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Micromachines
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Energy Conversion and Storage Devices: Materials and Applications
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Energy Conversion and Storage Devices: Materials and Applications

A special issue of Micromachines (ISSN 2072-666X). This special issue belongs to the section "C：Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 12652

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Il Tae Kim

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Republic of Korea
Interests: secondary batteries; fuel cells; electrode materials; smart binder; electrolytes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Tejaswi Tanaji Salunkhe

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Republic of Korea
Interests: lithium ion battery; dual ion battery; sodium ion battery; electrolyte additive for battery application

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, entitled “Energy Conversion and Storage Devices: Materials and Applications”, explores the forefront of advancements in energy technology and focuses on the critical role of materials, devices and their applications. Energy conversion and storage are pivotal components in the transition towards sustainable and renewable energy sources, making this Special Issue highly relevant. This Special Issue delves into the diverse array of materials utilized in energy conversion and storage technologies, ranging from traditional fossil fuel-based systems to cutting-edge renewable energy solutions. It examines the latest developments in materials science, highlighting innovations in the design, synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation of materials for energy applications. Furthermore, the Special Issue explores the practical implementation and real-world applications of these materials in various energy conversion and storage devices, such as batteries, fuel cells, solar cells, supercapacitors, etc. Via a combination of original research articles, reviews, and perspectives, this Special Issue provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of the art in energy conversion and storage materials and their practical applications. We cordially invite you to contribute to this Special Issue. Review articles, communications, and full-size research papers are all welcome.

Prof. Dr. Il Tae Kim
Dr. Tejaswi Tanaji Salunkhe
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. Micromachines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2100 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

  • fuel cells
  • supercapacitors
  • batteries
  • electrodes
  • electrolytes
  • energy storage technology
  • renewable energy electrochemistry

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 5255 KiB  
Article
Influence of Hydration and Temperature on the NaxCO2 Based Transducer Voltage
by George-Claudiu Zărnescu, Esmaeil Jalali Lavasani, Lucian Pîslaru-Dănescu and Ioan Stamatin
Micromachines 2024, 15(11), 1334; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15111334 - 31 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1014
Abstract
This paper presents an experimental approach to maximizing the voltage generated by NaxCoO2 and improving the overall efficiency of the p-type thermoelectric leg by doping with Na up to x = 0.88. Two samples with different geometries were tested, each [...] Read more.
This paper presents an experimental approach to maximizing the voltage generated by NaxCoO2 and improving the overall efficiency of the p-type thermoelectric leg by doping with Na up to x = 0.88. Two samples with different geometries were tested, each measured with and without an additional magnetic field applied in the direction of the temperature gradient. The properties of sodium cobaltite in response to hydration were explored, at temperatures between 300 and 380 K. Water injection boosted the current and power up to 75–100 µW at a temperature of 350–360 K. This power boost can be attributed to an electron-ion fluid flow pattern maintained by the longitudinal thermomagnetic effect and by water molecules forming hydrogen bonds with oxygen atoms in the CoO2 layers, inside the material. An electronic circuit was designed to boost the voltage to the desired level, for three or more sodium cobaltite samples mounted in parallel, and to store the energy in a supercapacitor. The output voltage and resistivity change of sodium cobaltite samples can be readily used as a humidity and temperature-sensing element in a transducer when paired with an appropriate electronic conditioning scheme. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Conversion and Storage Devices: Materials and Applications)
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15 pages, 6138 KiB  
Article
Expanded Graphite as a Superior Anion Host Carrying High Output Voltage (4.62 V) and High Energy Density for Lithium Dual-Ion Batteries
by Tejaswi Tanaji Salunkhe and Il Tae Kim
Micromachines 2024, 15(11), 1324; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15111324 - 30 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1041
Abstract
The demand for safer, sustainable, and economical energy storage devices has motivated the development of lithium dual-ion batteries (Li_DIBs) for large-scale storage applications. For the Li_DIBs, expanded graphite (EG) cathodes are valuable as anion intercalation host frameworks to fabricate safer and more cost-effective [...] Read more.
The demand for safer, sustainable, and economical energy storage devices has motivated the development of lithium dual-ion batteries (Li_DIBs) for large-scale storage applications. For the Li_DIBs, expanded graphite (EG) cathodes are valuable as anion intercalation host frameworks to fabricate safer and more cost-effective devices. In this study, three different carbon cathode materials, including microwave-treated expanded graphite (MW-EG), ball-milled expanded graphite (BM-EG), and high-temperature-carbonized carbon nanoflakes (CNFs), were developed by different synthesis methods. Li_DIBs were configured by employing 4 M of LiPF6 in a dimethyl carbonate electrolyte and MW-EG/BM-EG/CNF as an anion host cathode. After 600 cycles, a Li-MW-EG Li_DIB exhibited a reversible capacity of 66.1 mAh/g with a high Coulombic efficiency of 96.2% at a current rate of 0.05 A/g and an outstanding average energy density of 298.97 Wh/kg (with an output voltage of 4.62 V). The remarkable electrochemical results are associated with (i) moderate structural defects with a very low ID/IG ratio (0.848), (ii) degree of graphitization, which improves the mechanical stability and conductivity, and (iii) large pore volume and pore diameter, easy facilitating the accumulation of PF6− ions. The energy density characteristics demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing MW-EG as a promising cathode for energy-related Li_DIB applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Conversion and Storage Devices: Materials and Applications)
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13 pages, 8139 KiB  
Article
Frequency Detection for String Instruments Using 1D-2D Non-Contact Mode Triboelectric Sensors
by Inkyum Kim, Hyunwoo Cho and Daewon Kim
Micromachines 2024, 15(9), 1079; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15091079 - 26 Aug 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1195
Abstract
The proliferation of small electronic devices has significantly increased the demand for self-powered sensors. This study introduces a triboelectric frequency sensor (TFS) that combines the frequency-responsive characteristics of triboelectric nanogenerators with a simple one-dimensional structure for sustainable vibration measurement. This sensor is specifically [...] Read more.
The proliferation of small electronic devices has significantly increased the demand for self-powered sensors. This study introduces a triboelectric frequency sensor (TFS) that combines the frequency-responsive characteristics of triboelectric nanogenerators with a simple one-dimensional structure for sustainable vibration measurement. This sensor is specifically designed to aid in the tuning of string instruments, capable of detecting frequency responses up to 330 Hz generated by string vibrations. Structural optimization was achieved by setting a non-contact mode with a gap distance of 3 mm and utilizing perfluoroalkoxy alkane (PFA) as the contact dielectric material. The TFS exhibits dynamic response characteristics by varying the vibrating frequency and the tension of the string, facilitated by a custom-built testing setup. Frequency data captured by the sensor can be visualized on a monitor through the integration of a microcontroller unit (MCU) and dedicated coding. The practical applicability and effectiveness of this sensor in real-world scenarios are demonstrated experimentally. This innovation represents a significant step forward in the development of self-sustaining sensing technologies for precision instrument tuning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Conversion and Storage Devices: Materials and Applications)
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15 pages, 4786 KiB  
Article
Experimental Proof of Principle of 3D-Printed Microfluidic Benthic Microbial Fuel Cells (MBMFCs) with Inbuilt Biocompatible Carbon-Fiber Electrodes
by Terak Hornik, Maxwell Terry, Michael Krause, Jeffrey K. Catterlin, Kevin L. Joiner, Samuel Aragon, Angelica Sarmiento, Yolanda Meriah Arias-Thode and Emil P. Kartalov
Micromachines 2024, 15(7), 870; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15070870 - 30 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1870
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) represent a promising avenue for sustainable energy production by harnessing the metabolic activity of microorganisms. In this study, a novel design of MFC—a Microfluidic Benthic Microbial Fuel Cell (MBMFC)—was developed, fabricated, and tested to evaluate its electrical energy generation. [...] Read more.
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) represent a promising avenue for sustainable energy production by harnessing the metabolic activity of microorganisms. In this study, a novel design of MFC—a Microfluidic Benthic Microbial Fuel Cell (MBMFC)—was developed, fabricated, and tested to evaluate its electrical energy generation. The design focused on balancing microfluidic architecture and wiring procedures with microbial community dynamics to maximize power output and allow for upscaling and thus practical implementation. The testing phase involved experimentation to evaluate the performance of the MBMFC. Microbial feedstock was varied to assess its impact on power generation. The designed MBMFC represents a promising advancement in the field of bioenergy generation. By integrating innovative design principles with advanced fabrication techniques, this study demonstrates a systematic approach to optimizing MFC performance for sustainable and clean energy production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Conversion and Storage Devices: Materials and Applications)
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15 pages, 5533 KiB  
Article
One-Pot Facile Synthesis of a Cluster of ZnS Low-Dimensional Nanoparticles for High-Performance Supercapacitor Electrodes
by Sagar M. Mane, Komal S. Wagh, Aviraj M. Teli, Sonali A. Beknalkar, Jae Cheol Shin and Jaewoong Lee
Micromachines 2024, 15(2), 251; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15020251 - 7 Feb 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5021
Abstract
To maximize the use of ZnS low-dimensional nanoparticles as high-performance supercapacitor electrodes, this work describes a simple one-pot synthesis method for producing a cluster of these particles. The ZnS nanoparticles fabricated in this work exhibit a cluster with unique low-dimensional (0D, 1D, and [...] Read more.
To maximize the use of ZnS low-dimensional nanoparticles as high-performance supercapacitor electrodes, this work describes a simple one-pot synthesis method for producing a cluster of these particles. The ZnS nanoparticles fabricated in this work exhibit a cluster with unique low-dimensional (0D, 1D, and 2D) characteristics. Structural, morphological, and electrochemical investigations are all part of the thorough characterization of the produced materials. An X-ray diffraction pattern of clustered ZnS nanoparticles reflects the phase formation with highly stable cubic blende sphalerite polymorph. The confirmation of nanoparticle cluster formation featuring multiple low-dimensional nanostructures was achieved through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), while the internal structure was assessed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Systematically assessing the ZnS nanoparticles’ electrochemical performance reveals their prospective qualities as supercapacitor electrode materials. The electrode assembled with this material on Ni foam demonstrates elevated specific capacitance (areal capacitance) values, reaching 716.8 F.g⁻1 (2150.4 mF.cm−2) at a current density of 3 mA.cm⁻2. Moreover, it reflects 69.1% capacitance retention with a four times increase in current density, i.e., 495.5 F.g−1 (1486.56 mF.cm−2) capacitance was archived at 12 mA.cm−2 with 100% Coulombic efficiency. Furthermore, the electrode exhibits prolonged cycling capability with 77.7% capacitance retention, as evidenced by its charge–discharge measurements sustained over 15,000 cycles at a current density of 25 mA cm⁻2. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Conversion and Storage Devices: Materials and Applications)
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13 pages, 3650 KiB  
Article
U-Shaped Tube Based Liquid–Solid Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Harvesting Unutilized Compressed Air Energy
by Xuhang Cai, Zhijian Liu, Jingming Dong, Haoji Li, Jiamu Han, Jiaming Huang and Haotian Chen
Micromachines 2023, 14(11), 2057; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14112057 - 2 Nov 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1766
Abstract
Due to a lack of technologies that harvest green and sustainable energy, unutilized compressed air energy during the operation of pneumatic systems is wasted. Liquid–solid triboelectric nano-generators (L-S TENGs) have been widely used as an advanced technology with broad development prospects due to [...] Read more.
Due to a lack of technologies that harvest green and sustainable energy, unutilized compressed air energy during the operation of pneumatic systems is wasted. Liquid–solid triboelectric nano-generators (L-S TENGs) have been widely used as an advanced technology with broad development prospects due to their advantages of a simple structure and long service life. Among them, liquid–solid triboelectric nanogenerators with tube structures have great potential for coupling multiple physical effects and integrating them into a single device. Herein, a U-shaped tube triboelectric nanogenerator composed of fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) and copper foil (UFC-TENG) is proposed to directly harvest unutilized compressed air energy. The UFC-TENG can collect unutilized compressed air energy with a stable peak voltage and current of approximately 33 V and 0.25 μA, respectively. When the alternating frequency of the liquid is 0.9 Hz, the unutilized compressed air can drive the UFC-TENG unit with an inner diameter of 12 mm, achieving a maximum output power of 3.93 μW at an external load resistance of 90 MΩ. The UFC-TENG is a novel driving method for L-S TENGs and demonstrates the promising potential of TENGs in the harvesting of unutilized compressed air energy in pneumatic systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Conversion and Storage Devices: Materials and Applications)
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