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Development of Electrochemical Energy Storage Materials

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2024 | Viewed by 12621

Special Issue Editors

School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
Interests: fuel cell; metal-air battery; water splitting

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Guest Editor
School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
Interests: carbon materials; electrocatalysis; fuel cell; water splitting
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With the rapid development of applications, such as electric vehicles, grids, and sensors, the industry is in desperate need for low-cost, high-performance batteries with greater reliability and safety than those available in today’s market. Over the past few decades, the electrochemical energy storage and conversion technology has been extensively investigated across the world, leading to the successful market entry of lithium-ion batteries, redox flow batteries, metal–air batteries, and supercapacitor technologies. However, these technologies suffer from several technical issues such as cost, safety, performance, and long-term stability. To overcome these shortcomings, numerous researchers are devoted to developing novel strategies to synthesize nanomaterials with unique structural and functional properties. A fundamental understanding of atomic structure and electronic changes of active sites based on advanced technologies will shed light into the structrual evolution at the interface and degradation mechanisms, which is a key point behind the rational design of nanomaterials. In addition, new energy storage prototypes and in-depth evaluations are necessary to reveal the catalytic properies in practical applications.

Therefore, In order to address this need, we organize this Special Issue to provide a platform for researchers to cover the main shortcomings associated with noval electrochemical energy storage materials as well as new findings and perspectives.

Dr. Dai Dang
Prof. Dr. Ning Yan
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • energy storage materials
  • electrochemical device
  • Metal-air batteries
  • water splitting

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 9563 KiB  
Article
Controllable Synthesis of N2-Intercalated WO3 Nanorod Photoanode Harvesting a Wide Range of Visible Light for Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation
by Dong Li, Boyang Lan, Hongfang Shen, Caiyun Gao, Siyu Tian, Fei Han and Zhanlin Chen
Molecules 2023, 28(7), 2987; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28072987 - 27 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1101
Abstract
A highly efficient visible-light-driven photoanode, N2-intercalated tungsten trioxide (WO3) nanorod, has been controllably synthesized by using the dual role of hydrazine (N2H4), which functioned simultaneously as a structure directing agent and as a nitrogen source [...] Read more.
A highly efficient visible-light-driven photoanode, N2-intercalated tungsten trioxide (WO3) nanorod, has been controllably synthesized by using the dual role of hydrazine (N2H4), which functioned simultaneously as a structure directing agent and as a nitrogen source for N2 intercalation. The SEM results indicated that the controllable formation of WO3 nanorod by changing the amount of N2H4. The β values of lattice parameters of the monoclinic phase and the lattice volume changed significantly with the nW: nN2H4 ratio. This is consistent with the addition of N2H4 dependence of the N content, clarifying the intercalation of N2 in the WO3 lattice. The UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) of N2-intercalated exhibited a significant redshift in the absorption edge with new shoulders appearing at 470–600 nm, which became more intense as the nW:nN2H4 ratio increased from 1:1.2 and then decreased up to 1:5 through the maximum at 1:2.5. This addition of N2H4 dependence is consistent with the case of the N contents. This suggests that N2 intercalating into the WO3 lattice is responsible for the considerable red shift in the absorption edge, with a new shoulder appearing at 470−600 nm owing to formation of an intra-bandgap above the VB edges and a dopant energy level below the CB of WO3. The N2 intercalated WO3 photoanode generated a photoanodic current under visible light irradiation below 530 nm due to the photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation, compared with pure WO3 doing so below 470 nm. The high incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) of the WO3-2.5 photoanode is due to efficient electron transport through the WO3 nanorod film. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Electrochemical Energy Storage Materials)
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12 pages, 3285 KiB  
Article
Melamine Foam-Derived Carbon Scaffold for Dendrite-Free and Stable Zinc Metal Anode
by Yong Liu, Feng Tao, Yibo Xing, Yifei Pei and Fengzhang Ren
Molecules 2023, 28(4), 1742; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28041742 - 11 Feb 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2243
Abstract
Aqueous Zn-ion batteries (AZIBs) are one of the most promising large-scale energy storage devices due to the excellent characteristics of zinc metal anode, including high theoretical capacity, high safety and low cost. Nevertheless, the large-scale applications of AZIBs are mainly limited by uncontrollable [...] Read more.
Aqueous Zn-ion batteries (AZIBs) are one of the most promising large-scale energy storage devices due to the excellent characteristics of zinc metal anode, including high theoretical capacity, high safety and low cost. Nevertheless, the large-scale applications of AZIBs are mainly limited by uncontrollable Zn deposition and notorious Zn dendritic growth, resulting in low plating/stripping coulombic efficiency and unsatisfactory cyclic stability. To address these issues, herein, a carbon foam (CF) was fabricated via melamine-foam carbonization as a scaffold for a dendrite-free and stable Zn anode. Results showed that the abundant zincophilicity functional groups and conductive three-dimensional network of this carbon foam could effectively regulate Zn deposition and alleviate the Zn anode’s volume expansion during cycling. Consequently, the symmetric cell with CF@Zn electrode exhibited lower voltage hysteresis (32.4 mV) and longer cycling performance (750 h) than the pure Zn symmetric cell at 1 mA cm−2 and 1 mAh cm−2. Furthermore, the full battery coupling CF@Zn anode with MnO2 cathode can exhibit a higher initial capacity and better cyclic performance than the one with the bare Zn anode. This work brings a new idea for the design of three-dimensional (3D) current collectors for stable zinc metal anode toward high-performance AZIBs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Electrochemical Energy Storage Materials)
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15 pages, 3473 KiB  
Article
Autothermal Reforming of Volatile Organic Compounds to Hydrogen-Rich Gas
by Chao Bian, Jiazhun Huang, Biqi Zhong, Zefeng Zheng, Dai Dang, Obiefuna C. Okafor, Yujia Liu and Tiejun Wang
Molecules 2023, 28(2), 752; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28020752 - 11 Jan 2023
Viewed by 1488
Abstract
Industrial emissions of volatile organic compounds are urgently addressed for their toxicity and carcinogenicity to humans. Developing efficient and eco-friendly reforming technology of volatile organic compounds is important but still a great challenge. A promising strategy is to generate hydrogen-rich gas for solid [...] Read more.
Industrial emissions of volatile organic compounds are urgently addressed for their toxicity and carcinogenicity to humans. Developing efficient and eco-friendly reforming technology of volatile organic compounds is important but still a great challenge. A promising strategy is to generate hydrogen-rich gas for solid oxide fuel cells by autothermal reforming of VOCs. In this study, we found a more desirable commercial catalyst (NiO/K2O-γ-Al2O3) for the autothermal reforming of VOCs. The performance of autothermal reforming of toluene as a model compound over a NiO/K2O-γ-Al2O3 catalyst fitted well with the simulation results at the optimum operating conditions calculated based on a simulation using Aspen PlusV11.0 software. Furthermore, the axial temperature distribution of the catalyst bed was monitored during the reaction, which demonstrated that the reaction system was self-sustaining. Eventually, actual volatile organic compounds from the chemical factory (C9, C10, toluene, paraxylene, diesel, benzene, kerosene, raffinate oil) were completely reformed over NiO/K2O-γ-Al2O3. Reducing emissions of VOCs and generating hydrogen-rich gas as a fuel from the autothermal reforming of VOCs is a promising strategy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Electrochemical Energy Storage Materials)
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Review

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36 pages, 10132 KiB  
Review
Electrode Materials, Structural Design, and Storage Mechanisms in Hybrid Supercapacitors
by Xiaobing Du, Zhuanglong Lin, Xiaoxia Wang, Kaiyou Zhang, Hao Hu and Shuge Dai
Molecules 2023, 28(17), 6432; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28176432 - 04 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1453
Abstract
Currently, energy storage systems are of great importance in daily life due to our dependence on portable electronic devices and hybrid electric vehicles. Among these energy storage systems, hybrid supercapacitor devices, constructed from a battery-type positive electrode and a capacitor-type negative electrode, have [...] Read more.
Currently, energy storage systems are of great importance in daily life due to our dependence on portable electronic devices and hybrid electric vehicles. Among these energy storage systems, hybrid supercapacitor devices, constructed from a battery-type positive electrode and a capacitor-type negative electrode, have attracted widespread interest due to their potential applications. In general, they have a high energy density, a long cycling life, high safety, and environmental friendliness. This review first addresses the recent developments in state-of-the-art electrode materials, the structural design of electrodes, and the optimization of electrode performance. Then we summarize the possible classification of hybrid supercapacitor devices, and their potential applications. Finally, the fundamental theoretical aspects, charge-storage mechanism, and future developing trends are discussed. This review is intended to provide future research directions for the next generation of high-performance energy storage devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Electrochemical Energy Storage Materials)
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25 pages, 8052 KiB  
Review
Recent Progress on Hydrogen Production from Ammonia Decomposition: Technical Roadmap and Catalytic Mechanism
by Xiangyong Huang, Ke Lei, Yan Mi, Wenjian Fang and Xiaochuan Li
Molecules 2023, 28(13), 5245; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28135245 - 06 Jul 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5790
Abstract
Ammonia decomposition has attracted significant attention in recent years due to its ability to produce hydrogen without emitting carbon dioxide and the ease of ammonia storage. This paper reviews the recent developments in ammonia decomposition technologies for hydrogen production, focusing on the latest [...] Read more.
Ammonia decomposition has attracted significant attention in recent years due to its ability to produce hydrogen without emitting carbon dioxide and the ease of ammonia storage. This paper reviews the recent developments in ammonia decomposition technologies for hydrogen production, focusing on the latest advances in catalytic materials and catalyst design, as well as the research progress in the catalytic reaction mechanism. Additionally, the paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each method and the importance of finding non-precious metals to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Overall, this paper provides a valuable reference for further research on ammonia decomposition for hydrogen production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Electrochemical Energy Storage Materials)
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