Article
Energy & Fuels
Ruijin Fan, Bing Xu, Lei Shi, Nianben Zheng, Zhiqiang Sun
Summary: Phase change material (PCM)-based harvesting and storage systems are promising solutions to solar energy's intermittence and non-uniformity issues. This study presents a facile and scalable PCM-based system with heat transfer and light absorption enhancement using fins and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for solar water heating applications. Experimental and numerical simulation results demonstrate the efficient performance of the proposed system.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ting-Hsun Chou, Joy Thomas, Yun-Ke Liou, Cheng-Liang Liu, Kuo-Lun Tung
Summary: Photothermal membrane distillation (PMD) is an emerging thermal-driven process that utilizes solar energy for desalination. This study presents a dual-layer carbon black (CB)/PVDF membrane for PMD, which significantly enhances water production rate and solar utilization efficiency. This multifunctional coated membrane not only improves the photothermal properties but also reduces crystallization and physical binding, providing a promising solution to the water crisis, especially in off-grid areas.
ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yongming Sha, Enbing Bi, Yao Zhang, Pengbin Ru, Weiyu Kong, Peng Zhang, Xudong Yang, Han Chen, Liyuan Han
Summary: A new type of PSC module has been developed to chemically passivate lead defects, improving the operational stability and efficiency of the solar cells. The results show that this new PSC module demonstrates excellent stability and efficiency in high temperature and humid environments.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Youqiang Huang, Yingjie Zhao, Yuan Liu, Beibei Xu, Shiqing Xu, Gongxun Bai
Summary: The research developed two-dimensional heterostructure nanosheets as the photothermal agent, combining WSe2 and graphene to achieve enhanced solar-to-heat conversion efficiency and constructing an efficient solar-driven evaporation system.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Mahtab Farahpoor, Saeid Azizian
Summary: Nowadays, there is a global issue of water shortage, which has attracted widespread attention. The desalination of seawater using solar energy as a green and abundant energy source to produce fresh water is a sustainable and energy-efficient method that has been recently studied. In this research, carbon-coated sand was synthesized using low-cost and green materials (sand and sugar) and its performance as a photothermal material was investigated. The results showed that the carbonized sand had a good evaporation rate and efficiency under real sun irradiation and exhibited potential for use in green solar-driven water vaporization technology.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bing He, Songru Jia, Mingyang Zhao, Yang Wang, Tao Chen, Shiqiang Zhao, Zhen Li, Zhiqun Lin, Yanli Zhao, Xueqin Liu
Summary: The performance of photoanodes in PEC water splitting can be significantly enhanced by sandwiching a photothermal Co3O4 layer between a BiVO4 film and an FeOOH/NiOOH electrocatalyst sheet. This strategy improves light absorption, charge transfer, and water oxidation kinetics simultaneously, leading to superior photocurrent density and efficiency. The use of a variety of metal sulfides, nitrides, and phosphides as heaters can also yield high-performance photoanodes.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Abhyavartin Selvam, Geetika Jain, Rajib Ghosh Chaudhuri, Mrinal Kanti Mandal, Sandip Chakrabarti
Summary: This review highlights the importance and prospects of photothermal interfacial evaporation (PTIE) technology in seawater desalination, focusing on the new advances in nanomaterials for photothermal desalination and the condensation techniques for collecting desalinated water. It also incorporates reports on innovative solar-driven water purification projects undertaken by different countries.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Wen Luo, Changrui Shi, Shuai Wang, Huiquan Liu, Yang Zhang, Yongchen Song, Jiafei Zhao, Lunxiang Zhang, Zheng Ling
Summary: Solar-driven interfacial evaporation is a promising method to purify seawater and wastewater and alleviate water scarcity. However, the practical application of this method is limited due to high material cost, complex fabrication methods, and short service life. In this study, a novel 3D photothermal aerogel composed of vermiculite nanosheets and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) precursors was prepared, which showed impressive properties and great salt-rejection ability. The optimized aerogel exhibited high evaporation rate and excellent performance in treating high-salt brine water and organic dye-contained wastewater, providing an attractive and effective way to mitigate water scarcity.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Idris Ibrahim, Dong Han Seo, Alexander Angeloski, Andrew McDonagh, Ho Kyong Shon, Leonard D. Tijing
Summary: This study successfully synthesized heterostructure microflowers composed of vertically aligned CuS/Sn2S3 nanosheets using a single-step solvothermal method for solar steam generation application. Through the excellent design of microflower structures and nanocavities, high-efficiency water evaporation, salt ions rejection, and organic dye removal were achieved in various applications.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Changrui Shi, Wen Luo, Yang Zhang, Huiquan Liu, Mingjun Yang, Yongchen Song, Jiafei Zhao, Zheng Ling
Summary: The use of solar-driven interfacial evaporation is a promising solution to the freshwater crisis. A cellulose-based carbon paper with excellent flexibility and structural stability was prepared by a simple strategy. The paper's porous structure, high light absorption, and solar-thermal conversion capability make it highly efficient for clean water production from various sources.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Na Wei, Zhenkui Li, Qi Li, Enquan Yang, Ruiqi Xu, Xiaojie Song, Jinquan Sun, Cong Dou, Jian Tian, Hongzhi Cui
Summary: This study prepared a highly efficient solar steam generator using a hydrophobic PVDF/WS2 porous membrane, which shows excellent light absorption and hydrophobicity due to the synergistic effect of porous structure and WS2 photothermal materials. The evaporator achieves high evaporation rate and thermal efficiency under sunlight, demonstrating great potential for commercial solar desalination and wastewater treatment applications.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Stephanie K. Loeb, Haoran Wei, Jae-Hong Kim
Summary: This study explores the efficient solar-to-heat conversion technology using metallic nanoparticles, and introduces a fluorescent technique for measuring spatially resolved temperatures, which can be a valuable tool for future research in this area.
Article
Thermodynamics
Yan Li, Shiming Wang, Xiaoyi Liu, Wenpeng Hong, Haoran Li
Summary: This paper introduces a novel evaporator that achieves synchronous management of heat, water, and salt by adjusting the height of the sidewall of the solar absorber. The evaporator demonstrates a rapid evaporation rate in both light and darkness, and remains stable during operation in a high concentration NaCl solution. In addition, the water collected by the evaporator per unit area can satisfy the needs of at least three people.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dechao Chen, Zengxi Wei, Mengjia Wang, Shuangliang Zhao, Pan Liu, Anlian Pan, Yongwen Tan
Summary: This study presents a general method for scalable in situ doping of centimeter-sized nanoporous ReSe2 films with transition metal atoms. The as-prepared nanoporous Ru-ReSe2 film with high 1T phase exhibits excellent electrochemical activity in hydrogen evolution reaction.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yuchao Chen, Changchang Sha, Yihao Yu, Wenju Wang
Summary: This study utilized carbonized corncob as a low-cost agricultural waste material to prepare solar thermal conversion materials with porous structures and hydrophilic properties, achieving efficient water transportation and high light-to-heat conversion efficiency.
ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tianran Wei, Haihong Bao, Xinzhong Wang, Shusheng Zhang, Qian Liu, Jun Luo, Xijun Liu
Summary: Hierarchical P-doped MoS2 nanospheres are developed as electrocatalysts for the reduction of NO to NH3 in an ionic liquid electrolyte, showing a maximal Faradaic efficiency of 69% (-0.6 V vs RHE) and a peak yield rate of 388.3 μg h(-1) mg(cat.)(-1) (-0.7 V vs RHE), comparable to the best-reported results. The catalyst exhibits stable NORR activity over 30 hours and 6 cycles, facilitated by the P dopants in MoS2 and the use of a hydrophobic IL electrolyte, effectively slowing down the HER kinetics.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Huijie Cao, Tianran Wei, Qian Liu, Shusheng Zhang, Yongji Qin, Hao Wang, Jun Luo, Xijun Liu
Summary: The electrocatalytic conversion of water-to-hydrogen powered by renewable energy is a promising strategy to solve energy and environment problems. However, the low efficiency of anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) leads to large energy consumption. In this study, we developed a catalyst with dual functions for OER and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), which showed better performance than the Ni-free and solid samples. Additionally, the catalyst also exhibited improved electrochemical performance for glycerol/glucose oxidation reaction, saving a significant amount of energy for hydrogen production when compared with OER.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tianran Wei, Wenxian Liu, Shusheng Zhang, Qian Liu, Jun Luo, Xijun Liu
Summary: In this study, a novel catalyst was reported, which can selectively catalyze HMF-to-FDCA oxidation at ambient conditions with high efficiency, yield rate, and conversion. The catalyst also has the capability to simultaneously produce H2 and FDCA.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tianwei Wang, Sanshuang Gao, Tianran Wei, Yongji Qin, Shusheng Zhang, Junyang Ding, Qian Liu, Jun Luo, Xijun Liu
Summary: We designed and fabricated Co nanoparticles confined in Mo/N co-doped polyhedral carbon frameworks derived from polyoxometalate-encapsulated metal-organic framework. The resulting Co-NP/MNCF showed comparable ORR performance with commercial Pt/C and exhibited excellent ORR stability and methanol tolerance. These appealing performances can be attributed to the porosity regulation and heteroatom doping of the metal-organic framework derived polyhedral carbon frameworks, which promote the exposure of active sites, optimization of electronic structure, and mass transfer of electrolyte/electron/ion.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mengmeng Jin, Shuai Liu, Ge Meng, Shusheng Zhang, Qian Liu, Jun Luo, Xijun Liu
Summary: The study presents the design of a highly selective and stable Mo clusters catalyst for direct H2O2 electrosynthesis through a 2e(-) pathway. The catalyst shows high H2O2 selectivity, excellent catalytic activity and stability. This research provides new insights into the development of catalysts for 2e(-) ORR to H2O2 powered by renewable energy.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xianghua Hou, Junyang Ding, Wenxian Liu, Shusheng Zhang, Jun Luo, Xijun Liu
Summary: Single-atom catalysts (SACs) are widely used in renewable energy storage and conversion systems. Various supports, such as organic, metal, and carbonaceous matrices, have been developed to stabilize single-atom catalytic sites. The coordination structure of metal species greatly affects the electrocatalytic capabilities of metal atom active centers, especially in asymmetric atom electrocatalysts that exhibit unique properties and different CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) performance. This review summarizes the recent development of asymmetric atom sites for CO2RR and emphasizes the strategies for regulating coordination structure and its effect on CO2RR performance. It also proposes scientific possibilities to further advance asymmetric atom electrocatalysts for CO2RR.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sanshuang Gao, Tianwei Wang, Mengmeng Jin, Shusheng Zhang, Qian Liu, Guangzhi Hu, Hui Yang, Jun Luo, Xijun Liu
Summary: In this study, a bifunctional catalyst for CO2RR and ORR reactions in aqueous Zn-air batteries (ZAB) was developed. The catalyst, consisting of atomically dispersed niobium anchored onto N-doped ordered mesoporous carbon (Nb-N-C), exhibited high activity for CO2RR, ORR, and ZAB, thanks to the high Nb atom-utilization efficiency and ordered mesoporous structure. Furthermore, the self-powered CO2 electrolysis system showed promising performance with continuous CO2 conversion.
SCIENCE CHINA-MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wei Liu, Haoqiang Li, Pengfei Ou, Jing Mao, Lili Han, Jun Song, Jun Luo, Huolin L. Xin
Summary: Chinese researchers reported a non-precious Cu-Sn diatomic sites catalyst anchored on nitrogen-doped porous carbon (CuSn/NPC) for efficient CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) to CO. The catalyst showed outstanding selectivity with CO Faradaic efficiency up to 99.1%, much higher than that of individual Cu and Sn single-atom catalysts. The high stability and selectivity of CuSn/NPC were confirmed through consecutive 24-hour electrolysis. Theoretical calculations revealed the activation of CO2 and weakened C-O bonds upon chemisorption on the CuSn/NPC catalyst.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Shanshan Chen, Kang Lian, Wenxian Liu, Qian Liu, Gaocan Qi, Jun Luo, Xijun Liu
Summary: As an ideal carbon-free energy carrier, ammonia plays a crucial role in modern society. The conventional industrial synthesis of NH3 results in high energy consumption and environmental pollution, highlighting the importance of developing NH3 synthesis under benign conditions. Electrochemical synthesis of NH3 using zinc-nitrogen batteries has gained attention due to its mild reaction conditions and environmental friendliness. However, the current challenges lie in the low power density and ammonia production of these battery systems. This review summarizes the latest progress in zinc-nitrogen batteries, including reaction mechanisms, reactor design principles, and strategies to improve their performance.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Miaosen Yang, Tianran Wei, Jia He, Qian Liu, Ligang Feng, Hongyi Li, Jun Luo, Xijun Liu
Summary: In this study, Au nanoclusters anchored on TiO2 nanosheets were found to efficiently catalyze the conversion of NO3RR-to-NH3 under ambient conditions, achieving a maximal Faradic efficiency of 91% and a peak yield rate of 1923 μg/h·mg(cat). Furthermore, a galvanic Zn-nitrate battery using the catalyst as the cathode demonstrated high power density and yield rate. Theoretical simulations indicated that the atomically dispersed Au clusters promoted the adsorption and activation of NO3- species, reducing the barrier for NO3RR-to-NH3 and accelerating the cathodic reaction.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tong Hou, Junyang Ding, Hao Zhang, Shanshan Chen, Qian Liu, Jun Luo, Xijun Liu
Summary: Due to the environmental pollution and high energy consumption of the conventional method, electrocatalytic urea synthesis is considered a promising and sustainable alternative. In this study, a nitrogen-doped porous carbon loaded with bimetallic FeNi3 alloy nanoparticles was used as an efficient electrocatalyst for urea synthesis from CO2 and NO3-. The FeNi3 alloy served as the active site, leading to a higher urea yield and faradaic efficiency compared to monometallic catalysts. In addition, the urea generation process was monitored using in situ Raman spectroscopy, revealing the key reaction step of C-N coupling.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tianran Wei, Ge Meng, Yinhai Zhou, Zhifeng Wang, Qian Liu, Jun Luo, Xijun Liu
Summary: In this study, amorphous iron-cobalt oxide was prepared through the dealloying of trimetallic FeCoAl, exhibiting excellent performance in both urea oxidation and hydrogen evolution reactions (UOR and HER) in alkaline seawater. The catalyst showed stable UOR and HER activity due to the presence of abundant active sites and oxygen vacancies. The applied potentials of 1.52 and -0.185 V were required to achieve 100 mA cm(-2) for the UOR and HER, respectively. Furthermore, when used as both the cathode and anode, the electrolyzer required a working voltage of 1.68 V to yield 100 mA cm(-2) for urea-assisted hydrogen production.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jie Xu, Yun Li, Runxin Li, Tianren Lin, Na Han, Changfei Jin, Yifei Yuan, Yanguang Li, Jun Luo
Summary: Two-dimensional (2D) materials have become promising electrocatalysts in energy conversion due to their unique atomic configuration and electronic characteristics. However, the ultrathin layered structure and diverse atomic structure pose challenges in studying their catalytic mechanism. Advanced electron microscopy techniques have provided opportunities to directly investigate the structure-performance relationships of 2D catalysts at the atomic level. This review discusses the recent progress of electron microscopy techniques in understanding the relationship between surface structure and catalytic performance of 2D electrocatalysts, providing support for revealing the working mechanisms of 2D catalytic materials. Moreover, the main challenges and future directions in exploring 2D catalytic materials with electron microscopy are also presented.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Hao Zhang, Gaocan Qi, Wei Liu, Shusheng Zhang, Qian Liu, Jun Luo, Xijun Liu
Summary: Selective electrocatalytic oxidation of biomass-derived HMF to valuable FDCA using Mn-doped FePSe3 nanosheets is achieved under ambient conditions. The catalyst exhibits high faradaic efficiency, yield rate, and stability, surpassing the values for pure FePSe3. In addition, the catalyst shows excellent activity for alkaline hydrogen evolution. Furthermore, the catalyst is applied as both the anode and cathode in a single electrolyzer for simultaneous production of hydrogen and FDCA.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tianran Wei, Shusheng Zhang, Qian Liu, Yuan Qiu, Jun Luo, Xijun Liu
Summary: An amorphous copper oxide nanofilm with oxygen vacancies was prepared to efficiently convert carbon dioxide to ethylene through electrocatalysis. The catalyst exhibited advantages in CO2 adsorption and intermediate affinity, and showed excellent stability and current density.
ACTA PHYSICO-CHIMICA SINICA
(2023)
