Molecules

Research

16 pages, 3671 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Controlling the Carbon-Bio Interface via Glycan Functional Adlayers for Applications in Microbial Fuel Cell Bioanodes

by Alessandro Iannaci, Adam Myles, Timothé Philippon, Frédéric Barrière, Eoin M. Scanlan and Paula E. Colavita

Molecules 2021, 26(16), 4755; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26164755 - 06 Aug 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1803

Abstract

Surface modification of electrodes with glycans was investigated as a strategy for modulating the development of electrocatalytic biofilms for microbial fuel cell applications. Covalent attachment of phenyl-mannoside and phenyl-lactoside adlayers on graphite rod electrodes was achieved via electrochemically assisted grafting of aryldiazonium cations [...] Read more.

Surface modification of electrodes with glycans was investigated as a strategy for modulating the development of electrocatalytic biofilms for microbial fuel cell applications. Covalent attachment of phenyl-mannoside and phenyl-lactoside adlayers on graphite rod electrodes was achieved via electrochemically assisted grafting of aryldiazonium cations from solution. To test the effects of the specific bio-functionalities, modified and unmodified graphite rods were used as anodes in two-chamber microbial fuel cell devices. Devices were set up with wastewater as inoculum and acetate as nutrient and their performance, in terms of output potential (open circuit and 1 kΩ load) and peak power output, was monitored over two months. The presence of glycans was found to lead to significant differences in startup times and peak power outputs. Lactosides were found to inhibit the development of biofilms when compared to bare graphite. Mannosides were found, instead, to promote exoelectrogenic biofilm adhesion and anode colonization, a finding that is supported by quartz crystal microbalance experiments in inoculum media. These differences were observed despite both adlayers possessing thickness in the nm range and similar hydrophilic character. This suggests that specific glycan-mediated bioaffinity interactions can be leveraged to direct the development of biotic electrocatalysts in bioelectrochemical systems and microbial fuel cell devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Materials for Energy Storage)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 2507 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fe₃O₄/Graphene Composite Anode Material for Fast-Charging Li-Ion Batteries

by Antunes Staffolani, Hamideh Darjazi, Gilberto Carbonari, Fabio Maroni, Serena Gabrielli and Francesco Nobili

Molecules 2021, 26(14), 4316; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26144316 - 16 Jul 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2588

Abstract

Composite anode material based on Fe₃O₄ and reduced graphene oxide is prepared by base-catalysed co-precipitation and sonochemical dispersion. Structural and morphological characterizations demonstrate an effective and homogeneous embedding of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles in the carbonaceous matrix. Electrochemical characterization [...] Read more.

Composite anode material based on Fe₃O₄ and reduced graphene oxide is prepared by base-catalysed co-precipitation and sonochemical dispersion. Structural and morphological characterizations demonstrate an effective and homogeneous embedding of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles in the carbonaceous matrix. Electrochemical characterization highlights specific capacities higher than 1000 mAh g⁻¹ at 1C, while a capacity of 980 mAhg⁻¹ is retained at 4C, with outstanding cycling stability. These results demonstrate a synergistic effect by nanosize morphology of Fe₃O₄ and inter-particle conductivity of graphene nanosheets, which also contribute to enhancing the mechanical and cycling stability of the electrode. The outstanding capacity delivered at high rates suggests a possible application of the anode material for high-power systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Materials for Energy Storage)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2631 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Synthesis of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Grafted with Fluorinated Protic Ionic Liquids Containing Sulfo Functional Groups

by Patrycja Glińska, Andrzej Wolan, Wojciech Kujawski, Edyta Rynkowska and Joanna Kujawa

Molecules 2021, 26(14), 4158; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26144158 - 08 Jul 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3449

Abstract

There has been an ongoing need to develop polymer materials with increased performance as proton exchange membranes (PEMs) for middle- and high-temperature fuel cells. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is a highly hydrophilic and chemically stable polymer bearing hydroxyl groups, which can be further altered. [...] Read more.

There has been an ongoing need to develop polymer materials with increased performance as proton exchange membranes (PEMs) for middle- and high-temperature fuel cells. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is a highly hydrophilic and chemically stable polymer bearing hydroxyl groups, which can be further altered. Protic ionic liquids (proticILs) have been found to be an effective modifying polymer agent used as a proton carrier providing PEMs’ desirable proton conductivity at high temperatures and under anhydrous conditions. In this study, the novel synthesis route of PVA grafted with fluorinated protic ionic liquids bearing sulfo groups (–SO₃H) was elaborated. The polymer functionalization with fluorinated proticILs was achieved by the following approaches: (i) the PVA acylation and subsequent reaction with fluorinated sultones and (ii) free-radical polymerization reaction of vinyl acetate derivatives modified with 1-methylimidazole and sultones. These modifications resulted in the PVA being chemically modified with ionic liquids of protic character. The successfully grafted PVA has been characterized using ¹H, ¹⁹F, and ¹³C-NMR and FTIR-ATR. The presented synthesis route is a novel approach to PVA functionalization with imidazole-based fluorinated ionic liquids with sulfo groups. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Materials for Energy Storage)

► Show Figures

Scheme 1

11 pages, 2936 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How 10 at% Al Addition in the Ti-V-Zr-Nb High-Entropy Alloy Changes Hydrogen Sorption Properties

by Jorge Montero, Gustav Ek, Laetitia Laversenne, Vivian Nassif, Martin Sahlberg and Claudia Zlotea

Molecules 2021, 26(9), 2470; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092470 - 23 Apr 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 2955

Abstract

Al_0.10Ti_0.30V_0.25Zr_0.10Nb_0.25 was prepared to evaluate the effect of 10% aluminum into the previously reported quaternary alloy, Ti_0.325V_0.275Zr_0.125Nb_0.275. The as-cast quinary alloy formed a single-phase body centered [...] Read more.

Al_0.10Ti_0.30V_0.25Zr_0.10Nb_0.25 was prepared to evaluate the effect of 10% aluminum into the previously reported quaternary alloy, Ti_0.325V_0.275Zr_0.125Nb_0.275. The as-cast quinary alloy formed a single-phase body centered cubic solid solution and transformed into a body centered tetragonal after hydrogenation. The alloy had a storage capacity of 1.6 H/M (2.6 wt.%) with fast absorption kinetics at room temperature, reaching full capacity within the first 10 min. The major improvements of Al addition (10%) were related to the desorption and cycling properties of the material. The temperature for hydrogen release was significantly decreased by around 100 °C, and the quinary alloy showed superior cycling stability and higher reversible storage capacity than its quaternary counterpart, 94% and 85% of their respective initial capacity, after 20 hydrogenation cycles without phase decomposition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Materials for Energy Storage)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 10302 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Thermal Charging Performance of Finned Conical Thermal Storage System Filled with Nano-Enhanced Phase Change Material

by Mohammad Ghalambaz, Hassan Shirivand, Kasra Ayoubi Ayoubloo, S.A.M. Mehryan, Obai Younis, Pouyan Talebizadehsardari and Wahiba Yaïci

Molecules 2021, 26(6), 1605; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26061605 - 14 Mar 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1898

Abstract

A latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) unit can store a notable amount of heat in a compact volume. However, the charging time could be tediously long due to weak heat transfer. Thus, an improvement of heat transfer and a reduction in charging [...] Read more.

A latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) unit can store a notable amount of heat in a compact volume. However, the charging time could be tediously long due to weak heat transfer. Thus, an improvement of heat transfer and a reduction in charging time is an essential task. The present research aims to improve the thermal charging of a conical shell-tube LHTES unit by optimizing the shell-shape and fin-inclination angle in the presence of nanoadditives. The governing equations for the natural convection heat transfer and phase change heat transfer are written as partial differential equations. The finite element method is applied to solve the equations numerically. The Taguchi optimization approach is then invoked to optimize the fin-inclination angle, shell aspect ratio, and the type and volume fraction of nanoparticles. The results showed that the shell-aspect ratio and fin inclination angle are the most important design parameters influencing the charging time. The charging time could be changed by 40% by variation of design parameters. Interestingly a conical shell with a small radius at the bottom and a large radius at the top (small aspect ratio) is the best shell design. However, a too-small aspect ratio could entrap the liquid-PCM between fins and increase the charging time. An optimum volume fraction of 4% is found for nanoparticle concentration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Materials for Energy Storage)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 4312 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Novel Non-Evaporable Getter Materials and Their Possible Use in Fusion Application for Tritium Recovery

by Alessia Santucci, Luca Farina, Silvano Tosti and Antonio Frattolillo

Molecules 2020, 25(23), 5675; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25235675 - 01 Dec 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2856

Abstract

Non-evaporable getters (NEGs) are metallic compounds of the IV group, particularly titanium and/or zirconium-based alloys and are usually used as pumps in vacuum technologies since they are able to sorb, by chemical reactions, most of the active gas molecules, with particular efficacy towards [...] Read more.

Non-evaporable getters (NEGs) are metallic compounds of the IV group, particularly titanium and/or zirconium-based alloys and are usually used as pumps in vacuum technologies since they are able to sorb, by chemical reactions, most of the active gas molecules, with particular efficacy towards hydrogen isotopes. This work suggests an alternative application of these materials to fusion nuclear reactors, where there is the need to recover small amount of tritium from the large helium flow rate composing the primary coolant loop. Starting from the tritium mass balance inside the primary coolant loop, the amount of coolant to be routed inside the coolant purification system (CPS) is identified. Then a feasibility study, based on the bulk getter theory, is presented by considering three different commercial alloys, named ST707, ST101 and ZAO. The results provide the mass, the area and the regeneration parameters of the three different alloys necessary to fulfill the requirements of the CPS unit. By comparing the features of the three alloys, the ZAO material appears the most promising for the proposed application because it requires the lower amount of material and a lower number of regeneration cycles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Materials for Energy Storage)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 3695 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Proton Dynamics in Palladium–Silver: An Inelastic Neutron Scattering Investigation

by Daniele Colognesi, Franz Demmel, Alessandra Filabozzi, Antonino Pietropaolo, Alfonso Pozio, Giovanni Romanelli, Alessia Santucci and Silvano Tosti

Molecules 2020, 25(23), 5587; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25235587 - 27 Nov 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1763

Abstract

Proton dynamics in Pd₇₇Ag₂₃ membranes is investigated by means of various neutron spectroscopic techniques, namely Quasi Elastic Neutron Scattering, Incoherent Inelastic Neutron Scattering, Neutron Transmission, and Deep Inelastic Neutron Scattering. Measurements carried out at the ISIS spallation neutron source using [...] Read more.

Proton dynamics in Pd₇₇Ag₂₃ membranes is investigated by means of various neutron spectroscopic techniques, namely Quasi Elastic Neutron Scattering, Incoherent Inelastic Neutron Scattering, Neutron Transmission, and Deep Inelastic Neutron Scattering. Measurements carried out at the ISIS spallation neutron source using OSIRIS, MARI and VESUVIO spectrometers were performed at pressures of 1, 2, and 4 bar, and temperatures in the 330–673 K range. The energy interval spanned by the different instruments provides information on the proton dynamics in a time scale ranging from about 10² to 10⁻⁴ ps. The main finding is that the macroscopic diffusion process is determined by microscopic jump diffusion. In addition, the vibrational density of states of the H atoms in the metal lattice has been determined for a number of H concentrations and temperatures. These measurements follow a series of neutron diffraction experiments performed on the same sample and thus provide a complementary information for a thorough description of structural and dynamical properties of H-loaded Pd-Ag membranes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Materials for Energy Storage)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 12570 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Interaction of Hydrogen with the van der Waals Crystal γ-InSe

by James Felton, Elena Blundo, Sanliang Ling, Joseph Glover, Zakhar R. Kudrynskyi, Oleg Makarovsky, Zakhar D. Kovalyuk, Elena Besley, Gavin Walker, Antonio Polimeni and Amalia Patané

Molecules 2020, 25(11), 2526; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25112526 - 28 May 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3788

Abstract

The emergence of the hydrogen economy requires development in the storage, generation and sensing of hydrogen. The indium selenide (

γ

-InSe) van der Waals (vdW) crystal shows promise for technologies in all three of these areas. For these applications to be realised, [...] Read more.

The emergence of the hydrogen economy requires development in the storage, generation and sensing of hydrogen. The indium selenide (

γ

-InSe) van der Waals (vdW) crystal shows promise for technologies in all three of these areas. For these applications to be realised, the fundamental interactions of InSe with hydrogen must be understood. Here, we present a comprehensive experimental and theoretical study on the interaction of

γ

-InSe with hydrogen. It is shown that hydrogenation of

γ

-InSe by a Kaufman ion source results in a marked quenching of the room temperature photoluminescence signal and a modification of the vibrational modes of

γ

-InSe, which are modelled by density functional theory simulations. Our experimental and theoretical studies indicate that hydrogen is incorporated into the crystal preferentially in its atomic form. This behaviour is qualitatively different from that observed in other vdW crystals, such as transition metal dichalcogenides, where molecular hydrogen is intercalated in the vdW gaps of the crystal, leading to the formation of “bubbles” for hydrogen storage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Materials for Energy Storage)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2751 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Transitional Metals (Mn and Ni) Substitution in LiCoPO₄ Olivines

by Oriele Palumbo, Jessica Manzi, Daniele Meggiolaro, Francesco M. Vitucci, Francesco Trequattrini, Mariangela Curcio, Annalisa Paolone and Sergio Brutti

Molecules 2020, 25(3), 601; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25030601 - 30 Jan 2020

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3104

Abstract

Transition metal substitution is a key strategy to optimize the functional properties of advanced crystalline materials used as positive electrodes in secondary lithium batteries (LIBs). Here we investigate the structural alterations in the olivine lattice of Mn and Ni substituted LiCoPO₄ phase [...] Read more.

Transition metal substitution is a key strategy to optimize the functional properties of advanced crystalline materials used as positive electrodes in secondary lithium batteries (LIBs). Here we investigate the structural alterations in the olivine lattice of Mn and Ni substituted LiCoPO₄ phase and the impact on performance in LIBs. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and extended X-ray absorption experiments have been carried out in order to highlight the structural alterations induced by partial substitution of cobalt by manganese and nickel. XRD analysis suggests that substitution induces an expansion of the lattices and an increase of the antisite disorder between lithium and transition metal ions in the structure. XAS data highlight negligible electronic disorder but a relevant modulation in the local coordination around the different metal ions. Moreover, galvanostatic tests showed poor reversibility of the redox reaction compared to the pure LCP sample, and this failure is discussed in detail in view of the observed remarkable structural changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Materials for Energy Storage)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 2897 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Separation of H₂ from CO₂ Using a ZIF-8 Membrane by Molecular Simulation and Maxwell-Stefan Model

by Behrouz Bayati, Asma Ghorbani, Kamran Ghasemzadeh, Adolfo Iulianelli and Angelo Basile

Molecules 2019, 24(23), 4350; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24234350 - 28 Nov 2019

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3112

Abstract

The purification of H₂-rich streams using membranes represents an important separation process, particularly important in the viewpoint of pre-combustion CO₂ capture. In this study, the separation of H₂ from a mixture containing H₂ and CO₂ using a [...] Read more.

The purification of H₂-rich streams using membranes represents an important separation process, particularly important in the viewpoint of pre-combustion CO₂ capture. In this study, the separation of H₂ from a mixture containing H₂ and CO₂ using a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)-8 membrane is proposed from a theoretical point of view. For this purpose, the adsorption and diffusion coefficients of H₂ and CO₂ were considered by molecular simulation. The adsorption of these gases followed the Langmuir model, and the diffusion coefficient of H₂ was much higher than that of CO₂. Then, using the Maxwell–Stefan model, the H₂ and CO₂ permeances and H₂/CO₂ permselectivities in the H₂–CO₂ mixtures were evaluated. Despite the fact that adsorption of CO₂ was higher than H₂, owing to the simultaneous interference of adsorption and diffusion processes in the membrane, H₂ permeation was more pronounced than CO₂. The modeling results showed that, for a ZIF-8 membrane, the H₂/CO₂ permselectivity for the H₂–CO₂ binary mixture 80/20 ranges between 28 and 32 at ambient temperature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Materials for Energy Storage)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Innovative Materials for Energy Storage

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (10 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI