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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2014

Fabrication of graphene/polyaniline composite multilayer films by electrostatic layer-by-layer assembly

A novel graphene/polyaniline composite multilayer film was fabricated by electrostatic interactions induced layer-by-layer self-assembly technique, using water dispersible and negatively charged chemically converted graphene (CCG) and positively charged polyaniline (PANI) as building blocks. CCG was achieved through partly reduced graphene oxide, which remained carboxyl group on its surface. The remaining carboxyl groups not only retain the dispersibility of CCG, but also allow the growth of the multilayer films via electrostatic interactions between graphene and PANI. The structure and morphology of the obtained CCG/PANI multilayer film are characterized by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, Ultraviolet–visible absorption spectrum (UV–vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The electrochemical properties of the resulting film are studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV), which showed that the resulting CCG/PANI multilayer film kept electroactivity in neutral solution and showed outstanding cyclic stability up to 100 cycles. Furthermore, the composite film exhibited good electrocatalytic ability toward ascorbic acid (AA) with a linear response from 1×10{sup −4} to 1.2×10{sup −3} M with the detect limit of 5×10{sup −6} M. This study provides a facile and effective strategy to fabricate graphene/PANI nanocomposite film with good electrochemical property, which may find potential applications in electronic devices such as electrochemical sensor. - Graphical abstract: A novel graphene/polyaniline (CCG/PANI) film was prepared by layer-by-layer assembly. - Highlights: • A novel graphene/polyaniline (CCG/PANI) film was prepared by layer-by-layer assembly. • The water dispersible and negatively charged graphene (CCG) was used as building block. • CCG was achieved through partly reduced graphene oxide with carboxyl group on its surface. • CCG/PANI film kept electroactivity in neutral solution and showed good stability. • Good electrocatalytic ability toward ascorbic acid was also demonstrated.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

Facile synthesis of hierarchical hollow ε-MnO{sub 2} spheres and their application in supercapacitor electrodes

The hierarchical hollow microspheres of ε-MnO{sub 2} have been synthesized through a facile chemical method at room temperature followed by selective removal of manganese carbonate structures with HCl. The microstructure and morphologies of the resulting materials are investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results indicate that the product obtained by simple reaction for 3 min has a porous shell with excellent permeability and uniform pore-size distribution. Electrochemical properties were characterized by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge and impedance spectra. As a result, the hierarchical hollow ε-MnO{sub 2} showed the specific capacitance of 115 F g{sup −1} at 0.5 A g{sup −1}. These results demonstrate that the ε-MnO{sub 2} as electrode materials have potential application for high-performance supercapacitors. - Graphical abstract: The MnO{sub 2} shell with MnCO{sub 3} intermediate core is prepared at room temperature; the hollow structure with excellent permeated shell enhanced the discharge capacity and electrochemical stability.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Redox-active porous coordination polymer based on trinuclear pivalate: Temperature-dependent crystal rearrangement and redox-behavior

Linking of trinuclear pivalate Fe{sub 2}NiO(Piv){sub 6} (Piv=O{sub 2}CC(CH{sub 3}){sub 3}) by 2,6-bis(4-pyridyl)-4-(1-naphthyl)pyridine (L) resulted in formation of 1D-porous coordination polymer Fe{sub 2}NiO(Piv){sub 6}(L)·Solv, which was characterized in two forms: DMSO solvate Fe{sub 2}NiO(Piv){sub 6}(L)(DMSO)·2.5DMSO (1) or water solvate Fe{sub 2}NiO(Piv){sub 6}(L)(H{sub 2}O) (2). X-ray structure of 1 was determined. Crystal lattice of 1 at 160 K contained open channels, filled by captured solvent, while temperature growth to 296 K led to the crystal lattice rearrangement and formation of closed voids. Redox-behavior of 2 was studied by cyclic voltammetry for a solid compound, deposited on glassy-carbon electrode. Redox-activity of L preserved upon incorporation in the coordination polymer. The presence of pores in desolvated sample Fe{sub 2}NiO(Piv){sub 6}(L) was confirmed by the measurements of N{sub 2} and H{sub 2} adsorption at 77 K. Potential barriers of the different molecules diffusion through pores were estimated by the means of molecular mechanics. - Graphical abstract: Redox-behavior of 1D-porous coordination polymer Fe{sub 2}NiO(Piv){sub 6}(L)(H{sub 2}O) was studied by cyclic voltammetry in thin film, deposited on glassy-carbon electrode. Redox-activity of L preserved upon incorporation in the coordination polymer. Potential barriers of different molecules diffusion through pores were estimated by the means of molecular mechanics. - Highlights: • Porous 1D coordination polymer was synthesized. • Temperature growth led to pores closing due to crystal lattice rearrangement. • Redox-activity of ligand preserved upon incorporation into coordination polymer. • Redox-properties of solid coordination polymer were studied in thin film. • Diffusion barriers were evaluated by molecular mechanics.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Nanoflakes of an aminoacid-based chiral coordination polymer: Synthesis, optical and electrochemical properties, and application in electrochemical sensing of H{sub 2}O{sub 2}

Nanoflakes of an aminoacid-based chiral coordination polymer (CP), [Cu{sub 2}(tyr){sub 2}(bipy)]{sub n}, were synthesized successfully in the presence of surfactant, as evidenced by the XRD and SEM results. UV–vis absorption spectrometry and fluorescence spectrometry were used to investigate the optical properties of the CP, which was found to be mainly attributed to the ligands, while the forming of the CP caused only slight change. On the other hand, Cu(II) ions acted as electrocatalytic active sites of the CP, as evidenced by cyclic voltammetry. The CP also showed good performance in the electrochemical sensing of H{sub 2}O{sub 2}: sensitivity of 85.6 mA mol{sup −1} L cm{sup −2}, linear range of 1.0×10{sup −5}–7.69×10{sup −3} M, detection limit of 1.0×10{sup −5} M (S/N=3), and fast response in mere 5 s. - Graphical abstract: Nanoflakes of an aminoacid-based chiral coordination polymer (CP), [Cu{sub 2}(tyr){sub 2}(bipy)]{sub n}, were synthesized successfully and showed good performance in the electrochemical sensing of H{sub 2}O{sub 2}. - Highlights: • Synthesis of nanoflakes of an aminoacid-based chiral CP. • Optical and electrochemical properties resulting respectively from ligands and Cu{sup II}. • Good performance in enzyme-free electrochemical sensing of H{sub 2}O{sub 2}.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Thermal and electrochemical behavior of Cu{sub 4−x}Li{sub x}S{sub 2} (x=1, 2, 3) phases

Several compositions of the Cu{sub 4−x}Li{sub x}S{sub 2} (x=1, 2, 3) series were synthesized via solid-state reaction of the elements. The structural stability at various temperatures and the effect of Li:Cu ratio on the thermal conductivity and the electrochemical performance of Cu{sub 4−x}Li{sub x}S{sub 2}/Li half-cells during charge–discharge process were investigated. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements showed a sharp endothermic peak at 140 °C for Cu{sub 4−x}Li{sub x}S{sub 2} samples with x=1 and 2, which is ascribed to a structural phase transition. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements on various Cu{sub 4−x}Li{sub x}S{sub 2} samples at temperatures below and above 140 °C indicated a structural phase transition from the room temperature low-symmetry structure to the high temperature cubic structure of Cu{sub 2}S. The thermal conductivity of Cu{sub 4−x}Li{sub x}S{sub 2} samples decreases with decreasing Cu:Li ratio and with increasing temperature. The thermal conductivity of Cu{sub 4−x}Li{sub x}S{sub 2} samples at room temperature decreases from 1.2 W/m K for Cu:Li=3:1 to 0.7 W/m K for Cu:Li=1:3. Cyclic voltammetry of Cu{sub 4−x}Li{sub x}S{sub 2}/Li half-cells showed that high discharge capacity (165 mA h g{sup −1}) and stable reversible charge–discharge process is observed for Cu:Li=2:2, whereas other Cu:Li ratios lead to low discharge capacity and poor reversibility. The electrochemical behavior of Cu{sub 4−x}Li{sub x}S{sub 2}/Li half-cells is rationalized by taking into account the competing reactions of Li{sup +} ions with CuS and Cu{sub 2}S during discharge. - Graphical abstract: Tuning Li content in Cu{sub 4−x}Li{sub x}S{sub 2}/Li half-cells to maintain a Cu/Li ratio equal to unity affords maximum capacity and high stability of the charge–discharge process. - Highlights: • Cu:Li ratio strongly influenced crystal structure and properties of Cu{sub 4-x}Li{sub x}S{sub 2}. • Compositions with x = 1 and 2 undergo structural transformation at above 140 °C. • Thermal conductivity of Cu{sub 4-x}Li{sub x}S{sub 2} phases increases with decreasing Cu:Li ratio. • Stability of Cu{sub 4-x}Li{sub x}S{sub 2}/Li half-cells decreases with Cu:Li ratio. • Initial charge capacity of Cu{sub 4-x}Li{sub x}S{sub 2}/Li half-cells increases with Cu:Li ratio.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Neutron diffraction studies of the Na-ion battery electrode materials NaCoCr{sub 2}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}, NaNiCr{sub 2}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}, and Na{sub 2}Ni{sub 2}Cr(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}

The new compounds NaCoCr{sub 2}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}, NaNiCr{sub 2}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}, and Na{sub 2}Ni{sub 2}Cr(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} were synthesized by sol-gel method and their crystal structures were determined by using neutron powder diffraction data. These compounds were characterized by galvanometric cycling and cyclic voltammetry. NaCoCr{sub 2}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}, NaNiCr{sub 2}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}, and Na{sub 2}Ni{sub 2}Cr(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} crystallize with a stuffed α-CrPO{sub 4}-type structure. The structure consists of a 3D-framework made of octahedra and tetrahedra that are sharing corners and/or edges generating channels along [100] and [010], in which the sodium atoms are located. Of significance, in the structures of NaNiCr{sub 2}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}, and Na{sub 2}Ni{sub 2}Cr(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} a statistical disorder Ni{sup 2+}/Cr{sup 3+} was observed on both the 8g and 4a atomic positions, whereas in NaCoCr{sub 2}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} the statistical disorder Co{sup 2+}/Cr{sup 3+} was only observed on the 8g atomic position. When tested as negative electrode materials, NaCoCr{sub 2}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}, NaNiCr{sub 2}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}, and Na{sub 2}Ni{sub 2}Cr(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} delivered specific capacities of 352, 385, and 368 mA h g{sup −1}, respectively, which attests to the electrochemical activity of sodium in these compounds. - Highlights: • NaCoCr{sub 2}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}, NaNiCr{sub 2}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}, and Na{sub 2}Ni{sub 2}Cr(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} were synthesized by sol-gel method. • The crystal structures were determined by using neutron powder diffraction data. • The three compounds crystallize with a stuffed α-CrPO{sub 4}-type structure. • The three compounds were tested as anodes in sodium-ion batteries. • Relatively high specific capacities were obtained for these compounds.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Synthesis and characterization of (Ni{sub 1−x}Co{sub x})Se{sub 2} based ternary selenides as electrocatalyst for triiodide reduction in dye-sensitized solar cells

Ternary metal selenides of (Ni{sub 1−x}Co{sub x})Se{sub 2} with 0≤x≤1 were synthesized by using one-step hydrothermal reduction route. The synthesized metal selenides were utilized as an efficient, low-cost platinum free counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells. The cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies revealed that the Ni{sub 0.5}Co{sub 0.5}Se{sub 2} counter electrode exhibited higher electrocatalytic activity and lower charge transfer resistance at the counter electrode/electrolyte interface than the other compositions for reduction of triiodide to iodide. Ternary selenides of Ni{sub 0.5}Co{sub 0.5}Se{sub 2} offer a synergistic effect to the electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of triiodide that might be due to an increase in active catalytic sites and small charge transfer resistance. The DSSC with Ni{sub 0.5}Co{sub 0.5}Se{sub 2} counter electrode achieved a high power conversion efficiency of 6.02%, which is comparable with that of conventional platinum counter electrode (6.11%). This present investigation demonstrates the potential application of Ni{sub 0.5}Co{sub 0.5}Se{sub 2} as counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Simple synthetic route to manganese-containing nanowires with the spinel crystal structure

This report describes a new route to synthesize single-crystalline manganese-containing spinel nanowires (NWs) by a two-step hydrothermal and solid-state synthesis. Interestingly, a nanowire or nanorod morphology is maintained during conversion from MnO{sub 2}/MnOOH to CuMn{sub 2}O{sub 4}/Mg{sub 2}MnO{sub 4}, despite the massive structural rearrangement this must involve. Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) curves of the products give preliminary demonstration that CuMn{sub 2}O{sub 4} NWs are catalytically active towards the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline solution, exhibiting five times the magnitude of current density found with pure carbon black. - Highlights: • Synthesis of single-crystalline manganese-containing spinel nanowires. • Binary oxide nanowire converted to ternary oxide wire through solid state reaction. • Approach to structure conversion with shape retention could be generally applicable. • Copper and Manganese display multiple oxidation states with potential for catalysis. • CuMn{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanowires show promise as catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

Modified chemical synthesis of porous α-Sm{sub 2}S{sub 3} thin films

Highlights: • A novel chemical route to prepare α-Sm{sub 2}S{sub 3} thin films. • A porous honeycomb like morphology of the α-Sm{sub 2}S{sub 3} thin film. • An application of α-Sm{sub 2}S{sub 3} thin film toward its supercapacitive behaviour. - Abstract: The paper reports synthesis of porous α-Sm{sub 2}S{sub 3} thin films using modified chemical synthesis, also known as successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), wettability and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis) techniques are used for the study of structural, elemental, morphological and optical properties of α-Sm{sub 2}S{sub 3} films. An orthorhombic crystal structure of α-Sm{sub 2}S{sub 3} is resulted from XRD study. The SEM and AFM observations showed highly porous α-Sm{sub 2}S{sub 3} film surface. An optical band gap of 2.50 eV is estimated from optical absorption spectrum. The porous α-Sm{sub 2}S{sub 3} thin film tuned for supercapacitive behaviour using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge discharge showed a specific capacitance and energy density of 294 Fg{sup –1} and 48.9 kW kg{sup –1}, respectively in 1 M LiClO{sub 4}–propylene carbonate electrolyte.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Hydrothermal self-assembly and supercapacitive behaviors of Co(II) ion-modified graphene aerogels in H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} electrolyte

Highlights: • 3D Co(II) ions modified graphene aerogels were prepared by one-step hydrothermal process. • The aerogel electrodes showed hybrid supercapacitor behaviors. • The aerogel electrodes exhibited high rate capability and long-term cycling stability. - Abstract: Reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) aerogels decorated with divalent cobalt ions were synthesized via a one-pot hydrothermal self-assembly route. The interaction of Co(II) ions with 3D r-GO aerogels was investigated by spectroscopic techniques, including Raman, attenuated total reflectance infrared, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies. The excellent electrochemical properties of the aerogels were confirmed by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge tests, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in an acid electrolyte (1 M H{sub 2}SO{sub 4}). The Co(II) ion-modified r-GO aerogels can be used as high-performance hybrid supercapacitor materials with a specific capacitance of 387.2 F g{sup –1} at 1 A g{sup –1} current density and a good cycling stability without capacity decay over 1000 cycles. The mechanical integrity enhancement of the hybrid r-GO aerogel framework and the improvement in its unique capacitive performance are attributed to the efficient interconnection produced by electro-active Co(II) ions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Ultra-thin g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} nanosheets wrapped silicon nanowire array for improved chemical stability and enhanced photoresponse

Highlights: • g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}, as an oxygen free and metal free protective material for Si, was proposed. • g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} nanosheets wrapped Si nanowire array was synthesized. • SiNW/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} exhibited enhancement of photoelectrochemical stability and photocurrent. - Abstract: In order to inhibit the oxidation of Si materials in aqueous solution, Si nanowire array was wrapped by ultra-thin g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} nanosheets via an electrophoresis process. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images showed that g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} nanosheets were evenly distributed on the surface of Si nanowire array. X-ray diffraction patterns indicated that Si nanowire array/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} nanosheets were composed of Si (4 0 0 crystal plane) and g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} (0 0 2 and 1 0 0 crystal planes). The cyclic voltammetry curves revealed that the corrosion of Si nanowire array was restrained under the protection of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} nanosheets. Furthermore, the photocurrent density of Si nanowire array/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} nanosheets increased by nearly 3 times compared to that of bare Si nanowire array due to the effective charge separation caused by the built-in electric field at the interface. This work will facilitate the applications of Si materials in aqueous solution, such as solar energy harvest and photocatalytic pollution control.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Synthesis, characterization and electrochemical studies of nanostructured CaWO{sub 4} as platinum support for oxygen reduction reaction

Highlights: • Nanostructured CaWO{sub 4} was fabricated by co-precipitation method. • Platinum was electrodeposited onto the surface prepared nanostructured CaWO{sub 4}. • Pt/CaWO{sub 4}-graphite demonstrate good oxygen reduction reaction activity. - Abstract: In the present work, we employed nanostructured calcium tungstate as a supporting material for platinum, a well-known electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction. The co-precipitation method has been utilized to synthesize nanostructured calcium tungstate from aqueous solution. The structure and morphology of the obtained CaWO{sub 4} were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Preparation of the Pt/CaWO{sub 4}-graphite catalyst was carried out by electrodeposition of Pt onto the surface of CaWO{sub 4}/graphite electrode. The physical properties of the catalyst were determined by scanning electron microscopy analysis and energy dispersive X-ray (SEM/EDX). The electrochemical activity of the Pt/CaWO{sub 4}-graphite for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was investigated in acid solution by cyclic voltammetry measurements, linear sweep voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results revealed that the Pt/CaWO{sub 4}-graphite has higher electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction in comparison with Pt/graphite catalyst.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Highly efficient dye-sensitized solar cell with GNS/MWCNT/PANI as a counter electrode

Highlights: • High-performance PANI/MWCNT-CE was incorporated in a Pt-CE in DSSCs. • GNS/MWCNT/PANI-CE exhibits a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.52%. • GNS/MWCNT/PANI composite has a high catalytic activity for the reduction of I{sub 3}{sup −}. • GNS/MWCNT/PANI composite has a low R{sub CT} on the electrolyte/CE interface. - Abstract: A graphene-based nanosheet composite/multiwalled carbon nanotube/polyaniline (GNS/MWCNT/PANI) was synthesized via an in situ polymerization technique and applied by the spin-coating method as a counter electrode (CE) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The combination of the high catalytic activity of PANI and outstanding conductivity of GNS/MWCNT improved the photovoltaic performance of the hybrid CE. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) showed that the GNS/MWCNT/PANI composite has high catalytic activity for the reduction of triiodide to iodide and low charge-transfer resistance at the electrolyte/electrode interface. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that the GNS/MWCNT/PANI-CE has a rough and porous structure and X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the formation of PANI coating on the surface of the GNS/CNT. In particular, current–voltage measurements showed the superior power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.52% of the DSSC based on GNS/MWCNT/PANI-CE compared to the PCE of 6.69% of the DSSC based on Pt-CE.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Sodium doping effect on physicochemical properties of K{sub 1−x}Na{sub x}CaPb{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) for the determination of mercury(II): Application in seawater samples

Highlights: • The apatite, K{sub 1−x}Na{sub x}CaPb{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} (0 ≤ x ≤ 1), was synthesized using reaction solid. • The obtained apatite was used to determine mercury in seawater samples from Morocco. • The effect of doping sodium into apatite on physic-chemical parameters was studied. • The influence of the electrochemical variables was investigated to determine mercury. - Abstract: A new chemically modified electrode was synthesized for the determination of mercury(II) using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV). The electrode was modified by lacunar apatite K{sub 1−x}Na{sub x}CaPb{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) synthesized using solid reaction. These powders were crystallized in the hexagonal system, space group P6{sub 3}/m. The effect of sodium content on structural, thermodynamic and electrochemical properties of prepared apatite has been studied. Therefore, the best results was obtained using NaCaPb{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} (x = 1) as modifier of carbon paste electrode for the electrochemical detection of mercury(II). The later ions were preconcentrated on the surface of the modified electrode and oxidized at 0.06 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The electroanalytical procedure comprises of two steps: the chemical accumulation of the analyte under open-circuit conditions followed by the electrochemical detection of the preconcentrated species using differential pulse voltammetry. The different parameters that govern the two steps were optimized. A linear response was obtained in the concentration range from 1.0 mol L{sup −1} × 10{sup −4} mol L{sup −1} to 2.0 mol L{sup −1} × 10{sup −7} mol L{sup −1} Hg(II) after activation of the electrode surface under the optimized conditions. The standard deviation was evaluated in a high and low concentration of mercury(II). The values ​​obtained for seven consecutive measurements were 1.24% and 5.07% of 1.0 mol L{sup −1} × 10{sup −4} mol L{sup −1} and 5.0 mol L{sup −1} × 10{sup −6} mol L{sup −1} mercury(II) solutions respectively. The detection limit and quantification limit for mercury(II), calculated from nine times standard deviation of blank/slope of the calibration graph, were 1.086 mol L{sup −1} × 10{sup −8} mol L{sup −1} and 3.62 mol L{sup −1} × 10{sup −8} mol L{sup −1}, respectively. The proposed chemically modified electrode was applied to determine mercury(II) in seawater samples.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Electrochemical performance studies of MnO{sub 2} nanoflowers recovered from spent battery

Highlights: • MnO{sub 2} is recovered from spent zinc–carbon batteries as nanoflowers structure. • Recovered MnO{sub 2} nanoflowers show high specific capacitance. • Recovered MnO{sub 2} nanoflowers show stable electrochemical cycling up to 900 cycles. • Recovered MnO{sub 2} nanoflowers show low resistance in EIS data. - Abstract: The electrochemical performance of MnO{sub 2} nanoflowers recovered from spent household zinc–carbon battery is studied by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. MnO{sub 2} nanoflowers are recovered from spent zinc–carbon battery by combination of solution leaching and electrowinning techniques. In an effort to utilize recovered MnO{sub 2} nanoflowers as energy storage supercapacitor, it is crucial to understand their structure and electrochemical performance. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the recovery of MnO{sub 2} in birnessite phase, while electron microscopy analysis shows the MnO{sub 2} is recovered as 3D nanostructure with nanoflower morphology. The recovered MnO{sub 2} nanoflowers exhibit high specific capacitance (294 F g{sup −1} at 10 mV s{sup −1}; 208.5 F g{sup −1} at 0.1 A g{sup −1}) in 1 M Na{sub 2}SO{sub 4} electrolyte, with stable electrochemical cycling. Electrochemical data analysis reveal the great potential of MnO{sub 2} nanoflowers recovered from spent zinc–carbon battery in the development of high performance energy storage supercapacitor system.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Simultaneous determination of hydrazine and phenyl hydrazine using 4′-(4-carboxyphenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″ terpyridine diacetonitrile triphenylphosphine ruthenium(II) tetrafluoroborate complex functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes modified electrode

Highlights: • A nanocomposite of ruthenium(II) terpyridine, triphenylphosphine based complex and multiwalled carbon nanotubes have been used first time for simultaneous detection of hydrazine and phenyl hydrazine. • The detection limit reported is lower as compared to other reported works. • The paper also focuses towards effect of ligand variation attached to ruthenium(II) terpyridine based complexes complex for the hydrazine and phenyl hydrazine detection. • Nanocomposite does not involve any biological entity hence high stability. - Abstract: A nanocomposite based on the incorporation of the complex 4′-(4-carboxyphenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″ terpyridine triphenylphosphine diacetonitrile ruthenium(II) tetrafluoroborate with multiwalled carbon nanotubes and ionomer supported upon a glassy carbon electrode substrate is reported and characterized with scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The electrochemical behavior and stability of the composite electrode was investigated via cyclic voltammetry. The modified electrode exhibits an electro-catalytic activity towards the oxidation of both hydrazine and phenyl hydrazine in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution (PBS, pH 7.4). The oxidation of hydrazine and phenyl hydrazine occurs at 0.81 V and 0.32 V with limit of detection found to be 3.7 × 10{sup −7} M and 1.15 × 10{sup −7} M and having a linear range from 5 × 10{sup −6} M to 6.5 × 10{sup −3} M, and 5 × 10{sup −6} M to 0.2 × 10{sup −3} M, respectively.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Vanadium oxides nanostructures: Hydrothermal synthesis and electrochemical properties

Highlights: • Vanadium oxides nanostructures were synthesized hydrothermally. • Reversible redox behavior with doping/dedoping process. • Doping/dedoping is easier for Li{sup +} to Na{sup +}. • Energy-related applications such as cathodes in lithium batteries. - Abstract: A facile and template-free one-pot strategy is applied to synthesize nanostructured vanadium oxide particles via a hydrothermal methodology. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) have been used to characterize the structure and morphology of the samples. The products are gradually changed from sheet-shaped VO{sub 2}(B) to rod-like V{sub 3}O{sub 7}·H{sub 2}O with decreasing cyclohexanediol as both protective and reducing agent. The specific surface area of the VO{sub 2}(B) nanosheets and V{sub 3}O{sub 7}·H{sub 2}O nanorods was found to be 22 and 16 m{sup 2} g{sup −1}, respectively. Thin films of VO{sub 2}(B) and V{sub 3}O{sub 7}·H{sub 2}O deposited on ITO substrates were electrochemically characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The voltammograms show reversible redox behavior with doping/dedoping process corresponding to reversible cation intercalation/de-intercalation into the crystal lattice of the nanorods/nanosheets. This process is easier for the small Li{sup +} cation than larger ones Na{sup +}.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Synthesis of polyaniline/SnO{sub 2} nanocomposite and its improved electrochemical performance

Highlights: • Supercapacitors based on PANI/SnO{sub 2} nanocomposite were reported. • Supercapacitors using this material gave a specific capacitance of 501 F g{sup −1}. • Capacitance retention was 85.8% over 2000 charge–discharge cycles. - Abstract: SnO{sub 2} was prepared by the hydrothermal route. Aniline monomer was polymerized in the suspension of SnO{sub 2} to form inorganic–organic nanocomposite materials, in which SnO{sub 2} particles were embedded within polyaniline (PANI). Morphological and structural characterizations of the prepared samples were carried out using scanning electron microscope; transmission electron microscope; power X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Their electrochemical properties were also investigated using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The as-prepared nanocomposites had excellent properties in the capacitance, and its specific capacitance was up to 501 F g{sup −1} with a specific energy density of 66.8 W h kg{sup −1} at a power density of 960.6 W kg{sup −1}. The device fulfilled the requirement of long durability necessary for an energy storage system, since after 2000 galvanostatic charge–discharge cycles, retention of 85.8% in capacitance was observed. These results indicated that the PANI/SnO{sub 2} had a synergistic effect of the complementary properties of both components.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗