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A novel and binder free Co@graphite/paper electrode is prepared by electrodeposition Co nano-sheet on the surface of a graphite layer modified paper substrate. The morphology and phase structure of the Co@graphite/paper electrode are characterized by scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer, transmission electron microscope and X-ray diffractometer. The catalytic activity of the Co@graphite/paper electrode for H 2 O 2 electrooxidation is investigated by means of cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The catalyst combines tightly with the paper and exhibits a good stability. The oxidation current density reaches to 580 mA cm −2 in 2 mol dm −3 NaOH and 0.5 mol dm −3 H 2 O 2 at 0.5 V. Besides, we illustrate the reaction mechanization of the H 2 O 2 electrooxidation on the Co film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Al-substituted β-Ni(OH)2 were prepared by a simple template-free growth method. [•] The effect of Al contents on the electrochemical performances was investigated. [•] The specific discharge capacity was greatly enhanced by the addition of Al. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Spherical clusters of Ni(OH)2 nanosheets are directly grown on skeletons of nickel foam via a facile template-free spontaneous growth method. The obtained electrode (β-Ni(OH)2/Ni-foam) is characterized by X-ray diffractometry, scanning and transmission electron microscopy and thermal analysis. Results show that Ni(OH)2 has a β-phase structure and presents on the nickel foam skeleton mostly as spherical clusters with a diameter of ∼10μm. The spheres are composed of nanosheets with thickness of ∼60nm, width of ∼230nm and length up to ∼2μm, and the nanosheets are assembled by nanoparticles with diameter of ∼20nm. The electrochemical performance of the β-Ni(OH)2/Ni-foam electrode is evaluated by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge tests. The difference between the oxygen evolution reaction onset potential and the anodic peak potential for this electrode (∼100mV) is larger than that for β-Ni(OH)2 nanosheets and nanotubes powder electrode (∼65–77mV) and much larger than that for commercial spherical β-Ni(OH)2 powder electrode (∼25–47mV), indicating that the β-Ni(OH)2/Ni-foam electrode can be fully charged. The specific discharge capacity of β-Ni(OH)2 in the β-Ni(OH)2/Ni-foam electrode reaches 275mAhg−1, which is close to the theoretical value, lower than that of β-Ni(OH)2 nanotubes (315mAhg−1), but higher than that of nanosheets (219.5mAhg−1), commercial micrometer grade spherical powders (265mAhg−1) and microtubes (232.4mAhg−1). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The surface of Pt nanoparticles was cleaned and saturated with hydrogen by treatment first with a 3% aqueous solution of H2O2 and then with hydrogen gas under water at room temperature. Reaction between the surface hydrogen and aqueous RuCl3 deposited 0.18 surface equivalents of Ruad onto the Pt nanoparticles. The deposition was repeated several times, with each reaction depositing ∼0.18 surface equivalents more Ruad onto the Pt–Ruad nanoparticles. The resulting Pt–Ruad nanoparticles were analysed using cyclic voltammetry, CO stripping voltammetry, and as catalysts for electrooxidation of MeOH in three-electrode experiments and in prototype direct methanol fuel cells. The optimum surface coverage (θRu) for electrooxidation of MeOH was ∼0.33 under these conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The electrode of array of CuO nanosheet is prepared via a template-free growth method, and it is doped by Ag via the silver mirror reaction. The morphology of Ag-doped CuO nanosheet is examined by scanning electron microscopy. The phase structure of the Ag-doped CuO nanosheet is analyzed by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy. The supercapacitance behavior of Ag-doped CuO nanosheet is investigated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge test and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results show that the thickness of a single nanosheet is up to around 150nm. The specific capacitance of the Ag-doped CuO nanosheet electrode is 689Fg−1 at 1Ag−1 and 299Fg−1 at 10Ag−1, respectively, much higher than that of the unmodified CuO nanosheet arrays (418Fg−1 at 1Ag−1 and 127Fg−1 at 10Ag−1). The improved capacitance is explained in terms of the presence of dispersed Ag particle coated the CuO nanosheet arrays having good electrical conductivity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract In this work, activated carbon tube bundles (ACTBs) with porous hollow structure are prepared using dandelion fluffs as precursors. The open-framework porous structure of the ACTBs contributes to large specific surface area and enhanced electrochemical performances. Then the ACTBs are further modified with polyaniline (PANI) using the in-situ polymerization method, the unique hollow tube structure of the ACTBs effectively increases the growth area for the PANI. The PANI modified ACTBs (PANI/ACTBs) composite exhibits an excellent rate performance due to the highly retained porous hollow tube structure, which promotes the electrolyte ions diffusion and electron transport. Meanwhile, the ACTBs and PANI/ACTBs serve as the cathode and anode electrode materials for asymmetric supercapacitor, respectively. As a result, the asymmetric supercapacitor displays a high energy density of 42 Wh kg−1 and a capable cycling stability. These results demonstrate that the PANI/ACTBs composite is a promising electrode material for the energy storage devices. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • The porous structure of the ACTBs contributes to the enhancement of the specific surface area and cycling stability. • The ACTBs can solve the aggregation problem and provide more space for the volume changes of the PANI particles. • The PANI/ACTBs exhibits high capacitance and the good cycling stability due to the combined advantages of PANI and ACTBs. • The PANI/ACTBs composite exhibits high energy density of 42 Wh kg−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• N-rich activated carbon was prepared from waste cotton. • The difference from the conventional KOH activation method is the addition of urea to the etching process. • The product exhibits better capacity, rate capability and lifetime in libs. • Larger surface area, suitable pore size, and high nitrogen content are key merits. With the advancement of battery technology, graphite as a negative electrode material for commercial lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) is reaching the limit of its capacity, and mesoporous carbon with a larger capacity is regarded as its best alternative. In this paper, waste cotton is used as the carbon source, and KOH and urea are used as pore formers and pore size regulators to prepare uniform mesoporous materials (N-PCC800) with a pore size distribution of 2–5 nm. Compared with the traditional KOH pore-making method, the addition of urea can adjust the pore size upward, thereby increasing the effective number of pores for Li+ insertion. While optimizing the structure, urea can also be used as an additional nitrogen source for the material to enrich the content of heteroatoms and defects, thereby increasing the amount of Li+ adsorbed by porous carbon. As an anode material, N-PCC800 exhibits a stable discharge capacity (1086 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1) far exceeding that of graphite. At a current density of 1000 mA g−1, there is still a capacity of 596 mAh g−1 remaining after 1000 cycles, indicating its advantages in rate performance and cycle performance. The optimized pore size and higher nitrogen content endow the carbon material with higher Li+ storage performance, and further kinetic analysis indicates that the increased capacity comes from the increased Li+ insertion. This work proposes a new pore size optimization scheme to obtain high-capacity mesoporous carbon, which provides an effective scheme for the reuse of waste cotton and cotton products and helps achieve the goal of carbon neutrality. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, for the first time, we design a high-energy-density double-chamber capacitor which consists of the cathode chamber (polyaniline@carbon fiber cloth electrode in HCl/FeCl 3 solution), anion-exchange membrane and the anode chamber (polyaniline@carbon fiber cloth electrode in HCl/FeCl 2 solution). Since the redox state of polyaniline can be continuously altered by the external potential during charging and discharging process, the addition of FeCl 3 (or FeCl 2 ) in the electrolyte works as chemical oxidant (or reductant) to oxidize (or reduce) the reduced (or oxidized) polyaniline to offer extended capacitance. Results show the double-chamber supercapacitor has a high area specific capacitance of 1.22 F cm −2 and an energy density of 108.44 μWh cm −2 , which are ∼3.5 times as large as those of the conventional single-chamber capacitor (0.35 F cm −2 / 31.11 μWh cm −2 ). This work demonstrates an innovative strategy by incorporating supercapacitor with fuel cell to improve the energy density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous magnesium ion battery as a new energy storage system is always explored due to excellent properties with high theoretical specific capacity, low-cost and safe aqueous electrolytes. However, the study on available material as anode in aqueous magnesium ion battery is very limited, which is the main reason that the kinetics of multivalent magnesium ions deinserted from the host material is very difficult. In this work, the nanoneedle FeVO 4 ·0.9H 2 O as available anode material is prepared and further modified by compositing with graphene. The FeVO 4 ·0.9H 2 O/Graphene composite exhibits the more excellent electrochemical performance, for example, the initial discharge capacity of FeVO 4 ·0.9H 2 O/Graphene electrode at the current density of 50 mAh g −1 in 1.0 mol L −1 MgSO 4 electrolyte is 183.8 mAh g −1 , but that of the FeVO 4 ·0.9H 2 O is 150.3 mAh g −1 . Therefore, the aqueous magnesium ion full battery is successfully assembled by FeVO 4 ·0.9H 2 O/Graphene as anode, 1.0 mol L −1 MgSO 4 as electrolyte and Mg-OMS-1 as cathode, which can obtain the discharge capacity of 53.1 mAh g −1 at a current density by calculate the total mass of two electrodes and the a high energy density of 58.5 Wh kg −1 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An especial current collector of Ti pillar arrays (Ti Ps) is prepared by a facile hydrothermal etching method. The Ti Ps substrate can be applied in acidic medium for its excellent stability, and the large specific surface area of this substrate is highly beneficial to the contact between electrolyte and catalyst. Pd deposited on the Ti Ps substrate is selected to be the catalyst for H 2 O 2 reduction due to its remarkable electrocatalytic activity and stability. The structure and phase composition of the Pd modified Ti Ps (Pd@Ti Ps) electrode are studied through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and inductive coupled plasma emission spectrometer (ICP). The electrocatalytic property of the Pd@Ti Ps electrode is studied through cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA). According to the results, the Pd@Ti Ps electrode exhibits a high reduction current density of 220 mA cm −2 at −0.2 V in 2 mol L −1 H 2 SO 4 and 0.5 mol L −1 H 2 O 2 which is greatly larger than that on Pd modified Ti plate (Pd@Ti plate) electrode. The activation energy of H 2 O 2 reduction on this electrode is 19.77 kJ mol −1 . The low activation energy and high electrocatalytic activity indicate that the as-prepared electrode can be applied as a potential cathode for fuel cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A unique nanostructure electrode consisting of RuO 2 nanoparticles with ultra-fine diameter (1.9 nm) anchored on the surface of graphene nanosheets (GNS) and carbon nanotube (CNT) is prepared as a binder-free supercapacitor electrode through two-step electrochemical routes. At first, free-standing GNS and CNT (GC) are directly deposited on the surface of carbon fiber cloth (CFC) to form a cross-linked composite via a cathodic electrophoretic deposition method. Safranin, a kind of cationic organic dye, is introduced in this stage as a new-type dispersant to disperse GNS and CNT in water to form a suspension solution. After the following electro-deposition process, the as-prepared GC composite is uniform covered with RuO 2 nanoparticles. Benefiting from the combined advantages of GNS, CNT and ultra-fine RuO 2 nanoparticles in such a binder-free structure, the hybrid electrode exhibits a high specific capacitance up to 480.3 F g −1 (based on the total mass of GNS, CNT and RuO 2 ) and remarkable cycling stability (89.4% capacitance retention after 10000 cycles). Furthermore, the assembled symmetric supercapacitor exhibits a high energy density of 30.9 Wh kg −1 and power density of 14000 W kg −1 with excellent stability performance (92.7% capacitance retention after 10000 cycles). Thus, the remarkable performance of the resultant RuO 2 electrode has provided a rational design strategy for developing supercapacitors with high energy density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 1D nanowire is prepared by in-situ etching current collector displaying faster electron transportation and better connection, plusing the directional charge transport properties, which could enable it become one of the most appropriate core of 3D core@shell structure. We apply novel nanowire-like Cu(OH) 2 , which is synthesized by etching copper foil, as core structure to be coated by novel NiOOH with high theoretical capacity. The fast electronic conductive core structure and promising faradic electrode material candidate material enable the Cu(OH) 2 @NiOOH/copper-foil electrode deliver high specific capacity of 1300 C g −1 at current density of 10 mA cm −2 and outstanding cycling stability of capacity retention of 88% after 10000 charge-discharge cycles, indicating the as-prepared Cu(OH) 2 @NiOOH/copper-foil electrode has potential application in electrochemical capacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous magnesium-ion batteries have shown the desired properties of high safety characteristics, similar electrochemical properties to lithium and low cost for energy storage applications. The micro-sheet morphology of todorokite-type magnesium manganese oxide molecular sieve (Mg-OMS-1) material, which applies as a novel cathode material for magnesium-ion battery, is obtained by the simple hydrothermal method. The structure and morphology of the particles are confirmed by X-ray power diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The electrochemical performance of Mg-OMS-1 is researched by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and constant current charge-discharge measurement. Mg-OMS-1 shows a good battery behavior for Mg 2+ insertion and deinsertion in the aqueous electrolyte. When discharging at 10 mA g −1 in 0.2 mol dm −3 MgCl 2 aqueous electrolyte, the initial discharge capacity reaches 300 mAh g −1 . The specific capacity retention rate is 83.7% after cycling 300 times at 100 mA g −1 in 0.5 mol dm −3 MgCl 2 electrolyte with a columbic efficiency of nearly 100%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon materials, especially graphene nanosheets (GNS) and/or multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT), have been widely used as electrode materials for supercapacitor due to their advantages of higher specific surface area and electronic conductivity, but the relatively low specific capacitance thus results in low energy density hindering their large applications. On the contrary, MnO 2 exhibits higher energy density but poor electrical conductivity. In order to obtain high performance supercapacitor electrode, here, combining the advantages of these materials, we have designed a facile two-step strategy to prepare 3D MnO 2 -GNS-MWNT-Ni foam (MnO 2 -GM-Ni) electrode. First, GNS and MWNT is wrapped on the surface of Ni foam (GM-Ni) via a “dip & dry” method by using an organic dye as a co-dispersant. Then, by using this 3D GM-Ni as substrate, MnO 2 nanoflakes are in-situ supporting on the surface of GNS and MWNT through a hydrothermal reaction. The specific capacitances of MnO 2 -GM-Ni electrode reach as high as 470.5 F g −1 at 1 A g −1 . Furthermore, we have successfully fabricated an asymmetric supercapacitor with MnO 2 -GM-Ni and GM-Ni as the positive and negative electrodes, respectively. The MnO 2 -GM-Ni//GM-Ni asymmetric supercapacitor exhibits a maximum energy density of 35.3 Wh kg −1 at a power density of 426 W kg −1 and also a favorable cycling performance that 83.8% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles. These results show manageable and high-performance which offer promising future for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ni(OH) 2 has been reported widely as one of the most promising supercapactior electrode materials due to its high specific capacitance, yet which were only based on low mass loading. Thus, it is desirable to promote supercapacitor performance for high mass loading Ni(OH) 2 through optimizing microstructure. In this work, we first prepared crossed ultrathin Ni(OH) 2 /ZnO nanoleafs directly grown on nickel foam via hydrothermal method, and then we produced pores on the nanoleafs by dissolving ZnO in alkaline solution. Definitely, this unique structure design for high mass loading binder-free Ni(OH) 2 electrode could benefit the penetration of electrolyte and the transportation of electrons, efficiently improving the supercapacitor performance. The obtained porous Ni(OH) 2 /NF electrode exhibits a mass specific capacity of 1142C g −1 based on 10 mg active materials, equating to a areal specific capaciy of 11.4C cm −2 , and pleasant cycling stability with retention of 85% of initial capacity after 10000 charge-discharge cycles. The fabricated asymmetric device shows a high energy density of 42 Wh kg −1 (4.73 mWh cm −3 ) at power density of 105 W kg −1 (17 mW cm −3 ). These results demonstrate the optimized structure makes the high mass loading binder-free Ni(OH) 2 /NF electrode could also display excellent supercapacitor performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facile in-situ etching current collector prepares corresponding oxide or sulfide, which is directly used as faradic electrode material, supplying faster electron transportation and better connection, and thus displaying good supercapacitor performance. Here, we prepare Cu x S via etching copper foam and investigate the influence of etching time on the morphology and electrochemical performance. The results show that compared with the nano-rod Cu x S-1h/CF, nano-rod/wire Cu x S-2h/CF and block/nanorod Cu x S-4h/CF, the nano-rod/ribbon Cu x S-3h/CF electrode exhibits the highest specific capacity (448.8C g −1 at current density of 5 mA cm −2 ). We fabricate asymmetric supercapacitor based on Cu x S-3h/CF as positive electrode and AC as negative electrode to further evaluate the supercapacitor property and the device achieves a high energy density of 35 Wh kg −1 at power density of 266 W kg −1 . Furthermore, the outstanding cycling stability of 88% capacitance retention after 5000 charge-discharge cycles more enable the Cu x S-3h/CF become promising faradic electrode material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urea electro-oxidation reaction in alkaline medium is systematically analyzed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The effects of polarization potential and KOH concentration on the impedance appearance are investigated. In the presence of urea, it is found that Nyquist plots exhibit two depressed semicircles, with one at higher frequencies stably locating in the first quadrant while the other’s location at lower frequencies varying between the first and second quadrant as the polarization potential changes. Results show both indirect and direct pathways proceed in urea electro-oxidation reaction. A mathematical model indicates the reverse loop in the Nyquist plots is attributed to CO 2 poisoning on the catalyst, which is also validated by the followed chronoamperometric method. Moreover, the rate determining steps of urea electro-oxidation reaction is dependent on KOH concentration. The EIS technique gives a new sight to interpret the poor stability of urea electro-oxidation on nickel catalyst, and thus helps to explore a CO 2 -insensitive catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bimetallic nanoparticles with excellent activity and stability have been widely studied as H 2 O 2 electroreduction catalysts. Hereby, we have successfully found a green fabrication of high-stability Au-Pd nanoparticles directly supported on carbon fiber cloth (Au-Pd NPs/CFC) by using tobacco extract (nicotinamide) as a simple and ecofriendly reducing agent. Transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analyses and high angle annular dark field scanning TEM are performed to characterize the morphology, composition and structure of the as-prepared electrode. Results show that alloy nanoparticles prepared with different mole ratios of HAuCl 4 /PdCl 2 mixtures in the wide range of 10–100 nm have a uniform distribution on every carbon fiber, presenting a regular circle shape. The 3D electrode is directly applied as the electrocatalyst for H 2 O 2 reduction in acid solution and does not introduce into any polymer binders. The catalytic performance is investigated by chronoamperometry and voltammetry, exhibiting desired catalytic performance and improved utilization than other representative nanomaterials recently reported. Furthermore, Au-Pd NPs do not aggregate after the whole test due to the effect of in-situ immobilization, showing a great significance for the application in fuel cells. A direct peroxide-peroxide fuel cell (DPPFC) using Au-Pd NPs/CFC cathode with Ni/Ni-foam anode acquires a maximum power density of 22.8 mW cm −2 . Electrochemical stability test through long-term potential cycles ( > 9 h) further confirms the high durability of the electrode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel-cobalt nanowire arrays (Ni-Co NWAs) electrode is prepared by one-step galvanostatic electrodeposition with a polycarbonate membrane as the template. By adjusting the Co proportion in the Ni and Co bath solution into 10%, the optimal Ni-Co NWAs electrode in terms of relatively lower onset potential and highest current density towards urea electro-oxidation is obtained. Its catalytic performance is investigated by constructing single direct urea/hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) fuel cell. Results show that a peak power density of 7.4 mW cm −2 and an open circuit voltage of 0.92 V are achieved at room temperature when 9.0 mol L −1 KOH and 0.33 mol L −1 urea are used as the anolyte, H 2 SO 4 and H 2 O 2 as the catholyte. Additionally, the urea/H 2 O 2 fuel cell also demonstrates excellent stability during short term duration test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urea peroxide as a solid-state fuel instead of liquid hydrogen peroxide is electro-catalytic oxidized by nickel nanowire arrays (NWAs) electrode. Nickel NWAs electrode is prepared by galvanostatically electrodepositing nickel into the pores and over-plating on the surface of polycarbonate template (PCT) from nickel bath solution. The NWAs are obtained after dissolving PCT in methylene chloride. Results show that urea peroxide decomposes into hydrogen peroxide and urea in aqueous solutions, then is electro-oxidized via two processes: i, hydrogen peroxide electro-oxidation at lower potential region; ii, both hydrogen peroxide and urea electro-oxidation at higher potential region. The onset oxidation potential and current density of urea peroxide electro-oxidation in 6.0 mol L −1 KOH and 1.0 mol L −1 urea peroxide are ca. -0.2 V and 700 mA cm −2 at 0.6 V, respectively. The nickel NWAs electrode demonstrates excellent stability for urea peroxide electro-oxidation under different polarization potentials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver particles with microspheric structure are directly electrodeposited on carbon fiber cloth (CFC) substrate by square-wave potential electrodeposition method. The electrocatalytic behaviors of the Ag/CFC electrode toward hydrazine oxidation in alkaline solution are examined by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. An onset oxidation potential of -0.5 V and a peak current density of 30 mA cm −2 are achieved in the solution containing 1.0 mol L −1 KOH and 20.0 mmol L −1 hydrazine. The microspheric structure of the Ag/CFC electrode provides large electroactive surface area, hence, abundant active sites are vacant for hydrazine oxidation. The calculated apparent activation energies at different potentials show that hydrazine electro-oxidation at higher potential has faster kinetics than that at lower potential. In addition, the transfer electron number of hydrazine oxidation reaction on the Ag/CFC electrode is close to four, suggesting hydrazine is almost completely electrooxidized on the electrode and the full use of hydrazine fuel is basically achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, Polypyrrole was used as the conductive wrapping material electro-deposited on the MnO 2 nanoflakes covered on C/TiO 2 nanowire arrays to form PPy@MnO 2 @C/TiO 2 double shell/core structured arrays electrode for supercapacitor. Their structure and surface morphology were studied by using X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results suggest that a thin layer of PPy was successfully wrapped on the surface of MnO 2 , and the shell/core structure of MnO 2 @C/TiO 2 nanowire arrays was not changed after electro-deposition of PPy. The electrochemical tests indicate that the PPy@MnO 2 @C/TiO 2 double shell/core arrays electrode exhibits high specific capacitance of 715 F g −1 at a charge/discharge current density of 1 A g −1 and improved specific capacitance retention to 84.0% after 1000 cycles. These results show that the unique three dimensional (3D) double shell/core structured electrode holds promise for high-performance energy storage devices. The superior capacitive perfomance may due to the unique 3D C/TiO 2 nanowires and the unique double shell/core structures. Firstly, the 3D C/TiO 2 nanowire arrays, as excellent platform for loading active materials, can facilitate the permeation of electrolyte. Moreover, the thin layer PPy tightly wrapped on the MnO 2 nanoflakes can improve the electrical conductivity of MnO 2 . Therefore, the PPy@MnO 2 @C/TiO 2 electrode is promising candidate for electrochemical energy applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

M 1/3 Ni 1/3 Mn 2/3 O 2 (M = Mg or Zn) is sucessfully synthesize from Na 2/3 Ni 1/3 Mn 2/3 O 2 via a electrochemical conversion method. The structure and morphology of the as-prepared material are systematically characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. The nano-sized morphology of M 1/3 Ni 1/3 Mn 2/3 O 2 is beneficial for the reduction of diffusion length and transfer acceleration of cations from the surface into the bulk interiors. XRD patterns reveal that crystal structure is maintained after the reversible Mg 2+ or Zn 2+ intercalation/deintercalation. Its performance for Mg 2+ and Zn 2+ intercalation/deintercalation in aquesous electrolytes is evaluated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic cycling and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Mg 1/3 Ni 1/3 Mn 2/3 O 2 exhibits an initial capacity of 170.5 mAh g −1 in 1 mol L −1 Mg(NO 3 ) 2 , Zn 1/3 Ni 1/3 Mn 2/3 O 2 displays capacity of 113.7 mAh g −1 in 1 mol L −1 ZnSO 4 . Mg 1/3 Ni 1/3 Mn 2/3 O 2 shows a good cycling performance and maintains 52.7 mAh g −1 at 1.0C after 200 cycles in 1.0 mol L −1 MgSO 4 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pt-modified Co nanosheet@carbon sponge (Pt-Co NS@carbon sponge) electrode is synthesized via a facile sponge carbonization method coupled with a direct Co electrodeposition and Pt chemical-deposition. The obtained electrodes are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The catalytic performances of H 2 O 2 electroreduction in alkaline medium are investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry (CA) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The Pt-Co NS@carbon sponge electrode exhibits unique nanosheet structure on the three-dimensional (3D) porous network skeleton with a large surface area and displays excellent catalytic performance. The Pt-Co NS@carbon sponge electrode achieves a reduction current density of −1.38 A cm −2 mg −1 in 3.0 mol L −1 KOH and 1.5 mol L −1 H 2 O 2 at −0.50 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) accompanied with a desirable stability, which is significantly higher than the catalytic activity of H 2 O 2 electroreduction achieved previously with precious metals as catalysts. The impressive electrocatalytic performance is largely attributed to the superior 3D open structure and high electronic conductivity, which ensures the full utilization of Pt surfaces and makes the electrode have higher electrochemical activity. Original Pt-Co NS@carbon sponge electordes have a great potential for the application in fuel cells due to its facile preparation, high performance and low cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three dimensional (3D) honeycomb-like NiS 2 /NiO nano-multiple materials were successfully prepared by fabricating cribrate NiS 2 on the surface of NiO nanosheets through simple hydrothermal process on nickel foam. The morphology and phase structure of the NiS 2 /NiO are characterized by scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer, transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer and the electrochemical properties are tested by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The NiS 2 /NiO electrode owns lower electrochemical impedance compared with bare NiO substrate and exhibits exceptional capacitance performance with a high specific capacitance of 2251 F g −1 delivered at current density of 1 A g −1 , while 1192 F g −1 retained at 20 A g −1 . What's more, after 2000 cycles, the specific capacitance remains 1275 F g −1 (at 5 A g −1 ) with a capacitance retention of 78%. Therefore, the NiS 2 /NiO electrode shows remarkable electrochemical performance and has a promising future for electrochemical supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unique Au nanosheets (Au NSs) are electrodeposited uniformly on Ni foam substrate via a one-step potentiostatic electrodeposition technique. The electrode is characterized by scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer and X-ray diffractometer. It shows a unique open structure allowing the full utilization of Au surface active sites. NaBH 4 electrooxidation in KOH solution on the Au NSs/Ni foam electrode are studied by linear sweep voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The electrode exhibits a high catalytic performance outperforming the Au particles made by the same method. At the oxidation potential of 0 V, the current density of 827 mA cm −2 can be achieved on Au NSs/Ni foam electrode, and only 219 mA cm −2 was obtained on Au NPs/Ni foam electrode, indicating that the catalytic activity is increased by 278%, which is attributed to the porous 3D structure, ensuring the full utilization of Au surfaces. Besides, H 2 generated by NaBH 4 hydrolysis can quickly diffuse away from the electrode, preventing surface active sites of Au from blocking by adsorbed gas bubbles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high-performance capacitor battery AC/ λ -MnO 2 based on Na-ion insertion-deinsertion into λ -MnO 2 in 1 mol dm −3 Na 2 SO 4 solution is successfully demonstrated. A simple acid leaching technique is used to produce λ -MnO 2 by treating LiMn 2 O 4 with H 2 SO 4 . X-ray power diffraction and inductively coupled plasma analysis provide supporting evidences for the extraction of Li + from the LiMn 2 O 4 , and the particle morphology of λ -MnO 2 is studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. A high specific capacity of 390.7 mAh g −1 is obtained for the λ -MnO 2 electrode at a current density of 13.6 mA g −1 with a nearly 100% efficiency. The capacitor battery AC/ λ -MnO 2 can operate at a cell voltage as high as 2.2 V, and it exhibits a specific energy of 19.7 Wh Kg −1 at a high power density of 3500 W Kg −1 and a high energy density of 71.7 Wh Kg −1 at a low power density of 403 W Kg −1 . It has potentials to be used as an energy storage device for the integration of solar and wind power into the electrical power grid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] MnO2/C/TiO2 shell/shell/core arrays electrode has been prepared by simple thermal reaction and electrodeposition method. [•] The unique shell/shell/core structure has easy access of electrolyte ions, large surface to volume and high electrochemical activity. [•] The MnO2/C/TiO2 shell/shell/core arrays exhibits high specific capacitance of 639 F g−1 at a charge/discharge current density of 1 A g−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] λ-MnO2 is prepared by treating LiMn2O4 with H2SO4. [•] λ-MnO2 has ideal battery behavior for polyvalent cations (Mg2+, Zn2+) to intercalate/deintercalate in aqueous electrolyte. [•] λ-MnO2 electrode exhibits a high specific capacity of 545.6 mAh g−1 at 13.6mAg−1 in 0.5mol dm−3 MgCl2 electrolyte. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Electrodeposition of Au nanothorns supported on Ni foam for NaBH4 oxidation is reported [•] The unique 3D electrode exhibits good catalytic performance for NaBH4 electrooxidation [•] The unique 3D electrode is consisted of thorn-like Au with the corrugated appearance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Electrodeposition of Au nanoflowers supported on CFC for ethanol oxidation is reported. [•] Many thorn-like Au nanostructures have a common basis to form a single flower. [•] The as-prepared electrode exhibits good catalytic performance for ethanol electrooxidation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] MgFe2O4 nanoparticles are prepared by a sol–gel method. [•] The initial discharge specific capacity under the current density of 180mAg−1 reaches 1404mAhg−1. [•] The high specific capacities and good stability were due to its small particle size and the good electrochemical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A 3D porous Ni film is electrodeposited on Ni foam via electrodeposition. [•] Ni/Ni-foam electrode shows high catalytic activity for H2O2 electrooxidation. [•] DPPFC with Ni/Ni foam anode and Pd/CFC cathode has been demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Pd nanofilm supported on carbon coating TiO2 nanocone arrays (C@TiO2) is reported. [•] Pd NF-C@TiO2 electrode shows an open structure allowing the full utilization of Pd. [•] Pd NF-C@TiO2 electrode exhibits high catalytic activity for H2O2 reduction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Dendritic Pd supported on CFC is decorated with Au via potential pulse technique. [•] Au@Pd/CFC electrode shows high catalytic activity for H2O2 reduction and oxidation. [•] DPPFC obtains a much higher performance based on the Au@Pd/CFC electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Carbon fiber cloth supported micro- and nano-structured Co electrode is prepared by a facile and fast square-wave electrodeposition method. The electrode is characterized by scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffractometer. Its electrocatalytic performance for hydrazine oxidation in alkaline media is investigated by means of cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Co is uniformly deposited on the carbon fiber surface and presents as nano-sheets and micro-particles intersected mutually. The nano-sheets have a thickness of around 250nm and the size of the micro-particles is up to around 10μm. Hydrazine electrooxidation on the electrode occurs via both direct and indirect pathways. The activation energy of the direct electrooxidation of hydrazine is 16.6kJmol−1 which is higher than that of the electrooxidation of hydrogen in the indirect pathway (9.9kJmol−1). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The electrochemical behavior of the aluminum current collector with a fresh surface (the scratched aluminum foil) in three kinds of Grignard reagents/THF electrolytic solutions has been studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis methods. The experimental results show that the passivating film on aluminum foils after five cycles of CV tests is mainly composed of Al2O3. The pitting potentials of scratched aluminum foils in three kinds of Grignard reagents/THF electrolytic solutions increase in the order of EtMgCl/THF

Abstract: Nanostructured CuO with diverse morphology was directly grown on copper foam. Their supercapacitance performance was investigated and correlated with the morphology. CuO nanowires, nanosheets, and flower-like nanostructures were formed on copper foam which acts as both the substrate of CuO formation and the current collector of the electrode. Their morphology was examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy and their phase structure was analyzed by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy. The supercapacitance of the nanostructured CuO on copper foam was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Results showed that the specific capacitance of the nanostructured CuO strongly depends on its morphology and dimension. CuO nanosheets exhibited higher specific capacitance than nanowires and flower-like nanostructure. The specific capacitance of the CuO nanosheets reached 212Fg−1 at a current density of 0.41mAmg−1 in 6.0moldm−3 KOH electrolyte. The capacitance loss is around 15% after 850 charge/discharge cycles at 0.41mAmg−1 and the majority of capacitance loss occurred in the initial 50 cycles (8.1%). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Running of direct 2-propanol fuel cell generates liquid acetone as the main product in the anode compartment. Its concentration continuously increases during cell operation. Its effect on the electrooxidation of 2-propanol at the anode catalyst deserves to be addressed. In this study, the influence of acetone concentration and reaction temperature on the electrooxidation of 2-propanol at Pt and Au electrode in alkaline electrolyte is investigated by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The results show that the rate of 2-propanol electrooxidation at Pt and Au electrode is remarkably diminished with the increase of acetone concentration. When the concentration of acetone reaches 0.1molL−1, the oxidation current of 2-propanol at Pt and Au electrode decreases by around 50% and 30%, respectively. The effect of acetone can be attributed to its competitive adsorption with 2-propanol on electrodes surface, leading to the poison of electrodes. Increase of reaction temperature decreases the oxidation current of 2-propanol at Au electrode. Au electrode is more tolerant to acetone than Pt electrode at low acetone concentration. Results of this study suggest that new acetone insensitive electrocatalysts are needed for 2-propanol electrooxidation in alkaline electrolytes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Co3O4 nanowires have been successfully synthesized on nickel foam by a hydrothermal method. The morphology of Co3O4 is examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy and the phase structure of Co3O4 nanowires is confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The electrochemical capacitance behavior of the Co3O4 nanowires electrode is investigated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge test and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in 6moldm−3 KOH solution. The results show that the Co3O4 nanowires have diameters of around 100nm and the lengths up to 1–2μm. The specific capacitance of Co3O4 nanowires is 1019.58Fg−1 at 3.38Ag−1 and 466.06Fg−1 at 33.80Ag−1. The capacitance loss is less than 5% after 1000 charge/discharge cycles at 3.38Ag−1 and with columbic efficiency higher than 98%. The enhancement of pseudocapacitive properties at a higher charging/discharging rate is due to the porous nanostructure and the high utilization of active material. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Three F-doped biomass carbon were prepared by combining PTFE, DAST, HF and hemp. • The fluorinated products showed unexpected morphology and structure. • Products (by PTFE) exhibit the best capacity, rate capability, and lifetime in PIBs. • A lot of defects and high heteroatom content are key merits. Heteroatom doping can effectively improve the electrochemical activity of carbon materials. In this paper, three kinds of fluorine-doped biomass carbon are synthesized using industrial hemp core as the precursor and Poly tetra fluoroethylene (PTFE), Diethylaminosulphur trifluoride (DAST) and Hydrofluoric acid (HF) as fluorinating agents, respectively. Among them, the PTFE-treated biomass carbon (PTFE-CHEMP) is wrapped by fluorine-containing nanotubes, which has the most defects, the most F doping amount and the optimum pore size, and is beneficial to the adsorption of K +. When used as the anode of potassium ion batteries (PIBs), the PTFE-CHEMP electrode can provide an average reversible capacity of 369.6 mAh g−1 (200 mA g−1) in 500 cycles. Even at a high current of 2000 mA g−1, it can still provide an excellent rate capability of 229.3 mAh g−1. Kinetic analysis verify that its excellent rate performance comes from the K + storage mechanism dominated by surface-driven behavior. In addition, the constant current intermittent titration technique (GITT) shows that it still has the storage capacity for K + at high potentials. This work not only provides a reference for subsequent research on fluorine-doped biomass carbon, but also provides a potential solution for the production of low-cost, high-capacity PIBs anodes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Sulfur-doped hemp-derived carbon is used in PIBs high-performance anodes. • It exhibits a higher capacity and better rate capability at 60 °C than at 25 °C. • Bonded sulfur is awakened at high temperature to enhance the adsorption of K +. • High temp promotes the decomposition of electrolyte is the main cause of danger. • The full cell composed of PTCDA exhibits excellent capacity at 60 °C. Potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) have huge advantages in terms of price and resource abundance, and are ideal substitutes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), but there is currently little research on their high-temperature fields. In this work, the sulfur-doped biomass carbon (CHP/S) is synthesized from biomass hemp stalks as the carbon source and sulfur powder as the sulfur source, with a high sulfur content of 18.6%. Sulfur mainly exist in the form of bonded sulfur (S-C, S-O) and have quite favorable stability. As a PIBs anode, it exhibits a specific capacity of 589 mAh g−1 (30 mA g−1) at 60 °C, which is 1.5 times the capacity at 25 °C. Electrochemical analysis and kinetic analysis indicate that the increased capacity mainly comes from the "arousal effect" of sulfur under high temperature conditions, and an increased temperature has a positive effect on the absorption and desorption performance of the material. In addition, the full cell assembled with Perylene-3, 4, 9, 10-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) cathode shows greater capacity (~80 mAh g−1) at 60 °C than at 25 °C. Unfortunately, the electrolyte decomposition problem caused by high temperature is easily dangerous. The result is of great significance to the research of high-temperature PIBs. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bimetallic metal selenides have gained increasing attention as potential electrode materials for energy storage systems owing to good electrical conductivity and superior electrochemical activity. Herein, the Ni x Co y Se 2 (x+y=1) electrodes are prepared by a facile and rapid electrodeposition process. The electrochemical performance is optimized via adjusting the ratio of Co and Ni. It is turned out that equivalent Co and Ni in the composite (Ni 1/2 Co 1/2 Se 2) shows the best supercapacitor performance, including high specific capacity (166.1 mAh g−1) and long-term stability. Moreover, Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculation confirms the covalent interaction between nickel and cobalt, implying the existence of synergistic effect. To assess the practical value of the rationally designed Ni 1/2 Co 1/2 Se 2 electrode material, an asymmetric supercapacitor device is fabricated (Ni 1/2 Co 1/2 Se 2 //AC), which delivers a high energy density of 46.0 Wh kg−1 at 1141 W kg−1, coupled with 9.8% capacity loss after 10000 cycles. Notably, the low-voltage setups (LED and electric fan) can be easily activated by two devices in series, further demonstrating the great potential for practical application of Ni 1/2 Co 1/2 Se 2 electrode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a novel method for loading phosphorus nanoparticles by gas deposition. A large amount of nano phosphorus is loaded on the carbon matrix by the reaction of phosphine gas heating. The carbon is obtained by carbonization of hemp and has a natural porous structure. The combination of phosphorus and carbon in the form of C–O–P has better stability. The product obtained a stable capacity of 463 mAh/g at 0.04 A/g. There was still a reversible capacity of 270 mAh/g after continuous operation for 6 months at a high current density of 1 A/g, and the capacity retention rate was 96.7%. The excellent cyclic stability is due to new methods of phosphorus deposition. It can reach 10 times the running time of the same type of battery, which provides a new idea for preparing phosphor-doped electrode materials. Assembled into a potassium ion capacitor, an energy density of 294.2 Wh/kg can be obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a mainstream energy storage device, lithium-ion batteries have always been the focus of scientific researchers. As the most promising anode material, lithium metal has the advantages of high capacity and low reduction potential. Unfortunately, lithium dendrites can cause serious safety hazards during cycling. In this study, biomass carbon with a large number of straight holes was embedded with nickel particles as the anode framework. Nickel induces lithium to complete nucleation and growth in the pores and inhibits dendrite growth. Solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film growth, dead lithium, and electrode breakage all occur within the holes to a limited extent. Benefited from this internal reaction, the electrode obtains better electrochemical and cycling performances. The nickel-modified electrode was stably cycled for 1370 h at a current density of 5 mA/cm2 with a capacity of 2 mAh/cm2. Moreover, more massive capacity lithium storage (5 mAh/cm2) was tried, and the cycle was stable for 630 h. Using the same biomass carbon matrix, the pores were filled with sulfur powder as the positive electrode. After 100 periods of the full cell operation, the capacity retention rate is 85%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]