Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sandip K. Pahari, Yit-Tsong Chen
Summary: A multifunctional catalyst, composed of phosphate-functionalized few-layer phosphorene (FLP-P) and bismuth ferrite (BFO) nanosheets (referred to as FLP-P-BFO), was fabricated for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water-splitting reactions. The catalyst exhibited excellent hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity at the cathode and high catalytic efficiency for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode. The bifunctional mechanism of the catalyst was validated and showed potential for biomass upgrading to value-added products.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qadeer Akbar Sial, Rana Basit Ali, Muhammad Waqas, Young-Jae Lee, Shankara S. Kalanur, Hyungtak Seo
Summary: Lowering the overpotentials for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in water-splitting is crucial for cost-effective and efficient electrolysis systems. In this study, a catalyst derived from lead vanadate (PVO) was used in alkaline electrolysis systems, showing record low overpotentials. The optimized PVO structure demonstrated impressively low overpotentials of 146 mV vs RHE for OER at a current density of 10 mAcm(-2). The excellent OER performance was attributed to the 3D structures of porous 2D PVO, which promoted easy ionic transport and accelerated electron transfer.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
V. G. Dileepkumar, C. Pratapkumar, Ramarao Viswanatha, Basavanakote M. Basavaraja, Rapela R. Maphanga, Madhu Chennabasappa, Narasimha Srinivasa, Siddaramanna Ashoka, Zhong Chen, Sami Rtimi, Kolleboyina Jayaramulu, Rajendra S. Varma, Gyorgy Szekely, Mysore Sridhar Santosh
Summary: The stable and highly active electrocatalyst NaFeS2, prepared by the hydrothermal method, shows remarkable performance in both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with enhanced electrocatalytic activity. The material outperforms other electrocatalysts in its category, displaying improved efficiency and stability for water splitting applications. The study highlights the potential of NaFeS2 as a promising bifunctional electrocatalyst for large-scale hydrogen productions.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Electrochemistry
Bibhudatta Malik, Kalimuthu Vijaya Sankar, Rajashree Konar, Yoed Tsur, Gilbert Daniel Nessim
Summary: A heterostructure Fe3S4@Ni3S2 was designed as a potent OER electrocatalyst in alkaline medium, exhibiting low onset potential and overpotential. The OER kinetics of Fe3S4@Ni3S2 were examined using ISGP, revealing three events with decreased resistance at high overpotentials. Structural investigation using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggested catalytic activation via constant exchange of anions between electrode and electrolyte during electrochemical oxidation.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Michael Braig, Roswitha Zeis
Summary: Polybenzimidazole-based electrochemical hydrogen pumps (EHPs) can separate hydrogen from gas mixtures at low cell overpotential. They have robustness towards catalyst poisoning by common impurities in steam reformate and can operate at temperatures up to 180 degrees C. The physico-chemical processes in EHPs supplied with H2 contaminated with N2, CO2, and CO were investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and distribution of relaxation times (DRT) analysis. Five different processes were identified in the DRT spectrum, including proton transport, hydrogen evolution and oxidation reactions, mass transport in the anode gas diffusion electrode, and movement of phosphoric acid anions.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chao Feng, Xianghua She, Yequan Xiao, Yanbo Li
Summary: In this study, the active center of NiFe-based catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) was identified as Fe through the detection of highly-oxidized Fe-VI intermediates leached into the electrolyte. Furthermore, the incorporation of Co into NiFe-based catalyst was found to enhance the formation of Fe-VI active species and improve the OER activity of the catalyst. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms for sustainable generation of Fe-VI active species in NiFe-based catalysts and lay the foundation for the design of more efficient and stable OER catalysts.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Sandip K. Pahari, Yit-Tsong Chen
Summary: This study investigates the formation of intermediates in electrocatalyst-assisted water splitting using a bifunctional mechanism, and confirms the role of functionalized carboxylates in improving catalytic efficiency through pH-dependent and isotope labeling experiments.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Divya Priyadarshani, Debittree Choudhury, Miji E. Joy, Anil Kottantharayi, Manoj Neergat
Summary: n-type and p-type Si samples with various doping concentrations were studied in hydrogen fluoride electrolyte, showing up to six different low-frequency features in EIS spectra at negative overpotentials. These features, related to hydride formation and evolution processes, were well resolved on Si of appropriate dopant concentration, lending experimental support to theoretical models of hydrogen evolution reaction.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
D. A. Osinkin
Summary: This study presents the results of tests on different types of electrochemical cells, focusing on the impedance spectra analysis of fuel cells using the distribution of relaxation times (DRT) technique. By comparing the data obtained with symmetrical cells and using simple oxides with high electrochemical activity for electrode impregnation, the polarization resistance of the cathode and anode of the fuel cell can be determined separately, along with the reasons limiting the power of the cells. It was found that gas diffusion in the pores of the anode primarily limits the performance of high-performance fuel cells.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiang Chen, Liangyu Li, Mengmeng Liu, Tao Huang, Aishui Yu
Summary: The study proposes a non-destructive method for detecting lithium plating in batteries using distribution of relaxation times (DRT). By analyzing DRT results, the presence of lithium plating can be determined, which may help expand the application of battery safety warnings.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hainan Sun, Jiapeng Liu, Hyunseung Kim, Sanzhao Song, Liangshuang Fei, Zhiwei Hu, Hong-Ji Lin, Chien-Te Chen, Francesco Ciucci, WooChul Jung
Summary: This study synthesized Ni-doped CuO nanoarrays using a cation exchange strategy, which exhibit a low equilibrium potential and can be used to efficiently drive urea oxidation reaction with high stability. Experimental and theoretical studies show that Ni as the driving force center can enhance urea adsorption and stabilize intermediates, providing a new direction for developing promising Cu-based electrode catalysts.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Roby Soni, James B. Robinson, Paul R. Shearing, Dan J. L. Brett, Alexander J. E. Rettie, Thomas S. Miller
Summary: Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is widely used in battery analysis. However, the data interpretation in traditional analysis techniques is limited. This study demonstrates the use of distribution of relaxation times (DRT) analysis to provide quantitative deconvolution of EIS spectra from Li-S batteries, revealing the contributions of distinct electrode processes to the total cell polarisation.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuchi Wan, Lingxi Zhou, Ruitao Lv
Summary: This article discusses the challenges of high-current-density water electrolysis, including charge transfer, mass diffusion, and catalyst stability. Various electrocatalyst design strategies, such as morphology engineering, electronic structure modulation, and surface/interface engineering, are summarized in detail. Recent achievements in practical applications of anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) and proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) technologies are also discussed. Outlooks for future research on high-current-density water electrolysis are provided. This review will guide the rational design of catalysts for high-current-density water electrolysis and promote the development of industrial-scale green H2 production.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Iman Evazzade, Alexandra Zagalskaya, Vitaly Alexandrov
Summary: Cathodic corrosion of metals, discovered over 120 years ago, still remains poorly understood. This study uses density-functional-theory calculations to elucidate the identity of reaction intermediates and their reactivity at the Pt(111)/electrolyte interface, providing new insights into this process.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mingqi He, Xing Chen, Yanan Zhou, Chang Xu, Xingxing Li, Qiquan Luo, Jinlong Yang
Summary: Using first-principles calculations, single transition-metal (TM) atoms Mo, Re, and Os embedded in nitrogen vacancy of the MoSi2N4 monolayer were screened as potential catalysts for electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction. The spin states of these active centers can be precisely tuned through a simple doping strategy, and doping one O atom into the system significantly improves catalytic activity. The findings provide insight into designing and controlling spin-related catalytic performance in heterogeneous catalysis.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wenjamin Moschkowitsch, Kapil Dhaka, Shmuel Gonen, Rinat Attias, Yoed Tsur, Maytal Caspary Toroker, Lior Elbaz
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ashok Kumar Baral, Kalimuthu Vijaya Sankar, Asia Matatyaho, Gil Kushnir, Yoed Tsur
Article
Electrochemistry
Bibhudatta Malik, Kalimuthu Vijaya Sankar, Rajashree Konar, Yoed Tsur, Gilbert Daniel Nessim
Summary: A heterostructure Fe3S4@Ni3S2 was designed as a potent OER electrocatalyst in alkaline medium, exhibiting low onset potential and overpotential. The OER kinetics of Fe3S4@Ni3S2 were examined using ISGP, revealing three events with decreased resistance at high overpotentials. Structural investigation using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggested catalytic activation via constant exchange of anions between electrode and electrolyte during electrochemical oxidation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rinat Attias, Kalimuthu Vijaya Sankar, Kapil Dhaka, Wenjamin Moschkowitsch, Lior Elbaz, Maytal Caspary Toroker, Yoed Tsur
Summary: Trimetallic double hydroxide NiFeCo-OH was prepared by coprecipitation, and three different catalysts were fabricated by different heat treatments, with the catalyst prepared at a heating and cooling rate of 2 degrees C min(-1) in N-2 atmosphere (designated NiFeCo-N-2-2 degrees C) showing the best catalytic performance. The study also found that hydroxide phase catalysts are less suitable for long-term use compared to oxide phase catalysts, with the higher surface energy of the hydroxide-phase catalyst impairing stability.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mattan Zeev Becker, Sioma Baltianski, Larisa Popilevsky, Rinat Attias, Tanmoy Paul, Yoed Tsur
Summary: This study examines the mass-transfer mechanism during the transient stage of flash sintering using an in-house-made flash and quench system. Visual observations and electron microscopy imaging reveal new insights regarding the nature of flash sintering. The findings suggest that samples either show no signs of sintering, local sintering, or grain growth due to a hotspot, and electron microscopy images show atypical microstructures with sintering, massive grain growth, and surface visual findings.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gal Avioz Cohen, Danny Gelman, Yoed Tsur
Summary: This study utilized electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and distribution of relaxation times analysis, along with a genetic algorithm, to investigate PEMFC under different operating conditions and establish a typical model. The model consists of four peak functions representing the main physical processes in a fuel cell, and it is stable even as parameters change with cell degradation, making it suitable for further research on PEMFC degradation and performance.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Ashok Kumar Baral, Yoed Tsur
Summary: Many metal oxides exhibit thermo-chemical expansion that can lead to mechanical failure in devices such as solid oxide fuel cells. This study demonstrates the separation of expansion caused by chemical effects from pure thermal effects using temperature modulated dilatometry. However, different chemical effects at different temperatures complicate the analysis.
JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
John C. Douglin, Kalimuthu Vijaya Sankar, Ana Laura G. Biancolli, Elisabete I. Santiago, Yoed Tsur, Dario R. Dekel
Summary: The paper analyzes an operando anion-exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFC) using artificial intelligence. It quantifies the resistances of the various physical processes occurring in the system for the first time, providing valuable information to the AEMFC community and potentially other electrochemical processes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wenjamin Moschkowitsch, Shmuel Gonen, Kapil Dhaka, Noam Zion, Hilah Honig, Yoed Tsur, Maytal Caspary-Toroker, Lior Elbaz
Summary: Research shows that metal-organic frameworks embedded in activated carbon exhibit catalytic activity for both the oxygen evolution reaction and the hydrogen evolution reaction. Cobalt was identified as the most active metal center, with the potential to serve as a bifunctional catalyst.
