β‐Co(OH)2 Nanosheets: A Superior Pseudocapacitive Electrode for High‐Energy Supercapacitors

In this work, β‐Co(OH)₂ nanosheets are explored as efficient pseudocapacitive materials for the fabrication of 1.6 V class high‐energy supercapacitors in asymmetric fashion. The as‐synthesized β‐Co(OH)₂ nanosheets displayed an excellent electrochemical performance owing to their unique structure, morphology, and reversible reaction kinetics (fast faradic reaction) in both the three‐electrode and asymmetric configuration (with activated carbon, AC). For example, in the three‐electrode set‐up, β‐Co(OH)₂ exhibits a high specific capacitance of ∼675 F g⁻¹ at a scan rate of 1 mV s⁻¹. In the asymmetric supercapacitor, the β‐Co(OH)₂∥AC cell delivers a maximum energy density of 37.3 Wh kg⁻¹ at a power density of 800 W kg⁻¹. Even at harsh conditions (8 kW kg⁻¹), an energy density of 15.64 Wh kg⁻¹ is registered for the β‐Co(OH)₂∥AC assembly. Such an impressive performance of β‐Co(OH)₂ nanosheets in the asymmetric configuration reveals the emergence of pseudocapacitive electrodes towards the fabrication of high‐energy electrochemical charge storage systems.     

Flower-like Spherical α-Ni(OH)2 Derived NiP2 as Superior Anode Material of Sodium-Ion Batteries

Transition metal phosphides (TMPs) are promising anode candidates for sodium-ion batteries, due to their high theoretical specific capacity and working potential. However, the low conductivity and excessive volume variation of TMPs during insertion/extraction of sodium ions result in a poor rate performance and long-term cycling stability, largely limiting their practical application. In this paper, NiP₂ nanoparticles encapsulated in three-dimensional graphene (NiP₂@rGO) were obtained from the flower-like spherical α-Ni(OH)₂ by phosphating and carbon encapsulation processes. When used as a sodium-ion batteries anode material, the NiP₂@rGO composite shows an excellent cycling performance (117 mA h g⁻¹ at 10 A g⁻¹ after 8000 cycles). The outstanding electrochemical performance of NiP₂@rGO is ascribed to the synergistic effect of the rGO and NiP₂. The rGO wrapped on the NiP₂ nanoparticles build a conductive way, improving ionic and electronic conductivity. The effective combination of NiP₂ nanoparticles with graphene greatly reduces the aggregation and pulverization of NiP₂ nanoparticles during the discharge/charge process. This study may shed light on the construction of high-performance anode materials for sodium-ion batteries and to other electrode materials.     

Controlled Synthesis of CuCo2S4@Ni(OH)2 Hybrid Nanorod Arrays for Water Splitting at an Ultralow Cell Voltage of 1.47 V

Developing environmentally friendly and highly active water splitting catalysts would be of great significance for clean energy conversion and utilization processes. Heterogeneous CuCo₂S₄@Ni(OH)₂ nanorod arrays with abundant oxygen vacancy firstly have been designed through a controllable hydrothermal and electrodeposition method. The synergies and open structures of the particular hierarchical structure together with the abundant oxygen vacancies offer more surface reactive centers, which can promote the electron transfer rate and reduce the activation energy of intermediate species. The CuCo₂S₄@Ni(OH)₂–20 min nanorod arrays are considered as an excellent and robust electrocatalyst for the proton reduction under an alkaline condition with an extraordinary low overpotential of 117 mV at 10 mA cm^?2. The CuCo₂S₄@Ni(OH)₂–20 min heterostructures electrode is also stable and robust for the water oxidation reaction, needing an overpotential of only 250 mV to obtain 100 mA cm^?2. Therefore, an alkaline electrolyzer was designed using CuCo₂S₄@Ni(OH)₂–20 min nanorod arrays as bifunctional electrocatalyst, which can complete overall water splitting at a cell voltage of 1.47 V with 10 mA cm^?2, suggesting a promising combination of the same material for efficient overall water splitting device. The cell voltage of 1.47 V, to our knowledge, is among the lowest values of the published support catalysts for electrocatalytic water splitting up to now.     

Synthesis and assembly of ultrathin film of Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles at gas/liquid interface, its high electrocatalytical oxidation toward bio-thiols and selective determination of cysteine

A facile strategy was reported to synthesize and assemble a stable ultrathin film of Ni(OH)₂ nanoparticles at gas/liquid interface where the aqueous phase contained Ni²⁺ and the organic phase was composed of triethylamine toluene solution. The ultrathin film of Ni(OH)₂ nanoparticles that precipitated at the interface was transferred onto the electrode surface for the electrocatalysis of bio-thiols and selective electroanalysis of cysteine. The preparation of Ni(OH)₂ ultrathin film and its transfer to an electrode substrate is very simple. The obtained Ni(OH)₂ ultrathin film modified electrodes are stable, showing high electrochemical oxidation toward bio-thiols and good selectivity toward cysteine in phosphate buffered solution of pH 7.5.     

球型Ni(OH)2表面包覆Y(OH)3及其高温充放电性能

应用共沉淀的方法在球型Ni(OH)₂的表面包覆了一层Y(OH)₃,并研究了包覆不同含钇量后的球型Ni(OH)₂的高温充放电性能。研究结果表明:包覆Y(OH)₃的球型Ni(OH)₂具有良好的高温充放电性能。其中1C充放电条件下,包覆量为0.3%的Ni(OH)₂较好,0.2C充放电条件下,包覆量为1%的Ni(OH)₂较好。     

Li2I(OH): Eine Verbindung mit eindimensional unendlich kantenverknüpften [Li4/2(OH)]+-Pyramiden

Li₂I(OH): A Compound with Onedimensional Infinite Edge Sharing [Li_4/2(OH)⁺] Pyramids The pseudobinary system LiOH/LiI was investigated by X-ray methods. Two compounds, Li₂I(OH) and Li₅I(OH)₄ exist. The structure of Li₂I(OH) was solved by single-crystal data. For Li₅I(OH)₄ lattice constants and space group symmetry are given: Li₂I(OH): Pnma, Z = 4, a = 10.339(4) Å, b = 5.567(1) Å, c = 6.643(2) Å, Z(F_o) mit (F_o)² ≧ 3σ(F_o)² = 439, Z (parameter) = 23, R/R_w = 0.030/0.040 Li₅I(OH)₄: Pmmn or P2₁mn(= Pmn2₁), Z = 2, a = 10.42 Å, b = 5.30 Å, c = 5.81 Å Li₂I(OH) crystallizes in a new type of structure. The motif of a distorted hexagonal close-packed arrangement of iodide ions is penetrated by chains of [Li_4/2(OH)⁺].     

Hydrogen Peroxide Sensor Based on Carbon Nanotubes/β‐Ni(OH)2 Nanocomposites

Ni(OH)₂ nanoflowers were synthesized by a simple and energy‐efficient wet chemistry method. The product was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD). Then Ni(OH)₂ nanoflowers attached multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) modified glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) were proposed (MWCNTs/Ni(OH)₂/GCE) to use as electrochemical sensor to detect hydrogen peroxide. The results showed that the synergistic effect was obtained on the MWCNTs/Ni(OH)₂/GCE whose sensitivity was better than that of Ni(OH)₂/GCE. The linear range is from 0.2 to 22 mmol/L, the detection limit is 0.066 mmol/L, and the response time is <5 s. Satisfyingly, the MWCNTs/Ni(OH)₂/GCE was not only successfully employed to eliminate the interferences from uric acid (UA), acid ascorbic (AA), dopamine (DA), glucose (GO) but also NO₂^? during the detection. The MWCNTs/Ni(OH)₂/GCE allows highly sensitive, excellently selective and fast amperometric sensing of hydrogen peroxide and thus is promising for the future development of hydrogen peroxide sensors.     

Ungewöhnliche Koordinationspolyeder um Sauerstoff in Li4Cl(OH)3

Unusual Coordination Polyhedra around Oxygen in Li₄Cl(OH)₃ The pseudobinary system LiOH/LiCl was investigated by X-ray methods. Two compounds, Li₄Cl(OH)₃ and Li₂Cl(OH), were obtained. The crystal structure of Li₄Cl(OH)₃ solved by single-crystal methods is delt with. For Li₂Cl(OH) powder diffraction data are given: Li₄Cl(OH)₃: P2₁/m, Z = 2, a = 5.4096(8) Å, b = 7.382(2) Å, c = 6.2076(8) Å, β = 94.40(1)°, Z(F_o) with (F_o)² ≧ 3σ(F_o)² = 483, Z (parameter) = 50, R/R_w = 0.022/0.025 Li₂Cl(OH): Pmma, Z = 2, a = 7.680(8) Å, b = 4.001(7) Å, c = 3.899(6) Å The hydroxide rich compound crystallizes in a new type of structure which contains puckered layers [Li₄(OH)₃⁺] connected via chloride ions.     

The relationship of spherical nano-Ni(OH)2 microstructure with its voltammetric behavior

The spherical nano-Ni(OH)₂ has been characterized by a series of spectra methods such as the scanning electron microscope (SEM), the transmission electron microscope (TEM) and the X-ray diffraction (XRD). The electrochemical behavior of spherical nano-Ni(OH)₂, attached to a graphite electrode and adjacent to an aqueous KOH-KCl electrolyte solution, has been studied by cyclic voltammetry. Spherical nano-Ni(OH)₂ exhibits a pair of quasi-reversible redox peaks. The relationship of the granularity and the potential was investigated, as well as the effect of different pH conditions. Moreover, the cycling experiments have been set up using spherical nano-Ni(OH)₂ and traditional analytical grade Ni(OH)₂, respectively, and their cycling performances were evaluated as well. The capacity of spherical nano-Ni(OH)₂ is ca. ten times higher than the one with the traditional material under the same conditions, which shows its better electrochemical properties.     

Co(OH)2-combined carbon-nanotube array electrodes for high-performance micro-electrochemical capacitors

We have investigated binder-free Co(OH)₂-combined carbon-nanotube (CNT) array electrodes using anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) templates for micro-electrochemical capacitors. It is shown that compared to the capacitors fabricated with CNT only electrodes (6.3 F/cm³ at 100 mV/s), those with the Co(OH)₂-combined CNT array electrodes produce much higher capacitance (12.74 F/cm³ at 100 mV/s) together with superior high-rate capacitance. The improved electrochemical behavior is explained in terms of high capacitance of amorphous Co(OH)₂ electrode and the use of CNT arrays as effective current collector.     

Layered Al‐substituted Cobalt Hydroxides/GO Composites for Electrode Materials of Supercapacitors

In this work, Al‐substituted α‐Co(OH)₂/GO composites with supercapacitive properties were prepared by chemical co‐precipitated method in which cobalt nitrate and aluminum nitrate were used as the raw material, and graphite oxide was employed as carrier. The as‐prepared materials were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements showed that the Al‐substituted α‐Co(OH)₂/GO electrode material had excellent electrochemical capacitance. The specific capacitance of 1137 F·g⁻¹ was achieved in 6 mol/L KOH solution at a current density of 1 A·g⁻¹ within a potential range of 0–0.5 V. Moreover, only 12% losses of the initial specific capacitance were found after 500 cycles at a current density of 1 A·g⁻¹.     

Promotion Effect of Bismuth on Nickel Electrodeposition and Its Electrocatalysis to Glucose Oxidation

Metallic Bi and Ni were co‐deposited onto the surface of glass carbon electrode (GCE) from the electrolyte solution containing their respective nitrate to fabricate a Bi/Ni alloy modified GCE (Bi/Ni‐GCE). The purpose is to study the influence of Bi³⁺ on the deposition of Ni and that of deposited Bi on the electrocatalytic performance of Ni to glucose in alkali solution. The results show that both redox signal of Ni(OH)₂/NiOOH and Ni(OH)₂/NiOOH mediated electrocatalysis to glucose is remarkably increased in the presence of Bi. It seems that there is a synergistic effect between Bi and Ni on each other’s redox electrochemistry. It’s possible that the firstly deposited Bi on GCE surface helps to the following nucleation and growth of Ni, leading to the deposition of more metallic Ni on GCE surface. An extremely attractive feature of Bi/Ni‐GCE is reflected by the fast response time to the electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose. The electrode nearly responses immediately after glucose is added and it reaches a steady‐state level within only 2 seconds, demonstrating a good electrocatalytic property of Bi/Ni‐GCE. The calibration plot is linear over the wide concentration range of 0–5.8 mM with a sensitivity of 33.96 µA/mM and a correlation coefficient of 0.9985. The detection limit of the glucose was found to be 0.59 µM at a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3. The fabricated Bi/Ni‐GCE was successfully employed to analyze the glucose level in blood samples, exhibiting high accuracy, strong resistance against inference and good reliability in the practical applications.     

Fabrication of Acid Violet 34/Nickel Hydroxide Ultrathin Film and Its Electrocatalytic Performance for Glucose

This article reports the fabrication of Acid Violet 34 (AV34)/nickel hydroxide nanosheets ultrathin film on the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) via the electrostatic layer‐by‐layer (LBL) technique, and its electrocatalytic oxidation for glucose was demonstrated. UV‐vis absorption and electrochemical impedance spectra indicate the uniform deposition of the LBL film, with a continuous and smooth film surface observed by SEM and AFM. The electrochemical performance of the ultrathin film was studied by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The (AV34/Ni(OH)₂)₅ ultrathin film modified electrode displays a fast direct electron transfer attributed to the Ni²⁺/Ni³⁺ redox couple as well as remarkable electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of glucose. The linear response was obtained in the range 0.5–13.5 mM (R=0.9994) with a low detection limit (14 µM), high sensitivity (25.9 µA mM^?1 cm^?2), rapid response (less than 1 s) and excellent anti‐interference properties to the species including ascorbic acid (AA), uric acid (UA), acetamidophenol (AP) and structurally related sugars. Therefore, the AV34/Ni(OH)₂ ultrathin film can be potentially used as a feasible electrochemical sensor for the determination of glucose.     

Zur Kenntnis des Natrium-tetrahydroxoaluminat-chlorids Na2[Al(OH)4]Cl

On the Sodium Tetrahydroxoaluminate Chloride Na₂[Al(OH)₄]Cl The hitherto unknown compound Na₂[Al(OH)₄]Cl was prepared by crystallisation from a NaCl containing sodium aluminate solution. According to the X-ray single crystal investigation (tetragonal, space group P4/nmm, a = 7.541 Å, c = 5.059 Å, Z = 2) the compound represents the first example of a crystalline hydroxoaluminate with monomeric [Al(OH)₄]^? anions. Cl^? shows a quadratic anti prismatic coordination to 4 Na⁺ and over hydrogen bonds to 4 O^2? while Na⁺ is octahedrally coordinated by 4 O^2? and 2 Cl^? (axial). The results of the crystal structure analysis are confirmed by ²⁷Al and ²³Na MAS NMR investigations. Na₂[Al(OH)₄]Cl decomposes at about 200°C without intermediates under formation of β-NaAlO₂ and NaCl.     

Preparation of Au Nanoparticles on Surface of Two Supports by Adsorption Phase Synthesis

By utilizing adsorption phase synthesis (APS), Au nanoparticles were prepared on the surface of SiO₂ with or without modification by Ni(OH)₂. TEM, XRD, and UV‐vis were employed to characterize the morphology of Au particles on the surface of two kinds of supports. The results showed that the average size of Au particles on the SiO₂ surface modified by Ni(OH)₂ was less than 5 nm. Due to high surface isoelectric point, Au particles formed in the adsorption layer were prone to distribute on the surface of SiO₂ modified by Ni(OH)₂. With content of Ni(OH)₂ in samples increasing, more Au particles with small size appeared on the support surface.     

Iridium Anodic Oxidation to Ir(III) and Ir(IV) Hydrous Oxides

Iridium oxide films (IROFs) are known to have an enhanced or the so‐called super‐Nernstian (<59 mV/pH) pH‐sensitivity. The intention in the present study was to find out the reasons of such behavior and also to elucidate the nature of iridium anodic oxidation processes. The methods employed were combined cyclic voltammetry and chronopotentiometry. Iridium layers of 0.1 to 0.2 μm thickness, deposited thermally on titanium or gold‐plated titanium substrates, were used for investigations. IROFs on the surface of working electrodes were formed anodically by applying a constant potential in deaerated and oxygen‐containing solutions of 0.5 M H₂SO₄, 0.1 M KOH and 0.5 M H₃PO₄+KOH. Linear pH‐dependences of the stationary open‐circuit potential with the slopes close to 59 mV/pH were found for iridium electrode oxidized at 0.4 V–0.8 V (RHE) in deaerated and at 0.8 V–1.2 V (RHE) in O₂‐containing solutions. They were attributed to reversible Ir/Ir(OH)₃ and Ir/ IrO₂?nH₂O metal‐oxide electrodes, respectively. It has been suggested that the main current peaks seen in the voltammograms of iridium electrode in acid and alkaline solutions are of different nature. The difference between iridium electrode surface states in acid and alkaline solutions has been presumed to be the main reason of super‐Nernstian pH‐sensitivity of the IROFs. On the basis of the results obtained standard potential of Ir/Ir(OH)₃ electrode and the solubility product of Ir(OH)₃ have been evaluated: =0.78±0.02 V and K_sp=3.3×10^?64.     

Cyclodextrin-supported Co(OH)2 Clusters as Electrocatalysts for Efficient and Selective H2O2 Synthesis

Co-based material catalysts have shown attractive application prospects in the 2 e⁻ oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, for the industrial synthesis of H₂O₂, there is still lack of Co-based catalysts with high production yield rate. Here, novel cyclodextrin-supported Co(OH)₂ cluster catalysts were prepared via a mild and facile method. The catalyst exhibited remarkable H₂O₂ selectivity (94.2 % ~ 98.2 %), good stability (99 % activity retention after 35 h), and ultra-high H₂O₂ production yield rate (5.58 mol g_catalyst⁻¹ h⁻¹ in the H-type electrolytic cell), demonstrating its promising industrial application potential. Density functional theory (DFT) reveals that the cyclodextrin-mediated Co(OH)₂ electronic structure optimizes the adsorption of OOH* intermediates and significantly enhances the activation energy barrier for dissociation, leading to the high reactivity and selectivity for the 2 e⁻ ORR. This work offers a valuable and practical strategy to design Co-based electrocatalysts for H₂O₂ production.     

Preparation and Application of La(OH)3 Nanoparticles Self‐Assembled Film Modified Electrode

Abstract

La(OH)₃ nanoparticles were successfully prepared with the sol‐gel method, and the preparation of a glassy carbon electrode modified by La(OH)₃ nanoparticles was investigated. The modified electrode shows an excellent electrocatalytic activity for hydroquinone. The anodic and cathodic overpotentials are reduced by ca. 143 mV and 83 mV, respectively, compared with those obtained with a bare glassy carbon electrode. According to the electrochemistry response, we set up a new method to determinate hydroquinone. The catalytic anodic current response of differential pulse voltammogram increases linearly with hydroquinone concentrations from 2.7×10^?7 to 6.5×10^?4 mol L^?1 with a detection limit of 6.0×10^?8 mol L^?1. The recovery of hydroquinone in a simulative sample is satisfactory, especially for its elimination of the interference of 1,2‐benzenediol (pyrocatechol) and 1,3‐benzenediol (m‐dihydroxybenzene). The method is simple, quick, and sensitive.     

Synthesis of Mono-Dispersed Mg(OH)2 Nanoflakelets

Mono-dispersed Mg(OH)₂ nanoflakelets have been prepared with the assistant of 4-(p-nitrophenylazo)resorcinol. The samples were characterized using XRD, TEM, and ED. Electron diffraction analysis showed that single crystalline nanoflakelets were obtained in hydrothermal process, and porous Mg(OH)₂ nanosheets were prepared at lower temperature. Nitrogen adsorption isotherms show that the surface area of Mg(OH)₂ nanosheets is 129 m²/g. Possible growth mechanism of the nanoflakelets is discussed.     

Nonanatrium-bis(hexahydroxoaluminat)-trihydroxid-hexahydrat (Na9[Al(OH)6]2(OH)3 · 6H2O) – Kristallstruktur,NMR-Spektroskopie und thermisches Verhalten

Nonasodium Bis(hexahydroxoaluminate) Trihydroxide Hexahydrate (Na₉[Al(OH)₆]₂(OH)₃ · 6H₂O) – Crystal Structure, NMR Spectroscopy and Thermal Behaviour The crystal structure of the nonasodium bis(hexahydroxoaluminate) trihydroxide hexahydrate Na₉[Al(OH)₆]₂(OH)₃ · 6H₂O (4.5 Na₂O Al₂O₃ · 13.5 H₂O) (up to now described as 3 Na₂O · Al₂O₃ · 6H₂O, 4Na₂O · Al₂O₃ · 13 H₂O and [3 Na₂O · Al₂O₃ · 6H₂O] [xNaOH · yH₂O], respectively) was solved. The X-ray single crystal diffraction analysis (triclinic, space group P1 , a = 8.694(1) Å, b = 11.344(2) Å, c = 11.636(3) Å, α = 74.29(2)°, β = 87.43(2)°, γ = 70.66(2)°, Z = 2) results in a structure, consisting of monomeric [Al(OH)₆]^3? aluminate anions, which are connected by NaO₆ octahedra groups. Furthermore the structure contains both, two hydroxide anions only surrounded by water of crystallization and OH groups of [Al(OH)₆]^3? aluminate anions and a hydroxide anion involved in three NaO₆ coordination octahedra directly and moreover connected with a water molecule by hydrogen bonding. The results of ²⁷Al and ²³Na-MAS-NMR investigations, the thermal behaviour of the compound and possible relations between the crystal structure and the conditions of coordination in the corresponding sodium aluminate solution are discussed as well.