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26 pages, 8523 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cellulose Derived Graphene/Polyaniline Nanocomposite Anode for Energy Generation and Bioremediation of Toxic Metals via Benthic Microbial Fuel Cells

by Asim Ali Yaqoob, Mohamad Nasir Mohamad Ibrahim, Khalid Umar, Showkat Ahmad Bhawani, Anish Khan, Abdullah M Asiri, Mohammad Rizwan Khan, Mohammad Azam and Ahmad Moid AlAmmari

Polymers 2021, 13(1), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13010135 - 30 Dec 2020

Cited by 93 | Viewed by 5040

Abstract

Benthic microbial fuel cells (BMFCs) are considered to be one of the eco-friendly bioelectrochemical cell approaches nowadays. The utilization of waste materials in BMFCs is to generate energy and concurrently bioremediate the toxic metals from synthetic wastewater, which is an ideal approach. The [...] Read more.

Benthic microbial fuel cells (BMFCs) are considered to be one of the eco-friendly bioelectrochemical cell approaches nowadays. The utilization of waste materials in BMFCs is to generate energy and concurrently bioremediate the toxic metals from synthetic wastewater, which is an ideal approach. The use of novel electrode material and natural organic waste material as substrates can minimize the present challenges of the BMFCs. The present study is focused on cellulosic derived graphene-polyaniline (GO-PANI) composite anode fabrication in order to improve the electron transfer rate. Several electrochemical and physicochemical techniques are used to characterize the performance of anodes in BMFCs. The maximum current density during polarization behavior was found to be 87.71 mA/m² in the presence of the GO-PANI anode with sweet potato as an organic substrate in BMFCs, while the GO-PANI offered 15.13 mA/m² current density under the close circuit conditions in the presence of 1000 Ω external resistance. The modified graphene anode showed four times higher performance than the unmodified anode. Similarly, the remediation efficiency of GO-PANI was 65.51% for Cd (II) and 60.33% for Pb (II), which is also higher than the unmodified graphene anode. Furthermore, multiple parameters (pH, temperature, organic substrate) were optimized to validate the efficiency of the fabricated anode in different environmental atmospheres via BMFCs. In order to ensure the practice of BMFCs at industrial level, some present challenges and future perspectives are also considered briefly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Materials for Electrochemical Applications)

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13 pages, 3580 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation of Alkaline Polyelectrolyte Membrane Based on Quaternary Ammonium Salt–Modified Cellulose and Its Application in Zn–Air Flexible Battery

by Xiang You, Congde Qiao, Dan Peng, Weiliang Liu, Cong Li, Hui Zhao, Hao Qi, Xiaoxia Cai, Yanqiu Shao and Xinhua Shi

Polymers 2021, 13(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13010009 - 22 Dec 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3586

Abstract

In this study, a type of alkaline solid polyelectrolyte (ASPE) membrane was developed via the introduction of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and its modified product (QMCC) into the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix. In this process, green NaOH/urea-based solvent was used to achieve a good [...] Read more.

In this study, a type of alkaline solid polyelectrolyte (ASPE) membrane was developed via the introduction of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and its modified product (QMCC) into the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix. In this process, green NaOH/urea-based solvent was used to achieve a good dispersion of MCC in the PVA matrix; meanwhile, the OH⁻ groups in the NaOH/urea-based solvent provided an alkaline environment for good ion conductivity. Compared to the MCC-incorporated ASPE, further improved conductivity was achieved when the MCC was modified with quantitative quaternary ammonium salt. TGA showed that the addition of QMCC improved the water retention of the matrix, which was beneficial to the OH⁻ conduction in the system. Compared to the control (50 mS cm⁻¹), a maximum conductivity of 238 mS cm⁻¹ was obtained after the incorporation of QMCC in the PVA matrix. Moreover, the tensile strength of the polymer electrolyte were also significantly increased with the addition of QMCC. Finally, this developed ASPE membrane was used in assembling a flexible Zn–air battery and showed a promising potential in the development of flexible electronic devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Materials for Electrochemical Applications)

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23 pages, 4629 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics of Glycerolized Chitosan: NH₄NO₃-Based Polymer Electrolyte for Energy Storage Devices with Extremely High Specific Capacitance and Energy Density Over 1000 Cycles

by Shujahadeen B. Aziz, M. A. Brza, Iver Brevik, M. H. Hamsan, Rebar T. Abdulwahid, S. R. Majid, M. F. Z. Kadir, Sarkawt A. Hussen and Ranjdar M. Abdullah

Polymers 2020, 12(11), 2718; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12112718 - 17 Nov 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3338

Abstract

In this work, plasticized polymer electrolyte films consisting of chitosan, ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) and glycerol for utilization in energy storage devices was presented. Various microscopic, spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques were used to characterize the concerned electrolyte and the electrical [...] Read more.

In this work, plasticized polymer electrolyte films consisting of chitosan, ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) and glycerol for utilization in energy storage devices was presented. Various microscopic, spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques were used to characterize the concerned electrolyte and the electrical double-layer capacitor (EDLC) assembly. The nature of complexation between the polymer electrolyte components was examined via X-ray diffraction analysis. In the morphological study, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was used to investigate the impact of glycerol as a plasticizer on the morphology of films. The polymer electrolyte (conducting membrane) was found to have a conductivity of 3.21 × 10⁻³ S/cm. It is indicated that the number density (n), mobility (μ) and diffusion coefficient (D) of ions are increased with the glycerol amount. The mechanism of charge storing was clarified, which implies a non-Faradaic process. The voltage window of the polymer electrolyte is 2.32 V. It was proved that the ion is responsible for charge-carrying via measuring the transference number (TNM). It was also determined that the internal resistance of the EDLC assembly lay between 39 and 50 Ω. The parameters associated with the EDLC assembly are of great importance and the specific capacitance (C_spe) was determined to be almost constant over 1 to 1000 cycles with an average of 124 F/g. Other decisive parameters were found: energy density (18 Wh/kg) and power density (2700 W/kg). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Materials for Electrochemical Applications)

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17 pages, 4822 KiB

Open AccessArticle

3D Polyaniline Nanofibers Anchored on Carbon Paper for High-Performance and Light-Weight Supercapacitors

by Sami ur Rahman, Philipp Röse, Mit Surati, Anwar ul Haq Ali Shah, Ulrike Krewer and Salma Bilal

Polymers 2020, 12(11), 2705; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12112705 - 16 Nov 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4248

Abstract

In the field of advanced energy storage, nanostructured Polyaniline (PANI) based materials hold a special place. Extensive studies have been done on the application of PANI in supercapacitors, however, the structure–property relationship of these materials is still not understood. This paper presents a [...] Read more.

In the field of advanced energy storage, nanostructured Polyaniline (PANI) based materials hold a special place. Extensive studies have been done on the application of PANI in supercapacitors, however, the structure–property relationship of these materials is still not understood. This paper presents a detailed characterization of the novel sodium phytate doped 3D PANI nanofibers anchored on different types of carbon paper for application in supercapacitors. An excellent relationship between the structures and properties of the synthesized samples was found. Remarkable energy storage characteristics with low values of solution, charge transfer and polarization resistance and a specific capacitance of 1106.9 ± 1.5 F g⁻¹ and 779 ± 2.6 F g⁻¹ at current density 0.5 and 10 Ag⁻¹, respectively, was achieved at optimized conditions. The symmetric supercapacitor assembly showed significant enhancement in both energy density and power density. It delivered an energy density of 95 Wh kg⁻¹ at a power of 846 W kg⁻¹. At a high-power density of 16.9 kW kg⁻¹, the energy density can still be kept at 13 Wh kg⁻¹. Cyclic stability was also checked for 1000 cycles at a current density of 10 Ag⁻¹ having excellent retention, i.e., 96%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Materials for Electrochemical Applications)

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19 pages, 2682 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Study of Plasticized Solid Polymer Blend Electrolytes Based on Natural Polymers and Their Application for Energy Storage EDLC Devices

by Elham M.A. Dannoun, Shujahadeen B. Aziz, Mohamad A. Brza, Muaffaq M. Nofal, Ahmad S.F.M. Asnawi, Yuhanees M. Yusof, Shakhawan Al-Zangana, Muhamad H. Hamsan, Mohd F. Z. Kadir and Haw J. Woo

Polymers 2020, 12(11), 2531; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12112531 - 29 Oct 2020

Cited by 60 | Viewed by 4164

Abstract

In this work, plasticized magnesium ion-conducting polymer blend electrolytes based on chitosan:methylcellulose (CS:MC) were prepared using a solution cast technique. Magnesium acetate [Mg(CH₃COO)₂] was used as a source of the ions. Nickel metal-complex [Ni(II)-complex)] was employed to expand the [...] Read more.

In this work, plasticized magnesium ion-conducting polymer blend electrolytes based on chitosan:methylcellulose (CS:MC) were prepared using a solution cast technique. Magnesium acetate [Mg(CH₃COO)₂] was used as a source of the ions. Nickel metal-complex [Ni(II)-complex)] was employed to expand the amorphous phase. For the ions dissociation enhancement, glycerol plasticizer was also engaged. Incorporating 42 wt% of the glycerol into the electrolyte system has been shown to improve the conductivity to 1.02 × 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that the electrolyte with the highest conductivity has a minimum crystallinity degree. The ionic transference number was estimated to be more than the electronic transference number. It is concluded that in CS:MC:Mg(CH₃COO)₂:Ni(II)-complex:glycerol, ions are the primary charge carriers. Results from linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) showed electrochemical stability to be 2.48 V. An electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) based on activated carbon electrode and a prepared solid polymer electrolyte was constructed. The EDLC cell was then analyzed by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge–discharge methods. The CV test disclosed rectangular shapes with slight distortion, and there was no appearance of any redox currents on both anodic and cathodic parts, signifying a typical behavior of EDLC. The EDLC cell indicated a good cyclability of about (95%) for throughout of 200 cycles with a specific capacitance of 47.4 F/g. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Materials for Electrochemical Applications)

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20 pages, 5540 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Compatible Solid Polymer Electrolyte Based on Methyl Cellulose for Energy Storage Application: Structural, Electrical, and Electrochemical Properties

by Shujahadeen B. Aziz, Iver Brevik, Muhamad H. Hamsan, M. A. Brza, Muaffaq M. Nofal, Aziz M. Abdullah, Sarkawt Rostam, Shakhawan Al-Zangana, Saiful K. Muzakir and Mohd F. Z. Kadir

Polymers 2020, 12(10), 2257; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12102257 - 1 Oct 2020

Cited by 61 | Viewed by 5084

Abstract

Compatible green polymer electrolytes based on methyl cellulose (MC) were prepared for energy storage electrochemical double-layer capacitor (EDLC) application. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was conducted for structural investigation. The reduction in the intensity of crystalline peaks of MC upon the addition of sodium iodide [...] Read more.

Compatible green polymer electrolytes based on methyl cellulose (MC) were prepared for energy storage electrochemical double-layer capacitor (EDLC) application. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was conducted for structural investigation. The reduction in the intensity of crystalline peaks of MC upon the addition of sodium iodide (NaI) salt discloses the growth of the amorphous area in solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs). Impedance plots show that the uppermost conducting electrolyte had a smaller bulk resistance. The highest attained direct current DC conductivity was 3.01 × 10⁻³ S/cm for the sample integrated with 50 wt.% of NaI. The dielectric analysis suggests that samples in this study showed non-Debye behavior. The electron transference number was found to be lower than the ion transference number, thus it can be concluded that ions are the primary charge carriers in the MC–NaI system. The addition of a relatively high concentration of salt into the MC matrix changed the ion transfer number from 0.75 to 0.93. From linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), the green polymer electrolyte in this work was actually stable up to 1.7 V. The consequence of the cyclic voltammetry (CV) plot suggests that the nature of charge storage at the electrode–electrolyte interfaces is a non-Faradaic process and specific capacitance is subjective by scan rates. The relatively high capacitance of 94.7 F/g at a sweep rate of 10 mV/s was achieved for EDLC assembly containing a MC–NaI system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Materials for Electrochemical Applications)

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12 pages, 3371 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design of A High Performance Zeolite/Polyimide Composite Separator for Lithium-Ion Batteries

by Yanling Li, Xiang Wang, Jianyu Liang, Kuan Wu, Long Xu and Jun Wang

Polymers 2020, 12(4), 764; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12040764 - 1 Apr 2020

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 5189

Abstract

A zeolite/polyimide composite separator with a spongy-like structure was prepared by phase inversion methods based on heat-resistant polyimide (PI) polymer matrix and ZSM-5 zeolite filler, with the aim to improve the thermal stability and electrochemical properties of corresponding batteries. The separator exhibits enhanced [...] Read more.

A zeolite/polyimide composite separator with a spongy-like structure was prepared by phase inversion methods based on heat-resistant polyimide (PI) polymer matrix and ZSM-5 zeolite filler, with the aim to improve the thermal stability and electrochemical properties of corresponding batteries. The separator exhibits enhanced thermal stability and no shrinkage up to 180 °C. The introduction of a certain number of ZSM-5 zeolites endows the composite separator with enhanced wettability and electrolyte uptake, better facilitating the free transport of lithium-ion. Furthermore, the composite separator shows a high ionic conductivity of 1.04 mS cm⁻¹ at 25 °C, and a high decomposition potential of 4.7 V. Compared with the PP separator and pristine PI separator, the ZSM-5/PI composite separator based LiFePO₄/Li cells have better rate capability (133 mAh g⁻¹ at 2 C) and cycle performance (145 mAh g^-1 at 0.5 C after 50 cycles). These results demonstrate that the ZSM-5/PI composite separator is promising for high-performance and high-safety lithium-ion batteries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Materials for Electrochemical Applications)

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Review

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82 pages, 19344 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of the Use of GPEs in Zinc-Based Batteries. A Step Closer to Wearable Electronic Gadgets and Smart Textiles

by Sebastián Lorca, Florencio Santos and Antonio J. Fernández Romero

Polymers 2020, 12(12), 2812; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12122812 - 27 Nov 2020

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 8212

Abstract

With the flourish of flexible and wearable electronics gadgets, the need for flexible power sources has become essential. The growth of this increasingly diverse range of devices boosted the necessity to develop materials for such flexible power sources such as secondary batteries, fuel [...] Read more.

With the flourish of flexible and wearable electronics gadgets, the need for flexible power sources has become essential. The growth of this increasingly diverse range of devices boosted the necessity to develop materials for such flexible power sources such as secondary batteries, fuel cells, supercapacitors, sensors, dye-sensitized solar cells, etc. In that context, comprehensives studies on flexible conversion and energy storage devices have been released for other technologies such Li-ion standing out the importance of the research done lately in GPEs (gel polymer electrolytes) for energy conversion and storage. However, flexible zinc batteries have not received the attention they deserve within the flexible batteries field, which are destined to be one of the high rank players in the wearable devices future market. This review presents an extensive overview of the most notable or prominent gel polymeric materials, including biobased polymers, and zinc chemistries as well as its practical or functional implementation in flexible wearable devices. The ultimate aim is to highlight zinc-based batteries as power sources to fill a segment of the world flexible batteries future market. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Materials for Electrochemical Applications)

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