bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generic Non-recursive Suffix Array Construction
Authors: Olbrich Jannik , Ohlebusch Enno , Büchler Thomas
Published: February 2024

The suffix array is arguably one of the most important data structures in sequence analysis and consequently there is a multitude of suffix sorting algorithms. However, to this date the
GSACA
algorithm introduced in 2015 is the only known non-recursive linear-time suffix array construction algorithm (SACA). Despite its interesting theoretical properties, there has been little effort in improving
GSACA
’s non-competitive real-world performance. There is a super-linear algorithm
DSH
, which relies on the same sorting principle and is faster than
DivSufSort
, the fastest SACA for over a decade. The purpose of this article is twofold: We analyse the sorting principle used in
GSACA
and
DSH
and exploit its properties to give an optimised linear-time algorithm, and we show that it can be very elegantly used to compute both the original extended Burrows-Wheeler transform (
eBWT
) and a bijective version of the Burrows-Wheeler transform (
BBWT
) in linear time. We call the algorithm “generic,” since it can be used to compute the regular suffix array and the variants used for the
BBWT
and
eBWT
. Our suffix array construction algorithm is not only significantly faster than
GSACA
but also outperforms
DivSufSort
and
DSH
. Our
BBWT
-algorithm is faster than or competitive with all other tested
BBWT
construction implementations on large or repetitive data, and our
eBWT
-algorithm is faster than all other programs on data that is not extremely repetitive.
Improved Regression Analysis with Ensemble Pipeline Approach for Applications across Multiple Domains
Authors: Banik Debajyoty , Paul Rahul , Rathore Rajkumar Singh , Jhaveri Rutvij H.
Published: February 2024

In this research, we introduce two new machine learning regression methods: the Ensemble Average and the Pipelined Model. These methods aim to enhance traditional regression analysis for predictive tasks and have undergone thorough evaluation across three datasets, Kaggle House Price, Boston House Price, and California Housing, using various performance metrics. The results consistently show that our models outperform existing methods in terms of accuracy and reliability across all three datasets. The Pipelined Model, in particular, is notable for its ability to combine predictions from multiple models, leading to higher accuracy and impressive scalability. This scalability allows for their application in diverse fields like technology, finance, and healthcare. Furthermore, these models can be adapted for real-time and streaming data analysis, making them valuable for applications such as fraud detection, stock market prediction, and IoT sensor data analysis. Enhancements to the models also make them suitable for big data applications, ensuring their relevance for large datasets and distributed computing environments. It is important to acknowledge some limitations of our models, including potential data biases, specific assumptions, increased complexity, and challenges related to interpretability when using them in practical scenarios. Nevertheless, these innovations advance predictive modeling, and our comprehensive evaluation underscores their potential to provide increased accuracy and reliability across a wide range of applications. The results indicate that the proposed models outperform existing models in terms of accuracy and robustness for all three datasets. The source code can be found at
https://huggingface.co/DebajyotyBanik/Ensemble-Pipelined-Regression/tree/main
STDF: Spatio-Temporal Deformable Fusion for Video Quality Enhancement on Embedded Platforms
Authors: Deng Jianing , Dong Shunjie , Chen Lvcheng , Hu Jingtong , Zhuo Cheng
Published: February 2024

With the development of embedded systems and deep learning, it is feasible to combine them for offering various and convenient human-centered services, which is based on high-quality (HQ) videos. However, due to the limit of video traffic load and unavoidable noise, the visual quality of an image from an edge camera may degrade significantly, influencing the overall video and service quality. To maintain video stability, video quality enhancement (QE), aiming at recovering HQ videos from their distorted low-quality (LQ) sources, has aroused increasing attention in recent years. The key challenge for video QE lies in how to effectively aggregate complementary information from multiple frames (i.e., temporal fusion). To handle diverse motion in videos, existing methods commonly apply motion compensation before the temporal fusion. However, the motion field estimated from the distorted LQ video tends to be inaccurate and unreliable, thereby resulting in ineffective fusion and restoration. In addition, motion estimation for consecutive frames is generally conducted in a pairwise manner, which leads to expensive and inefficient computation. In this article, we propose a fast yet effective temporal fusion scheme for video QE by incorporating a novel Spatio-Temporal Deformable Convolution (STDC) to simultaneously compensate motion and aggregate temporal information. Specifically, the proposed temporal fusion scheme takes a target frame along with its adjacent reference frames as input to jointly estimate an offset field to deform the spatio-temporal sampling positions of convolution. As a result, complementary information from multiple frames can be fused within the STDC operation in one forward pass. Extensive experimental results on three benchmark datasets show that our method performs favorably to the state of the art in terms of accuracy and efficiency.
Mining Top-k High On-shelf Utility Itemsets Using Novel Threshold Raising Strategies
Authors: Singh Kuldeep , Biswas Bhaskar
Published: February 2024

High utility itemsets (HUIs) mining is an emerging area of data mining which discovers sets of items generating a high profit from transactional datasets. In recent years, several algorithms have been proposed for this task. However, most of them do not consider the on-shelf time period of items and negative utility of items. High on-shelf utility itemset (HOUIs) mining is more difficult than traditional HUIs mining because it deals with on-shelf-based time period and negative utility of items. Moreover, most algorithms need minimum utility threshold (
min_util
) to find rules. However, specifying the appropriate
min_util
threshold is a difficult problem for users. A smaller
min_util
threshold may generate too many rules and a higher one may generate a few rules, which can degrade performance. To address these issues, a novel top-k HOUIs mining algorithm named TKOS (
T
op-
K
high
O
n-
S
helf utility itemsets miner) is proposed which considers on-shelf time period and negative utility. TKOS presents a novel branch and bound-based strategy to raise the internal
min_util
threshold efficiently. It also presents two pruning strategies to speed up the mining process. In order to reduce the dataset scanning cost, we utilize transaction merging and dataset projection techniques. Extensive experiments have been conducted on real and synthetic datasets having various characteristics. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms the state-of-the-art algorithms. The proposed algorithm is up to 42 times faster and uses up-to 19 times less memory compared to the state-of-the-art KOSHU. Moreover, the proposed algorithm has excellent scalability in terms of time periods and the number of transactions.
Electro-Chemo-Mechanical Model for Polymer Electrolytes
Authors: Möhrle Daniel O. , Schammer Max , Becker-Steinberger Katharina , Horstmann Birger , Latz Arnulf
Published: February 2024

Polymer electrolytes (PEs) are promising candidates for use in next-generation high-voltage batteries, as they possess advantageous elastic and electrochemical properties. However, PEs still suffer from low ionic conductivity and need to be operated at higher temperatures. Furthermore, the wide variety of different types of PEs and the complexity of the internal interactions constitute challenging tasks for progressing toward a systematic understanding of PEs. Here, we present a continuum transport theory which enables a straight-forward and thermodynamically consistent method to couple different aspects of PEs relevant for battery performance. Our approach combines mechanics and electrochemistry in non-equilibrium thermodynamics, and is based on modeling the free energy, which comprises all relevant bulk properties. In our model, the dynamics of the polymer-based electrolyte are formulated relative to the highly elastic structure of the polymer. For validation, we discuss a benchmark polymer electrolyte. Based on our theoretical description, we perform numerical simulations and compare the results with data from the literature. In addition, we apply our theoretical framework to a novel type of single-ion conducting PE and derive a detailed understanding of the internal dynamics.
A Novel and Large-Scale Rapid Green Synthesis of Few-Layer and Multi-Layer Graphene
Authors: Ravikiran Nowduru , Padya Balaji , Jain Pawan Kumar , Srikanth Vadali Venkata Satya Siva
Published: February 2024

Mono-layer graphene has shown path-breaking potential in almost all areas that are useful to humankind. However, research in the last decade indicated that few-layer graphene (FLG) (3-10 layers) and multi-layer graphene (MLG) (>10 layers) could also be utilized for a wide range of applications. The synthesis of mono-layer graphene at a large scale is quite complex. Producing FLG and MLG at a kilogram scale is equally challenging. A vast amount of literature on different routes to prepare FLG and MLG is available. However, most of the preparation routes involve the use of hazardous chemicals, copious amounts of water, and thermal treatments and are time taking. Also, these processes need bigger machinery to convert the lab-scale methods into continuous large-scale production. On the contrary, in this work we report a novel process of producing FLG and MLG along with trace quantities of graphene (< 3 layers) developed using a kitchen mixer and a modified mixing jar (3 litres). The highlights of this process include the use of no hazardous chemicals/solvents, no washing or thermal treatment needed, much less time (30 minutes), and large quantity (250-500 grams) per batch. Our study successfully converted natural graphite flakes (NGF) into FLG and MLG by carrying out rapid liquid phase shear mixing using a green solvent. The shear mixing and the green solvent convert the NGF into FLG and MLG. The quantity of FLG and MLG getting produced is time-dependent. It has been optimized by thoroughly characterizing FLG and MLG using techniques like particle size analyser, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. The conversion of NGF to FLG and MLG is also affirmed by studying changes in properties using tools like thermogravimetry, BET, and UV-visible spectroscopy. The developed process is rapid, efficient, economical, scalable, continuous, and, most importantly, chemical free.

The graphenaceous powder produced unlike graphite can be easily coated on different substrates using appropriate binders and thus makes it useable for energy storage applications. Also the fine particle size of graphite makes is an ideal material to be used as lubricant, both in solid and liquid mediums. The developed material can be explored for its applications in several other areas which require FLG/MLG.
Electrochemical Performance of Lithium-Ion Pouch Cells Containing Aqueous Processed and Laser Structured Thick Film NMC 622 and Graphite Electrodes
Authors: Zhu Penghui , Sterzl Yannic , Pfleging Wilhelm
Published: February 2024

The development of high areal energy density electrodes with layered metal oxide cathode materials is currently a hot topic in research and industry. However, for automotive applications, current research focuses on the merger of two concepts: (i) the “thick-film concept” which enables a high energy density due to a reduced amount of inactive materials, and (ii) the “three-dimensional (3D) battery concept”, which provides a high power density with improved interfacial kinetics at mass areal capacity ≥ 6.5 mAh/cm2. Latter could be realized by applying ultrafast laser patterning of electrodes which in turn includes an advanced 3D electrode design. Briefly, a rapid and homogeneous electrode wetting with liquid electrolyte can be induced, and besides a high capacity retention during long-term cycling. However, the mass loss due to laser patterning needs to be taken into account, since the cathode represents about 50 % of the total material costs of LIBs. Thus, the use of electrode structures with a high aspect ratio as well as a significantly reduced material removal is of great importance. Besides, cost reduction and environmentally friendly production by applying aqueous processing of cathode has been intensively investigated recently. In this work, 150 µm thick-film Li(Ni0.6Mn0.2Co0.2)O2 electrodes were manufactured with both water-based binders and PVDF binder by tape-casting. Both cathodes are anodes were subsequently laser patterned to achieve 3D architectures. Finally, the NMC 622 cathodes were assembled in pouch cells versus graphite anodes for studying the impact of laser patterning and binders on the electrochemical performance by applying rate capability analysis, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and lifetime analysis.
New Protective Layer for Long Time Stable Sodium Metal Anodes
Authors: Thomas Alexander , Pohle Björn , Hantusch Martin , Mikhailova Daria
Published: February 2024

Facing the challenges of degradation processes in sodium metal batteries, a lot of new anode materials were prepared and tested. Especially Hard Carbon is a promising candidate for sodium ion batteries.[1] However, the competitive battery performance as gravimetric and volumetric energy density cannot be achieved without metallic sodium as an anode.[2]

Another way to stabilize a sodium metal battery is the formation of an artificial solid-electrolyte interface (SEI). In the recent years, a lot of efforts were devoted for development of organic and inorganic protective layers. Most of the processes to form an artificial SEI are not easy for application, or result in a weak long-term stability of a sodium metal battery.[3]

Here, we can introduce a new artificial SEI, which can easily be formed on top of metallic sodium and is also stable upon a long-term cycling. The capacity retention in a full cell setup (Swagelok cell, layered sodium cobalt titanium oxide as a cathode material, 1 M NaClO4 in EC/PC as an electrolyte) is of nearly 85 % after 500 cycles with a 1C current density. A reference full cell with non-protected sodium only reaches 20 % after the same cycling conditions.

A possible explanation for the observed improvement in the cell performance was done based on comprehensive electrochemical, chemical and structural studies.

Acknowledgment

This work was supported by the Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung is carried out as part of the HeNa project (03XP0390C).

Additional information

Patent pending.

References

[1] D. A. Stevens, J. R. Dahn, J. Electrochem. Soc., 2000, 147(4), 127

[2] H. Wang, E. Matios, J. Luo and W. Li, Chem. Soc. Rev., 2020, 49, 3783 —3805

[3] N. Tapia-Ruiz et al., J. Phys. Energy, 2021, 3, 031503

Figure 1
The Interplay of Anodic Passivation and Oxygen Evolution of Medium Entropy Alloys in Artificial Seawater
Authors: Wetzel Anncia , Ozcan Ozlem , Witt Julia , Morell Daniel
Published: February 2024

Medium entropy alloys (MEA) have gained increased interest in both academic and industrial sectors due to their favorable mechanical and anti-corrosion properties, rendering them ideal candidates for engineering and potentially catalytic applications. Although previous studies have shown high current densities at high anodic potentials for MEAs, a lack of understanding on the underlying transpassive dissolution and local corrosion behavior remains.

This project aimed to investigate and compare the passivation behavior of MEAs CrCoNi and FeCrNi (equimolar) under high anodic potentials, focusing on the mechanisms of transpassive dissolution and the oxygen evolution reaction in artificial seawater. The study utilized various techniques such as scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) to instantaneously detect evolving metal species and oxygen, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrocmetry (ICP-MS) to quantify the dissolved metal species. For these investigations, the alloys were subjected to precisely controlled corrosion loads employing potentiodynamic, potentiostatic, and chronoamperometric methods during the SECM experiments and subsequent ICP-MS analysis.

Macroscopic corrosion and passive film properties were studied via potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Finally, in-situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy (SKPFM) were used to analyze the corrosion morphology and surface potentials before, during, and after passivity breakdown. Overall, this study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between passivation, anodic dissolution and oxygen evolution of the MEAs in artificial seawater.
A Digital Blueprint for 3D-Printing Lab Scale Aqueous and Organic Redox-Flow Batteries
Authors: Fricke Sebastian , Kortekaas Luuk , Gruenebaum Mariano , Winter Martin , Cekic-Laskovic Isidora
Published: February 2024

With the ongoing development of renewable energy, the need for large-scale energy storage or energy buffer systems is increasing simultaneously. By separating capacity (i.e. concentration and tank size) and voltage (i.e. electrochemistry of the redox-active species), redox-flow batteries (RFBs) offer an exciting opportunity to address these challenges. Due to the wide range of synthetic possibilities in organic and inorganic chemistry, the number of potential novel RAS or membranes, as well as the optimization of existing ones is constantly increasing. However, the high financial cost of lab scale RFB systems for basic research poses an entry hurdle for small synthesis groups, so that this basic research can either only be carried out by specialized groups or only approximate systems (e.g. H-cell assemblies or active material adsorbed on carbon nanotubes in coin-cells) can be investigated. A simple and cost-efficient lab scale RFB setup would thus be an essential step forward in pushing fundamental RFB research forward.

With its cost-efficient and precise nature, additive manufacturing (3D printing) is a promising technique to overcome these challenges, as it has already found application in several other areas of battery research.

Using this technique, we were able to create a design proposal for a lab scale RFB setup, consisting of the RFB cell itself, the tank and pump system, and an inert gas container for about 220€. We tested the system with both an aqueous electrolyte system and an organic one to investigate its versatility. We tested the system with both an aqueous electrolyte system (K4[FeII(CN)6]/K3[FeIII(CN)6]) and an organic one (Fc/FcBF4) to guarantee its applicability to both electrolyte systems. The goal is to use this template for 3D-printed RFB cell to facilitate independent practical RFB research by small research groups.
Preferential Corrosion in Cold Sprayed Cu Induced by Oxide Inclusions
Authors: Li Xuejie , Filice Fraser , Henderson Jeffrey D. , Behazin Mehran , Ramamurthy Sridhar , Barker Ivan , Noël James J.
Published: February 2024

Cold spray (CS) deposition is a solid-state deposition technique that finds applications in additive manufacturing, coating, and repairing damaged components. During the cold spray deposition process, feedstock particles are accelerated by compressed gas and impinged onto the substrate at high velocity. Bonding between particles and the surface being coated is established by the high kinetic energy released during collision rather than by added thermal energy. As the particles remain in the solid state during spraying, oxidation is minimized. Despite the partial removal of the native air-formed oxides by the jetting effect, residual oxide debris often remains along the particle boundaries within the sprayed objects as inclusions [1]. The oxide inclusions have attracted attention concerning their influence on the inter-particle bonding strength in the deposit [2]. However, little is known about whether they affect the material’s corrosion behavior.

In this work, we report a preferential corrosion phenomenon observed in a CS Cu-diluted HNO3 system that is caused by the remaining oxide inclusions. A mechanism that integrates Cu-NO3
– catalytic corrosion cycles with confined geometry resulting from the dissolution of the oxide inclusions is proposed. Furthermore, we find that this corrosion phenomenon may be mitigated through microstructure engineering. Annealing the CS Cu at 600 °C consolidated the oxide inclusions with their distribution changed from continuous thin films to isolated spherical particles [3]. The propagation of the preferential corrosion is hence interrupted by the lack of interconnected pathways. Counterintuitively, Cl– can function as an inhibitor for this preferential corrosion. Preferential corrosion did not initiate when 1 mM Cl– was initially present in the solution and slowed down when Cl– was added after the preferential corrosion occurred.

Reference

[1] S. Yin, X. Wang, W. Li, H. Liao, H. Jie, Deformation behavior of the oxide film on the surface of cold sprayed powder particle, Applied Surface Science, 259 (2012) 294-300.

[2] Y. Ichikawa, R. Tokoro, M. Tanno, K. Ogawa, Elucidation of cold-spray deposition mechanism by auger electron spectroscopic evaluation of bonding interface oxide film, Acta Materialia, 164 (2019) 39-49.

[3] J. Tam, B. Yu, W. Li, D. Poirier, J.-G. Legoux, J.D. Giallonardo, J. Howe, U. Erb, The effect of annealing on trapped copper oxides in particle-particle interfaces of cold-sprayed Cu coatings, Scripta Materialia, 208 (2022) 114333.
Evaluation of the Corrosion Properties of FeCrAl Alloys for Fuel Rods Cladding in the Entire Fuel Cycle
Authors: Umretiya Rajnikant V , Hoffman Andrew K , Yin Liang , Rebak Raul B
Published: February 2024

Because of its resistance to high temperature (>1000°C) attack by steam and good mechanical properties above 400°C, iron-chromium-aluminum alloys (FeCrAl) are considered attractive candidates to replace current zirconium (Zr) based alloys as cladding for light water reactor (LWR) fuels. FeCrAl alloys were sporadically investigated for nuclear applications since the 1950s. Most of the knowledge on these alloys in the literature is for dry environments and temperatures above 1000°C and little information was available for lower temperatures or wet environments. As cladding for LWR, the FeCrAl alloys are expected to survive the nuclear fuel cycle, that it, from manufacturing to used fuel disposal. The presentation will cover the corrosion behavior aspects of FeCrAl from manufacturing using powder metallurgy and welding, to residence in the reactor core for up to ten years (including loss of coolant scenarios), to used fuel residence in cooling pools, to fuel retrievability and reprocessing followed by long term dry cask storage and eventual geologic repository disposal.
(Invited) An Overview of the Behavior of the LixNiO2 Electrode at High Voltage
Authors: Delmas Claude , Guignard Marie , Abakumov Artem M. , Fauth Francois
Published: February 2024

Nickel-rich layered oxides Li(Ni,M)O2 (M = Co,Mn, ..) are widely adopted as electrode materials for electric vehicles. They suffer from a loss of capacity when the cells are charged above 4.15 V vs Li/Li+. This limitation is generally attributed to: (i) sharp decrease of the interslab distance at the end of charge which induces cracks in the particles, (ii) slab gliding leading to the formation of the H4 phase, (iii) reaction with the liquid electrolyte, which leads to formation of a rocksalt type structure. The cycling behavior can be improved by texture optimization (concentration gradient, structural orientation). Doping, coating with various cations lead, in some cases, to significant improvement of the cycling properties when the cells are cycled at high voltage. However, the true mechanisms involved at high voltage are not fully understood. In order to overcome the effect of M cations our work was focused on LiNiO2.

GITT and in situ XRD experiments were performed at very low rate in various voltage range (3.8 -4.3 V). On the "4.2-4.3 V plateau" the R2 phase is transformed simultaneously in R3, R3 with H4 stacking faults and H4. When the cell voltage is extended to 4.6V the H4 phase (NiO2) is formed. Cells were charged up to 4.3, 4.5 and 4.6V with a long potentiostatic step (144 hours).The recovered materials were characterized by S-XRD and HAADF electron microscopy. In all cases a mixture of R3 and H4 phases were obtained. The electron microscopy show that both phase R3 an H4 are mixed inside the whole particles. NiO2 is expected to be an ionic insulator (no Li+) and an electronic insulator (d6 low spin). Since there is no formation of a shell of NiO2 around the particles, the difficulty to deintercalation Li suggests that at high voltage another mechanism must be considered.

To try to have a better understanding of the involved process several electrochemical studies were performed in various experimental conditions. As the charge proceeds above 4.17 V the cell polarization dramatically increases, hindering further Li deintercalation. In discharge, such polarization decreases immediately. Also and upon cycling, the polarization increases at each charge above 4.17 V. In discharge, the capacity and dQ/dV features below 4.1 V remain constant and unaffected, suggesting that the bulk of the material did not undergo significant structural defect.

This study shows that the change in polarization between the charge and the discharge results from the electrochemical behavior of the grain surface rocksalt type phase having very low conductivity above 4.17 V and high conductivity below this threshold. The results presented here open a new approach to monitor the electrochemical behavior of the rocksalt type shell and manage its electrochemical properties, at high voltage, by cationic doping of the surface layer. It can explain the behavior observed with some dopants (usually referred as “infused” coatings) like tungsten.
(Invited) Direct Ink Writing of Supercapacitors for Flexible and Wearable Applications
Authors: Sekhar Nath Sudhansu , Sai Amruth , Sundriyal Poonam
Published: February 2024

Direct Ink Writing (DIW) has recently emerged as a revolutionizing 3D printing technology for automated, cost-effective, and smart manufacturing of flexible and wearable electronic devices. Due to huge potential of flexible and wearable electronic devices in healthcare, sports, portable electronics, aircraft structures, robotics, etc., it is imperative to find the reliable and cost-effective methods to shift conventional rigid electronics to flexible/ wearable electronics. DIW process is highly efficient to fabricate high performance supercapacitors due to its processing capability to print wide range of materials and its simplicity. This work is focused on the fabrication of silicon and graphene-based supercapacitors using DIW and their application for flexible, stretchable, and wearable electronics. Different critical parameters for DIW such as rheology requirements of inks, material selection for electrode/ electrolyte, surface requirements to ensure better adhesion between printing layers, mechanical/ material testing of fabricated devices, and their electrochemical performance have been discussed to get a reliable energy storage device.
Sweetwood Lignin As a Promising Precursor Towards Multi-Functional Electrode Material
Authors: Norkus Eugenijus , Upskuviene Daina , Balciunaite Aldona , Tamasauskaite-Tamasiunaite Loreta , Jasulaitiene Vitalija , Plavniece Ance , Dobele Galina , Volperts Aleksandrs , Zhurinsh Aivars , Kvello Jannicke , Colmenares-Rausseo Luis Cesar , Kruusenberg Ivar , Kaare Kätlin
Published: February 2024

Currently, industrial development has led to a constant increase in demand for energy and sustainable energy resources, so there is an intensive search for a replacement for fossil fuels. The goal of this research is synthesis multi-functional electrode material using "Sweetwood" lignin (industrial by-product from sugars solutions for fuels, chemicals etc.) as a raw material via thermochemical activation with subsequent N-doping. Three-dimensional hierarchical micro- and mesoporous structures of activated carbon materials show promising results as an alternative PGM-free oxygen reduction catalysts for alkaline systems. The ORR activity of the synthesized carbon catalysts may be associated with the high percentage of pyridinic nitrogen, highly developed surface area, micro- and mesoporous ratio and balance, and lack of stacking defects of graphene layers. Furthermore, "Sweetwood" lignin carbon materials were assessed as electrode in supercapacitors. It was found that activation temperature plays a significant role on the specific capacitance which is additionally improved by doping of the carbon precursor with nitrogen.

Acknowledgment

The “Sustainably Produced Carbon Nanomaterials for Energy Applications (SuNaMa)” benefits from a 988000 € grant from Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway through the EEA Grants. The aim of the project is to develop innovative, high-performance, highly conductive, electrocatalytically active, durable, cost-effective, and high surface area nanocarbon materials. Project contract with the Research Council of Lithuania (LMTLT) No. is S-BMT-21-12 (LT08-2-LMT-K-01-055).
Screen-Printed Impedance Sensor for Atmospheric Corrosion of Silver
Authors: Itagaki Masayuki , Nawamoto Kanako , Watanabe Hikari , Shitanda Isao
Published: February 2024

The pitch of wiring on printed circuit boards has become finer for the development of small and lightweight electronic devices. There is a risk of breaking the wiring due to slight corrosion since the pitch of wring becomes finer. A sensor to monitor dew condensation and corrosion of wiring must be developed for preventing these corrosion phenomena. Our group 1,2) developed a corrosion monitoring sensor fabricated by screen printing. This sensor has a silver wiring of comb-shape on plastic sheet. Monitoring of dew condensation environment was conducted by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) because EIS allows information of condensation state from change of impedance. In this study, oxidation rate of silver was monitored by a screen-printed comb-shape wiring sensor. In addition, we developed a portable sheet-type counter electrode with thin gel electrolyte. Qualitative and quantitative analysis for corrosion products on silver wiring was carried out with this portable electrode after the corrosion monitoring, and Ag2S, Ag2O and AgCl were detected.

References

I. Shitanda, A. Okumra, M. Itagaki, K. Watanabe, Y. Asano, Sensor Actuat B-Chem, 139, 292 (2009).

A. Aiba, N. Fujii, Y. Hoshi, I, Shitanda, M. Itagaki, J. Electrochem, Soc., 165, C743 (2018).
Monitoring the Degradation of Metallic Beverage Can Lids in Realistic Conditions Using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Nian , Filippas Alexandros
Published: February 2024

Beverage can is a 30-billion-dollar business. Organic coating was applied on every beverage can, to protect the metal from being corroded by the usually acidic beverages. This presentation reports the first in situ measurement of the degradation of coating on beverage can lids, which is historically difficult because of the 3D shape of the lid, which deforms when unidirectional pressure is applied (it's much easier to do the measurement on a flat sheet of metal). We crafted a reactor to seal can lids without deformation, at elevated pressure and temperature of accelerated pack test, and with real beverages. We then carried out in situ EIS studies, which has never been done before. This work opens the door to study aluminum beverage can lids (and other 3D samples) using all the EIS methodologies previously developed for flat sheet samples.

Figure 1
(Best Poster Award - 1st Place) Characterisation of the Li Metal|Electrolyte Interface of PEO-Based SPEs with Borate Salts, Using in Situ Li Deposition PES Measurements Aided by AIMD Simulations
Authors: Andersson Edvin Karl Walfrid , Wu Liang-Ting , Bertoli Luca , Weng Yi-Chen , Friesen Daniel , Elbouazzaoui Kenza - , Bloch Sofia , Ovsyannikov Ruslan , Giangrisostomi Erika , Brandell Daniel , Mindemark Jonas , Jiang Jyh-Chiang , Hahlin Maria
Published: February 2024

Lithium metal and anode-free batteries has the potential to increase the energy density and specific energy of the batteries drastically. However, when regular electrolyte materials are tried for these concepts they are plagued with problems due to degradation of the electrolyte at the interface and processes like dendrite formation which leads to poor capacity retention.[1] A strategy to mitigate these problems is to use Solid Polymer Electrolytes (SPEs), as these have better stability towards lithium metal. In order to find appropriate chemistries to use in SPE-based cells it is important to investigate and understand their anode interface, as this is where the Solid Electrolyte Interphase (SEI) is created from the degradation products during cycling.

This work investigates three polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based SPEs, using lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF4), lithium bis(oxalate)borate (LiBOB), and lithium difluoro(oxalate)borate (LiDFOB) as the lithium conducting salts. The interfaces of these SPEs (PEO:LiBF4, PEO:LiBOB, and PEO:LiDFOB) was studied using Photo-Electron Spectroscopy (PES) with in situ lithium deposition, where lithium atoms are evaporated on top of the SPE film. The analysis of the core-level spectra before and after lithium deposition is compared to Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics (AIMD) simulations of the interface, where lithium atoms are gradually added during the simulation. These experimental and theoretical methods are meant to mimic the electrochemical plating of lithium at the lithium|SPE interface during charging of a lithium metal or anode-less cell.

The interfaces of PEO:LiBOB and PEO:LiBF4 show, among other compounds, polyethylene as a breakdown product at the interface. PEO:LiDFOB shows a much lesser degree of degradation compared to the other two systems. The degradation layer is however still effective at protecting the SPE from further breakdown, as PEO:LiDFOB has a relatively high capacity retention compared to PEO:LiBF4 and PEO:LiBOB. Suggested is that the LiF provides a better electrochemical stability, while the boron and oxalate breakdown products provides a higher mechanical stability at the interface.

[1] Huang WZ, Zhao CZ, Wu P, Yuan H, Feng WE, Liu ZY, Lu Y, Sun S, Fu ZH, Hu JK, Yang SJ. Anode‐Free Solid‐State Lithium Batteries: A Review. Advanced Energy Materials. 2022 Jul;12(26):2201044.

Figure 1
The Role of Energy Density for Grid-Scale Batteries
Authors: Reber David , Jarvis Sam R. , Marshak Michael P.
Published: February 2024

For grid-scale battery energy storage systems it is often presumed that cell level energy density is not too important. Yet, countless publications highlight low energy density as the key limitation of technologies such as redox flow batteries or aqueous alkali-ion batteries that are inherently developed for stationary applications.

Here, we resolve this apparent conflict by quantifying the areal energy density, expressed in kWh m-2, of over forty MWh-scale battery energy storage systems deployed around the world.[1] Via satellite imagery we compare lithium-ion, sodium-sulfur, and flow battery projects and show that the amount of energy that is stored per land area is often comparable between these technologies, even though the energy density on cell level varies by an order of magnitude. We highlight excellent safety and vertical scalability as key untapped advantages of aqueous batteries and provide examples of where they can excel, besides simply competing with state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries. We show, for example, that MWh-scale aqueous flow batteries can safely be deployed underground and within buildings, feats that due to safety constraints are not possible with current lithium-ion batteries at this scale.

Seeing satellite images of battery installations near solar farms is a humbling experience that every researcher working in the field should come across and we provide the locations of all the examined battery installations in a Google Earth file. Grasping the fantastical scale at which renewables are, and must continue to be, deployed certainly provides some perspective regarding energy density of individual battery cells.

[1] Reber, D., Jarvis, S.R., Marshak, M.P., The role of energy density for grid-scale batteries, ChemRxiv, 2022, doi: 10.26434/chemrxiv-2022-5ddhs
(Digital Presentation) Coffee Extract Assisted Synthesis of Cu2+-Doped NiFe2O4 and Influence on Corrosion for Steel in Acidic Environment
Authors: Avendaño Alvaro J , Morales Jimmy , Alfonso Guillermo , Granja Claudia Patricia , Dector Andrés , Gómez Cuaspud Jairo Alberto
Published: February 2024

Due to the great importance of looking for new alternatives for the use of agroindustrial waste, it is intended to synthesizeCu2+-doped NiFe2O4 nanoparticles in an environmentally friendly way from extract of the agroindustrial waste coffee pulp, characterizing its structural and anticorrosive properties. A preliminary study of the effect of the concentration of Ni, Cu and Fe on the corrosion of steel in 1M sulfuric acid was developed, using various advanced electrochemical tools such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization (PD). The effect of Cu2+-doped NiFe2O4 on corrosion for steel in acidic environment is promising and of great importance for the industry.
Low-Temperature and Catalyst-Free Plasma Synthesis of Plastics-Derived Graphene Quantum Dots
Authors: Chiang Wei-Hung , Weng Ren-Jie , Kurniawan Darwin
Published: February 2024

The advanced industrial, social, and technological developments in modern society have rendered the production of around 300 million tons of plastic annually, yet only 50% or even less are being recycled. Moreover, the current recycling process is limited to the conversion of plastic wastes (PWs) into hydrocarbon fuels, which also requires the use of high temperatures and energies, long reaction time, and high-cost platinum-based catalysts. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a more sustainable and environmentally friendly method to recycle these PWs and possibly into functional materials for diverse applications.

We introduce non-equilibrium and low-temperature microplasma technologies to convert PWs into graphene quantum dots (GQDs) at ambient conditions without any additional toxic chemicals, expensive catalysts, and sophisticated vacuum technologies. The reactive species generated by the plasma enables not only rapid deconstruction of PWs into small hydrocarbons moieties, but also simultaneous reconstruction of nanographene domain and nucleation into GQDs. GQDs are zero-dimensional carbon nanomaterials with unique quantum confinement and edge effects, which are hybridized by sp2 carbon in a honeycomb network. The quantum confinement and edge effects bestow GQDs with unique, tunable, and stable photoluminescence (PL) properties. Coupled with the biocompatibility, low toxicity, large surface area, and chemical inertness, GQDs can be employed in various applications, including imaging, sensing, optoelectronics, drug delivery, catalysis, and energy related applications. Nevertheless, the current syntheses of GQDs still need the use of high temperatures, strong acids or reducing agents, long reaction time, and tedious synthesis procedures.

Here the utilization of microplasma enables the degradation and conversion of various plastics into functional GQDs with well-controlled structures in one-step at ambient conditions and catalyst-free manner, alleviating the current drawbacks in the GQDs synthesis. Among various PWs, polyethylene terephthalate-derived GQDs (PET-GQDs) exhibit enticing and bright white emission under 365 nm UV irradiation with a Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage 1931 of (0.29, 0.35). Moreover, the colloidal PET-GQDs can be exploited for heavy metal ions detection with a low limit of detection of 8.4 nM, while the composite film state is usable as sensitive temperature tag from 10 – 80 °C and LED panel. Our work provides an insight into the novel technologies for PWs recycling into functional nanomaterials in cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally friendly way.
A Hybrid Direct Ammonia Fuel Cell
Authors: Li Wenzhi , Liu Yun , Pan Zhefei , LIU Yun
Published: February 2024

Ammonia has emerged as a highly promising energy carrier [1], primarily because it offers a noticeable economic benefit over hydrogen in terms of source-to-tank expenses, owing to reduced transmission, distribution, and dispensation costs [2]. Direct ammonia fuel cells (DAFCs) are capable of directly converting the chemical energy stored in ammonia into electrical energy. With its quick start-up advantage, this fuel cell technology holds great potential in the field of zero-emission transportation [3]. Although promising, this fuel cell performance needs to be much improved before the widespread commercialization becomes possible. The limiting factors include the sluggish kinetics of ammonia oxidation and the poor conductivity of anion exchange membranes. In addition, another important factor that limits the cell performance is that thermodynamically, its theoretical voltage is low (1.17 V). In this work, a hybrid direct ammonia fuel cell is developed, which consists of an alkaline anode, a cation exchange membrane, and an acid cathode. This hybrid fuel cell offers a theoretical voltage of as high as 2.55 V. The experimental results have shown that it exbibits an open-circuit voltage of 1.35 V and a peak power density of 437.1 mW cm−2 at 90 °C.

Acknowledgement

This work was fully supported by a grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Project No. 52022003).

References

[1] B. Wang, M. Ni, K. Jiao, Green ammonia as a fuel, Sci. Bull, 67 (2022) 1530–1534.

[2] Y. Zhao, B.P. Setzler, J. Wang, J. Nash, T. Wang, B. Xu, Y. Yan, An Efficient Direct Ammonia Fuel Cell for Affordable Carbon-Neutral Transportation, Joule, 3 (2019) 2472–2484.

[3] T. Wang, Y. Zhao, B.P. Setzler, R. Abbasi, S. Gottesfeld, Y. Yan, A high-performance 75 W direct ammonia fuel cell stack, Cell Rep. Phys. Sci, 3 (2022) 100829.
(Invited) Strategies for Enhancing the Stability of the Electrode-Electrolyte Interphase in Sulfide-Based Solid-State Batteries
Authors: Kim Jung-Hyun
Published: February 2024

In recent years, all solid-state batteries (SSBs) have gained significant attention as the next-generation energy storage device due to their high energy density, improved safety, and enhanced stability. Sulfide-based solid electrolytes (SEs) have garnered significant attention among various inorganic materials for their exceptional properties, including high ionic conductivity and robust mechanical properties. These features make them promising candidates for SSBs, ensuring both manufacturability and long-term cycle life. For example, Li-argyrodites (e.g., Li6PS5X, and X = Cl, Br, I) and Na-thioantimonate (e.g., Na2.88Sb0.88W0.12S4) offer high ionic conductivities (> 10-3 S/cm) that are comparable to those of liquid electrolytes. However, its practical application is still under-achieved due to a few technical challenges. Among the various issues, our focus is on the electrode-electrolyte interphase, which degrades the cycle life of the SSBs.

At the cathode-electrolyte interphase, narrow electrochemical window (1.71 V – 2.01 V) of Li6PS5X unwantedly prompt the oxidative decomposition of solid-electrolyte. At the anode-electrolyte interphase, Li-argyrodite SEs can be easily reduced by Li metal or oxidized by cathode active materials because of its narrow electrochemical window (1.71 V – 2.01 V). The resulting byproducts at electrode-electrolyte interphases can unwantedly lead to capacity fading and an increase in cell resistance. Additionally, SSBs made with the Li-argyrodite SEs suffer from Li-dendrite penetration during repeated cycles and consequent internal short circuits.

To address these challenges, we propose strategies for passivating the interphases between the cathode and the solid electrolyte, as well as between the metallic anode and the electrolyte in solid-state batteries (SSBs). Through a combinatorial study, we aim to elucidate the extent and severity of interfacial side reactions in solid-state batteries (SSBs). In addition, the optimal coating strategies of LiNbO3 for cathodes and Li3N coating on metallic Li anode will be discussed. The optimized Li3N as an artificial solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on the metallic Li anode enables more than 5000 cycles without failure in symmetrical cells.

Furthermore, we will also highlight a strategy for passivating the electrode-electrolyte interphases of Na-based solid-state batteries (SSBs) that employ thioantimoniate as the electrolyte material. The approaches to passivate the cathode and metallic Na anode will be presented. Comprehensive electrochemical and spectroscopic studies will be conducted to identify the source of degradation and elucidate the improvement mechanisms associated with each strategy.
(Invited) 3D Silicon Capacitors in the Frantic Race Towards Ultra High Integration in Advanced Packages
Authors: Bunel Catherine
Published: February 2024

The evolution of the semiconductor industry has led the manufacturers to shift from microelectronics to nanoelectronics. This is the accomplishment of a continuous race towards the ultraminiaturization combined with performances enhancement. The result is depicted in impressive modules where we can observe an heterogeneous integration of components in the package. This paper will explain the progress made in the integration of Silicon capacitors in different fields such as the capacitance, the design , the parasitics , the thickness ,the usage. It will be illustrated by the numerous possibilities of integration . The portfolio of the different technologies used to make high reliability Silicon capacitors will be described and the corresponding performances and advantages will be exposed for each market : Mobile , Medical, Power electronics and Communication .
(Invited) Plasma Sources for Growth of Carbonaceous Materials for Energy Efficient Water Treatments
Authors: Kovacevic Eva , Jagodar Andrea , Marath Santhosh Neelakandan , Zavašnik Janez , Petit Agnes , Gimenez Loic , Hussain Shahzad , Strunskus Thomas
Published: February 2024

Plasmas can not only be considered as a green technology for the treatment or synthesis of various types of materials, with applications from microelectronics to astrophysics, but they also serve as an excellent source for the green production of 2D materials that are often claimed to be crucial for applications in energy efficient water cleaning processes (in a passive or active way). Two typical examples are carbon nanotubes or nanowalls, stable grown on electrodes, which can be doped with nitrogen or oxygen, decorated with different oxides, or synthesized as MoS2 /C hybrids.

The most important point for the production of such multimaterials in plasmas is targeting the material and control of the synthesis. We show that one of the long known, and yet forgotten parameters important for the growth control concerns the plasma wall conditions.