Electrodeposited Ni(OH)<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanostructures on electro-etched carbon fiber paper for highly stable supercapacitors

Herein, we introduce a facile, inexpensive and fast, and additive-/template-free method to fabricate highly stable nickel hydroxide nanofibers for supercapacitor applications. Ni(OH)₂ nanofibers were electrodeposited on electro-etched carbon fiber paper by a potential step method (Ni(OH)₂-ECFs) and characterized using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. Electrochemical performance of Ni(OH)₂-ECF was studied in symmetric two-electrode assembly by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge method, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. A specific capacitance of 277.5 F g^?1 was achieved for the symmetric supercapacitor based on two identical Ni(OH)₂-ECFs. Our findings demonstrate high-rate capability with excellent stability (approximately 100 % capacitance retention) for Ni(OH)₂-ECF supercapacitor, originated from the intimate contact between Ni(OH)₂ and ECF. Our studies suggest the Ni(OH)₂-ECF electrode as an excellent material for supercapacitor applications.     

Enhanced electrochemical performance of nano-MnO2 modified by Ni(OH)2 as electrode material for supercapacitor

Ni(OH)₂ was compounded to MnO₂ in an easy liquid phase process to improve the diffusion process of the electrode. The as-prepared materials were a mixture of amorphous and nanocrystalline with aggregated nanoparticles forming slit-shaped pore structures. The composite has higher specific surface area and smaller pore volume compared with pristine MnO₂. Electrochemical properties of the electrodes were carried out with cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge–discharge tests, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The MnO₂/Ni(OH)₂ composites exhibited enhanced electrochemical properties than that of pristine MnO₂. Remarkably, the composite which contains 3 % Ni(OH)₂ exerted the best discharged specific of 408 F g^?1 under 0.2 A g^?1, much higher than 247 F g^?1 of pristine MnO₂ at the same current density. Better rate capability and cycling stability were also realized by the same composite in comparison.     

Highly stable asymmetric supercapacitors based on Ni(OH)<Subscript>2</Subscript> deposited on electro-etched carbon paper

Herein, we introduce the application of nickel hydroxide nanosheets on the electro-etched carbon fiber (ECF) formed via a direct electrodeposition, for fabrication of asymmetric supercapacitor. To confirm the practical applicability of prepared Ni(OH)₂–ECF, an asymmetric device was assembled using Ni(OH)₂–ECF in combination with an activated carbon (AC) electrode. Our results showed a substantial cycling stability (96% capacitance retention after 10000 cycles) and considerable rate capability at large discharge currents (60% capacitance retention at 8 A g^??1) for this asymmetric supercapacitor that may have originated from the good contact between Ni(OH)₂ and ECF. A maximum specific capacitance of 88.1 F g^??1 was achieved for Ni(OH)₂–ECF//AC/CF device and showed considerable rate capability at large discharge currents (60% capacitance retention at 8 A g^??1). The results of this study suggest the Ni(OH)₂–ECF electrode is an excellent material for fabrication of supercapacitor electrodes.     

Electrochemical preparation of α-Ni(OH)2 ultrafine nanoparticles for high-performance supercapacitors

Well-dispersed nanoparticles of nickel hydroxide were prepared via a simple electrochemical method. Electrodeposition experiments were performed from 0.005 M Ni(NO₃)₂ bath at a constant current density of 0.1 mA cm^?2 on the steel cathode for 1 h. Recording the potential values during the deposition process revealed that the reduction of water has major role in the base electrogeneration at the applied conditions. The obtained deposit was characterized by the X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR), differential scanning calorimeter–thermogravimetric analysis, carbon–nitrogen–hydrogen (CHN), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The CHN, XRD, and IR analyses showed that the obtained deposit has α phase of Ni(OH)₂ with intercalated nitrate ions in its structure. Morphological characterization by SEM and TEM revealed that the prepared α-Ni(OH)₂ is composed of well-dispersed ultrafine particles with the size of about 5 nm. The supercapacitive performance of the prepared nanoparticles was analyzed by means of cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge tests. The electrochemical measurements showed an excellent supercapacitive behavior of the prepared α-Ni(OH)₂ nanoparticles. It was also observed that the α-Ni(OH)₂ ultrafine particles have better electrochemical characteristic and supercapacitive behavior than β-Ni(OH)₂ ultrafine nanoparticles, including less positive charging potential, lower E _a???E _c value, better reversibility, higher E _OER???E _a, higher utilization of active material, higher proton diffusion coefficient, greater discharge capacity, and better cyclability. These results make the α-Ni(OH)₂ nanoparticles as an excellent candidate for the supercapacitor materials.     

Effect of surface modification of zinc oxide on the electrochemical performances of [Ni4Al(OH)10]OH electrode

Surface modification of zinc oxide on the [Ni₄Al(OH)₁₀]OH has been performed by a chemical surface precipitation method. Inductively coupled plasma measurements show that the amount of ZnO of prepared samples increases with the increase of initial concentration of Zn²⁺ in the mother solution. Powder X-ray diffraction measurements and scanning electron microscope images show that the modification of ZnO has little effects on the lattice parameters and the particle sizes of the [Ni₄Al(OH)₁₀]OH, but does change the morphology. The charge–discharge cycles results show that the deterioration rate of discharge capacity for the electrode with ZnO is only 4.0 % after 255 cycles, which is lower than that of electrode without ZnO (8.5 %); meanwhile, the maximal numbers of exchanged electrons per nickel atom for the electrodes with ZnO are basically over 1.83, which are higher than that of the electrode without ZnO (1.73), indicating that the modification of ZnO can improve the utilization of active material. In addition, the cyclic voltammogram tests results show that the modification of ZnO not only improves electrochemical cyclic reversibility but also elevates the oxygen evolution potential. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements show that the modification of ZnO can lower the double layer capacitance and the charge transfer resistance.     

Synthesis and characterization of Pd-La(OH)3/C electrocatalyst for direct ethanol fuel cell

The composite nanomaterial of Pd-La(OH)₃/C was successfully synthesized via intermittent microwave heating–glycol reduction method and characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The TEM photograph shows that Pd-La(OH)₃ is well polymerized and dispersed on the carbon support. The performance of the prepared material for ethanol oxidation was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), chronoamperometry (CA), and chronopotentiometry (CP) measurements in alkaline media. The results reveal that Pd-La(OH)₃/C has significantly higher activity and stability than that of Pd/C with the same Pd loading of 0.1 mg cm^?2. The stable potential reaches to ?0.38 V vs. Hg/HgO at 20 mA cm^?2 on the Pd-La(OH)₃/C electrode in CP curve. Single direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC) was constructed using Pd-La(OH)₃/C electrode and MnO₂/C electrode as the ethanol anode and air cathode respectively, where the cell voltage can stay at 0.4 V under the current density of 20 mA cm^?2 by discharge test at room temperature.     

The electrochemical properties of Li/TEGDME/MoS2 cells using multi-wall carbon nanotubes as a conducting agent

We investigated the first charge–discharge behavior and cycling property of Li batteries using MoS₂ electrodes with multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNT) as a conducting agent. The MoS₂ electrode was prepared using MWNT as the conducting agent. The battery gave a high first discharge capacity of 440 mAhg^?1 with a plateau potential region at 1.1 V. The Li/MoS₂ battery using MWNT showed a higher discharge capacity compared to acetylene black. After ten cycles of the battery using MWNT, the discharge capacity decreased to 120 mAhg^?1, which corresponded to 30% of the first discharge capacity. Adding a carbon nanotube into the MoS₂ electrode improved the first discharge behavior, but did not affect the cycling property of the Li/MoS₂ cell.     

Nano MgFe2O4 synthesized by sol–gel auto-combustion method as anode materials for lithium ion batteries

In this work, spinel structure MgFe₂O₄ nano-crystals were synthesized by sol–gel auto-combustion method. Morphology and structure of the synthesized MgFe₂O₄ material is characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). And its electrochemical properties were investigated at different active material ratio. Galvanostatic charge/discharge and cyclic voltammograms (CVs) measurements show that the electrode with a ratio of 40:40:20, which is the ratio of active material: super-P carbon (SP): polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), presents relatively superior performance with the initial discharge capacity of 1,123 mAh g^?1 and charge/discharge efficiency of 96.7 %. And after 50 cycles, it still maintains at 635 mAh g^?1, which is nearly double that of the other two electrodes with active material ratio of 60:25:15 and 80:15:5. Electrochemical impedance spectra testing shows that the charge transfer resistance (Rct) decreases along with the increasing amount of SP, which is benefit for reducing the polarization and improving the cycling stability of the electrode to a certain extent.     

Influence of the microstructure and its stability on the electrochemical properties of EMD produced from a range of precursors

The influence of the microstructure and the stable crystal structure on the electrochemical properties of the electrolytic manganese dioxide (EMD) produced from manganese cake (EMD_MC), low-grade manganese ore (EMD_LMO), and synthetic manganese sulfate solutions (EMD_SMS) is reported. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and chemical analyses were used to determine the structural and chemical characteristics of the EMD samples. The charge–discharge profile was studied in 9 M KOH using a galvanostatic charge–discharge unit. All the samples were found to contain predominantly γ-phase MnO₂, which is electrochemically active for energy storage applications. FESEM images show that preparation method significantly influences surface morphology, shape, and size of the EMD particles. In almost all cases, nanoparticles were obtained, with spindle-shaped nanoparticles for EMD_MC, platy nanoparticles in the case of EMD_LMO, and anisotropic growth of tetra-branched star-like nanoparticles of EMD_SMS. These nanoparticles arrange themselves in a near net-like fashion, resulting in porosity of the flakes of EMD during electrochemical deposition. Thermal studies showed loss of structural water and formation of lower manganese oxides. The EMD_MC showed superior discharge capacity of ~280 mAh g^?1 as compared to EMD_LMO (275 mAh g^?1) and EMD_SMS (245 mAh g^?1).     

Fabrication and characterization of electrochemical double layer capacitors using ionic liquid-based gel polymer electrolyte with chemically treated activated charcoal electrodes

The present investigation deals with electrochemical double layer capacitors (EDLCs) made up of ionic liquid (IL)-based gel polymer electrolytes with chemically treated activated charcoal electrodes. The gel polymer electrolyte comprising of poly(vinylidine fluoride-co-hexafluropropylene) (PVdF-HFP)–1-ethyl-2,3-dimethyl-imidazolium-tetrafluroborate [EDiMIM][BF₄]–propylene carbonate (PC)–magnesium perchlorate (Mg(ClO₄)₂) exhibits the highest ionic conductivity of ~8.4?×?10^?3?S?cm^?1 at room temperature (~20 °C), showing good mechanical and dimensional stability, suitable for their application in EDLCs. Activation of charcoal was done by impregnation method using potassium hydroxide (KOH) as activating agent. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) studies reveal that the effective surface area of treated activated charcoal powder (1,515 m²?g^?1) increases by more than double-fold compared to the untreated one (721 m²?g^?1). Performance of EDLCs has been tested using cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, and charge–discharge techniques. Analysis shows that chemically treated activated charcoal electrodes have almost triple times more capacitance values as compared to the untreated one.     

Synthesis of γ-LiV2O5 nanorods as a high-performance cathode for Li ion battery

One-dimension γ-LiV₂O₅ nanorods were synthesized using VO₂(B) nanorods as precursor in this study. The as-prepared material is characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectrometry, Fourier-transform infrared, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), cyclic voltammetry, and charge–discharge cycling test. TEM results show that LiV₂O₅ nanorods are 90–250 nm in diameter. The nanorods deliver a maximum discharge capacity of 284.3 mAh g^?1 at 15 mA g^?1 and 270.2 mAh g^?1 is maintained at the 15th cycle. Good rate performance is also observed with the discharge capacity of 250.1 and 202.6 mAh g^?1 at 50 and 300 mA g^?1, respectively. The capacity retention at 300 mA g^?1 is 84.2% over 50 cycles. The Li⁺ diffusion coefficient of LiV₂O₅ is calculated to be 10^-10–10^?9 cm² s^?1. It is demonstrated that the nanorod morphology could greatly facilitate to shorten lithium ion diffusion pathways and increase the contact area between active material and electrolyte, resulting in high capacity and rate performance for LiV₂O₅.     

Synthesis and electrochemical performance of three-dimensionally ordered macroporous LiCoO2

Three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) LiCoO₂ was synthesized by colloidal crystal templating method using poly(methyl methacrylate) with the diameter of 232 nm as the template. The effects of roasting temperature on properties of LiCoO₂ cathode materials were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DTG), scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and electrochemical measurements. The results indicated that the synthesized 3DOM LiCoO₂ calcined at 700 °C had better crystal framework and electrochemical properties. The 3DOM LiCoO₂ samples presented higher rate capacity compared to commercial LiCoO₂ with a specific discharge capacity of 151.2 mAh g^?1 at a current density of 1 C, and 92 % of the specific discharge capacity was retained after 50 charge–discharge cycling.     

Chemical Composition,Physical Properties and Populating Mechanism of Some O(I) States for a DC Discharge in Oxygen with Water Cathode

This paper reports the results of the experimental study of parameters for a DC oxygen discharge with water cathode in the pressure range of 0.1–1 bar and the discharge current of 40 mA. The radius of positive column, the cathode voltage drop, the cathode current density and the electric field strength were measured. Rotational temperatures of N₂ (C³Π_u, V = 0) and OH (A²Σ, V = 0) and absolute line intensities of atomic oxygen with wave length of 845 and 777 nm were determined as well. Plasma composition modeling was carried out by the combined solution of the Boltzmann equation for electrons, the equations of vibrational kinetics for ground states of N₂, O₂, H₂O molecules, and the equations of chemical kinetics, and the plasma conductivity equation. Calculations were carried out taking into consideration the discharge radial heterogeneity and using experimental values of E/N and gas temperatures. The main particles being formed in plasma were shown to be ^·OH, H₂O₂, O(³P), O₂(a¹Δ_g), O₂(b¹Σ _g ⁺ ), H(¹S). On the basis of this calculation and experimental values of line intensities, the populating mechanism of (3p ³P) level of atomic oxygen was discussed. The comparison of some properties of discharges in O₂, N₂ and air was done.     

Application of polyacrylonitrile-based polymer electrolytes in rechargeable lithium batteries

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based polymer electrolytes have obtained considerable attention due to their fascinating characteristics such as appreciable ionic conductivity at ambient temperatures and mechanical stability. This study is based on the system PAN–ethylene carbonate (EC)–propylene carbonate (PC)–lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (LiCF₃SO₃). The composition 15 mol% PAN–42 mol% EC–36 mol% PC–7 mol% LiCF₃SO₃ has shown a maximum room temperature conductivity of 1.2?×?10^?3 S cm^?1. Also, it was possible to make a thin, transparent film out of that composition. Cells of the form, Li/PAN–EC–PC–LiCF₃SO₃/polypyrrole (PPy)–alkylsulfonate (AS) were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and continuous charge–discharge tests. When cycled at low scan rates, a higher capacity could be obtained and well-defined peaks were present. The appearance of peaks elucidates the fact that redox reactions occur completely. This well proves the reason for higher capacity. The average specific capacity was about 43 Ah kg^?1. Cells exhibited a charge factor close to unity during continuous charging and discharging, indicating the absence of parasitic reactions.     

Porous nanostructured V2O5 film electrode with excellent Li-ion intercalation properties

Porous nanostructured V₂O₅ films were prepared by electrodeposition from V₂O₅ sol with the addition of block copolymer Pluoronic P123, and they can be readily applied as Li-ion battery cathode without adding any polymer binder or conductive additives. SEM images showed an ideal morphology for Li⁺ intercalation favored charge transfer kinetics, which is a combination of homogeneously distributed nano-pores and V₂O₅ nanoparticles. Electrochemical measurements revealed that, the porous nanostructured V₂O₅ films have a high discharge capacity of 160 mAh/g at 9 A/g, and maintain 240 mAh/g after 40 cycles at 300 mA/g. The excellent Li⁺ intercalation property could be ascribed to the high surface area, sufficient contact between electrode materials and electrolyte, short Li⁺ diffusion path, as well as the good accommodation for volume change which are benefited from homogeneously distributed nano-pores and V₂O₅ nanoparticles.     

Polymer template-assisted microemulsion synthesis of large surface area, porous Li2MnO3 and its characterization as a positive electrode material of Li-ion cells

Lithium-rich manganese oxide (Li₂MnO₃) is prepared by reverse microemulsion method employing Pluronic acid (P123) as a soft template and studied as a positive electrode material. The as-prepared sample possesses good crystalline structure with a broadly distributed mesoporosity but low surface area. As expected, cyclic voltammetry and charge–discharge data indicate poor electrochemical activity. However, the sample gains surface area with narrowly distributed mesoporosity and also electrochemical activity after treating in 4 M H₂SO₄. A discharge capacity of about 160 mAh g^?1 is obtained. When the acid-treated sample is heated at 300 °C, the resulting porous sample with a large surface area and dual porosity provides a discharge capacity of 240 mAh g^?1. The rate capability study suggests that the sample provides about 150 mAh g^?1 at a specific discharge current of 1.25 A g^?1. Although the cycling stability is poor, the high rate capability is attributed to porous nature of the material.     

Hybrid materials utilizing polyelectrolyte-derivatized carbon nanotubes and vanadium-mixed addenda heteropolytungstate for efficient electrochemical charging and electrocatalysis

Preparation and electrochemical behavior of new hybrid materials composed of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that were derivatized with poly(diallyldimethylammonium) chloride and modified with vanadium-mixed addenda Dawson-type heteropolytungstate, [P₂W₁₇VO₆₂]^8?, is described here. These nanostructured composite systems exhibited fast dynamics of charge propagation. They were characterized by the transport (effectively diffusional) kinetic parameter of approximately 8?×?10^?8 cm^?2 s^?1/2 and the specific capacitance parameter of 82 F g^?1 (at the charging/discharging current of 200 mA g^?1). The latter parameter for bare CNTs was found to be only 50 F g^?1 under analogous conditions. These observations were based on the results of galvanostatic charging–discharging, cyclic voltammetric, and AC impedance spectroscopic measurements. The improved capacitance properties were attributed to the systems’ pseudocapacitive features originating from the fast redox transitions of the [P₂W₁₇VO₆₂]^8? polyanions. In addition to the fast redox conduction, the proposed organic–inorganic hybrid materials exhibited interesting electrocatalytic activity toward reduction of bromate in the broad concentration range (sensitivity, 0.24 mA cm^?2 mmol^?1 dm³).     

Speciation and Multinuclear NMR Spectroscopic Studies of Di- and Trimethyltin(IV) Moieties with MESNA in Aqueous Medium

The interaction of Me₂Sn(IV)²⁺ and Me₃Sn(IV)⁺ with a prodrug, sodium 2-mercaptoethane sulfonate (HSCH₂CH₂SO₃Na, MESNA) abbreviated as (HL), has been studied potentiometrically in aqueous solution (I = 0.1 mol·L^?1 KNO₃, 298 K). The concentration distribution of various species formed in the solution was studied with changes in pH (~3–11). A strong coordination of MESNA with metal through the S atom of thiol group has been found. In the Me₂Sn(IV)–HL system, the species [Me₂Sn(L)]⁺ (53.1–75.6%) is predominant at acidic pH (3.73 ± 0.02) and the species [Me₂Sn(L)₂OH]^? (29.4–38.5%) is predominant at basic pH (10.32 ± 0.08). In contrast, for the Me₃Sn(IV)⁺ system, [Me₃SnL] (37.0–57.4%) is the major species at pH 7.65 ± 0.03 and [Me₃Sn(OH)] (49.9–67.2%) and [Me₃Sn(L)(OH)]^? (30.2–46.5%) are the major species at pH 11.05 ± 0.01. However, at physiological pH (7.01 ± 0.32), in both (1:1) and (1:2) Me₂Sn(IV)–HL systems, the species [Me₂Sn(L)(OH)] (67.2–89.9%) is predominant, whereas for Me₃Sn(IV)–HL (1:1) and (1:2) systems, [Me₃Sn(OH)] (53.5%) and [Me₃SnL] (56.8%) are the respective predominant species. In order to characterize the possible geometry of the proposed complex species, multinuclear (¹H, ¹³C and ¹¹⁹Sn) NMR studies were carried out at different pHs. No polymeric species were detected in the experimental pH range.     

The electrochemical properties of Fe- and Ni-cosubstituted Li2MnO3 via combustion method

The Co-free Li_1.20Mn_0.54Ni _x Fe _y O₂ (x/y?=?0.5, 1.0, 2.0) materials were synthesized by combustion method. The effects of the preparation condition on the structure, morphology, and electrochemical performance were investigated by X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, charge–discharge tests, and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The results indicate that the structure and electrochemical characteristics are sensitive to the preparation condition when a large amount of Fe is included. A pure layered α-NaFeO₂ structure with R-3m space group and the discharge capacities of over 200 mAh g^?1 were observed in some as-prepared cathode materials. Particularly, the Li_1.2Mn_0.54Ni_0.13Fe_0.13O₂ prepared by mixing an excess amount of lithium and by firing at 600 °C exhibits a second discharge capacity of 264 mAh g^?1 in the voltage range of 1.5–4.8 V under current density of 30 mA g^?1 at 30 °C and discharge capacity of 223 mAh g^?1 at 2.0–4.8 V. Nevertheless, an unpleasant capacity fading was observed and is primarily ascribed to transformation from a rock-layered structure into a spinel one according to CV testing.     

Kinetics and Mechanism of Cr(VI) Reduction in a Water Cathode Induced by Atmospheric Pressure DC Discharge in Air

The process of reduction of Cr⁶⁺ ions (solution of potassium dichromate, K₂Cr₂O₇) in a water cathode was studied during a DC discharge in air. The concentration range of Cr⁶⁺ was (5.7–19) ×10^?5 mol/l and discharge current range was 20–80 mA. Cr⁶⁺ ions were shown to be reversibly reduced under a discharge action. The equilibrium degree of reduction increased with increasing initial concentration of the solution at fixed discharge current. At fixed initial concentration the reduction degree increased with increasing discharge current. The reduction degrees so obtained were 0.34–0.84. A kinetic scheme of the processes taking place in a solution was proposed. The calculated data obtained as a result of application of this scheme described well the experimental results on Cr⁶⁺ kinetics. The main processes of Cr⁶⁺ reduction and Cr³⁺ oxidation were revealed. HO ₂ ^· radicals and hydrogen peroxide were shown to be responsible for Cr⁶⁺ reduction whereas ^·OH radicals and O₂ molecules provide the reverse process of Cr³⁺ oxidation to Cr⁶⁺. The mechanism of action of phenol additives improving the process efficiency is discussed. The efficiency of phenol action as a radical scavenger was shown to be determined with its mass-transfer to the reaction area rather than chemical reaction rate.