shell-like Fe2O3/MgO microspheres were synthesized via hydrothermal precipitation method, with particle morphology dominated by PVP and diameter affected by nucleation rate and growth rate. The diameter of the microspheres decreased with increasing PVP concentration and urea concentration. The core-shell-like microspheres showed good sintering resistance and cycle stability when used as oxygen carriers for chemical looping dry reforming.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Vasu Prasad Prasadam, Ali Margot Huerta Flores, Naoufal Bahlawane
Summary: The porous composite coatings consisting of CNT-TiO2 core-shell structures show superior performance in photo-electrochemical water splitting reactions, with a photocurrent improvement factor of over 400%. This enhancement is attributed to the increased interface area with the electrolyte and fast withdrawal of electrons, while the strong absorption properties of CNT severely limit light penetration depth.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Julia Hartig, Hannah C. Howard, Tanner J. Stelmach, Alan W. Weimer
Summary: Continuous vibrating spatial particle ALD reactors were developed for high powder throughput with minimized footprint. The reactors operate below fluidization using linear vibration, and discrete element-method simulations were performed to study solid flow behavior. High-frequency excitations and sticking avoidance in horizontal conveyors at low accelerations were revealed, leading to a proposed novel sawtooth excitation for cohesive fine powders convection at low flow velocities.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Minghao Xie, Zhiheng Lyu, Ruhui Chen, Min Shen, Zhenming Cao, Younan Xia
Summary: In this study, Pt-Co@Pt octahedral nanocrystals were successfully synthesized with an intermetallic Pt-Co core and an ultrathin Pt shell dominated by {111} facets on the surface. These nanocrystals showed significantly improved catalytic performance towards the oxygen reduction reaction compared to a commercial Pt/C catalyst, with a mass activity 13.4 times higher and a specific activity 29.5 times higher. Importantly, the mass activity of the nanocrystals only decreased by 21% after 30,000 cycles of accelerated durability testing, indicating their outstanding potential as catalysts for ORR and related reactions.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
T. Kavinkumar, Selvaraj Seenivasan, Amarnath T. Sivagurunathan, Yongchai Kwon, Do-Heyoung Kim
Summary: The rational design and development of novel electrode materials with promising nanostructures can effectively improve supercapacitive performance. By using atomic layer deposition, high-performance electrode materials were developed, showing excellent specific capacity and cycling stability. The demonstrated potential of ALD in next-generation supercapacitors is highlighted by the high energy density and exceptional capacity retention of the assembled supercapattery cell.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Vasu Prasad Prasadam, Ali Margot Huerta Flores, Jean-Nicolas Audinot, Naoufal Bahlawane
Summary: Solar-driven water splitting is a promising way to obtain clean H-2 energy, and the photoelectrochemical approach has attracted significant interest. The oxygen evolution reaction is seen as the stage that limits performance in this technology, highlighting the need for innovative anode materials. Metal oxide semiconductors are relevant in this respect due to their cost-effectiveness and widespread availability. In this study, a combination of chemical vapor deposition and atomic layer deposition was used to synthesize randomly oriented CNT-ZnO core-shell nanostructures, forming a porous coating that adheres well. Compared to directly coated ZnO on Si, the porous structure allows for a larger interface area with the electrolyte, resulting in a 458% increase in photocurrent density under simulated solar light. The photoelectrochemical characterization attributes this performance enhancement to the effective electron withdrawal along the carbon nanotubes (CNTs), leading to a decrease in the onset potential. As for durability, the CNT-ZnO core-shell structure exhibits enhanced photo-corrosion stability for 8 hours under illumination and with a voltage bias.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Amirhossein Mahtabani, Damiano La Zara, Rafal Anyszka, Xiaozhen He, Mika Paajanen, J. Ruud van Ommen, Wilma Dierkes, Anke Blume
Summary: The gas-phase modification process improved control over the thickness and uniformity of the deposited layers on nanoparticles, allowing for the introduction of versatile functionalized organic layers on the surface of nanoparticles in a controlled manner.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Muhammad Hamid Raza, Roberto Di Chio, Kaveh Movlaee, Patrick Amsalem, Norbert Koch, Nicolae Barsan, Giovanni Neri, Nicola Pinna
Summary: Heterostructures made from metal oxide semiconductors (MOS) are crucial for high-performance gas sensors. This study explores the transduction mechanism of heterostructured nanomaterials and relates the sensing response to the MOS shell or the p-n heterojunction. The use of carbon nanotubes as conductive substrates enables the devices to operate at low temperature. The findings are important for the development of next generation gas sensing devices.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Rachel Cherry, Joseph Joel Muhanga, Hamed Mehrabi, Samuel K. Conlin, Robert H. Coridan
Summary: Nanostructured dielectric overlayers can enhance light absorption in nanometer-thin films for optoelectronic applications. By self-assembling a monolayer of polystyrene nanospheres, a core-shell polystyrene-TiO2 structure is grown at temperatures below the polystyrene glass-transition temperature using atomic layer deposition. This tailor-made nanostructured overlayer can significantly increase light absorption in thin film light absorbers.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Li-Wen Mao, Li-Yuan Zhu, Tao Tao Wu, Lei Xu, Xuan-Hong Jin, Hong-Liang Lu
Summary: This study synthesized heterostructured Nb2O5/SnO2 core-shell nanorods using a hydrothermal strategy and atomic layer deposition. The gas sensors based on these nanorods demonstrated improved sensing performance, stable operation, and low power consumption, making them promising for practical applications in oil and gas drilling platforms and other industrial fields.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Getachew Solomon, Anton Landstrom, Raffaello Mazzaro, Matteo Jugovac, Paolo Moras, Elti Cattaruzza, Vittorio Morandi, Isabella Concina, Alberto Vomiero
Summary: The study demonstrates the potential of a core-shell structure catalyst for optimizing the kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction in water splitting, improving catalytic activity and conductivity. This research offers a more effective choice for practical applications of water splitting.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chuwei Zhu, Wenlong Xu, Fang Liu, Jie Luo, Junling Lu, Wei-Xue Li
Summary: Increasing selectivity and activity in heterogeneous catalysis is challenging but desirable. Through first-principles calculations, we designed a stable Pd monolayer catalyst on a Ru terrace to enhance the selectivity and activity of acetylene semihydrogenation. By controlling the catalyst's electronic and geometric properties, we weakened the adsorption of more saturated ethylene and drove the hydrogenation of the least saturated acetylene, thereby increasing the selectivity and activity. This study provides a tool for rational design of efficient catalysts by tailoring the molecule saturation and sensitivity to structure and composition.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
T. Kavinkumar, Selvaraj Seenivasan, Hong H. Lee, Hyeonjung Jung, Jeong Woo Han, Do-Heyoung Kim
Summary: A core-shell electrode structure with an outer nanolayer enhances capacity and cyclic stability, with the thin nanolayer providing flexibility to maintain physical integrity and reduce capacity loss during cycling. This design shows potential for supercapacitors to rival lithium ion batteries in energy density while maintaining high power density.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jin Kyu Han, Da Som Song, Yi Rang Lim, Raphael E. Agbenyeke, Ivano E. Castelli, Vincenzo Esposito, Sun Young Kim, Sang Don Bu, Wooseok Song, Sung Myung, Sun Sook Lee, Jongsun Lim
Summary: A novel coaxial hetero-structured MoS2/SnO2 nanotube array was designed for flexible visible light photodetection, achieving high photoresponsivity and external quantum efficiency through controlled deposition thickness and strain. The linear correlation between excitation power and photocurrent, as well as the superlinearity of photocurrent in the device, were observed, with density functional theory calculations revealing a strong correlation between strain, bandgap, and photocurrent. The study suggests a detailed mechanism for enhancing photoresponsivity in the strain-tailored nanotube arrays, which are expected to revolutionize smart optical devices with low driving voltage and high power efficiency.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Patrick Schnell, J. Mark C. M. Dela Cruz, Moritz Koelbach, Roel van de Krol, Fatwa F. Abdi
Summary: The study investigates the stability of alpha-SnWO4 photoanodes under various pH values and applied potentials, defines a stability window, proposes an optimal operating window, and confirms the formation of a self-passivating oxide layer on the surface of alpha-SnWO4. This passivation layer protects against photocorrosion even after extended operation.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ronen Gottesman, Isabella Peracchi, Jason L. Gerke, Rowshanak Irani, Fatwa F. Abdi, Roel van de Krol
Summary: The unique possibilities of rapid thermal processing (RTP) in overcoming challenges in developing oxide thin-film photoelectrodes are demonstrated. RTP allows for exceeding normal temperature limits for desired performance and helps avoid structural defects and impurities. The results show that RTP can significantly improve the performance of photoelectrodes.
ACS ENERGY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rajiv Ramanujam Prabhakar, Thomas Moehl, Dennis Friedrich, Marinus Kunst, Sudhanshu Shukla, Damilola Adeleye, Vinayaka H. Damle, Sebastian Siol, Wei Cui, Laxman Gouda, Jihye Suh, Yaakov R. Tischler, Roel van de Krol, S. David Tilley
Summary: This study investigates the charge carrier dynamics of Sb2Se3 and the influence of sulfur treatment on its optoelectronic properties. The results show that sulfur treatment can increase the carrier lifetime of Sb2Se3 by passivating deep defects.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jie Jian, Shiyuan Wang, Qian Ye, Fan Li, Guirong Su, Wei Liu, Changzhen Qu, Feng Liu, Can Li, Lichao Jia, Andrei A. Novikov, Vladimir A. Vinokurov, Daniel H. S. Harvey, Dmitry Shchukin, Dennis Friedrich, Roel van de Krol, Hongqiang Wang
Summary: This study demonstrates the successful enhancement of photoelectrode activity and stability by creating an SCLJ with a unique configuration of dual interfacial layers. The experimental results show that the bespoke dual interfacial layers effectively inhibit photocorrosion and improve charge-carrier kinetics, resulting in significant improvements in the performance of the photoelectrode.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Physics, Applied
Gideon Segev, Jakob Kibsgaard, Christopher Hahn, Zhichuan J. Xu, Wen-Hui (Sophia) Cheng, Todd G. Deutsch, Chengxiang Xiang, Jenny Z. Zhang, Leif Hammarstrom, Daniel G. Nocera, Adam Z. Weber, Peter Agbo, Takashi Hisatomi, Frank E. Osterloh, Kazunari Domen, Fatwa F. Abdi, Sophia Haussener, Daniel J. Miller, Shane Ardo, Paul C. McIntyre, Thomas Hannappel, Shu Hu, Harry Atwater, John M. Gregoire, Mehmed Z. Ertem, Ian D. Sharp, Kyoung-Shin Choi, Jae Sung Lee, Osamu Ishitani, Joel W. Ager, Rajiv Ramanujam Prabhakar, Alexis T. Bell, Shannon W. Boettcher, Kylie Vincent, Kazuhiro Takanabe, Vincent Artero, Ryan Napier, Beatriz Roldan Cuenya, Marc T. M. Koper, Roel Van de Krol, Frances Houle
Summary: The performance of solar fuel generation devices has made progress, but still faces many scientific and engineering challenges. There is a need to significantly improve conversion efficiency, stability, and product selectivity at the electrode and device level. Additionally, maintaining these performance metrics while scaling up devices and systems and controlling costs and carbon footprint is crucial. This roadmap surveys various aspects of solar fuel generation, highlighting the current state of the art, key challenges, and advancements required to meet them. It can serve as a guide for researchers and funding agencies in addressing the most pressing needs of the field.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pip C. J. Clark, Elina Andresen, Michael J. Sear, Marco Favaro, Leonardo Girardi, Roel van de Krol, Ute Resch-Genger, David E. Starr
Summary: The spatial distribution and concentration of lanthanide activator and sensitizer dopant ions play a crucial role in the luminescence properties of upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs). In this study, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth-profiling with tender X-rays was used to measure the distribution of Er3+ and Yb3+ ions in three types of UCNPs prepared using different synthesis methods. The results were combined with data simulations and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy measurements to construct models of the UCNPs' dopant ion distributions and understand their impact on the optical properties of UCNPs.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wennie Wang, Marco Favaro, Emily Chen, Lena Trotochaud, Hendrik Bluhm, Kyoung-Shin Choi, Roel van de Krol, David E. Starr, Giulia Galli
Summary: This study presents a combined computational and experimental investigation on the adsorption of water on the Mo-doped BiVO4(010) surface. It reveals the influence of excess electrons on the dissociation of water and the hydroxyl-induced alterations of the surface electronic structure. The dissociation of water stabilizes the formation of a small electron polaron on the VO4 tetrahedral site and enhances the concentration of localized electronic charge at the surface.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ibbi Y. Ahmet, Fatwa F. Abdi, Roel van de Krol
Summary: The ReTreat process utilizes Zn powders, FeSO4, and glycine to enhance the adhesion of metallic films on Sn-containing TCOs, demonstrating good thermal stability and flexibility. Detailed investigations show the impact of process parameters on the reaction rate, morphology, and composition of the treated TCO surface.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Patrick Schnell, Erwin Fernandez, Keisuke Obata, Jennifer Velazquez Rojas, Marco Favaro, Thomas Dittrich, Roel van de Krol, Fatwa F. Abdi
Summary: alpha-SnWO4 is a promising photoelectrode material for water splitting, but it faces challenges of surface passivation and limited photovoltage. Previous studies suggest that interfacial oxidation leads to Fermi-level pinning at the alpha-SnWO4/oxide interface. In this study, surface photovoltage analysis and hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy are used to investigate the electronic structure and identify a defect state responsible for Fermi-level pinning.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Markus Schleuning, Moritz Koelbach, Ibbi Ahmet, Raphael Praeg, Ronen Gottesman, Rene Gunder, Mengyuan Zhang, Dan Ralf Wargulski, Daniel Abou-Ras, Daniel A. Grave, Fatwa F. Abdi, Roel van de Krol, Klaus Schwarzburg, Rainer Eichberger, Dennis Friedrich, Hannes Hempel
Summary: Metal oxides are commonly used as photoelectrode candidates for solar water splitting. However, their power conversion efficiencies are often hindered by poor charge transport. In this study, several metal oxides were compared to understand their thermalization, trapping, localization, and recombination kinetics. It was found that carrier localization and low mobilities were common issues, and annealing in H-2 was effective in reducing carrier localization and improving charge transport.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Energy & Fuels
Brendan Bulfin, Marcelo Carmo, Roel van de Krol, Julie Mougin, Kathy Ayers, Karl J. Gross, Olga A. Marina, George M. Roberts, Ellen B. Stechel, Chengxiang Xiang
FRONTIERS IN ENERGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
T. A. Thiel, X. Zhang, B. Radhakrishnan, R. van de Krol, F. F. Abdi, M. Schroeter, R. Schomaecker, M. Schwarze
Summary: Photodeposition is a method for depositing metallic co-catalysts onto photocatalysts. In this experiment, platinum nanoparticles were successfully immobilized onto cellulose using this method. The Pt@cellulose catalysts showed narrow and well-dispersed nanoparticles. They exhibited catalytic activity in both transfer hydrogenation and electrochemical hydrogenation reactions.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Markus Schleuning, Ibbi Y. Ahmet, Roel van de Krol, Matthias M. May
Summary: Direct photoelectrochemical solar water splitting has the potential to be a key element in sustainable energy supply, but metal oxide-based integrated systems still lack high efficiencies. The appropriate design of semiconductor-catalyst and semiconductor-electrolyte interfaces is crucial for achieving higher solar-to-hydrogen efficiencies. Improved contact design should be a major research direction to enhance the performance of PEC devices.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tabea A. Thiel, Keisuke Obata, Fatwa F. Abdi, Roel van de Krol, Reinhard Schomaecker, Michael Schwarze
Summary: A sustainable immobilization concept based on cellulose was applied for the photocatalytic hydrogenation of acetophenone. Four different TiO2 modifications were screened, and PC25 and PC500 showed good performance. A detailed kinetic study was conducted using PC500, and optimal operating conditions were determined. The study also found that high oxygen concentrations and wavelengths below 300 nm have negative effects on the reaction. PC500 immobilized on cellulose showed lower activity after multiple uses.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Cui Ying Toe, Marlene Lamers, Thomas Dittrich, Hassan A. Tahini, Sean C. Smith, Jason Scott, Rose Amal, Roel van de Krol, Fatwa F. Abdi, Yun Hau Ng
Summary: The intrinsic carrier dynamics and defect density of cuprous oxide have been found to have a decisive influence on the photocatalytic activity. Specifically, the rhombic dodecahedral structure of Cu2O with dominant {110} facets exhibits higher carrier mobility and better charge separation efficiency compared to the cubic structure with {100} surfaces. The results suggest that facet-dependent properties play a crucial role in determining the photoactivity.
MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2022)