bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epitaxy Promotes OER Stability of IrO2-Coated SnO2 Nanoparticles in PEM Electrolysis
Authors: Kost Melisande , Kornherr Matthias , Zehetmaier Peter , Gasteiger Hubert Andreas , Döblinger Markus , Fattakhova-Rohlfing Dina , Kost Melisande 
Published: December 2024

The transition from fossil fuel-based and CO2-intensive energy production to a future sustainable energy-based economy requires solutions for efficient energy conversion and storage for later re-electrification of green energy from a renewable source such as solar or wind power. One possibility is to convert energy from sustainable sources into chemical energy in the form of hydrogen by electrolysis of water. To meet this challenge, Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysis is a powerful, state-of-the-art technology that uses scarce iridium-based catalysts to promote the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). To improve the sustainability and economics of the PEM process, it is necessary to minimize the use of rare and precious iridium to reduce the overall density of iridium-based catalysts for the OER.
Here, we present different strategies for the synthesis of low-total iridium OER catalysts. In addition to the choice of support material and support morphology, we also consider the coating strategy to produce highly active and durable catalysts.
The coating of corrosion-resistant high surface area metal oxide supports of various morphologies with an ultrathin layer of amorphous iridium hydroxide by a simple wet chemical synthesis at low temperature and ambient pressure or by a hydrothermal approach leads to the formation of interconnected amorphous hydrous iridium oxide particles. In a subsequent step, the amorphous phase is oxidized at elevated temperatures using an Adams fusion salt melt. This process allows a controllable phase transformation and crystallization to form a layer of interconnected partially crystalline IrOx nanoparticles of ≈1.5-2 nm domain size on the surface of the supporting metal oxides, thus providing an electrical percolation path in the catalyst layer.
The appropriate choice of support material in terms of crystal lattice parameters can moderate the crystal growth of the iridium oxide in terms of epitaxy and significantly increase the stability due to tight anchoring to the support. The final core-shell nanostructures comprise highly active iridium oxide with total Ir weight fractions as low as 7at% on SnO2 nanoparticles, compared to a state-of-the-art benchmark catalyst with 56at% Ir supported on TiO2 nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging was used to elucidate the effect of different core-shell designs, particularly on iridium coating and crystallinity. Rotating disk electrode (RDE) measurements were performed to evaluate the electrochemical properties and assess the activity of respective catalyst as well as the cycling stability. Further, membrane electrode (MEA) polarization curves suggest enhanced stability of epitaxial catalyst layers.
Unraveling the Electronic and Geometric Effects in Au-Pt Bimetallic Catalysts: A Comparative Study of Electrodeposition and Sputtering Techniques for Formic Acid Oxidation
Authors: Piwowar Justyna , Lewera Adam 
Published: December 2024

A comprehensive investigation into the relationships between the electronic structure of a surface and its catalytic properties is crucial for advancing our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms driving catalytic activity. Platinum and Pt-based systems are widely recognized for their exceptional catalytic performance numerous applications. To elucidate the correlations between electronic configuration and catalytic behavior, we performed a systematic study by depositing gold onto platinum surfaces. The model reaction selected for this investigation was the electrooxidation of formic acid, a reaction of particular relevance due to its role in low-temperature direct formic acid fuel cells (DFAFCs).
The modification of Pt surfaces with Au has been reported extensively in the literature, with numerous studies demonstrating advantageous changes in catalytic properties upon the interaction of these two metals. However, despite the considerable attention this system has garnered, the precise mechanisms underlying these enhancements remain incompletely understood. Two predominant hypotheses have been proposed to explain these phenomena: (1) the geometric effect, whereby changes in surface morphology influence catalytic behavior, and (2) the electronic effect, which posits that alterations in electronic structure, particularly at the metal-metal interface, play a main role.
In our work, we sought to distinguish between these two effects by preparing samples using two distinct methodologies: electrodeposition and sputtering. The electrodeposition technique, by its nature, tends to produce layers that are more likely to exhibit pseudomorphic growth, potentially leading to stronger electronic interactions between the deposited and substrate layers. In contrast, the sputtering method is expected to result in less coherent growth, with potentially weaker interactions. By comparing the catalytic activities of these differently prepared samples, we aimed to discern which effect – geometric or electronic – predominates in the enhancement of catalytic performance.
Comprehensive characterization of the electronic properties of the samples was performed using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Specifically, we focused on analyzing the binding energies of core levels, alongside a detailed investigation of the valence band spectra, paying particular attention to the density of states near the Fermi level and the shifts in the d-band center. These parameters are critical for understanding the electronic interactions at the Au-Pt interface. Additionally, the catalytic activity was studied through cyclic voltammetry (CV), where we observed synergistic effects in the oxidation of formic acid on both types of samples.
Our findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the interplay between electronic and geometric factors.
Development of Rapid Diagnostic Platform for Detection of Hepatitis A Virus
Authors: Kaur Dilmeet , Ramasamy Ramaraja 
Published: December 2024

Hepatitis A Virus, mainly transmitted through the fecal-oral route by the consumption of infected food and water is known to be a significant public health threat [1]. Most of the cases are underreported given the extended length of time (15-50 days) it takes for symptoms of HAV to appear in infected individuals [2]. The current detection methods are limited in their recovery of the HAV and rely on the viral RNA quantification using qPCR as the wild-type strains of HAV cannot be efficiently isolated and propagated in available cell lines and can take weeks to months to be detected in cell culture. The HAV, inside these cells, makes it difficult to evaluate its infectivity, underlining the need for a more reliable diagnostic device that can directly detect infectious HAV in food and environmental samples. This study presents a method of developing and testing a new electrochemical biosensor that can detect Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) in controlled environments. The biosensor uses FRhK-4 epithelial cells as biological receptors and incorporates a bio-nanocomposite-modified electrode. The surface area of the electrode was optimized by the deposition of gold nanoparticles, resulting in increased cell adhesion and signal strength. The biosensor functions by quantifying changes in electrical impedance caused by the binding of HAV to FRhK-4 cells, which is detected via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The FRhK-4 cells were carefully cultured, and their survival and optimal growth were maintained before immobilizing them on screen-printed electrodes. The biosensor exhibited high sensitivity and specificity in detecting HAV, amongst 2 other non-target viruses, effectively differentiating between various concentrations of the virus. The impedance tests confirm the biosensor's ability to detect and analyze infectious HAV particles, with desirable detection limits, and allow for identifying the target virus even at low concentrations (as low as 10^1 TCID50/mL). A quick, reliable, and precise biosensor for HAV outbreak detection in food production and storage facilities will be a major advance. Improving efficiency and testing different food compositions to ensure greater applicability and integration into food safety processes will be the subsequent steps in this study.
References:

Amon, J.J., Devasia, R., Xia, G., Nainan, O.V., Hall, S., Lawson, B., Wolthuis, J.S., MacDonald, P.D., Shepard, C.W., Williams, I.T. and Armstrong, G.L., 2005. Molecular epidemiology of foodborne hepatitis A outbreaks in the United States, 2003. The Journal of Infectious Diseases, 192(8), pp.1323-1330.

Vaughan, G., Rossi, L.M.G., Forbi, J.C., de Paula, V.S., Purdy, M.A., Xia, G. and Khudyakov, Y.E., 2014. Hepatitis A virus: host interactions, molecular epidemiology and evolution. Infection, Genetics and Evolution, 21, pp.227-243.
Qualification and Indexation of Mechanoluminescent (ML) Sensors Toward Crack Monitoring and Visualizing Strain Distribution
Authors: Terasaki Nao , Fujio Yuki , Sakata Yoshitaro , Hirakawa Rio 
Published: December 2024

Mechanoluminescent (ML) sensing material is a fascinating ceramic powder (size: av.1 μm, representative ML material: SrAl2O4:Eu2+, lem: 520 nm) and it emits intensive light repeatedly with various type of mechanical stress. The ML luminance is proportional to strain energy. Thus, the two-dimensional (2D) ML emission pattern reflects the dynamical strain/stress distribution.
So far, ML visual sensors has been successfully applied for visualizing crack and mechanical behavior for (1) structural health monitoring (SHM) on infrastructure such as bridge, building, pipe, and hydrogen vessel [1, 2], (2) design and simulation supporting on light-weighting of automobile and airplane [1, 2], and (3) evaluation assisting tools of mechanical testing especially in adhesive joint [3]. In these cases, we have used our synthesized high performance SrAl2O4:Eu2+ as ML material and epoxy resin as matrix pf paint for preparing ML sensors. However, recently, along the big achievements of the ML sensing as above, novel ML sensing material has vigorously investigated and reported, However, there is no standard methods for qualification and indexation of mechanoluminescent (ML) sensors, the candidate user cannot choose appropriate ML sensors for their needs and requirements.
In this presentation, firstly, the achievements of the ML sensing will be introduced, especially the viewpoint of application describe above. Then, we will propose a standard evaluation method of ML sensors using strain (% or mst)-ML luminance (mcd/mm2) curve and express the performance of ML sensor as “ML index”. Finally, we discuss the classification of ML sensor in ML index, to be able users to choose appropriate ML sensor toward crack monitoring and visualizing strain distribution.
This presentation is based on results obtained from a project, JPNP2005, commissioned by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO)
[1] Nao Terasaki, “Direct Visualization of Mechanical Behavior During Adhesive Bonding Failure Using Mechanoluminescence (ML)”, Interfacial Phenomena in Adhesion and Adhesive Bonding, 4, 209-290 (2024), springer. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-981-99-4456-9
[2] Protecting Infrastructure by Visualizing Stress, NHK WORLD-JAPAN, Science View, https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/tv/scienceview/20220222/2015274/
[3] ISO8065 ISO/PRF 8065, Composites and reinforcements fibres, Mechanoluminescent visualization method of crack propagation for joint evaluation

Figure 1
Electrochemical Model-Based Capacity Estimation Using Electric Vehicle Driving Data
Authors: Cho Kyeongeun , Kim Sanghyun , Lee Wooju , Choi Jung-Il 
Published: December 2024

This study performs capacity estimations based on an electrochemical model using electric vehicle (EV) driving data. Understanding and optimizing the behavior of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) under varied operational conditions is crucial for improving their performance and reliability. Accurate estimation of the state of an EV battery is critical, and electrochemical models are predominantly used for this internal state estimation. However, these models involve many parameters, leading to computational complexities while minimizing estimation errors. In this study, we introduce a practical parameter identification (PI) approach to address these issues using EV driving data and propose an electrochemical model-based capacity estimation method for EVs.
Despite significant advancements in LIB technology, there remains a gap in the literature, particularly in PI for EV battery packs and the application of driving data. Existing studies mainly focus on controlled laboratory conditions, which do not fully capture the complex and dynamic nature of actual EV usage. This study leverages driving data to bridge this gap, although computational time becomes a considerable challenge when processing hours of driving data for PI. To mitigate this, the study proposes a data under-sampling method that accounts for the applied current and evaluates the accuracy of PI at different sampling intervals (5s, 10s, 20s). Additionally, the identified parameters are analyzed based on the battery's state of charge (SOC).
Capacity estimation using these identified parameters demonstrates an error margin of less than 2%, indicating adequate reflection of the battery's internal state. A comparison of under-sampling intervals reveals that PI at a 20s interval maintains accuracy comparable to that at a 5s interval. The results from PI using data from diverse operational SOC ranges underscore the importance of employing a broad range of SOC values to reflect battery characteristics accurately.
Enhancing the Cycle Life of Silicon Microparticle Anodes for High-Energy Density Lithium-Ion Batteries through a Reinforced Conductive Matrix
Authors: Im HyunJi , Kim Young-Jun 
Published: December 2024

Silicon (Si) is increasingly regarded as a promising candidate for anode materials in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to its exceptional theoretical specific capacity and abundant material resources. However, widespread commercial adoption faces hurdles due to inherent challenges such as significant volume expansion and the uncontrolled growth of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) during cycling. To address these obstacles, numerous strategies have been proposed, including the fabrication of nano-sized silicon structures to enhance structural stability and long cyclability. Nonetheless, reducing silicon to the nanoscale diminishes the initial coulombic efficiency (ICE) and tap density of Si nanomaterials, thereby hindering the commercialization of Si anodes.
Si microparticles (SiMPs) exhibit higher ICE and volumetric capacity compared to Si nanoparticles (SiNPs), making them better suited to meet the requirements of high energy density. However, their larger particle size also increases susceptibility to pulverization during cycling. Despite numerous efforts to enhance the performance of SiMP anodes, the conventional anode structure typically comprises active materials, conductive additives, and a polymeric binder. This traditional structure is prone to damage caused by the substantial volume expansion and shrinkage of SiMPs, resulting in the isolation of electrical network.
To overcome these limitations, we propose a novel electrode architecture consisting of active materials, reinforcing materials, and a conductive matrix. The reinforcing materials act as a bridge between the active materials and the conductive matrix, enhancing the electrode's elasticity. The conductive matrix integrates the functionalities of both binder and conductive additive, eliminating the need for nonconductive binders. Consequently, the issue of electrical connectivity in the SiMP electrode during repeated cycling is addressed. The conductive matrix is synthesized using a simple method involving the cyclization of polymers at a specific temperature, thereby enhancing the electrical conductivity of the polymer.
Through the examination of mechanical and electrical characteristics, our proposed electrode structure demonstrates improved electrical conductivity while preserving electrode integrity when compared to the conventional SiMP electrode structure. In conclusion, our novel electrode structure presents a promising solution for enhancing the applicability of SiMPs in LIB electrode materials. This advancement holds potential for overcoming challenges associated with SiMPs, thus facilitating their broader utilization in next-generation lithium-ion batteries.
Factors Affecting Electrochemical Properties of P’2-Type Mn-Based Layered Oxides for Sodium Ion Batteries
Authors: Kuriyama Tomohiro , Ugata Yosuke , Yabuuchi Naoaki 
Published: December 2024

In recent years, the rapid growth in the market of electric vehicles has resulted in the increase of prices for lithium, cobalt, and nickel resources used in lithium-ion batteries. Therefore, a great research effort has been conducted to explore new battery systems based on more abundant resources with lower costs. Recently, rechargeable sodium-ion batteries have been attracting much attention for energy storage applications.[1] In this study, Mn-based sodium layered oxide, P'2 Na2/3MnO2 is revisited as a positive electrode material for sodium-ion batteries, and factors affecting its electrochemical performances is examined. The cycle stability of Na2/3MnO2 is remarkably improved by increasing the lower cut-off voltage during cycling. This is because the electrochemical cycling in a higher voltage range maintains a higher average oxidation state of Mn ions in the electrode (i.e., less local distortion induced by Jahn-Teller Mn3+ ions). Furthermore, the use of highly concentrated electrolytes, in which the presence of free solvent molecules is eliminated, effectively suppresses the Mn dissolution, thus enabling stable cycling with >80% capacity retention for more than 1000 cycles. From these results, the possibility of Na2/3MnO2 as a practical positive electrode for sodium-ion battery applications is discussed.
Reference
[1] T. Sato et al., and N. Yabuuchi, Energy Material Advances, 2021, 9857563 (2021).
(Invited) Improving Withstand Voltages of Conductive Polymer Solid Aluminum Capacitors for Power Electronics Applications
Authors: Habazaki Hiroki , Quintero Giraldo David , Iwai Mana , Nagahara Kazuhiro , Tanaka Atsushi , Machida Kenji , Okuzaki Hidenori , Hasegawa Kazunori 
Published: December 2024

Aluminum solid electrolytic capacitors using conductive polymer cathodes are promising passive components with high capacitance, low equivalent series resistance (ESR) and high thermal stability for applications in advanced power electronics systems. However, the working voltage of the aluminum solid capacitors is limited and does not meet the requirements of the power electronic systems. In this study, two approaches are introduced to increase the withstand voltage of the aluminum solid capacitors: introducing a highly resistive interface layer between a dielectric alumina layer and a conductive polymer layer and the development of novel modified PEDOT:PSS polymers.
When a crystalline g’-alumina dielectric layer covered with a porous hydrated alumina layer was coated with a PEDOT:PSS conductive polymer, the breakdown voltage was ~500 V for the dielectric alumina film formed at 700 V. The dielectric breakdown occurred at voltages considerably lower than the anodizing voltage. However, the introduction of the simple hot water treatment after anodizing (post-hydration treatment) increased the breakdown voltage markedly, exceeding the anodizing voltage of 700 V.1 Cross-sectional STEM observation of the cross-section of the post-hydration treated specimen disclosed the formation of a nanovoids-dispersed layer between the dielectric layer and the hydrated alumina layer. The nanovoids-dispersed layer contained a reduced amount of polymer, so this layer is likely to be more resistive. Re-anodizing to convert the nanovoids-dispersed layer to a dielectric layer reduced the breakdown voltage to ~500 V. Thus, it is confirmed that the formation of such nanovoids-dispersed layer with high resistivity plays an important role in enhancing the breakdown voltage of the aluminum solid capacitors.
Alkyl group-modified PEDOT:PSS conductive polymers were synthesized to control the crystallinity and conductivity. The crystallinity and conductivity of the PEDOT:PSS were successfully reduced by introducing the alkyl group, and we could confirm that the breakdown voltage of the capacitors was highly enhanced by using ethyl-PEDOT:PSS instead of commercial PEDOT:PSS.

D. Quintero, H. Matsuya, M. Iwai, S. Kitano, K. Fushimi, H. Habazaki, ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 16 (2024) 1737-1748.

This study was supported in part by the MEXT-Program for Creation of Innovative Core Technology for Power Electronics (INNOPEL), Grant Number JPJ009777.
Enhancement of Near-IR Photoluminescence of Ag8GeS6 Quantum Dots Via Semiconductor Shell Coating
Authors: Soto Masayuki , Rismaningsih Nurmanita , Kubo Junya , Akiyoshi Kazutaka , Kameyama Tatsuya , Fujihira Norikazu , Torimoto Tsukasa 
Published: December 2024

Near-IR-responsive quantum dots (QDs) have been intensively investigated for developing bright luminescent probes for biological imaging. In comparison to conventional organic dyes or fluorescent proteins, QDs offer numerous advantages, including intense photoluminescence, high quantum yield, high molar extinction coefficient, resistance to photo-bleaching, and broad wavelength range for the photoexcitation with narrow emission bands, making them ideal for high contrast optical imaging of biological systems. However, commercially available high-quality QDs often contain highly toxic heavy metals such as Cd and Pb, prompting a growing demand for Cd-free alternatives. Recently, there has been intensive investigation into less-toxic QDs with narrower energy bandgaps (Egs) for developing novel materials that exhibit near-IR photoluminescence (PL). In our previous paper, we successfully prepared I-III-VI-based QDs of less toxicity, such as Ag(In,Ga)Se2, which exhibited a sharp bandedge PL, the peak wavelength being controllable with their composition [1]. In this study, we report for the first time the successful preparation of Ag8GeS6 QDs with near-IR PL. The PL intensity of obtained QDs was enhanced by surface-coating with other semiconductor shells.
Ag8GeS6 QDs were synthesized by a heating-up method. A mixture of Ag(DDTC), Ge(gly)2(H2O)2,[2] and thiourea were added in a test tube containing a mixture solution of oleylamine and 1-dodecanethiol. The solution was heated at 150oC for 20 min. Subsequently, Ag8GeS6 QDs were surface-coated with ZnS shell of different thicknesses. Spherical Ag8GeS6 QDs were obtained with the average size of 3.6 nm. They exhibited a broad near-IR PL peak at 920 nm with PL quantum yield (QY) of 2.2 %. The PL intensity was remarkably enhanced by the surface coating with ZnS shell, depending on the shell thickness. The resulting core-shell-structured Ag8GeS6@ZnS QDs had a type-I heterojunction and their PL QY was ca. 4.4% for the ZnS shell thickness of ca. 0.3 nm. In contrast, the surface coating with other metal chalcogenide semiconductor shells further improved the PL QY of Ag8GeS6 QDs, in which the optimal value was ca. 28%. These results were due to both the exciton confinement in the core and the removal of surface defects acting as a non-radiative recombination site. In conclusion, the present Ag8GeS6 QDs are expected to be applied as a novel near-IR photoluminescent probe for bio-imaging.

References

[1] T. Kameyama, et al., ACS Appl. Nano Mater.
3, 3275 (2020).
[2] A. S. R. Chesman, et al., Chem. Mater.
26, 5482 (2014).