scholarly journals Electrochemically Treated TiO2 for Enhanced Performance in Aqueous Al-Ion Batteries

Materials ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 2090 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Holland ◽  
Rachel McKerracher ◽  
Andrew Cruden ◽  
Richard Wills
Keyword(s):  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Coulombic Efficiency ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Electrochemical Treatment ◽  
Open Circuit ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Tio2 Electrode ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Improved Performance

The potential for low cost, environmentally friendly and high rate energy storage has led to the study of anatase-TiO2 as an electrode material in aqueous Al3+ electrolytes. This paper describes the improved performance from an electrochemically treated composite TiO2 electrode for use in aqueous Al-ion batteries. After application of the cathodic electrochemical treatment in 1 mol/dm3 KOH, Mott–Schottky analysis showed the treated electrode as having an increased electron density and an altered open circuit potential, which remained stable throughout cycling. The cathodic treatment also resulted in a change in colour of TiO2. Treated-TiO2 demonstrated improved capacity, coulombic efficiency and stability when galvanostatically cycled in 1 mol·dm−3AlCl3/1 mol·dm−3 KCl. A treated-TiO2 electrode produced a capacity of 15.3 mA·h·g−1 with 99.95% coulombic efficiency at the high specific current of 10 A/g. Additionally, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to elucidate the origin of this improved performance.

scholarly journals Nanosheets of CuCo2O4 As a High-Performance Electrocatalyst in Urea Oxidation

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 793 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camila Zequine ◽  
Fangzhou Wang ◽  
Xianglin Li ◽  
Deepa Guragain ◽  
S.R. Mishra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Nickel Foam ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Agricultural Waste ◽  
Bifunctional Catalyst ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Electroactive Material

The urea oxidation reaction (UOR) is a possible solution to solve the world’s energy crisis. Fuel cells have been used in the UOR to generate hydrogen with a lower potential compared to water splitting, decreasing the costs of energy production. Urea is abundantly present in agricultural waste and in industrial and human wastewater. Besides generating hydrogen, this reaction provides a pathway to eliminate urea, which is a hazard in the environment and to people’s health. In this study, nanosheets of CuCo2O4 grown on nickel foam were synthesized as an electrocatalyst for urea oxidation to generate hydrogen as a green fuel. The synthesized electrocatalyst was characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electroactivity of CuCo2O4 towards the oxidation of urea in alkaline solution was evaluated using electrochemical measurements. Nanosheets of CuCo2O4 grown on nickel foam required the potential of 1.36 V in 1 M KOH with 0.33 M urea to deliver a current density of 10 mA/cm2. The CuCo2O4 electrode was electrochemically stable for over 15 h of continuous measurements. The high catalytic activities for the hydrogen evolution reaction make the CuCo2O4 electrode a bifunctional catalyst and a promising electroactive material for hydrogen production. The two-electrode electrolyzer demanded a potential of 1.45 V, which was 260 mV less than that for the urea-free counterpart. Our study suggests that the CuCo2O4 electrode can be a promising material as an efficient UOR catalyst for fuel cells to generate hydrogen at a low cost.

An Efficient Simple Hydrothermal Method to Synthesis FeS2 Microspheres and their Optical Property

2016 ◽  
Vol 847 ◽  
pp. 72-77
Author(s):  
Yu Xuan Liang ◽  
Peng Peng Bai ◽  
Shu Qi Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Wave Length ◽  
Functional Materials ◽  
Optical And Electrical Properties ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Synthetic Sample ◽  
X Ray ◽  
New Type ◽  
Good Uniformity

Pyrite (FeS2) is an important semiconductor material which shows various excellent optical and electrical properties and extensive applied prospect as a new-type, photoelectrical functional materials. In this study, a low cost and efficient simple hydrothermal two-step synthetic method was given to obtain FeS2 microspheres with 2-3 μm in diameter. The obtained products were characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ultraviolet and visible spectrophotometer (UV-Vis). XRD showed that the synthetic sample consisted of two crystal structures of FeS2, pyrite and marcasite. SEM observation indicated that FeS2 microspheres were well crystallized and had good uniformity. UV-Vis spectrum had a strong optical absorption in the region of 200-400 nm wave length. The reaction temperature had an impact on the size of FeS2 microspheres. A possible mechanism for the size of the FeS2 microspheres generated at high temperature is smaller than that at low temperature is discussed.

Low Cost Integrated Sensors Utilizing Patterned Nano-Structured Titania Arrays Fabricated Using a Simple Process

2004 ◽  
Vol 828 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zuruzi Abu Samah ◽  
Andrei Kolmakov ◽  
Martin Moskovits ◽  
Noel C. MacDonald
Keyword(s):  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Sol Gel ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Aqueous Hydrogen Peroxide ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Sensing Systems ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Nano Wires ◽  
Low Temperature Process

ABSTRACTUsing a novel low-temperature process, we demonstrate the facile integration of crack-free nanostructured titania (NST) as sensing elements in microsystems. Unlike conventional sol-gel methods, NST layers of interconnected nano-walls and nano-wires were formed by reacting Ti surfaces with aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution. Cracks were observed in NST layers formed on blanket Ti films but absent on arrays of patterned Ti pads below a threshold dimension. Analyses using TEM, high resolution SEM, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) reveal that NST consists of anatase TiO2 nano-crystals. NST pads were found able to detect oxygen gas of a few ppm. NST pad arrays were integrated on rigid and flexible substrates with potential applications in low cost and wearable sensing systems.

scholarly journals Sorption of Molybdates and Tungstates on Functionalized Montmorillonites: Structural and Textural Features

Materials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (14) ◽  
pp. 2253 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Tuchowska ◽  
Barbara Muir ◽  
Mariola Kowalik ◽  
Robert P. Socha ◽  
Tomasz Bajda
Keyword(s):  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Inorganic Compounds ◽  
Ammonium Bromide ◽  
Reaction Products ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Mineral Sorbent ◽  
Dimethyl Ammonium

Montmorillonite—the most popular mineral of the smectite group—has been recognized as a low-cost, easily available mineral sorbent of heavy metals and other organic and inorganic compounds that pollute water. The aim of this work was to determine the sorption mechanism and to identify the reaction products formed on the surface of montmorillonite and organo-montmorillonite after sorption of molybdates (Mo(VI)) and tungstates (W(VI)). Montmorillonites are often modified to generate a negative charge on the surface. The main objective of the study was to investigate and compare the features of Na-montmorillonite (Na-M), montmorillonite modified with dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (DDTMA-M), and montmorillonite modified with didodecyl dimethyl ammonium bromide (DDDDMA-M) before and after sorption experiments. The material obtained after sorption was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The XRD pattern showed the presence of a new crystallic phase in the sample that was observed under an SEM as an accumulation of crystals. The FTIR spectra showed bands related to Mo–O and W–O vibration (840 and 940 cm−1, respectively). The obtained results suggest that molybdenum(VI) and tungsten(VI) ions sorb onto the organo-montmorillonite in the form of alkylammonium molybdates and tungstates.

scholarly journals Three-dimensional Co 3 O 4 @MWNTs nanocomposite with enhanced electrochemical performance for nonenzymatic glucose biosensors and biofuel cells

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (12) ◽  
pp. 170991 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kailong Jiao ◽  
Yu Jiang ◽  
Zepeng Kang ◽  
Ruiyun Peng ◽  
Shuqiang Jiao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Glucose Oxidation ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Open Circuit ◽  
Strongly Coupled ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Three-dimensional nanoarchitectures of Co 3 O 4 @multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Co 3 O 4 @MWNTs) were synthesized via a one-step process with hydrothermal growth of Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles onto MWNTs. The structure and morphology of the Co 3 O 4 @MWNTs were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The electrocatalytic mechanism of the Co 3 O 4 @MWNTs was studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Co 3 O 4 @MWNTs exhibited high electrocatalytic activity towards glucose oxidation in alkaline medium and could be used in nonenzymatic electrochemical devices for glucose oxidation. The open circuit voltage of the nonenzymatic glucose/O 2 fuel cell was 0.68 V, with a maximum power density of 0.22 mW cm −2 at 0.30 V. The excellent electrochemical properties, low cost, and facile preparation of Co 3 O 4 @MWNTs demonstrate the potential of strongly coupled oxide/nanocarbon hybrid as effective electrocatalyst in glucose fuel cells and biosensors.

scholarly journals Selective adsorption of PHC and regeneration of washing effluents by modified diatomite

2020 ◽  
Vol 81 (10) ◽  
pp. 2066-2077
Author(s):  
Zhuoqi Xu ◽  
Gengbo Ren ◽  
Yanying Zhu ◽  
Xiaodong Ma ◽  
Hongrui Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Selective Adsorption ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Soil Washing ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Monolayer Adsorption ◽  
Pseudo Second Order ◽  
Adsorption Desorption ◽  
Modified Diatomite

Abstract Selective removal of petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) from soil washing effluents is the key to the surfactant-enhanced soil washing technology. In this study, the diatomite was modified by nonionic surfactant TX-100 and applied in the selective adsorption of PHCs in the soil washing effluents. The modified diatomites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption/desorption and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy respectively. The adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order model and the adsorption isotherms indicated that the interaction between PHCs and modified diatomite was monolayer adsorption. The important operating factors such as TX-100 dosage, adsorbent dosage, time and temperature were optimized. With the participation of the low-cost adsorbent TX3-Db with high adsorption capacity, the recovery efficiency of the washing effluents was still up to 78.9% after three cycles. A selective adsorption mechanism, based on steric hindrance and electrostatic repulsion, was proposed to explain the removal of PHCs from washing effluents.

In situ remediation of arsenic-rich mine tailings using slag zero valence iron

2020 ◽  
Vol 84 (3) ◽  
pp. 420-434
Author(s):  
Tingting Yue ◽  
Shu Chen ◽  
Jing Liu
Keyword(s):  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Selective Extraction ◽  
Hunan Province ◽  
Control Group ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Land Occupation ◽  
X Ray

AbstractArsenopyrite (FeAsS) and realgar (As4S4) are two common arsenic minerals that often cause serious environmental issues. Centralised treatment of arsenic-containing tailings can reduce land occupation and save management costs. The current work examined the remediation schemes of tailings from Hunan Province, China, where by different tailings containing arsenopyrite and realgar were blended with exogenous slag zero valence iron (ZVI). Introducing Fe-oxidising bacteria (Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans) recreates a biologically oxidative environment. All bioleaching experiments were done over three stages, each for 7 days and the solid phase of all tests was characterised by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and selective extraction analyses. The results showed that the mixture group reduced arsenic release by 72.9–74.7% compared with the control group. The addition of 0.2 g ZVI clearly decreased arsenic release, and the addition of 4.0 g ZVI led to the lowest arsenic release among all tests. The decrease of arsenic released from the tailings was due to the adsorption and uptake of arsenic by secondary iron-containing minerals and Fe–As(V) secondary mineralisation. The addition of large amounts of ZVI reduced the arsenic detected in the amorphous Fe precipitates. Therefore, a low cost and integrated strategy to reduce arsenic release from tailings is to mix two typical tailings and apply exogenous slag ZVI, which can apply to the in situ remediation of two kinds or more arsenic-containing tailings.

scholarly journals Enhancement of Solar Cell Performance of Electrodeposited Ti/n-Cu2O/p-Cu2O/Au Homojunction Solar Cells by Interface and Surface Modification

Crystals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 609 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charith Jayathilaka ◽  
Loku Singgappulige Rosantha Kumara ◽  
Koji Ohara ◽  
Chulho Song ◽  
Shinji Kohara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cell ◽  
Current Density ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Open Circuit Voltage ◽  
Short Circuit ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Open Circuit ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Solar Cell Performance ◽  
X Ray

Cuprous oxide (Cu2O) homojunction thin films on Ti substrates were fabricated by an electrochemical deposition in which a p-Cu2O layer was deposited on an n-Cu2O layer by carefully controlled bath conditions. It was found that the open-circuit voltage of the homojunction solar cell was significantly influenced by the pH of the lactate bath. The variation of the pH was used to achieve the best possible crystal orientation for homojunctions. The crystallinity and morphology of the products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-energy x-ray diffraction (HEXRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The current density voltage (J-V) analysis showed that the sulfur treatment and annealing enhanced the photocurrent by ten-fold compared to the untreated and unannealed homojunction solar cell. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies confirmed that the sulfur treatment eliminated the surface CuO and formed a thin layer of CuS, which was very useful to make the front Ohmic contact. Transient measurements confirmed that the p-type Cu2O layer, which was subjected to sulfur treatment, significantly reduced the recombination, thus enhancing the efficiency of the solar cell. The best sulfur treated annealed Ti/n-Cu2O/p-Cu2O/Au solar cell produced an energy conversion efficiency of 2.64% with an open-circuit voltage of 490 mV and a short circuit current density of 12.8 mA cm−2 under AM 1.5 illumination.

scholarly journals Spherical Sb Core/Nb2O5-C Double-Shell Structured Composite as an Anode Material for Li Secondary Batteries

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1999
Author(s):  
Hyungeun Seo ◽  
Kyungbae Kim ◽  
Jae-Hun Kim
Keyword(s):  
Volume Change ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Active Material ◽  
High Capacity ◽  
Reversible Capacity ◽  
Cycle Performance ◽  
Core Material ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Improved Performance

Antimony (Sb)-based materials are considered to be attractive for use in Li secondary battery anodes because of their high capacity. However, their huge volume change during Li insertion-extraction cycling limits their cycle performance. The Sb-active material can be combined with intercalation-based active materials to address these issues. In this study, spherical Sb core/Nb2O5 shell structured composite materials were synthesized through a simple solvothermal process and a carbon coating was simultaneously added during heat treatment using a naphthalene precursor. The resulting double-shelled materials were characterized with X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. The electrochemical test results showed that a reversible capacity of more than 450 mAh g−1 was retained after 100 cycles. This improved performance is ascribed to the double-shelled structure. The large volume change of the nano-sized Sb core material was alleviated by the double-shelled structure, which consisted of crystalline orthorhombic Nb2O5 and amorphous carbon. The shell materials also aided rapid charge transport.

scholarly journals Biochar as a low-cost, eco-friendly, and electrically conductive material for terahertz applications

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Woongkyu Park ◽  
Hyuntae Kim ◽  
Hajung Park ◽  
Soobong Choi ◽  
Sung Ju Hong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Annealing Temperature ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Electrically Conductive ◽  
X Ray ◽  
High Annealing ◽  
Structural And Electrical Properties ◽  
Terahertz Frequencies ◽  
Terahertz Conductivity

AbstractWe investigate conducting characteristics of biochar derived from the pyrolysis of a paper at terahertz frequencies. Paper is annealed under temperatures ranging from 600 to 1000 °C to modify structural and electrical properties. We experimentally observe that the terahertz conductivity increases above 102 S/m as the annealing temperature increases up to 800 °C. From structural characterization using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, we confirm that more graphitic biochars are produced in high annealing temperature, in agreement with the improvement of terahertz conductivity. Our results show that biochar can be a highly promising candidate to be used in paper-based devices operating at terahertz frequencies.

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