Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xing Hou, Yu Zhang, Chengzhe Cui, Chunkun Lin, Yuewen Li, Degang Bu, Ge Yan, Daliang Liu, Qiong Wu, Xi-Ming Song
Summary: The use of new concept electrochemical devices to store and release solar energy has always been a research hotspot in the society of resource shortage. This study introduces CuO and Cu2O semiconductor electrode materials and calcium alginate hydrogel-based electrolyte into the Al-air battery to improve its performance. The results show that the CuO air cathode performs better under illumination, and the specific capacity in the hydrogel is about 20 times that of the aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. The semiconductor energy band structure and discharge mechanism of the photo-assisted Al-air battery are also studied.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Siyuan Zhao, Dawei Xia, Minghao Li, Diyi Cheng, Keliang Wang, Ying Shirley Meng, Zheng Chen, Jinhye Bae
Summary: A novel thermoreversible alkaline hydrogel electrolyte is reported to solve the problems of poor electrolyte/electrode contact, mechanical degradation, and CO2 corrosion encountered by flexible solid-state zinc-air batteries in practical applications. The hydrogel electrolyte can transform from solid to liquid state through a cooling process, restoring the electrolyte layer and enhancing electrode-electrolyte contact. The ZAB based on this hydrogel electrolyte shows an unprecedented anti-CO2 property and significantly improves discharge duration compared to ZABs with liquid electrolyte.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Review
Energy & Fuels
F. Gaele Maria, Tonia M. Di Palma
Summary: Aluminum-air batteries with solid electrolytes show promising improvements in safety and energy density, especially with the development of new polymer electrolytes as key research focus.
Article
Polymer Science
Petruta Preda, Ana-Maria Enciu, Cristiana Tanase, Maria Dudau, Lucian Albulescu, Monica-Elisabeta Maxim, Raluca Nicoleta Darie-Nita, Oana Brincoveanu, Marioara Avram
Summary: This study aimed to investigate and develop amorphous and crosslinked hydrogels based on natural compounds, such as sodium alginate, aloe vera gel powder, and chitosan, for tumor spheroid formation. The results showed that adding chitosan allowed the formation of spheroids at pH 5, while low viscosity and pH 12 aloe vera gels also promoted spheroid formation. Crosslinked hydrogel variants enhanced spheroid formation efficiency.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Beatrice Piola, Maurizio Sabbatini, Sarah Gino, Marco Invernizzi, Filippo Reno
Summary: In this study, a crosslinked 3D printable hydrogel based on gelatin and xanthan gum was developed for use as a scaffold for cell growth and as a wound dressing. These hydrogels showed different porosity and degradation time and exhibited biocompatibility.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Kaouther Ezzroug, Leila Chabane, Meriem Boudoukhani, Abdelkader HadjSadok, Moulai-Mostfa Nadji
Summary: In this study, xanthan/polyacrylic acid hydrogels were prepared to improve their physical and physico-chemical properties for potential use in various applications. The optimal concentration of crosslinking agent was determined, and the stability and stiffness of the hydrogels were optimized. The effect of calcium ions on the hydrogels was investigated, and the release of diclofenac from the hydrogels was modeled using a mathematical model.
DESALINATION AND WATER TREATMENT
(2022)
Article
Electrochemistry
M. F. Gaele, F. Migliardini, T. M. Di Palma
Summary: Water-based electrolytes are preferred over organic electrolytes for their cost-effectiveness and safety, but their widespread use is limited by recharging issues, particularly in Al-air cells. Water on the anode during recharging can promote parasitic reactions that consume the anode, while water on the cathode side can allow efficient oxygen reduction or evolution reactions. By preparing solid electrolytes with different water contents, it is possible to enhance reactions on both electrodes.
JOURNAL OF SOLID STATE ELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Fengchao Zha, Jiajia Rao, Bingcan Chen
Summary: Plant-based hydrogels have great potential for applications due to their favorable sustainability profile and ability to exhibit tailor-made textural structures and functional properties by tuning inter-related factors. The interrelationships between hydrogel fabrication, constitutive nature, mechanical properties, and performance are fundamental for applications in different disciplines. Trends in advanced hydrogel designs can inspire new applications and provide convenient anchoring points for enhanced functions in the future.
CURRENT OPINION IN COLLOID & INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Maria F. Gaele, Tonia M. Di Palma
Summary: The possibility of recharging aluminum-air cells without a separator using a dual water-based electrolyte is demonstrated. By controlling the water content in the electrolyte, efficient reduction and charging processes can be achieved at the cathode and anode interfaces respectively.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Yanan Zhang, Yajun Chen, Mensah Alfred, Fenglin Huang, Shiqin Liao, Dongsheng Chen, Dawei Li, Qufu Wei
Summary: A sodium polyacrylate-starch double-network hydrogel was prepared for the flexible zinc-air battery, showing outstanding mechanical strength and conductivity, with high energy efficiency, energy density, and reliability.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ilker S. Bayer
Summary: Polymer nanofibers have high surface area for efficient transport, while hydrogels combine flexibility and customizable transport properties. Combining nanofibers with hydrogels advances biomedical applications, especially in sustained drug delivery. Nanofiber hydrogels can maintain drug release rates for days to months and are crucial for 3D or 4D printable systems.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hande Hayrabolulu, Maria Demeter, Mihalis Cutrubinis, Murat Sen
Summary: Xanthan gum based hydrogels were prepared at a paste like state through gamma-irradiation in the presence of acetylene gas and CCl4. The addition of XG to the P(AAcNa) structure greatly enhanced the mechanical strength of the hydrogels, resulting in a novel XG based superabsorbent hydrogel with high fluid absorption capacities.
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Song Tang, Zhoujie Gong, Zefan Wang, Xia Gao, Xiaonan Zhang
Summary: Developing advanced dressings that integrate multiple functions is crucial in wound treatment. In this study, a hydrogel dressing composed of Xanthan gum and polyacrylamide was successfully prepared. The PAAm-XG hydrogels showed excellent mechanical properties, high water uptake efficiency, and demonstrated compatibility with bioactive molecules. Furthermore, the hydrogels significantly accelerated wound healing in vivo. These findings suggest that the multifunctional PAAm-XG hydrogels are promising for wound treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chaolan Shen, Xuan Zhao, Zewen Ren, Bing Yang, Xiaohui Wang, Andina Hu, Jie Hu
Summary: A novel drug delivery system named GelMA has been widely studied for its sustained-release properties and low cytotoxicity. In this study, GelMA hydrogels coupled with triamcinolone acetonide (TA) were injected into the vitreous cavity to explore their sustained drug effect. The GelMA hydrogels exhibited low swelling ratio, resistance to degradation, and excellent biocompatibility. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated the biological safety of GelMA on retinal cells and retinal conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yawen Li, Yichun Wang, Songmao Zhang, Long Miao, Manhui Wei, Keliang Wang
Summary: This study investigates the corrosion inhibition effect of three aromatic acids on aluminum-air batteries. The results show that all three aromatic acids have excellent inhibition efficiency. The addition of the aromatic acids not only improves the discharge characteristics of the battery, but also enhances the corrosion and electrochemical characteristics of the anode.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Tonia M. Di Palma, Fortunato Migliardini, Maria F. Gaele, Pasquale Corbo
Summary: The use of aluminum anodes in metal-air galvanic cells shows promise due to its high theoretical specific capacity compared to lithium, recyclability, and environmental friendliness. The study focused on developing solid electrolytes based on xanthan hydrogels at different pH values to enhance cell performance. Acidic hydrogels demonstrated superior cell capacity and anodic efficiency, while neutral hydrogels had a larger electrochemical window with lower cell voltage, and alkaline electrolytes sacrificed anodic efficiency for a larger window.
ANALYTICAL LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Electrochemistry
M. F. Gaele, F. Migliardini, T. M. Di Palma
Summary: Water-based electrolytes are preferred over organic electrolytes for their cost-effectiveness and safety, but their widespread use is limited by recharging issues, particularly in Al-air cells. Water on the anode during recharging can promote parasitic reactions that consume the anode, while water on the cathode side can allow efficient oxygen reduction or evolution reactions. By preparing solid electrolytes with different water contents, it is possible to enhance reactions on both electrodes.
JOURNAL OF SOLID STATE ELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Attila Bende, Maria F. Gaele, Tonia M. Di Palma
Summary: The influence of formic acid on water cluster aggregation has been investigated experimentally and theoretically. Experimental results show that formic acid affects the mass distribution of neutral water clusters. Theoretical calculations confirm the presence of stable structures formed by formic acid and water clusters.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Maria F. Gaele, Tonia M. Di Palma
Summary: The possibility of recharging aluminum-air cells without a separator using a dual water-based electrolyte is demonstrated. By controlling the water content in the electrolyte, efficient reduction and charging processes can be achieved at the cathode and anode interfaces respectively.
Review
Energy & Fuels
F. Gaele Maria, Tonia M. Di Palma
Summary: Aluminum-air batteries with solid electrolytes show promising improvements in safety and energy density, especially with the development of new polymer electrolytes as key research focus.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Maria F. Gaele, Valeria Califano, Tonia M. Di Palma
Summary: In this study, different commercial carbonaceous materials were used to prepare cathodes for aluminum-air cells and compared with platinum-dispersed carbon. Cells with cheap activated carbon cathodes showed improved electrochemical performances, with higher discharge capacities and voltages. The superior performance was attributed to the better electrocatalytic activity of activated carbon, likely due to the presence of defects. Anodic potential increased during discharge, while cathodic potential remained constant, indicating that the failure of the cells was mainly due to the degradation of the anodic interface. Mitigation strategies or different electrolyte design could further increase cell capacity for efficient, cheap, and eco-friendly aluminum-air cells.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alex-Adrian Farcas, Roxana D. Pasca, Maria F. Gaele, Tonia M. Di Palma, Attila Bende
Summary: The equilibrium geometries and thermodynamic potentials of the neutral and ionized species of Na · · · (H2O)(n) (n = 1,.., 8) mixed clusters were calculated using density functional theory. The cluster size dependence of the ionization energies and enthalpies was discussed, and laser-induced ionization involving electronic excitation through Rydberg-type excited states was characterized. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed fluctuations in charge and sodium-oxygen distances, suggesting that adiabatic photo-ionization can occur based on cluster disintegration.
Proceedings Paper
Physics, Applied
Tonia M. Di Palma, Maria F. Gaele, Attila Bende
12TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF PROCESSES IN ISOTOPES AND MOLECULES (PIM 2019)
(2020)
Proceedings Paper
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
F. Migliardini, T. M. Di Palma, M. F. Gaele, P. Corbo
MATERIALS TODAY-PROCEEDINGS
(2019)
