Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
7.4
5.3
Journals
Nanomaterials
Special Issues
Advances in Nanomaterials for Application in Electrochemical Devices
share announcement

Advances in Nanomaterials for Application in Electrochemical Devices

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2023) | Viewed by 16835

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Oluwafunmilola Ola

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Advanced Materials Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
Interests: design, synthesis, and characterization of functional nanomaterials for sensing, energy conversion (i.e., water splitting, solar fuels production), and storage (supercapacitors, batteries, and fuel cells)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Nannan Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
Interests: synthesis and characterization of IF-WS2, CNT, graphene, 2D materials, W18O49/NiO for energy generation and storage applications
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Yanqiu Zhu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
Interests: synthesis, characterization, and applications of various novel functional nanomaterials in energy conversion and storage
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to a special issue focused on ‘Advances in Nanomaterials for Application in Electrochemical Devices’. Advanced materials manufacturing endeavors to deliver innovative solutions such as secure communications, lighter devices and energy efficient systems based on the fundamental principles of nanotechnology and electrochemistry. The continuous development and optimization of these high-performance materials is driven by the need for improved productivity, connectivity and sustainability delivered at low-cost. An understanding of the correlation between the physicochemical properties and electrochemical activity of the material can not only elucidate attendant surface reaction mechanisms and deactivation pathways but inform the rational design of the next generation of high-performance nanomaterials. 

The above interests are the driving force of this special Issue, which will address the different challenges directly linked to deposition, fabrication, and manipulation of nanomaterials and nanocomposites that have applications in electrochemical energy generation, storage, and sensing.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but not limited to) contributions at the interface of functional nanomaterials and electrochemistry to enable the deployment of the next generation of advanced, high-performance electrochemical devices. The focus of this issue is to highlight the recent progress in the rational selection, design, and engineering of advanced functional materials for electrochemical devices, including batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells, electrolyzers, and sensors. 

Dr. Oluwafunmilola Ola
Dr. Nannan Wang
Prof. Dr. Yanqiu Zhu
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

  • nanocomposites
  • functional nanomaterials
  • defect engineering
  • synthesis and characterization
  • supercapacitors
  • hydrogen evolution reaction
  • oxygen evolution reaction
  • oxygen reduction reaction
  • electrocatalysis
  • photo-electrocatalysis
  • batteries
  • pseudocapacitors
  • electrochemical sensors
  • fuel cells

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

24 pages, 5159 KiB  
Article
Radiolysis-Assisted Direct Growth of Gold-Based Electrocatalysts for Glycerol Oxidation
by Nazym Tuleushova, Aisara Amanova, Ibrahim Abdellah, Mireille Benoit, Hynd Remita, David Cornu, Yaovi Holade and Sophie Tingry
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(11), 1713; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13111713 - 23 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1264
Abstract
The electrocatalytic oxidation of glycerol by metal electrocatalysts is an effective method of low-energy-input hydrogen production in membrane reactors in alkaline conditions. The aim of the present study is to examine the proof of concept for the gamma-radiolysis-assisted direct growth of monometallic gold [...] Read more.
The electrocatalytic oxidation of glycerol by metal electrocatalysts is an effective method of low-energy-input hydrogen production in membrane reactors in alkaline conditions. The aim of the present study is to examine the proof of concept for the gamma-radiolysis-assisted direct growth of monometallic gold and bimetallic gold–silver nanostructured particles. We revised the gamma radiolysis procedure to generate free-standing Au and Au-Ag nano- and micro-structured particles onto a gas diffusion electrode by the immersion of the substrate in the reaction mixture. The metal particles were synthesized by radiolysis on a flat carbon paper in the presence of capping agents. We have integrated different methods (SEM, EDX, XPS, XRD, ICP-OES, CV, and EIS) to examine in detail the as-synthesized materials and interrogate their electrocatalytic efficiency for glycerol oxidation under baseline conditions to establish a structure–performance relationship. The developed strategy can be easily extended to the synthesis by radiolysis of other types of ready-to-use metal electrocatalysts as advanced electrode materials for heterogeneous catalysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Application in Electrochemical Devices)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 5142 KiB  
Article
In Situ Fabrication of Mn-Doped NiMoO4 Rod-like Arrays as High Performance OER Electrocatalyst
by Shiming Yang, Santosh K. Tiwari, Zhiqi Zhu, Dehua Cao, Huan He, Yu Chen, Kunyapat Thummavichai, Nannan Wang, Mingjie Jiang and Yanqiu Zhu
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(5), 827; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13050827 - 23 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2042
Abstract
The slow kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is one of the significant reasons limiting the development of electrochemical hydrolysis. Doping metallic elements and building layered structures have been considered effective strategies for improving the electrocatalytic performance of the materials. Herein, we [...] Read more.
The slow kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is one of the significant reasons limiting the development of electrochemical hydrolysis. Doping metallic elements and building layered structures have been considered effective strategies for improving the electrocatalytic performance of the materials. Herein, we report flower-like nanosheet arrays of Mn-doped-NiMoO4/NF (where NF is nickel foam) on nickel foam by a two-step hydrothermal method and a one-step calcination method. The doping manganese metal ion not only modulated the morphologies of the nickel nanosheet but also altered the electronic structure of the nickel center, which could be the result of superior electrocatalytic performance. The Mn-doped-NiMoO4/NF electrocatalysts obtained at the optimum reaction time and the optimum Mn doping showed excellent OER activity, requiring overpotentials of 236 mV and 309 mV to drive 10 mA cm−2 (62 mV lower than the pure NiMoO4/NF) and 50 mA cm−2 current densities, respectively. Furthermore, the high catalytic activity was maintained after continuous operation at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 of 76 h in 1 M KOH. This work provides a new method to construct a high-efficiency, low-cost, stable transition metal electrocatalyst for OER electrocatalysts by using a heteroatom doping strategy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Application in Electrochemical Devices)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 5199 KiB  
Article
Nanoneedles of Mixed Transition Metal Phosphides as Bifunctional Catalysts for Electrocatalytic Water Splitting in Alkaline Media
by Davide Salvò, Dario Mosconi, Alevtina Neyman, Maya Bar-Sadan, Laura Calvillo, Gaetano Granozzi, Mattia Cattelan and Stefano Agnoli
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(4), 683; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13040683 - 09 Feb 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1967
Abstract
In this work, mixed Ni/Co and Ni/Fe metal phosphides with different metal ratios were synthesized through the phosphidization of high-surface-area hydroxides grown hydrothermally on carbon cloth. The materials were characterized by means of X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and [...] Read more.
In this work, mixed Ni/Co and Ni/Fe metal phosphides with different metal ratios were synthesized through the phosphidization of high-surface-area hydroxides grown hydrothermally on carbon cloth. The materials were characterized by means of X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and electron microscopies. The electrocatalytic performance in the electrochemical water splitting was tested in alkaline media. With the aim of determining the chemical stability of the mixed phosphides and the possible changes undergone under catalytic conditions, the materials were characterized before and after the electrochemical tests. The best performances in the hydrogen evolution reaction were achieved when synergic interactions are established among the metal centers, as suggested by the outstanding performances (50 mV to achieve 10 mA/cm2) of materials containing the highest amount of ternary compounds, i.e., NiCoP and NiFeP. The best performances in the oxygen evolution reaction were reached by the Ni-Fe materials. Under these conditions, it was demonstrated that a strong oxidation of the surface and the dissolution of the phosphide/phosphate component takes place, with the consequent formation of the corresponding metal oxides and hydroxides. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Application in Electrochemical Devices)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2274 KiB  
Article
Binder-Free MnO2/MWCNT/Al Electrodes for Supercapacitors
by Arkady N. Redkin, Alena A. Mitina and Eugene E. Yakimov
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(17), 2922; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12172922 - 24 Aug 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1489
Abstract
Recently, significant progress has been made in the performance of supercapacitors through the development of composite electrodes that combine various charge storage mechanisms. A new method for preparing composite binder-free MnO2/MWCNT/Al electrodes for supercapacitors is proposed. The method is based on [...] Read more.
Recently, significant progress has been made in the performance of supercapacitors through the development of composite electrodes that combine various charge storage mechanisms. A new method for preparing composite binder-free MnO2/MWCNT/Al electrodes for supercapacitors is proposed. The method is based on the original technique of direct growth of layers of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on aluminum foil by the catalytic pyrolysis of ethanol vapor. Binder-free MnO2/MWCNT/Al electrodes for electrochemical supercapacitors were obtained by simply treating MWCNT/Al samples with an aqueous solution of KMnO4 under mild conditions. The optimal conditions for the preparation of MnO2/MWCNT/Al electrodes were found. The treatment of MWCNT/Al samples in a 1% KMnO4 aqueous solution for 40 min increased the specific capacitance of the active material of the samples by a factor of 3, up to 100–120 F/g. At the same time, excellent adhesion and electrical contact of the working material to the aluminum substrate were maintained. The properties of the MnO2/MWCNT/Al samples were studied by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), Raman spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and impedance spectroscopy. Excellent charge/discharge characteristics of composite electrodes were demonstrated. The obtained MnO2/MWCNT/Al electrodes maintained excellent stability to multiple charge-discharge cycles. After 60,000 CVs, the capacitance loss was less than 20%. Thus, this work opens up new possibilities for using the MWCNT/Al material obtained by direct deposition of carbon nanotubes on aluminum foil for the fabrication of composite binder-free electrodes of supercapacitors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Application in Electrochemical Devices)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 8323 KiB  
Article
Preparation and Characterization of Multi-Doped Porous Carbon Nanofibers from Carbonization in Different Atmospheres and Their Oxygen Electrocatalytic Properties Research
by Tao Wang, Oluwafunmilola Ola, Malcom Frimpong Dapaah, Yuhao Lu, Qijian Niu, Liang Cheng, Nannan Wang and Yanqiu Zhu
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(5), 832; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12050832 - 01 Mar 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2518
Abstract
Recently, electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) as well as oxygen evolution reaction (OER) hinged on electrospun nanofiber composites have attracted wide research attention. Transition metal elements and heteroatomic doping are important methods used to enhance their catalytic performances. Lately, the construction of [...] Read more.
Recently, electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) as well as oxygen evolution reaction (OER) hinged on electrospun nanofiber composites have attracted wide research attention. Transition metal elements and heteroatomic doping are important methods used to enhance their catalytic performances. Lately, the construction of electrocatalysts based on metal-organic framework (MOF) electrospun nanofibers has become a research hotspot. In this work, nickel-cobalt zeolitic imidazolate frameworks with different molar ratios (NixCoy-ZIFs) were synthesized in an aqueous solution, followed by NixCoy-ZIFs/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) electrospun nanofiber precursors, which were prepared by a simple electrospinning method. Bimetal (Ni-Co) porous carbon nanofiber catalysts doped with nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur elements were obtained at high-temperature carbonization treatment in different atmospheres (argon (Ar), Air, and hydrogen sulfide (H2S)), respectively. The morphological properties, structures, and composition were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Moreover, the specific surface area of materials and their pore size distribution was characterized by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). Linear sweep voltammetry curves investigated catalyst performances towards oxygen reduction and evolution reactions. Importantly, Ni1Co2-ZIFs/PAN-Ar yielded the best ORR activity, whereas Ni1Co1-ZIFs/PAN-Air exhibited the best OER performance. This work provides significant guidance for the preparation and characterization of multi-doped porous carbon nanofibers carbonized in different atmospheres. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Application in Electrochemical Devices)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

30 pages, 9166 KiB  
Review
A Review of Applications, Prospects, and Challenges of Proton-Conducting Zirconates in Electrochemical Hydrogen Devices
by M. Khalid Hossain, S. M. Kamrul Hasan, M. Imran Hossain, Ranjit C. Das, H. Bencherif, M. H. K. Rubel, Md. Ferdous Rahman, Tanvir Emrose and Kenichi Hashizume
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(20), 3581; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12203581 - 13 Oct 2022
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 2833
Abstract
In the future, when fossil fuels are exhausted, alternative energy sources will be essential for everyday needs. Hydrogen-based energy can play a vital role in this aspect. This energy is green, clean, and renewable. Electrochemical hydrogen devices have been used extensively in nuclear [...] Read more.
In the future, when fossil fuels are exhausted, alternative energy sources will be essential for everyday needs. Hydrogen-based energy can play a vital role in this aspect. This energy is green, clean, and renewable. Electrochemical hydrogen devices have been used extensively in nuclear power plants to manage hydrogen-based renewable fuel. Doped zirconate materials are commonly used as an electrolyte in these electrochemical devices. These materials have excellent physical stability and high proton transport numbers, which make them suitable for multiple applications. Doping enhances the physical and electronic properties of zirconate materials and makes them ideal for practical applications. This review highlights the applications of zirconate-based proton-conducting materials in electrochemical cells, particularly in tritium monitors, tritium recovery, hydrogen sensors, and hydrogen pump systems. The central section of this review summarizes recent investigations and provides a comprehensive insight into the various doping schemes, experimental setup, instrumentation, optimum operating conditions, morphology, composition, and performance of zirconate electrolyte materials. In addition, different challenges that are hindering zirconate materials from achieving their full potential in electrochemical hydrogen devices are discussed. Finally, this paper lays out a few pathways for aspirants who wish to undertake research in this field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Application in Electrochemical Devices)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

26 pages, 4442 KiB  
Review
Recent Progress in Graphene-Based Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
by Xupeng Qin, Oluwafunmilola Ola, Jianyong Zhao, Zanhe Yang, Santosh K. Tiwari, Nannan Wang and Yanqiu Zhu
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(11), 1806; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12111806 - 25 May 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3472
Abstract
Hydrogen is regarded as a key renewable energy source to meet future energy demands. Moreover, graphene and its derivatives have many advantages, including high electronic conductivity, controllable morphology, and eco-friendliness, etc., which show great promise for electrocatalytic splitting of water to produce hydrogen. [...] Read more.
Hydrogen is regarded as a key renewable energy source to meet future energy demands. Moreover, graphene and its derivatives have many advantages, including high electronic conductivity, controllable morphology, and eco-friendliness, etc., which show great promise for electrocatalytic splitting of water to produce hydrogen. This review article highlights recent advances in the synthesis and the applications of graphene-based supported electrocatalysts in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, powder-based and self-supporting three-dimensional (3D) electrocatalysts with doped or undoped heteroatom graphene are highlighted. Quantum dot catalysts such as carbon quantum dots, graphene quantum dots, and fullerenes are also included. Different strategies to tune and improve the structural properties and performance of HER electrocatalysts by defect engineering through synthetic approaches are discussed. The relationship between each graphene-based HER electrocatalyst is highlighted. Apart from HER electrocatalysis, the latest advances in water electrolysis by bifunctional oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and HER performed by multi-doped graphene-based electrocatalysts are also considered. This comprehensive review identifies rational strategies to direct the design and synthesis of high-performance graphene-based electrocatalysts for green and sustainable applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Application in Electrochemical Devices)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-7
Back to TopTop