Editorial

2 pages, 148 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Advancing Energy Storage and Catalysis with Novel Nanomaterials

by Zhenyu Yang and Jinsheng Zhao

Materials 2023, 16(19), 6425; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16196425 - 27 Sep 2023

Viewed by 535

In the dynamic realm of materials science, novel nanomaterials possess the transformative potential to reshape various industries, ranging from energy storage to catalysis [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Nanomaterials for Energy Storage and Catalysis)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

17 pages, 2681 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anodizing Tungsten Foil with Ionic Liquids for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Applications

by Elianny Da Silva, Ginebra Sánchez-García, Alberto Pérez-Calvo, Ramón M. Fernández-Domene, Benjamin Solsona and Rita Sánchez-Tovar

Materials 2024, 17(6), 1243; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17061243 - 08 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 452

Abstract

This research examines the influence of adding a commercial ionic liquid to the electrolyte during the electrochemical anodization of tungsten for the fabrication of WO₃ nanostructures for photoelectrochemical applications. An aqueous electrolyte composed of 1.5 M methanesulfonic acid and 5% v/ [...] Read more.

This research examines the influence of adding a commercial ionic liquid to the electrolyte during the electrochemical anodization of tungsten for the fabrication of WO₃ nanostructures for photoelectrochemical applications. An aqueous electrolyte composed of 1.5 M methanesulfonic acid and 5% v/v [BMIM][BF₄] or [EMIM][BF₄] was used. A nanostructure synthesized in an ionic-liquid-free electrolyte was taken as a reference. Morphological and structural studies of the nanostructures were performed via field emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses. Electrochemical characterization was carried out using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and a Mott–Schottky analysis. From the results, it is highlighted that, by adding either of the two ionic liquids to the electrolyte, well-defined WO₃ nanoplates with improved morphological, structural, and electrochemical properties are obtained compared to samples synthesized without ionic liquid. In order to evaluate their photoelectrocatalytic performance, the samples were used as photocatalysts to generate hydrogen by splitting water molecules and in the photoelectrochemical degradation of methyl red dye. In both applications, the nanostructures synthesized with the addition of either of the ionic liquids showed a better performance. These findings confirm the suitability of ionic liquids, such as [BMIM][BF₄] and [EMIM][BF₄], for the synthesis of highly efficient photoelectrocatalysts via electrochemical anodization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Nanomaterials for Energy Storage and Catalysis)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 2344 KiB

Open AccessArticle

C₆₀- and CdS-Co-Modified Nano-Titanium Dioxide for Highly Efficient Photocatalysis and Hydrogen Production

by Meifang Zhang, Xiangfei Liang, Yang Gao and Yi Liu

Materials 2024, 17(5), 1206; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17051206 - 05 Mar 2024

Viewed by 587

Abstract

The inherent properties of TiO₂, including a wide band gap and restricted spectral response range, hinder its commercial application and its ability to harness only 2–3% of solar energy. To address these challenges and unlock TiO₂’s full potential in [...] Read more.

The inherent properties of TiO₂, including a wide band gap and restricted spectral response range, hinder its commercial application and its ability to harness only 2–3% of solar energy. To address these challenges and unlock TiO₂’s full potential in photocatalysis, C₆₀- and CdS-co-modified nano-titanium dioxide has been adopted in this work to reduce the band gap, extend the absorption wavelength, and control photogenerated carrier recombination, thereby enhancing TiO₂’s light-energy-harnessing capabilities and hydrogen evolution capacity. Using the sol-gel method, we successfully synthesized CdS-C₆₀/TiO₂ composite nanomaterials, harnessing the unique strengths of CdS and C₆₀. The results showed a remarkable average yield of 34.025 μmol/h for TiO₂ co-modified with CdS and C₆₀, representing a substantial 17-fold increase compared to pure CdS. Simultaneously, the average hydrogen generation of C₆₀-modified CdS surged to 5.648 μmol/h, a notable two-fold improvement over pure CdS. This work opens up a new avenue for the substantial improvement of both the photocatalytic degradation efficiency and hydrogen evolution capacity, offering promise of a brighter future in photocatalysis research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Nanomaterials for Energy Storage and Catalysis)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 4102 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Facile Synthesis of Mesoporous Nanohybrid Two-Dimensional Layered Ni-Cr-S and Reduced Graphene Oxide for High-Performance Hybrid Supercapacitors

by Ravindra N. Bulakhe, Anh Phan Nguyen, Changyoung Ryu, Ji Man Kim and Jung Bin In

Materials 2023, 16(19), 6598; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16196598 - 08 Oct 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 894

Abstract

This study describes the single-step synthesis of a mesoporous layered nickel-chromium-sulfide (NCS) and its hybridization with single-layered graphene oxide (GO) using a facile, inexpensive chemical method. The conductive GO plays a critical role in improving the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of hybridized NCS/reduced [...] Read more.

This study describes the single-step synthesis of a mesoporous layered nickel-chromium-sulfide (NCS) and its hybridization with single-layered graphene oxide (GO) using a facile, inexpensive chemical method. The conductive GO plays a critical role in improving the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of hybridized NCS/reduced GO (NCSG) materials. The optimized mesoporous nanohybrid NCSG is obtained when hybridized with 20% GO, and this material exhibits a very high specific surface area of 685.84 m²/g compared to 149.37 m²/g for bare NCS, and the pore diameters are 15.81 and 13.85 nm, respectively. The three-fold superior specific capacity of this optimal NCSG (1932 C/g) is demonstrated over NCS (676 C/g) at a current density of 2 A/g. A fabricated hybrid supercapacitor (HSC) reveals a maximum specific capacity of 224 C/g at a 5 A/g current density. The HSC reached an outstanding energy density of 105 Wh/kg with a maximum power density of 11,250 W/kg. A 4% decrement was observed during the cyclic stability study of the HSC over 5000 successive charge–discharge cycles at a 10 A/g current density. These results suggest that the prepared nanohybrid NCSG is an excellent cathode material for gaining a high energy density in an HSC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Nanomaterials for Energy Storage and Catalysis)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 4485 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fe^III Chelated with Humic Acid with Easy Synthesis Conditions and Good Performance as Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries

by Hao Zhang, Youkui Wang, Ruili Zhao, Meimei Kou, Mengyao Guo, Ke Xu, Gang Tian, Xinting Wei, Song Jiang, Qing Yuan and Jinsheng Zhao

Materials 2023, 16(19), 6477; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16196477 - 29 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 715

Abstract

In this work, we prepared a green, cheap material by chelating humic acid with ferric ions (HA-Fe) and used it as an anode material in LIBs for the first time. From the SEM, TEM, XPS, XRD, and nitrogen adsorption–desorption experimental results, it was [...] Read more.

In this work, we prepared a green, cheap material by chelating humic acid with ferric ions (HA-Fe) and used it as an anode material in LIBs for the first time. From the SEM, TEM, XPS, XRD, and nitrogen adsorption–desorption experimental results, it was found that the ferric ion can chelate with humic acid successfully under mild conditions and can increase the surface area of materials. Taking advantage of the chelation between the ferric ions and HA, the capacity of HA-Fe is 586 mAh·g⁻¹ at 0.1 A·g⁻¹ after 1000 cycles. Moreover, benefitting from the chelation effect, the activation degree of HA-Fe (about 8 times) is seriously improved compared with pure HA material (about 2 times) during the change–discharge process. The capacity retention ratio of HA-Fe is 55.63% when the current density increased from 0.05 A·g⁻¹ to 1 A·g⁻¹, which is higher than that of HA (32.55%) and Fe (24.85%). In the end, the storage mechanism of HA-Fe was investigated with ex-situ XPS measurements, and it was found that the C=O and C=C bonds are the activation sites for storage Li ions but have different redox voltages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Nanomaterials for Energy Storage and Catalysis)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 3772 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Three-Dimensional Flower-like MoS₂ Nanosheets Grown on Graphite as High-Performance Anode Materials for Fast-Charging Lithium-Ion Batteries

by Yeong A. Lee, Kyu Yeon Jang, Jaeseop Yoo, Kanghoon Yim, Wonzee Jung, Kyu-Nam Jung, Chung-Yul Yoo, Younghyun Cho, Jinhong Lee, Myung Hyun Ryu, Hyeyoung Shin, Kyubock Lee and Hana Yoon

Materials 2023, 16(11), 4016; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16114016 - 27 May 2023

Viewed by 1678

Abstract

The demand for fast-charging lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with long cycle life is growing rapidly due to the increasing use of electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems (ESSs). Meeting this demand requires the development of advanced anode materials with improved rate capabilities and [...] Read more.

The demand for fast-charging lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with long cycle life is growing rapidly due to the increasing use of electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems (ESSs). Meeting this demand requires the development of advanced anode materials with improved rate capabilities and cycling stability. Graphite is a widely used anode material for LIBs due to its stable cycling performance and high reversibility. However, the sluggish kinetics and lithium plating on the graphite anode during high-rate charging conditions hinder the development of fast-charging LIBs. In this work, we report on a facile hydrothermal method to achieve three-dimensional (3D) flower-like MoS₂ nanosheets grown on the surface of graphite as anode materials with high capacity and high power for LIBs. The composite of artificial graphite decorated with varying amounts of MoS₂ nanosheets, denoted as MoS₂@AG composites, deliver excellent rate performance and cycling stability. The 20−MoS₂@AG composite exhibits high reversible cycle stability (~463 mAh g⁻¹ at 200 mA g⁻¹ after 100 cycles), excellent rate capability, and a stable cycle life at the high current density of 1200 mA g⁻¹ over 300 cycles. We demonstrate that the MoS₂-nanosheets-decorated graphite composites synthesized via a simple method have significant potential for the development of fast-charging LIBs with improved rate capabilities and interfacial kinetics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Nanomaterials for Energy Storage and Catalysis)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 7569 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel POP-Ni Catalyst Derived from PBTP for Ambient Fixation of CO₂ into Cyclic Carbonates

by Fen Wei, Jiaxiang Qiu, Yanbin Zeng, Zhimeng Liu, Xiaoxia Wang and Guanqun Xie

Materials 2023, 16(6), 2132; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16062132 - 07 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1380

Abstract

The immobilization of homogeneous catalysts has always been a hot issue in the field of catalysis. In this paper, in an attempt to immobilize the homogeneous [Ni(Me₆Tren)X]X (X = I, Br, Cl)-type catalyst with porous organic polymer (POP), the heterogeneous catalyst [...] Read more.

The immobilization of homogeneous catalysts has always been a hot issue in the field of catalysis. In this paper, in an attempt to immobilize the homogeneous [Ni(Me₆Tren)X]X (X = I, Br, Cl)-type catalyst with porous organic polymer (POP), the heterogeneous catalyst PBTP-Me₆Tren(Ni) (POP-Ni) was designed and constructed by quaternization of the porous bromomethyl benzene polymer (PBTP) with tri[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]amine (Me₆Tren) followed by coordination of the Ni(II) Lewis acidic center. Evaluation of the performance of the POP-Ni catalyst found it was able to catalyze the CO₂ cycloaddition with epichlorohydrin in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), affording 97.5% yield with 99% selectivity of chloropropylene carbonate under ambient conditions (80 °C, CO₂ balloon). The excellent catalytic performance of POP-Ni could be attributed to its porous properties, the intramolecular synergy between Lewis acid Ni(II) and nucleophilic Br anion, and the efficient adsorption of CO₂ by the multiamines Me₆Tren. In addition, POP-Ni can be conveniently recovered through simple centrifugation, and up to 91.8% yield can be obtained on the sixth run. This research provided a facile approach to multifunctional POP-supported Ni(II) catalysts and may find promising application for sustainable and green synthesis of cyclic carbonates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Nanomaterials for Energy Storage and Catalysis)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 4187 KiB

Open AccessArticle

TiO₂ Nanorod-Coated Polyethylene Separator with Well-Balanced Performance for Lithium-Ion Batteries

by Zhanjun Chen, Tao Wang, Xianglin Yang, Yangxi Peng, Hongbin Zhong and Chuanyue Hu

Materials 2023, 16(5), 2049; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16052049 - 01 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1485

Abstract

The thermal stability of the polyethylene (PE) separator is of utmost importance for the safety of lithium-ion batteries. Although the surface coating of PE separator with oxide nanoparticles can improve thermal stability, some serious problems still exist, such as micropore blockage, easy detaching, [...] Read more.

The thermal stability of the polyethylene (PE) separator is of utmost importance for the safety of lithium-ion batteries. Although the surface coating of PE separator with oxide nanoparticles can improve thermal stability, some serious problems still exist, such as micropore blockage, easy detaching, and introduction of excessive inert substances, which negatively affects the power density, energy density, and safety performance of the battery. In this paper, TiO₂ nanorods are used to modify the surface of the PE separator, and multiple analytical techniques (e.g., SEM, DSC, EIS, and LSV) are utilized to investigate the effect of coating amount on the physicochemical properties of the PE separator. The results show that the thermal stability, mechanical properties, and electrochemical properties of the PE separator can be effectively improved via surface coating with TiO₂ nanorods, but the degree of improvement is not directly proportional to the coating amount due to the fact that the forces inhibiting micropore deformation (mechanical stretching or thermal contraction) are derived from the interaction of TiO₂ nanorods directly “bridging” with the microporous skeleton rather than those indirectly “glued” with the microporous skeleton. Conversely, the introduction of excessive inert coating material could reduce the ionic conductivity, increase the interfacial impedance, and lower the energy density of the battery. The experimental results show that the ceramic separator with a coating amount of ~0.6 mg/cm² TiO₂ nanorods has well-balanced performances: its thermal shrinkage rate is 4.5%, the capacity retention assembled with this separator was 57.1% under 7 C/0.2 C and 82.6% after 100 cycles, respectively. This research may provide a novel approach to overcoming the common disadvantages of current surface-coated separators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Nanomaterials for Energy Storage and Catalysis)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 3647 KiB

Open AccessArticle

CO₂-Switchable Hierarchically Porous Zirconium-Based MOF-Stabilized Pickering Emulsions for Recyclable Efficient Interfacial Catalysis

by Xiaoyan Pei, Jiang Liu, Wangyue Song, Dongli Xu, Zhe Wang and Yanping Xie

Materials 2023, 16(4), 1675; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16041675 - 17 Feb 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1392

Abstract

Stimuli-responsive Pickering emulsions are recently being progressively utilized as advanced catalyzed systems for green and sustainable chemical conversion. Hierarchically porous metal–organic frameworks (H-MOFs) are regarded as promising candidates for the fabrication of Pickering emulsions because of the features of tunable porosity, high specific [...] Read more.

Stimuli-responsive Pickering emulsions are recently being progressively utilized as advanced catalyzed systems for green and sustainable chemical conversion. Hierarchically porous metal–organic frameworks (H-MOFs) are regarded as promising candidates for the fabrication of Pickering emulsions because of the features of tunable porosity, high specific surface area and structure diversity. However, CO₂-switchable Pickering emulsions formed by hierarchically porous zirconium-based MOFs have never been seen. In this work, a novel kind of the amine-functionalized hierarchically porous UiO-66-(OH)₂ (H-UiO-66-(OH)₂) has been developed using a post-synthetic modification of H-UiO-66-(OH)₂ by (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APTMS), 3-(2-aminoethylamino)propyltrimethoxysilane (AEAPTMS) and 3-[2-(2-aminoethylamino)ethylamino]propyl-trimethoxysilane (AEAEAPTMS), and employed as emulsifiers for the construction of Pickering emulsions. It was found that the functionalized H-UiO-66-(OH)₂ could stabilize a mixture of toluene and water to give an emulsion even at 0.25 wt % content. Interestingly, the formed Pickering emulsions could be reversibly transformed between demulsification and re-emulsification with alternate addition or removal of CO₂. Spectral investigation indicated that the mechanism of the switching is attributed to the reaction of CO₂ with amino silane on the MOF and the generation of hydrophilic salts, leading to a reduction in MOF wettability. Based on this strategy, a highly efficient and controlled Knoevenagel condensation reaction has been gained by using the emulsion as a mini-reactor and the emulsifier as a catalyst, and the coupling of catalysis reaction, product isolation and MOF recyclability has become accessible for a sustainable chemical process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Nanomaterials for Energy Storage and Catalysis)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

20 pages, 8451 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modified Bamboo Charcoal as a Bifunctional Material for Methylene Blue Removal

by Qian Liu, Wen-Yong Deng, Lie-Yuan Zhang, Chang-Xiang Liu, Wei-Wei Jie, Rui-Xuan Su, Bin Zhou, Li-Min Lu, Shu-Wu Liu and Xi-Gen Huang

Materials 2023, 16(4), 1528; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16041528 - 11 Feb 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1795

Abstract

Biomass-derived raw bamboo charcoal (BC), NaOH-impregnated bamboo charcoal (BC-I), and magnetic bamboo charcoal (BC-IM) were fabricated and used as bio-adsorbents and Fenton-like catalysts for methylene blue removal. Compared to the raw biochar, a simple NaOH impregnation process significantly optimized the crystal structure, pore [...] Read more.

Biomass-derived raw bamboo charcoal (BC), NaOH-impregnated bamboo charcoal (BC-I), and magnetic bamboo charcoal (BC-IM) were fabricated and used as bio-adsorbents and Fenton-like catalysts for methylene blue removal. Compared to the raw biochar, a simple NaOH impregnation process significantly optimized the crystal structure, pore size distribution, and surface functional groups and increase the specific surface area from 1.4 to 63.0 m²/g. Further magnetization of the BC-I sample not only enhanced the surface area to 84.7 m²/g, but also improved the recycling convenience due to the superparamagnetism. The maximum adsorption capacity of BC, BC-I, and BC-IM for methylene blue at 328 K was 135.13, 220.26 and 497.51 mg/g, respectively. The pseudo-first-order rate constants k at 308 K for BC, BC-I, and BC-IM catalytic degradation in the presence of H₂O₂ were 0.198, 0.351, and 1.542 h⁻¹, respectively. A synergistic mechanism between adsorption and radical processes was proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Nanomaterials for Energy Storage and Catalysis)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

48 pages, 6939 KiB

Open AccessReview

New Materials Used for the Development of Anion-Selective Electrodes—A Review

by Cecylia Wardak, Klaudia Morawska and Karolina Pietrzak

Materials 2023, 16(17), 5779; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16175779 - 23 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1049

Abstract

Ion-selective electrodes are a popular analytical tool useful in the analysis of cations and anions in environmental, industrial and clinical samples. This paper presents an overview of new materials used for the preparation of anion-sensitive ion-selective electrodes during the last five years. Design [...] Read more.

Ion-selective electrodes are a popular analytical tool useful in the analysis of cations and anions in environmental, industrial and clinical samples. This paper presents an overview of new materials used for the preparation of anion-sensitive ion-selective electrodes during the last five years. Design variants of anion-sensitive electrodes, their advantages and disadvantages as well as research methods used to assess their parameters and analytical usefulness are presented. The work is divided into chapters according to the type of ion to which the electrode is selective. Characteristics of new ionophores used as the electroactive component of ion-sensitive membranes and other materials used to achieve improvement of sensor performance (e.g., nanomaterials, composite and hybrid materials) are presented. Analytical parameters of the electrodes presented in the paper are collected in tables, which allows for easy comparison of different variants of electrodes sensitive to the same ion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Nanomaterials for Energy Storage and Catalysis)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Novel Nanomaterials for Energy Storage and Catalysis

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (11 papers)

Editorial

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI