bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anaerobic Electrochemical Membrane Bioreactor (AnEMBR) for Low-Strength Wastewater Treatment with Resource Recovery
Authors: Katuri Krishna , Werner Craig , Jimenez-Sandoval Rodrigo , Chen Wei , Jeon Sungil , Lai Zhiping , Amy Gary , Saikaly Pascal
Published: February 2020

A new hybrid system that combines a microbial electrolysis cell and membrane bioreactor using electrically conductive, porous, hollow-fiber membrane was developed to treat low organic strength solutions (300 mg COD/L) and recover energy in the form of biogas. This new system is called an anaerobic electrochemical membrane bioreactor (AnEMBR). The nickel-based hollow-fiber serves the dual function of cathode electrode for hydrogen evolution and membrane to filter the treated effluent. The system was operated for 70 days and recovered up to 71% of the substrate energy as methane rich biogas due to biological conversion of the hydrogen evolved at the cathode surface to methane by hydrogenotrophic methanogens. At an applied voltage of 0.5 V the energy density of the produced biogas exceeded the electrical energy required to operate the system by 53%. Findings also suggest that hydrogen bubble formation, cathode potential and localized alkaline pH at the cathode membrane surface may help mitigate membrane fouling.
The Right Tool for the Job: Genetic, Genomic, and Evolutionary Studies of Organisms Suited for Industrial Strength Bioelectrocatalysis
Authors: Bond Daniel R
Published: February 2020

When Microbial Fuel Cells first harnessed metal-reducing bacteria fifteen years ago, model organisms with genetic systems and sequenced genomes were rare. Freshwater aquifers were active sites of research due to interest in heavy metal and petroleum bioremediation, low-strength wastewater was a common source of microbial inocula, and electrode potentials were a consequence of internal device resistance rather than potentiostat control. Thus we have a poor understanding of the microbiological and biochemical diversity capable of catalyzing bioelectrical reactions at conductivities and temperatures typical for industrial operation and desalination. We need model organisms which operate at higher salt concentrations, increased buffer capacities, raised temperatures, and controlled reduction potentials. This talk will discuss new genome sequences which reveal unexpected diversity in metal-reducing bacteria, not just from the Proteobacteria, but also less well-studied groups representing Gram Positive, Acidobacteria and Bacteroidetes/Chlorobi phyla. New genetic techniques that utilize deep sequencing can ask what mechanisms are important in these difficult to cultivate organisms, as well as in mixed communities and biofilm environments, accelerating discovery of proteins controlling their respiration in electrical devices. Such comparisons show that electron transfer strategies, redox potential preferences, electron shuttles, and conductivity behaviors are not well conserved, further underscoring a need to revisit basic research in a wider array of bacteria. Finally, we will show that because bioelectrochemical systems are artificial environments, they can be powerfully selective for growth of bacteria with particular strategies, and evolution of new variants, although the rules governing natural selection in biofilms are unique. Understanding the environments created by electrodes, and the organisms we need to favor to achieve a desired outcome, will be essential for successful long term operation.
Enrichment of Novel Electroactive Bacteria from Sediments via Potentiostatic Growth
Authors: Doyle Lucinda , Wuertz Stefan , Marsili Enrico
Published: February 2020

Sediments are usually enriched in electrochemically active microorganism via growth at defined potential, either in Microbial Fuel Cells or in potentiostat-controlled electrochemical cells. Despite the great microbial diversity of sediments from natural and man-made environment, most electrochemical enrichments select a small group of dissimilatory metal-reducing microorganisms.

In this study, we aim to enrich novel electrochemically active strains in sediments from various equatorial environments. Sediment inocula from urban waterways, industrial area, and mines were tested in long-term enrichment experiments at controlled anodic potentials. In addition to the conventional voltamperometric characterization, the biofilm, formed at the working electrode was subjected to Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) over a wide range of potentials. EIS of the biofilms reveal several charge transfer routes at different potentials and with different characteristic times. Furthermore, EIS enable monitoring the long-term changes of the electroactive biofilm and quantifying the effect of biofilm accumulation on the conductivity of the biofilm/electrode interface.

Electrochemical analysis is coupled with meta-genomic and meta-transcriptomics to reveal novel electrochemically active microorganisms and to understand their charge transfer mechanism. The understanding of the microbe/electrode interaction in the sediments will help controlling the dynamic of metal cycling in urban sediments. Furthermore, novel electrochemically active microorganism will find application in bioremediation and environmental sensing applications.
The Morphology and Electrochemical Properties of Pt and GDC Nano Composite Films Using Co-Sputtering Method
Authors: Lee Yoon Ho , Cha Suk Won , Cho Gu Young , Ji Sanghoon , Park Joonho , Chang Ikwhang
Published: February 2020

Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) has a potential of next generation energy conversion device for high energy conversion rate and clean emission. However it requires high temperature above 800oC due to low kinetics of electrolyte and electrode materials. Lowering operating temperature to 400~600oC allows high system stability, various material selection, fast start-up and convenient sealing. There were several studies to lower the operating temperature with structural and material approach. Among these, application of nano fabrication to electrode and electrolyte is one of the most promising candidates because thickness of electrolyte and TPB density of electrodes are strongly affects to the cell performance.

Up to now, several structures and materials for low temperature operation have been presented however, PVD based nano-porous Pt is dominantly used for cathode because conventional mixed conducting oxides shows poor electronic conduction and large overpotential at a certain temperature between 400~600oC.

Pt electrodes for LT-SOFCs are usually fabricated by physical vapor deposition (PVD) to increase TPB density because it can easily control grain and pore size into nanometer scale. However increased surface energy and mobility of nano sized Pt accelerates coarsening even at a low temperature operation.

In a metallurgical research area, several methods to enhance heat resistance of metals and one of the most effective methods are known as dispersion hardening. By uniform dispersion (<1% by weight) of thermally stable oxide nano particles (<50nm) in to metals, it prevents thermal degradation even in a high temperature.

In this research we used GDC as a dispersion oxide material to enhance physical and electrochemical property of Pt because it has high ionic conductivity and electronic conductivity among oxide electrolytes.

Pt & GDC nano composite electrodes were fabricated under co-sputtering using Pt and GDC target. 50mtorr of argon background gas pressure was maintained during sputtering and various sputtering power between 50~200W on Pt and GDC were applied to differentiate the composition.

Fabricated electrodes are treated at 500oC for an hour to characterize morphological change and analyzed by electron scanning microscopy. Finally, fabricated electrodes are applied into YSZ pellet and evaluated electrochemical properties.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Pd/C and PdAg/C Catalysts Prepared by Polyol Process and Reverse Micelles Methods for Ethanol Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Armenta-González Angélica Janeth , Arriaga Luis Gerardo , Carrera-Cerritos Raul , Guerra-Balcázar Minerva , Ledesma-García Janet
Published: February 2020

Carbon-supported Pd and PdAg nanoparticles are synthesized by polyol (P) and reverse micelles (RM) methods to perform a comparative study as catalysts for ethanol electro-oxidation in alkaline media. The aim of present work is to synthesize Pd/C and PdAg/C catalysts by polyol and reverse micelles methods in order to reduce the cost of the electrode anode material and increasing the catalytic activity towards EOR. PdAg/C is evaluated at different ethanol concentrations in alkaline medium. The catalysts were structurally characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Thermo-Gravimetric (TG) analysis. The electrocatalytic performance was studied by Cyclic Voltammetry in absence and presence of ethanol, Chronoamperometry and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). Electrochemical measurements showed that the catalysts obtained by reverse micelles presented excellent dispersion and small crystal size, resulting in materials with high electro-active area. However, the PdAg/C catalysts prepared by polyol process presented better catalytic activity and stability during the electro-oxidation reaction (EOR). Besides the excellent dispersion and low agglomeration promoted by using the polyol method, the catalytic enhancement can be also associated to the synergic effect between Pd and Ag elements.
Understanding the Relationship of Nanostructure to Performance in Additive Free TiO2 Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Chadha Tandeep Singh , Tripathi Alok Mani , Mitra Sagar , Subramanian Venkat R. , Biswas Pratim
Published: February 2020

TiO2 has recently emerged as a potential material for use as anodes for lithium ion batteries owing to its low cost, abundance and high chemical stability. There has been considerable interest in nanostructured thin films for this application since they offer higher surface area and thus better performance compared to bulk films. The performance of the anodes has previously been correlated to the particle size in these nanostructures. However, morphology and crystal orientation of the nanostructure have not yet been co-related to the performance of the battery. Also, current fabrication methods consist of multiple steps involving the use of carbon as conducting material and binders for adhering the active material to the current collector substrate. These, in addition to increasing the cost of fabrication, also pose a safety concern for high rate applications.

In this study, we present the fabrication of TiO2 nanostructures using a single step gas phase method directly on the current collector. Aerosol Chemical Vapor Deposition (ACVD) process has been successfully used for single step synthesis of nanostructured TiO2 with different morphologies by controlling the aerosol dynamics in the process. One dimensional (columnar) single crystal TiO2 nanostructures and granular structures were synthesized on stainless steel substrates (current collector) by the ACVD process. The electrochemical performance of these nanostructures was tested in a half-cell assembly against Li/Li+.

Single crystalline columnar structures exhibited enhanced specific capacity compared to the polycrystalline granular structures for the same structure height (Figure 1). The difference in performance of the columnar structures and the granular structures widens with increasing charging rates indicating the sluggish diffusion kinetics in the granular structures. This reduced performance of the granular structures was attributed to the presence of grain boundaries and the different crystallographic orientation in the structures. Further the performance of the columnar and granular nanostructures depended on the height of the structures. Mass transfer characteristics of the different morphologies were studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Galvanic Intermittent Titration Technique (GITT). Transport modelling of lithium in the nanostructure will be used to understand the correlation between the nanostructure and performance of the anodes.
Hierarchically Structured N-Doped Carbon/Sulfur Composite Electrodes with a High Sulfur Loading for Application in Li/S Batteries
Authors: Brezesinski Torsten , Schneider Artur , Sommer Heino , Janek Juergen
Published: February 2020

Rechargeable batteries have been receiving increasing attention over the past decade, in particular with regard to grid-storage and electric vehicle energy storage applications. Among the broad range of cathode materials, elemental sulfur (S) has the highest theoretical specific capacity of 1675 mAh/g, thereby making it one of the most promising positive electrode materials today.[1] The use of sulfur for next-generation lithium batteries is also highly desirable from the viewpoint of costs and sustainability. However, there are several issues related to safety and cyclability that have been preventing commercial application of the Li/S technology. For example, deleterious side reactions on the lithium metal anode and dissolution of reactive intermediates (polysulfides) during cycling have been shown to cause severe capacity fading.

Several approaches to addressing the problem of the “quasi-liquid” cathode have been reported and the use of lightweight nanostructured materials such as carbon to trap the generated polysulfides seems to provide a viable solution. In recent years, many such carbon/sulfur nanocomposite electrodes have been described in the literature. In the vast majority, however, the sulfur content and loading, and thus, also the areal capacity was too low for practical applications.[2] Both of these key parameters strongly affect the overall performance of Li/S batteries.

Here, we report on the preparation and electrochemical properties of hierarchically structured N-doped carbon/sulfur composite electrodes. Highly conductive (ionic liquid-derived) carbon monoliths with a nitrogen content of approx. 10% have been fabricated by facile hard templating and cathodes thereof with a sulfur content of 60% and loadings in the range of 1–4 mg/cm2 tested both in coin- and pouch-type cells. Stable specific capacities of greater than or equal to 700 mAh/g could be achieved over 200 cycles at a rate of C/5. For electrodes with the highest loading, this corresponds to an areal capacity of approx. 3.0 mAh/cm2. Literature reports on sulfur cathodes with similar areal capacities are scarce.[3] Besides the cycling performance, the cell chemistry has also been investigated, for example, by means of in operando synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction. Possible failure mechanisms will be discussed.

[1] Manthiram, A. Acc. Chem. Res.
2013, 46, 1125–1134.

[2] Lee, S. W., Shao-Horn Y. Nat. Nanotechnol.
2010, 5, 531–537.

[3] Song, J.; Wang, D. Adv. Funct. Mater.
2013, 24, 1243–1250.
In-Situ Growth of LiMn2O4 Nanocrystals Embedded in Three-Dimension Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Macrofilms as Stretchable Composite Cathode for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Cao Zeyuan , Wei Bingqing
Published: February 2020

Electrode materials with total flexibility including not only the bendability but also the stretchability play the key roles in the emerging stretchable energy storage devices especially for the stretchable lithium-ion batteries (LIB). Herein, a stretchable composite for LIB cathode was fabricated by in-situ growth of LiMn2O4 (LMO) nanocrystals in the 3D macrofilms of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) network via a low-temperature hydrothermal synthesis. Tomographic cross sections by focus ion beam (FIB) reveals the homogenous embedment of LMO nanocrystals spreading over the entire SWNT scaffold. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) have confirmed the strong chemical bonding between LMO and the carboxyl groups on activated CNT surface through the in-situ growth. Such intense interactions ensure the mechanical property and electrical conductivity inherited from SWNT. The as-prepared 3D composites could be laminated with elastomeric substrate such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to form stretchable cathodes with full flexibility. The electrochemical performance of the freestanding LMO-SWNT macrofilm composite has been evaluated by galvanostatic charge-discharge cycling measurements, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in CR2032 coin-cell configuration with lithium metals. The capacity retention exhibits a decreasing specific discharge capacity from initial 120 mAhg-1 approaching more stable to 100 mAhg-1 at the rate of 0.1 C (~ 15 mAg-1) for over 250 cycles. Correspondingly the Coulombic efficiency starts increasing from about 70% to over 95% at the end of cycling. Then the potential intermittent titration technique (PITT) was employed to analyze the Li+ chemical diffusivity of the freestanding composite related to the electrochemical performance. This present work provides a necessarily preliminary examination on the feasibility of the stretchable cathode before developing the fully stretchable LIB in the future.
Experimental Study on Performance Improvement of Laminar Flow-Based Fuel Cell
Authors: Ejiri Eiji , Kubota Shotaro
Published: February 2020

The polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) is one of the promising candidates for the next generation power sources, however, there have still remained some issues such as manufacturing cost, material durability, fuel crossover and difficulty in water management. Almost all of these issues are attributed to the membrane used. The laminar flow-based fuel cell (LFFC), which is actually membraneless, has recently been proposed to overcome these issues. In LFFC, liquid fuel and liquid oxidant are supplied, flowing parallel with a thin boundary of diffusion zone, across which protons travel and electricity is generated.

This study aimed to improve the performance of LFFC and identify the factors that significantly influence the fuel cell performance. Here, the basic performance of a single cell LFFC, such as OCV and I-V characteristics, was investigated experimentally in conjunction with the internal flow visualization. Methanol solution was used as fuel and hydrogen peroxide solution or air was used as oxidant. Solutions were supported by sulfuric acid to enhance ionic conductivity. In I-V characteristics measurements, experimental parameters such as flow rate, oxidant concentration, operating temperature were varied to see how these parameters influenced the performance.

The results showed that the fuel cell performance was improved at higher operating temperature and oxidant concentration, however, performance improvement was not achieved at higher fuel flow rate. The results also showed that reduction of the electrode length along the flow direction decreased the influence of the boundary layer depletion and thereby improved the fuel cell performance. It was also revealed that the fuel cell performance was improved by reducing the distance between the electrodes. In conclusion, oxidant was more important than fuel in LFFC.
Effect of Ionic Liquid Anion Type in the Performance of Solid Polymer Electrolytes Based on Poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene)
Authors: Costa C. M. , Leones R. , Machado A. V. , Esperança J.M. S.S. , Silva M. M. , Lanceros-Méndez Senentxu
Published: February 2020

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) or ionic conductors were proposed by Gray in 1997 and are typically composed by polymer with salts in its constitution, finding applications in the areas of batteries, sensors/actuators and supercapacitors, among others. Recently, salts have been substituted by ionic liquid (ILs) due to their excellent properties, including high ionic conductivity (~10-3 – 10-2 S.cm-1), almost null volatility, null flammability, thermal stability, wide electrochemical windows (~4-6 V) and being environmental friendly [1-2].

The excellent properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene), P(VDF-TrFE), as solid polymer electrolyte with (N,N,N-trimethyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, [N111 2(OH)][NTf2] where demonstrated in [3], where the addition of the ILs affects the microstructure, thermal stability and ionic conductivity of the polymer membrane.

In this work, the effect of different anions within the ionic liquid for the development of SPE based on P(VDF-TrFE) has been investigated. 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate, [C2mim][OAc], 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium triflate, [C2mim][(CF3SO3)3], 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium lactate, [C2mim][Lactate], 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate, [C2mim][SNC] and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulphate [C2mim][HSO4] have been used for this purpose and the SPE were prepared by thermaly induced phase separation (TIPS). The thermal and electrical properties of the SPE strongly depend on the selected IL through their different interactions with the polymer matrix. The room temperature ionic conductivity increasing in the following way for the different anions: [SNC] > [CF3SO3)3] > [HSO4] > [Lactate] > [OAc].

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by FEDER through the COMPETE Program and by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) in the framework of the Strategic Project PEST-C/FIS/UI607/2011, PEST-C/QUI/UI0686/2013, PEST-OE/EQB/LA0004/2011, and grants SFRH/BD/68499/2010 (C.M.C.) and SRFH/BD/90366/2012 (R.L.). The authors also thank funding from Matepro –Optimizing Materials and Processes”, ref. NORTE-07-0124-FEDER-000037”, co-funded by the “Programa Operacional Regional do Norte” (ON.2 – O Novo Norte), under the “Quadro de Referência Estratégico Nacional” (QREN), through the “Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional” (FEDER). The authors thank Solvay for kindly supplying the high quality materials.

References

[1] F.M. Gray, Solid Polymer Electrolytes: Fundamentals and Technological Applications, VCH Publishers Inc., 1991.

[2] J.M. Tarascon, M. Armand, Nature
414 (2001) (6861) 359.

[3] R. Leones, C.M. Costa, A.V. Machado, J.M.S.S. Esperança, M.M. Silva, S. Lanceros-Méndez, Solid State Ionics 253 (2013) 143.
Doped and Core/Shell Structured Hematite Nanorods for Improved Photoanodic Performance for Solar Water Splitting
Authors: Shen Shaohua
Published: February 2020

In this study, a facile solution-based method was developed to fabricate hematite nanorods coated with ultrathin overlayer of TiO2 or AgxFe2-xO3, as well as doped with Ta5+. The core/shell nanorod structures of α-Fe2O3/TiO2 and α-Fe2O3/AgxFe2-xO3 were obtained by annealing solution-fabricated β-FeOOH nanorod arrays which were first ultrasonicated in TiO2 sol and Ag+ aqueous solution, respectively. In the α-Fe2O3/TiO2 nanorod structure, TiO2 overlayer could extract photogenerated holes from α-Fe2O3 core via the quantum-mechanical tunneling process, resulting in promoted charge carrier separation, and hence greatly improved photoelectrochemical performance for water splitting, with IPCE increased by a factor of 4.5 from ~2.0% to 9.0% at 400 nm. In the α-Fe2O3/AgxFe2-xO3 nanorod structure, the surface doping of Ag+ ions gave rise to increased electron donor density, which also led to the enhancement in photoelectrochemical performance with IPCE at 400 nm increased from ~2.0% to ~7.5%. Ta5+ doping was found to effectively enhance the PEC performace for water splitting, due to the improved conductivity, increased donor density and reduced charge recombination. However, excessive Ta doping will reduce the PEC acitivity, by forming insulating layer of Ta-rich oxide over the hematite surface.
Observation and Alterations of Surface States on Hematite Photoelectrodes
Authors: Wang Dunwei
Published: February 2020

As a prototypical material for solar water splitting, hematite represents an earth abundant compound whose band gap promises a potentially high solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency (up to 16%). Hematite materials also present many challenges, e.g., poor light absorption near the band edge, short hole diffusion distance, and slow charge transfer kinetics. These properties found in various other metal oxides are all present in hematite, making it a good research tool to test material design and treatment strategies that is of generic importance. One particular challenge of hematite pertaining to surface states is the low Vph generation, typically <0.4 V. The consequence is manifested by the late turn-on characteristics in the current-density-voltage (J-V) plots. Recent studies by us confirmed that low Vph, not high overpotential requirement, is the reason for the late turn-on. Here we present our recent study on the origin of the low Vph. Hematite prepared by atomic layer deposition (ALD) was found to exhibit photocurrents when illuminated by near infrared light (l = 830 nm), whose energy is smaller than the band gap of hematite. The phenomenon was inferred to be a result of valence band to surface states transition. The influence of surface states on the thermodynamics of the hematite/water interface was studied under open-circuit conditions. It was discovered that the equilibrium potential of hematite surface was more negative than water oxidation potential by at least 0.4 V. With a NiFeOx coating by photochemical decomposition of organometallic precursors, the equilibrium potential of hematite was restored to water oxidation potential, and the photoresponse under 830 nm illumination was annihilated. Therefore, the states were rationalized by the chemical status at the electrode surfaces, and this hypothesis was supported by similar observations on other metal oxide electrodes such as TiO2.
Nano Black Titania and Solar Applications
Authors: Yang Chongyin , Wang Zhou , Lin Tianquan , Huang Fuqiang
Published: February 2020

Searching of efficient semiconductor photocatalysts utilizing visible-light solar energy for hydrogen generation from water splitting remains a great challenge. Many efforts have been focused on enhancing visible light absorption by narrowing the bandgap of TiO2, but their visible-light power conversion still remains insufficient. Here we report a new low-temperature approach to synthesize black titania with a unique amorphous core/crystalline shell structure (TiO2@TiO2-x). This black titania improves visible and infrared light absorption and ultra-visible light photocatalytic activity. More importantly, the incorporation of nonmetal elements (X = H, N, S, I) into the shells significantly boosts visible-light photocatalytisis on both water splitting and waste-water cleaning. It is worth noting that the amorphous shell and the X termination as a strategy are necessary for titania to narrow bandgap and receive more efficient visible-light photocatalysis than any other reported titania.
The Past and Present Quest for Storing Solar Energy as Fuel
Authors: Parkinson Bruce A
Published: February 2020

The full potential of solar energy cannot be realized unless there is method to store it and use it as fuel. Despite large efforts in the past and the present there has been very little progress in the quest to develop a practical, inexpensive and efficient photoelectrochemical solar fuel device. In this talk I will give both a brief historical look at the past efforts to solve this problem and provide some options and opinions about the way forward. I will explain the reasons that photoelectrochemical production of hydrogen from water is preferable to large-scale carbon dioxide reduction for solar fuel production. Given this it is clear that materials that are stable and have the proper band gaps for an efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting device are currently unknown. In addition these materials need to be catalytic for water oxidation or reduction reactions or have catalyst layers deposited on their surfaces. I will discuss combinatorial methods for discovering new oxide semiconductors and solid-state catalysts that might be further optimized to be useful in a solar water splitting device. Researchers need to focus on quickly evaluating the many new materials that will emerge from the combinatorial searches to identify a few that have the potential to be stable, efficient and inexpensive. An example of collaborations between my laboratory and laboratories will be given as an example. A new concept for storing solar energy that is a simpler and potentially more efficient than a water splitting system will also be described.
Underlying Mechanisms of Plasmon-Enhanced Photocatalysis and Photoelectrochemical Performance
Authors: Wu Nick , Cushing Scott Kevin , Li Jiangtian
Published: February 2020

Plasmonic metal-semiconductor composite photocatalysts and photoelectrodes have received extensive attention of researchers. This talk describes how surface plasmon resonance (SPR) enhances the light absorption and transfers the plasmonic energy from the metal to the semiconductor, which induces the charge separation and refrains the charge recombination in the semiconductor. This talk will present three plasmon-enhanced photocatalysis mechanisms: photonic enhancement, direct electron transfer (DET) and plasmon-induced resonance energy transfer (PIRET) mechanism. The talk will give an example of solar hydrogen generation by plasmonic metal-semiconductor composites.

References

[1] J. Li, S. K. Cushing, J. Bright, F. Meng, T. R. Senty, P. Zheng, A. D. Bristow, N. Q. Wu, ACS Catalysis, 3 (2013), 47-51

[2] S. K. Cushing*, L. A. Hornak, J. Lankford, Y. Liu, N.Q. Wu, Applied Physics A, 103 (2011), 955-958.

[3] Li, J.; Cushing, S. K.; Zheng, P.; Meng, F.; Chu, D.; Wu, N. Q. Nature Communications, 2013, 4, 2651, DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3651.

Acknowledgement:

This work was supported by the National Science Foundation (CBET-1233795). The resource and facilities used in this work were partially supported by Research Challenge Grant from the State of West Virginia (EPS08-01), NSF (EPS 1003907), and the West Virginia University Research Corporation and the West Virginia EPSCoR Office. The use of WVU shared facilities is greatly appreciated.
Light Management in Extremely Thin Photoelectrode Architectures
Authors: Doiron Curtis , Bahauddin Shah M , Robatjazi Hossein , Thomann Isabell
Published: February 2020

Concepts from metamaterials, plasmonics and nanophotonics are expected to be highly beneficial for the design of future solar energy conversion devices. Here, I will describe how we use these concepts to design advanced photoelectrode architectures for two challenging photocatalytic reactions: water splitting and CO2 reduction. We focus on the light management aspect in extremely thin absorber structures to achieve broadband omnidirectional solar absorption while carefully choosing materials systems that allow for efficient charge separation and catalytic activity.

I will discuss the benefits of employing thin-film absorber photoelectrodes, which include the potential for enhanced charge carrier extraction, increased photovoltages and the possibility to exploit hot carriers for purposes of driving chemical reactions. I will also discuss our analytical models and three-dimensional electromagnetic simulations that we employ to meticulously engineer light absorption in two-dimensional materials and plasmonic metal nanostructures. Complementing these materials and device design efforts, we are developing an experimental characterization toolbox, including photoelectrochemical techniques and ultrafast spectroscopic techniques that will allow us to analyze the influence of distinct plasmon-induced effects (e.g., near-field concentration, hot charge carriers, heat generation) and non-plasmonic effects (e.g., sample morphology, catalytic and electronic effects, charge separation and recombination) on photocatalysis.
High Power Density Vanadium Flow Batteries with Laser-Cut Flow Field Patterns on Carbon Paper Electrodes
Authors: Agar Ertan , Dennison Christopher R , Kumbur Emin Caglan
Published: February 2020

A major technical issue that limits the commercialization of vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) is their relatively low power density which often results in higher cost [1-2]. Recently, significant research has been focused on exploring new electrode materials, which is the key component affecting the power density of these systems. Recently, Mench and co-workers utilized carbon paper as a potential electrode material for these systems due to its reduced thickness and high active surface area (as compared to conventional carbon felt electrodes), which enables reduced resistance with improved limiting current and power density. Using carbon paper electrodes, they were able to demonstrate a peak power of 557 mW cm-2, which is significantly higher than what had previously been reported in literature [3-5].

Although they provide higher power density, one drawback of carbon paper electrodes is that they have a lower porosity and reduced pore size, which can potential promote mass transport limitations. In a recent study, our group investigated the effects of macro-scale circular perforations on the power density and performance of the carbon paper electrodes to explore possible mitigation strategies for minimizing mass transport losses [6]. We observed that laser-perforation of carbon paper electrodes improved the power density and performance of the VRFB cell up to 30 % when compared to raw (non-perforated) carbon paper, despite a loss in total surface area.

Motivated by the results of our previous work, in this study, we go beyond simple circular perforations and utilize laser manufacturing techniques to produce more complicated geometries and flow patterns on carbon paper electrodes to identify an optimum perforation geometry that would further minimize the transport losses and yield higher power density. Specifically, we study several common flow field patterns, varying the design and geometry of the transport channels. The effect of flow field pattern on the peak power density and limiting current is investigated with the goal of providing further understanding of the coupling between the surface area, performance and mass transport losses in VRFB electrodes.

References

[1] N. Trung, R. F. Savinell. J. Electrochem. Soc.19 (2010) 54-56.

[2] E. Agar, C. R. Dennison, K. W. Knehr, E. C. Kumbur, J. Power Sources. 225 (2013) 89-94.

[3] D. S. Aaron, Q. Lui, Z. Tang, G. M. Grim, A. B. Papandrew, A. Turhan, T. A. Zawodzinski, M. M. Mench, J. Power Sources. 206 (2012) 450-453.

[4] Q. H. Lui, G. M. Grim, A. B. Papandrew, A. Turhan, T. A. Zawodzinski, M. M. Mench. J. Electrochem. Soc. 159 (2012) 1246-1252.

[5] M. P. Manahan, Q. H. Lui, M. L. Gross, M. M. Mench, J. Power Sources. 222 (2013) 498-502.

[6] I. Mayrhuber, C. R. Dennison, V. Kalra, E. C. Kumbur, J. Power Sources. In press, DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2014.03.007.
GPU-Accelerated Pore-Scale Transport Resolved Model for Flow-Assisted Battery Design
Authors: Andersen Charles , Qiu Gang , Kandasamy Nagarajan , Sun Ying
Published: February 2020

Redox flow batteries (RFBs) have emerged as grid-scale energy storage technology used in intermittent renewable energy resource applications due to their decoupled power and energy sizing and long life cycles. However, redox flow batteries suffer from low energy and power densities, which may be resolved by improving electrode design. As such, gaining insight into the effect of the electrode microstructure by using computer simulations is paramount in improving RFB performance. Such design optimization would not be possible through experimental procedure due to cost, time, or availability of materials.

Existing volume-averaged models treat the electrode/electrolyte matrix as a homogenous medium of uniform porosity. By contrast, we have developed a pore-scale simulation that distinctly accounts for the separate electrode/electrolyte phases. Our model requires no simplification or assumptions regarding the electrode morphology, and enables us to carry out detailed studies into the effects of the precise electrode microstructure with unprecedented fidelity. A comparison between the two approaches is shown in plots of electrode overpotential in a smooth distribution of a volume averaged model (Fig. 1a) and in a detailed 3D surface distribution of our pore-scale model (Fig. 1b). To simulate our system we use realistic carbon fiber geometry as an input to our simulation. X-ray computed tomography images of carbon fibers (Fig. 2a) are segmented in 2D images and then stacked as a 3D image (Fig. 2b) to create the virtual volume (Fig. 2c) from which we may take a selection of desired porosity. This model may be extended to the treatment of many different flow battery system configurations including all Vanadium, Vanadium/Bromide, and other novel VRB systems.

The primary drawback of a pore-scale approach is the high computational resources required. To overcome this challenge, in lieu of a traditional implementation with Message Passing Interface, which uses many central processing units to divide the computational effort of a simulation, as an alternative we employ the use of Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) which have been shown well suited for solving problems in computational fluid dynamics.

In this work we present an application using GPUs to increase the speedup of our simulations in order to simulate realistic length and time scales not possible using traditional methods (Fig. 3). Computational techniques for efficiently simulating RFB systems are examined along with the effect of domain size and number of processors on scalability and speedup.
Invited Presentation: Photovoltaic Materials and Devices for Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Li Yongfang
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Benefits and Barriers to Large-scale Energy Storage
Authors: Chiang Yet-Ming
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
the supercapacitive behavior of MnO2/graphene composite prepared by electrostatic self-assembly process
Authors: Cheng Honghong , Long Lu , Wu Jinqing , Shu Dong , Kang Zongxuan , Zou Xianping
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Nitrogen and Sulfur Doped Graphene As Efficient Electrocatalyst for Lithium Air Batteries
Authors: Ma Zhong , Yuan Xianxia , Li Lin , Ma Zi-Feng
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Enhanced Lithium-Storage Performance of MnFe2O4-Graphene Anode Materials for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Fu Yongsheng , Wang Xin
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
The Synthesis of Ni(OH)2/Graphene Composite Hydrogels and Their Properties
Authors: Meng Xiaoqian , Zhu Junwu , Wang Xin
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Research on Current Collectors for Lithium Ion Capacitors
Authors: Xu Qiyuan
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Electrochemical Performance of Hybrid Capacitors Using Pre-Lithiated Carbon Materials
Authors: Yuan Meirong , Song Yu , Jiang Dongdong , Zhao Zuzhen , Xu Yongjin , Liu Weiqiang
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Combination of a SnO2-C Hybrid Anode and a Tubular Mesoporous Carbon Cathode in a High Energy Density Non-Aqueous Lithium Ion Capacitor
Authors: Qu Wen-Hui , Han Fei , Lu An-Hui , Chao Xing , Qiao Mo , Li Wen-Cui
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Porous Sphere LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 Used As 5V Cathode Material for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Jing , Lin Weiqing , Zhao Jin Bao
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Fabrication of Cu2o/Ni Core-Shell Inverse Opal Electrodes with Three-Dimensionally Ordered Macroporous for High Capacitance Supercapacitors
Authors: Deng Ming-Jay
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
3D MnO2/Graphene Composites with Large Areal Capacitance for High-Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Tong Yexiang , Zhai Teng , Yu Minghao , Xie Shilei , Lu Xihong
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Si-Doping for Electrochemical Performance Enhancement of LiCoO2 and Li1.2Ni0.13Co0.13Mn0.54O2 Layered Cathode Materials
Authors: Ma Jin , Li Biao , Xia Dingguo
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Tailoring Nano-Structured Cathode Materials for High Performance Li-S Batteries
Authors: Zhao Teng
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Annealed NaV3O8 nanowires As a Novel Cathode for Na-Ion Battery
Authors: He Hanna , Wang Haiyan
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Enhanced Supercapacitor Performance with Pt Decorated Nanoporous-Gold/ MnO2 Hybrid Electrodes
Authors: Zhou Haijun , Zeng Zhigang , Long Xiao , Hu Zhiyu
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Electrochemical Synthesis of Sodium Titanates As Sodium Ion Battery Anode Materials
Authors: Li Haomiao , Wang Kangli , Wang Wei , Jiang Kai , Cheng Shijie
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Aromatic Organic Compound As High Performance Sodium Ion Battery Anode Material
Authors: Li Wei , Wang Kangli , Wang Wei , Jiang Kai , Cheng Shijie
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Space-Confinement-Induced Synthesis of Nitrogen- Doped Graphene for Supercapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Zhang Xiaogang , Shen Laifa , Wang Jie , Yun Xiaoliang
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Study on the Electrochemical Properties of Different Negative Electrode Materials for Li-Ion Capacitor
Authors: Luo Xu Fang , Wang Chen , Yang Hong ping , Jiang Dongdong , Yuan Meirong , Xu Yong jin
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Fabrication of NiO Nanosheets for High-Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Gao Qiuming , Tan Yanli
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Optimized Solvent-in-Salt Electrolytes for High-Energy Rechargeable Metallic Lithium Batteries
Authors: Hu Yong-Sheng
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Investigating Corrosions and Interfacial Effects of Gas Diffusion Layers in PEMWE
Authors: Zhang Feng-Yuan , Steen Stuart M.
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Ionic Liquid Based Electrolyte for Electrochemical Energy Storage Application
Authors: Zhang Lan , Chen Shimou , Zhang Suojiang
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Ternary nickel ferrite/Graphene/polyaniline hierarchical nanocomposites for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Xiong Pan
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Preparation of Graphene Oxide-Sliver Electrodes By Electrophoretic Deposition and Its Catalytic Performance for Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Xia Ji
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Keynote Presentation: The Changes of Sulfur Cathodes for Lithium or Sodium Batteries Operating at Room Temperature
Authors: Ahn Hyo-Jun
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Discovery of Battery Electrode and Electrolyte Materials Via High Throughput Methods
Authors: Li Bin , Kaye Steven S.
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Keynote Presentation: Proposal of New Anode Material Synthesized By Electro-Reduction for Future Lithium Batteries
Authors: Momma Toshiyuki , Nara Hiroki , Yokoshima Tokihiko , Osaka Tetsuya
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Influence of Ag/C Coating Modification on Electric Performance of Solid Solution Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2
Authors: Li Jianling, , Xue Qingrui , Pang Guo yao
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Nitrogen Enriched Mesoporous Carbon As High Capacity Cathode in Li-O2 Batteries
Authors: Nie Hongjiao , Zhang Huamin , Liu Tao , Zhang Yining , Li Jing , Lai Qinzhi
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Micro-Supercapacitors Based on Graphene Quantum Dots
Authors: Yan Xingbin
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Contact Resistance at PEM-PEM Interfaces: Charged Fluid Flow Between Nanochannels
Authors: Kimmerle Sven-Joachim , Berg Peter
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
High Performance Non-Precious Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysts Based on Carbon Materials
Authors: Hu Yang , Sun Xiujuan , Xu Weilin , Xing Wei
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Atomic and Chemical Imaging of Pt Bimetallic Electrocatalysts
Authors: Gan Lin
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Ab-Initio Evaluation of Carbon Functionalized Pt/TiO2 Catalyst for Pemfcs: A Interface Behavior
Authors: Li Jialong , Wang Zhenbo , Hao Sue , Yin Geping
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Electrocatalytic Performances of Rucrmose Clusters for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Dongjiang Zhao Dongjiang Zhao , Songyan Ma Songyan Ma
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Effect of nano TiO2 addition on properties of the IrO2 internal anode
Authors: Jiang Juming , Liu Gaoyang , Xu Juyuan , Wang Xindong
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Performance Degradation of High Temperature PEM Fuel Cell with an Accelerated Degradation Technique
Authors: Yan Wei-Mon , Jung Guo-Bin , Chen Hsin-Hung
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) As a Template for Syntheses of Nanoporous Carbons As Catalyst Supports for Direct Borohydride Fuel Cell
Authors: Liu Jing , Wu Chun , Zhao Lan Qing , Wang Hao , Wei Wei , Wang Xianyou , Shu Hongbo , Yi Hua Lan
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
DFT Study of Oxygen Reduction Reaction on Fe−N4 Site in Carbon Nanotube: The Influence of Diameter and Length
Authors: Chen Xin , An Li , Xia Dingguo
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Pt Nws/Carbon As More Robust Electrocatalysts for PEMFC Applications
Authors: Zhao Zuzhen , Song Yu , Xu Qiyuan , Yuan Meirong , Xu Yongjin
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
The Electrochemical Properties of Yttria-Stabled Zirconia Electrolyte Films By Slurry Dip-Coating Method
Authors: Wang Zhenhua , Sun Kening
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Characterization and Formation of Selectively Deposited Solar Electrode Using Electroless Plating Process
Authors: Pyo Sung Gyu
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Fabrication and Characterization of Platinum Nanoparticles Supported on Highly-Ordered Carbon-Doped Titania Nanotubes for Methanol Electrooxidation
Authors: Karimi Shahram
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Invited Presentation: Performance of Ssc-GDC Composite Cathodes for Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Fan Liquan , Wang Yuwei , Jia Zheng , Huo Hua , Xiong Yueping
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Keynote Presentation: IGFC Power Generation Combined with CO2 Utilization.
Authors: Han Minfang
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Plasmonic Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhai Jin , Song Lin yan
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Enhanced Photodegradation Performance of Nb Doped ZnO Thin Films Prepared By Electrostatic Spray Deposition
Authors: Yoon Hyun , Lee Jong-Gun , An Seongpil , Choi Jae-Young , Cha You-Hong , Lee Changmin , Yoon Sam S
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
DFT Studies on the Degradation of New Hydrocarbon Copolymer Used in Fuel Cells
Authors: Zhao Yuanyuan , Tsuchida Eiji , Choe Yoong-Kee , Ikeshoji Tamio , Ohira Akihiro
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Keynote Presentation: Raman Spectroscopy for in Situ Investigation of Electrochemical Systems
Authors: Ren Bin , Zeng Zhi-Cong , Zhong Jin-Hui , Huang Sheng-Chao , Li Mao-Hua , Huang Tengxiang , Lian Xiao-Bing
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Keynote Presentation: Electrocatalytic Reactions As Proved By Surface-Enhanced Infrared Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Osawa Masatoshi
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Advanced Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR)
Authors: Zhang Junliang , Zhu Fengjuan , Wang Chao , Jiang Fengjing , Shen Shuiyun
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Improving the Photocatalytic Activity By Adjusting Energy Band Configuration of Photocatalysts: From Both First-Principles and Experimental Approaches
Authors: Zhang Junying , Li Min , Wu Nick , Zhang Yue
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Fe-42Ni Alloy Sheets By Electroforming Method for Metal Encapsulant of Organic Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Hwang Moon Sick , Kim Sun Yong , Lee Dong Jin , Lee Min Su , Lee Yoo Jin , Lee Jae Hak , Yim Tai Hong
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
UV-Vis Spectroelectrochemical Investigation into the Redox Mediating Flexibility of Phenazines in Microorganisms
Authors: Chen Wei , He Hui , Qian Chen , Yu Han-Qing
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Keynote Presentation: Environmental Microbiology Based on Bioelectrochemistry
Authors: Tanaka Tsuyoshi , Matsunaga Tadashi
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.