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At least 559 records · Page 31

Production of graphene-derivatives using organic molecules for supercapacitors and beyond

Graphene is rapidly expanding for applications ranging from nanoelectronics to space exploration. A material with such enormous potential requires a variety of synthesis methods. Here, we report a library of relatively sustainable redox-active organic molecules for the reduction of graphene oxide (GO) namely N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (TMPD), 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), ferrocene (Ferro), and decamethylferrocene (DFerro). Among them, the reduction of GO using TMPD starts even with simple hand-shaking for just a few minutes. By controlling the sonication time under ambient conditions, one can control the electronic properties of the reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The resulting free-standing films delivered a capacitance of 185 F/g when tested them as supercapacitor electrodes. We also demonstrated that TMPD can exfoliate graphite into few-layer graphene sheets with simple sonication. Here, we further show that under mild heating, these molecules can serve as dopants during the reduction process to produce nitrogen-doped graphene. Our results may guide researchers to explore sustainable organic molecules for the large-scale production of graphene-based materials for diverse applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Arsenite oxyanions affect CeO 2 nanoparticle dissolution and colloidal stability

While highly reactive cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO 2 NPs) are widely used in industry, their transport in aquatic systems is not well understood. To fill this knowledge gap, the interactions of CeO 2 NPs with arsenite (As 3+ ), a toxic metalloid and potential co-present contaminant, were investigated with respect to CeO 2 NP colloidal stability, dissolution, and surface redox reactions. Arsenite showed distinctive effects at different concentrations, with a high As 3+ concentration (10 –4 M) inducing 90% of CeO 2 NPs to settle from solution after 8 hours, while lower As 3+ concentrations (10 –5 or 10 –6 M) led to only 20% of CeO 2 NPs settling. The dissolution of NPs was most significant in the 10 –5 M As 3+ system owing to a lesser extent of aggregation, exposing more CeO 2 surface for dissolution. In the three As 3+ concentration systems, >97% of aqueous arsenic remained as As 3+ over 6 hours. On the NP surface, adsorbed As III was oxidized to As V , resulting in 58–70% of the adsorbed arsenic remaining as As III . Simultaneously Ce IV was reduced to Ce III , increasing Ce III on the CeO 2 NP surface from 17% (without arsenite) to 21–25% (with arsenite). Further mechanistic analyses revealed that the adsorption of arsenite was the main contributor to neutralizing the CeO 2 NP surface potential, enhancing particle sedimentation. These findings suggest that the fate and transport of CeO 2 NPs in our experimental systems are strongly affected by arsenite concentration and its adsorption on NPs. Here, the results also highlight the importance of the interplay between NP aggregation, oxidation, and dissolution in predicting the behaviors of CeO 2 NPs and associated toxic elements in aquatic systems.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Multiple and nonlocal cation redox in Ca–Ce–Ti–Mn oxide perovskites for solar thermochemical applications

Modeling-driven design of redox-active off-stoichiometric oxides for solar thermochemical H 2 production (STCH) seldom has resulted in empirical demonstration of competitive materials. Here, we report the theoretical prediction and experimental evidence that the perovskite Ca 2/3 Ce 1/3 Ti 1/3 Mn 2/3 O 3 is synthesizable with high phase purity, stable, and has desirable redox thermodynamics for STCH, with a predicted average neutral oxygen vacancy (VO) formation energy, E v = 3.30 eV. Flow reactor experiments suggest potentially comparable or greater H 2 production capacity than recent promising Sr–La–Mn–Al and Ba–Ce–Mn metal oxide perovskites. Utilizing quantum-based modeling of a solid solution on both A and B sub-lattices, we predict the impact of nearest-neighbor composition on E v and determine that A-site Ce 4+ reduction dominates the redox-activity of Ca 2/3 Ce 1/3 Ti 1/3 Mn 2/3 O 3 . X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements provide evidence that supports these predictions and reversible Ce 4+ -to-Ce 3+ reduction. Our models predict that Ce 4+ reduces even when it is not nearest-neighbor to the V O , suggesting that refinement of Ce stoichiometry has the possibility of further enhancing performance.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Tuning Bulk Redox and Altering Interfacial Reactivity in Highly Fluorinated Cation-Disordered Rocksalt Cathodes

Lithium-excess, cation-disordered rocksalt (DRX) materials have been subject to intense scrutiny and development in recent years as potential cathode materials for Li-ion batteries. Despite their compositional flexibility and high initial capacity, they suffer from poorly understood parasitic degradation reactions at the cathode-electrolyte interface. These interfacial degradation reactions deteriorate both the DRX material and electrolyte, ultimately leading to capacity fade and voltage hysteresis during cycling. In this work, differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS) and titration mass spectrometry are combined to quantify the extent of bulk redox and surface degradation reactions for a set of Mn 2+/4+ -based DRX oxyfluorides during initial cycling with a high-voltage charging cutoff (4.8 V vs Li/Li + ). Increasing the fluorine content from 7.5 to 33.75% is shown to diminish oxygen redox and suppresses high-voltage O 2 evolution from the DRX surface. Additionally, electrolyte degradation processes resulting in the formation of both gaseous species and electrolyte-soluble protic species are observed. Subsequently, DEMS is paired with a fluoride-scavenging additive to demonstrate that increasing fluorine content leads to increased dissolution of fluorine from the DRX material into the electrolyte. Finally, a suite of ex situ spectroscopy techniques (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy) are employed to study the change in DRX composition during charging, revealing the dissolution of manganese and fluorine from the DRX material at high voltages. Here this work provides insight into the degradation processes occurring at the DRX-electrolyte interface and points toward potential routes of interfacial stabilization.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Exchange Coupling Determines Metal-Dependent Efficiency for Iron- and Cobalt-Catalyzed Photochemical CO 2 Reduction

Catalysts promoting multielectron charge delocalization offer selectivity for the CO 2 reduction reaction (CO 2 RR) over the competing hydrogen evolution reaction. Here, we show metal–ligand exchange coupling as an example of charge delocalization that can determine the efficiency for photocatalytic CO 2 RR. A comparative evaluation of iron and cobalt complexes supported by the redox-active ligand tpyPY2Me establishes that the two-electron reduction of [Co(tpyPY2Me)] 2+ ([Co] 2+ ) occurs at potentials 770 mV more negative than the [Fe(tpyPY2Me)] 2+ ([Fe] 2+ ) analogue by maximizing the exchange coupling in the latter compound. The positive shift in the reduction potential promoted by metal–ligand exchange coupling drives [Fe] 2+ to be among the most active and selective molecular catalysts for photochemical CO 2 RR reported to date, maintaining up to 99% CO product selectivity with total turnover numbers (TONs) and initial turnover frequencies exceeding 30,000 and 900 min –1 , respectively. In contrast, [Co] 2+ shows much lower CO 2 RR activity, reaching only ca. 600 TON at 83% CO product selectivity under similar conditions accompanied by rapid catalyst decomposition. Further, the spin density plots of the two-electron reduced [Co] 0 complex implicate a paramagnetic open-shell doublet ground state compared to the diamagnetic open-shell singlet ground state of reduced [Fe] 0 , rationalizing the observed negative shift in two-electron reduction potentials from the [M] 2+ species and lowered CO 2 RR efficiency for the cobalt complex relative to its iron congener. This work emphasizes the contributions of multielectron metal–ligand exchange coupling in promoting effective CO 2 RR and provides a starting point for the broader incorporation of this strategy in catalyst design.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Development of Manganese and Iron Mixed Metal Oxides for Thermochemical Energy Storage

Energy storage plays an essential role for sustainable and renewable energy use in an effort to reduce carbon emissions. Thermochemical energy storage (TCES) is a favorable alternative to fossil fuel energy systems and a promising solution to the intermittency problem of renewable energy sources (such as solar energy). TCES stores energy in the form of chemical bonds using reversible redox reactions (such as manganese metal oxides). This study developed manganese oxide (Mn2O3) and iron oxide (Fe2O3) with an inert dispersant of silicon dioxide (SiO2) (Mn-Fe-Si) for potential large scale energy storage application. These metal oxides are nontoxic, cheap, and relatively abundant. The materials were prepared with varying metal oxide content using physical mixing in a ball mill, pressure pelletization and calcination at different temperatures. Redox cycle tests were conducted using differential scanning calorimetry combined with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA-DSC). The Mn-Fe-Si materials had higher cyclability and energy release compared to the pure metal oxides and manganese oxide with SiO2. The calcination temperature had a significant effect on releasable energy due to the interactions between the oxides. The Mn-Fe-Si mixture calcined at high temperature (1000oC) showed the highest average energy storage density.

Wilkinson, Olivia↗

Potential Control of Oxygen Non-Stoichiometry in Cerium Oxide and Phase Transition Away from Equilibrium

Cerium oxide (ceria, CeO 2 ) is a technologically important material for energy conversion applications. Its activities strongly depend on redox states and oxygen vacancy concentration. Understanding the functionality of chemical active species and behavior of oxygen vacancy during operation, especially in high-temperature solid-state electrochemical cells, is the key to advance future material design. Herein, the structure evolution of ceria is spatially resolved using bulk-sensitive operando X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy techniques. During water electrolysis, ceria undergoes reduction, and its oxygen non-stoichiometry shows a dependence on the electrochemical current. Cerium local bonding environments vary concurrently to accommodate oxygen vacancy formation, resulting in changes in Ce-O coordination number and Ce 3+ /Ce 4+ redox couple. When reduced enough, a crystallographic phase transition occurs from α to an α' phase with more oxygen vacancies. Nevertheless, the transition behavior is intriguingly different from the one predicted in the standard phase diagram of ceria. This work demonstrates a feasible means to control oxygen non-stoichiometry in ceria via electrochemical potential. It also sheds light on the mechanism of phase transitions induced by electrochemical potential. For electrochemical systems, effects from a large-scale electrical environment should be taken into consideration, besides effective oxygen partial pressure and temperature.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Influence of trace level As or Ni on pyrite formation kinetics at low temperature

Pyrite formation at low temperature during early diagenesis in (sub-)surface sediments is an essential step of Fe and S biogeochemical cycles and the presence of this ubiquitous mineral of surface environments is often used as an indicator of paleo-redox conditions. Pathways of pyrite formation are usually discussed in environmental settings by involving a variety of nanosized Fe-S mineralogical precursors as a function of the local geochemical conditions. However, the influence of trace element impurities such as Ni and As in the solution at the time of pyrite formation has been poorly studied, whereas specific chemical signatures of trace elements are commonly observed in sedimentary pyrites. Here, a better understanding of the impact of Ni and As incorporation at trace levels on pyrite formation is essential to help refining the use of these elements as paleo-redox indicators and to evaluate the role of pyrite as a sink regulating the biogeochemical cycle of potentially toxic trace elements.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Titanium Niobium Oxide: From Discovery to Application in Fast-Charging Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are essential for portable technology and are now poised to disrupt a century of combustion-based transportation. The electrification revolution could eliminate our reliance on fossil fuels and enable a clean energy future; advanced batteries would facilitate this transition. However, owing to the demanding performance, cost, and safety requirements, it is challenging to translate new materials from laboratory prototypes to industrial-scale products. This Perspective describes that journey for a new lithium-ion battery anode material, TiNb 2 O 7 (TNO). TNO is intended as an alternative to graphite or Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 with better rate and safety characteristics than the former and higher energy density than the latter. The high capacity of TNO stems from the multielectron redox of Nb 5+ to Nb 3+ , its operating voltage window well above the Li + /Li reduction potential prevents lithium dendrite formation, and its open crystal structure leads to high-power performance. Nevertheless, the creation of a practical TNO anode was nonlinear and nontrivial. Its history is built on 30 years of fundamental science that preceded its application as a battery anode, and its battery development included a nearly 30-year gap. The insights and lessons contained in this Perspective, many of them acquired firsthand, serve two purposes: (i) to unite the disparate studies of TiNb 2 O 7 into a coherent modern understanding relevant to its application as a battery material and (ii) to highlight briefly some of the challenges faced when scaling up a new material that affect TiNb 2 O 7 as well as new electrode candidates more generally.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Electronic and Spintronic Open-Shell Macromolecules, Quo Vadis ?

Open-shell macromolecules (i.e., polymers containing radical sites either along their backbones or at the pendant sites of repeat units) have attracted significant attention owing to their intriguing chemical and physical (e.g., redox, optoelectronic, and magnetic) properties, and they have been proposed and/or implemented in a wide range of potential applications (e.g., energy storage devices, electronic systems, and spintronic modules). These successes span multiple disciplines that range from advanced macromolecular chemistry through nanoscale structural characterization and on to next-generation solid-state physics and the associated devices. In turn, this has allowed different scientific communities to expand the palette of radical-containing polymers relatively quickly. However, critical gaps remain on many fronts, especially regarding the elucidation of key structure–property–function relationships that govern the underlying electrochemical, optoelectronic, and spin phenomena in these materials systems. Here, we highlight vital developments in the history of open-shell macromolecules to explain the current state of the art in the field. Moreover, we provide a critical review of the successes and bring forward open opportunities that, if solved, could propel this class of materials in a meaningful manner. Finally, we provide an outlook to address where it seems most likely that open-shell macromolecules will go in the coming years. Furthermore, our considered view is that the future of radical-containing polymers is extremely bright and the addition of talented researchers with diverse skills to the field will allow these materials and their end-use devices to have a positive impact on the global science and technology enterprise in a relatively rapid manner.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Preparation of 1,3-Dihydroxyphenazine

The ability to effectively store energy produced by intermittent renewable sources is a critical challenge for chemists and materials scientists. Redox flow batteries (RFB), which generate current by the flow of electrons between dissolved redox active compounds in separate solutions, are envisioned as a method to store renewable energy at the electrical grid scale. The best known examples of RFBs are driven by redox active metal or main group complexes. Within the past decade, redox active organic molecules have begun to be used in the construction of RFBs with high cell potential and cycle stability, at economical price points. Of particular interest are substituted dihydroxy phenazines, a class of heterocycles, that have recently been used as an anolyte for aqueous organic RFBs. Recent work indicates that different regioisomers of dihydroxyphenazine show dramatically different solubility and stability under electrochemical cycling conditions. Of particular interest was 1,3-dihydroxyphenazine (1,3-DHP), which showed greater than 1.5 M solubility in 2M KOH and excellent electrochemical stability. Current methods of producing 1,3-DHP, however, are low yielding and cumbersome. In the article proposal that follows, we offer an improved method of producing 1,3-DHP at high purity and moderate yield. The method detailed below was used by the Materials Engineering Research Facility (MERF) at Argonne National Lab to deliver more than 1.5 kg of this compound for use in the construction of aqueous organic RFBs.

Dzwiniel, Trevor [Argonne National Laboratory (ANL↗

An uncharacteristically low-potential flavin governs the energy landscape of electron bifurcation

Significance Nature has long been an inspiration for materials design, as it exemplifies exquisite control of both matter and energy. Electron bifurcation, a mechanism employed in biological systems to drive thermodynamically unfavorable and energetically challenging chemical reactions, is one such example. A key feature of bifurcating enzymes is the ability of a single redox cofactor to distribute a pair of electrons across two spatially separated electron transfer pathways. Here, we report on the empirical determination of both the one-electron potential and two-electron potential of the bifurcating flavin cofactor in the NADH-dependent ferredoxin-NADP + oxidoreductase I (NfnSL) enzyme. Insights arising from the defined energy landscape of this bifurcation site may underlie the design of synthetic catalysts capable of generating high-energy intermediates.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Electrochemical Structure of the Plasma–Liquid Interface

Nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma in contact with a liquid yields a variety of energetic photons, ions, and electrons, which can be transported into the plasma–liquid interface (PLI). Similar to the electrochemical interface formed between a solid electrode and electrolyte in conventional electrochemical systems, the charge-transfer process across the PLI is able to promote reduction–oxidation (redox) reactions. However, in the case of free plasma jets in contact with liquids, the absence of solid electrodes obscures the spatial locations of the electrochemical half-reactions. Herein, we present a spatial electrochemical measurement technique used to characterize an aqueous solution in contact with an atmospheric pressure plasma jet. The technique is based on measuring the potential difference between two identical Ag/AgCl electrochemical electrodes positioned at different locations within the solution. More specifically, electrochemical maps were made by measuring the potential of one electrochemical electrode positioned at different locations near the PLI with respect to the other electrochemical electrode positioned far away from the PLI in the bulk solution. Regions in the map with negative and positive potential differences between these electrochemical electrodes were used to identify the electrodeless cathode and anode, respectively. Here, visualization of the spatial distribution of molecular colorimetric redox indicators by multispectral imaging revealed that reduction was occurring near the plasma jet centerline while oxidation was occurring further away in solution, which constitutes an independent confirmation of the electrochemical maps.

Absorption↗

Review of Multifunctional Separators: Stabilizing the Cathode and the Anode for Alkali (Li, Na, and K) Metal–Sulfur and Selenium Batteries

Alkali metal batteries based on lithium, sodium, and potassium anodes and sulfur-based cathodes are regarded as key for next-generation energy storage due to their high theoretical energy and potential cost effectiveness. However, metal–sulfur batteries remain challenged by several factors, including polysulfides’ (PSs) dissolution, sluggish sulfur redox kinetics at the cathode, and metallic dendrite growth at the anode. Functional separators and interlayers are an innovative approach to remedying these drawbacks. Here we critically review the state-of-the-art in separators/interlayers for cathode and anode protection, covering the Li–S and the emerging Na–S and K–S systems. The approaches for improving electrochemical performance may be categorized as one or a combination of the following: Immobilization of polysulfides (cathode); catalyzing sulfur redox kinetics (cathode); introduction of protective layers to serve as an artificial solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) (anode); and combined improvement in electrolyte wetting and homogenization of ion flux (anode and cathode). It is demonstrated that while the advances in Li–S are relatively mature, less progress has been made with Na–S and K–S due to the more challenging redox chemistry at the cathode and increased electrochemical instability at the anode. Throughout these sections there is a complementary discussion of functional separators for emerging alkali metal systems based on metal–selenium and the metal–selenium sulfide. The focus then shifts to interlayers and artificial SEI/cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) layers employed to stabilize solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) in metal–sulfur solid-state batteries (SSBs). The discussion of SSEs focuses on inorganic electrolytes based on Li- and Na-based oxides and sulfides but also touches on some hybrid systems with an inorganic matrix and a minority polymer phase. The review then moves to practical considerations for functional separators, including scaleup issues and Li–S technoeconomics. The review concludes with an outlook section, where we discuss emerging mechanics, spectroscopy, and advanced electron microscopy (e.g. cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) and cryo-focused ion beam (cryo-FIB))-based approaches for analysis of functional separator structure–battery electrochemical performance interrelations. Finally, throughout the review we identify the outstanding open scientific and technological questions while providing recommendations for future research topics.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Accessing a high‐voltage nonaqueous hybrid flow battery with a sodium‐methylphenothiazine chemistry and a sodium‐ion solid electrolyte

Abstract The development of redox flow batteries (RFBs) with nonaqueous electrolytes offers the possibility of accessing a high cell‐operation voltage (no restrain of hydrogen evolution and oxygen evolution potentials) and a low operation temperature (can be operated below the freezing point of water). Therefore, nonaqueous RFBs have recently garnered increasing attention. However, the cross‐mixing of liquid electrode/electrolyte materials has been plaguing the progress of the nonaqueous RFBs. Herein, we present a crossover‐free, high voltage nonaqueous hybrid flow battery (HFB) with a novel sodium‐methylphenothiazine (MPT) chemistry and a single‐ion solid‐electrolyte separator. The Na‐MPT redox couple delivers a high voltage of ~2.6 V when the cell was operated at a medium current density. A NASICON‐type solid electrolyte membrane (Na 3 Zr 2 Si 2 PO 12 ) could circumvent the crossover of the liquids between the positive and negative electrodes, and meanwhile could maintain a single‐ion (Na + ‐ion) conduction between the two electrodes to sustain the electrochemical reactions. Under such an electrochemical mechanism, the nonaqueous Na‐MPT HFB shows remarkable cycling performance.

Yu, Xingwen↗

Production of hydrogen peroxide in an intra-meander hyporheic zone at East River, Colorado.

The traditionally held assumption that photo-dependent processes are the predominant source of H 2 O 2 in natural waters has been recently questioned by an increasing body of evidence showing the ubiquitiousness of H 2 O 2 in dark water bodies and in groundwater. In this study, we conducted field measurement of H 2 O 2 in an intra-meander hyporheic zone and in surface water at East River, CO. On-site detection using a sensitive chemiluminescence method suggests H 2 O 2 concentrations in groundwater ranging from 6 nM (at the most reduced region) to ~ 80 nM (in a locally oxygen-rich area) along the intra-meander transect with a maxima of 186 nM detected in the surface water in an early afternoon, lagging the maximum solar irradiance by ~1.5 h. Our results suggest that the dark profile of H 2 O 2 in the hyporheic zone is closely correlated to local redox gradients, indicating that interactions between various redox sensitive elements could play an essential role. Due to its transient nature, the widespread presence of H 2 O 2 in the hyporheic zone indicates the existence of a sustained balance between H 2 O 2 production and consumption, which potentially involves a relatively rapid succession of various biogeochemically important processes (such as organic matter turnover, metal cycling and contaminant mobilization). More importantly, this study confirmed the occurrence of reactive oxygen species at a subsurface redox transition zone and further support our understanding of redox boundaries on reactive oxygen species generation and as key locations of biogeochemical activity.

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTAN↗

A new platform for development of photosystem I based thin films with superior photocurrent: TCNQ charge transfer salts derived from ZIF-8

The transmembrane photosynthetic protein complex Photosystem I (PSI) is highly sought after for incorporation into biohybrid photovoltaic devices due to its remarkable photoactive electrochemical properties, chiefly driving charge separation with ~1 V potential and ~100% quantum efficiency. In pursuit of these integrated technologies, three factors must be simultaneously tuned, namely, direct redox transfer steps, three-dimensional coordination and stabilization of PSI aggregates, and interfacial connectivity with conductive pathways. Building on our recent successful encapsulation of PSI in the metal–organic framework ZIF-8, herein we use the zinc and imidazole cations from this precursor to form charge transfer complexes with an extremely strong organic electron acceptor, TCNQ. Specifically, the PSI-Zn-H 2 mim-TCNQ charge transfer salt complex was drop cast on ITO to form dense films. Subsequent voltammetric cycling induced cation exchange and electrochemical annealing of the film was used to enhance electron conductivity giving rise to a photocurrent in the order of 15 μA cm -2 . This study paves the way for a myriad of future opportunities for successful integration of this unique class of charge transfer salt complexes with biological catalysts and light harvesters.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗