Search Results (59)

The rising demand for sustainable energy storage has fueled the development of green batteries as alternatives to conventional systems. However, a major research gap lies in the unified integration of environmentally friendly materials and processes across all battery components—electrodes, electrolytes, and separators—without compromising performance or scalability. This review addresses this gap by highlighting recent advances in eco-conscious battery technologies, focusing on green electrode fabrication using water-based methods, electrophoretic deposition, solvent-free dry-press coating, 3D printing, and biomass-derived materials. It also examines the shift toward safer electrolytes, including ionic liquids, deep eutectic solvents, water-based systems, and solid biopolymer matrices, which improve both environmental compatibility and safety. Additionally, biodegradable separators made from natural polymers such as cellulose and chitosan offer enhanced thermal stability and ecological benefits. The review emphasizes the importance of lifecycle considerations like recyclability and biodegradability, aligning battery design with circular economy principles. While significant progress has been made, challenges such as standardization, long-term stability, and industrial scalability remain. By identifying key strategies and future directions, this article contributes to the foundation for next-generation green batteries, promoting their adoption in environmentally sensitive applications ranging from wearable electronics to grid storage. Full article

This study presents the development and comprehensive evaluation of magnesium-based implants with surface modifications using selected polymers and bioactive compounds. The implants were fabricated via plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO), followed by the application of chitosan, polydopamine (PDA), and gold nanoparticles as bioactive surface coatings. In vitro experiments, including FT-IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), wettability tests, biodegradation assays in simulated body fluid (SBF), electrochemical corrosion analysis, and cytotoxicity tests using MG-63 osteoblast-like cells, were employed to assess the physicochemical and biological properties of the materials. The PEO + PDA-modified samples demonstrated the highest corrosion resistance (−1.15 V corrosion potential), enhanced cell viability (~95%), and favorable surface wettability (contact angle ~12.5°), outperforming other tested configurations. These findings suggest that PEO combined with PDA offers a synergistic effect, leading to superior biocompatibility and degradation control compared to unmodified magnesium or single-coating strategies. The developed implants hold promise for orthopedic applications requiring biodegradable, bioactive, and cytocompatible materials. Full article

Innovations for separation via membranes are extremely energy-efficient, and through the previous decade, attention to this technology has spiked tremendously. Biopolymers are becoming widely recognized as membrane materials since they are sustainable. Furthermore, the second most common biopolymer, chitin, is the source of chitosan, which has several benefits that make it ideal for the construction of membranes. This review article presents an evaluation of current developments in the utilization of chitosan membranes. The applications of interest in this review are nanofiltration, pervaporation and ion exchange. The chitosan based nanofiltration membranes are comprehensively reviewed with respect to various factors (e.g., solvent, pH resistant, etc.). The development of water permselective, organic permselective, and organic-organic separation films, as well as its permeability and segregation properties, are addressed in pervaporation (PV) section. Full article

Polysaccharides offer a perfect option as raw materials for the development of a new generation of sustainable batteries and supercapacitors. This is due to their abundance and inherent structural characteristics. Polysaccharides can be chemically functionalized and engineered, offering a wide range of possibilities as electrode materials (as precursors of porous nanocarbons), binders and separators. Their hierarchical morphology also enables their exploitation as aerogel and hydrogel structures for quasi-solid and solid polymer electrolytes with high conductivity and wide voltage stability windows. In this review, we discuss how different polysaccharides, such as lignocellulosic biomass, starch, chitosan, natural gums, sugars and marine polysaccharides, can be applied in different components of energy storage systems (ESSs). An overview of the recent research work adhering to each functionality of different polysaccharides in various storage systems is provided. Full article

The effectiveness of copper oxide-modified electrochemical sensors using different polymers is being studied. The commercial powder was sonicated in an isopropyl alcohol solution and distilled water with 5 wt% polymers (chitosan, Nafion, PVP, HPC, α-terpineol). It was observed that the chitosan and Nafion caused degradation of CuO, but Nafion formed a stable mixture when diluted. The modified electrodes were drop-casted and analyzed using cyclic voltammetry in 0.1 M KCl + 3 mM [Fe(CN)₆]^3−/4− solution to determine the electrochemically active surface area (EASA). The results showed that α-terpineol formed agglomerates, while HPC created uneven distributions, resulting in poor stability. On the other hand, Nafion and PVP formed homogeneous layers, with PVP showing the highest EASA of 0.317 cm². In phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), HPC and PVP demonstrated stable signals. Nafion remained the most stable in various electrolytes, making it suitable for sensing applications. Testing in 0.1 M NaOH revealed HPC instability, partial dissolution of PVP, and Cu ion reduction. The type of polymer used significantly impacts the performance of CuO sensors. Nafion and PVP show the most promise due to their stability and effective dispersion of CuO. Further optimization of polymer–CuO combinations is necessary for enhanced sensor functionality. Full article

The application of natural polymer-based coatings presents a viable approach to prolong the longevity of fruits and tissue damage. This study investigates the impact of treatments involving glycine betaine (GB), chitosan (CTS), and chitosan-coated glycine betaine nanoparticles (CTS-GB NPs) on preserving the quality and reducing decay in strawberry fruits. The fruits were subjected to treatments with GB (1 mM), CTS (0.1%), CTS-GB NPs (0.1%), or distilled water at 20 °C for 5 min, followed by storage at 4 °C for 12 days. The results indicate that CTS and CTS-GB NPs treatments resulted in the highest tissue firmness, total anthocyanin content, and ascorbate peroxidase activity, while exhibiting the lowest decay percentage and weight loss, as well as reduced malondialdehyde levels at the end of storage. GB, CTS, and CTS-GB NPs treatments demonstrated elevated catalase activity and antioxidant capacity, coupled with lower electrolyte leakage and hydrogen peroxide levels. These treatments did not significantly differ from each other but were markedly different from the control. The results substantiate that CTS and CTS-GB NPs treatments effectively preserve strawberry quality and extend storage life by bolstering antioxidant capacity and mitigating free radical damage. Full article

The market for electric vehicles and portable and wearable electronics is expanding rapidly. Lithium-ion batteries currently dominate the market, but concerns persist regarding cost and safety. Consequently, alternative battery chemistries are investigated, with zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) emerging as promising candidates due to their favorable characteristics, including safety, cost-effectiveness, theoretical volumetric capacity, energy density, and ease of manufacturing. Hydrogel electrolytes stand out as advantageous for ZIBs compared to aqueous electrolytes. This is attributed to their potential application in flexible batteries for wearables and their beneficial impact in suppressing water-induced side reactions, zinc dendrite formation, electrode dissolution, and the risk of water leakage. The novelty of this review lies in highlighting the advancements in the design and synthesis of biopolymer hydrogel electrolytes in ZIBs over the past six years. Notable biopolymers include cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, chitosan, alginate, gelatin, agar, and gum. Also, double-network and triple-network hydrogel electrolytes have been developed where biopolymers were combined with synthetic polymers, in particular, polyacrylamide. Research efforts have primarily focused on enhancing the mechanical properties and ionic conductivity of hydrogel electrolytes. Additionally, there is a concerted emphasis on improving the electrochemical performance of semi-solid-state ZIBs. Moreover, some studies have delved into self-healing and adhesive properties, anti-freezing characteristics, and the multifunctionality of hydrogels. This review paper concludes with perspectives on potential future research directions. Full article

Meeting the ever-increasing global energy demands through sustainable and environmentally friendly means is a paramount challenge. In response to this imperative, this study is dedicated to the development of biopolymer electrolytes, which hold promise for improving the efficiency, safety, and biodegradability of energy systems. The present study aims to evaluate hydrogels synthesized from chitosan biopolymer and starch from avocado seed residues in different ratios, and dried using freeze-thawing and freeze-drying techniques. Epichlorohydrin was used as a chemical crosslinker to create a suitable degree of swelling using an ionic solution. Physical freezing crosslinking strategies such as freezing–thawing and freezing–drying were performed to generate a denser porous structure in the polymer matrix. Subsequently, synthesized electrolytes were immersed in 12 M KOH solution to improve their electrochemical properties. The effect of the different ratios of starch in the hydrogels on the structural properties of the materials was evaluated using characterization techniques such as FTIR and XRD, which allowed to confirm the crosslinking between chitosan and starch. The electrochemical performance of the hydrogels is assessed using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. A maximum conductivity value of 0.61 S·cm⁻¹ was achieved at room temperature. The designed materials were tested in prototype zinc–air batteries; their specific capacity value was 1618 mA h·g⁻¹, and their obtained power density was 90 mW·cm⁻². These substantial findings unequivocally underscore the potential of the synthesized hydrogels as highly promising electrolytes for the application in zinc–air battery systems. Full article

A binary polymeric blend was prepared using chitosan (CS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) at a ratio of 80:20, respectively, to obtain a solid polymeric electrolyte with possible application for the generation of an electric current in proton or anion exchange electrochemical cells. With a 6% m/m solution, a membrane was formed using the electrospinning technique, and the influence of the incorporation of titanium oxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles, at a concentration between 1000 and 50,000 ppm, on the physicochemical properties of the material was evaluated. The micrographs obtained by SEM revealed that the diameter of the nanofibers was close to 100 nm. Likewise, it was found that the incorporation of the nanoparticles affected the moisture absorption of the material, reaching a predominantly hydrophobic behavior in the composite with the highest concentrations of these (2% absorption), while for the lowest content of the filler, the absorption reached values close to 13%. On the other hand, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) showed lower dehydration in the fibrous composite with a 1000 ppm TiO₂ content, while Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) showed that these nanoparticles did not significantly affect the thermal transition (Tm) of the composite. Additionally, with the incorporation of nanoparticles, a shift in the Tg from 44 to 37 °C was found concerning the unfilled binary membrane, which increased the possibility of achieving higher ionic conductivities with the nanocomposites at room temperature. Complex Impedance Spectroscopy determined the material’s activation energy, decreasing this by adding the TiO₂ filler at a concentration of 1000 ppm. On the other hand, when the membranes were doped with a 1 M KOH solution, the fibrous structure of the membrane changed to a porous cork-like configuration. In future research, the electrospun membrane could be used in the development of a composite to validate the energy efficiency of the new solid polymer electrolyte. Full article

This study proposes a high-performance organic–inorganic hybrid memristor for the development of neuromorphic devices in the memristor-based artificial synapse. The memristor consists of a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) chitosan layer and a titanium oxide (TiO_x) layer grown with a low-thermal-budget, microwave-assisted oxidation. The fabricated Ti/SPE–chitosan/TiO_x/Pt-structured memristor exhibited steady bipolar resistive switching (BRS) characteristics and demonstrated excellent endurance in 100-cycle repetition tests. Compared to SPE–chitosan memristors without a TiO_x layer, the proposed organic–inorganic hybrid memristor demonstrated a higher dynamic range and a higher response to pre-synaptic stimuli such as short-term plasticity via paired-pulse facilitation. The effect of adding the TiO_x layer on the BRS properties was examined, and the results showed that the TiO_x layer improved the chemical and electrical superiority of the proposed memristor synaptic device. The proposed SPE–chitosan organic–inorganic hybrid memristor also exhibited a stable spike-timing-dependent plasticity, which closely mimics long-term plasticity. The potentiation and depression behaviors that modulate synaptic weights operated stably via repeated spike cycle tests. Therefore, the proposed SPE–chitosan organic–inorganic hybrid memristor is a promising candidate for the development of neuromorphic devices in memristor-based artificial synapses owing to its excellent stability, high dynamic range, and superior response to pre-synaptic stimuli. Full article

Biopolymers are an emerging class of novel materials with diverse applications and properties such as superior sustainability and tunability. Here, applications of biopolymers are described in the context of energy storage devices, namely lithium-based batteries, zinc-based batteries, and capacitors. Current demand for energy storage technologies calls for improved energy density, preserved performance overtime, and more sustainable end-of-life behavior. Lithium-based and zinc-based batteries often face anode corrosion from processes such as dendrite formation. Capacitors typically struggle with achieving functional energy density caused by an inability to efficiently charge and discharge. Both classes of energy storage need to be packaged with sustainable materials due to their potential leakages of toxic metals. In this review paper, recent progress in energy applications is described for biocompatible polymers such as silk, keratin, collagen, chitosan, cellulose, and agarose. Fabrication techniques are described for various components of the battery/capacitors including the electrode, electrolyte, and separators with biopolymers. Of these methods, incorporating the porosity found within various biopolymers is commonly used to maximize ion transport in the electrolyte and prevent dendrite formations in lithium-based, zinc-based batteries, and capacitors. Overall, integrating biopolymers in energy storage solutions poses a promising alternative that can theoretically match traditional energy sources while eliminating harmful consequences to the environment. Full article

Gel polymer electrolytes with a satisfied ionic conductivity have attracted interest in flexible energy storage technologies, such as supercapacitors and rechargeable batteries. However, the poor mechanical strength inhibits its widespread application. One of the most significant ways to avoid the drawbacks of the gel polymer electrolytes without compromising their ion transportation capabilities is to create a self−healing structure with the cross−linking segment. Herein, a new kind of macromolecule chemical cross−linked network ionic gel polymer electrolyte (MCIGPE) with superior electrochemical characteristics, a high flexibility, and an excellent self−healing ability were designed, based on chitosan and dibenzaldehyde−terminated poly (ethylene glycol) (PEGDA) via dynamic imine bonds. The ionic conductivity of the MCIGPE−65 can achieve 2.75 × 10⁻² S cm⁻¹. A symmetric all−solid−state supercapacitor employing carbon cloth as current collectors, activated a carbon film as electrodes, and MCIGPE−65 as a gel polymer electrolyte exhibits a high specific capacitance of 51.1 F g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹, and the energy density of 7.1 Wh kg⁻¹ at a power density of 500.2 W kg⁻¹. This research proves the enormous potential of incorporating, environmentally and economically, chitosan into gel polymer electrolytes for supercapacitors. Full article

Considering the critical energy challenges and the generation of zero-emission anion exchange membrane (AEM) sources, chitosan-based anion exchange membranes have garnered considerable interest in fuel cell applications owing to their various advantages, including their eco-friendly nature, flexibility for structural modification, and improved mechanical, thermal, and chemical stability. The present mini-review highlights the advancements of chitosan-based biodegradable anion exchange membranes for fuel cell applications published between 2015 and 2022. Key points from the rigorous literature evaluation are: grafting with various counterions in addition to crosslinking contributed good conductivity and chemical as well as mechanical stability to the membranes; use of the interpenetrating network as well as layered structures, blending, and modified nanomaterials facilitated a significant reduction in membrane swelling and long-term alkaline stability. The study gives insightful guidance to the industry about replacing Nafion with a low-cost, environmentally friendly membrane source. It is suggested that more attention be given to exploring chitosan-based anion exchange membranes in consideration of effective strategies that focus on durability, as well as optimization of the operational conditions of fuel cells for large-scale applications. Full article

Biopolymers are promising materials as electrolytes with high flexibility, good performance, cost effectiveness, high compatibility with solvents, and film-forming ability. Chitosan (CS) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) can form an intermolecular complex, giving rise to hydrogels capable of absorbing ionic solutions. Citric acid (CA) is an effective biological chemical crosslinker that assists the formation of amide and ester bonds between CMC and CS, resulting in a structure with high ionic conductivity and good structural integrity. In this study, a chemical crosslinking strategy is used to synthesize electrolyte hydrogels for zinc–air batteries. The effects of crosslinking are studied on the structural and electrochemical performance of the membranes. The results show an improvement in the ionic conductivity with respect to the homologous electrolyte hydrogel systems reported, with a maximum of 0.19 S∙cm⁻¹ at 30 °C. In addition, the cyclic voltammetry studies showed a current intensity increase at higher CA content, reaching values of 360 mA∙cm⁻². Structural characterization suggests a higher thermal stability and a decrease in the degree of crystallinity caused by the polymers’ crosslinking. Finally, these membranes were tested in Zn–air batteries, obtaining power densities of 85 mW∙cm⁻². The proposed hydrogels show to be appropriate for energy zinc–air battery applications and present an alternative to support the sustainable energy transition. Full article

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have been successfully fabricated from CS/PEO/NaClO₄/Fly ash composite. Chitosan (CS), an organic polymer, was blended with polyethylene oxide (PEO) to enhance its electrochemical properties. However, SPEs based on CS/PEO composites have low conductivity. Fly ash (FA) has been studied to be used as a filler to increase the ionic conductivity of SPEs. In this study, polymer composites based on CS and PEO were developed with the addition of FA as a filler using the solution casting method. The interactions between CS, PEO, NaClO₄, and fly ash were observed using FTIR. The SPE characterization using XRD and DSC showed a decrease in crystallinity after the addition of NaClO₄ and FA. The SPE composite morphology and elemental distribution were investigated using SEM. SPE conductivity analysis using EIS showed the optimum results for SPE fabricated with a ratio of CS:PEO:NaClO₄ = 3:2:7.5, which was 1.02 × 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹ at 30 °C and increased to 2.13 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ at 60 °C. The addition of FA (5 wt.%) increased the conductivity to 3.20 × 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹ at 30 °C and increased to 4.34 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ at 60 °C. Full article