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Nanomaterials
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Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Storage
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Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Storage

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy and Catalysis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (29 February 2024) | Viewed by 21337

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Zhiwei Liu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Energy and Environment Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
Interests: synthesis and preparation of nanomaterials; fuel-cell catalysts; lithium/potassium ions batteries; gas adsorption/separation materials
Dr. Guoquan Suo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Materials Science&Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710026, China
Interests: nanomaterials; potassium ion batteries; anode
Dr. Qi Wan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Materials and Chemistry, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China
Interests: nanocarbon materials; metal-ion batteries

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The energy crisis is a problem of great concern around the world, and the search for new energy has become a research hotspot. Currently, renewable energy is emerging and penetrating further into the energy market. In these new energy systems, nanomaterials play a decisive role in the development of new energy such as solar cells, alkaline-ion batteries, and fuel cells. Designing and developing new nanomaterials and giving full play to the advantages of nanomaterials by regulating their structure and optimizing their properties has become the priority direction of development.

The present Special Issue titled “Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Storage” aims to present the current development tendencies and research status of nanomaterials in new energy conversion systems, electrode materials for secondary ion batteries, fuel cell catalysts, etc. However, the theme of this issue is not limited to these above aspects. Importantly, nanomaterials play an important role in the field of energy storage due to their unique properties at the nanometer scale. In the present Special Issue, we are inviting contributions from leading groups in the field to show the latest progress of nanomaterials in the field of energy conversion and storage and point out the way for future research direction.

Dr. Zhiwei Liu
Dr. Guoquan Suo
Dr. Qi Wan
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nanomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • nanomaterials
  • secondary ion batteries
  • fuel cell catalysts
  • new energy conversion system
  • energy storage materials

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 3598 KiB  
Article
Thermal Energy Storage Using Hybrid Nanofluid Phase Change Material (PCM) Based on Waste Sludge Incorp Rated ZnO/α-Fe2O3
by Ehssan Ahmed Hassan, Maha A. Tony and Mohamed M. Awad
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(7), 604; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14070604 - 28 Mar 2024
Viewed by 604
Abstract
Renewable solar energy storage facilities are attracting scientists’ attention since they can overcome the key issues affecting the shortage of energy. A nanofluid phase change material (PCM) is introduced as a new sort of PCM is settled by suspending small proportions of nanoparticles [...] Read more.
Renewable solar energy storage facilities are attracting scientists’ attention since they can overcome the key issues affecting the shortage of energy. A nanofluid phase change material (PCM) is introduced as a new sort of PCM is settled by suspending small proportions of nanoparticles in melting paraffin. ZnO/α-Fe2O3 nanocrystals were prepared by a simple co-precipitation route and ultrasonically dispersed in the paraffin to be a nanofluid-PCM. The behaviors of the ZnO/α-Fe2O3 nanocrystals were verified by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and the average particle size and the morphology of the nanoparticles were explored by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). For the object of industrial ecology concept, aluminum-based waste derived from water-works plants alum sludge (AS) is dried and augmented with the ZnO/α-Fe2O3 nanocrystals as a source of multimetals such as aluminum to the composite, and it is named AS-ZnO/α-Fe2O3. The melting and freezing cycles were checked to evaluate the PCM at different weight proportions of AS-ZnO/α-Fe2O3 nanocrystals, which confirmed that their presence enhanced the heat transfer rate of paraffin. The nanofluids with AS-ZnO/α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles revealed good stability in melting paraffin. Additionally, the melting and freezing cycles of nanofluid-PCM (PCM- ZnO/α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles) were significantly superior upon supplementing ZnO/α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles. Nanofluid-PCM contained the AS-ZnO/α-Fe2O3 nanocrystals in the range of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt%. The results showed that 1.0 wt% AS-ZnO/α-Fe2O3 nanocrystals contained in the nanofluid-PCM could enhance the performance with 93% with a heat gained reached 47 kJ. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Storage)
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11 pages, 6074 KiB  
Article
Ultra-Thin Ion Exchange Membranes by Low Ionomer Blending for Energy Harvesting
by Jaehoon Jung, Soyeong Choi, Ilsuk Kang and Kiwoon Choi
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(5), 478; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14050478 - 6 Mar 2024
Viewed by 768
Abstract
Exploring the utilization of ion exchange membranes (IEMs) in salinity gradient energy harvesting, a technique that capitalizes on the salinity difference between seawater and freshwater to generate electricity, this study focuses on optimizing PVDF to Nafion ratios to create ultra-thin membranes. Specifically, our [...] Read more.
Exploring the utilization of ion exchange membranes (IEMs) in salinity gradient energy harvesting, a technique that capitalizes on the salinity difference between seawater and freshwater to generate electricity, this study focuses on optimizing PVDF to Nafion ratios to create ultra-thin membranes. Specifically, our investigation aligns with applications such as reverse electrodialysis (RED), where IEMs facilitate selective ion transport across salinity gradients. We demonstrate that membranes with reduced Nafion content, particularly the 50:50 PVDF:Nafion blend, retain high permselectivity comparable to those with higher Nafion content. This challenges traditional understandings of membrane design, highlighting a balance between thinness and durability for energy efficiency. Voltage–current analyses reveal that, despite lower conductivity, the 50:50 blend shows superior short-circuit current density under salinity gradient conditions. This is attributed to effective ion diffusion facilitated by the blend’s unique microstructure. These findings suggest that blended membranes are not only cost-effective but also exhibit enhanced performance for energy harvesting, making them promising candidates for sustainable energy solutions. Furthermore, these findings will pave the way for advances in membrane technology, offering new insights into the design and application of ion exchange membranes in renewable energy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Storage)
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12 pages, 2269 KiB  
Article
Enhancing the Stability of 4.6 V LiCoO2 Cathode Material via Gradient Doping
by Errui Wang, Xiangju Ye, Bentian Zhang, Bo Qu, Jiahao Guo and Shengbiao Zheng
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(2), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14020147 - 9 Jan 2024
Viewed by 773
Abstract
LiCoO2 (LCO) can deliver ultrahigh discharge capacities as a cathode material for Li-ion batteries when the charging voltage reaches 4.6 V. However, establishing a stable LCO cathode at a high cut-off voltage is a challenge in terms of bulk and surface structural [...] Read more.
LiCoO2 (LCO) can deliver ultrahigh discharge capacities as a cathode material for Li-ion batteries when the charging voltage reaches 4.6 V. However, establishing a stable LCO cathode at a high cut-off voltage is a challenge in terms of bulk and surface structural transformation. O2 release, irreversible structural transformation, and interfacial side reactions cause LCO to experience severe capacity degradation and safety problems. To solve these issues, a strategy of gradient Ta doping is proposed to stabilize LCO against structural degradation. Additionally, Ta1-LCO that was tuned with 1.0 mol% Ta doping demonstrated outstanding cycling stability and rate performance. This effect was explained by the strong Ta-O bonds maintaining the lattice oxygen and the increased interlayer spacing enhancing Li+ conductivity. This work offers a practical method for high-energy Li-ion battery cathode material stabilization through the gradient doping of high-valence elements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Storage)
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16 pages, 5150 KiB  
Article
Modified 3D Graphene for Sensing and Electrochemical Capacitor Applications
by Kavitha Mulackampilly Joseph, Gabrielle R. Dangel and Vesselin Shanov
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(1), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14010108 - 2 Jan 2024
Viewed by 877
Abstract
Less defective, nitrogen-doped 3-dimensional graphene (N3DG) and defect-rich, nitrogen-doped 3-dimensional graphene (N3DG-D) were made by the thermal CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) process via varying the carbon precursors and synthesis temperature. These modified 3D graphene materials were compared with pristine 3-dimensional graphene (P3DG), which [...] Read more.
Less defective, nitrogen-doped 3-dimensional graphene (N3DG) and defect-rich, nitrogen-doped 3-dimensional graphene (N3DG-D) were made by the thermal CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) process via varying the carbon precursors and synthesis temperature. These modified 3D graphene materials were compared with pristine 3-dimensional graphene (P3DG), which has fewer defects and no nitrogen in its structure. The different types of graphene obtained were characterized for morphological, structural, and compositional assessment through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Raman Spectroscopy, and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. Electrodes were fabricated, and electrochemical characterizations were conducted to evaluate the suitability of the three types of graphene for heavy metal sensing (lead) and Electric Double-Layer Capacitor (EDLC) applications. Initially, the various electrodes were treated with a mixture of 2.5 mM Ruhex (Ru (NH3)6Cl3 and 25 mM KCl to confirm that all the electrodes underwent a reversible and diffusion-controlled electrochemical process. Defect-rich graphene (N3DG-D) revealed the highest current density, followed by pristine (P3DG) and less-defect graphene (N3DG). Further, the three types of graphene were subjected to a sensing test by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) for lead detection. The obtained preliminary results showed that the N3DG material provided a great lead-sensing capability, detecting as little as 1 µM of lead in a water solution. The suitability of the electrodes to be employed in an Electric Double-Layer Capacitor (EDLC) was also comparatively assessed. Electrochemical characterization using 1 M sodium sulfate electrolyte was conducted through cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge studies. The voltammogram and the galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) curves of the three types of graphene confirmed their suitability to be used as EDLC. The N3DG electrode proved superior with a gravimetric capacitance of 6.1 mF/g, followed by P3DG and N3DG, exhibiting 1.74 mF/g and 0.32 mF/g, respectively, at a current density of 2 A/g. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Storage)
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14 pages, 5044 KiB  
Article
High-Power-Density Thermoelectrochemical Cell Based on Ni/NiO Nanostructured Microsphere Electrodes with Alkaline Electrolyte
by Denis Artyukhov, Nikolay Kiselev, Elena Boychenko, Aleksandra Asmolova, Denis Zheleznov, Ivan Artyukhov, Igor Burmistrov and Nikolay Gorshkov
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(16), 2290; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13162290 - 9 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 971
Abstract
Effective low-grade waste heat harvesting and its conversion into electric energy by the means of thermoelectrochemical cells (TECs) are a strong theme in the field of renewable energy investigation. Despite considerable scientific research, TECs have not yet been practically applied due to the [...] Read more.
Effective low-grade waste heat harvesting and its conversion into electric energy by the means of thermoelectrochemical cells (TECs) are a strong theme in the field of renewable energy investigation. Despite considerable scientific research, TECs have not yet been practically applied due to the high cost of electrode materials and low effectiveness levels. A large hypothetical Seebeck coefficient allow the harvest of the low-grade waste heat and, particularly, to use TECs for collecting human body heat. This paper demonstrates the investigation of estimated hypothetical Seebeck coefficient dependency on KOH electrolyte concentration for TECs with hollow nanostructured Ni/NiO microsphere electrodes. It proposes a thermoelectrochemical cell with power density of 1.72 W·m−2 and describes the chemistry of electrodes and near-electrode space. Also, the paper demonstrates a decrease in charge transfer resistance from 3.5 to 0.52 Ω and a decrease in capacitive behavior with increasing electrolyte concentration due to diffusion effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Storage)
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11 pages, 2390 KiB  
Article
Investigation of Nanoscale Tungsten Carbide Enhanced Surface Carbon as a Platinum Support for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
by Zhiwei Liu, Yang Li, Juan Fang and Qi Wan
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(8), 1369; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13081369 - 14 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1237
Abstract
Finding new supports and reducing the amount of platinum are key steps in the development of fuel cells. Herein, nanoscale WC is used as the support for a Pt catalyst, which was prepared by an improved strategy based on solution combustion and chemical [...] Read more.
Finding new supports and reducing the amount of platinum are key steps in the development of fuel cells. Herein, nanoscale WC is used as the support for a Pt catalyst, which was prepared by an improved strategy based on solution combustion and chemical reduction. After high-temperature carbonization, the synthesized Pt/WC catalyst displayed a well-distributed size distribution and relatively fine particles, which consisted of WC and modified Pt nanoparticles. Meanwhile, the excess carbon of the precursor transformed into amorphous carbon in the high-temperature process. The formation carbon layer on the surface of the WC nanoparticles had a significant effect on the microstructure of the Pt/WC catalyst, improving the conductivity and stability of Pt. Linear sweep voltammetry and Tafel plots were used to evaluate the catalytic activity and mechanism for the hydrogen evolution reaction. As compared with the WC and commercial Pt/C catalysts, the Pt/WC catalyst showed the highest activity with η10 of 32.3 mV and a Tafel slope of 30 mV·dec−1 towards HER in acidic solution. These studies confirm that the formation of surface carbon can increase material stability and conductivity, improving the synergistic relationships between Pt and WC catalysts, leading to an increase of catalytic activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Storage)
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10 pages, 7518 KiB  
Article
Manipulating of P2/O3 Composite Sodium Layered Oxide Cathode through Ti Substitution and Synthesis Temperature
by Xiaobai Ma, Hao Guo, Jianxiang Gao, Xufeng Hu, Zhengyao Li, Kai Sun and Dongfeng Chen
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(8), 1349; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13081349 - 12 Apr 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1923
Abstract
P2/O3 composite sodium layered oxide has emerged as a promising cathode for high-performance Na-ion batteries. However, it has been challenging to regulate accurately the phase ratio of P2/O3 composite due to their high compositional diversity, which brings about some difficulty in manipulating the [...] Read more.
P2/O3 composite sodium layered oxide has emerged as a promising cathode for high-performance Na-ion batteries. However, it has been challenging to regulate accurately the phase ratio of P2/O3 composite due to their high compositional diversity, which brings about some difficulty in manipulating the electrochemical performance of P2/O3 composite. Here, we explore the effect of Ti substitution and the synthesis temperature on the crystal structure and Na storage performance of Na0.8Ni0.4Mn0.6O2. The investigation indicates Ti-substitution and altering synthesis temperature can rationally manipulate the phase ratio of P2/O3 composite, thereby purposefully regulating the cycling and rate performance of P2/O3 composite. Typically, O3-rich Na0.8Ni0.4Mn0.4Ti0.2O2-950 shows excellent cycling stability with a capacity retention of 84% (3C, 700 cycles). By elevating the proportion of P2 phase, Na0.8Ni0.4Mn0.4Ti0.2O2-850 displays concurrently improved rate capability (65% capacity retention at 5 C) and comparable cycling stability. These findings will help guide the rational design of high-performance P2/O3 composite cathodes for sodium-ion batteries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Storage)
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13 pages, 2695 KiB  
Article
Defect-Enriched Graphene Nanoribbons Tune the Adsorption Behavior of the Mediator to Boost the Lactate/Oxygen Biofuel Cell
by Xiaoyu Feng, Yongyue Ning, Zhongdong Wu, Zihan Li, Cuixing Xu, Gangyong Li and Zongqian Hu
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(6), 1089; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13061089 - 17 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1119
Abstract
Owing to the high efficiency and specificity in moderate conditions, enzymatic biofuel cells (EBFCs) have gained significant interest as a promising energy source for wearable devices. However, the instability of the bioelectrode and the lack of efficient electrical communication between the enzymes and [...] Read more.
Owing to the high efficiency and specificity in moderate conditions, enzymatic biofuel cells (EBFCs) have gained significant interest as a promising energy source for wearable devices. However, the instability of the bioelectrode and the lack of efficient electrical communication between the enzymes and electrodes are the main obstacles. Herein, defect-enriched 3D graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) frameworks are fabricated by unzipping multiwall carbon nanotubes, followed by thermal annealing. It is found that defective carbon shows stronger adsorption energy towards the polar mediators than the pristine carbon, which is beneficial to improving the stability of the bioelectrodes. Consequently, the EBFCs equipped with the GNRs exhibit a significantly enhanced bioelectrocatalytic performance and operational stability, delivering an open-circuit voltage and power density of 0.62 V, 70.7 μW/cm2, and 0.58 V, 18.6 μW/cm2 in phosphate buffer solution and artificial tear, respectively, which represent the high levels among the reported literature. This work provides a design principle according to which defective carbon materials could be more suitable for the immobilization of biocatalytic components in the application of EBFCs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Storage)
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16 pages, 1941 KiB  
Article
The Roles of Riblet and Superhydrophobic Surfaces in Energy Saving Using a Spatial Correlation Analysis
by Chunye Liu, Wene Wang, Xiaotao Hu, Juan Fang and Fulai Liu
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(5), 875; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13050875 - 26 Feb 2023
Viewed by 1039
Abstract
Riblet and superhydrophobic surfaces are two typical passive control technologies used to save energy. In this study, three microstructured samples—a micro-riblet surface (RS), a superhydrophobic surface (SHS), and a novel composite surface of micro-riblets with superhydrophobicity (RSHS)—were designed to improve the drag reduction [...] Read more.
Riblet and superhydrophobic surfaces are two typical passive control technologies used to save energy. In this study, three microstructured samples—a micro-riblet surface (RS), a superhydrophobic surface (SHS), and a novel composite surface of micro-riblets with superhydrophobicity (RSHS)—were designed to improve the drag reduction rate of water flows. Aspects of the flow fields of microstructured samples, including the average velocity, turbulence intensity, and coherent structures of water flows, were investigated via particle image velocimetry (PIV) technology. A two-point spatial correlation analysis was used to explore the influence of the microstructured surfaces on coherent structures of water flows. Our results showed that the velocity on microstructured surface samples was higher than that on the smooth surface (SS) samples, and the turbulence intensity of water on the microstructured surface samples decreased compared with that on the SS samples. The coherent structures of the water flow on microstructured samples were restricted by length and structural angles. The drag reduction rates of the SHS, RS, and RSHS samples were −8.37 %, −9.67 %, and −17.39 %, respectively. The novel established RSHS demonstrated a superior drag reduction effect and could improve the drag reduction rate of water flows. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Storage)
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13 pages, 4584 KiB  
Article
Construction of Polypyrrole-Coated CoSe2 Composite Material for Lithium-Sulfur Battery
by Yinbo Wu, Yaowei Feng, Xiulian Qiu, Fengming Ren, Jian Cen, Qingdian Chong, Ye Tian and Wei Yang
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(5), 865; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13050865 - 25 Feb 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1882
Abstract
Lithium-sulfur batteries with high theoretical energy density and cheap cost can meet people’s need for efficient energy storage, and have become a focus of the research on lithium-ion batteries. However, owing to their poor conductivity and “shuttle effect”, lithium-sulfur batteries are difficult to [...] Read more.
Lithium-sulfur batteries with high theoretical energy density and cheap cost can meet people’s need for efficient energy storage, and have become a focus of the research on lithium-ion batteries. However, owing to their poor conductivity and “shuttle effect”, lithium-sulfur batteries are difficult to commercialize. In order to solve this problem, herein a polyhedral hollow structure of cobalt selenide (CoSe2) was synthesized by a simple one-step carbonization and selenization method using metal-organic bone MOFs (ZIF-67) as template and precursor. CoSe2 is coated with conductive polymer polypyrrole (PPy) to settle the matter of poor electroconductibility of the composite and limit the outflow of polysulfide compounds. The prepared CoSe2@PPy-S composite cathode shows reversible capacities of 341 mAh g−1 at 3 C, and good cycle stability with a small capacity attenuation rate of 0.072% per cycle. The structure of CoSe2 can have certain adsorption and conversion effects on polysulfide compounds, increase the conductivity after coating PPy, and further enhance the electrochemical property of lithium-sulfur cathode material. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Storage)
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14 pages, 4262 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Adsorption/Desorption of NOx on MFI Zeolites: Effects of Relative Humidity and Si/Al Ratio
by Haiyang Tao and Yingshu Liu
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(1), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13010156 - 29 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1467
Abstract
Adsorption is a potential technology that is expected to meet NOx ultra-low emission standards and achieve the recovery of NO2. In this study, the adsorption/desorption behavior of NOx with competitive gases (e.g., H2O(g) and CO2) [...] Read more.
Adsorption is a potential technology that is expected to meet NOx ultra-low emission standards and achieve the recovery of NO2. In this study, the adsorption/desorption behavior of NOx with competitive gases (e.g., H2O(g) and CO2) was studied on MFI zeolites with different Si/Al ratios and under different relative humidity (0~90% RH). Sample characterization of self-synthesizing zeolites was conducted by means of X-ray diffraction, Ar adsorption-desorption, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that low-silica HZSM-5(35) showed the highest NOx adsorption capacity of 297.8 μmol/g (RH = 0) and 35.4 μmol/g (RH = 90%) compared to that of other adsorbents, and the efficiency loss factor of NOx adsorption capacity at 90%RH ranged from 85.3% to 88.1%. A water-resistance strategy was proposed for NOx multicomponent competitive adsorption combined with dynamic breakthrough tests and static water vapor adsorption. The presence of 14% O2 and lower adsorption temperature (25 °C) favored NOx adsorption, while higher CO2 concentrations (~10.5%) had less effect. The roll-up factor (η) was positively correlated with lower Si/Al ratios and higher H2O(g) concentrations. Unlike Silicalite-1, HZSM-5(35) exhibited an acceptable industrial desorption temperature window of NO2 (255~265 °C). This paper aims to provide a theoretical guideline for the rational selection of NOx adsorbents for practical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Storage)
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10 pages, 2588 KiB  
Article
Co-doped In-Situ Engineered Carbon Nano-Onions Enabled High-Performance Supercapacitors
by Debananda Mohapatra, Mostafa Saad Sayed and Jae-Jin Shim
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13010019 - 21 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1616
Abstract
The feasibility of achieving in situ sulfur (S) and nitrogen (N) co-doped carbon nano-onions (CNOs and SN–CNOs) via a simple flame-pyrolysis technique without using sophisticated high-vacuum annealing or expensive nanodiamond-based complex processes is demonstrated for the first time. The characteristic onion-like feature of [...] Read more.
The feasibility of achieving in situ sulfur (S) and nitrogen (N) co-doped carbon nano-onions (CNOs and SN–CNOs) via a simple flame-pyrolysis technique without using sophisticated high-vacuum annealing or expensive nanodiamond-based complex processes is demonstrated for the first time. The characteristic onion-like feature of 0.34 nm remained intact with a high degree of ordering and graphitization, even though the S and N heteroatoms were co-doped simultaneously. The in situ co-doped SN–CNO demonstrated high supercapacitor device performance with a high energy density of 25 Wh kg−1 at a maximum power density of 18 kW kg−1, maintaining 98% specific capacitance over 10,000 cycles at 10 A g−1. These are the highest achieved device performance values of a fullerene family electrode material to date. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Storage)
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20 pages, 3275 KiB  
Article
Multifunctional Loblolly Pine-Derived Superactivated Hydrochar: Effect of Hydrothermal Carbonization on Hydrogen and Electron Storage with Carbon Dioxide and Dye Removal
by Al Ibtida Sultana, Cadianne Chambers, Muzammil M. N. Ahmed, Pavithra Pathirathna and Toufiq Reza
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(20), 3575; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12203575 - 12 Oct 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1912
Abstract
Pore modulation via hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) needs investigation due to its crucial effect on surface that influences its multirole utilization of such ultraporous sorbents in applications of energy storage- hydrogen and capacitive- as well as for pollutant abatement- carbon capture and dye removal. [...] Read more.
Pore modulation via hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) needs investigation due to its crucial effect on surface that influences its multirole utilization of such ultraporous sorbents in applications of energy storage- hydrogen and capacitive- as well as for pollutant abatement- carbon capture and dye removal. Hence, loblolly pine was hydrothermally carbonized followed by KOH activation to synthesize superactivated hydrochars (SAH). The resulting SAHs had specific surface area (SSA) 1462–1703 m2/g, total pore (TPV) and micropore volume (MPV) of 0.62–0.78 cm3/g and 0.33–0.49 cm3/g, respectively. The SAHs exhibit excellent multifunctional performance with remarkably high atmospheric CO2 capture of 145.2 mg/g and high pressure cryogenic H2 storage of 54.9 mg/g. The fabricated supercapacitor displayed substantial specific capacitance value of maximum 47.2 Fg−1 at 1 A g−1 in 6 M KOH and highest MB dye removal of 719.4 mg/g. Higher HTC temperature resulted in increased surface porosity as higher SSA, TPV benefitted H2 storage and MB dye removal while superior MPV favored CO2 capture. Moderate HTC temperature ensured higher mesopore-to-macropore volume ratio favoring electrochemical performance. Isotherm modelling of the adsorbates was compared using models: Langmuir, Freundlich, Langmuir- Freundlich and Temkin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Storage)
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22 pages, 4318 KiB  
Review
Solid-State Electrolytes for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries: Challenges, Progress, and Strategies
by Qiancheng Zhu, Chun Ye and Deyu Mao
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(20), 3612; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12203612 - 14 Oct 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4074
Abstract
Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) represent a promising next-generation energy storage system, with advantages such as high specific capacity (1675 mAh g−1), abundant resources, low price, and ecological friendliness. During the application of liquid electrolytes, the flammability of organic electrolytes, and the dissolution/shuttle [...] Read more.
Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) represent a promising next-generation energy storage system, with advantages such as high specific capacity (1675 mAh g−1), abundant resources, low price, and ecological friendliness. During the application of liquid electrolytes, the flammability of organic electrolytes, and the dissolution/shuttle of polysulfide seriously damage the safety and the cycle life of lithium–sulfur batteries. Replacing a liquid electrolyte with a solid one is a good solution, while the higher mechanical strength of solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) has an inhibitory effect on the growth of lithium dendrites. However, the lower ionic conductivity, poor interfacial contact, and relatively narrow electrochemical window of solid-state electrolytes limit the commercialization of solid-state lithium–sulfur batteries (SSLSBs). This review describes the research progress in LSBs and the challenges faced by SSEs, which are classified as polymer electrolytes, inorganic solid electrolytes, and composite electrolytes. The advantages, as well as the disadvantages of various types of electrolytes, the common coping strategies to improve performance, and future development trends, are systematically described. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Storage)
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