Monitoring Transformations of Catalytic Active States in Photocathodes Based on MoSx Layers on CuInS2 Using In Operando Raman Spectroscopy

The electrochemical activation of CuInS₂/MoS_x for photoelectrochemical (PEC) H₂ production was revealed for the first time through in operando Raman spectroscopy. During the activation process, the initial metallic MoS_x phase was transformed to semiconducting MoS_x, which facilitates charge carrier transfer between CuInS₂ and MoS_x. Ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy suggest the existence of MoO₃ after the activation process. However, apart from contradicting these results, in operando Raman spectroscopy revealed some of the intermediate steps of the activation process.     

Polyimide Compounds For Post-Lithium Energy Storage Applications

The exploration of cathode and anode materials that enable reversible storage of mono and multivalent cations has driven extensive research on organic compounds. In this regard, polyimide (PI)-based electrodes have emerged as a promising avenue for the development of post-lithium energy storage systems. This review article provides a comprehensive summary of the syntheses, characterizations, and applications of PI compounds as electrode materials capable of hosting a wide range of cations. Furthermore, the review also delves into the advancements in PI based solid state batteries, PI-based separators, current collectors, and their effectiveness as polymeric binders. By highlighting the key findings in these areas, this review aims at contributing to the understanding and advancement of PI-based structures paving the way for the next generation of energy storage systems.     

Image recording material based on the polymeric photobase generator containing oxime‐urethane groups

A polymeric photobase generator containing oxime‐urethane groups was prepared from copolymerization of MMA with N‐[4‐(benzophenoneoximino‐carbonylamino)phenyl]maleimide, a maleimide monomer containing oxime‐urethane group, and its properties as an image recording material were studied. The irradiation of this copolymer with UV light dissociates the urethane linkage to result in the formation of aromatic amino groups, which can be developed by the diazo‐coupling reaction. Various colors could be developed depending on the phenolic coupling reagents as the developer.     

Thermal curing reaction of poly(glycidyl methacrylate) using photogenerated amines from oxime-urethane derivatives

Two oxime-urethane derivatives, benzophenone oxime N-cyclohexylurethane (1 ) and dibenzophenone oxime N,N′-hexamethylenediurethane (2 ), were used as photobase generators. Photolysis of these derivatives results in the formation of amines which induce cross-linking of poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) upon heating. The bifunctional derivative 2 is more efficient than the monofunctional derivative 1 in inducing thermal cross-linking of PGMA, with a maximum degree of insolubilization increasing up to ca. 90%.