Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Pin Wang, Mengfan Xue, Dongjian Jiang, Yanliang Yang, Junzhe Zhang, Hongzheng Dong, Gengzhi Sun, Yingfang Yao, Wenjun Luo, Zhigang Zou
Summary: This study reports a photovoltage memory effect in a Si/CoOx/KBi(aq)/MnOx Faradaic junction solar rechargeable device, which can record the value of the photovoltage and minimize interface energy loss, leading to higher performance. Moreover, a portable device with the highest volumetric energy density in the dark state is achieved.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhihang Wang, Henry Moise, Martina Cacciarini, Mogens Brondsted Nielsen, Masa-Aki Morikawa, Nobuo Kimizuka, Kasper Moth-Poulsen
Summary: The study explores the potential of a photoswitchable molecules-based solar thermal energy storage system (MOST) and uses a multijunction device combining various photoswitches to push the efficiency limit on solar energy collection and storage. Experimental demonstration of a three-layered MOST device with different photoswitches in liquid state shows the feasibility of increasing energy capture and storage behavior by tailoring molecules. This conceptual device introduces a new approach to optimize molecular candidates for MOST, showing that significant improvements can be made by efficiently storing solar energy at specific wavelengths.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhantao Pei, Yijie Liu, Wutong Zhao, Caiyi Yang, Shengtao Li, Pingkai Jiang, Jie Chen, Xingyi Huang
Summary: In this study, a convenient and efficient photo-crosslinking method is proposed to enhance the heat resistance and electrical insulation of polymer dielectric materials. The crosslinked polymer shows unprecedented breakdown strength and excellent energy storage density at both room temperature and high temperature, while also demonstrating electrical breakdown self-healing properties.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Huangjun Xue, Xin Wen, Cheng Fu, Haolan Zhan, Zongquan Zou, Ruifen Zhang, Yongpeng Xia, Fen Xu, Lixian Sun
Summary: Developing an integrated solar energy conversion and storage device is an attractive approach to compensate for the energy loss of directly connecting separate devices. In this study, a photocapacitive device based on the Cu2O/CuO heterostructure is developed, which exhibits high specific capacitance and open-circuit potential. Additionally, the photo-charge and dark-discharge ability of the Cu2O/CuO system under zero-bias are discovered and explained using the concept of Faradaic junction. This work presents a new avenue for high-performance Cu2O-based solar energy storage devices.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Junzhe Zhang, Dongjian Jiang, Pin Wang, Jun Zhong, Gengzhi Sun, Yingfang Yao, Wenjun Luo, Zhigang Zou
Summary: The study introduces a two-electrode solar rechargeable device with a working voltage of 0.9 V, the highest among previously reported devices. The high voltage is attributed to the positive onset potential of CoPi, a new energy storage material used for the first time. Comparison with other Co-based materials suggests that CoPi's low tetrahedral Co(II) content contributes to its higher oxidation potential.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
A. Gouder, F. Podjaski, A. Jimenez-Solano, J. Kroeger, Y. Wang, B. V. Lotsch
Summary: We present an earth-abundant solar battery based on a carbon nitride photoanode, combined with organic hole transfer and storage materials. This concept allows charging with light during both electrical charge and discharge, significantly increasing the energy output of the cell.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Feng Cai, Tianfu Song, Bowen Yang, Xuande Lv, Liqun Zhang, Haifeng Yu
Summary: This study introduces a nanoconfinement approach to enhance the energy density of solar thermal energy storage within phase-change materials (PCMs) by utilizing microphase separation of a block copolymer, allowing the selective dispersion of PCMs into nanodomains of polymer film. The unique nanoconfinement effect achieved through nanoscale microphase separation enables the enhancement of crystallization temperature of PCMs, facilitating the simultaneous storage of natural sunlight and environmental heat in a novel solar thermal fuel system.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Maria V. Maevskaya, Aida V. Rudakova, Alexandra V. Koroleva, Aleksandr S. Sakhatskii, Alexei V. Emeline, Detlef W. Bahnemann
Summary: The comparative studies of photostimulated hydrophilic behavior on heterostructured TiO2/BiVO4 and ZnO/BiVO4, as well as monocomponent TiO2 and ZnO nanocoating surfaces, show that the differences in heterostructure types play a significant role in determining charge transfer behavior at heterojunctions and surface superhydrophilic conversion.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Liqiu Yan, Yan Li, Siqi Li, Xiangnan Sun, Yao Li, Xue Han, Meilan Huang, Xia Tao
Summary: In this study, a high-quality 2D/3D CsPbI2Br perovskite film was fabricated using an in situ growth method, which exhibited excellent hydrophobicity and well-matched energy levels with the hole transport layer. This resulted in improved power conversion efficiency and stability for CsPbI2Br PSCs. By combining 2D/3D CsPbI2Br with MAPbI(3), a high-performance and stable all-PTSC was developed.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Wenxin Li, Tianhui Yang, Gengyao Li, Jianing Lu, Ying Xin
Summary: This article introduces a new energy conversion/storage device based on the unique interaction between a permanent magnet and a closed superconducting coil, which is able to efficiently convert mechanical energy to electrical energy without the need for external power supply or motor/generator. Experimental results show that this device has high efficiency and is suitable for vehicle regenerative braking, particularly meaningful for energy conservation in urban rail transportations.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Sree K. A. Raj, Pratap Mane, Sithara Radhakrishnan, Brahmananda Chakraborty, Chandra Sekhar Rout
Summary: In this work, metallic VSe2 layered material was grown on MXene sheets to form VSe2/MXene heterostructures, which exhibited enhanced energy storage performance. Experimental observations demonstrated that VSe2/MXene had better capacitive behavior and charge storage capacity. Density functional theory simulations revealed the interaction between VSe2 and MXene was attributed to electronic charge transfer and weak van der Waals forces. Additionally, an asymmetric supercapacitor was constructed using VSe2/MXene electrodes, further improving the energy storage performance.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hongwei Cai, Weidong Zhao, Guohong Xiao, Yucheng Hu, Xiaomin Wu, Huanyang Ni, Shigeru Ikeda, Yunhau Ng, Jiahua Tao, Lingzhi Zhao, Feng Jiang
Summary: A record solar to hydrogen (STH) conversion efficiency of 8% is achieved on the Cu2ZnSnS4-BiVO4 tandem cell through the synergy of solar thermal and photoelectrochemical water splitting. The greenhouse system plays a crucial role in the efficient solar water splitting process. Furthermore, the TD-Cu2ZnSnS4-BiVO4 integrated tandem cell shows great potential for practical applications with high STH efficiency and long-term stability.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
S. A. Beknalkar, A. M. Teli, N. S. Harale, J. C. Shin, P. S. Patil
Summary: In this study, IrO2@Mn3O4 nanocomposite was designed and synthesized using two-step simple and scalable chemical routes, and its structural, morphological, and energy storage performance were investigated. The optimized electrode showed superior specific capacitance and voltage performance, while the solid-state symmetric device exhibited high energy density and power output, capable of lighting up an LED. The combination of 2D transition metal oxides with high conductivity 1D metal oxides shows promise for future electrode research.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xizhuang Liang, Peng Wang, Fengxia Tong, Xiaolei Liu, Cong Wang, Minrui Wang, Qianqian Zhang, Zeyan Wang, Yuanyuan Liu, Zhaoke Zheng, Ying Dai, Baibiao Huang
Summary: P-type and n-type BiVO4 photoelectrodes were prepared using different synthesis methods, and their photoelectrochemical performance was improved through surface modification and co-catalysts. A tandem-type PEC cell was successfully built, showing promising results for water splitting.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Guoquan Suo, Syed Musab Ahmed, Yan Cheng, Jiaqi Zhang, Zongyou Li, Xiaojiang Hou, Yanling Yang, Xiaohui Ye, Lei Feng, Li Zhang, Qiyao Yu
Summary: A new nitrogen doped carbon coating CoS2/CuCo2S4 heterostructure was developed as an anode for potassium ions batteries, demonstrating outstanding rate capability and long-term cycling life. Additionally, the conversion reaction mechanism in the anode was revealed through ex situ XRD characterizations.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Roser Fernandez-Climent, Andres F. Gualdron-Reyes, Miguel Garcia-Tecedor, Camilo A. Mesa, Drialys Cardenas-Morcoso, Laura Montanes, Eva M. Barea, Elena Mas-Marza, Beatriz Julian-Lopez, Ivan Mora-Sero, Sixto Gimenez
Summary: This study demonstrates the tailored photoelectrochemical behavior of CsPbBr3 NC films and their activation of benzyl alcohol oxidation and reduction reactions. The results highlight the potential of halide perovskite NCs for photoelectrocatalytic applications, emphasizing the need for stabilization strategies to advance technological developments.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
David Carvajal, Ramon Arcas, Camilo A. Mesa, Sixto Gimenez, Francisco Fabregat-Santiago, Elena Mas-Marza
Summary: This article focuses on the electrochemical reduction and hydrogenation of nitrobenzene to aniline using Cu/Pd electrodes. The study found that the deposition of Pd on the surface of the Cu electrode can decrease the overpotential for nitrobenzene reduction and improve the rate and selectivity of aniline production. Impedance spectroscopy analysis indicates that Pd enhances the production of H* radicals, which are necessary for the nitrobenzene reduction process.
ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Isabel Ciria-Ramos, Nuria Navascues, Fatou Diaw, Clarisse Furgeaud, Raul Arenal, Alejandro Anson-Casaos, Marta Haro, Emilio J. Juarez-Perez
Summary: The pyrolysis of formamidinium halide salts can result in a new type of amorphous carbon nitride material with a high nitrogen content. The research identified the main building block of this material and explored the temperature-dependent mechanisms affecting its properties, while also foreseeing its potential value as a native passivation layer in perovskite solar cells.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Maged N. Shaddad, Prabhakarn Arunachalam, Mabrook S. Amer, Abdullah M. Al-Mayouf, Mahmoud Hezam, Haneen A. Aloraij, Sixto Gimenez
Summary: This study demonstrated the synergistic catalytic behavior of ZrO2 and cobalt phosphate on anodized TiO2 nanotubes, significantly enhancing the performance of visible-light-driven water splitting reactions. The addition of ZrO2/CoPi decorated TNTs improved the surface reaction kinetics, charge transfer efficiency, and photocurrent density, making it promising for developing solar fuel electrodes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Reshma R. Rao, Sacha Corby, Alberto Bucci, Miguel Garcia-Tecedor, Camilo A. Mesa, Jan Rossmeisl, Sixto Gimenez, Julio Lloret-Fillol, Ifan E. L. Stephens, James R. Durrant
Summary: In this study, a series of doped nickel oxides were investigated using operando UV-vis spectroscopy and time-resolved stepped potential spectroelectrochemistry. The relationship between charging of the oxide and OER kinetics was revealed. It was found that for Ni centers that bind oxygen too strongly, OER kinetics is limited by O-O coupling and oxygen desorption, while for Ni centers that bind oxygen too weakly, OER kinetics is limited by the formation of oxo groups.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Andres F. Gualdron-Reyes, Camilo A. Mesa, Sixto Gimenez, Ivan Mora-Sero
Summary: This review discusses various strategies to stabilize halide perovskite nanocrystals in polar solvents and explores their potential applications in photocatalysis. The review highlights the importance of stabilizing perovskite nanocrystals for efficient solar-driven chemical reactions and emphasizes the benefits of lead-free perovskite nanocrystals for energy production.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ramon Arcas, Drialys Cardenas-Morcoso, Maria Chiara Spadaro, Miguel Garcia-Tecedor, Camilo A. Mesa, Jordi Arbiol, Francisco Fabregat-Santiago, Sixto Gimenez, Elena Mas-Marza
Summary: This study discovered a significant enhancement in photocurrent when exposing BiVO4 photoanodes to light-aging treatments, which is associated with the formation of oxygen vacancies. Chemical segregation of Bi species toward the surface and the formation of intra-bandgap states associated with oxygen vacancies were demonstrated. These states were proven to be photoactive, generating photocurrent under infrared excitation.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Deepak Bansal, Drialys Cardenas-Morcoso, Nicolas Boscher
Summary: Directly fused nickel(ii) porphyrins have been investigated as efficient heterogeneous catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The polymer thin films of these porphyrins show significantly higher activity than monomeric thin films due to the formation of conjugated structures enabling a dinuclear radical oxo-coupling mechanism at low overpotential. The role of the porphyrin substituent in the conformation and performance of porphyrin conjugated polymers has been deciphered, providing insights for molecular engineering and further integration of these materials as efficient catalysts.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anna Lucia Pellegrino, Giuseppe Bengasi, Kamal Baba, Drialys Cardenas-Morcoso, Deepak Bansal, Graziella Malandrino, Nicolas D. Boscher
Summary: This study reports a simple and scalable gas-phase approach for the simultaneous synthesis and deposition of heterometallic porphyrin conjugated polymer thin films. The oxidative chemical vapor deposition (oCVD) reaction of different metal cations chelated with 5,15-(diaryl) porphyrins readily forms new hetero-metalated fused porphyrin tapes. Multiple porphyrins react to easily engineer the chemical features and electronic and optoelectronic properties of the resulting highly conjugated porphyrin polymers. This gas-phase approach overcomes the limitations of conventional solution-based approaches and has potential applications in various fields.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Isabel Ciria-Ramos, Emilio J. Juarez-Perez, Marta Haro
Summary: A Cu2O-TiO2 photoelectrode is proposed for simultaneous solar light energy harvesting and storing of electrochemical energy in an adapted lithium coin cell. The Cu2O semiconductor layer acts as the light harvester and induces lithiation/delithiation processes in the TiO2 film based on the applied bias voltage and light power. This study presents a new approach for the role of photoelectrodes in advancing monolithic rechargeable batteries.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Chiara Nomellini, Annalisa Polo, Camilo A. Mesa, Ernest Pastor, Gianluigi Marra, Ivan Grigioni, Maria Vittoria Dozzi, Sixto Gimenez, Elena Selli
Summary: The performance of composite WO3/BiVO4 photoanodes can be improved by nanostructuring the WO3 underlayer, mitigating charge transport and recombination issues.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Seul-Yi Lee, Patricio Serafini, Sofia Masi, Andres F. Gualdron-Reyes, Camilo A. Mesa, Jhonatan Rodriguez-Pereira, Sixto Gimenez, Hyo Joong Lee, Ivan Mora-Sero
Summary: In this study, a highly efficient photoanode electrode for the degradation of pollutants was prepared by directly forming nanoscale perovskite on the surface of mesoporous titanium dioxide film, and optimization was achieved by introducing a thin aluminum oxide coating layer. A photovoltaic/PEC tandem system was also developed to supply high voltage for efficient oxidation of pollutants without an external bias.
ACS ENERGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Isabel Ciria-Ramos, Ines Tejedor, Lucia Caparros, Beatriz Donagueda, Oscar Lacruz, Ainhoa Urtizberea, Olivier Roubeau, Ignacio Gascon, Marta Haro
Summary: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising materials for next-generation batteries due to their high surface area, well-defined metal centers, and organic linkers. In this study, a Ni-3(HHTP)(2) MOF was synthesized at the air-liquid interface and used as an electrode in lithium batteries. The MOF film protected the copper collector from oxidation and exhibited improved coulombic efficiency with the inclusion of crystallization time. The use of Langmuir technique allows for the testing of MOF-based materials without the need for additives in the electrodes.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ernest Pastor, Laura Montanes, Ana Gutierrez-Blanco, Franziska S. Hegner, Camilo A. Mesa, Nuria Lopez, Sixto Gimenez
Summary: This review discusses the impact of crystal facets and disorder on photoelectrochemical reactivity, highlighting how crystal orientation influences the energetics and transport of reactive charges, ultimately determining PEC activity. The evaluation of facet stability on the tendency for solid reconstruction during catalytic processes is also emphasized, as well as the experimental and computational challenges that need to be overcome to characterize the role of exposed facets and disorder in catalytic performance.
