Search Results (767)

Organic solar cells (OSCs) and perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are emerging photovoltaic technologies owing to their high efficiency, low-cost processing, and diverse applications ranging from utility-scale power generation to small-scale electronics. A key advantage of OSCs and PSCs over traditional silicon-based solar cells is their solution-processability, which enables fabrication via cost-effective scalable printing technologies suitable for commercialization. In addition to organic and perovskite photoactive layers, other functional layers, including interfacial layers and electron and hole transport layers, can also be processed using solution-based printing techniques. However, the conventional architecture of these emerging photovoltaics relies on vacuum-based deposition processes for both oxide-based electrodes (e.g., indium tin oxide and fluorine tin oxide) and metallic top electrodes (e.g., Au, Ag, Cu, and Al), which contrasts with printing-based processing. The implementation of printing technologies for electrode fabrication is necessary to achieve low-cost production and flexible photovoltaic applications. Herein, we review printed electrodes—including metal electrodes, conductive polymers, and carbon-based materials—used to fabricate OSCs and PSCs. Full article

The limitations of conventional inorganic electrodes call for organic alternatives for advanced energy storage. Metal–covalent organic frameworks (MCOFs) integrate the metal active sites of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with the high chemical stability imparted by strong covalent bonds in covalent organic frameworks (COFs) while retaining the high specific surface area and tunable porosity of both material classes. Among these, MCOFs constructed from porphyrin and phthalocyanine building units have emerged as a research hotspot in electrochemical energy storage owing to their inherent 18π-conjugated macrocyclic electronic systems, well-defined M–N₄ coordination sites, and potential bipolar charge storage characteristics. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in this class of materials. First, from the perspective of metal center introduction timing, three core synthetic strategies—pre-metallation, simultaneous metallation, and post-metallation—are categorized and evaluated in terms of coordination precision, synthetic efficiency, and scalability potential. Second, the regulatory effects of two-dimensional layered and three-dimensional interpenetrated structures on charge transport pathways and structural stability are elucidated. Subsequently, the applications of porphyrin/phthalocyanine-based MCOFs in lithium-based batteries, zinc-based batteries, sodium/potassium-ion batteries, and supercapacitors are reviewed in detail, with emphasis on the key roles of metal active sites in catalytic conversion, chemical anchoring/confinement, interface stabilization, and pseudocapacitive contribution. Finally, future directions to address key performance and mechanistic bottlenecks are discussed. This review aims to provide a systematic reference for the rational design and energy storage applications of high-performance porphyrin/phthalocyanine-based MCOFs. Full article

Lithium–sulfur batteries have become one of the research focuses of scientists over the past decade due to their high theoretical specific capacity (approximately 1670 mAh/g), low cost, and environmental friendliness, and the abundant reserves of their raw materials. Nevertheless, they still suffer from inherent drawbacks including poor electrical conductivity of elemental sulfur, electrode volume expansion during charge–discharge cycles, the shuttle effect and lithium dendrite growth, which severely restrict their practical application and industrialization. To address the above issues, extensive research has been carried out to optimize cathode materials, separators and electrolytes. In particular, the shuttle effect occurring during cycling can be effectively mitigated via separator modification. This paper briefly introduces the design strategies for separators for lithium–sulfur batteries, and mainly summarizes separator-modification methods using carbon materials, graphene, carbon nanotubes, heteroatoms, polymers, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs). Finally, the future development trends of lithium–sulfur batteries are prospected. Full article

Sodium-ion batteries are emerging as credible complements to lithium-ion technology for sustainable, safe, and cost-effective energy storage. This critical review links molecular-scale electrolyte solvation and interphase chemistry to electrode compatibility, full-cell engineering, manufacturing constraints, and commercial viability. Organic liquid, aqueous, ionic-liquid, concentrated, inorganic solid, polymer, and composite electrolytes are compared using transport, stability, processing, and interface criteria. The principal cathode and anode families are then evaluated in terms of practical voltage, reversible capacity, cycling stability, raw-material exposure, manufacturability, and end-of-life implications. A distinctive contribution of this work is the explicit separation of thermodynamic predictions, laboratory measurements, prototype demonstrations, and company-reported targets, together with design rules that connect electrolyte chemistry to cell-level performance. Sodium-ion batteries are unlikely to replace lithium-ion batteries universally, but they can occupy a strategic role where cost, safety, abundance, supply-chain resilience, and circularity outweigh maximum energy density. Full article

This study focused on the generation and characterization of sludge produced by electrocoagulation (EC) combined with Moringa oleifera seed extract (MOSE) to remove water hardness. First, an experimental data set was generated and used as the baseline data for mathematical modeling to identify the effects of different parameters on Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ion hardness removal. Then, using the generated data set, operational conditions were optimized using neural networks integrated with a genetic algorithm, resulting in the selection of Fe electrodes, 12.5 mL of MOSE per 100 mL of water, a current density (j) of 49.16 mA cm⁻², and a reaction time of 5.3 min, considering Ca²⁺ ions as the sample contaminant. Additionally, machine learning analysis identified contaminant type, reaction time, and cathode material as the most influential variables affecting sludge formation, with optimal conditions identified for both Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ion systems. For all the mathematical models, experimental validation was performed. The MOSE extract was characterized for the presence of proteins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, which provide functional groups that promote aggregation and floc development. Sludge characterization by FT-IR, TGA, and TEM revealed the formation of organic–inorganic hybrid matrices composed of biomolecules interacting with electrochemically generated Fe³⁺ and Al³⁺ species, as well as Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions. These results highlight the role of plant-derived biomolecules in modulating the sludge structure and composition, providing insight into the mechanisms of sludge formation and the implications for handling and valorization of EC-based water treatment systems. Full article

Background: Carbamazepine (CBZ) and aripiprazole (ARI), frequently detected in medical facility effluents, are resistant to conventional wastewater treatment. However, a systematic comparison of their electrolytic degradation product profiles under different electrode conditions using an identical operating platform has not been previously reported. Methods: CBZ and ARI in NaCl solutions were subjected to electrolytic oxidation using the Eleca^® system with either a boron-doped diamond (BDD) or a metal electrode. Residual drugs were quantified by LC-MS/MS and pseudo-first-order degradation kinetics were calculated. Transformation products were characterized by LC/PDA/HRMS/MS based on accurate mass measurements, MS/MS fragmentation, chromatographic behavior, and UV absorption. Radical scavenger experiments using methanol and tert-butanol were conducted to investigate reactive species’ contributions to degradation. Results: Both drugs were rapidly degraded under all conditions, with the metal electrode consistently exhibiting higher apparent pseudo-first-order rate constants than the BDD electrode. The metal electrode generated hydrophobic intermediates apparently retaining aromatic skeletons (consistent with partial oxidation), whereas the BDD electrode yielded more polar, low-molecular-weight products consistent with more extensive skeletal fragmentation (deep oxidation). Scavenger experiments suggested a greater relative contribution of hydroxyl radicals (•OH) under BDD electrode conditions. Transformation products were transiently detected but eliminated by prolonged electrolysis. Conclusions: Electrode material critically determines the degradation pathway, reactive species distribution, and product profile. Structural analysis of the tentatively identified transformation products suggests loss of pharmacophore integrity in several intermediates; however, residual pharmacological risk has not been experimentally validated and requires biological sassays for confirmation. Furthermore, the observed disappearance of the parent compounds does not demonstrate complete mineralization, detoxification, or environmental safety, as total organic carbon measurements and ecotoxicological assays were not performed. This study provides the first comparative characterization of transformation products of recalcitrant psychotropic drugs under metal vs. BDD electrode electrolysis, offering mechanistic insights for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment optimization. Full article

LaFeO₃ nanoperovskites were synthesized through a sugarcane-molasses-assisted combustion route using mechanically stirred (MLP) and ultrasonic-assisted (ULP) activation strategies to investigate the influence of synthesis conditions on structural and interfacial electrochemical properties. X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement confirmed the formation of orthorhombic LaFeO₃, while ultrasonic-assisted synthesis promoted improved phase homogeneity and reduced crystallite size compared with mechanically stirred combustion. Transmission electron microscopy revealed lower agglomeration and improved particle dispersion for ULP materials, whereas thermal and vibrational analyses confirmed the formation of thermally stable LaFeO₃ nanoperovskites containing residual biomass-derived species associated with the combustion process. Electrochemical characterization at screen-printed carbon electrodes demonstrated that ultrasonically synthesized LaFeO₃ significantly enhanced interfacial charge-transfer behavior, yielding lower charge-transfer resistance (435 Ω), increased electroactive surface area (0.149 cm²), and improved heterogeneous electron-transfer kinetics relative to MLP and bare electrodes. The LaFeO₃-modified interfaces additionally exhibited distinct electrochemical oxidation behavior toward 2-aminothiazole (2AT) and 2-aminooxazole (2AO) under acidic conditions. Scan-rate analyses revealed predominantly diffusion-controlled irreversible oxidation processes, while pH-dependent studies indicated proton-coupled electron-transfer behavior during electrooxidation. The combined structural and electrochemical results establish clear process–structure–property relationships linking ultrasonic-assisted green synthesis, nanostructural organization, and interfacial electrochemical performance in LaFeO₃ nanoperovskites. Full article

Microbial desalination cells (MDCs) are emerging bioelectrochemical systems that integrate wastewater treatment, seawater desalination and energy recovery within a single process. By converting organic matter into electrical energy while driving ion migration from saline streams, MDCs offer a sustainable complement to conventional desalination technologies. Recent advances in reactor design, electrode materials, ion-exchange membranes and operating strategies have improved desalination efficiency, organic matter removal, pH stability and energy recovery. Nevertheless, practical application remains constrained by low volumetric productivity, membrane fouling, limited long-term stability, modest power generation and uncertain economic feasibility under realistic wastewater conditions. This review provides a critical assessment of MDC technology beyond conventional configuration-based comparisons. Using the three-chamber MDC as a reference platform, it analyses how electrodes, membranes and operational parameters interact to determine overall performance, highlighting the mechanisms that limit efficiency. It also evaluates performance metrics, diagnostic methods, cost considerations, scale-up challenges and industrial applicability. Emphasis is placed on the realistic role of MDCs, not as stand-alone desalination technologies, but as integrated pre-treatment units for processes such as reverse osmosis. By combining technical, operational and economic perspectives, this review identifies key future research priorities for scalable application, including advanced modelling, material optimisation and robust long-term system integration strategies. Full article

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are promising for large-scale energy storage owing to the abundant sodium resources, low cost, and lithium-ion battery (LIB)-analogous working principles, yet their commercialization is hindered by low energy density, insufficient cycling stability and safety concerns, which are essentially attributed to the inadequate optimization of electrolytes, electrode materials and their interfacial behaviors. This paper presents a systematic review of the latest research advances in SIBs from three core perspectives: electrolyte system optimization, electrode material design, and electrode/electrolyte interface engineering. For electrolytes, we elaborate on the optimization strategies of liquid organic, solid-state and aqueous electrolytes; for electrode materials, we summarize the research progress and modification methods of both cathode and anode materials; for interface regulation, we clarify the formation mechanisms, characterization techniques and construction strategies of the electrode/electrolyte interface. By quantitatively comparing the advantages and limitations of different technical approaches, we further propose the prioritized future research directions for SIBs in electrolyte innovation, electrode material design and interface optimization. This work aims to provide theoretical guidance and technical references for the development of high-performance SIBs by systematically sorting out the technical routes of electrolyte–electrode-interface synergy and defining the research focus of subsequent optimization. Full article

The integration of carbon nanomaterials with organic compounds offers a promising strategy for developing next-generation electrode materials with superior properties. A novel type of carbon paste electrode was fabricated by modifying a graphite matrix with functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes and juglone as a redox mediator, and then it was deposited by manual packing into a PEEK body (JUG-MWCNT/CPE). The surface morphology and structural parameters of the composite materials were meticulously characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms, and spectroscopic techniques, while their electrochemical properties were rigorously evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). This study demonstrates that the synergistic interaction between the conductive nanotube network and the electroactive juglone significantly reduces the oxidation overpotential and enhances the peak current response of melatonin. Under optimized DPV parameters, the developed sensor presents outstanding analytical performance, featuring a wide linear response range from 0.002 to 0.16 mg L⁻¹, a low detection limit of 0.49 µg L⁻¹, excellent long-term signal stability for up to 30 days, and valid applicability for real-sample monitoring in commercial tablets and dietary supplements. Full article

Nanostructured Co₃O₄ was synthesized via a sol–gel approach employing the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethylsulfonate ([EMIm]TfO) and subsequently evaluated as a high-performance anode material for lithium-ion batteries. Ionic liquids, distinguished by their low volatility, high thermal stability, and tunable chemical properties, represent a greener alternative to conventional organic solvents for the synthesis of functional nanomaterials. The electrochemical performance of the as-prepared material was systematically assessed through galvanostatic charge–discharge cycling, cyclic voltammetry, and rate capability tests. The Co₃O₄ electrode exhibited a high reversible capacity of approximately 1100 mAh g⁻¹ after 50 cycles at a current density of 200 mA g⁻¹, along with excellent coulombic efficiency approaching ~100% after the initial cycles. Furthermore, the material demonstrated strong rate capability, delivering about 600 mAh g⁻¹ at 1 C, and recovering its capacity upon returning to lower current densities. The improved electrochemical performance is primarily attributed to the nanoscale architecture induced by the ionic liquid-assisted synthesis, which facilitates rapid lithium-ion transport and effectively buffers volume variations during repeated cycling. Notably, the ionic liquid serves a dual function as both a green reaction medium and a structure-directing agent, enabling precise control over the material’s morphology and properties. This study demonstrates a versatile strategy for the rational design of potential transition-metal oxide anodes, paving the way for high-performance electrode materials. The findings contribute to the development of next-generation lithium-ion batteries tailored for clean and sustainable energy storage applications. Full article

In this study, Prunus dulcis hull (PDH) has been used to develop a cost-effective and eco-friendly adsorbent material for the removal of Pb²⁺ ions from polluted waters. The PDH particles were characterized using various techniques, including ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, ion-selective electrode ISE-H⁺ potentiometric titrations, pH of point of zero charge (pH_pzc) analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Single-batch adsorption experiments were conducted at different pH values, with pH 5.0 identified as the optimal initial pH in terms of Pb²⁺ adsorption performance of PDH. The study also evaluated the effects of temperature, ionic medium, and several organic ligands with different functional groups on the adsorption capacity of PDH. The results showed that PDH is an effective adsorbent for lead ions, with adsorption capacities (q_m) ranging from 43 to 101 mg g⁻¹ and an adsorption equilibrium time of approximately 750 min at room temperature. Additionally, column adsorption experiments demonstrated that PDH can be reused at least four times with minimal loss in performance. The adsorption behavior of PDH was comparable under both equilibrium (batch) and non-equilibrium (column) conditions, with the breakthrough time (BT_0.5) values significantly affected by the background salts present in the toxic metal ion solution. Full article

Electrical measurements of emerging materials such as thin films, two-dimensional materials, and fragile porous systems are often hindered by damage and contamination caused by conventional contact methods, including metal electrode deposition. In this study, we demonstrate the novelty and advantages of a mechanically compliant “soft probe” over conventional methods and conductive AFM. The non-destructive soft probe achieves stable electrical contact in the repulsive-force regime using a hairpin-shaped spring structure, allowing consistent measurements without active force control nor electrode fabrication. Case studies demonstrate that the soft probe prevents metal penetration and preserves intrinsic properties, as demonstrated in NiO resistive switching devices, and improves interface quality compared to deposited electrodes in ferroelectric measurements. It also enables electrical characterization of fragile materials such as metal–organic frameworks without inducing structural degradation. Furthermore, its mechanical compliance ensures stable operation under vibration and thermal stress, enabling measurements in vacuum and low-temperature environments. These results indicate that the soft probe provides a simple, versatile, and contamination-free platform for reliable electrical measurements, and represents a promising approach for the characterization of a wide range of emerging material systems. Full article

Self-powered integrated electrochemical systems require electrode materials that can simultaneously provide energy storage and sensing functions. Boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes have good chemical stability and a wide potential window, but their small specific surface area and slow interfacial charge transfer limit their use in such bifunctional applications. In this work, we prepared a three-dimensional porous BDD scaffold on titanium foam by hot-filament chemical vapor deposition, and then grew polypyrrole (PPy) layers on the scaffold by in situ oxidative polymerization. The polymerization time was varied from 8 to 20 h. The BDD/PPy composite obtained after 12 h showed an areal capacitance of 398.6 ± 15.2 mF/cm² at 1 mA/cm², which is about 5.8 times that of the porous BDD alone (67.9 mF/cm²). Its charge transfer resistance (R_ct) was as low as 1.3 ± 0.1 Ω, among the lowest reported for BDD-based electrodes. The porous BDD framework provides ion diffusion pathways, while the PPy layer introduces pseudocapacitance. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals that the PPy layer contains pyrrolic –NH– groups, which are known to chelate various water pollutants (e.g., heavy metal ions and organic molecules). Based on these surface properties and the low R_ct, we suggest that this composite may have theoretical potential for preconcentrating and detecting multiple pollutants. This work demonstrates a way to improve the capacitance of BDD-based electrodes and may serve as a starting point for future exploration in integrated energy-sensing devices after experimental validation. Full article

Organic memristive devices are promising components for neuromorphic systems. Although based on solution-processable materials, their fabrication often involves complex, resource-intensive processes. Here, we report the fabrication of organic memristive devices using aerosol jet printing to deposit both the active channel based on proprietary polyaniline-based bioink and PEDOT:PSS electrodes. Polymers printing has been carried out both on rigid and flexible substrates, the latter with the aim of demonstrating a flexible device not subjected to films delamination upon bending. By optimizing printing parameters, we achieved devices exhibiting high ON/OFF current ratios exceeding 100 and rapid switching dynamics, with performance comparable on glass and Kapton supports. Morphological and electrical characterizations revealed that channel thickness and uniformity critically influence resistive switching behavior. These findings demonstrate that aerosol jet printing enables scalable, low-material-consumption production of flexible organic memristive devices suitable for neuromorphic applications, potentially facilitating their integration into complex, energy-efficient bio-inspired circuits. Full article