Recent advances in conjugated polymer energy storage

This review covers recent advances in conjugated polymers and their application in energy storage. Conjugated polymers are promising cost-effective, lightweight, and flexible electrode materials. The operating principles of conjugated polymers are presented within the framework of their potential for energy storage. Special focus is given to polyaniline electrodes. Recent advances are reviewed including new methods of synthesis, nanostructuring, and assembly. Also, covered are applications that take full advantage of the mechanical properties of conjugated polymers and future applications of these novel materials. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2013     

Synergetic ternary metal oxide nanodots-graphene cathode for high performance zinc energy storage

Zinc-based electrochemistry energy storage with high safety and high theoretical capacity is considered to be a competitive candidate to replace lithium-ion batteries. In electrochemical energy storage, multi-metal oxide cathode materials can generally provide a wider electrochemical stability window and a higher capacity compared with single metal oxides cathode. Here, a new type of cathode material, MnFe₂Co₃O₈ nanodots/functional graphene sheets, is designed and used for aqueous hybrid Zn-based energy storage. Coupling with a hybrid electrolyte based on zinc sulfate and potassium hydroxide, the as-fabricated battery was able to work with a wide electrochemical window of 0.1∼1.8 V, showed a high specific capacity of 660 mAh/g, delivered an ultrahigh energy density of 1135 Wh/kg and a scalable power density of 5754 W/kg (calculated based on the cathode), and displayed a long cycling life of 1000 cycles. These are mainly attributed to the valence charge density distribution in MnFe₂Co₃O₈ nanodots, the good structural strengthening as well as high conductivity of the cathode, and the right electrolyte. Such cathode material also exhibited high electrocatalytic activity for oxygen evolution reaction and thus could be used for constructing a Zn-air battery with an ultrahigh reversible capacity of 9556 mAh/g.     

Flame spray pyrolysis for the one-step fabrication of transition metal oxide films: Recent progress in electrochemical and photoelectrochemical water splitting

Developing large scale deposition techniques to fabricate thin porous films with suitable opto-electro nic properties for water catalysis is a necessity to mitigate climate change and have a sustainable environment.In this review,flame spray pyrolysis(FSP)technique,a rapid and scalable methodology to synthesize nanostructured transitional metal oxide films with designed functionalities,is firstly introduced.Furthermore,applications in electrochemical(EC)and photoelectrochemical(PEC)water splitting for the production of hydrogen fuel is also presented.The high combustion temperature and the aggregation of flame aerosol ensure that the FSP-made films possess high crystallinity,tunable porosity and high surface areas,making this method suitable either as catalysts for EC water splitting or as efficient semiconductor materials for PEC water splitting.Finally,a perspective on the next generation FSP engineered films with potential applications in energy storage and conversion is described.     

A review of transition metal chalcogenide/graphene nanocomposites for energy storage and conversion

Recent advances in the applications of transition metal chalcogenides/graphene (TMC/graphene) nanocomposites in future energy storage and conversion are reviewed. The synthesis processes and structures of TMC/graphene, workingpriciple of evergy energy device, and the electrochemical performances are summarized.     

Solid-state chemistry on a surface and in a beaker: Unconventional routes to transition metal chalcogenide nanomaterials

This article focuses on two different approaches to create nanoscale transition metal chalcogenide materials. First, we used chemical nanofabrication, a combination of top-down patterning and bottom-up solid-state synthesis, to achieve control over the shape, size, and ordering of the patterned nanomaterials. We demonstrated orientational control over nanocrystals within sub-300 nm patterns of MoS₂ and formed free-standing nanostructures of crystalline NiS₂. In addition, crossed line arrays of mixed metal chalcogenide nanostructures were achieved, and TaS₂ nanopatterns were made by the chemical transformation of tantalum oxide templates. Second, we developed a one-pot procedure using molecular precursors to synthesize two-dimensional NbSe₂, TaS₂ and TaSe₂ nanoplates and one-dimensional NbSe₂ wires depending on the relative amount of surfactants in the reaction mixture. Prospects for these transition metal chalcogenide nanomaterials with controlled shapes and morphologies will be discussed.     

Recent advances in electrochemical water technologies for the treatment of antibiotics: A short review

This short review presents a critical overview of the most recent works published in the literature related to the use of electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs) for the treatment of antibiotics present in synthetic and real wastewaters. The first section focuses on novelties within the traditional EAOPs, including electrochemical oxidation and electrochemical Fenton-based processes. The second section is devoted to new electrochemical technologies, including heterogeneous electro-Fenton, electrochemically activated persulfate processes, and combined processes. Future perspectives about these processes are also presented to aid the continuous evolution of research in the area.     

CeO2 quantum dots doped Ni-Co hydroxide nanosheets for ultrahigh energy density asymmetric supercapacitors

By integrating the merits of lanthanide elements and quantum dots, we firstly design CeO₂ quantum dots doped Ni-Co hydroxide nanosheet via a controllable synthetic strategy, which exhibits a large specific capacitance (1370.7 F/g at 1.0 A/g) and a good cyclic stability (90.6% retention after 4000 cycles). Moreover, we assemble an aqueous asymmetric supercapacitor with the obtained material, which has an extremely high energy density (108.9 Wh/kg at 378 W/kg) and outstanding cycle stability (retaining 88.1% capacitance at 2.0 A/g after 4000 cycles).     

Synthesis, characterization and electrochemical investigation of a novel vic-dioxime ligand and its some transition metal complexes

4-(Chloroacetyl)diphenyl ether was synthesized from chloroacetyl chloride and diphenyl ether in the presence of AlCl₃ as catalyst in a Friedel-Crafts reaction. Then, its keto oxime and dioxime derivatives were prepared. 4-phenoxy-(N-4-chlorophenylamino)phenylglyoxime (H₂L) was synthesized from 4-(phenoxy)chlorophenylglyoxime and 4-chloroaniline. Ni(II), Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes of H₂L were obtained. The mononuclear Ni(II), Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes of H₂L have a metal–ligand ratio of 1:2 and the ligand coordinates through the two N atoms, as do most of the vic-dioximes. The structure of the ligand was identified by FT-IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, ¹³C NMR (APT) spectroscopy and elemental analysis data. The structures of the complexes were characterized on the basis of FT-IR, ICP-AES, UV-Vis, elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility measurements, and cyclic voltammetry. The electrochemical measurements were obtained by using cyclic voltammetry in DMF solution at room temperature. The electrochemical behaviors of H₂L and its complexes showed that the redox process of H₂L has one irreversible oxidation wave, whereas the redox processes of the complexes have both oxidation and reduction waves with metal centered.     

Progress of transition metal chalcogenides as efficient electrocatalysts for energy conversion

The continuous excessive usage of fossil fuels has resulted in its fast depletion, leading to an escalating energy crisis as well as several environmental issues leading to increased research towards sustainable energy conversion. Electrocatalysts play crucial role in the development of numerous novel energy conversion devices, including fuel cells and solar fuel generators. In particular, high-efficiency and cost-effective catalysts are required for large-scale implementation of these new devices. Over the last few years, transition metal chalcogenides have emerged as highly efficient electrocatalysts for several electrochemical devices such as water splitting, carbon dioxide electroreduction, and, solar energy converters. These transition metal chalcogenides exhibit high electrochemical tunability, abundant active sites, and superior electrical conductivity. Hence, they have been actively explored for various electrocatalytic activities. Herein, we have provided comprehensive review of transition-metal chalcogenide electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution, oxygen evolution, and carbon dioxide reduction and illustrated structure–property correlation that increases their catalytic activity.     

Construction of three-dimensional crumpled Ni-Co TMOs for electrochemical energy storage

Due to excellent electrochemical performances, mixed transition metal oxides (TMOs) as electrode materials have attracted scholarly attention. However, the issues of volume expansion, unstable structure, and low electrical conductivity have limited their development for lithium battery (LIB). Drawing on the strategy of MOFs derivation synthesis combined with low temperature hydrothermal method, this study successfully synthesized the three-dimensional (3D) NiCo₂O₄@Fe₂O₃ with a flower-like crossing channel and a surface crumpled structure. As anode for LIBs, NiCo₂O₄@Fe₂O₃ exhibits more reliable performance than Ni−Co oxides. Our experiments verified that the Ni−Co composite electrical conductivity and cycling stability were both improved by the Fe₂O₃ coating. Under the high current density of 1000 mA g⁻¹, the capacity decay rate of NiCo₂O₄@Fe₂O₃ tends to be stable after 60 cycles, and the capacity remains at 945 mAh g⁻¹ after 400 cycles. Besides, the specific crossing porous-channel structure mode improved the composite's carrier transport efficiency, and coulombic efficiency reached 100 % after 400 cycles. Noteworthy is the fact that the crumpled surface structure formed by the 2D Ni−Co nanosheets promotes the construction of heterostructures, further enhances the interface capacitance effect, and strengthens the rating capacity.     

Natural nanomaterial as hard template for scalable synthesizing holey carbon naonsheet/nanotube with in-plane and out-of-plane pores for electrochemical energy storage

By tuning the structure of hard template kaolinite, we have achieved a template directed synthesis of holey carbon nanosheet/nanotube material. This carbon nanomaterial with in-plane and out-of-plane pores has shown promising electrochemical energy storage capacity.     

Redox flow batteries for energy storage: Recent advances in using organic active materials

The development of redox electrolytes using organic active materials as alternatives to metal-based species for redox flow batteries is booming recently. However, challenges and gaps remain toward commercialization. This review briefly discusses the most recent advances of using electroactive organic materials. Strategies such as chemical modification through molecular engineering and new efforts toward energy-rich electrolytes and high-power electrolytes are addressed. Furthermore, the limiting factors governing the cycling life are summarized.     

Basic deep eutectic solvents as reactant,template and solvents for ultra-fast preparation of transition metal oxide nanomaterials

Developing a new type of deep eutectic solvents(DESs) is indispensable for expanding their application in various fields.Here,we report a series of new highly basic DESs.FT-IR,quantitative ~1 H NMR,MD simulation and physical properties show that these basic liquids are made up of hydroxide acceptor of alkali metal hydroxides in which the hydrogen bonding interactions coordinate the donor.These DESs can be played three roles as new solvents,template and reactant for facile and ultra-fast preparation of transition metal oxide nanomaterials such as NiCo_2 O_4,MnCo_2 O_4,NiMn_2 O_4,CoCu_2 O_4 and Co_3 O_4 under mild condition.This work shows one of the low energy-intensive methods for nanomaterial preparation.These initial findings of basic deep eutectic solvents provide a potential applicability around the systematic development of transition metal oxide nanosheets.     

Carbon Transition‐metal Oxide Electrodes: Understanding the Role of Surface Engineering for High Energy Density Supercapacitors

Supercapacitors store electrical energy by ion adsorption at the interface of the electrode‐electrolyte (electric double layer capacitance, EDLC) or through faradaic process involving direct transfer of electrons via oxidation/reduction reactions at one electrode to the other (pseudocapacitance). The present minireview describes the recent developments and progress of carbon‐transition metal oxides (C‐TMO) hybrid materials that show great promise as an efficient electrode towards supercapacitors among various material types. The review describes the synthetic methods and electrode preparation techniques along with the changes in the physical and chemical properties of each component in the hybrid materials. The critical factors in deriving both EDLC and pseudocapacitance storage mechanisms are also identified in the hope of pointing to the successful hybrid design principles. For example, a robust carbon‐metal oxide interaction was identified as most important in facilitating the charge transfer process and activating high energy storage mechanism, and thus methodologies to establish a strong carbon‐metal oxide contact are discussed. Finally, this article concludes with suggestions for the future development of the fabrication of high‐performance C‐TMO hybrid supercapacitor electrodes.     

Significance of nanomaterials in electrochemical sensors for nitrate detection: A review

Nanomaterial-enabled electrochemical sensors are designed as an economical, efficient, and user-friendly analytical tool for on-site and routine nitrate analysis over a wide range of environmental samples. The remarkable advances and tunable attributes of nanomaterials have greatly improved the analytical performance of electrochemical nitrate sensors. In this review, a comprehensive elucidation of the recent advances in nanomaterial-based electrochemical nitrate sensors is presented. The review firstly provides a general introduction, followed by typical electrochemical sensing methods. The next two sections detail various nanomaterials, including graphene derivatives, carbon nanotubes/fibers, metal/bimetal/metal oxide nanoparticles, and conducting polymers for modifying electrodes in enzymatic and non-enzymatic electrochemical nitrate sensors. Finally, the perspectives and current challenges in achieving real-world applications of nanomaterial-based electrochemical nitrate sensors are outlined.     

Formation of lithium fluoride/metal nanocomposites for energy storage through solid state reduction of metal fluorides

In order to utilize high energy metal fluoride electrode materials as direct replacement electrode materials for lithium ion batteries in the future, a methodology to prelithiate the cathode or anode must be developed. Herein, we introduce the use of a solid state Li₃N route to achieve the lithiation and mechanoreduction of metal fluoride based nanocomposites. The resulting prelithiation was found to be effective with the formation of xLiF:Me structures of very fine nanodimensions analogous to what is found by electrochemical lithiation. Physical and electrochemical properties of these nanocomposites for the bismuth and iron lithium fluoride systems are reported.     

Role of MXene surface terminations in electrochemical energy storage: A review

MXenes are a group of recently discovered 2D materials and have attracted extensive attention since their first report in 2011; they have shown excellent prospects for energy storage applications owing to their unique layered microstructure and tunable electrical properties. One major feature of MXenes is their tailorable surface terminations (e.g., −F, −O, −OH). Numerous studies have indicated that the composition of the surface terminations can significantly impact the electrochemical properties of MXenes. Nonetheless, the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood, mainly because of the difficulties in quantitative analysis and characterization. This review summarizes the latest research progress on MXene terminations. First, a systematic introduction to the approaches for preparing MXenes is presented, which generally dominates the surface terminations. Then, theoretical and experimental efforts regarding the surface terminations are discussed, and the influence of surface terminations on the electronic and electrochemical properties of MXenes are generalized. Finally, we present the significance and research prospects of MXene terminations. We expect this review to encourage research on MXenes and provide guidance for usingthese materials for batteries and supercapacitors.     

面向能源领域的石墨烯研究

化石能源枯竭以及地球环境污染已经成为并且在未来相当长一段时期内都将是人类面临的最严峻的危机之一.因此,寻找清洁的替代能源形式、有效的能量存储方式以及高效的能源利用途径是目前科学研究的热点.自从其高质量样品被制备和研究以来,石墨烯一直吸引着全世界科研工作者的兴趣;它的一系列独特的物理化学性质,为其在能源领域的应用提供了无限前景.本文对石墨烯在能源领域的最新研究进展以及其工业化应用作了简要综述,具体内容包括石墨烯材料在以下领域的应用：能源储存器件类,如超级电容器和锂离子电池;能源转化装置类,如燃料电池和太阳能电池.