Anionic structure-dependent photoelectrochemical responses of dye-sensitized solar cells based on a binary ionic liquid electrolyte

Room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) have been used as electrolytes to investigate the anionic structure dependence of the photoelectrochemical responses of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). A series of RTILs with a fixed cation structure coupling with various anion structures are employed, in which 1-methyl-3-propylimidazolium iodide (PMII) and I(2) are dissolved as redox couples. It is found that both the diffusivity of the electrolyte and the photovoltaic performance of the device show a strong dependence on the fluidity of the ionic liquids, which is primarily altered by the anion structure. Further insights into the structure-dependent physical properties of the employed RTILs are discussed in terms of the reported van der Waals radius, the atomic charge distribution over the anion backbones, the interaction energy of the anion and cation, together with the existence of ion-pairs and ion aggregates. Particularly, both the short-circuit photocurrent and open-circuit voltage exhibit obvious fluidity dependence. Electrochemical impedance and intensity-modulated photovoltage/photocurrent spectroscopy analysis further reveal that increasing the fluidity of the ionic liquid electrolytes could significantly decrease the diffusion resistance of I(3)(-) in the electrolyte, and retard the charge recombination between the injected electrons with triiodide in the high-viscous electrolyte, thus improving the electron diffusion length in the device, as well as the photovoltaic response. However, the variation of the electron diffusion coefficients is trivial primarily due to the effective charge screening of the high cation concentration.     

A polymer electrolyte containing ionic liquid for possible applications in photoelectrochemical solar cells

Various iodide ion conducting polymer electrolytes have been studied as candidate materials for fabricating photoelectrochemical (PEC) solar cells and energy storage devices. In this study, enhanced ionic conductivity values were obtained for the ionic liquid tetrahexylammonium iodide containing polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based plasticized electrolytes. The analysis of thermal properties revealed the existence of two phases in the electrolyte, and the conductivity measurements showed a marked conductivity enhancement during the melting of the plasticizer-rich phase of the electrolyte. Annealed electrolyte samples showed better conductivity than nonannealed samples, revealing the existence of hysteresis. The optimum conductivity was shown for the electrolytes with PEO:salt = 100:15 mass ratio, and this sample exhibited the minimum glass transition temperature of 72.2 °C. For this optimum PEO to salt ratio, the conductivity of nonannealed electrolyte was 4.4 × 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹ and that of the annealed sample was 4.6 × 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹ at 30 °C. An all solid PEC solar cell was fabricated using this annealed electrolyte. The short circuit current density (I _SC), the open circuit voltage (V _OC), and the power conversion efficiency of the cell are 0.63 mA cm⁻², 0.76 V, and 0.47% under the irradiation of 600 W m⁻² light.     

Novel photosensitizer for dye-sensitized solar cell based on ionic liquid–doped blend polymer electrolyte

The existing energy situation demands not only the huge energy in a short time but also clean energy. In this regard, an integrated photo-supercapacitor device has been fabricated in which photoelectric conversion and energy storage are achieved simultaneously. A novel carbazole-based dye is synthesized and characterized for photosensitizer. The silver-doped titanium dioxide (Ag-TiO₂) is synthesized, and it is used as photoanode material. Different concentrations of tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI)-doped polyvinyl alcohol–polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVA-PVP) blend polymer electrolytes are prepared, and their conductivity and dielectric properties were studied. Reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) is synthesized by a one-pot synthesis method and confirmed using Raman spectroscopy for counter electrode material in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) and supercapacitor electrodes. The DSSC having 4% Ag-TiO₂–based photoanode showed the highest efficiency of 1.06% (among r-GO counter electrodes) and 2.37% (among platinum counter electrodes). The supercapacitor before integration and after integration exhibits specific capacitance of 1.72 Fg⁻¹ and 1.327 Fg⁻¹, respectively.

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Supercapacitor based on graphene and ionic liquid electrolyte

A new kind of supercapacitor by using chemical reduced graphene (CRG) as electrode material and ionic liquid with addition of acetonitrile as electrolyte is assembled and investigated. CRG materials with high surface area are prepared by chemical reduction of graphene oxide. The capacitive properties of the supercapacitor composed of the CRG and ionic liquid electrolyte are studied by electrical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge. With the combined advantages of graphene and ionic liquid, the supercapacitor shows perfect performance. The supercapacitor possesses wide cell voltage and good stability. The specific capacitance, energy density, and specific power density of the present supercapacitor are 132?Fg^??, 143.7?Wh?kg^??, and 2.8?kW?kg^??, respectively. The results demonstrate the potential application of electrical energy storage devices with high performance based on this new kind of supercapacitor.     

Supercapacitor based on graphene and ionic liquid electrolyte

A new kind of supercapacitor by using chemical reduced graphene (CRG) as electrode material and ionic liquid with addition of acetonitrile as electrolyte is assembled and investigated. CRG materials with high surface area are prepared by chemical reduction of graphene oxide. The capacitive properties of the supercapacitor composed of the CRG and ionic liquid electrolyte are studied by electrical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge. With the combined advantages of graphene and ionic liquid, the supercapacitor shows perfect performance. The supercapacitor possesses wide cell voltage and good stability. The specific capacitance, energy density, and specific power density of the present supercapacitor are 132 Fg⁻¹, 143.7 Wh kg⁻¹, and 2.8 kW kg⁻¹, respectively. The results demonstrate the potential application of electrical energy storage devices with high performance based on this new kind of supercapacitor.

     

Electrodeposition of gold nanoparticles at a solid|ionic liquid|aqueous electrolyte three-phase junction

Gold nanoparticles have been electrodeposited on an electrode through electrogeneration at an ITO|AuCl₄^? solution in an ionic liquid|aqueous electrolyte three-phase junction. The electrodeposition was carried out by inverted double-pulse potential chronoamperometry. The direct reduction of AuCl₄^? ions at the electrode is followed by a counterion transfer through the liquid|liquid interface. Contrary to the electrodeposition from a single ionic liquid phase, scanning electron microscopy reveals that the shape of the resulting nanoparticles is highly angular and well-developed with a diameter of 110 ± 30 nm. Catalytic oxidation of glucose on the modified electrode is demonstrated.     

Electrochemical performances of a new solid composite polymer electrolyte based on hyperbranched star polymer and ionic liquid for lithium-ion batteries

Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry - A new composite polymer electrolyte membrane composed of hyperbranched star polymers (HBPS-(PMMA-b-PPEGMA)30 (the hyperbranched star polymer with...     

Structural,thermal, and impedance properties of a gel polymer electrolyte containing ionic liquid

The gel polymer electrolytes composed of ionic liquid, 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMImBF₄) and the copolymer of acrylonitrile (AN), methyl methacrylate (MMA), poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMEMA) are synthesized and characterized by FT‐IR spectra, TGA, DSC, and AC impedance measurements. IR spectra show that there is an interaction between PEO side chains of the copolymer and imidazolium cations. TGA measurements indicate that the gel polymer electrolytes are stable until 120°C. By using the equivalent circuit proposed, the experimental data and the simulated data fit very well. The bulk resistance R_b is found to decrease with the increase in BMImBF₄ content. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Superior performance for lithium-ion battery with organic cathode and ionic liquid electrolyte

Organic small structure quinones go with ionic liquids electrolytes would exhibit ultrastable electrochemical properties.In this study,calix[6]quinone(C6Q) cathode was matched with ionic liquid electrolyte Li[TFSI]/[PY13][TFSI](bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide lithium salt/N-methyl-N-pro pylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide) to assemble lithium-ion batteries(LIBs).The electrochemical performance of LIBs was systematically studied.The capacity retention rates of C6Q through 1000 cycles at current densities of 0.2 C and 0.5 C were 70% and 72%,respectively.At 5 C, the capacity was maintained at 190 mAh g^-1 after 1000 cycles,and 155 mAh g^-1 even after 10,000 cycles,comparable to inorganic materials.This work would give a big push to the practical process of organic electrode materials in energy storage.     

A battery-supercapacitor hybrid device composed of metallic zinc,a biodegradable ionic liquid electrolyte and graphite

The integration of a battery-type electrode and of a capacitor-type electrode in a single device by proper design is an effective strategy in developing energy storage devices with high energy and power densities. Herein, we present a battery-supercapacitor hybrid device using metallic zinc as anode, a biodegradable ionic liquid (IL) as electrolyte, and graphite as cathode. The recently developed choline acetate ([Ch]OAc) biodegradable IL-based electrolyte enables reversible deposition/stripping of Zn(II). Spongy-like Zn with a high surface area is obtained, which allows fast charge/discharge at high rates. The adsorption/desorption of ions on the surface of the graphite cathode and intercalation/deintercalation of anions into/from the graphite layers occur at the graphite cathode. Raman spectra and X-ray photoelectron reveal the intercalation of IL into and the adsorption of IL on the graphite. Highly reversible adsorption/desorption of ions on the surface of the graphite electrodes in the [Ch]OAc-based electrolyte was demonstrated by a symmetric cell. The Zn/graphite hybrid device delivers an energy density of 53 Wh kg^?1 at a power density of ~ 145 W kg^?1 and 42 Wh kg^?1 at ~ 400 W kg^?1. The hybrid device also exhibits a long cycle life with ～ 86% specific capacitance retained after 1000 cycles at a current density of 0.5 A g^?1. The combination of well-available zinc, inexpensive graphite, and a biodegradable IL electrolyte in a cell could open new avenues for sustainable energy applications.

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Effect of IL incorporation on ionic transport in PVdF-HFP-based polymer electrolyte nanocomposite doped with NiBTC-metal-organic framework

Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry - Ni-based metal-organic framework (MOF), nickel 1,3,5-benzene tricarboxylate (NiBTC) has been synthesized by solvothermal method and incorporated with ionic...     

Remarkably stable gold nanoparticles functionalized with a zwitterionic liquid based on imidazolium sulfonate in a high concentration of aqueous electrolyte and ionic liquid

A new type of gold nanoparticle with a zwitterionic liquid function (zwitter-Au) has been prepared using an imidazolium sulfonate-terminated thiol as a capping agent. Zwitter-Au was found to be remarkably stable in high concentrations of aqueous electrolytes, ionic liquids, and protein.     

Li/LiFePO4 batteries with room temperature ionic liquid as electrolyte

Room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) was prepared on basis of N-methyl-N-butylpiperidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (PP₁₄TFSI), which showed a wide electrochemical window (?0.1–5.2 V vs. Li⁺/Li) and is theoretically feasible as an electrolyte for batteries with metallic Li as anodes. The addition of vinylene carbonate (VC) improved the compatibility of PP₁₄TFSI-based electrolyte towards lithium anodes and enhanced the formation of solid electrolyte interphase film to protect lithium anodes from corrosion. Accordingly, Li/LiFePO₄ cells initially delivered a discharge capacity of about 127 mAh g^?1 at a current density of 17 mA g^?1 in the ionic liquid with the addition of VC and showed better cyclability than in the neat ionic liquid. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy disclosed that the addition of VC enhanced Li-ion diffusion and depressed interfacial resistance significantly.     

Elastic constants,viscosity and dielectric properties of bent-core nematic liquid crystals doped with single-walled carbon nanotubes

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are dispersed in (4’-fluoro phenyl azo) phenyl-4-yl 3-[N-(4’-n-hecyloxy 2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino]-2-methylbenzoate (6–2M-F) a bent-core nematic (BCN) liquid crystalline medium composed of bent-shaped molecules with short core, reduced bend angle possessing polar fluoro substituent in longitudinal direction and methyl group in bent direction. Such molecules are at the borderline of typical bent-core and rod-like molecules resembling hockey stick shape with intermediate properties. The elastic anisotropy is negative for 6–2M-F (bend elastic constant K₃₃ < splay elastic constant K₁₁); similar to other BCNs reported earlier with smectic-like clusters; but turns to high positive (K₃₃ > K₁₁) value by insertion of SWCNT (concentration ≥0.05 wt.%) in 6–2 M-F. The ratio of K₃₃/K₁₁ becomes comparable to the calamitic liquid crystals (LCs) in doped system. Dielectric anisotropy increases in the nanocomposite implying enhanced nematic ordering due to π–π electron interaction between CNTs and the LC molecules. Threshold voltage at first increases and then decreases with increasing CNT concentration owing to the respective variations in splay viscosity of the system. The present study demonstrated the interaction of SWCNTs with BCN molecules and reveals significant modifications in viscoelastic, dielectric and ionic properties of the host.     

Electrochemical and in-situ X-ray diffraction studies of Ti3C2Tx MXene in ionic liquid electrolyte

2D titanium carbide (Ti₃C₂T_x MXene) showed good capacitance in both organic and neat ionic liquid electrolytes, but its charge storage mechanism is still not fully understood. Here, electrochemical characteristics of Ti₃C₂T_x electrode were studied in neat EMI-TFSI electrolyte. A capacitive behavior was observed within a large electrochemical potential range (from − 1.5 to 1.5 V vs. Ag). Intercalation and de-intercalation of EMI⁺ cations and/or TFSI⁻ anions were investigated by in-situ X-ray diffraction. Interlayer spacing of Ti₃C₂T_x flakes decreases during positive polarization, which can be ascribed to either electrostatic attraction effect between intercalated TFSI⁻ anions and positively charged Ti₃C₂T_x nanosheets or steric effect caused by de-intercalation of EMI⁺ cations. The expansion of interlayer spacing when polarized to negative potentials is explained by steric effect of cation intercalation.     

New protonic solid electrolyte with tetragonal tungsten bronze structure obtained through ionic exchange

Proton exchange reactions have been performed on tetragonal tungsten bronze-like NaNbWO₆ by using nitric acid as an exchanging agent. The characterization of the exchange reaction products has been made by means of chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, and IR spectroscopy. The exchange reaction takes place topotactically and the following formula is proposed for the obtained phase of variable composition: Na_1−xH_xNbWO₆·yH₂O (0<x?0.46 and 0?y?0.12). Impedance spectroscopy on the present proton exchanged samples indicated that these samples behaved as solid electrolytes under high humidity. As an example, the compound with the composition Na_0.68H_0.32NbWO₆·0.1 H₂O exhibits ionic conductivity of 8×10⁻³ and 1×10⁻² S cm⁻¹ at 70°C and 90°C, respectively.     

Structural, optical and photocatalytic studies of Fe doped ZnS nanoparticles

Fe doped ZnS nanoparticles (Zn_1?xFe_xS; where x = 0.00, 0.03, 0.05 and 0.10) were synthesized by a chemical precipitation method. The synthesized products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, ultraviolet–visible and photoluminescence spectrometer. The X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope studies show that the size of crystallites is in the range of 2–10 nm. Photocatalytic activities of ZnS and 3, 5 and 10 mol% Fe doped ZnS were evaluated by decolorization of methylene blue in aqueous solution under ultraviolet and visible light irradiation. It was found that the Fe doped ZnS bleaches methylene blue much faster than the undoped ZnS upon its exposure to the visible light as compared to ultraviolet light. The optimal Fe/Zn ratio was observed to be 3 mol% for photocatalytic applications.     

Structural,thermal, optical and conductivity studies of Co/ZnO nanoparticles doped CMC polymer for solid state battery applications

In this study, a simple chemical precipitation method was used to synthesize ZnO: Co²⁺ as nanoparticles. The solution casting technique was used for the preparation of polymer films of Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) doped with different contents (0.5, 1.5, 3, and 5 wt%) of ZnO/Co NPs. As shown by the X-ray diffraction, the average size of ZnO/Co crystallite of the NPs is 25.6 nm. Meanwhile, the addition of ZnO/Co reduced the semi-crystallinity of CMC. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) confirmed the interaction between the ZnO/Co NPs and the polymer CMC. The direct and indirect band gap (Eg) was reduced from (5.32–5.01 eV and 5.20 to 4.99 eV respectively) with the increase in ZnO/Co NPs content up to 3 wt% after this content the Eg is increased as shown by the UV–Vis spectra. In addition, the results of TGA displayed the decomposition of the nanocomposite to be little compared to that of the pure CMC indicating the success of fabrication of products. The improvement of the ionic conductivity was noticed upon the addition of ZnO/Co NPs into the polymer CMC system which can be explained in terms of an increase in amorphicity as shown by the impedance spectroscopic study. It was found that the optimum ionic conductivity (3.209 × 10⁻⁶ Scm⁻¹) at ambient temperature was higher for the sample containing 1.5 wt% ZnO/Co NPs with highest of amorphicity and the lowest total loss of weight. Therefore, the improvements in optical properties, thermal stability, and AC conductivity which were observed represent a strong support for the use of the nanocomposite films in the solid state battery applications.