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11 pages, 2772 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Construction of NiFe-Layered Double Hydroxides Arrays as Robust Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction

by Qiyu Liu, Yi Wang and Xihong Lu

Catalysts 2023, 13(3), 586; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal13030586 - 14 Mar 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1722

Electrochemical water splitting is considered to be an important method for efficient hydrogen production to alleviate energy shortage and environmental pollution, but its development is currently limited by the slow oxygen evolution reaction (OER). To solve the sluggish reaction kinetics of OER, the [...] Read more.

Electrochemical water splitting is considered to be an important method for efficient hydrogen production to alleviate energy shortage and environmental pollution, but its development is currently limited by the slow oxygen evolution reaction (OER). To solve the sluggish reaction kinetics of OER, the focus is on the exploration of low-cost and efficient electrocatalysts, which is quite significant for the development of electrochemical water splitting. Herein, a NiFe layered double hydroxides (LDH) electrocatalyst (denoted as FNH) is achieved by a simple one-step hydrothermal method. The experimental results show that due to the synergistic interaction of introduced Fe species, the FNH possesses a special three-dimensional (3D) vertical nanosheet array structure, which results in efficient ion access. More importantly, the strong electronic interaction between Fe and Ni sites results in the optimized electronic structure of the Ni sites, which not only generates abundant Ni³⁺ sites as optimized active sites for OER, but also decrease the charge transfer resistance. Thus, the FNH catalyst exhibits an extraordinary overpotential of 386.8 mV to deliver 100 mA cm⁻², showing better activity than that of RuO₂, and satisfactory cycling stability after continuous operation for 28 h. Our work provides an easy-to-implement method to obtain high-efficiency OER electrocatalysts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Energy-Related Materials in Catalysts)

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13 pages, 6476 KiB

Open AccessArticle

From PET Bottles Waste to N-Doped Graphene as Sustainable Electrocatalyst Support for Direct Liquid Fuel Cells

by Noha A. Elessawy, Gordana Backović, Janesuda Hirunthanawat, Marta Martins, Lazar Rakočević, Marwa H. Gouda, Arafat Toghan, Mohamed E. Youssef, Biljana Šljukić and Diogo M. F. Santos

Catalysts 2023, 13(3), 525; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal13030525 - 04 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1633

Abstract

Direct liquid fuel cells represent one of the most rapidly emerging energy conversion devices. The main challenge in developing fuel cell devices is finding low-cost and highly active catalysts. In this work, PET bottle waste was transformed into nitrogen-doped graphene (NG) as valuable [...] Read more.

Direct liquid fuel cells represent one of the most rapidly emerging energy conversion devices. The main challenge in developing fuel cell devices is finding low-cost and highly active catalysts. In this work, PET bottle waste was transformed into nitrogen-doped graphene (NG) as valuable catalyst support. NG was prepared by a one-pot thermal decomposition process of mineral water waste bottles with urea at 800 °C. Then, NG/Pt electrocatalysts with Pt loadings as low as 0.9 wt.% and 1.8 wt.% were prepared via a simple reduction method in aqueous solution at room temperature. The physical and electrochemical properties of the NG/Pt electrocatalysts are characterized and evaluated for application in direct borohydride peroxide fuel cells (DBPFCs). The results show that NG/Pt catalysts display catalytic activity for borohydride oxidation reaction, particularly the NG/Pt_1, with a number of exchanged electrons of 2.7. Using NG/Pt composite in fuel cells is anticipated to lower prices and boost the usage of electrochemical energy devices. A DBPFC fuel cell using NG/Pt_1 catalyst (1.8 wt.% Pt) in the anode achieved a power density of 75 mW cm⁻² at 45 °C. The exceptional performance and economic viability become even more evident when expressed as mass-specific power density, reaching a value as high as 15.8 W mg_Pt⁻¹. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Energy-Related Materials in Catalysts)

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15 pages, 4226 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Catalytic Performance of Nanorod Nickel Catalyst in the Hydrolysis of Lithium Borohydride and Dimethylamine Borane

by Meryem Sena Akkus

Catalysts 2023, 13(3), 458; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal13030458 - 22 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1263

Abstract

In the current global energy crisis, the value of hydrogen has become better appreciated. Metal borohydrides attract a lot of attention from researchers because they are rich in hydrogen. In this study, glass microscope slides were coated with nickel as nanorods for use [...] Read more.

In the current global energy crisis, the value of hydrogen has become better appreciated. Metal borohydrides attract a lot of attention from researchers because they are rich in hydrogen. In this study, glass microscope slides were coated with nickel as nanorods for use as a catalyst by the magnetron sputtering method, and then catalytic hydrolysis reactions of dimethylamine borane and lithium borohydride were carried out to produce hydrogen. Parameters such as temperature, the amount of catalyst, lithium borohydride, or dimethylamine borane concentration were varied and their effects on the catalytic performances of the catalyst were examined. Moreover, the catalyst was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, and hydrolysis products were analyzed through field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy analyses. Reaction kinetic parameters were also determined. The activation energy values of dimethylamine borane and lithium borohydride were determined to be 40.0 kJ mol⁻¹ and 63.74 kJ mol⁻¹, respectively. Activation enthalpy values were also calculated as 37.34 kJ mol⁻¹ and 62.45 kJ mol⁻¹ for dimethylamine borane and lithium borohydride, respectively. Initial hydrogen production rates under different conditions were also investigated in the study. For both hydrolysis systems, the fastest hydrogen production rates were calculated as 109 mL g_Ni⁻¹ min⁻¹ and 103 mL g_Ni⁻¹ min⁻¹ for dimethylamine borane and lithium borohydride, respectively, in the experiment performed at 60 °C at 0.2 M substrate concentration and with 1.3 g of catalyst. These hydrolysis systems using this catalyst are good candidates for systems that need hydrogen. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Energy-Related Materials in Catalysts)

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20 pages, 5656 KiB

Open AccessArticle

3D-Structured Au(NiMo)/Ti Catalysts for the Electrooxidation of Glucose

by Aldona Balčiūnaitė, Daina Upskuvienė, Augustas Antanaitis, Dijana Šimkūnaitė, Loreta Tamašauskaitė-Tamašiūnaitė, Jūratė Vaičiūnienė and Eugenijus Norkus

Catalysts 2022, 12(8), 892; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal12080892 - 13 Aug 2022

Viewed by 1511

Abstract

In this study, 3D-structured NiMo coatings have been constructed via the widely used electrodeposition method on a Ti surface and decorated with very small Au crystallites by galvanic displacement (Au(NiMo)/Ti). The catalysts have been characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, [...] Read more.

In this study, 3D-structured NiMo coatings have been constructed via the widely used electrodeposition method on a Ti surface and decorated with very small Au crystallites by galvanic displacement (Au(NiMo)/Ti). The catalysts have been characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. Different Au(NiMo)/Ti catalysts, which had Au loadings of 1.8, 2.3, and 3.9 µg_Au cm⁻², were prepared. The electrocatalytic activity of the Au(NiMo)/Ti catalysts was examined with respect to the oxidation of glucose in alkaline media by cyclic voltammetry. It was found that the Au(NiMo)/Ti catalysts with Au loadings in the range of 1.8 up to 3.9 µg_Au cm⁻² had a higher activity compared to that of NiMo/Ti. A direct glucose-hydrogen peroxide (C₆H₁₂O₆-H₂O₂) single fuel cell was constructed with the different Au-loading-containing Au(NiMo)/Ti catalysts as the anode and Pt as the cathode. The fuel cells exhibited an open circuit voltage of ca. 1.0 V and peak power densities up to 8.75 mW cm⁻² at 25 °C. The highest specific peak power densities of 2.24 mW µg_Au⁻¹ at 25 °C were attained using the Au(NiMo)/Ti catalyst with the Au loading of 3.9 µg cm⁻² as the anode. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Energy-Related Materials in Catalysts)

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17 pages, 8034 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

One-Pot Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Graphene-Supported PtCoM (M = Mn, Ru, Mo) Catalysts for Low-Temperature Fuel Cells

by Antanas Nacys, Teofilius Kilmonis, Virginija Kepenienė, Aldona Balčiūnaitė, Raminta Stagniūnaitė, Daina Upskuvienė, Jolita Jablonskienė, Jūratė Vaičiūnienė, Martynas Skapas, Loreta Tamašauskaitė-Tamašiūnaitė and Eugenijus Norkus

Catalysts 2021, 11(12), 1431; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal11121431 - 24 Nov 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1801

Abstract

In this study, one-pot microwave-assisted synthesis was used to fabricate the graphene (GR)-supported PtCoM catalysts where M = Mn, Ru, and Mo. The catalysts with the molar ratios of metals Pt:Co:Mn, Pt:Co:Ru, and Pt:Co:Mo equal to 1:3:1, 1:2:2, and 7:2:1, respectively, were prepared. [...] Read more.

In this study, one-pot microwave-assisted synthesis was used to fabricate the graphene (GR)-supported PtCoM catalysts where M = Mn, Ru, and Mo. The catalysts with the molar ratios of metals Pt:Co:Mn, Pt:Co:Ru, and Pt:Co:Mo equal to 1:3:1, 1:2:2, and 7:2:1, respectively, were prepared. Catalysts were characterized using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The electrocatalytic activity of the GR-supported PtCoMn, PtCoRu, and PtCoMo catalysts was evaluated toward methanol oxidation in an alkaline medium employing cyclic voltammetry and chrono-techniques. The most efficient electrochemical characteristics demonstrated the PtCoMn/GR catalyst with a current density value of 144.5 mA cm⁻², which was up to 4.8 times higher than that at the PtCoRu(1:2:2)/GR, PtCoMo(7:2:1)/GR, and bare Pt/GR catalysts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Energy-Related Materials in Catalysts)

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9 pages, 2612 KiB

Open AccessArticle

FeTiO₃ Perovskite Nanoparticles for Efficient Electrochemical Water Splitting

by Periyannan Kaleeswarran, Murugesan Praveen Kumar, Ramalinga Viswanathan Mangalaraja, Unalome Wetwatana Hartley, Moorthy Sasikumar, Rajasudha Venugopalan, Manavalan Rajesh Kumar, Jothi Ramalingam Rajabathar, Shaik Gouse Peera and Govindhasamy Murugadoss

Catalysts 2021, 11(9), 1028; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal11091028 - 26 Aug 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3558

Abstract

The use of water splitting has been investigated as a good alternate for storing electrical energy. While the general interest in developing non-toxic, high-performance, and economically feasible catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is noteworthy, there is also significant interest in water splitting [...] Read more.

The use of water splitting has been investigated as a good alternate for storing electrical energy. While the general interest in developing non-toxic, high-performance, and economically feasible catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is noteworthy, there is also significant interest in water splitting research. Recently, perovskite-type oxides have performed as an alternative to non-precious metal catalysts and can act as a new class of effective catalysts in water splitting systems. Herein, a perovskite-structured FeTiO₃ was prepared via a facile one-step solvothermal method using ionic liquid as templates. The results of structural and morphological studies have supported the formation of FeTiO₃ perovskite. Furthermore, FeTiO₃ perovskite demonstrated OER activity with a lower onset potential of 1.45 V vs. RHE and Tafel slope value of 0.133 V.dec⁻¹ at 1 M KOH solution using mercury/mercurous oxide (Hg/HgO) were used as working electrodes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Energy-Related Materials in Catalysts)

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15 pages, 2501 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

An Electrocatalytic Activity of AuCeO₂/Carbon Catalyst in Fuel Cell Reactions: Oxidation of Borohydride and Reduction of Oxygen

by Raminta Stagniūnaitė, Virginija Kepenienė, Aldona Balčiūnaitė, Audrius Drabavičius, Vidas Pakštas, Vitalija Jasulaitienė, Loreta Tamašauskaitė-Tamašiūnaitė and Eugenijus Norkus

Catalysts 2021, 11(3), 342; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal11030342 - 07 Mar 2021

Viewed by 1628

Abstract

This paper describes the investigation of electrocatalytic activity of the AuCeO₂/C catalyst, prepared using the microwave irradiation method, towards the oxidation of sodium borohydride and oxygen reduction reactions in an alkaline medium. It was found that the obtained AuCeO₂/C [...] Read more.

This paper describes the investigation of electrocatalytic activity of the AuCeO₂/C catalyst, prepared using the microwave irradiation method, towards the oxidation of sodium borohydride and oxygen reduction reactions in an alkaline medium. It was found that the obtained AuCeO₂/C catalyst with Au loading and electrochemically active surface area of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) equal to 71 µg cm⁻² and 0.05 cm², respectively, showed an enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards investigated reactions, compared with the Au/C catalyst with an Au loading and electrochemically active surface area of AuNPs equal to 78 µg cm⁻² and 0.19 cm², respectively. The AuCeO₂/C catalyst demonstrated ca. 4.5 times higher current density values for the oxidation of sodium borohydride compared with those of the bare Au/C catalyst. Moreover, the onset potential of the oxygen reduction reaction (0.96 V) on the AuCeO₂/C catalyst was similar to the commercial Pt/C (0.98 V). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Energy-Related Materials in Catalysts)

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Review

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18 pages, 16888 KiB

Open AccessReview

Hydrogen Storage in Complex Metal Hydrides NaBH₄: Hydrolysis Reaction and Experimental Strategies

by Mirela Dragan

Catalysts 2022, 12(4), 356; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal12040356 - 22 Mar 2022

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 7343

Abstract

Worldwide, hydrogen is gaining ground since it is a promising alternative energy source to conventional fuels, which include fossil fuel. Thus, numerous techniques to generate hydrogen have been suggested. This literature review describes the challenges and obstacles identified through a series of the [...] Read more.

Worldwide, hydrogen is gaining ground since it is a promising alternative energy source to conventional fuels, which include fossil fuel. Thus, numerous techniques to generate hydrogen have been suggested. This literature review describes the challenges and obstacles identified through a series of the publications that target the hydrolysis of sodium borohydride. This review present several catalysts and reactor systems for the generation of hydrogen gas using the hydrolysis of sodium borohydride, selecting articles in the literature that show a promising future for this technology, although some challenges lie ahead. Sodium borohydride has been widely considered as a low-cost hydrogen storage material with high gravimetric hydrogen capacity of about 10 wt.%. However, its thermodynamic stability seriously hinders the application of sodium borohydride to obtain hydrogen. The performances of the reviewed systems of sodium borohydride hydrolysis include analysis from both the thermodynamic and kinetic points of view. The feasibility of an efficient hydrogen generation system, where a mixture of sodium borohydride and catalysts is hydrolyzed, is considered. This review aims to provide a useful resource to aid researchers starting work on the generation of hydrogen gas using the hydrolysis of sodium borohydride, so they can select the catalysts and reactor systems that best suit them. Thus far, no single catalyst and reactor system can simultaneously meet all of the required standards for efficient practical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Energy-Related Materials in Catalysts)

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41 pages, 90186 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Roadmap of Effects of Biowaste-Synthesized Carbon Nanomaterials on Carbon Nano-Reinforced Composites

by Bhavana H. Thippeswamy, Anantha Sunil Maligi and Gurumurthy Hegde

Catalysts 2021, 11(12), 1485; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal11121485 - 03 Dec 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3642

Abstract

Sustainable growth can be achieved by recycling waste material into useful resources without affecting the natural ecosystem. Among all nanomaterials, carbon nanomaterials from biowaste are used for various applications. The pyrolysis process is one of the eco-friendly ways for synthesizing such carbon nanomaterials. [...] Read more.

Sustainable growth can be achieved by recycling waste material into useful resources without affecting the natural ecosystem. Among all nanomaterials, carbon nanomaterials from biowaste are used for various applications. The pyrolysis process is one of the eco-friendly ways for synthesizing such carbon nanomaterials. Recently, polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) filled with biowaste-based carbon nanomaterials attracted a lot of attention due to their enhanced mechanical properties. A variety of polymers, such as thermoplastics, thermosetting polymers, elastomers, and their blends, can be used in the formation of composite materials. This review summarizes the synthesis of carbon nanomaterials, polymer nanocomposites, and mechanical properties of PNCs. The review also focuses on various biowaste-based precursors, their nanoproperties, and turning them into proper composites. PNCs show improved mechanical properties by varying the loading percentages of carbon nanomaterials, which are vital for many defence- and aerospace-related industries. Different synthesis processes are used to achieve enhanced ultimate tensile strength and modulus. The present review summarizes the last 5 years’ work in detail on these PNCs and their applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Energy-Related Materials in Catalysts)

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