Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Article Types

Countries / Regions

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Search Results (3,803)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = electrochemical cell

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
11 pages, 929 KiB  
Article
Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Application of TiO2 Using Spirulina and Chlorella Algae Extract
by Maria Vitória França Corrêa, Gideã Taques Tractz, Guilherme Arielo Rodrigues Maia, Hagata Emmanuely Slusarski Fonseca, Larissa Oliveira Berbel, Lucas José de Almeida and Everson do Prado Banczek
Colorants 2025, 4(3), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/colorants4030025 - 4 Aug 2025
Viewed by 122
Abstract
The present study investigates dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) incorporating natural extracts from the microalgae Spirulina and Chlorella as photosensitizers. TiO2-based electrodes were prepared and immersed in methanolic algae extracts for 24 and 48 h. UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed absorption peaks near 400 [...] Read more.
The present study investigates dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) incorporating natural extracts from the microalgae Spirulina and Chlorella as photosensitizers. TiO2-based electrodes were prepared and immersed in methanolic algae extracts for 24 and 48 h. UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed absorption peaks near 400 nm and 650 nm, characteristic of chlorophyll. Electrochemical analyses, including photochronoamperometry and open-circuit potential, confirmed the photosensitivity and charge transfer capabilities of all systems. The cell sensitized with Chlorella after 48 h of immersion exhibited the highest energy conversion efficiency (0.0184% ± 0.0015), while Spirulina achieved 0.0105% ± 0.0349 after 24 h. Chlorella’s superior performance is attributed to its higher chlorophyll content and enhanced light absorption, facilitating more efficient electron injection and interaction with the TiO2 surface. Although the efficiency remains lower than that of conventional silicon-based solar cells, the results highlight the potential of natural colorants as sustainable and low-cost alternatives for photovoltaic applications. Nonetheless, further, improvements are required, particularly in dye stability and anchorage, to improve device performance. This research reinforces the viability of natural photosensitizers in DSSC technology and supports continued efforts to optimize their application. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2016 KiB  
Article
DFT-Guided Next-Generation Na-Ion Batteries Powered by Halogen-Tuned C12 Nanorings
by Riaz Muhammad, Anam Gulzar, Naveen Kosar and Tariq Mahmood
Computation 2025, 13(8), 180; https://doi.org/10.3390/computation13080180 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 257
Abstract
Recent research on the design and synthesis of new and upgraded materials for secondary batteries is growing to fulfill future energy demands around the globe. Herein, by using DFT calculations, the thermodynamic and electrochemical properties of Na/Na+@C12 complexes and then [...] Read more.
Recent research on the design and synthesis of new and upgraded materials for secondary batteries is growing to fulfill future energy demands around the globe. Herein, by using DFT calculations, the thermodynamic and electrochemical properties of Na/Na+@C12 complexes and then halogens (X = Br, Cl, and F) as counter anions are studied for the enhancement of Na-ion battery cell voltage and overall performance. Isolated C12 nanorings showed a lower cell voltage (−1.32 V), which was significantly increased after adsorption with halide anions as counter anions. Adsorption of halides increased the Gibbs free energy, which in turn resulted in higher cell voltage. Cell voltage increased with the increasing electronegativity of the halide anion. The Gibbs free energy of Br@C12 was −52.36 kcal·mol1, corresponding to a desirable cell voltage of 2.27 V, making it suitable for use as an anode in sodium-ion batteries. The estimated cell voltage of these considered complexes ensures the effective use of these complexes in sodium-ion secondary batteries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Computational Chemistry)
Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 5832 KiB  
Article
Electrospinning Technology to Influence Hep-G2 Cell Growth on PVDF Fiber Mats as Medical Scaffolds: A New Perspective of Advanced Biomaterial
by Héctor Herrera Hernández, Carlos O. González Morán, Gemima Lara Hernández, Ilse Z. Ramírez-León, Citlalli J. Trujillo Romero, Juan A. Alcántara Cárdenas and Jose de Jesus Agustin Flores Cuautle
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(8), 401; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9080401 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 337
Abstract
This research focuses on designing polymer membranes as biocompatible materials using home-built electrospinning equipment, offering alternative solutions for tissue regeneration applications. This technological development supports cell growth on biomaterial substrates, including hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep-G2) cells. This work researches the compatibility of polymer membranes [...] Read more.
This research focuses on designing polymer membranes as biocompatible materials using home-built electrospinning equipment, offering alternative solutions for tissue regeneration applications. This technological development supports cell growth on biomaterial substrates, including hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep-G2) cells. This work researches the compatibility of polymer membranes (fiber mats) made of polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) for possible use in cellular engineering. A standard culture medium was employed to support the proliferation of Hep-G2 cells under controlled conditions (37 °C, 4.8% CO2, and 100% relative humidity). Subsequently, after the incubation period, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) assays were conducted in a physiological environment to characterize the electrical cellular response, providing insights into the biocompatibility of the material. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to evaluate cell adhesion, morphology, and growth on the PVDF polymer membranes. The results suggest that PVDF polymer membranes can be successfully produced through electrospinning technology, resulting in the formation of a dipole structure, including the possible presence of a polar β-phase, contributing to piezoelectric activity. EIS measurements, based on Rct and Cdl values, are indicators of ion charge transfer and strong electrical interactions at the membrane interface. These findings suggest a favorable environment for cell proliferation, thereby enhancing cellular interactions at the fiber interface within the electrolyte. SEM observations displayed a consistent distribution of fibers with a distinctive spherical agglomeration on the entire PVDF surface. Finally, integrating piezoelectric properties into cell culture systems provides new opportunities for investigating the influence of electrical interactions on cellular behavior through electrochemical techniques. Based on the experimental results, this electrospun polymer demonstrates great potential as a promising candidate for next-generation biomaterials, with a probable application in tissue regeneration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Biocomposites, 3rd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

37 pages, 7777 KiB  
Review
Cement-Based Electrochemical Systems for Structural Energy Storage: Progress and Prospects
by Haifeng Huang, Shuhao Zhang, Yizhe Wang, Yipu Guo, Chao Zhang and Fulin Qu
Materials 2025, 18(15), 3601; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18153601 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 311
Abstract
Cement-based batteries (CBBs) are an emerging category of multifunctional materials that combine structural load-bearing capacity with integrated electrochemical energy storage, enabling the development of self-powered infrastructure. Although previous reviews have explored selected aspects of CBB technology, a comprehensive synthesis encompassing system architectures, material [...] Read more.
Cement-based batteries (CBBs) are an emerging category of multifunctional materials that combine structural load-bearing capacity with integrated electrochemical energy storage, enabling the development of self-powered infrastructure. Although previous reviews have explored selected aspects of CBB technology, a comprehensive synthesis encompassing system architectures, material strategies, and performance metrics remains insufficient. In this review, CBB systems are categorized into two representative configurations: probe-type galvanic cells and layered monolithic structures. Their structural characteristics and electrochemical behaviors are critically compared. Strategies to enhance performance include improving ionic conductivity through alkaline pore solutions, facilitating electron transport using carbon-based conductive networks, and incorporating redox-active materials such as zinc–manganese dioxide and nickel–iron couples. Early CBB prototypes demonstrated limited energy densities due to high internal resistance and inefficient utilization of active components. Recent advancements in electrode architecture, including nickel-coated carbon fiber meshes and three-dimensional nickel foam scaffolds, have achieved stable rechargeability across multiple cycles with energy densities surpassing 11 Wh/m2. These findings demonstrate the practical potential of CBBs for both energy storage and additional functionalities, such as strain sensing enabled by conductive cement matrices. This review establishes a critical basis for future development of CBBs as multifunctional structural components in infrastructure applications. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 7320 KiB  
Article
A Comprehensive Evaluation of a Chalcone Derivative: Structural, Spectroscopic, Computational, Electrochemical, and Pharmacological Perspectives
by Rekha K. Hebasur, Varsha V. Koppal, Deepak A. Yaraguppi, Neelamma B. Gummagol, Raviraj Kusanur and Ninganagouda R. Patil
Photochem 2025, 5(3), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/photochem5030020 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 210
Abstract
This study details how 3-(naphthalen-2-yl)-1-phenylprop-2-en-1-one (3NPEO) behaves in terms of photophysics when exposed to different solvents. The solvatochromic effect study reveals significant polarity shifts in the excited states of the 3NPEO compound, likely due to an intramolecular proton transfer mechanism. Measurements of dipole [...] Read more.
This study details how 3-(naphthalen-2-yl)-1-phenylprop-2-en-1-one (3NPEO) behaves in terms of photophysics when exposed to different solvents. The solvatochromic effect study reveals significant polarity shifts in the excited states of the 3NPEO compound, likely due to an intramolecular proton transfer mechanism. Measurements of dipole moments provide insight into their resonance structures in both ground and excited states. Electrochemical analysis revealed a reversible redox process, indicating a favorable charge transport potential. HOMO and LUMO energies of the compound were computed via oxidation and reduction potential standards. 3NPEO exhibits optimal one-photon and two-photon absorption characteristics, validating its suitability for visible wavelength laser applications in photonic devices. Furthermore, molecular docking and dynamics simulations demonstrated strong interactions between 3NPEO and the progesterone receptor enzyme, supported by structure–activity relationship (SAR) analyses. In vitro cytotoxicity assays on the MDAMB-231 breast cancer cell line showed moderate tumor cell inhibitory activity. Apoptosis studies confirmed the induction of both early and late apoptosis. These findings suggest that 3NPEO holds promise as a potential anticancer agent targeting the progesterone receptor in breast cancer cells. Overall, the findings highlight the substantial influence of solvent polarity on the photophysical properties and the design of more effective and stable therapeutic agents. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 3430 KiB  
Article
Systematic Characterization of Antioxidant Shielding Capacity Against Oxidative Stress of Aerial Part Extracts of Anacardium occidentale
by Alejandro Ponce-Mora, Lucia Gimeno-Mallench, José Luis Lavandera, Ryland T. Giebelhaus, Alicia Domenech-Bendaña, Antonella Locascio, Irene Gutierrez-Rojas, Salvatore Sauro, Paulina de la Mata, Seo Lin Nam, Vanessa Méril-Mamert, Muriel Sylvestre, James J. Harynuk, Gerardo Cebrián-Torrejón and Eloy Bejarano
Antioxidants 2025, 14(8), 935; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14080935 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 369
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a biological imbalance that contributes to cellular damage and is a major driver of aging and age-related disorders, prompting the search for natural antioxidant agents. Our study is a phytochemical, electrochemical, and biological characterization of the antioxidant potential of aqueous [...] Read more.
Oxidative stress is a biological imbalance that contributes to cellular damage and is a major driver of aging and age-related disorders, prompting the search for natural antioxidant agents. Our study is a phytochemical, electrochemical, and biological characterization of the antioxidant potential of aqueous extracts from aerial parts of A. occidentale—leaves, bark, fruit, and cashew nuts—traditionally used in folklore medicine. Extracts were analyzed using FT-IR spectroscopy, GC × GC-TOFMS, polyphenol quantification, and antioxidant capacity assays (ABTS, FRAP, DPPH). Biological activity was tested in different mice and human cell lines (SH-SY5Y, MEF, ARPE-19, and HLECs). Aqueous extracts from the leaves and bark of A. occidentale exhibited significantly higher antioxidant activity compared to those from the fruit and cashew nut. These extracts showed elevated polyphenol content and strong performance in antioxidant capacity assays. In vitro, leaf and bark extracts enhanced cell viability under H2O2-induced oxidative stress, preserved mitochondrial membrane potential, and upregulated cytoprotective genes (HMOX1, NQO1, GCLC, and GCLM) in multiple cell lines. In contrast, fruit and nut extracts showed minimal antioxidant activity and no significant gene modulation. Our findings underscore the therapeutic potential of A. occidentale leaf and bark extracts as effective natural antioxidants and support their further development as candidates for phytotherapeutic interventions. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3091 KiB  
Article
Fabrication and Evaluation of Screen-Printed Electrodes on Chitosan Films for Cardiac Patch Applications with In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation
by Yu-Hsin Lin, Yong-Ji Chen, Jen-Tsai Liu, Ching-Shu Yen, Yi-Zhen Lin, Xiu-Wei Zhou, Shu-Ying Chen, Jhe-Lun Hu, Chi-Hsiang Wu, Ching-Jung Chen, Pei-Leun Kang and Shwu-Jen Chang
Polymers 2025, 17(15), 2088; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17152088 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 297
Abstract
Myocardial infarction (MI) remains one of the most common cardiovascular diseases and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In recent years, natural polymeric patches have attracted increasing attention as a promising therapeutic platform for myocardial tissue repair. This study explored the [...] Read more.
Myocardial infarction (MI) remains one of the most common cardiovascular diseases and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In recent years, natural polymeric patches have attracted increasing attention as a promising therapeutic platform for myocardial tissue repair. This study explored the fabrication and evaluation of screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) on chitosan film as a novel platform for cardiac patch applications. Chitosan is a biodegradable and biocompatible natural polymer that provides an ideal substrate for SPEs, providing mechanical stability and promoting cell adhesion. Silver ink was employed to enhance electrochemical performance, and the electrodes exhibited strong adhesion and structural integrity under wet conditions. Mechanical testing and swelling ratio analysis were conducted to assess the patch’s physical robustness and aqueous stability. Silver ink was employed to enhance electrochemical performance, which was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry. In vitro, electrical stimulation through the chitosan–SPE patch significantly increased the expression of cardiac-specific genes (GATA-4, β-MHC, troponin I) in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), indicating early cardiogenic differentiation potential. In vivo, the implantation of the chitosan–SPE patch in a rat MI model demonstrated good tissue integration, preserved myocardial structure, and enhanced ventricular wall thickness, indicating that the patch has the potential to serve as a functional cardiac scaffold. These findings support the feasibility of screen-printed electrodes fabricated on chitosan film substrates as a cost-effective and scalable platform for cardiac repair, offering a foundation for future applications in cardiac tissue engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Applications)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

12 pages, 3668 KiB  
Article
The Study on the Electrochemical Efficiency of Yttrium-Doped High-Entropy Perovskite Cathodes for Proton-Conducting Fuel Cells
by Bingxue Hou, Xintao Wang, Rui Tang, Wenqiang Zhong, Meiyu Zhu, Zanxiong Tan and Chengcheng Wang
Materials 2025, 18(15), 3569; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18153569 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 266
Abstract
The commercialization of proton-conducting fuel cells (PCFCs) is hindered by the limited electroactivity and durability of cathodes at intermediate temperatures ranging from 400 to 700 °C, a challenge exacerbated by an insufficient understanding of high-entropy perovskite (HEP) materials for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) [...] Read more.
The commercialization of proton-conducting fuel cells (PCFCs) is hindered by the limited electroactivity and durability of cathodes at intermediate temperatures ranging from 400 to 700 °C, a challenge exacerbated by an insufficient understanding of high-entropy perovskite (HEP) materials for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) optimization. This study introduces an yttrium-doped HEP to address these limitations. A comparative analysis of Ce0.2−xYxBa0.2Sr0.2La0.2Ca0.2CoO3−δ (x = 0, 0.2; designated as CBSLCC and YBSLCC) revealed that yttrium doping enhanced the ORR activity, reduced the thermal expansion coefficient (19.9 × 10−6 K−1, 30–900 °C), and improved the thermomechanical compatibility with the BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1O3−δ electrolytes. Electrochemical testing demonstrated a peak power density equal to 586 mW cm−2 at 700 °C, with a polarization resistance equaling 0.3 Ω cm2. Yttrium-induced lattice distortion promotes proton adsorption while suppressing detrimental Co spin-state transitions. These findings advance the development of durable, high-efficiency PCFC cathodes, offering immediate applications in clean energy systems, particularly for distributed power generation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy Materials)
Show Figures

Figure 1

36 pages, 7948 KiB  
Review
Advancing Food Safety Surveillance: Rapid and Sensitive Biosensing Technologies for Foodborne Pathogenic Bacteria
by Yuerong Feng, Jiyong Shi, Jiaqian Liu, Zhecong Yuan and Shujie Gao
Foods 2025, 14(15), 2654; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14152654 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 448
Abstract
Foodborne pathogenic bacteria critically threaten public health and food industry sustainability, serving as a predominant trigger of food contamination incidents. To mitigate these risks, the development of rapid, sensitive, and highly specific detection technologies is essential for early warning and effective control of [...] Read more.
Foodborne pathogenic bacteria critically threaten public health and food industry sustainability, serving as a predominant trigger of food contamination incidents. To mitigate these risks, the development of rapid, sensitive, and highly specific detection technologies is essential for early warning and effective control of foodborne diseases. In recent years, biosensors have gained prominence as a cutting-edge tool for detecting foodborne pathogens, owing to their operational simplicity, rapid response, high sensitivity, and suitability for on-site applications. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of critical biorecognition elements, such as antibodies, aptamers, nucleic acids, enzymes, cell receptors, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), and bacteriophages. We highlight their design strategies, recent advancements, and pivotal contributions to improving detection specificity and sensitivity. Additionally, we systematically examine mainstream biosensor-based detection technologies, with a focus on three dominant types: electrochemical biosensors, optical biosensors, and piezoelectric biosensors. For each category, we analyze its fundamental principles, structural features, and practical applications in food safety monitoring. Finally, this review identifies future research priorities, including multiplex target detection, enhanced processing of complex samples, commercialization, and scalable deployment of biosensors. These advancements are expected to bridge the gap between laboratory research and real-world food safety surveillance, fostering more robust and practical solutions. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2996 KiB  
Article
Two Novel Low-Bandgap Copolymers Based on Indacenodithiophene/Indacenodithienothiophene and Benzothiadiazole Dicarboxylic Imide: Structural Design and DFT/TD-DFT Investigation
by Bakhet A. Alqurashy, Ary R. Murad, Wael H. Alsaedi, Bader M. Altayeb, Shaaban A. Elroby and Abdesslem Jedidi
Polymers 2025, 17(15), 2050; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17152050 - 27 Jul 2025
Viewed by 375
Abstract
In the present study, two novel donor–acceptor (D–A) conjugated copolymers, PIDTBDI and PIDTTBDI, were successfully synthesized via Stille coupling polymerization. These alternating copolymers incorporate indacenodithiophene and indacenodithienothiophene as donor units, coupled with benzothiadiazole dicarboxylic imide as the electron-deficient acceptor unit. The influence of [...] Read more.
In the present study, two novel donor–acceptor (D–A) conjugated copolymers, PIDTBDI and PIDTTBDI, were successfully synthesized via Stille coupling polymerization. These alternating copolymers incorporate indacenodithiophene and indacenodithienothiophene as donor units, coupled with benzothiadiazole dicarboxylic imide as the electron-deficient acceptor unit. The influence of extended conjugation on the structural, optical, thermal, and electrochemical properties of the copolymers was systematically investigated and confirmed by density functional theory (DFT). XRD analysis confirmed that both polymers are amorphous. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that both materials possess excellent thermal stability, with decomposition temperatures exceeding 270 °C. The theoretical and experimental values of the energy gap confirmed the thermal stability of the studied polymers. The molecular weight was determined to be 10,673 Da for PIDTBDI and 7149 Da for PIDTTBDI. Despite the variation in molecular weight, both copolymers exhibited comparable optical and electrochemical bandgaps of approximately 1.57 and 1.69 eV, respectively. Electrochemical measurements showed that PIDTBDI has a HOMO energy level of −5.30 eV and a LUMO level of −3.61 eV, while PIDTTBDI displays HOMO and LUMO levels of −5.28 eV and −3.59 eV, respectively. These results indicate that minor structural differences can considerably affect the electronic characteristics of the polymers, thus altering their overall efficacy in solar cell applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymer Materials: Synthesis, Structure, and Properties)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 5066 KiB  
Article
Influence of Pulse Duration on Cutting-Edge Quality and Electrochemical Performance of Lithium Metal Anodes
by Lars O. Schmidt, Houssin Wehbe, Sven Hartwig and Maja W. Kandula
Batteries 2025, 11(8), 286; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries11080286 - 26 Jul 2025
Viewed by 311
Abstract
Lithium metal is a promising anode material for next-generation batteries due to its high specific capacity and low density. However, conventional mechanical processing methods are unsuitable due to lithium’s high reactivity and adhesion. Laser cutting offers a non-contact alternative, but photothermal effects can [...] Read more.
Lithium metal is a promising anode material for next-generation batteries due to its high specific capacity and low density. However, conventional mechanical processing methods are unsuitable due to lithium’s high reactivity and adhesion. Laser cutting offers a non-contact alternative, but photothermal effects can negatively impact the cutting quality and electrochemical performance. This study investigates the influence of pulse duration on the cutting-edge characteristics and electrochemical behavior of laser-cut 20 µm lithium metal on 10 µm copper foils using nanosecond and picosecond laser systems. It was demonstrated that shorter pulse durations significantly reduce the heat-affected zone (HAZ), resulting in improved cutting quality. Electrochemical tests in symmetric Li|Li cells revealed that laser-cut electrodes exhibit enhanced cycling stability compared with mechanically separated anodes, despite the presence of localized dead lithium “reservoirs”. While the overall pulse duration did not show a direct impact on ionic resistance, the characteristics of the cutting edge, particularly the extent of the HAZ, were found to influence the electrochemical performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Battery Processing, Manufacturing and Recycling)
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 4134 KiB  
Article
Effect of Oxygen-Containing Functional Groups on the Performance of Palladium/Carbon Catalysts for Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Methanol
by Hanqiao Xu, Hongwei Li, Xin An, Weiping Li, Rong Liu, Xinhong Zhao and Guixian Li
Catalysts 2025, 15(8), 704; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15080704 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 326
Abstract
The methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) is limited by the slow kinetic process and high reaction energy barrier, significantly restricting the commercial application of DMFCs. Therefore, developing MOR catalysts with high activity and stability is very important. In [...] Read more.
The methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) is limited by the slow kinetic process and high reaction energy barrier, significantly restricting the commercial application of DMFCs. Therefore, developing MOR catalysts with high activity and stability is very important. In this paper, oxygen-functionalised activated carbon (FAC) with controllable oxygen-containing functional groups was prepared by adjusting the volume ratio of H2SO3/HNO3 mixed acid, and Pd/AC and Pd/FAC catalysts were synthesised via the hydrazine hydrate reduction method. A series of characterisation techniques and electrochemical performance tests were used to study the catalyst. The results showed that when V(H2SO3):V(HNO3) = 2:3, more defects were generated on the surface of the AC, and more oxygen-containing functional groups represented by C=O and C–OH were attached to the surface of the support, which increased the anchor sites of Pd and improved the dispersion of Pd nanoparticles (Pd NPs) on the support. At the same time, the mass–specific activity of Pd/FAC for MOR was 2320 mA·mgPd, which is 1.5 times that of Pd/AC, and the stability was also improved to a certain extent. In situ infrared spectroscopy further confirmed that oxygen functionalisation treatment promoted the formation and transformation of *COOH intermediates, accelerated the transformation of COL into COB, reduced the poisoning of COads species adsorbed to the catalyst, optimised the reaction path and improved the catalytic kinetic performance. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

22 pages, 4625 KiB  
Article
Multiphysics Modeling and Performance Optimization of CO2/H2O Co-Electrolysis in Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells: Temperature, Voltage, and Flow Configuration Effects
by Rui Xue, Jinping Wang, Jiale Chen and Shuaibo Che
Energies 2025, 18(15), 3941; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18153941 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 303
Abstract
This study developed a two-dimensional multiphysics-coupled model for co-electrolysis of CO2 and H2O in solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) using COMSOL Multiphysics, systematically investigating the influence mechanisms of key operating parameters including temperature, voltage, feed ratio, and flow configuration on [...] Read more.
This study developed a two-dimensional multiphysics-coupled model for co-electrolysis of CO2 and H2O in solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) using COMSOL Multiphysics, systematically investigating the influence mechanisms of key operating parameters including temperature, voltage, feed ratio, and flow configuration on co-electrolysis performance. The results demonstrate that increasing temperature significantly enhances CO2 electrolysis, with the current density increasing over 12-fold when temperature rises from 923 K to 1423 K. However, the H2O electrolysis reaction slows beyond 1173 K due to kinetic limitations, leading to reduced H2 selectivity. Higher voltages simultaneously accelerate all electrochemical reactions, with CO and H2 production at 1.5 V increasing by 15-fold and 13-fold, respectively, compared to 0.8 V, while the water–gas shift reaction rate rises to 6.59 mol/m3·s. Feed ratio experiments show that increasing CO2 concentration boosts CO yield by 5.7 times but suppresses H2 generation. Notably, counter-current operation optimizes reactant concentration distribution, increasing H2 and CO production by 2.49% and 2.3%, respectively, compared to co-current mode, providing critical guidance for reactor design. This multiscale simulation reveals the complex coupling mechanisms in SOEC co-electrolysis, offering theoretical foundations for developing efficient carbon-neutral technologies. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

31 pages, 4621 KiB  
Perspective
Current Flow in Nerves and Mitochondria: An Electro-Osmotic Approach
by Robert S. Eisenberg
Biomolecules 2025, 15(8), 1063; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15081063 - 22 Jul 2025
Viewed by 223
Abstract
The electrodynamics of current provide much of our technology, from telegraphs to the wired infrastructure powering the circuits of our electronic technology. Current flow is analyzed by its own rules that involve the Maxwell Ampere law and magnetism. Electrostatics does not involve magnetism, [...] Read more.
The electrodynamics of current provide much of our technology, from telegraphs to the wired infrastructure powering the circuits of our electronic technology. Current flow is analyzed by its own rules that involve the Maxwell Ampere law and magnetism. Electrostatics does not involve magnetism, and so current flow and electrodynamics cannot be derived from electrostatics. Practical considerations also prevent current flow from being analyzed one charge at a time. There are too many charges, and far too many interactions to allow computation. Current flow is essential in biology. Currents are carried by electrons in mitochondria in an electron transport chain. Currents are carried by ions in nerve and muscle cells. Currents everywhere follow the rules of current flow: Kirchhoff’s current law and its generalizations. The importance of electron and proton flows in generating ATP was discovered long ago but they were not analyzed as electrical currents. The flow of protons and transport of electrons form circuits that must be analyzed by Kirchhoff’s law. A chemiosmotic theory that ignores the laws of current flow is incorrect physics. Circuit analysis is easily applied to short systems like mitochondria that have just one internal electrical potential in the form of the Hodgkin Huxley Katz (HHK) equation. The HHK equation combined with classical descriptions of chemical reactions forms a computable model of cytochrome c oxidase, part of the electron transport chain. The proton motive force is included as just one of the components of the total electrochemical potential. Circuit analysis includes its role just as it includes the role of any other ionic current. Current laws are now needed to analyze the flow of electrons and protons, as they generate ATP in mitochondria and chloroplasts. Chemiosmotic theory must be replaced by an electro-osmotic theory of ATP production that conforms to the Maxwell Ampere equation of electrodynamics while including proton movement and the proton motive force. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Cellular Biophysics: Transport and Mechanics)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2284 KiB  
Article
O2-Generated Electrical and Mechanical Properties of Polyphenol-Mediated Hydrogel Sensor
by Sunu Hangma Subba, A Hyeon Kim, Anneshwa Dey, Byung Chan Lee and Sung Young Park
Gels 2025, 11(8), 566; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11080566 - 22 Jul 2025
Viewed by 218
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment contains distinctive biomarkers, including acidic pH, elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and hypoxia, necessitating the development of efficient biosensors for simplified cancer detection. This study presents an O2-responsive hydrogel biosensor composed of [1,1′-biphenyl]-2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexaol (HDP) and polyvinyl [...] Read more.
The tumor microenvironment contains distinctive biomarkers, including acidic pH, elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and hypoxia, necessitating the development of efficient biosensors for simplified cancer detection. This study presents an O2-responsive hydrogel biosensor composed of [1,1′-biphenyl]-2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexaol (HDP) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) that exploits polyphenol-mediated interactions under N2 and O2 microenvironments. The oxidative susceptibility of the polyphenolic HDP moiety influences its distinct mechanical, physical, and electrochemical properties, allowing the differentiation between cancerous and normal cells. The in vitro assessments with cancer cell lines (HeLa and B16F10) and normal cell lines (CHO-K1) enabled distinctive electrical and mechanophysical outputs, as evidenced by enhanced mechanical compressive modulus and high conductivity, regulated by normoxic cellular states. In addition, the inherent ROS-scavenging capability of the HDP–PVA hydrogel sensor supports its potential application in hypoxia-related diseases, including cancer. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop