Research

Jump to: Review

15 pages, 2486 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intercalated PtCo Electrocatalyst of Vanadium Metal Oxide Increases Charge Density to Facilitate Hydrogen Evolution

by Jingjing Zhang, Wei Deng, Yun Weng, Jingxian Jiang, Haifang Mao, Wenqian Zhang, Tiandong Lu, Dewu Long and Fei Jiang

Molecules 2024, 29(7), 1518; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29071518 - 28 Mar 2024

Viewed by 740

Abstract

Efforts to develop high-performance electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are of utmost importance in ensuring sustainable hydrogen production. The controllable fabrication of inexpensive, durable, and high-efficient HER catalysts still remains a great challenge. Herein, we introduce a universal strategy aiming to [...] Read more.

Efforts to develop high-performance electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are of utmost importance in ensuring sustainable hydrogen production. The controllable fabrication of inexpensive, durable, and high-efficient HER catalysts still remains a great challenge. Herein, we introduce a universal strategy aiming to achieve rapid synthesis of highly active hydrogen evolution catalysts using a controllable hydrogen insertion method and solvothermal process. Hydrogen vanadium bronze H_xV₂O₅ was obtained through controlling the ethanol reaction rate in the oxidization process of hydrogen peroxide. Subsequently, the intermetallic PtCoVO supported on two-dimensional graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) nanosheets was prepared by a solvothermal method at the oil/water interface. In terms of HER performance, PtCoVO/g-C₃N₄ demonstrates superior characteristics compared to PtCo/g-C₃N₄ and PtCoV/g-C₃N₄. This superiority can be attributed to the notable influence of oxygen vacancies in H_xV₂O₅ on the electrical properties of the catalyst. By adjusting the relative proportions of metal atoms in the PtCoVO/g-C₃N₄ nanomaterials, the PtCoVO/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposites show significant HER overpotential of η₁₀ = 92 mV, a Tafel slope of 65.21 mV dec⁻¹, and outstanding stability (a continuous test lasting 48 h). The nanoarchitecture of a g-C₃N₄-supported PtCoVO nanoalloy catalyst exhibits exceptional resistance to nanoparticle migration and corrosion, owing to the strong interaction between the metal nanoparticles and the g-C₃N₄ support. Pt, Co, and V simultaneous doping has been shown by Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to enhance the density of states (DOS) at the Fermi level. This augmentation leads to a higher charge density and a reduction in the adsorption energy of intermediates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Nanomaterials in Electrochemistry)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

20 pages, 8595 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electrodeposition of Polyaniline on Tantalum: Redox Behavior, Morphology and Capacitive Properties

by Chrysanthi Gkili, Konstantinos Deligiannakis, Eirini Lappa, Chrysanthi Papoulia and Dimitra Sazou

Molecules 2023, 28(21), 7286; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28217286 - 26 Oct 2023

Viewed by 843

Abstract

Polyaniline (PANI) is among the most widely studied conducting polymers due to its potential technological applications in various fields. Recently, PANI-based hybrid materials have played an important role in the development of energy storage and conversion systems. The aim of the present work [...] Read more.

Polyaniline (PANI) is among the most widely studied conducting polymers due to its potential technological applications in various fields. Recently, PANI-based hybrid materials have played an important role in the development of energy storage and conversion systems. The aim of the present work is the investigation of the simultaneous electrochemical growth of PANI and Ta₂O₅ on the Ta substrate and the characterization of the morphology, redox behavior and pseudocapacitive properties of the resulting micro- or nanostructured composite thin films. A well-adherent conductive Ta₂O₅-PANI composite film was first formed using cyclic voltammetry on Ta that facilitates the on-top electrodeposition of single PANI via an autocatalytic mechanism. The electrochemical characterization of the Ta|Ta₂O₅-PANI|PANI electrodes reveals unique redox properties of PANI not shown previously upon using PANI electrodeposition on Ta. Scanning electron microscopy shows that the morphology of the electrodeposited films comprises nano- or microspheres that may develop into nano- or microrods when the polymerization proceeds. Preliminary evaluation of the capacitive properties of the Ta|Ta₂O₅-PANI|PANI electrode shows adequately high specific capacitance values as high as 1130 F g⁻¹ (at 9.2 mA cm⁻²), depending on the electrochemical parameters, as well as adequate stability (~80% retention after 100 cycles), indicating their potential application as energy storage devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Nanomaterials in Electrochemistry)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

35 pages, 16163 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Studies of Benzotriazole on and into the Copper Electrodeposited Layer by Cyclic Voltammetry, Time-of-Flight Secondary-Ion Mass Spectrometry, Atomic Force Microscopy, and Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

by Robert Mroczka and Agnieszka Słodkowska

Molecules 2023, 28(15), 5912; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28155912 - 06 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1510

Abstract

Benzotriazole (BTA) is an important compound that demonstrates the strongest anticorrosion properties of copper and plays a role as a leveler and an additive to the electroplating bath for control of the roughness and corrosion resistance of the electrodeposited copper layer. In this [...] Read more.

Benzotriazole (BTA) is an important compound that demonstrates the strongest anticorrosion properties of copper and plays a role as a leveler and an additive to the electroplating bath for control of the roughness and corrosion resistance of the electrodeposited copper layer. In this paper, we combined cyclic voltammetry (CV), time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS), surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to study the interaction of BTA with copper surfaces at varied concentrations with and without the presence of chloride ions. We identified the most relevant molecular copper and its complex forms with BTA on the copper electrodeposited layer. BTA is adsorbed and incorporated into the copper surface in monomeric, dimeric, trimeric, tetrameric, and pentameric forms, inhibiting the copper electrodeposition. The addition of chloride ions diminishes the inhibiting properties of BTA. The Cu-BTA-Cl complexes were identified in the forms C₁₂H₈N₆Cu₂Cl⁻ and C₆H₄N₃CuCl⁻. Coadsorption of chloride ions and BTA molecules depends on their concentration and applied potential. Chloride ions are replaced by BTA molecules. BTA and chloride ions, depending on their concentration and applied potential, control the copper nucleation processes at the micro- and nanoscales. We compared the abilities and limitations of TOF-SIMS and SERS for studies of the interactions of benzotriazole with copper and chloride ions at the molecular level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Nanomaterials in Electrochemistry)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2483 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Self-Supported 3D PtPdCu Nanowires Networks for Superior Glucose Electro-Oxidation Performance

by Kaili Wang, Shuang He, Bowen Zhang, Zhen Cao, Tingting Zhou, Jia He and Ganghui Chu

Molecules 2023, 28(15), 5834; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28155834 - 02 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 963

Abstract

The development of non-enzymatic and highly active electrocatalysts for glucose oxidation with excellent durability for blood glucose sensors has aroused widespread concern. In this work, we report a fast, simple, and low-cost NaBH₄ reduction method for preparing ultrafine ternary PtPdCu alloy nanowires [...] Read more.

The development of non-enzymatic and highly active electrocatalysts for glucose oxidation with excellent durability for blood glucose sensors has aroused widespread concern. In this work, we report a fast, simple, and low-cost NaBH₄ reduction method for preparing ultrafine ternary PtPdCu alloy nanowires (NWs) with a 3D network nanostructure. The PtPdCu NWs catalyst presents significant efficiency for glucose oxidation-reduction (GOR), reaching an oxidative peak-specific activity of 0.69 mA/cm², 2.6 times that of the Pt/C catalyst (0.27 mA/cm²). Further reaction mechanism investigations show that the NWs have better conductivity and smaller electron transfer resistance. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the alloying effect of PtPdCu could effectively enhance the adsorption energy of glucose and reduce the activation energy of GOR. The obtained NWs also show excellent stability over 3600 s through a chronoamperometry test. These self-supported ultrafine PtPdCu NWs with 3D networks provide a new functional material for building blood glucose sensors and direct glucose fuel cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Nanomaterials in Electrochemistry)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2821 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Method and Study of Detecting Phenanthrene in Seawater Based on a Carbon Nanotube–Chitosan Oligosaccharide Modified Electrode Immunosensor

by Yuxuan Wu, Wei Qu, Chengjun Qiu, Kaixuan Chen, Yuan Zhuang, Zexi Zeng, Yirou Yan, Yang Gu, Wei Tao, Jiaqi Gao and Ke Li

Molecules 2023, 28(15), 5701; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28155701 - 27 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1074

Abstract

Phenanthrene (PHE), as a structurally simple, tricyclic, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs), is widely present in marine environments and organisms, with serious ecological and health impacts. It is crucial to study fast and simple high-sensitivity detection methods for phenanthrene in seawater for the environment [...] Read more.

Phenanthrene (PHE), as a structurally simple, tricyclic, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs), is widely present in marine environments and organisms, with serious ecological and health impacts. It is crucial to study fast and simple high-sensitivity detection methods for phenanthrene in seawater for the environment and the human body. In this paper, a immunosensor was prepared by using a multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNTs)-chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) nanocomposite membrane loaded with phenanthrene antibody. The principle was based on the antibody–antigen reaction in the immune reaction, using the strong electron transfer ability of multi-walled carbon nanotubes, coupled with chitosan oligosaccharides with an excellent film formation and biocompatibility, to amplify the detection signal. The content of the phenanthrene in seawater was studied via differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) using a potassium ferricyanide system as a redox probe. The antibody concentration, pH value, and probe concentration were optimized. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the response peak current of the phenanthrene was inversely proportional to the concentration of phenanthrene, in the range from 0.5 ng·mL⁻¹ to 80 ng·mL⁻¹, and the detection limit was 0.30 ng·mL⁻¹. The immune sensor was successfully applied to the detection of phenanthrene in marine water, with a recovery rate of 96.1~101.5%, and provided a stable, sensitive, and accurate method for the real-time monitoring of marine environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Nanomaterials in Electrochemistry)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 10832 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Planar Disk Electrode Chip Based on MWCNT/CS/Pb²⁺ Ionophore IV Nanomaterial Membrane for Trace Level Pb²⁺ Detection

by Yuan Zhuang, Cong Wang, Wei Qu, Yirou Yan, Ping Wang and Chengjun Qiu

Molecules 2023, 28(10), 4142; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28104142 - 17 May 2023

Viewed by 951

Abstract

Unlike conventional lead ion (Pb

^{2 +}

) detecting methods, electrochemical methods have the attractive advantages of rapid response, good portability and high sensitivity. In this paper, a planar disk electrode modified by multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs)/chitosan (CS)/lead (Pb

^{2 +}

) ionophore [...] Read more.

Unlike conventional lead ion (Pb

^{2 +}

) detecting methods, electrochemical methods have the attractive advantages of rapid response, good portability and high sensitivity. In this paper, a planar disk electrode modified by multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs)/chitosan (CS)/lead (Pb

^{2 +}

) ionophore IV nanomaterial and its matched system are proposed. This system presented a good linear relationship between the concentration of Pb

^{2 +}

ions and the peak current in differential pulse stripping voltammetry (DPSV), under optimized conditions of −0.8 V deposition potential, 5.5 pH value, 240 s deposition time, performed sensitive detection of Pb

^{2 +}

within sensitivity of 1.811 μA · μg⁻¹ and detection limit of 0.08 μg · L⁻¹. Meanwhile, the results of the system in detecting lead ions in real seawater samples are highly similar to that of inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer (ICP-MS), which proved a practicability for the system in detection of trace-level Pb

^{2 +}

. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Nanomaterials in Electrochemistry)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 7196 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Robust Self-Supported SnO₂-Mn₂O₃@CC Electrode for Efficient Electrochemical Degradation of Cationic Blue X-GRRL Dye

by Caiyun Li, Peng Yi, Junwei Sun, Xi-Ao Wang, Rongzhan Liu and Jiankun Sun

Molecules 2023, 28(9), 3957; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28093957 - 08 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1260

Abstract

Exploration of highly efficient and robust catalyst is pivotal for electrocatalytic degradation of dye wastewater, but it still is a challenge. Here, we develop a three-dimensional self-supported SnO₂-Mn₂O₃ hybrid nanosheets grown on carbon cloth (noted by SnO₂ [...] Read more.

Exploration of highly efficient and robust catalyst is pivotal for electrocatalytic degradation of dye wastewater, but it still is a challenge. Here, we develop a three-dimensional self-supported SnO₂-Mn₂O₃ hybrid nanosheets grown on carbon cloth (noted by SnO₂-Mn₂O₃@CC) electrode via a simple hydrothermal method and annealing treatment. Benefitting from the interlaced nanosheets architecture that enlarges the surface area and the synergetic component effect that accelerates the interfacial electronic transfer, SnO₂-Mn₂O₃@CC electrode exhibits a superior electrocatalytic degradation efficiency for cationic blue X-GRRL dye in comparison with the single metal oxide electrode containing SnO₂@CC and Mn₂O₃@CC. The degradation efficiency of cationic blue X-GRRL on SnO₂-Mn₂O₃@CC electrode can reach up to 97.55% within 50 min. Furthermore, self-supported architecture of nanosheets on carbon cloth framework contributes to a robust stability compared with the traditional electrode via the multiple dip/brush coating accompanied by the thermal decomposition method. SnO₂-Mn₂O₃@CC electrode exhibits excellent recyclability, which can still retain a degradation efficiency of 94.12% after six cycles. This work may provide a new pathway for the design and exploration of highly efficient and robust electrooxidation catalysts for dye degradation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Nanomaterials in Electrochemistry)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 2854 KiB

Open AccessArticle

LiNi_0.6Co_0.2Mn_0.2O₂ Cathode-Solid Electrolyte Interfacial Behavior Characterization Using Novel Method Adopting Microcavity Electrode

by Rahul S. Ingole, Rajesh Rajagopal, Orynbassar Mukhan, Sung-Soo Kim and Kwang-Sun Ryu

Molecules 2023, 28(8), 3537; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28083537 - 17 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1352

Abstract

Due to the limitations of organic liquid electrolytes, current development is towards high performance all-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs). For high performance ASSLBs, the most crucial is the high ion-conducting solid electrolyte (SE), with a focus on interface analysis between SE and active materials. [...] Read more.

Due to the limitations of organic liquid electrolytes, current development is towards high performance all-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs). For high performance ASSLBs, the most crucial is the high ion-conducting solid electrolyte (SE), with a focus on interface analysis between SE and active materials. In the current study, we successfully synthesized the high ion-conductive argyrodite-type (Li₆PS₅Cl) solid electrolyte, which has 4.8 mS cm⁻¹ conductivity at room temperature. Additionally, the present study suggests the quantitative analysis of interfaces in ASSLBs. The measured initial discharge capacity of a single particle confined in a microcavity electrode was 1.05 nAh for LiNi_0.6Co_0.2Mn_0.2O₂ (NCM622)-Li₆PS₅Cl solid electrolyte materials. The initial cycle result shows the irreversible nature of active material due to the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on the surface of the active particle; further second and third cycles demonstrate high reversibility and good stability. Furthermore, the electrochemical kinetic parameters were calculated through the Tafel plot analysis. From the Tafel plot, it is seen that asymmetry increases gradually at high discharge currents and depths, which rise asymmetricity due to the increasing of the conduction barrier. However, the electrochemical parameters confirm the increasing conduction barrier with increased charge transfer resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Nanomaterials in Electrochemistry)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

18 pages, 2773 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advances in Semiconductor-Based Nanocomposite Photo(electro)catalysts for Nitrogen Reduction to Ammonia

by Cheng Zuo and Qian Su

Molecules 2023, 28(6), 2666; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28062666 - 15 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1783

Abstract

Photo(electro)catalytic nitrogen fixation technology is a promising ammonia synthesis technology using clean solar and electric energy as the driving energy. Abundant nitrogen and water as raw materials uphold the principle of green and sustainable development. However, the generally low efficiency of the nitrogen [...] Read more.

Photo(electro)catalytic nitrogen fixation technology is a promising ammonia synthesis technology using clean solar and electric energy as the driving energy. Abundant nitrogen and water as raw materials uphold the principle of green and sustainable development. However, the generally low efficiency of the nitrogen reduction reaction has seriously restricted the application and development of this technology. The paper introduces the nitrogen reduction process and discusses the main challenges and differences in the current photo(electro)catalytic nitrogen fixation systems. It focuses on promoting the adsorption and activation of N₂ and the resolution and diffusion of NH₃ generated. In recent years, reviews of the modification strategies of semiconductor materials in light of the typical cases of nitrogen fixation have been reported in the literature. Finally, the future development trend of this field is analyzed and prospected. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Nanomaterials in Electrochemistry)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Recent Progress in Nanomaterials in Electrochemistry

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (9 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI