bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surface Enhanced Visible Light Photocurrent and Switching Behavior of Metal Oxide Semiconductor Electrodes Modified with Plasmonic Nanoparticles
Authors: Pan Shanlin 
Published: February 2020

Hematite (α-Fe2O3) is a promising photocatalyst for solar water splitting because of its favorable band gap of 2.2 eV, low cost, and abundance in nature. Surface plasmon-enhanced light absorption for photoelectrochemical water splitting at α-Fe2O3thin film electrode modified with Au nanoparticles (NPs) or nanorods (NRs) is described. About 3 times higher light absorption and photocurrent enhancement are obtained from thin hematite films containing Au NPs than with pristine hematite films. The plasmonic enhancement increases with the amount of Au NPs for the same thickness of hematite. Thickness-dependent study of photoactivity indicates a higher enhancement in hematite thin films compared to thicker films due to reduced charge transport distance and optimal local field enhancement effect. Such enhancement can be obtained by self-assembling Au NRs onto a hematite thin film electrode using electrostatic force between their positively charged cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) layer and negatively charged hematite surface functionalized with poly(4-styrenesulfonate). The photoelectrochemical reaction of the plasmon active substrate for water oxidation reaction is performed and compared at various hematite layer thicknesses. When the α-Fe2O3 electrode is biased at a small potential +0.2 V (vs Ag/AgCl), the photocurrent of water oxidation is reduced because of increased recombination of holes and electrons at the surface of the Au NRs. When the bias potential is increased to +0.5 V (vs Ag/AgCl), a plasmon enhancement of the photoelectrochemical reaction of water oxidation at wavelengths near the plasmon resonance condition is observed at the α-Fe2O3 thin film electrodes accompanying a dramatic increase in the background current. The significant increase in photocurrent in the region of surface plasmon absorption is attributed to the enhanced visible light absorption of α-Fe2O3 in the presence of the plasmon active Au NPs and NRs.
An ATR-Seiras Study on Cu-Based Catalysts for CO2 Electrochemical Reduction
Authors: Zhu Shangqian , Shao Minhua 
Published: February 2020

The CO2 concentration in the atmosphere has increased significantly during the past decades.1 Electrochemical reduction of CO2 into various valuable chemical fuels provides a promising solution to extenuate this issue and leads to the renewable development of society.2-3 However, the unsatisfactory performance of electrocatalysts has prevented the widespread commercial use of this technique. The poor understandings on reaction mechanisms are one of the reasons that hinder the development of more advanced catalysts.
In this study, surface enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (SEIRAS) with the attenuated total reflection (ATR) technique was used to probe the reaction mechanisms of CO2 reduction on Cu thin films deposited on a hemispherical Si prism. Various reaction intermediates (e.g. CO, COH, OCH3) were detected on CO2 electrochemical reduction for the first time (Figure 1). The evolution of reaction intermediates during cathodic potential sweep were direct observed and possible reaction pathways on Cu surfaces were proposed.
This work added new insights into the reaction mechanisms of CO2 electrochemical reduction and would help the rational design of catalyst with a higher activity and selectivity.

References

1. World Meteorological Organization Greenhouse Gas Bulletin, 2014.
2. Hori, Y., in Modern Aspects of Electrochemistry, Springer, New York, 2008.
3. Qiao, J.; Liu, Y.; Hong, F.; Zhang, J. Chemical Society Reviews
2014, 43, 631-675.

Figure 1. Real-time SEIRA spectra recorded during CO2 electrochemical reduction on a Cu thin film in the cathodic potential sweep in a CO2-saturated 0.1 M KHCO3 solution.

Figure 1
Hybrid Catalytic Materials for Determination and Speciation of Electrochemically Inert Analytes: Arsenic(III) and Arsenic(V)
Authors: Kulesza Pawel J , Ozimek Weronika , Cox James A. , Rutkowska Iwona Agnieszka 
Published: February 2020

There has been growing interest in development of new methods for the determination of arsenic due to its high toxity and increasing population in the environment. Electrochemical methods for the determination of arsenic can be considered as complimentary to spectroscopic and chromoatographic ones because they are fairly simple and they are subject to different selectivity criteria. In this respect, various stripping voltammetric procedures are becoming popular. The actual stripping voltammetric measurement consists of two steps in which preconcentration of an analyte at the electrode surface is followed by the so called „stripping” step involving electrode reaction recorded in a form of the voltammetric peak. A representative approach involves reduction of the analyte anions upon application of the sufficiently negative potential to form As(0) on the electrode (e.g. gold) surface; this step is followed by voltammetric oxidation (anodic stripping) of the deposit (to As(III)). In a case of so called cathodic stripping voltammetry, the stationary Hanging Mercury Drop Electrode (HMDE) is often used. During the preconcentration step, an insoluble salt (e.g. Cu3As2) is produced on the electrode surface.
Because sensitivity and detection limit in electroanalytical determinations strongly depend on the current densities measured, there is a need to search for specific catalytic materials that would induce otherwise highly slow and irreversible redox processes of As(III) (oxidation) and, in particular, As(V) (reduction). Our research interests concern development of highly specific catalytic systems leading to the enhancement of the electrooxidation of arsenic (III). We explore here the capability of various noble metals nanoparticles (Pt, Rh, Pd) of inducing the arsenic(III) oxidation in acidic medium. The recorded currents have been compared to those observed previously at the electrodes modified with oxocyanoruthenates, the most potent system for the electrocatalytic oxidation of AsIII(OH)3. Reduction of arsenic (V) is even the more inert reaction. Network films of bimetallic (PtRu) nanoparticles (bare and derivatized) permit preconcentration of arsenic(V) species on their surfaces. The stripping step would allow determination of low concentrations of arsenic (10-6 mol/dm-3 or lower).
Improved Stability and Photoelectrochemical Performance of Cds/1D Zr:Fe2O3 Nanorod Arrays with Al2O3 Passivation Layer for Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Mahadik Mahadeo A , Subramanian Arunprabaharan , Cho Min , Jang Jum Suk 
Published: February 2020

CdS sensitized 1D Zr:Fe2O3 nanorod arrays have been synthesized on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) by hydrothermal method. The photoelectrochemical measurement results of CdS/1D Zr:Fe2O3 photoelectrode shows the current density of 4.2 mA.cm-2 at 0 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) which is 2.8 time higher than the bare 1D Zr:Fe2O3. The reduced recombination, and the effective transport of photogenerated holes in CdS facilitates the enhancement in photoelectrochemical performance. Furthermore, the photocurrent and stability of the CdS/Zr:Fe2O3 nanorods was significantly enhanced by Al2O3 layer as compared to bare CdS/Zr:Fe2O3 heterojunction due to its ability to act as an effective hole transport as well as passivation layer. The chemical analyses and nanostructural study of the Al2O3 coated CdS/1D Zr:Fe2O3 photoelectrodes confirms the presence of Al2O3 on surface of CdS and 1D Zr:Fe2O3 nanorods embedded in the CdS flakes. These remarkable enhancements in light energy harvesting, improvement in charge transport and stability directly suggest the usefulness of photoelectrodes for solar hydrogen generation. KEYWORDS: Zr:Fe2O3 nanorod arrays, CdS Sensitizer, Al2O3 passivation layer, Hydrogen generation ACKNOWLEDGMENT: This research was supported by the BK21 plus program, the Korean National Research Foundation (Nano-Material Fundamental Technology Development, 2016M3A7B4909370).
Uniformity and Safety Evaluation of 18650 Lithium Battery Pack By in-Situ Stress-Strain Measurement
Authors: Zhou Shuo 
Published: February 2020

The primary challenge in designing a monitoring system for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and electric vehicle (EV) is to evaluate safety and uniformity of battery in operating conditions. In this research, strain gauges are adopted to real-time monitor the stress of every commercial Li(Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)O2 lithium ion battery in the battery package under various conditions. This is an efficient experimental technique to determine the uniformity and safety of battery package.
Otherwise, the shell exhibits elastic deformation behaviour, and the strain-stress relationship is established. The reliability of the monitoring tests, along with the relationship among macroscopic mechanical stress, State-of-charge (SOC) and State-of-health (SOH) has been analyzed. The reasons for such stress changes have also been discussed. The uniform level of a commercial battery pack has been evaluated.
(Invited) Ultrasonic Spray Coating of Electrochromic Nanomaterials
Authors: Maho Anthony , Manceriu Laura , Colson Pierre , Henrist Catherine , Vertruyen Bénédicte , Cloots Rudi 
Published: February 2020

Ultrasonic spray deposition is a promising and versatile method for both fundamental and industrial researches and applications. It leads to the formation of uniform thin films on large area substrates at atmospheric pressure, with a fine control of the resulting morphology and thickness by adjustment of the practical spray conditions (substrate temperature, nozzle-to-substrate distance, deposition pattern, solution flow rate, carrier gas nature and pressure…). The ultrasonic atomization of the injected precursor solution/suspension is also particularly advantageous as it reduces overspray and energy consumption [1-2].
In our recent works [3-7], we are considering the spray deposition of thin films of electrochromic oxides such as WO3and NiO, which are exploited as nanomaterials for various optical-related devices, notably “smart windows” for energy-efficient fenestration in glass buildings [8-9]. A specific attention is thus paid to the composition of the sprayed solution/suspension (precursor type and concentration, solvent…) as it has a significant influence on film deposition mechanisms and properties. Substrate nature (morphology, crystallinity, conductivity…) is of particular importance too, and different types of transparent conductive oxide (TCO) coated glass are therefore investigated. Incorporation of selected surfactants is also acknowledged for influencing wettability, nucleation and growth processes, and resulting functionality. Consequent characterizations analyze crystallinity, microstructure and porosity, ionic reversibility and diffusion, cycling response, optical modulation, coloration/bleaching kinetics, tint and haze.
References
[1] P.S. Patil, Materials Chemistry and Physics 59 (1999) 185-198.
[2] J.H. Bang, K.S. Suslick, Advanced Materials 22 (2010) 1039-1059.
[3] J. Denayer, P. Aubry, G. Bister, G. Spronck, P. Colson, B. Vertruyen, V. Lardot, F. Cambier, C. Henrist, R. Cloots, Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells 130 (2014) 623-628.
[4] J. Denayer, G. Bister, P. Simonis, P. Colson, A. Maho, P. Aubry, B. Vertruyen, C. Henrist, V. Lardot, F. Cambier, R. Cloots, Applied Surface Science 321 (2014) 61-69.
[5] D. Chatzikyriakou, A. Maho, C. Henrist, R. Cloots, Microporous and Mesoporous Materials 240 (2017) 31-38.
[6] A. Maho, S. Nicolay, L. Manceriu, G. Spronck, C. Henrist, R. Cloots, B. Vertruyen, P. Colson, Journal of The Electrochemical Society 164 (2017) H25-H31.
[7] L.M. Manceriu, P. Colson, A. Maho, G. Eppe, N.D. Nguyen, C. Labrugère, A. Rougier, R. Cloots, C. Henrist, Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells submitted (2017).
[8] R. J. Mortimer, D. R. Rosseinsky, P. M. S. Monk, Electrochromic Materials and Devices, p. 638, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim (2015).
[9] Y. Wang, E.L. Runnerstom, D.J. Milliron, Annual review of chemical and biomolecular engineering 7 (2016) 11.1-11.22.
Active Layer Thickness Dependent Electro-Optical and -Chemical Propertiesof Inorganic All-Solid-State Electrochromicdevices:WO3/Ta2O5H+/NiO
Authors: Guo JunJi , Diao Xungang 
Published: February 2020

Effects of active layer thickness on the performances of inorganic all-solid-state electrochromic(EC) devices WO3/Ta2O5(H+)/NiO prepared by DC magnetron sputtering are investigated. Beer-Lambert law is used to predict the maximum optical contrast (~76%, significantly higher than previously reported) and the corresponding thickness(~260 nm) of the cathodic(WO3) EC layer. Studies by cyclic voltammetry suggest that the optimum thickness of the anodic(NiO) EC layer should be confined close to 140 nm, in order to maintain charge balance within the devices. Furthermore, the optical switching behaviors for the devices with 100-nm-thick electrolyte[Ta2O5(H+)] layer are demonstrated to be qualitatively and quantitatively different from those with 700-nm-thick electrolyte layer, though all of them are sensitively dependent on the number of protons in the devices. Besides, the work principle scheme of the proton−based solid−state EC device was illustrated for the
first time. The obtained results could enlighten mechanistic understanding, and enable rational design for EC device with outstanding EC performances.
Hydrothermal Growth of Hierarchical NiO Nanostructures and Their Application in a Complemetary Electrochromic Device
Authors: Ma Dongyun , Wang Hongzhi , Wang Jinmin 
Published: February 2020

NiO is one of the most popular electrochromic (EC) materials due to its high EC efficiency, good cyclic reversibility and low material cost. As an anodic EC material, NiO can be used as a complementary electrode with WO3, where the optical modulation increases due to the simultaneous modulation of both electrodes. We have demonstrated that porous NiO nanostructures film can be grown directly on FTO-coated glass substrates using a template-free hydrothermal technique. A variety of NiO nanostructures, including nanoflake array, nanorod-based networks, hexagonal nanoplates and hierarchical microflakes, could be obtained by tuning the composition of the precursor solution.
Among the obtained NiO nanostructures, hierarchical structure holds the advantages of both nanometre-sized building blocks and microsized assemblies. Thus, the complementary EC device based hierarchical NiO microflake and self-weaving WO3 nanoflake film shows a high optical modulation (73.2% at 550 nm), large coloration efficiency (146.9 cm2 C-1 at 550 nm) and fast switching responses with a coloring time of 1.8 s and a bleaching time of 3.2 s, making it attractive for practical applications.
Electrical Studies on the ZnO/SiNWs P-N Junction Prepared from Si Nanowires Grown By Electroless Etching
Authors: Velez Victor H. , Sundaram Kalpathy B 
Published: February 2020

Zinc Oxide (ZnO) is a well-known prospective candidate for impurity doping specially when doped with group III elements due to improvements in properties of the films. The promising properties of zinc oxide such as good thermal stability, lower resistivity, nontoxicity, wide band gap (about 3.3 eV), and high conductivity make it an attractive candidate for many applications [1]. In particular, thin films of silicon doped ZnO have shown great interest in researchers to develop applications including transparent conductive oxide (TCO) properties with significant drop in resistivity values [2]. Furthermore, the low processing cost, natural abundance and the larger exciton binding energy of ZnO (60 meV) enable this material for luminescent and photovoltaic applications [3, 4].
In this study, we propose a new model of cost effective and high efficiency p-n junction based on Si nanowires (SiNWs) and ZnO with potential applications in solar energy. The ZnO grown on SiNWs may work as an active n-layer as well as antireflection coating improving reflectance obtained before, as shown in [5].
Carbon Nitride/TiO2 Nanocomposite in Treatment of Water Contaminated with Phenol
Authors: Al-Kandari Halema Ali , Abdullah Aboubakr Moustafa , Al-Kandari Shekhah Ali , Mohamed Ahmed meslam 
Published: February 2020

A nanocomposites (CNTi) of carbon nitride (CN) and TiO2 nanoparticles (Ti) of different mass ratios were prepared by a hydrothermal treatment method and characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and Transmission Electron Spectroscopy (TEM). UV-Vis diffuse spectrum showed that the CNTi composites exhibited absorption in the visible light range. The kinetics of the phenol degradation using the as-prepared nanocomposite photocatalyst compared to the bare TiO2 nanoparticles was tested using Xenon lamps (mainly a visible light source) as a photoexcitation source in presence and absence of H2O2 and/or O3. The photodegradation of phenol was evaluated using UV spectrophotometer and total organic carbon (TOC). It was revealed that the photocatalytic activity of the CNTi composites significantly higher than TiO2 nanoparticles. Furthermore, 0.1CNTi composite showed the best phenol degradation when H2O2 and O3 were simultaneously used in which the degradation percentage of phenol was more than 90% within 30 min. Table 1 shows Rate constant, rate coefficient, degradation % (%D) and degradation % from TOC of TiO2, 0.1CNTi, 0.5CNTi, I CNTi in presence and absence of H2O2, 0.1CNTi with O3 and 0.1CNTi with both H2O2 and O3

parameter

Catalyst

TiO2

0.1% CNTi

0.5CNTi

1CNTi

0.1CNTi

+ O3

0.1CNTi

+ H2O2 + O3

-
+ H2O2

-
+ H2O2

-
+ H2O2

-
+ H2O2

r

0.021
0.030
0.032
0.056
0.030
0.051
0.023
0.043
0.038
0.080

R2

0.99
0.99
1.00
1.00
0.99
1.00
1.00
1.00
0.99
0.99

% D

49.1
61.3
62.6
81.2
60.7
77.8
49.7
72.9
69.1
91.4

TOC

54.4
72.8
63.1
81.3
59.9
78.0
49.9
73.0
71.08
92.1

Table 1: Rate constant, rate coefficient, degradation % (%D) and degradation % from TOC of TiO2, 0.1CNTi, 0.5CNTi, I CNTi in presence and absence of H2O2, 0.1CNTi with O3 and 0.1CNTi with both H2O2 and O3
Pulsed Laser Deposited Sns-Snse Composite Thin Film As a New Anode Material for Lithium Storage
Authors: Cui Yixiu , Liu Xiaojiang , Zhao Yu , Wei Kaiyuan , Yang Yin , Cui Yanhua 
Published: February 2020

Tin-based materials have been arousing extensive interest for using as anode electrodes in the field of lithium ion batteries (LIBs) due to the fact that Sn could alloy with Li to form Li4.4Sn and deliver extremely high capacity of 994 mAh g-1. However, the significant volume change of Sn particles during charge-discharge cycles hinders the practical use of Sn-based materials. One possible solution to this volume-change issue is to switch bulk material to thin-film material, which could effectively reduce stress caused by the large volume change upon cycling.
In this work, SnS-SnSe composite thin films are synthesized by plused laser deposition method. The initial discharge capacity of SnS-SnSe composite film is 1225.8 mAh g-1. The reaction mechanism of the composite with Li has been investigated. It is revealed that SnS-SnSe composite thin film firstly reacted with Li during discharge to form Li2S、Li2Se and Sn, then Sn reacted with Li to form LixSn alloy. During charge process, LixSn firstly decomposed to form elementary Sn, then Sn catalyzed Li2S and Li2Se to decompose to reform SnS-SnSe composite thin film. Li2S and Li2Se produced during discharge process act as buffer material which might release stress caused by volume change, thus enhancing cycling performance of the component film. Additionally, SnS-SnSe composite thin film possesses more grain boundaries than single SnS or SnSe thin film, which could effectively enhance electrochemical activity and contribute to the capacity increment.

Figure 1
Graphite Oxide Cathode for Greener Rechargeable Aluminum Battery
Authors: Li Zhanyu , Li Jianling , Liu Yanying , Ding Feixiang , Yang Kai , Gao Fei 
Published: February 2020

Graphite Oxide Cathode for Greener Rechargeable Aluminum Battery

In recent years, with the gradual depletion of traditional energy, Secondary battery is being widely researched and applied, and will become a vital force in a plenty variety of new green energy. Aluminium is the most abundant metal in the earth’s crust and each aluminum ion carries three electrons which make the capacity of the aluminum ion battery is expected to be greatly improved. Additionally, aluminum ion battery might offer significant cost savings and safety improvements over the Li-ion battery platform due to the price of aluminum is much lower than that of lithium. However, at present, the working voltage and energy density of the aluminum ion battery is lower than that of the lithium ion battery, so it is urgent to develop a new kind of positive electrode material of aluminum ion battery to improve the electrochemical performance. [1-2]
In the work, we report on a novel Al-ion battery system using graphite oxide as the cathode against an aluminium metal anode in an ionic liquid (IL), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([BMIM]OTF) and aluminum trifluoromethanesulfonate (Al(OTF)3), -based electrolyte. [3] As shown in Figure 1a, the charge and discharge capacity gradually decreased with the increase of cycle number. However, reduction of discharge capacity is much smaller than that of the charge capacity. As shown in Figure 1b, with the increase of cycle number, the discharge capacity is gradually reduced and the coulombic efficiency is gradually increased, which are consistent with the results obtained from the Fig.1a. It can be seen from the Fig.1a that the first discharge capacity of graphite oxide cathode is only 26.7 mAh/g and its electrochemical polarization is relatively large, so we will further improve the oxidation graphite to enhance the electrochemical properties of aluminum ion batteries.

Reference

1. Dunn, B.; Kamath, H.; Tarascon, J.M., (2011) Electrical energy storage for the grid: a battery of choices. Science, 334: 928-935
2. Lin, M.C.; Gong, M.; Lu, B.; Wu, Y. P.; Wang, D.Y.; Guan, M.; Angell, M.; Chen, C.;Yang, J.; Hwang, B.J.; Dai, H., (2015) An Ultrafast Rechargeable Aluminium-Ion Battery. Nature, 520: 524-528.
3. wang, H.L.; Gu, S.C.; Bai, Y.; Chen, S.; Wu, F.; Wu, C.; (2016) A high-voltage and non-corrosive ionic liquid electrolyte used in rechargeable aluminum battery. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 8: 27444-27448.

Acknowledgments

The experimental research was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (no.51572024, 51372021)

Figure 1
(Invited) Facile Isolation of Adsorbent-Free Long Semiconducting Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Based on Supramolecular Chemistry
Authors: Nakashima Naotoshi , Toshimitsu Fumiyuki 
Published: February 2020

The separation/purification of semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (sem-SWNTs) with high quality is one of the most important issues in the science and technology of carbon nanotubes[1-5]. We have reported that supramolecular coordination polymer and hydrogen bonding systems to provide selectively sorting of sem-SWNTs not containing the used adsorbents.
In this study, we describe a simple, less expensive, scalable and highly efficient sem-SWNT sorting using removable solubilizers. The used molecules are Vitamin B2 and flavin/isoaloxazine derivatives. Together with experimental results and molecular mechanics and molecular dynamics simulations, we have revealed molecular requirements for the solubilizers, as well as a possible mechanism for such efficient sorting.

References

[1] F. Toshimitsu, N. Nakashima, Nature Communications, 2014, 5, art no. 5041.
[2] F. Toshimitsu, N. Nakashima, Sci. Rep., 2015, 5, art. no.18066.
[3] F. Toshimitsu, N. Nakashima, Chem. Eur. J., 2015, 21, 3359-3366.
[4] K. Akazaki, F. Toshimitsu, H. Ozawa, T. Fujigaya, N. Nakashima, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2012, 134, 12700-12707.
[5] H. Ozawa, X. Yi, T. Fujigaya, Y. Niidome, T. Asano and N. Nakashima, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2011, 133, 14771–14777.