bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
(Invited) Toward Nanocarbon Materials-Based Organic and Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Matsuo Yutaka , Lin Hao-Sheng 
Published: July 2022

In this presentation, we introduce our recent research progress on organic and perovskite solar cells using functionalized nanocarbon materials. We applied wet-processed scalable single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) films to transparent and back electrodes in organic solar cells for large area solar cells. Gas-phase growth SWCNT was dispersed with sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate surfactant in an organic solvent and solution-coated on a treated glass substrate to make a SWCNT film as a transparent electrode. We achieved the first high efficiency e-DIPS/wet-processed SWCNT film electrode in organic solar cells with a best-efficiency of 5.93% through the optimized HNO3 doping methodology.
We also report enhanced hole-transporting ability of widely utilized poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) achieved by applying cationic nitrogen-doped graphene (CNG) as a p-type modifier for efficient organic solar cells. The power conversion efficiency of the CNG-coated PEDOT:PSS-applied OSC reaches 2.76% using poly(3-hexylthiophene), which is an increase of 40% compared to that of the pristine PEDOT:PSS-applied OSC (1.96%). This technology improved the efficiency of organic solar cells using a low-bandgap polymer from 6.54% to 7.79%. The significantly enhanced performance is contributed by the increased hole-transporting ability, and the improved interfacial morphology of PEDOT:PSS.
(Invited, Digital Presentation) Heterogeneously Integrated Nanomaterial-Based Multimodal Flexible Sensor Sheets
Authors: Takei Kuniharu 
Published: July 2022

Human interaction is of great interests for a next class of human society to realize convenient, comfortable, and safe life. For this purpose, multimodal sensing is one of the most important functionalities. Furthermore, without sacrificing the original shape change or uncomfortability to attach or wear the sensor systems onto the targeted surface, respectively, ultrathin and mechanically flexible sensor is required. To address these requirements together, one potential material system is inorganic nanomaterials, which allows it to achieve a variety of material integrated formation on a film and mechanical flexibility due to ultra-small dimensions with high performance. However, the challenges to utilize the nanomaterials for the practical flexible device applications are still remained such as scalability, long-time stability, and multi-functional integrations. In my group, we are trying to develop the heterogeneously integrated nanomaterial-based sensors on flexible films to overcome all challenges to move forward to building the new sensor platforms.
In this talk, as the progress on our research activity to contribute the flexible sensor community and IoT applications, multimodal flexible sensors using mainly nanomaterials formed by solution-based and laser-induced methods are discussed for wearable healthcare/medical applications. In addition to the flexible sensors, wireless system and signal processing for the feedback alarm function when the abnormal signal is detected are introduced as the potential flexible sensor application. In particular, electrocardiogram (ECG), skin temperature, and skin humidity flexible sensors and their integration on a flexible film are explained by using fundamental characteristics.
This study focuses on the heterogeneously integrated multimodal flexible sensors for the application of remote healthcare applications. Although additional functional sensors and systems to realize more useful and convenient home-use healthcare system is required, the approaches may contribute the further developments to open a next class of electronics for IoT.
Ampero-Coulometry: A New Technique for Understanding Lithium-Sulfur Electrochemistry
Authors: Gulzar Umair , O'Dwyer Colm 
Published: July 2022

Despite limited commercial success, lithium sulfur technology (LST) is still far from replacing existing Li-ion technology. One of the main reasons hindering the success of LST is the limited understanding of lithium-sulfur chemistry during electrochemical charging and discharging. Dissolution of sulfur species in electrolyte solution further enhances the complexity of this system. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of sulfur species and their kinetics during charge/discharge process is paramount for a high-performance lithium-sulfur battery. In this work, we used a chronoamperometric method to rapidly measure the rate capability of sulfur electrodes. The method allows us to interrogate rate performance of sulfur electrode from 0.1C up to 1000C in 26 mins of chronoamperometric measurement. Electrodes prepared with Super-P, carbon fiber and graphene platelets were compared to understand the relationship between electrode kinetics and geometrical porosity. Moreover, the electrical conductivity of sulfur electrodes with different thickness and material composition were compared to understand their dependence on C-rates. Finally, we developed a new technique 'Ampero-Coulometry' which utilizes the experimental results obtained from chronoamperometry and mathematically transform to reveal rate capability of carbon-sulfur electrodes at different state of charge/capacity (Figure 1a, b). This technique allowed us to track the overall rate of reactions inside Li-S cell over a complete state of discharge. For the first time, we were able to correlate Li+ diffusion coefficient with the chronopotentiometric discharge profile of a Li-S battery. As dissolution of sulfur species and their interplay inside a porous sulfur electrode has a significant role in limiting Li-S battery capacity, and we can now relate the known mechanism of polysulfide dissolution with the kinetics of a sulfur electrode and its performance.
Figure 1: (a) Comparison of discharge curve and Ampero-Coulometry curve of lithium-sulfur battery (b) Comparison of discharge curve and differential rate curve of lithium-sulfur battery.

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In Situ X-Ray Nano-Tomography at ID16B: A Practical Guide to Battery Analysis
Authors: Vanpeene Victor , Martens Isaac , Drnec Jakub , Schulli Tobias , Capria Ennio , Villanova Julie 
Published: July 2022

The past decade faced with rapid development of electric vehicles, portable electronic devices and green energy production, in which lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) technology plays a key role. In this context, extensive research has been made for increasing their energy density along with power density. This challenge requires pushing forward the resolution limits to probe degradation phenomena occurring at the active material level for a deeper understanding of the batter failure mechanism.
In this context, X-ray techniques have been intensively used to probe in details the morphological/chemical evolution along cycling of various battery materials. For instance, X-ray computed tomography brings valuable 3D information for material structural analysis at scale ranging from the micrometre to the nanometre. High flux and high coherent X-ray nano-beams provided by the synchrotron sources, combined with the fast acquisition obtained thanks to the new generation of cMOS detectors, make it possible to carry out in situ and operando measurements at the nano-scale to 3D monitor dynamic phenomena. These developments present a real interest for the energy storage applications.
This presentation will focus on the hard X-ray nano-tomography set-up developed at the ID16B beamline of the ESRF and its applications toward operando measurements applied to different case studies related to energy materials. This will be discussed as well in regards to the benefits and limitations brought by the extremely brilliant X-ray source EBS developed at the ESRF.
(Digital Presentation) Effect of Electrolyte Additives on the Discharge Behavior and Performance of a WE43 Mg Alloy As Mg-Air Battery Anode
Authors: Peng Chih-Sheng , Chu Peng-Wei 
Published: July 2022

Smartphones and electric cars have developed rapidly over the past ten years. Hence, high energy density storage devices are also getting increasing attention. Compared with commercial Li-ion batteries, Mg-air battery systems have the advantages of a high theoretical energy density (6800Wh/kg), natural abundance, environmental-friendliness, and low cost. However, Mg-air battery suffers from low anodic efficiency, discharge product accumulation, and sluggish reaction kinetics on both the anodes and cathodes. Adding additives to the electrolyte has been shown to increase the cell voltage and boost the anode efficiency. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism of how electrolyte additives change the discharge behavior is still unclear. In this report, the discharge behavior and performance of a Mg-air battery with different electrolyte additives are investigated through a combination of electrochemical analysis, collection of the by-product hydrogen gas, and microscopic characterizations.
A WE43 Mg alloy was selected as the anode for primary Mg-air batteries due to its high activity in 3.5wt% NaCl solution. Various amounts of electrolyte additives, such as chelating agents, e.g. salicylate salts, and corrosion inhibitors, e.g. Na3PO4, were added to 3.5wt% NaCl solution together or separately. The discharge behavior and performance with different additives were analyzed by recording the open circuit potential (OCP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) before and after discharge, discharge voltage evolution, hydrogen evolved from the anodes, and cross-sectional observations of the alloy after discharge. The anodic efficiency loss contributed by the negative difference effect (NDE) and chunk effect (CE) were also quantified to study how different additives change the discharge behavior. The anode performance improvement and synergic effect of the electrolyte additives will be discussed.

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An Electrochemical Ethylamine/Acetonitrile Redox Method for Ambient Hydrogen Storage
Authors: Wu Dezhen , Li Jialu , Yao Libo , Xie Rongxuan , Peng Zhenmeng 
Published: July 2022

Hydrogen is an appealing energy carrier that can potentially replace conventional fossil fuels in the development of a clean, sustainable hydrogen economy, which would resolve environmental problems caused by the combustion of the non-renewable resources while also meeting the rising demand for energy. However, hydrogen storage has remained a major roadblock in the hydrogen economy development. As a matter of fact, the state-of-the-art methods fall short of the 2025 Department of Energy (DOE) onboard hydrogen storage target of 5.5 wt.% under 85 °C and 12 bars.
Herein we report a new, electrochemical ethylamine/acetonitrile redox method for efficient, high-capacity hydrogen storage under completely ambient conditions. The amine/nitrile redox couple is selected due to their moderate chemical polarity and relatively simple hydrogenation and dehydrogenation pathways, which would aid reaction activation and reduce the energy barrier. Electrochemical potential provides the driving force in CH3CH2NH2 dehydrogenation under ambient conditions, rather than high temperature and pressure that are typically required to thermally drive an endothermic process. We demonstrate an effective, complete cycle of CH3CN hydrogenation to CH3CH2NH2 for hydrogen uptake and CH3CH2NH2 dehydrogenation to CH3CN for hydrogen release at low overpotentials, using commercial Pt black catalyst in an electrochemical cell. The studied CH3CH2NH2/CH3CN system has a theoretical H2 storage capacity of 8.9 wt.%, well surpassing the 5.5 wt.% DOE target. This study offers a new, effective hydrogen storage strategy that can be extended to many other amine/nitrile redox systems and would help advance the hydrogen economy development.
(Invited) DNA Kirigami with Tripod-C60 Scalpel
Authors: Ray Ankita , Spencer Nicholas D. , Kuzuya Akinori , Yamakoshi Yoko 
Published: July 2022

A tripod-C60 molecule was synthesized and attached onto a Au-coated AFM tip. Using the tripod skeleton of the molecule, tripod-C60 was immobilized onto the Au surface in a dispersed and stable manner, as observed by XPS and AFM imaging. Using an AFM tip functionalized with the tripod-C60, waffle-type DNA origami was scanned under visible light irradiation. Upon scanning, DNA damage was clearly observed by AFM imaging at the single molecule level. Control experiments in the absence of C60 (tripod only), in the dark, or in the presence of L-histidine or D2O confirmed that the observed DNA damage was induced by singlet oxygen (1O2) generated from C60 under photoirradiation.
References: (1) Ray, A.; Passiu, C.; Nasuda, M.; Ramakrishna, S. N.; Rossi, A.; Kuzuya, A.; Spencer, N. D.; Yamakoshi, Y. ACS Nano ASAP. (2) Ray, A.; Liosi, K.; Ramakrishna, S. N.; Spencer, N. D.; Kuzuya, A.; Yamakoshi, Y. J. Phys. Chem. Lett.
2020, 11, 7819–7826.

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Zinc Passivation in Zinc-Slurries Operated Beyond the Zincate Solubility Limit
Authors: Fuchs David , Müller Christoph , Mahlendorf Falko , Hoster Harry 
Published: July 2022

Recently, zinc-air batteries have received revived interest as one of the proposed post lithium-ion technologies. This revival is driven by the demand for safe and environmentally friendly energy storage solutions for fluctuating renewable energy. These energy storage systems need to address variable power, capacity and profitability requests. Zinc-air-flow batteries with high specific energy density, low-cost, highly available and eco-friendly active materials are suitable to fulfill these requirements. The use of a flow battery type with zinc-particles suspended in an alkaline solution (zinc-slurry) in addition to high performance oxygen-reduction electrodes enables the development of high-power zinc-air batteries. Usually, the energy density of zinc-air-flow cells is limited by the solubility of the oxidation products in the electrolyte. In our cell, the electrolyte is supersaturated with oxidation products, before finally ZnO precipitates from the electrolyte. The cell is therefore operated beyond zincate solubility limit, which allows higher specific capacities than reported in literature, even though the zincate solubility of the electrolyte is much lower than reported [1].
The flow cell has an active area of 100 cm² and incorporates a copper plate as current collector for the zinc-suspension electrode and an oxygen reduction electrode with gas-diffusion layer (supplied by Covestro). The zinc-slurry contains zinc-particles (supplied by Grillo) suspended in an alkaline solution (30 wt.-% KOH) and stabilized with polyacrylic acid.
One of the main limiting factors of the specific capacity of the zinc-slurry is passivation. While the passivation of stationary electrodes in flowing or quiescent electrolytes is fairly well understood, see e. g. [2], there is no literature on the passivation behaviour of zinc-slurry electrodes. In this study we determined the starting point of ZnO precipitation and the critical factor for the passivation of these anodes by analysing cell voltage, potential of the zinc electrode and the zincate concentration in the liquid phase of the zinc-slurry. Depending on parameters like current density and additive selection, it is possible to reach specific capacities of 287 mAh/gslurry or 574 mAh/gzinc.

Appleby, A.J. and M. Jacquier, The C.G.E. circulating zinc/air battery: A practical vehicle power source. Journal of Power Sources, 1976. 1(1): p. 17-34.

Bockelmann, M., et al., Electrochemical characterization and mathematical modeling of zinc passivation in alkaline solutions: A review. Electrochimica Acta, 2017. 237: p. 276-298.
The Advent of Aqueous >2.85V Zn-MnO2 Batteries: Uncovering Novel Mechanisms in This New High Voltage Chemistry
Authors: Yadav Gautam , Weiner Meir , Upreti Aditya , Huang Jinchao , Wei Xia , Lambert Timothy N. , Schorr Noah B. , Bell Nelson , Banerjee Sanjoy 
Published: July 2022

Alkaline zinc (Zn)-manganese dioxide (MnO2) batteries are ubiquitous, safe, cheap and used in several applications that require only a single discharge. Its impact in the developing world has been significant where its affordability has helped consumers with low to medium economic background power several of their household devices and flashlights when grid reliability has been poor. Its single discharge is enough to deliver an energy density of ~400Wh/L. However, its promising characteristics are outweighed by its limited use in the next generation of green energy technologies because of the irreversibility of its active materials and its low nominal voltage of ~1.3V. The application of battery energy storage in these next generation of technologies like grid-storage, electric vehicles and personal electronics is extremely vital to decarbonize our future. Currently, expensive, toxic and flammable lithium-ion and lead acid batteries dominate these fields. If Zn-MnO2 batteries could be made rechargeable with an increase in its nominal voltage and capacity utilized, it could be serious contender to the dominant lithium-ion and lead acid batteries.
In this presentation, we report on an innovative approach where we solve the two aforementioned issues by redesigning the battery system to have two electrolytes that are decoupled from each other(1). The two electrolytes are aqueous-based, where the cathode and anode are immersed in mildly acidic solutions and alkaline solutions, respectively. Operating in decoupled electrolytes allows the chemistry to widen its potential window and access voltages of >2.85V, while also allowing the respective electrodes operate efficiently and reversibly in their respective electrolyte system. The neutralization of these electrolytes is prevented by gelation of the alkaline electrolyte, which removes the need of expensive ion-exchange membranes. As a demonstration of this concept, we have developed Zn-MnO2 batteries reaching voltages >2.85V that are able to access the theoretical capacity (617mAh/g) of MnO2. This translates to energy densities 2 to 3 times greater than the commercially available alkaline batteries that can be recharged multiple times at costs that are comparable to primary batteries (~$20-30/kWh).

G. Yadav et al., ACS Energy Lett. 2019, 4(9), 2144-2146.
Understanding the Influence of Particle Morphology on the Capacitive Performance of Conductive Layered Metal-Organic Frameworks
Authors: Gittins James W. , Forse Alexander C. 
Published: July 2022

Two-dimensional layered metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), characterised by their combined high intrinsic porosities and electrical conductivities, have emerged as one of the most promising electrode materials for next-generation energy storage devices, particularly supercapacitors. Several such MOFs have displayed encouraging performances in supercapacitors with a wide range of electrolytes, and have exhibited specific and areal capacitances on par with or exceeding state-of-the-art carbon materials.1-3 This has raised the prospect of using these materials in commercial devices, and their well-defined structures make them promising model electrode materials for supercapacitor structure-property investigations. However, layered MOFs can be synthesised with a range of particle morphologies, and hence 3D pore structures, as well as different degrees of particle agglomeration. Minimal work has been performed to understand how these factors impact the capacitive performances of these frameworks, and existing literature has struggled with small differences in observed morphology and low control over the samples.4 This has cast doubts over reported results, and has hindered both the development of MOF-based supercapacitors and their implementation as model electrodes.
In this work, a greater variation in particle morphology was obtained than observed in previous work on this topic. This was achieved by synthesising samples of the layered conductive MOF Cu3(HHTP)2, (HHTP = 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexahydroxytriphenylene) with different modulating agents, which influence the equilibrium determining the self-assembly process of a MOF and regulate the rate of framework growth. Using this approach, we present a detailed study into the influence of particle morphology and agglomeration on the capacitive performance of the layered MOF Cu3(HHTP)2 in symmetric supercapacitors with both organic and ionic liquid electrolytes. These studies reveal that ‘flake-like’ particle morphologies with very small length-to-width aspect ratios (<< 1) and little agglomeration are optimal for layered MOF supercapacitors. This sample displayed greater rate capabilities with organic electrolytes and significantly higher specific capacitances with ionic liquid electrolytes compared to ‘rod-like’ particles, with much larger length-to-width aspect ratios, and heavily agglomerated samples. These findings will pave the way for the next generation of supercapacitor devices using conductive layered MOF electrodes.

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Study of Cu, Co and Ru Nanoclusters on MoS2 to Predict Thin Film Morphology
Authors: Nies Cara-Lena , Nolan Michael 
Published: July 2022

Interfaces of 2D materials with metals are of interest for a large variety of applications, including sensors, batteries, catalysis, electronics, and semi-conductor devices. Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and specifically MoS2 are some of the most widely studied 2D materials. A detailed understanding of the interactions of metals with 2D TMDs can give useful insights into possible applications for metal-TMD systems. However, the literature focuses mainly on comparing trends in single atom adsorption and studying nanoparticles on MoS2
monolayers.
In this work we aim to increase the understanding of metal-MoS2 interactions and metal nucleation on TMDs. We use density functional theory (DFT) to study the adsorption of small metal clusters with up to four atoms on MoS2
monolayers. Insights gained from this work allow us to understand the initial nucleation of metal thin films on TMDs as well as predict the likely morphology of the thin film as it grows.
The metals studied are Cu, Co and Ru, which are chosen for their range of applications, particularly in electronics. Metal-substrate interactions, preferred adsorption modes and stable nanocluster geometries are presented on pristine MoS2 and in the presence of the readily formed sulfur vacancy. The strength of interaction between the metals and MoS2 is in the order Co > Ru > Cu. Metal-substrate interactions are localised to the adsorption site; however we find that both Ru and Co can induce formation of sulfur vacancies through the formation of the corresponding metal sulfide.