Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
7.4
5.3
Journals
Nanomaterials
Special Issues
Advanced Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage
share announcement

Advanced Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy and Catalysis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 July 2022) | Viewed by 34658

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Rongming Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
Interests: magnetic nanomaterial; transmission electron microscopy; interface science; and materials genome engineering
Prof. Dr. Shuhui Sun

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Center for Energy, Materials and Telecommunications, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Quebec, QC J3X 1S2, Canada
Interests: carbon nanomaterials (carbon dots, graphene, carbon nanotubes, nanoporous carbons); metal and metal oxide materials for renewable energy conversion and storage, as well as environmental applications

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the last few decades, nanomaterials have been developing fast and explosively, and have gaining increased attention worldwide. Nanomaterials and the derived technologies are also showing capabilities for solving the challenges that humankind is facing, including the energy crisis and environmental pollution. They have found a large variety of applications in fuel cells, lithium batteries, supercapacitors, metal–air batteries, metal–ion batteries and CO2 reduction, as well as H2 generation and storage, which are all related to electrochemistry. Electrochemical energy applications often demand an understanding of the physicochemical, structural, and surface properties of nanomaterials, which can provide valuable insights into electrochemical reactions and mechanisms, leading to the achievement of the required performance, efficiency and cycle life for electrochemical energy devices. The purpose of this Special Issue is to provide a research forum to report the latest developments in nanomaterials for various applications in electrochemistry, and explore the potentials of nanomaterials for use in future electrochemical energy devices.

The topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Nanomaterials for electrocatalysis;
  • Nanomaterials for fuel cells;
  • Nanomaterials for lithium batteries and beyond;
  • Nanomaterials for metal–air batteries;
  • Nanomaterials for supercapacitors;
  • Nanomaterials for CO2 reduction;
  • Nanomaterials for H2 generation and storage;
  • Fabrication of novel nanostructures/nanocomposites by electrochemical methods;
  • Structure and electrochemical characterization techniques.

Prof. Dr. Rongming Wang
Prof. Dr. Shuhui Sun
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nanomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • nanomaterials and nanostructures
  • interface science
  • materials design
  • characterization techniques
  • electrochemical energy conversion and storage
  • sustainable energy

Published Papers (15 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

4 pages, 185 KiB  
Editorial
Editorial for the Special Issue: “Advanced Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage”
by Zhihong Zhang and Rongming Wang
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(20), 3579; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12203579 - 12 Oct 2022
Viewed by 874
Abstract
Developing efficient and low-cost energy conversion and storage devices and technologies is all-important issue in order to achieve a low-carbon society, whose performance essentially depends on the properties of materials [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

10 pages, 2214 KiB  
Article
Improving the Energetic Stability and Electrocatalytic Performance of Au/WSSe Single-Atom Catalyst with Tensile Strain
by Shutao Zhao, Xiao Tang, Jingli Li, Jing Zhang, Di Yuan, Dongwei Ma and Lin Ju
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(16), 2793; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12162793 - 15 Aug 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1278
Abstract
In the areas of catalysis and renewable energy conversion, the development of active and stable electrocatalysts continues to be a highly desirable and crucial aim. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) provide isolated active sites, high selectivity, and ease of separation from reaction systems, becoming a [...] Read more.
In the areas of catalysis and renewable energy conversion, the development of active and stable electrocatalysts continues to be a highly desirable and crucial aim. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) provide isolated active sites, high selectivity, and ease of separation from reaction systems, becoming a rapidly evolving research field. Unfortunately, the real roles and key factors of the supports that govern the catalytic properties of SACs remain uncertain. Herein, by means of the density functional theory calculations, in the Au/WSSe SAC, built by filling the single Au atom at the S vacancy site in WSSe monolayer, we find that the powerful binding between the single Au atom and the support is induced by the Au d and W d orbital hybridization, which is caused by the electron transfer between them. The extra tensile strain could further stabilize the Au/WSSe by raising the transfer electron and enhancing the orbital hybridization. Moreover, by dint of regulating the antibonding strength between the single Au atom and H atom, the extra tensile strain is capable of changing the electric-catalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance of Au/WSSe as well. Remarkably, under the 1% tensile strain, the reaction barrier (0.06 eV) is only one third of that of free state. This theoretical work not only reveals the bonding between atomic sites and supports, but also opens an avenue to improve the electric-catalytic performance of SACs by adjusting the bonding with outer factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1970 KiB  
Article
A Self-Assembly of Single Layer of Co Nanorods to Reveal the Magnetostatic Interaction Mechanism
by Hongyu Du, Min Zhang, Ke Yang, Baohe Li and Zhenhui Ma
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(14), 2499; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12142499 - 21 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1174
Abstract
In this work, we report a self-assembly method to fabricate a single layer of Co nanorods to study their magnetostatic interaction behavior. The Co nanorods with cambered and flat tips were synthesized by using a solvothermal route and an alcohol–thermal method, respectively. Both [...] Read more.
In this work, we report a self-assembly method to fabricate a single layer of Co nanorods to study their magnetostatic interaction behavior. The Co nanorods with cambered and flat tips were synthesized by using a solvothermal route and an alcohol–thermal method, respectively. Both of them represent hard magnetic features. Co nanorods with cambered tips have an average diameter of 10 nm and length of 100 nm with coercivity of 6.4 kOe, and flat-tip nanorods with a 30 nm diameter and 100 nm length exhibit a coercivity of 4.9 kOe. They are further assembled on the surface of water in assistance of surfactants. The results demonstrate that the assembly type is dependent on the magnetic induction lines direction. For Co nanorods with flat tips, most of magnetic induction lines are parallel to the length direction, leading to an assembly that is tip to tip. For Co nanorods with cambered tips, they are prone to holding together side by side for their random magnetic induction lines. Under an applied field, the Co nanorods with flat tips can be further aligned into a single layer of Co nanorods. Our work gives a possible mechanism for the magnetic interaction of Co nanorods and provides a method to study their magnetic behavior. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

10 pages, 7327 KiB  
Article
Self-Templating Synthesis of N/P/Fe Co-Doped 3D Porous Carbon for Oxygen Reduction Reaction Electrocatalysts in Alkaline Media
by Yan Rong and Siping Huang
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(12), 2106; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12122106 - 19 Jun 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1552
Abstract
The development of low-cost, highly active, and stable oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts is of great importance for practical applications in numerous energy conversion devices. Herein, iron/nitrogen/phosphorus co-doped carbon electrocatalysts (NPFe-C) with multistage porous structure were synthesized by the self-template method using melamine, [...] Read more.
The development of low-cost, highly active, and stable oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts is of great importance for practical applications in numerous energy conversion devices. Herein, iron/nitrogen/phosphorus co-doped carbon electrocatalysts (NPFe-C) with multistage porous structure were synthesized by the self-template method using melamine, phytic acid and ferric trichloride as precursors. In an alkaline system, the ORR half-wave potential is 0.867 V (vs. RHE), comparable to that of platinum-based catalysts. It is noteworthy that NPFe-C performs better than the commercial Pt/C catalyst in terms of power density and specific capacity. Its unique structure and the feature of heteroatom doping endow the catalyst with higher mass transfer ability and abundant available active sites, and the improved performance can be attributed to the following aspects: (1) Fe-, N-, and P triple doping created abundant active sites, contributing to the higher intrinsic activity of catalysts. (2) Phytic acid was crosslinked with melamine to form hydrogel, and its carbonized products have high specific surface area, which is beneficial for a large number of active sites to be exposed at the reaction interface. (3) The porous three-dimensional carbon network facilitates the transfer of reactants/intermediates/products and electric charge. Therefore, Fe/N/P Co-doped 3D porous carbon materials prepared by a facile and scalable pyrolysis route exhibit potential in the field of energy conversion/storage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 2032 KiB  
Article
Comprehensive Study of the Current-Induced Spin–Orbit Torque Perpendicular Effective Field in Asymmetric Multilayers
by Baoshan Cui, Zengtai Zhu, Chuangwen Wu, Xiaobin Guo, Zhuyang Nie, Hao Wu, Tengyu Guo, Peng Chen, Dongfeng Zheng, Tian Yu, Li Xi, Zhongming Zeng, Shiheng Liang, Guangyu Zhang, Guoqiang Yu and Kang L. Wang
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(11), 1887; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12111887 - 31 May 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2763
Abstract
The spin–orbit torques (SOTs) in the heavy metal (HM)/ferromagnetic metal (FM) structure hold promise for next-generation low-power and high-density spintronic memory and logic applications. For the SOT switching of a perpendicular magnetization, an external magnetic field is inevitable for breaking the mirror symmetry, [...] Read more.
The spin–orbit torques (SOTs) in the heavy metal (HM)/ferromagnetic metal (FM) structure hold promise for next-generation low-power and high-density spintronic memory and logic applications. For the SOT switching of a perpendicular magnetization, an external magnetic field is inevitable for breaking the mirror symmetry, which is not practical for high-density nanoelectronics applications. In this work, we study the current-induced field-free SOT switching and SOT perpendicular effective field (Hzeff) in a variety of laterally asymmetric multilayers, where the asymmetry is introduced by growing the FM layer in a wedge shape. We show that the design of structural asymmetry by wedging the FM layer is a universal scheme for realizing field-free SOT switching. Moreover, by comparing the FM layer thickness dependence of (Hzeff) in different samples, we show that the efficiency (β =Hzeff/J, J is the current density) is sensitive to the HM/FM interface and the FM layer thickness. The sign of β for thin FM thicknesses is related to the spin Hall angle (θSH) of the HM layer attached to the FM layer. β changes its sign with the thickness of the FM layer increasing, which may be caused by the thickness dependence of the work function of FM. These results show the possibility of engineering the deterministic field-free switching by combining the symmetry breaking and the materials design of the HM/FM interface. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 4504 KiB  
Article
Structure and Magnetic Properties of ErFexMn12−x (7.0 ≤ x ≤ 9.0, Δx = 0.2)
by Penglin Gao, Yuanhua Xia, Jian Gong and Xin Ju
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(9), 1586; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12091586 - 07 May 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1239
Abstract
The magnetic interactions of iron-rich manganese-based ThMn12 type rare earth metal intermetallic compounds are extremely complex. The antiferromagnetic structure sublattice and the ferromagnetic structure sublattice had coexisted and competed with each other. Previous works are focus on studying magnetic properties of RFe [...] Read more.
The magnetic interactions of iron-rich manganese-based ThMn12 type rare earth metal intermetallic compounds are extremely complex. The antiferromagnetic structure sublattice and the ferromagnetic structure sublattice had coexisted and competed with each other. Previous works are focus on studying magnetic properties of RFexMn12−x (x = 0–9.0, Δx = 0.2). In this work, we obtained a detailed magnetic phase diagram for iron-rich ErFexMn12−x series alloy samples with a fine composition increment (Δx = 0.2), and studied the exchange bias effect and magneto-caloric effect of samples. ErFexMn12−x series (x = 7.0–9.0, Δx = 0.2) alloy samples were synthesized by arc melting, and the pure ThMn12-type phase structure was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The neutron diffraction test was used to confirm the Mn atom preferentially occupying the 8i position and to quantify the Mn. The magnetic properties of the materials were characterized by a comprehensive physical property measurement system (PPMS). Accurate magnetic phase diagrams of the samples in the composition range 7.0–9.0 were obtained. Along with temperature decrease, the samples experienced paramagnetic, ferromagnetic changes for samples with x < 7.4 and x > 8.4, and paramagnetic, antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic or paramagnetic, ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic changes for samples with 7.4 ≤ x ≤ 8.2. The tunable exchange bias effect was observed for sample with 7.4 ≤ x ≤ 8.2, which resulting from competing magnetic interacting among ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic sublattices. The maximum magnetic entropy change in an ErFe9.0Mn3.0 specimen reached 1.92 J/kg/K around room temperature when the magnetic field change was 5 T. This study increases our understanding of exchange bias effects and allows us to better control them. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 3161 KiB  
Article
A Theoretical Study of Fe Adsorbed on Pure and Nonmetal (N, F, P, S, Cl)-Doped Ti3C2O2 for Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction
by Heng Luo, Xiaoxu Wang, Chubin Wan, Lu Xie, Minhui Song and Ping Qian
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(7), 1081; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12071081 - 25 Mar 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1999
Abstract
The possibility of using transition metal (TM)/MXene as a catalyst for the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) was studied by density functional theory, in which TM is an Fe atom, and MXene is pure Ti3C2O2 or Ti3C [...] Read more.
The possibility of using transition metal (TM)/MXene as a catalyst for the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) was studied by density functional theory, in which TM is an Fe atom, and MXene is pure Ti3C2O2 or Ti3C2O2−x doped with N/F/P/S/Cl. The adsorption energy and Gibbs free energy were calculated to describe the limiting potentials of N2 activation and reduction, respectively. N2 activation was spontaneous, and the reduction potential-limiting step may be the hydrogenation of N2 to *NNH and the desorption of *NH3 to NH3. The charge transfer of the adsorbed Fe atoms to N2 molecules weakened the interaction of N≡N, which indicates that Fe/MXene is a potential catalytic material for the NRR. In particular, doping with nonmetals F and S reduced the limiting potential of the two potential-limiting steps in the reduction reaction, compared with the undoped pure structure. Thus, Fe/MXenes doped with these nonmetals are the best candidates among these structures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 3065 KiB  
Article
Theoretical Study on the Electronic Structure and Magnetic Properties Regulation of Janus Structure of M’MCO2 2D MXenes
by Panpan Gao, Minhui Song, Xiaoxu Wang, Qing Liu, Shizhen He, Ye Su and Ping Qian
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(3), 556; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12030556 - 06 Feb 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2165
Abstract
Motivated by the recent successful synthesis of Janus monolayer of transition metal (TM) dichalcogenides, MXenes with Janus structures are worthy of further study, concerning its electronic structure and magnetic properties. Here, we study the effect of different transition metal atoms on the structure [...] Read more.
Motivated by the recent successful synthesis of Janus monolayer of transition metal (TM) dichalcogenides, MXenes with Janus structures are worthy of further study, concerning its electronic structure and magnetic properties. Here, we study the effect of different transition metal atoms on the structure stability and magnetic and electronic properties of M’MCO2 (M’ and M = V, Cr and Mn). The result shows the output magnetic moment is contributed mainly by the d orbitals of the V, Cr, and Mn atoms. The total magnetic moments of ferromagnetic (FM) configuration and antiferromagnetic (AFM) configuration are affected by coupling types. FM has a large magnetic moment output, while the total magnetic moments of AFM2’s (intralayer AFM/interlayer FM) configuration and AFM3’s (interlayer AFM/intralayer AFM) configuration are close to 0. The band gap widths of VCrCO2, VMnCO2, CrMnCO2, V2CO2, and Cr2CO2 are no more than 0.02 eV, showing metallic properties, while Mn2CO2 is a semiconductor with a 0.7071 eV band gap width. Janus MXenes can regulate the size of band gap, magnetic ground state, and output net magnetic moment. This work achieves the control of the magnetic properties of the available 2D materials, and provides theoretical guidance for the extensive design of novel Janus MXene materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3735 KiB  
Article
A Stretchable and Self-Healing Hybrid Nano-Generator for Human Motion Monitoring
by Yongsheng Zhu, Fengxin Sun, Changjun Jia, Tianming Zhao and Yupeng Mao
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(1), 104; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12010104 - 29 Dec 2021
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 3082
Abstract
Transparent stretchable wearable hybrid nano-generators present great opportunities in motion sensing, motion monitoring, and human-computer interaction. Herein, we report a piezoelectric-triboelectric sport sensor (PTSS) which is composed of TENG, PENG, and a flexible transparent stretchable self-healing hydrogel electrode. The piezoelectric effect and the [...] Read more.
Transparent stretchable wearable hybrid nano-generators present great opportunities in motion sensing, motion monitoring, and human-computer interaction. Herein, we report a piezoelectric-triboelectric sport sensor (PTSS) which is composed of TENG, PENG, and a flexible transparent stretchable self-healing hydrogel electrode. The piezoelectric effect and the triboelectric effect are coupled by a contact separation mode. According to this effect, the PTSS shows a wide monitoring range. It can be used to monitor human multi-dimensional motions such as bend, twist, and rotate motions, including the screw pull motion of table tennis and the 301C skill of diving. In addition, the flexible transparent stretchable self-healing hydrogel is used as the electrode, which can meet most of the motion and sensing requirements and presents the characteristics of high flexibility, high transparency, high stretchability, and self-healing behavior. The whole sensing system can transmit signals through Bluetooth devices. The flexible, transparent, and stretchable wearable hybrid nanogenerator can be used as a wearable motion monitoring sensor, which provides a new strategy for the sports field, motion monitoring, and human-computer interaction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 3965 KiB  
Article
Synergistic Adsorption-Catalytic Sites TiN/Ta2O5 with Multidimensional Carbon Structure to Enable High-Performance Li-S Batteries
by Chong Wang, Jian-Hao Lu, Zi-Long Wang, An-Bang Wang, Hao Zhang, Wei-Kun Wang, Zhao-Qing Jin and Li-Zhen Fan
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(11), 2882; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11112882 - 28 Oct 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1643
Abstract
Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are deemed to be one of the most optimal solutions for the next generation of high-energy-density and low-cost energy storage systems. However, the low volumetric energy density and short cycle life are a bottleneck for their commercial application. To achieve [...] Read more.
Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are deemed to be one of the most optimal solutions for the next generation of high-energy-density and low-cost energy storage systems. However, the low volumetric energy density and short cycle life are a bottleneck for their commercial application. To achieve high energy density for lithium-sulfur batteries, the concept of synergistic adsorptive–catalytic sites is proposed. Base on this concept, the TiN@C/S/Ta2O5 sulfur electrode with about 90 wt% sulfur content is prepared. TiN contributes its high intrinsic electron conductivity to improve the redox reaction of polysulfides, while Ta2O5 provides strong adsorption capability toward lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). Moreover, the multidimensional carbon structure facilitates the infiltration of electrolytes and the motion of ions and electrons throughout the framework. As a result, the coin Li-S cells with TiN@C/S/Ta2O5 cathode exhibit superior cycle stability with a decent capacity retention of 56.1% over 300 cycles and low capacity fading rate of 0.192% per cycle at 0.5 C. Furthermore, the pouch cells at sulfur loading of 5.3 mg cm−2 deliver a high areal capacity of 5.8 mAh cm−2 at low electrolyte/sulfur ratio (E/S, 3.3 μL mg−1), implying a high sulfur utilization even under high sulfur loading and lean electrolyte operation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

8 pages, 1895 KiB  
Communication
Three-Dimensionally Ordered Macro/Mesoporous Nb2O5/Nb4N5 Heterostructure as Sulfur Host for High-Performance Lithium/Sulfur Batteries
by Haoxian Chen, Jiayi Wang, Yan Zhao, Qindan Zeng, Guofu Zhou and Mingliang Jin
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(6), 1531; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11061531 - 10 Jun 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3470
Abstract
The severe shuttle effect of soluble polysulfides hinders the development of lithium–sulfur batteries. Herein, we develop a three-dimensionally ordered macro/mesoporous (3DOM) Nb2O5/Nb4N5 heterostructure, which combines the strong adsorption of Nb2O5 and remarkable catalysis [...] Read more.
The severe shuttle effect of soluble polysulfides hinders the development of lithium–sulfur batteries. Herein, we develop a three-dimensionally ordered macro/mesoporous (3DOM) Nb2O5/Nb4N5 heterostructure, which combines the strong adsorption of Nb2O5 and remarkable catalysis effect of Nb4N5 by the promotion “adsorption-transformation” mechanism in sulfur reaction. Furthermore, the high electrocatalytic activity of Nb4N5 facilitates ion/mass transfer during the charge/discharge process. As a result, cells with the S-Nb2O5/Nb4N5 electrode delivered outstanding cycling stability and higher discharge capacity than its counterparts. Our work demonstrates a new routine for the multifunctional sulfur host design, which offers great potential for commercial high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 4895 KiB  
Article
Enhancing the Capacity and Stability by CoFe2O4 Modified g-C3N4 Composite for Lithium-Oxygen Batteries
by Xiaoya Li, Yajun Zhao, Lei Ding, Deqiang Wang, Qi Guo, Zhiwei Li, Hao Luo, Dawei Zhang and Yan Yu
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(5), 1088; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11051088 - 22 Apr 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2692
Abstract
As society progresses, the task of developing new green energy brooks no delay. Li-O2 batteries have high theoretical capacity, but are difficult to put into practical use due to problems such as high overvoltage, low charge-discharge efficiency, poor rate, and cycle performance. [...] Read more.
As society progresses, the task of developing new green energy brooks no delay. Li-O2 batteries have high theoretical capacity, but are difficult to put into practical use due to problems such as high overvoltage, low charge-discharge efficiency, poor rate, and cycle performance. The development of high-efficiency catalysts to effectively solve the shortcomings of Li-O2 batteries is of great significance to finding a solution for energy problems. Herein, we design CoFe2O4/g-C3N4 composites, and combine the advantages of the g-C3N4 material with the spinel-type metal oxide material. The flaky structure of g-C3N4 accelerates the transportation of oxygen and lithium ions and inhibits the accumulation of CoFe2O4 particles. The CoFe2O4 materials accelerate the decomposition of Li2O2 and reduce electrode polarization in the charge–discharge reaction. When CoFe2O4/g-C3N4 composites are used as catalysts in Li-O2 batteries, the battery has a better discharge specific capacity of 9550 mA h g−1 (catalyst mass), and the cycle stability of the battery has been improved, which is stable for 85 cycles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

20 pages, 5586 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Electrochemical Behavior of Peanut-Shell Activated Carbon/Molybdenum Oxide/Molybdenum Carbide Ternary Composites
by Ndeye F. Sylla, Samba Sarr, Ndeye M. Ndiaye, Bridget K. Mutuma, Astou Seck, Balla D. Ngom, Mohamed Chaker and Ncholu Manyala
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(4), 1056; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11041056 - 20 Apr 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3373
Abstract
Biomass-waste activated carbon/molybdenum oxide/molybdenum carbide ternary composites are prepared using a facile in-situ pyrolysis process in argon ambient with varying mass ratios of ammonium molybdate tetrahydrate to porous peanut shell activated carbon (PAC). The formation of MoO2 and Mo2C nanostructures [...] Read more.
Biomass-waste activated carbon/molybdenum oxide/molybdenum carbide ternary composites are prepared using a facile in-situ pyrolysis process in argon ambient with varying mass ratios of ammonium molybdate tetrahydrate to porous peanut shell activated carbon (PAC). The formation of MoO2 and Mo2C nanostructures embedded in the porous carbon framework is confirmed by extensive structural characterization and elemental mapping analysis. The best composite when used as electrodes in a symmetric supercapacitor (PAC/MoO2/Mo2C-1//PAC/MoO2/Mo2C-1) exhibited a good cell capacitance of 115 F g−1 with an associated high specific energy of 51.8 W h kg−1, as well as a specific power of 0.9 kW kg−1 at a cell voltage of 1.8 V at 1 A g−1. Increasing the specific current to 20 A g−1 still showcased a device capable of delivering up to 30 W h kg−1 specific energy and 18 kW kg−1 of specific power. Additionally, with a great cycling stability, a 99.8% coulombic efficiency and capacitance retention of ~83% were recorded for over 25,000 galvanostatic charge-discharge cycles at 10 A g−1. The voltage holding test after a 160 h floating time resulted in increase of the specific capacitance from 74.7 to 90 F g−1 at 10 A g−1 for this storage device. The remarkable electrochemical performance is based on the synergistic effect of metal oxide/metal carbide (MoO2/Mo2C) with the interconnected porous carbon. The PAC/MoO2/Mo2C ternary composites highlight promising Mo-based electrode materials suitable for high-performance energy storage. Explicitly, this work also demonstrates a simple and sustainable approach to enhance the electrochemical performance of porous carbon materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

21 pages, 3990 KiB  
Review
Phosphorus-Doped Graphene Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
by Xinxing Zhan, Xin Tong, Manqi Gu, Juan Tian, Zijian Gao, Liying Ma, Yadian Xie, Zhangsen Chen, Hariprasad Ranganathan, Gaixia Zhang and Shuhui Sun
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(7), 1141; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12071141 - 29 Mar 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3466
Abstract
Developing cheap and earth-abundant electrocatalysts with high activity and stability for oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) is highly desired for the commercial implementation of fuel cells and metal-air batteries. Tremendous efforts have been made on doped-graphene catalysts. However, the progress of phosphorus-doped graphene (P-graphene) [...] Read more.
Developing cheap and earth-abundant electrocatalysts with high activity and stability for oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) is highly desired for the commercial implementation of fuel cells and metal-air batteries. Tremendous efforts have been made on doped-graphene catalysts. However, the progress of phosphorus-doped graphene (P-graphene) for ORRs has rarely been summarized until now. This review focuses on the recent development of P-graphene-based materials, including the various synthesis methods, ORR performance, and ORR mechanism. The applications of single phosphorus atom-doped graphene, phosphorus, nitrogen-codoped graphene (P, N-graphene), as well as phosphorus, multi-atoms codoped graphene (P, X-graphene) as catalysts, supporting materials, and coating materials for ORR are discussed thoroughly. Additionally, the current issues and perspectives for the development of P-graphene materials are proposed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19 pages, 5699 KiB  
Review
Manipulation on Two-Dimensional Amorphous Nanomaterials for Enhanced Electrochemical Energy Storage and Conversion
by Juzhe Liu, Rui Hao, Binbin Jia, Hewei Zhao and Lin Guo
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(12), 3246; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11123246 - 29 Nov 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2439
Abstract
Low-carbon society is calling for advanced electrochemical energy storage and conversion systems and techniques, in which functional electrode materials are a core factor. As a new member of the material family, two-dimensional amorphous nanomaterials (2D ANMs) are booming gradually and show promising application [...] Read more.
Low-carbon society is calling for advanced electrochemical energy storage and conversion systems and techniques, in which functional electrode materials are a core factor. As a new member of the material family, two-dimensional amorphous nanomaterials (2D ANMs) are booming gradually and show promising application prospects in electrochemical fields for extended specific surface area, abundant active sites, tunable electron states, and faster ion transport capacity. Specifically, their flexible structures provide significant adjustment room that allows readily and desirable modification. Recent advances have witnessed omnifarious manipulation means on 2D ANMs for enhanced electrochemical performance. Here, this review is devoted to collecting and summarizing the manipulation strategies of 2D ANMs in terms of component interaction and geometric configuration design, expecting to promote the controllable development of such a new class of nanomaterial. Our view covers the 2D ANMs applied in electrochemical fields, including battery, supercapacitor, and electrocatalysis, meanwhile we also clarify the relationship between manipulation manner and beneficial effect on electrochemical properties. Finally, we conclude the review with our personal insights and provide an outlook for more effective manipulation ways on functional and practical 2D ANMs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-15
Back to TopTop