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Functional Molecules for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage
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Functional Molecules for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 July 2023) | Viewed by 13756

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jian Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
Interests: electrochemical energy conversion and storage; hydrogen generation and utilization; thermal management
Dr. Xin Qian

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
Interests: solar thermochemical fuel production; thermal energy storage; solid oxide fuel cells; lithium-ion batteries
Prof. Dr. Hui Kong

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
Interests: solar thermochemical fuel production; solar desalination; technical and economic analysis of energy system
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Renewable energy storage and conversion technologies play critical roles in realizing energy decarbonization and are helping in the transition of our society away from the sole reliance on a fossil-fuel-based economy. Processes, devices, and systems that convert and store electrical and chemical energy are key to utilizing green energy in a sustainable manner. Functional materials, covering both inorganic and organic molecules, play essential roles in various electrochemical energy conversion and storage (EECS) devices, including but not limited to batteries, fuel cells, electrolyzers, and supercapacitors. With the development of advanced manufacturing and characterization techniques, functional materials for EECS have been substantially advanced. To further improve the energy-, economy-, and eco-efficiency of EECS, better understanding and further development of functional materials are crucial.

This Special Issue invites submissions of either original research or critical review on the most recent advancements of functional molecules for EECS applications. Some potential topics include the following and beyond:

  • Innovative material synthesis and rational design of electrocatalysts, electrodes, or other functional components.
  • Advanced characterization methods on a multiple spatial- and temporal-scale.
  • Performance optimization in terms of activity, durability, selectivity, reliability, etc.
  • Energy-, economy-, and eco-efficiency analysis of components, devices, and systems.
  • Theoretical calculation and modeling: e.g., finite element analysis, molecular dynamics, and density functional theory.

Dr. Jian Wang
Dr. Xin Qian
Prof. Dr. Hui Kong
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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

  • Electrochemical energy conversion and storage
  • Functional molecules
  • Structure–property performance
  • Synthesis
  • Characterization
  • Applications

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 2440 KiB  
Article
An Investigation into the PVA:MC:NH4Cl-Based Proton-Conducting Polymer-Blend Electrolytes for Electrochemical Double Layer Capacitor (EDLC) Device Application: The FTIR, Circuit Design and Electrochemical Studies
by Shujahadeen B. Aziz, Elham M. A. Dannoun, Mohamad A. Brza, Niyaz M. Sadiq, Muaffaq M. Nofal, Wrya O. Karim, Sameerahl I. Al-Saeedi and Mohd F. Z. Kadir
Molecules 2022, 27(3), 1011; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27031011 - 02 Feb 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2110
Abstract
In this report, the preparation of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) is performed from polyvinyl alcohol, methyl cellulose (PVA-MC), and ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) using solution casting methodology for its use in electrical double layer capacitors (EDLCs). The characterizations of the prepared electrolyte [...] Read more.
In this report, the preparation of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) is performed from polyvinyl alcohol, methyl cellulose (PVA-MC), and ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) using solution casting methodology for its use in electrical double layer capacitors (EDLCs). The characterizations of the prepared electrolyte are conducted using a variety of techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). The interaction between the polymers and NH4Cl salt are assured via FTIR. EIS confirms the possibility of obtaining a reasonably high conductance of the electrolyte of 1.99 × 10−3 S/cm at room temperature. The dielectric response technique is applied to determine the extent of the ion dissociation of the NH4Cl in the PVA-MC-NH4Cl systems. The appearance of a peak in the imaginary part of the modulus study recognizes the contribution of chain dynamics and ion mobility. Transference number measurement (TNM) is specified and is found to be (tion) = 0.933 for the uppermost conducting sample. This verifies that ions are the predominant charge carriers. From the LSV study, 1.4 V are recorded for the relatively high-conducting sample. The CV curve response is far from the rectangular shape. The maximum specific capacitance of 20.6 F/g is recorded at 10 mV/s. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Molecules for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage)
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13 pages, 2885 KiB  
Article
Biodegradation Potential of Bacillus sp. PAH-2 on PAHs for Oil-Contaminated Seawater
by Xianghui Kong, Ranran Dong, Thomas King, Feifei Chen and Haoshuai Li
Molecules 2022, 27(3), 687; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27030687 - 21 Jan 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2307
Abstract
Microbial degradation is a useful tool for inhibiting or preventing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) widely distributed in marine environment after oil spill accidents. This study aimed to evaluate the potential and diversity of bacteria Bacillus sp. PAH-2 on Benzo (a) anthracene (BaA), Pyrene [...] Read more.
Microbial degradation is a useful tool for inhibiting or preventing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) widely distributed in marine environment after oil spill accidents. This study aimed to evaluate the potential and diversity of bacteria Bacillus sp. PAH-2 on Benzo (a) anthracene (BaA), Pyrene (Pyr), and Benzo (a) pyrene (BaP), their composite system, aromatic components system, and crude oil. The seven-day degradation rates against BaA, Pyr, and BaP were 20.6%, 12.83%, and 17.49%, respectively. Further degradation study of aromatic components demonstrated PAH-2 had a high degradation rate of substances with poor stability of molecular structure. In addition, the degradation of PAHs in crude oil suggested PAH-2 not only made good use of PAHs in such a more complex structure of pollutants but the saturated hydrocarbons in the crude oil also showed a good application potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Molecules for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage)
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15 pages, 7288 KiB  
Article
Theoretical Thermodynamic Efficiency Limit of Isothermal Solar Fuel Generation from H2O/CO2 Splitting in Membrane Reactors
by Hongsheng Wang, Hui Kong, Jian Wang, Mingkai Liu, Bosheng Su and Sean-Thomas B. Lundin
Molecules 2021, 26(22), 7047; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26227047 - 22 Nov 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1859
Abstract
Solar fuel generation from thermochemical H2O or CO2 splitting is a promising and attractive approach for harvesting fuel without CO2 emissions. Yet, low conversion and high reaction temperature restrict its application. One method of increasing conversion at a lower [...] Read more.
Solar fuel generation from thermochemical H2O or CO2 splitting is a promising and attractive approach for harvesting fuel without CO2 emissions. Yet, low conversion and high reaction temperature restrict its application. One method of increasing conversion at a lower temperature is to implement oxygen permeable membranes (OPM) into a membrane reactor configuration. This allows for the selective separation of generated oxygen and causes a forward shift in the equilibrium of H2O or CO2 splitting reactions. In this research, solar-driven fuel production via H2O or CO2 splitting with an OPM reactor is modeled in isothermal operation, with an emphasis on the calculation of the theoretical thermodynamic efficiency of the system. In addition to the energy required for the high temperature of the reaction, the energy required for maintaining low oxygen permeate pressure for oxygen removal has a large influence on the overall thermodynamic efficiency. The theoretical first-law thermodynamic efficiency is calculated using separation exergy, an electrochemical O2 pump, and a vacuum pump, which shows a maximum efficiency of 63.8%, 61.7%, and 8.00% for H2O splitting, respectively, and 63.6%, 61.5%, and 16.7% for CO2 splitting, respectively, in a temperature range of 800 °C to 2000 °C. The theoretical second-law thermodynamic efficiency is 55.7% and 65.7% for both H2O splitting and CO2 splitting at 2000 °C. An efficient O2 separation method is extremely crucial to achieve high thermodynamic efficiency, especially in the separation efficiency range of 0–20% and in relatively low reaction temperatures. This research is also applicable in other isothermal H2O or CO2 splitting systems (e.g., chemical cycling) due to similar thermodynamics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Molecules for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage)
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17 pages, 3247 KiB  
Article
Thermodynamic Assessment of a Solar-Driven Integrated Membrane Reactor for Ethanol Steam Reforming
by Hongsheng Wang, Bingzheng Wang, Sean-Thomas B. Lundin, Hui Kong, Bosheng Su and Jian Wang
Molecules 2021, 26(22), 6921; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26226921 - 17 Nov 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1631
Abstract
To efficiently convert and utilize intermittent solar energy, a novel solar-driven ethanol steam reforming (ESR) system integrated with a membrane reactor is proposed. It has the potential to convert low-grade solar thermal energy into high energy level chemical energy. Driven by chemical potential, [...] Read more.
To efficiently convert and utilize intermittent solar energy, a novel solar-driven ethanol steam reforming (ESR) system integrated with a membrane reactor is proposed. It has the potential to convert low-grade solar thermal energy into high energy level chemical energy. Driven by chemical potential, hydrogen permeation membranes (HPM) can separate the generated hydrogen and shift the ESR equilibrium forward to increase conversion and thermodynamic efficiency. The thermodynamic and environmental performances are analyzed via numerical simulation under a reaction temperature range of 100–400 °C with permeate pressures of 0.01–0.75 bar. The highest theoretical conversion rate is 98.3% at 100 °C and 0.01 bar, while the highest first-law efficiency, solar-to-fuel efficiency, and exergy efficiency are 82.3%, 45.3%, and 70.4% at 215 °C and 0.20 bar. The standard coal saving rate (SCSR) and carbon dioxide reduction rate (CDRR) are maximums of 101 g·m−2·h−1 and 247 g·m−2·h−1 at 200 °C and 0.20 bar with a hydrogen generation rate of 22.4 mol·m−2·h−1. This study illustrates the feasibility of solar-driven ESR integrated with a membrane reactor and distinguishes a novel approach for distributed hydrogen generation and solar energy utilization and upgradation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Molecules for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage)
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17 pages, 2912 KiB  
Article
Exergy Analysis of Coal-Based Series Polygeneration Systems for Methanol and Electricity Co-Production
by Jianyun Zhang, Zhiwei Yang, Linwei Ma and Weidou Ni
Molecules 2021, 26(21), 6673; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26216673 - 04 Nov 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1420
Abstract
This paper quantifies the exergy losses of coal-based series polygeneration systems and evaluates the potential efficiency improvements that can be realized by applying advanced technologies for gasification, methanol synthesis, and combined cycle power generation. Exergy analysis identified exergy losses and their associated causes [...] Read more.
This paper quantifies the exergy losses of coal-based series polygeneration systems and evaluates the potential efficiency improvements that can be realized by applying advanced technologies for gasification, methanol synthesis, and combined cycle power generation. Exergy analysis identified exergy losses and their associated causes from chemical and physical processes. A new indicator was defined to evaluate the potential gain from minimizing exergy losses caused by physical processes—the degree of perfection of the system’s thermodynamic performance. The influences of a variety of advanced technical solutions on exergy improvement were analyzed and compared. It was found that the overall exergy loss of a series polygeneration system can be reduced significantly, from 57.4% to 48.9%, by applying all the advanced technologies selected. For gasification, four advanced technologies were evaluated, and the largest reduction in exergy loss (about 2.5 percentage points) was contributed by hot gas cleaning, followed by ion transport membrane technology (1.5 percentage points), slurry pre-heating (0.91 percentage points), and syngas heat recovery (0.6 percentage points). For methanol synthesis, partial shift technology reduced the overall exergy loss by about 1.4 percentage points. For power generation, using a G-class gas turbine decreased the overall exergy loss by about 1.6 percentage points. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Molecules for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage)
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Review

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21 pages, 4323 KiB  
Review
Tuning Reconstruction Level of Precatalysts to Design Advanced Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysts
by Hainan Sun, Yinlong Zhu and WooChul Jung
Molecules 2021, 26(18), 5476; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26185476 - 09 Sep 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3077
Abstract
Surface reconstruction engineering is an effective strategy to promote the catalytic activities of electrocatalysts, especially for water oxidation. Taking advantage of the physicochemical properties of precatalysts by manipulating their structural self-reconstruction levels provide a promising methodology for achieving suitable catalysts. In this review, [...] Read more.
Surface reconstruction engineering is an effective strategy to promote the catalytic activities of electrocatalysts, especially for water oxidation. Taking advantage of the physicochemical properties of precatalysts by manipulating their structural self-reconstruction levels provide a promising methodology for achieving suitable catalysts. In this review, we focus on recent advances in research related to the rational control of the process and level of surface transformation ultimately to design advanced oxygen evolution electrocatalysts. We start by discussing the original contributions to surface changes during electrochemical reactions and related factors that can influence the electrocatalytic properties of materials. We then present an overview of current developments and a summary of recently proposed strategies to boost electrochemical performance outcomes by the controlling structural self-reconstruction process. By conveying these insights, processes, general trends, and challenges, this review will further our understanding of surface reconstruction processes and facilitate the development of high-performance electrocatalysts beyond water oxidation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Molecules for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage)
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