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Electrolyte formulations are vital for the proper functioning of Na-ion batteries. A systematic study is conducted to optimize the electrolyte for a SnO2/graphene anode, which is prepared via a supercritical-CO2-assisted synthesis method. The effects of a propylene carbonate (PC) and ethylene carbonate (EC) solvent combination and a fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) additive on the electrode charge–discharge properties are examined. Incorporations of EC and FEC promote the formation of a more robust solid electrolyte interphase layer, improving the cyclic stability of the electrode compared to that found for an electrode in a PC-only electrolyte containing 1 M NaClO4 salt. Nevertheless, at 60 °C, an N-propyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide ionic liquid electrolyte clearly outperforms the PC/EC/FEC carbonate-based electrolyte in terms of electrode capacity, rate capability, and cyclic stability. This work indicates that the electrode sodiation/desodiation performance remarkably depends on the electrolyte composition, which should be optimized for various application demands and operation temperatures of batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ba1−x Sr x Ce0.6Zr0.2Y0.2O3−δ (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) proton-conducting oxides have been prepared using a citrate-EDTA complexing sol–gel method. In this study, the relationship between the Sr doping content and microstructure, chemical stability against CO2, and conductivity of the sintered Ba1−x Sr x Ce0.6Zr0.2Y0.2O3−δ pallets are systematically investigated using XRD, SEM, micro-Raman spectroscopy, and dc two-probe measurements. All sintered Ba1−x Sr x Ce0.6Zr0.2Y0.2O3−δ oxides exhibit excellent chemical stability after being exposed to the CO2 ambient at 600 °C for a long duration; nevertheless, their microstructures and conductivities are very sensitive to the Sr doping amount. The Sr incorporation is found to apparently suppress the formation of CeO2-like second phase, and enhance the grain growth in sintered oxides. Among all sintered samples, the Ba0.8Sr0.2Ce0.6Zr0.2Y0.2O3−δ pallet has the highest conductivity, 0.009 S/cm at 800 °C. This result can be attributed to the competition between the elimination of CeO2- or (Zr,Ce,Y)O2-like phase inhomogeneity and enhanced grain growth in sintered oxides, both of which adversely influence the ionic conductivity. This work demonstrates that Ba1−x Sr x Ce0.6Zr0.2Y0.2O3−δ would be a promising electrolyte for H+-SOFC applications if the Sr doping is well controlled. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Gallium-doped silver–indium–sulfide (Ga-doped AgInS2) samples were deposited onto fluorine-doped-tin-oxide (FTO) glass substrates using a one-step electrodeposition method. The effect of the [Ga]/[In] molar ratio in the solution bath on the structure, morphology, and photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of samples is reported. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of samples reveal that the peaks of samples shifted to higher angles with increasing [Ga]/[In] ratio in the solution bath. The thickness, direct band gap, and indirect band gap of the samples were in the ranges of 643–580nm, 1.84eV–1.93eV, and 1.42–1.59eV, respectively. The flat-band potentials of the films were in the range from –0.76 to –0.99V vs. a normal hydrogen electrode (NHE), as obtained using Mott–Schottky plots and open-circuit potential (OCP) measurements of samples. The maximum photoenhancement current density (10.37±0.13mAcm−2) was obtained for Ga-doped AgInS2 films with a precursor ratio of [Ga]/[In]=0.03 at an applied bias of +1.0V vs. Ag/AgCl electrode in K2SO3 (0.25M) and Na2S (0.35M) aqueous solution. Results show that high-quality Ga-doped AgInS2 thin films can be deposited on FTO glass using one-step electrodeposition for PEC applications. Stability test of the AgInS2 thin films in aqueous solution is also reported in this study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The primary concern of this work deals with the prediction of ther mal performance of the ultra-fine powder insulations (UFPI) Aerosil 380 at high temperature applications. Experimental results are obtained for the spectral extinc tion coefficients of the material from infrared transmission measurements. These re sults are compared with both of the mdependent and dependent scattering and ab sorption theoretical calculations The combined conduction and radiation problem is solved by the accurate Differential-Discrete-Ordinate (DDO) method. The experi mental values of the radiative properties and effective thermal conductivity had been used to deduce expressions of solid conductivity. Based on these values, the thermal performance of UFPI can be obtained. The results show that radiative transfer ac counts for approximately 10 percent of total heat transfer in UFPI at room tempera ture range and up to 40 percent at temperatures near 1000 K. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper reports the theoretical investigation of radiative heat transfer through the ultra-fine powder insulation (UFPI) Aerosil 380. The radiative transport process is modeled by the modified diffusion approximation solution and the two-flux solu tion of the equation of transfer. Accuracy of those two approximate methods are in vestigated by comparing the results with those of the Differential-Discrete-Ordinate (DDO) method. The radiative properties of UFPI for dependent effect consistent with these solutions have been determined based on the independent scattering and absorption coefficient which can be calculated by the Rayleigh scattering theory. The influences of the boundary emissivity on radiative heat transfer are also studied. The results show that the radiative thermal conductivity increases very sharply for the black boundary and has a very low value for the low-emissivity boundary. It is sug gested that UFPI systems should always be provided with low-emissivity boundaries around the aerosil powders. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Ba0.6Sr0.4Ce0.8− x Zr x Y0.2O3− δ (x =0–0.8) proton-conducting oxides are prepared using a sol–gel complexing process. The effects of the Ce/Zr ratio on various material properties are systematically investigated. The sintered samples show a perovskite crystal structure without impurity phases and have a rather compact interior, making them suitable for use as a fuel cell electrolyte. Increasing the Zr content in the oxides causes lattice constriction and suppresses grain growth during sintering at 1600°C. The ionic conductivity of the oxides increases with increasing Ce/Zr ratio. At 800°C, Ba0.6Sr0.4Ce0.8Y0.2O3− δ has a conductivity of as high as 0.14S/cm. However, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy evaluations show that this oxide cannot withstand a CO2 atmosphere. A suitable substitution of Ce with Zr in the structure significantly improves the chemical stability of the oxide without significantly degrading conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to develop a better carbon resistant anode compared to conventional Ni-BCZY anode for methane fueled protonic ceramic fuel cell (PCFC). Solid-state reaction process is used to prepare alloy Ni 1-x Cu x -BCZY anode in PCFC. Ni is doped with Cu for better carbon resistance. Results show that, Ni 0·9 Cu 0.1 -BCZY anode calcined at 800 °C for 0.5 h exhibit an electrical conductivity of 2054 S/cm at 600 °C, which is 8.4% less than traditional Ni-BCZY anode. XPS, and Raman data show that Ni 0·9 Cu 0.1 -BCZY anode exhibit resistance to carbon deposition compared to traditional anode. The best carbon deposition resistance is observed for the Ni 0·7 Cu 0.3 -BCZY sample. This work demonstrates the suppression of carbon deposition and inhibition of anode deformation in methane fueled PCFC with Ni 1-x Cu x -BCZY anode. This work is helpful for development of carbon-resistant materials for energy generation with solid oxide fuel cells. • Cu is doped in Ni-BCZY anode for increasing carbon deposition resistance (CDR). • Effects of Cu content on CDR and conductivity of anode are investigated. • EDS, XPS, EA and Raman spectroscopy are used to characterize CDR. • Increasing Cu content increases CDR, but reduces conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of a methanol-fed protonic ceramic fuel cell (PCFC)/gas turbine (GT) hybrid system is investigated in this work. To build the system, Thermolib software is employed with input parameters obtained from references. Effects of air stoichiometry on system performance are analyzed. Results show that, as air stoichiometry is increased, the reformer temperature and CO concentration decrease, while H 2 concentration increases. High air stoichiometry decreases PCFC temperature and performance. GT output power increases with increasing air flow. But, the power consumption by compressor also increases. Overall, to achieve higher system efficiency for this hybrid system, the optimum values of air stoichiometry are from 2.7 to 2.9. An additional heat recovery steam generator can also improve the overall system efficiency from 66.5% to 71.7%. This work helps in understanding the modeling and optimum functioning parameters of high power generation systems. • A PCFC/GT hybrid system fed by methanol is proposed. • A parametric study of air stoichiometry is investigated to obtain optimal values. • Maximum hybrid system efficiency of 71.7% can be obtained. • Higher amount of air increases gas turbine power output. • The optimal air stoichiometry is 2.7–2.9. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ternary silver–indium–sulfide samples were deposited on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass substrates using a one-step electrodeposition method. A new procedure for the deposition of AgInS2 samples is reported. The effect of the [Ag]/[In] molar ratio in solution bath on the structural, morphological, and photoelectrochemical properties of samples was examined. X-ray diffraction patterns of samples show that the films are the AgInS2 phase. The thickness, direct band gap, and indirect band gap of the films were in the ranges 209–1021nm, 1.82–1.85eV, and 1.44–1.51eV, respectively. The carrier densities and flat-band potentials of films obtained from Mott-Schottky and open-circuit potential measurements were in the ranges of 4.2×1019–9.5×1019 cm−3 and −0.736 to −0.946V vs. the normal hydrogen electrode (NHE), respectively. It was found that the samples with molar ratio [Ag]/[In]=0.8 in solution bath had a maximum photocurrent density of 9.28mA/cm2 with an applied bias of +1.0V vs. an Ag/AgCl electrode in contact with electrolyte containing 0.25M K2SO3 and 0.35M Na2S. The results show that high-quality AgInS2 films can be deposited on FTO-coated glass substrates for photoelectrochemical (PEC) applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Highly conductive, transparent TiO2-doped ZnO films are grown by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering in ambient hydrogen–argon (Ar+H2) gas at a temperature of 150°C and the effects of the Ti and H2 content on the structural, electrical, and optical properties of these TiO2-doped ZnO films are subsequently investigated. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy examination indicates that the variation of the H2 content in Ar has an influence upon the chemical state of the films. The X-ray diffraction spectra indicate that all the samples are polycrystalline ZnO films oriented perpendicular to the substrate surface (c-axis orientation). The lowest resistivity, 6.50×10−4 Ωcm, is obtained with 1.28wt.% Ti and H2 content in a 15% Ar ambient. The optical transmittance for TiO2-doped ZnO films in the visible region is about 85%. Due to the Burstein–Moss effect, the energy band gap increases with the carrier concentration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: TiO2-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) films were prepared by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering in argon gas. The electrical and optical properties in the TiO2-doped ZnO films as functions of the TiO2 content were investigated. It was observed that the (002) preferred orientation had a significant value of 34–35° for a Ti content of 0.71, 1.38, and 1.97at%. When the Ti content of the TiO2-doped ZnO films was above 2.81at%, the films became amorphous. The 1.38at% TiO2-doped ZnO films had the lowest resistivity: 9.02×10−3 Ωcm. All of the TiO2-doped ZnO films had 85% transmittance in the visible wavelength range. The optical energy band gap increased from 3.33eV for 0.71at% Ti to 3.43eV for 3.43at% Ti. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (LT-SOFCs) have recently gained enormous attention worldwide with a new research trend focusing on single layer fuel cells (SLFC), which have better cell performance than traditional SOFCs at low operating temperatures. In this study, a triple (e−/O2−/H+) conducting perovskite BaCo 0.4 Fe 0.4 Zr 0.1 Y 0.1 O 3-δ (BCFZY) is used as the intermediate layer material for SLFC. A high current density of 994 mA/cm2 at 0.6 V and a peak power density of 610 mW/cm2 with an OCV of 1.01 V has been achieved with a cell operating temperature of 550 °C, confirming the application feasibility of BCFZY in SLFCs. Furthermore, a typical proton conductor BaZr 0.8 Y 0.2 O 3-δ (BZY) is introduced into BCFZY to enhance the cell performance. By adjusting the mass ratio of the BCFZY-BZY layer, an optimal power density is obtained, achieving 703 mW/cm2 with an OCV of 1.03 V at 550 °C with an 8BCFZY:2BZY (wt%) ratio. These findings prove that the proposed BCFZY-BZY holds great promise for developing SLFCs to realize low-temperature operation. • A triple conducting BaCo 0.4 Fe 0.4 Zr 0.1 Y 0.1 O 3-δ is applied in single layer fuel cell. • The peak power density of SLFC with pure BCFZY reaches 610 mW/cm2 at 550 °C. • BaZr 0.8 Y 0.2 O 3-δ (BZY) is used to optimize the mixed conductivity. • With 20% BZY, the peak power density rises to 703 mW/cm2 at 550 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the various Sr(Ce 0.6 Zr 0.4) 0.9 Y 0.1 O 3-δ /YBaCo 2 O 5+δ (SCZY/YBCO) composite ceramic membranes were prepared by sintering at different temperatures and used as proton membranes for hydrogen permeation. SCZY and YBCO powders were prepared by the citrate-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid sol-gel process and solid-state reaction method, respectively. The chemical reaction, structure, morphology, thermal expansion, and electrical conductivity of SCZY/YBCO were investigated through X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal mechanical analyzer (TMA) and direct current four-probe method. The relative sintered density of SCZY/YBCO membrane sintered at 1250 °C was as high as 99.5%. The conductivity of the SCZY/YBCO increased with the sintering temperature. The SCZY/YBCO sample sintered at 1250 °C exhibited the highest conductivity of 13.44 S/cm at 800 °C. The H 2 permeability of the SCZY/YBCO membrane was 3.83 mL min−1 cm−2, much higher than that of SCZY at 800 °C (1.37 mL min−1 cm−2). • A composite high temperature proton ceramic membrane was prepared. • The electrical conductivity of samples is 13.44 S/cm at 800 °C. • A high hydrogen flux proton ceramic membrane was investigated. • A SCZY/YBCO film on the Ni-SCZY substrate was prepared and test for hydrogen permeation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigate the effects of adding titanium dioxide (TiO 2) and samarium doped cerium oxide (SDC) on the properties of yttrium-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte. The microstructure, mechanical, and electrochemical properties of the electrolyte are investigated. The performance in CO 2 electrolysis is measured by supplying carbon dioxide to Ni-YSZ electrode and nitrogen to LSM electrode. Results show that TiO 2 and SDC addition can reduce the sintering temperature and increase grain size. The ionic conductivity is 0.123 S cm−1 at 1000 °C. In addition, the thermal expansion coefficient at 1000 °C is 8.25 × 10−6 K−1. The current density of the cell is 439 mA cm−2 at 1.3 V and 1000 °C in solid oxide electrolysis cell. • Effects of SDC and TiO 2 doping on YSZ properties are investigated. • TiO 2 and SDC addition reduces the sintering temperature and increases grain size. • TiO 2 and SDC addition increases conductivity to 0.123 S cm−1 at 1000 °C. • An LSM/3TiYSZ-SDC/Ni-YSZ single cell is successfully assembled. • The CO 2 electrolysis current density reached 439 mA/cm2 at 1.3 V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the optimal combination of NiO and Ba 0.8 Sr 0.2 Ce 0.6 Zr 0.2 Y 0.2 O 3-δ (BSCZY) for fabricating anode materials, Ni-BSCZY samples were prepared using the solid state reaction process. The porous structure of anode substrates not only provides mechanical strength to the fuel cells to enable fuel gases to flow to the electrolyte membrane but also creates an excess surface area on which to form a larger triple-phase boundary when NiO is added to the anode sample. The effect of NiO content on the microstructures, surface area, and electric conductivity of these Ni-BSCZY (NiO55-BSCZY, NiO60-BSCZY, and NiO65-BSCZY) anode materials were systematically investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, an analytic technique based on the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area theory, and four-probe conductivity analysis. In addition, three anode-supported cells containing identical electrolytes but various combinations of NiO and BSCZY anode materials were fabricated and used for performance and electrochemical impedance measurement. The results revealed that the reactive surface area of the anode in contact with the electrolyte plays a crucial role in total cell performance. The cell containing the anode material (NiO60-BSCZY) with the highest surface area of 6.91 m2 g−1 and the lowest total resistance of 2.19 Ω cm2 exhibited the highest power density of 169.2 mW cm−2 at 800 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • GCCCO-BCZY electrolyte/cathode interlayer is grown by pulsed laser deposition. • Bulk heterojunction interfacial layer is formed via spontaneous phase separation. • HRTEM reveals a domain width of about 5 nm for both GCCCO-BCZY phases. • Both ohmic and polarization resistances in the cell can be significantly reduced. • Such a cathode design using an interlayer can boost the performance of P-SOFCs. The triple-conducting (e−/H+/O2−) oxides have been extensively studied as the most promising cathode materials for protonic solid oxide fuel cells (P-SOFCs) because of their excellent catalytic activity at lower operating temperatures of <600 °C. However, direct application of these cathode materials by brush-painting or screen-printing provides limited contact area with the underlying electrolyte layer, resulting in high cathode ohmic and polarization resistances. In this study, it is demonstrated that a bulk heterojunction Gd 0.3 Ca 2.7 Co 3.82 Cu 0.18 O 9-δ (GCCCO)-BaCe 0.6 Zr 0.2 Y 0.2 O 3-δ (BCZY) layer with a domain width of ∼5 nm can be grown by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) via spontaneous phase separation. Such a nanocomposite interlayer between spin-coated BCZY electrolyte and brush-painted GCCCO cathode can effectively increases the interfacial area between the two distinct phases and facilitates proton transport across the interface. This electrode design reduces the ohmic resistance by 0.35 Ω cm2 and the polarization resistance by a factor of three, thus significantly boosting the cell performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite La 0.75 Sr 0.25 Cr 0.5 Mn 0.5 O 3-δ (LSCM) has been used as a typical cathode for CO 2 electrolysis in oxide-ion conducting solid oxide electrolyzers; however, the limited electrocatalytic activity still restricts electrode kinetic process. In this work, catalytic-active V 2 O 5 nanocatalyst is impregnated in LSCM cathode to enhance electrocatalytic performance. Electrochemical measurements show that the loading of 2 wt% V 2 O 5 significantly improves electrode activity and accordingly reduces electrode polarization resistance from 2.6 Ω•cm 2 for LSCM to 1.2 Ω Cm 2 for V 2 O 5 -LSCM in pure hydrogen. The current densities and Faradic efficiencies with V 2 O 5 -LSCM electrode are remarkably enhanced by 30% and 40% in contrast to bare LSCM electrode in the voltage region of 1.2-2.0 V at 800 °C for direct carbon dioxide electrolysis, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orthorhombic Na 0.44 MnO 2 with wide structural tunnels for sodium ion transport is synthesized. Butylmethylpyrrolidinium-bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (BMP-TFSI) ionic liquid (IL) with various Na solutes, namely NaBF 4 , NaClO 4 , NaTFSI, and NaPF 6 , is used as an electrolyte for rechargeable Na/Na 0.44 MnO 2 cells. The cell with NaClO 4 -incorporated IL electrolyte exhibits superior charge–discharge performance due to it having the lowest solid–electrolyte-interface resistance and charge transfer resistance at both the Na and Na 0.44 MnO 2 electrodes. The IL electrolyte shows high thermal stability and is suitable for use at an elevated temperature. At 75 °C, the measured capacity of Na 0.44 MnO 2 in the IL electrolyte with NaClO 4 is as high as 115 mAh g −1 (at 0.05 C), which is close to the theoretical value (121 mAh g −1 ). Moreover, 85% of this capacity can be retained when the charge–discharge rate is increased to 1 C. These properties are superior to those of a conventional organic electrolyte. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study reports the synthesis of proton-conducting Ba1−x K x Ce0.6Zr0.2Y0.2O3−δ (x=0.025–0.075) ceramics by using a combination of citrate–EDTA complexing sol–gel process and the composition-exchange method. Compared to the sintered oxides of similar composition prepared from conventional sol–gel powders, Ba1−x K x Ce0.6Zr0.2Y0.2O3−δ oxides synthesized by sol–gel combined with the composition-exchange method are found to exhibit improved sinterability, higher conductivity, more homogeneous phase, and excellent chemical stability against CO2. Among all sintered oxides in this study, the Ba0.925K0.075Ce0.6Zr0.2Y0.2O3−δ pellet fabricated by this new method has the highest conductivity, 0.0094S/cm at 800°C, which is higher than those pressed from conventional sol–gel powders in the K doping range of 0–15%. Based on the experimental results, we discuss the mechanism for improvement in these properties in terms of calcined particle characteristics. This work demonstrates that Ba1−x K x Ce0.6Zr0.2Y0.2O3−δ oxides synthesized by sol–gel combined with the composition-exchange method would be a promising electrolyte for H+-SOFC applications. More importantly, this new fabrication approach may be applied to other similar material systems, such as Sr-doped Ba(Ce,Zr)O3 ceramics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Robust Ru-based thin films are successfully fabricated by single- (SA) and multiple-annealing (MA) thermal decomposition methods and are utilized as high-performance electrodes for the supercapacitors. Two critical parameters, the annealing temperature and treatment duration, are engineered for synthesizing stable thin-film electrodes. It is found that the SA thermal decomposition technique at 250 °C for 6 h results in stable RuO 2 electrodes with remarkable electrochemical performance. The MA approach consists of 2- and 3-stage thermal treatment steps. The maximal capacitance of MA-treated capacitor reaches as high as 308.8 F g−1. The MA-treated electrodes deliver exceptional rate capability as well as superior cycling stability (93% capacitance retention upon 2000 cycles). The enhanced performance is attributed to the multistep thermal stages along with the layer-by-layer deposition, enabling enhanced heat transfer to individual thin layers. An optimal thermal treatment procedure is assessed empowering enhanced capacitive performance due to high hydrous RuO 2 · x H 2 O ratio, reduced crystalline structure, facile electrolyte wetting, and stable adhesion between the deposits and the Ti substrate. The robust design of MA-treated thin film deposits paves the way for synthesizing high-performance electrodes for the supercapacitors. ga1 • RuO 2 thin films are fabricated by multiple-annealing (MA) decomposition method. • The MA approach consists of 2- and 3-stage thermal treatment steps. • The maximal capacitance of MA-treated capacitor reaches as high as 308.8 F g−1. • Optimal thermal procedure is assessed empowering enhanced capacitive performance. • Robust design of thin film deposits paves a way for electrodes in supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although nanoporous Pt film has been shown to be an effective catalyst for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells, the maximum power density of the cell is limited by the optimal film thickness. When the Pt film thickness exceeds the optimal value, regions with good gas transport (the side near the gas diffusion layer (GDL)) separate from regions with good proton transport (the side near the PEM), so the current density and the power density drop with increasing film thickness. Here we demonstrate that this obstacle can be overcome by laser micro-machining the GDL. The picosecond laser fabricates grooves on the GDL surface to greatly increase the effective surface area for Pt deposition, thereby reducing the local Pt film thickness. A nearly two-fold increase in the power density is achieved by using laser micro-machined periodic grooves of 20 μ m depth, reaching a 0.6-V power density of 853 mW cm−2 and a maximum power density of 1.2 W cm−2 with a cathode Pt loading of 200 μ g cm−2. The results also indicate that further enhancement may be achieved by increasing the surface modulation depth/period ratio and by implementing a better way to fill the grooves with polymer electrolyte. • Periodic grooves on gas diffusion layer are fabricated with laser micro-machining. • Conformal deposition of Pt nanoparticles are achieved by pulsed laser deposition. • Limitation on maximum power density with nanoporous catalyst layer can be overcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While treatment is a definitive therapeutic component in the management of inflammatory skin conditions, adjunctive skin care comprising of appropriate cleansing, moisturization, and photoprotection are just as important. Cleansing, treatment, moisturization, and photoprotection (CTMP) constitute the four major components of holistic skincare routine for dermatological conditions. However, inadequate patient understanding of the condition, limited resources for physicians, and insufficient time for patient education during busy dermatological consultations are the main obstacles to establishing a holistic skincare routine in the real world., Aims: This study aimed to identify key challenges in the implementation of a holistic skincare routine, and offer practical guidance to physicians to improve adoption in the management of acne, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and sensitive skin syndrome., Methods: An expert panel comprising of nine dermatologists from Australia, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand convened to develop consensus statements to stimulate real-world adoption of holistic skincare routine in acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, and sensitive skin syndrome using the Delphi approach., Results: Consensus was defined as ≥80% of panel rating statement as ≥8 or median rating of ≥8. The final statements were collated to develop consensus recommendations to encourage adoption of holistic skincare routine., Conclusion: Promoting patient education on the skin condition, training support staff in patient counseling, and offering physician training opportunities are the key strategies to encourage real-world adoption of CTMP as a holistic skincare routine. The consensus recommendations presented here should be considered in all dermatology patients to accomplish the ultimate goals of improved treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

To enhance Li storage properties, nitrogenation methods are developed for Si anodes. First, melamine, urea, and nitric oxide (NO) precursors are used to nitrogenize carbon-coated Si particles. The properties of the obtained particles are compared. It is found that the NO process can maximize the graphitic nitrogen (N) content and electronic conductivity of a sample. In addition, optimized N functional groups and O─C species on the electrode surface increase electrolyte wettability. However, with a carbon barrier layer, NO hardly nitrogenizes the Si cores. Therefore, bare Si particles are reacted with NO. Core-shell Si@amorphous SiN x particles are produced using a facile and scalable NO treatment route. The effects of the NO reaction time on the physicochemical properties and charge-discharge performance of the obtained materials are systematically examined. Finally, the Si@SiN x particles are coated with N-doped carbon. Superior capacities of 2435 and 1280 mAh g -1 are achieved at 0.2 and 5 A g -1 , respectively. After 300 cycles, 90% of the initial capacity is retained. In addition, differential scanning calorimetry data indicate that the multiple nitrogenation layers formed by NO significantly suppress electrode exothermic reactions during thermal runaway., (© 2024 The Authors. Advanced Science published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Functional nanostructures with abundant exposed active sites and facile charge transport through conductive scaffolds to active sites are pivotal for developing an advanced and efficient electrocatalyst for water splitting. In the present study, by coating ∼3 nm MoS x on nitrogen-doped graphene (NG) pre-engrafted on a flexible carbon cloth (MNG) as a model system, an extremely low Tafel slope of 39.6 mV dec -1 with cyclic stability up to 5000 cycles is obtained. The specific fraction of N on the NG framework is also analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy with synchrotron radiation light sources, and it is found that the MoS x particles are selectively positioned on the specific graphitic N sites, forming the unique Mo-N-C bonding state. This Mo-N-C bonding is founded to facilitate highly effective charge transfer directly to the active sulfur sites on the edges of MoS x , leading to a highly improved hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with excellent stability (95% retention @ 5000 cycles). The functional anchoring of MoS x by such bonding prevents particle aggregation, which plays a significant role in maintaining the stability and activity of the catalyst. Furthermore, it has been revealed that MNG samples with adequately high amounts of both pyridinic and graphitic N result in the best HER performance. This work helps in understanding the mechanisms and bonding interactions within various catalysts and the scaffold electrode.

To prevent the corrosion of carbon and to enhance corrosion resistance, charge transfer, and mass transfer, graphene, which exhibits a high surface area and good conductivity, was used as an electrocatalyst support for a fuel cell. Pt 3 Sn/G electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) were prepared with alcohol reduction. The characterization of synthesized catalysts was analyzed according to the energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS). The electrochemical performance was analyzed with cyclic-voltammetry (CV), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), and accelerated degradation test (ADT) measurements. The Pt 3 Sn/G electrocatalysts showed more positive onset potential and larger ORR mass activity than commercial Pt/C catalysts after 5000 cycles of ADT, indicating that in an acidic environment, Pt 3 Sn/G is more chemically stable than Pt/C. Graphene has effective acid tolerance, is more stable against corrosion, and shows increased stability through preventing PtSn nanoparticles from detaching from the surface. According to the in situ quick EXAFS (QEXAFS) under a CV test to clarify the potential-dependent state of the Pt 3 Sn/G electrocatalyst, the results show that the electrode surface is reproducible; there is no perceptible change in the oxidation state of the Pt 3 Sn/G electrocatalyst. The radial distribution function (RDF) of the EXAFS spectra shows that the adsorption and desorption of H + and OH - cause no structural change in the Pt 3 Sn crystallites. This work provides insight into the reaction mechanism of proton electroreduction and hydrogen adsorption on a Pt 3 Sn/G electrocatalyst surface.

We discuss here a solution-processed thin film of antimony trisulphide (Sb 2 S 3 ; band gap ≈ 1.7 eV; electronic configuration: ns 2 np 0 ) for applications in planar heterojunction (PHJ) solar cells. An alternative solution processing method involving a single-metal organic precursor, viz., metal-butyldithiocarbamic acid complex, is used to grow the thin films of Sb 2 S 3 . Because of excess sulphide in the metal complex, the formation of any oxide is nearly retarded. Sb 2 S 3 additionally displays structural anisotropy with a ribbon-like structure along the [001] direction. These ribbon-like structures, if optimally oriented with respect to the electron transport layer (ETL)/glass substrate, can be beneficial for light-harvesting and charge-transport properties. A PHJ solar cell is fabricated comprising Sb 2 S 3 as the light absorber and CdS as an ETL coated on to FTO. With varying film sintering temperature and thickness, the typical ribbon-like structures predominantly with planes hkl : l = 0 stacked horizontally along with respect to CdS/FTO are obtained. The morphology of the films is observed to be a function of the sintering temperature, with higher sintering temperatures yielding compact and smooth films with large-sized grains. Maximum photon to electricity efficiency of 2.38 is obtained for PHJ solar cells comprising 480 nm thick films of Sb 2 S 3 sintered at 350 °C having a grain size of few micrometers (>5 μm). The study convincingly shows that improper grain orientation, which may lead to nonoptimal alignments of the intrinsic structure with regard to the ETL/glass substrate, is not the sole parameter for determining photovoltaics performance. Other solution-processing parameters can still be suitably chosen to generate films with optimum morphology, leading to high photon to electricity efficiency., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest.