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Here, we report the investigation of carbon black as a cost-effective nanomodifier of thermoplastic polyurethane-based 3D printed electrodes for enhancing their electrochemical performances. The sensor was produced by scratching the working electrode with sandpaper, followed by the deposition of carbon black dispersion by drop casting. The morphological characterisation was carried out, showing the presence of a homogeneous coating of carbon black with a typical rough and spongy structure. Additionally, the electrochemical characterisation using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy highlighted the advantage of using carbon black as a nanomodifier of the working electrode surface after printing by obtaining the resistance of charge transfer equal to 327 ± 43 kΩ and 1.45 ± 0.06 kΩ for bare electrode and carbon black-modified electrode, respectively. When tested in cyclic voltammetry using ferro/ferricyanide, uric acid, dopamine, ascorbic acid, and free chlorine as target electroactive compounds, we demonstrated that the presence of carbon black cast onto the working electrode surface transformed the electrode from non-responsive to responsive electroanalytical tool. The analytical features of the developed responsive sensor were assessed for the detection of free chlorine in tap water with a linearity of 0.2–20 ppm and a limit of detection equal to 0.01 ppm. The accuracy was evaluated by spiking tap water samples with free chlorine concentrations equal to 0.5, 1, and 5 ppm, obtaining recovery percentages of (103 ± 2)%, (104 ± 3)%, and (95 ± 3)%, respectively. Additionally, the sustainability (electro)chemical-free pre-treatment thermoplastic polyurethane-based 3D printed electrodes modified with carbon black were evaluated by the White Analytical Chemistry principles. The advantages of 3D printed sensors modified with carbon black by drop casting were demonstrated, in terms of both the electrochemical performances and sustainable aspect, enlarging the use of carbon black as a nanomodifier to the 3D printed electrodes, beyond the 2D printed electrodes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charge-discharge processes of supercapacitor with carbon black KJEC 600/Li in non-aqueous electrolyte: 1 M LiPF6 in a mixture of ethylene carbonate (1/3), diethyl carbonate (1/3), dimethyl carbonate (1/3) are investigated. Galvanostatic cycling was carried out in the range from 1 to 4 V with currents from 100 to 5000 mA/g of carbon black. The maximum discharge capacity of 196 F/g has been reached. The porous structure and hydrophilic-hydrophobic properties of carbon black KJEC 600 were investigated by the standard contact porosimetry method (MSCP). The following values were obtained: total specific surface area of 2500 m2/g, total porosity of 7.8 cm3/g, hydrophilic porosity of 4.9 cm3/g, hydrophobic porosity of 2.9 cm3/g. The obtained experimental dependence of the energy efficiency has a maximum (80%) at a current of 250 mA/g. Mathematical modeling of charge-discharge processes of the supercapacitor is developed with taking into account the charging of the double electric layer (EDL) and adsorption of lithium ions according to the Butler-Volmer equation and the Frumkin isotherm for the carbon electrode are taken into account. From the comparison of the calculated and measured charge-discharge curves it follows that these curves are satisfactorily consistent with each other, which indicates the correctness of the model. The density of the exchange current and the specific capacitance of the EDL refereed to the true surface found by the fitting are equal to i 0,ad = 2.8 × 10−29A/сm2 and C dl = 3.5 μF/сm2 respectively. On the basis of the developed model for different specific currents the energy efficiency dependences on the exchange current density of the adsorption reaction were calculated. Interestingly, these dependencies have a minimum. Based on the model, the profiles of the potential the surface coverage of lithium ions were also calculated. • Charge-discharge processes of supercapacitor in non-aqueous electrolyte are studied. • The porous structure of carbon electrode was investigated by the reference contact porometry method. • Frumkin adsorption isotherm for the carbon electrode are taken into account. • The calculated and measured charge-discharge curves are consistent with each other. • Energy efficiency dependences on the exchange current density were calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need to deliver high performant and miniaturised electrochemical sensors has boosted the use of carbon nanomaterials as smart modifiers of working electrode surface. Among the carbon nanomaterials, the common and cost-effective carbon black has recently attracted the attention from the scientific community for its outstanding features as electrode nanomodifier for analyte detection. Herein, we report the structural and morphological characterisation of several types of carbon blacks, namely HP 160, HS20, MTN 990, N115, N220, N375, N660, PL6, Super P, and XE2B, by means of Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. Furthermore, the electrochemical characterisation of screen-printed electrodes modified with these carbon blacks was carried out by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy with ferro/ferricyanide as redox probe, highlighting the advantage to use carbon black as nanomodifier in respect to the bare electrode. Among several tested carbon black types, the lowest peak-to-peak separation and resistance to electron transfer values were achieved using screen-printed electrodes modified with CB N115, N375, HP 160 and PL6. The electrodes modified with these types of CB were successively tested in cyclic voltammetry towards epinephrine, benzoquinone, ascorbic acid, cysteine, catechol, and caffeic acid, observing a remarkable improvement of electrochemical performances in respect to the bare electrode, even when the amperometric mode was used. The results obtained demonstrated that several types of CB can remarkably improve the electrochemical performances of the sensors in terms of the decrease of applied potential or peak-to-peak separation, the improvement of the peak intensity, and the decrease of the resistance of the electron transfer due to several key features, including nanodimensions, the onion-like carbon structure, and the high number of defect sites. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Gold nanoparticle (AuNPs) functionalized ultra low-cost carbon black (CB) modified electrode was prepared. • Intrinsic Ni in the CB was utilized as a precursor for in-situ AunPs formation via alloy-like complex formation. • Highly efficient hydrazine-electrocatalytic oxidation was observed. • SECM technique was adopted for imaging of the surface-morphology. • Electroanalytical performance of the CB@AuNPs was explored. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) anchored carbon-nanomaterial chemically modified electrodes have been widely used for electrocatalytic applications. Indeed, only a fraction of AuNPs surface is found to be active, while most of the surface is inactive in nature. Thus, it is a challenging research to prepare active AuNPs suitable for electrocatalytic applications. Herein, we present a low-cost intrinsic nickel-containing carbon black (CB-Ni int , int= intrinsic nickel) modified glassy carbon electrode as an efficient matrix for forming highly active AuNPs (GCE/CB-Ni int @AuNPs). Specific electrocatalytic oxidation of hydrazine has been used as a model system to compare the active sites of the AuNPs. Various carbon nanomaterials like SWCNT, MWCNT, carbon nanofiber, and graphite nanopower-modified electrodes and externally deposited Ni (Ni ext) on the carbon-modified electrodes were examined as controls for the AuNPs formation and hydrazine electrocatalytic activity. Amongst all, the CB-Ni int matrix-modified electrode has shown the best electrocatalytic activity. The GCE/CB-Ni int @AuNPs was subjected to various physicochemical characterizations like FESEM, TEM, Raman, IR, XPS, and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) using a Eu3+/2+ redox probe. Meanwhile, with Fe(CN) 6 3−, ex-situ derivatization of Ni ext as Ni-hexacyanoferrate, CB@Ni ext -HCF, was specifically inferred. It has been revealed that AuNPs form an intrinsic Au-Ni int alloy system on the interstitial position of CB-Ni int. On the other hand, a bulk layer-like AuNPs morphology was observed with the CB-Ni ext modified electrode case. This unique structural feature of the CB-Ni int @AuNPs sets a new trend in AuNPs-based chemically modified electrode preparation and electrochemical applications. As a proof of concept, selective electrochemical sensor application of hydrazine with a current sensitivity of 4.37 mA mM−1 cm−2, which is about 5-10 times higher than the majority of the conventional AuNPs-modified electrodes, without any common interference from H 2 O 2 , uric acid, ascorbic acid, dopamine, and cysteine, was demonstrated. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Development of flexible nanocellulose-based carbon black@polyaniline electrodes. • Enhancement of the specific capacity and cycling stability by nanostructuring of PANI. • Green and cost-effective way to prepare high-performance pseudocapacitive electrode. Flexible, lightweight and electrically conductive composites based on renewable resources have recently attracted a growing interest for the development of high performance sustainable energy storage devices that can meet the needs of modern wearable and portable electronics. Herein, we developed a high performance carbon black@polyaniline (PANI) based flexible electrodes using a facile, low cost and environmentally friendly strategy. The strategy consisted of a co-deposition and nanostructuring of PANI layer with tailored morphology on the surface of carbon black and nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) via in situ polymerization. NFC acted as a mechanical skeleton and imparted the electrode with strength and flexibility to ensure excellent electrochemical performance. The co-doping of PANI chains via a combination of a primary/secondary dopant, namely, HCl/poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid), was used to control the morphology of PANI. Correlation between the textural properties of the carbon black, NFC loading, and the properties of the resulting electrodes was established. The maximum specific capacitance of 363±9 F/g at the potential scan rate of 50 mV/s was exhibited by the electrode with 60% of active material loading, for which an effective growth of hierarchical nanostructures of carbon black@PANI on the surface of NFC was achieved, leading to the highest specific surface area of the composite (861 m2/g) and a to a microporosity/mesoporosity balance. The remarkable cycling stability of the hybrid electrodes was attained as the specific capacitance retention was close to 100% with a negligible capacity decay within the tested period (over 500 cycles) regardless of the amount of the active material. This study provides an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to prepare high performance flexible electrodes for pseudo-capacitors [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly selective, sensitive and low potential detection of biological analytes by simple and rapid electrochemical technique using low cost nanocarbons is a demanding research since last decade. Herein, we report a low cost, new, nanocarbon, the carbon black (CL-08) functionalized with syringic acid (SA) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for selective L-cysteine (L-CySH) electrocatalysis at 0.04 V vs Ag/AgCl. The new matrix is competitive in the low potential L-CySH detection compared to the multiwalled carbon nanotube, graphite powder, carbon mesoporous and graphitized mesoporous carbon. The possible in situ generated redox products namely 2,6-dimethoxy benzoquinone and 3,4-dihydroxy-5-methoxy benzoic acid were proposed to form on the GCE/SA@CL-08 with two electron transfer and nernstian behaviours. FTIR and UV–vis analyses collectively revealed the presence of quinone species. The GCE/SA@CL-08 showed L-CySH electrocatalysis with good selectivity, 0.42 nA.μM −1 and 5.4 nA.μM −1 sensitivity in the detection range of 20–100 μM and 100–1000 μM respectively with 639 nM limit of detection, in chronoamperometry. A successful demonstration of L-CySH detection from the simulated blood serum and processed chicken samples with substantial recovery values using the GCE/SA@CL-08 were presented in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low cost graphite/carbon black counter electrodes were prepared under low-temperature for hole-conductor-free mesoscopic perovskite solar cells. Different mass fraction of carbon black particles in the interspace of graphite flakes not only modulates the connection of carbon black and graphite flakes, but also guarantees the good contact between the counter electrode and perovskite layer, which obviously improves the charge transport properties of the cells. The electrochemical impedance spectra and incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency study show evidences of it. Based on the optimized low-temperature carbon electrode (LTCE) with a thickness of 5 μm, power conversion efficiency about 7.29% and good stability are achieved for the hole-conductor-free mesoscopic perovskite solar cells. The abundant availability and excellent properties of such carbon materials based LTCEs offer a wide prospect for its further applications in perovskite solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High charge propagation of carbon electrode for electrochemical capacitor. • Adenine-derived carbon of high conductivity, good wettability and rich in nitrogen. • Comparison of gravimetric and volumetric metrics for carbon materials. Electrochemical capacitors are attractive power sources, especially when they are able to operate at high frequency (high current regime). In order to meet this requirement their constituents should be made of high conductivity materials with a suitable porosity. In this study, enhanced power and simultaneously high capacitance (120 F g −1 at 1 Hz or 10 A g −1) electrode material obtained from carbonized adenine precursor is presented. A micro/mesoporous character of the carbon with optimal pore size ratio and high surface area was proven by the physicochemical characterization. The beneficial pore structure and morphology resembling highly conductive carbon black, together with a significant nitrogen content (5.5%) allow for high frequency response of aqueous capacitor to be obtained. The carbon/carbon symmetric capacitor (in 1 mol L −1 Li 2 SO 4) has been tested to the voltage of 1.5 V. The cyclic voltammetry indicates a good electrochemical response even at high scan rate (50 mV s −1). The cyclability of the capacitor is comparable to the one operating with commercial carbon (YP50F). The adenine-based capacitor is especially favourable for stationary applications requiring high power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel acetylene black/sulfur@graphene composite (AB/S@G) with unique three-dimensional sandwich structure was successfully prepared via an in situ sulfur deposition strategy and self-assembly. Acetylene black as conductive carbon skeleton and graphene nanosheets as physical shields played an extremely important role for improving the electrochemical performances of the AB/S@G cathode. Compared with the AB/S cathode, the AB/S@G cathode with a sulfur content of 54 wt% exhibited a high utilization of sulfur, an enhanced cyclical stability, and an excellent rate capability. The AB/S@G cathode came true a high sulfur utilization of 95.73% after undergoing a high initial discharge capacity of 1603.5 mAh g −1 at a current density of 200 mA g −1 , much higher than that (71.78%) of the AB/S cathode. The excellent electrochemical performances were principally attributed to the combined effect of graphene nanosheets and acetylene black, which provided an improved electrical conductivity for the sulfur cathode, effective restraining for soluble polysulfides, and powerful buffer for the volume changes of sulfur during cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evolution of the chemical bonding nature and electrochemical activity of indium selenide upon the composite formation with carbon species is systematically investigated. Nanocomposites of In 4 Se 2.85 @graphene and In 4 Se 2.85 @carbon-black are synthesized via a solid state reaction between In and Se elements, and the following high energy mechanical milling of In 4 Se 2.85 with graphene and carbon-black, respectively. The high energy mechanical milling (HEMM) of In 4 Se 2.85 with carbon species gives rise to a decrease of particle size with a significant depression of the crystallinity of In 4 Se 2.85 phase. In contrast to the composite formation with carbon-black, that with graphene induces a notable decrease of (In Se) bond covalency, underscoring significant chemical interaction between graphene and In 4 Se 2.85 . Both the nanocomposites of In 4 Se 2.85 @graphene and In 4 Se 2.85 @carbon-black show much better anode performance for lithium ion batteries with larger discharge capacity and better cyclability than does the pristine In 4 Se 2.85 material, indicating the beneficial effect of composite formation on the electrochemical activity of indium selenide. Between the present nanocomposites, the electrode performance of the In 4 Se 2.85 @graphene nanocomposite is superior to that of the In 4 Se 2.85 @carbon-black nanocomposite, which is attributable to the weakening of (In Se) bonds upon the composite formation with graphene as well as to the better mixing between In 4 Se 2.85 and graphene. The present study clearly demonstrates that the composite formation with graphene has strong influence on the chemical bonds and electrode activity of indium selenide and the HEMM process with graphene nanosheet is fairly useful in exploring excellent electrode materials of metal chalcogenide–carbon nanocomposite for lithium ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly micro-mesoporous carbon electrodes have been synthesized by the polycondensation of resorcinol-formaldehyde-melamine mixtures in the presence of a carbon conductive additive. The materials showed high surface functionalization (N- and O- groups) provided by the precursors. Despite the low amount used, the conductive additive had a marked effect on the porosity of the aerogels; for a given series, the carbon black loaded materials showed similar micropore volumes and a more developed mesoporosity than the pristine aerogels. Furthermore, the activation treatment under CO 2 atmosphere led to an increase in the surface area along with a widening of the mesoporosity. The synthesized aerogels were explored as electrodes for the electro-assisted removal of sodium chloride from saline water. A desalting capacity of 7.3 mg/g was obtained for monolith electrodes of sample MRF-Act/CB, along with an excellent chemical stability upon charge and discharge at high polarization voltages. Such good electrochemical performance is due to the combination of an adequate pore network and surface functionalization with an enhanced electrical conductivity achieved upon the incorporation of the carbon black additive during the polycondensation of the aerogel precursors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, carbon additives such as activated carbon (AC) and carbon black (CB) are introduced to the negative electrode to improve its electrochemical performance, the negative electrode sheets are prepared by simulating the negative plate manufacturing process of lead-acid battery, the types and contents of carbon additives in the negative electrode sheets are investigated in detail for the application of lead-carbon battery. The electrochemical performance of negative electrode sheets are measured by chronopotentiometry, galvanostatic charge-discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, the crystal structure and morphology are characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The experimental results indicate that the appropriate addition of AC or CB can enhance the discharge capacity and prolong the cycle life of negative electrode sheets under high-rate partial-state-of-charge conditions, AC additive exerts more obvious effect than CB additive, the optimum contents for the best electrochemical performance of the negative electrode sheets are determined as 0.5wt% for both AC and CB. The reaction mechanism of the electrochemical process is also discussed in this paper, the appropriate addition of AC or CB in negative electrode can promote the conversion of PbSO 4 to Pb, suppress the sulfation of negative electrode sheets and reduce the electrochemical reaction resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel and sensitive electrochemical sensor for bisphenol A (BPA) determination based on carbon black supporting ferroferric oxide nanoparticles (Fe 3 O 4 NPs-CB) was developed. The Fe 3 O 4 NPs-CB nanocomposite fabricated on the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) demonstrated a high electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of BPA. The oxidation overpotentials of BPA decreased significantly and the peak current increased greatly compared with those of Fe 3 O 4 NPs- or CB-modified or bare GCE. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was used as a sensitive analytical method for the determination of BPA, and a much wider linear dynamic range of BPA determination was found between 0.1 nM and 50 μM. The limit of detection (LOD) for BPA was found down to 0.031 nM based on S / N = 3. Fabricated Fe 3 O 4 NPs-CB nanocomposite on GCE displayed several outstanding properties such as good stability, high sensitivity and remarkable repeatability. The described sensor has been used for the determination of BPA in water samples with good recovery, ranging from 93.2% to 104.1%. Additionally, the migration of BPA from PC drinking bottles was evaluated by using water to simulate migration into aqueous and acidic foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoplastic carbon composite electrodes have been introduced by our group as novel electrodes with improved electrochemical properties and previously applied for accurate detection of biomarkers using voltammetric methods. Because of their exceptional properties, we hypothesized they would work well as potentiometric ion-selective electrodes as well. In this work, potassium selective thermoplastic electrodes (TPEs) were developed for potentiometric detection for the first time and applied in biofluids. TPEs were fabricated using mixture of polystyrene and polycaprolactone and two types of graphite (MG1599 and Nano19) for comparison, and modified with carbon black via drop-casting. Carbon black modification was optimized in the presence of various numbers of carbon black layers, while ion selective membrane components were optimized at different component ratios. Under optimized conditions, TPEs exhibited Nernstian response to K + with sensitivity of 59.3 ± 1.01 mV decade−1 and near-Nernstian response with sensitivity of 56.8 ± 1.7 mV decade−1 within a linear range of 1.0 × 10−4 M-1.0 × 10−1 M with a LOD of 1.0 × 10−4- M for Nano19- and MG1599-based TPEs, respectively. The K +-selective TPEs demonstrated rapid response (4 s) and excellent stability, repeatability and reproducibility. The applicability of electrodes were shown in human pooled urine and artificial interstitial fluid samples with potassium ion concentrations ranging from healthy and unhealthy levels. Therefore, the electrodes could be used in healthcare applications for accurate detection of K + exists in complex matrix and can be easily adapted to simultaneously monitor other ions for diagnosis of diseases due to miniaturization of TPEs. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work describes the performance of a new voltammetric sensor based on the modification of glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) with carbon black (CB) and botryosphaeran (BOT) (CB-BOT/GCE) for the electroanalytical determination of cyclobenzaprine. BOT is a fungal exocellular (1→3)(1→6)-β-ᴅ-glucan, which was used to improve the adherence of CB onto the surface of GCE. The electrochemical characterisation was performed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy which showed an improvement in the transfer of electrons on the surface of the sensor developed in relation to the unmodified (bare) GCE. The voltammetric behaviour of cyclobenzaprine was studied using bare GCE, BOT/GCE, CB/GCE, and CB-BOT/GCE. All electrodes presented an oxidation peak (+ 1.0 V) for cyclobenzaprine, while the cyclobenzaprine peak intensity on CB-BOT/GCE was found to be 480% higher than the bare GCE. Through employing square-wave voltammetry, the analytical curve was found to be linear over the concentration range of 2.0 to 20.6 μmol L−1 (in 0.1 mol L−1 NaCl solution) with a detection limit (based on 3-sigma) of 0.63 μmol L−1. The developed electrochemical sensor exhibited excellent sensitivity and selectivity and was successfully applied for the voltammetric determination of cyclobenzaprine in pharmaceutical, biological, and environmental samples for the first time using the CB-BOT/GCE electrochemical sensing platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large overpotentials upon discharge and charge of Li-O 2 cells have motivated extensive research into heterogeneous solid electrocatalysts or non-carbon electrodes with the aim to improve rate capability, round-trip efficiency, and cycle life. These features are equally governed by parasitic reactions, which are now recognized to be caused by formation of the highly reactive singlet oxygen (1O 2). However, the link between the presence of electrocatalysts and 1O 2 formation in metal-O 2 cells is unknown. Here, we show that, compared to pristine carbon black electrodes, a representative selection of electrocatalysts or non-carbon electrodes (noble metal, transition metal compounds) may both slightly reduce or severely increase the 1O 2 formation. The individual reaction steps, where the surfaces impact the 1O 2 yield are deciphered, showing that 1O 2 yields from superoxide disproportionation as well as the decomposition of traces of H 2 O 2 are sensitive to catalysts. Transition metal compounds in general are prone to increase 1O 2. The results highlight the importance of 1O 2 in metal-O 2 cells and to use a comprehensive set of metrics to judge the impact of catalysts on reversibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lots of lithium ion battery (LIB) products contain lithium metal oxide LiNi 5 Co 2 Mn 3 O 2 (LNCM) as positive electrode active material. To increase the conductivity, conductive carbon-based materials including acetylene black and carbon black become necessarily consisted in electrodes. Recently, carbon nano-tube (CNT) appears as a popular choice for conductive carbon in LIB. However, a large quantity of the conductive carbon which cannot provide capacity as the active material will decrease the energy density of batteries. The ultra-high cost of CNT comparing to conventional carbon black is also a problem. In this work, we are going to introduce 'short length' and 'long length' carbon nano-tube (S-CNT and L-CNT) into electrode in order to design a reduced-amount conductive carbon electrode. The whole experiment will be done in 1 Ah commercial type pouch LIB. By decreasing conductive carbon as well as increasing the active material in positive electrode, the energy density of LNCM-based 1Ah pouch type LIBs with only 0.16% of L-CNT inside LNCM positive electrode could reach 224 Wh/kg and 549 Wh/L, in weight and volume energy density, respectively. Also, this high energy density LIB with L-CNT reveals stable cyclability may become a valuable progress in portable devices and electric vehicle (EV) applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3D-printing of conductive carbon materials in sensing applications and energy storage devices has significant potential, however high resistivity of 3D-printed filaments poses a challenge. Strategies to enhance sensors post printing are time consuming and can reduce structural integrity. In this work, we investigated the effects different printing layer thickness and orientation can have on the electron transfer kinetics and resistivity of conductive materials. The response of these electrodes was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and imaging. Electrodes printed with the lowest layer thickness of 0.1 mm in a vertical orientation had the greatest conductivity. With increasing print layer thickness and printing in a horizontal orientation, the electrode was more resistive. This work is the first to demonstrate the significant impact 3D-printing parameters can have on the electron transfer kinetics of carbon conductive electrodes. The implications of this study are important in defining the manufacturing process of electrodes for all applications. Electron transfer in 3D-printed electrodes: 3d-printed electrodes are printed in vertical and horizontal orientation with thickness ranging from 0.1 to 0.4 mm. Electron transfer kinetics are enhanced in vertical orientation at lower print layer thickness due to the formation of less air voids and more conductive pathways. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid-electrolyte interface (SEI) between the active material and the electrolyte is critically important to the electrochemical performance of a lithium-ion battery. In this work, a depth profile measurement of the SEI layer after prolonged electrochemical cycling is reported in order to quantify the influence of conducting additives in the development of this layer in mesocarbon microbeads (MCMB) electrodes. It is shown that the SEI in the electrodes having multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNT) as conductive additive is primarily a multi-layered structure consisting of an outer organic layer near the electrolyte/SEI interface and an inner inorganic layer near the SEI/electrode interface. The chemical analysis of such electrodes exhibits that the inorganic layer is made up of compounds such as Li 2 O, LiF and Li 2 CO 3, while the outer layer consists mainly of organic carbonates, oligomers, traces of randomly distributed Li x PO y F z and undissociated LiPF 6. The chemical analysis of electrodes with carbon black (CB) as conducting additive reveals a similar composition of the outer layer, whereas the inner layer shows a relatively uniform molar amount of organic and inorganic carbonates and species like Li x PO y F z and Li x PO y , resulting in a porous SEI layer which as confirmed in AFM and SEM characterizations. On the other hand, the electrodes containing hybrid (CB-CNT) conducting additives show a relatively higher oligomer content than the electrodes with CNT only. The SEI formed on electrodes with CB-CNT as additives is shown to offer increased flexibility to accommodate partial strain generated due to volume change with narrow cracks exhibited in the SEM micrographs. Further, the variation in surface features and roughness augment the XPS findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity gradient (SG) energy is a large, renewable, and clean energy source, which naturally exists between river water and seawater and can also be created by engineering processes. Here, bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) electrodes was used for efficient SG energy recovery in a chloride-ion concentration flow cell (Cl-CFC) based on a new mechanism, that is, chloride ion (Cl−) intercalation/deintercalation. Compared to previous Cl-CFC with BiCl 3 electrodes based on Cl− extraction/insertion (3.17 W m−2), the peak power density of the cell with BiOCl electrodes (4.36 W m−2) was higher under the same testing conditions when using synthetic river water (1 g L−1 NaCl) and seawater (30 g L−1 NaCl). Further investigations demonstrated that the relatively higher power density was attribute to the faster kinetics of Cl− intercalation/deintercalation at BiOCl electrodes than that of Cl− extraction/insertion at BiCl 3 electrodes. In addition, three BiOCl electrodes with different carbon black ratios (CB, 10%, 20% and 30%) were also prepared and examined in this study. Compared to BiOCl/10%CB and BiOCl/30%CB electrodes, the lower charge transfer and ion diffusion resistances, larger ion storage capacities and higher cell open circuit voltages of the BiOCl/20%CB electrodes were all beneficial to its higher power output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon materials are widely applied as conductive additives in studies of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline media catalyzed by transition metal oxides. In this work we investigate the anodic behavior of three representative carbon materials: furnace black (Vulcan XC-72R), acetylene black, and pyrolytic carbon of the Sibunit family (Sibunit-152), in 1 M NaOH at high potentials (ranging from the OER onset and up to ca. 2 V vs. RHE) in the time span from several minutes to several hours. We apply the rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE) to separate the OER current from the carbon corrosion current. We then use transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to visualize changes in the carbon morphology resulting from corrosion. Finally, we study the OER performance of composite electrodes comprising carbon materials mixed with a La 0.5 Sr 0.5 Mn 0.5 Co 0.5 O 3−δ perovskite OER catalyst, and discuss possible influence of the oxide on the carbon corrosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]