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Exclusive Feature Papers in Electrochemistry

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Electrochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 25856

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Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9510, USA
Interests: direct and mediated electron transfer processes; electrochemical and photochemical electron transfer agents and their behavioral duality; mechanistic investigations and applications of electrochemistry to synthesis

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Institute of Nanotechnology and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Applied Physics and Mathematics, Gdansk University of Technology, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland
Interests: applied electrochemistry; electrochemical (bio)sensors; waste-water treatment; corrosion science; surface engineering; surface chemistry; multisine impedance monitoring; nonstationary processes
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Modern electrochemical science plays a dominant role in numerous fields in the 21st century. It is fundamental for the research and development of energy storage and conversion devices, electrocatalysis, important prospects in the carbon-neutral energy cycle, environmental applications such as water remediation and removal of harmful contaminants, (bio)sensors and point-of-care diagnostic systems, corrosion protection, development of new materials or modification of those already available, and many more. It has moreover emerged that electrochemical processes can form the basis of methods and technologies that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.

The following Special Issue is dedicated to articles on the current trends and prospects in electrochemistry, in particular exploring technology innovations for sustainable development. Articles related to the above-defined areas, as well as other interdisciplinary fields connected with redox chemistry, are most welcome.

Prof. Dr. R. Daniel Little
Prof. Dr. Jacek Ryl
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • electrochemical science
  • energy conversion
  • electrocatalysis
  • electrooxidation and electroreduction
  • (Bio)sensors
  • corrosion science
  • environmental applications
  • new materials
  • green electrochemistry

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Published Papers (15 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 3249 KiB  
Article
Research on the Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Evolution of Sodium-Ion Batteries in Different States
by Xiong Shu, Yongjing Li, Bowen Yang, Qiong Wang and Konlayutt Punyawudho
Molecules 2024, 29(20), 4963; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29204963 - 20 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1037
Abstract
Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have emerged as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to the abundant availability of sodium, lower costs, and comparable electrochemical performance characteristics. A thorough understanding of their performance features is essential for the widespread adoption and application of [...] Read more.
Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have emerged as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to the abundant availability of sodium, lower costs, and comparable electrochemical performance characteristics. A thorough understanding of their performance features is essential for the widespread adoption and application of SIBs. Therefore, in this study, we investigate the output characteristics and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) features of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) under various states. The research results show that, unlike conventional lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, SIBs exhibit a strong linear relationship between state of charge (SOC) and open-circuit voltage (OCV) across various SOC and temperature conditions. Additionally, the discharge capacity of the battery remains relatively stable within a temperature range of 15 °C to 35 °C; when the temperatures are outside this range, the available capacity of the sodium-ion battery reduces significantly. Moreover, the EIS profiles in the high-frequency region are predominantly influenced by the ohmic internal resistance, which remains largely unaffected by SOC variations. In contrast, the low-frequency region demonstrates a significant correlation between SOC and impedance, with higher SOC values resulting in reduced impedance, indicated by smaller semicircle radii in the EIS curves. This finds highlights that EIS profiling can effectively monitor SOC and state of health (SOH) in SIBs, offering a clear correlation between impedance parameters and the battery’s operational state. The research not only advances our understanding of the electrochemical properties of SIBs but also provides a valuable reference for the design and application of sodium-ion battery systems in various scenarios. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exclusive Feature Papers in Electrochemistry)
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18 pages, 3192 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Thermal Treatment of Activated Carbon on Its Electrochemical, Corrosion, and Adsorption Characteristics
by Andrzej Świątkowski, Elżbieta Kuśmierek, Krzysztof Kuśmierek and Stanisław Błażewicz
Molecules 2024, 29(20), 4930; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29204930 - 18 Oct 2024
Viewed by 481
Abstract
Activated carbons can be applied in various areas of our daily life depending on their properties. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of thermal treatment of activated carbon on its properties, considering its future use. The characteristics of activated carbon heat-treated [...] Read more.
Activated carbons can be applied in various areas of our daily life depending on their properties. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of thermal treatment of activated carbon on its properties, considering its future use. The characteristics of activated carbon heat-treated at temperatures of 1500, 1800, and 2100 °C based on its future use are presented. The significant effect of the treatment temperature on morphological, adsorption, electrochemical, and corrosion properties was proved. Increasing the temperature above 1800 °C resulted in a significant decrease in the specific surface area (from 969 to 8 m2·g−1) and material porosity—the formation of mesopores (20–100 nm diameter) was observed. Simultaneously, adsorption capability, double layer capacity, and electrochemically active surface area also decreased, which helped to explain the shape of cyclic voltammograms recorded in 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and in supporting electrolytes. However, a significant increase in corrosion resistance was found for the carbon material treated at a temperature of 2100 °C (corrosion current decreased by 23 times). Comparison of morphological, adsorption, corrosion, and electrochemical characteristics of the tested activated carbon, its applicability as an electrode material in electrical energy storage devices, and materials for adsorptive removal of organic compounds from wastewater or as a sensor in electrochemical determination of organic compounds was discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exclusive Feature Papers in Electrochemistry)
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33 pages, 20435 KiB  
Article
Optimizing NiFe-Modified Graphite for Enhanced Catalytic Performance in Alkaline Water Electrolysis: Influence of Substrate Geometry and Catalyst Loading
by Mateusz Kuczyński, Tomasz Mikołajczyk, Bogusław Pierożyński and Jakub Karczewski
Molecules 2024, 29(19), 4755; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29194755 - 8 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1327
Abstract
The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are critical processes in water splitting, yet achieving efficient performance with minimal overpotential remains a significant challenge. Although NiFe-based catalysts are widely studied, their performance can be further enhanced by optimizing the [...] Read more.
The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are critical processes in water splitting, yet achieving efficient performance with minimal overpotential remains a significant challenge. Although NiFe-based catalysts are widely studied, their performance can be further enhanced by optimizing the interaction between the catalyst and the substrate. Here, we present a detailed investigation of NiFe-modified graphite electrodes, comparing the effects of compressed and expanded graphite substrates on catalytic performance. Our study reveals that substrate geometry plays a pivotal role in catalyst distribution and activity, with expanded graphite facilitating more effective electron transfer and active site utilization. Additionally, we observe that increasing the NiFe loading leads to only modest gains in performance, due to catalyst agglomeration at higher loadings. The optimized NiFe–graphite composites exhibit superior stability and catalytic activity, achieving lower overpotentials and higher current densities, making them promising candidates for sustainable hydrogen production via alkaline electrolysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exclusive Feature Papers in Electrochemistry)
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16 pages, 8992 KiB  
Article
Electrogeneration and Characterization of Poly(methylene blue) Thin Films on Stainless Steel 316 Electrodes—Effect of pH
by José Juan García-Jareño, Jerónimo Agrisuelas, Zoe Vargas and Francisco Vicente
Molecules 2024, 29(16), 3752; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29163752 - 7 Aug 2024
Viewed by 787
Abstract
Methylene blue was electropolymerized on the surface of stainless steel 316. The addition of sodium oxalate and working at a pH near 11 allowed us to obtain steel electrodes coated with an electroactive polymer. This polymer shows electrochromic properties like those of the [...] Read more.
Methylene blue was electropolymerized on the surface of stainless steel 316. The addition of sodium oxalate and working at a pH near 11 allowed us to obtain steel electrodes coated with an electroactive polymer. This polymer shows electrochromic properties like those of the monomer, but also exhibits electroactivity at more positive potentials, which is associated with the active centers in the bridges between monomeric units. A digital video electrochemistry study allowed us to simultaneously quantify, on the one hand, the color changes on the entire surface of the stainless steel and on the other to separate the contribution of the active centers of the phenothiazine ring and of the inter-monomer bonds to the overall polymer response by means of assessing the mean color intensities. A reduction mechanism for the polymer, compatible with the pH variation of the observed electrochemical behavior, was proposed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exclusive Feature Papers in Electrochemistry)
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10 pages, 2350 KiB  
Article
Ferrocene Bis(Sulfonate) Salt as Redoxmer for Fast and Steady Redox Flow Desalination
by Rongxuan Xie, Briana R. Schrage, Junhua Jiang, Christopher J. Ziegler and Zhenmeng Peng
Molecules 2024, 29(11), 2506; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29112506 - 25 May 2024
Viewed by 957
Abstract
Desalination is considered a promising solution to alleviate water shortages, yet current methods are often restricted, due to challenges like high energy consumption, significant cost, or limited desalination capacity. In this study, we present a novel approach of redox flow desalination (RFD) utilizing [...] Read more.
Desalination is considered a promising solution to alleviate water shortages, yet current methods are often restricted, due to challenges like high energy consumption, significant cost, or limited desalination capacity. In this study, we present a novel approach of redox flow desalination (RFD) utilizing the highly aqueous-soluble and reversible redox-active compound, potassium 1,1′-bis(sulfonate) ferrocene (1,1′-FcDS). This water-soluble organic compound yielded stable and rapid desalination, sustaining extended operation without notable decay and achieving an impressive desalination rate of up to 457.5 mmol·h−1·m−2 and energy consumption as low as 40.2 kJ·molNaCl−1. Specifically, the RFD device effectively desalinated a 50 mM NaCl solution to potable standards within 6000 s using 1,1′-FcDS. It maintained an average energy consumption of 178.16 kJ·molNaCl−1 and exhibited negligible deterioration in desalination rate, energy efficiency, and charge efficiency throughout a rigorous 12,000 s cycling test. Furthermore, the versatility of this method was demonstrated by effectively treating saline water with varying initial concentrations from 10 mM to 50 mM, showcasing its potential across a broad spectrum of applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exclusive Feature Papers in Electrochemistry)
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13 pages, 4622 KiB  
Article
In Situ-Initiated Poly-1,3-dioxolane Gel Electrolyte for High-Voltage Lithium Metal Batteries
by Mingyang Xin, Yimu Zhang, Zhenhua Liu, Yuqing Zhang, Yutong Zhai, Haiming Xie and Yulong Liu
Molecules 2024, 29(11), 2454; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29112454 - 23 May 2024
Viewed by 1474
Abstract
To realize high-energy-density Li metal batteries at low temperatures, a new electrolyte is needed to solve the high-voltage compatibility and fast lithium-ion de-solvation process. A gel polymer electrolyte with a small-molecular-weight polymer is widely investigated by combining the merits of a solid polymer [...] Read more.
To realize high-energy-density Li metal batteries at low temperatures, a new electrolyte is needed to solve the high-voltage compatibility and fast lithium-ion de-solvation process. A gel polymer electrolyte with a small-molecular-weight polymer is widely investigated by combining the merits of a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) and liquid electrolyte (LE). Herein, we present a new gel polymer electrolyte (P-DOL) by the lithium difluoro(oxalate)borate (LiDFOB)-initiated polymerization process using 1,3-dioxolane (DOL) as a monomer solvent. The P-DOL presents excellent ionic conductivity (1.12 × 10−4 S cm−1) at −20 °C, with an oxidation potential of 4.8 V. The Li‖LiCoO2 cell stably cycled at 4.3 V under room temperature, with a discharge capacity of 130 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C and a capacity retention rate of 86.4% after 50 cycles. Moreover, a high-Ni-content LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) cell can steadily run for 120 cycles at −20 °C, with a capacity retention of 88.4%. The underlying mechanism of high-voltage compatibility originates from the dense and robust B- and F-rich cathode interface layer (CEI) formed at the cathode interface. Our report will shed light on the real application of Li metal batteries under all-climate conditions in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exclusive Feature Papers in Electrochemistry)
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19 pages, 5051 KiB  
Article
Imidazole-Based Lithium Salt LiHDI as a Solid Electrolyte Interphase-Stabilising Additive for Lithium-Conducting Electrolytes
by Marek Broszkiewicz, Bartosz Brzozowski, Tomasz Trzeciak, Aldona Zalewska, Jacek Ryl and Leszek Niedzicki
Molecules 2024, 29(4), 804; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29040804 - 9 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1342
Abstract
Lithium salt LiHDI (lithium 4,5-dicyano-2-(n-heptafluoropropyl)imidazolide) is proposed as a solid electrolyte interphase-stabilising additive for lithium-ion batteries, which can be added in a smaller amount than fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) and vinylene carbonate (VC) additives. Electrolytes containing either lithium 4,5-dicyano-2-(trifluoromethyl)imidazolide (LiTDI) or battery-standard [...] Read more.
Lithium salt LiHDI (lithium 4,5-dicyano-2-(n-heptafluoropropyl)imidazolide) is proposed as a solid electrolyte interphase-stabilising additive for lithium-ion batteries, which can be added in a smaller amount than fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) and vinylene carbonate (VC) additives. Electrolytes containing either lithium 4,5-dicyano-2-(trifluoromethyl)imidazolide (LiTDI) or battery-standard LiPF6 were tested with various amounts of LiHDI additive. Chemical stability in the presence of water and the thermal stability of LiHDI are on par with LiTDI. LiHDI additive does not negatively affect the properties of electrolytes. Conductivity measurements of solutions, galvanostatic cycling of graphite-LiFePO4 cells at room temperature, cells’ cycling at 60 °C, internal cell resistance monitoring during cycling, and XPS analysis of electrodes’ surfaces after cycling have been performed. LiHDI, unlike the FEC-VC mixture, does not negatively affect the properties of the electrolyte. Cycling showed improved capacity retention with LiHDI additive with both graphite and LiFePO4 as capacity-limiting electrodes over samples without additives. At elevated temperatures, samples with LiHDI exhibited better capacity retention during cycling than those with FEC-VC. Internal cell resistance can be correlated with capacity retention. XPS results show changes in the composition of SEI depending on the composition of the electrolyte and the duration of cycling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exclusive Feature Papers in Electrochemistry)
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15 pages, 4993 KiB  
Article
In Situ Growth of Sodium Manganese Hexacyanoferrate on Carbon Nanotubes for High-Performance Sodium-Ion Batteries
by Can Guo, Jianxiong Xing, Ali Shamshad, Jicheng Jiang, Donghuang Wang, Xin Wang, Yixuan Bai, Haifeng Chen, Wenwu Sun, Naying An and Aijun Zhou
Molecules 2024, 29(2), 313; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29020313 - 8 Jan 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1487
Abstract
Sodium manganese hexacyanoferrate (NaMnHCF) has emerged as a research hotspot among Prussian blue analogs for sodium-ion battery cathode materials due to its advantages of high voltage, high specific capacity, and abundant raw materials. However, its practical application is limited by its poor electronic [...] Read more.
Sodium manganese hexacyanoferrate (NaMnHCF) has emerged as a research hotspot among Prussian blue analogs for sodium-ion battery cathode materials due to its advantages of high voltage, high specific capacity, and abundant raw materials. However, its practical application is limited by its poor electronic conductivity. In this study, we aim to solve this problem through the in situ growth of NaMnHCF on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using a simple coprecipitation method. The results show that the overall electronic conductivity of NaMnHCF is significantly improved after the introduction of CNTs. The NaMnHCF@10%CNT sample presents a specific capacity of 90 mA h g−1, even at a current density of 20 C (2400 mA g−1). The study shows that the optimized composite exhibits a superior electrochemical performance at different mass loadings (from low to high), which is attributed to the enhanced electron transport and shortened electron pathway. Surprisingly, the cycling performance of the composites was also improved, resulting from decreased polarization and the subsequent reduction in the side reactions at the cathode/electrolyte interface. Furthermore, we revealed the evolution of potential plateau roots from the extraction of crystal water during the charge–discharge process of NaMnHCF based on the experimental results. This study is instructive not only for the practical application of NaMnHCF materials but also for advancing our scientific understanding of the behavior of crystal water during the charge–discharge process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exclusive Feature Papers in Electrochemistry)
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15 pages, 2861 KiB  
Article
Effect of Calcination Temperature on the Activity of Unsupported IrO2 Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Water Electrolyzers
by Angeliki Banti, Kalliopi Maria Papazisi, Stella Balomenou and Dimitrios Tsiplakides
Molecules 2023, 28(15), 5827; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28155827 - 2 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2097
Abstract
Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) water electrolyzers suffer mainly from slow kinetics regarding the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Noble metal oxides, like IrO2 and RuO2, are generally more active for OER than metal electrodes, exhibiting low anodic overpotentials and high catalytic [...] Read more.
Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) water electrolyzers suffer mainly from slow kinetics regarding the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Noble metal oxides, like IrO2 and RuO2, are generally more active for OER than metal electrodes, exhibiting low anodic overpotentials and high catalytic activity. However, issues like electrocatalyst stability under continuous operation and cost minimization through a reduction in the catalyst loading are of great importance to the research community. In this study, unsupported IrO2 of various particle sizes (different calcination temperatures) were evaluated for the OER and as anode electrodes for PEM water electrolyzers. The electrocatalysts were synthesized by the modified Adams method, and the effect of calcination temperature on the properties of IrO2 electrocatalysts is investigated. Physicochemical characterization was conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area measurement, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. For the electrochemical performance of synthesized electrocatalysts in the OER, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) were conducted in a typical three-cell electrode configuration, using glassy carbon as the working electrode, which the synthesized electrocatalysts were cast on in a 0.5 M H2SO4 solution. The materials, as anode PEM water electrolysis electrodes, were further evaluated in a typical electrolytic cell using a Nafion®115 membrane as the electrolyte and Pt/C as the cathode electrocatalyst. The IrO2 electrocatalyst calcined at 400 °C shows high crystallinity with a 1.24 nm particle size, a high specific surface area (185 m2 g−1), and a high activity of 177 mA cm−2 at 1.8 V for PEM water electrolysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exclusive Feature Papers in Electrochemistry)
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17 pages, 6142 KiB  
Article
Electrode Potential-Dependent Studies of Protein Adsorption on Ti6Al4V Alloy
by Belma Duderija, Alejandro González-Orive, Christoph Ebbert, Vanessa Neßlinger, Adrian Keller and Guido Grundmeier
Molecules 2023, 28(13), 5109; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28135109 - 29 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1614
Abstract
This article presents the potential-dependent adsorption of two proteins, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and lysozyme (LYZ), on Ti6Al4V alloy at pH 7.4 and 37 °C. The adsorption process was studied on an electropolished alloy under cathodic and anodic overpotentials, [...] Read more.
This article presents the potential-dependent adsorption of two proteins, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and lysozyme (LYZ), on Ti6Al4V alloy at pH 7.4 and 37 °C. The adsorption process was studied on an electropolished alloy under cathodic and anodic overpotentials, compared to the open circuit potential (OCP). To analyze the adsorption process, various complementary interface analytical techniques were employed, including PM-IRRAS (polarization-modulation infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy), AFM (atomic force microscopy), XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), and E-QCM (electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance) measurements. The polarization experiments were conducted within a potential range where charging of the electric double layer dominates, and Faradaic currents can be disregarded. The findings highlight the significant influence of the interfacial charge distribution on the adsorption of BSA and LYZ onto the alloy surface. Furthermore, electrochemical analysis of the protein layers formed under applied overpotentials demonstrated improved corrosion protection properties. These studies provide valuable insights into protein adsorption on titanium alloys under physiological conditions, characterized by varying potentials of the passive alloy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exclusive Feature Papers in Electrochemistry)
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20 pages, 4868 KiB  
Article
Improving the Energy Storage of Supercapattery Devices through Electrolyte Optimization for Mg(NbAgS)x(SO4)y Electrode Materials
by Haseebul Hassan, Muhammad Waqas Iqbal, Sarah Alharthi, Mohammed A. Amin, Amir Muhammad Afzal, Jacek Ryl and Mohd Zahid Ansari
Molecules 2023, 28(12), 4737; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28124737 - 13 Jun 2023
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 1829
Abstract
Electrolytes are one of the most influential aspects determining the efficiency of electrochemical supercapacitors. Therefore, in this paper, we investigate the effect of introducing co-solvents of ester into ethylene carbonate (EC). The use of ester co-solvents in ethylene carbonate (EC) as an electrolyte [...] Read more.
Electrolytes are one of the most influential aspects determining the efficiency of electrochemical supercapacitors. Therefore, in this paper, we investigate the effect of introducing co-solvents of ester into ethylene carbonate (EC). The use of ester co-solvents in ethylene carbonate (EC) as an electrolyte for supercapacitors improves conductivity, electrochemical properties, and stability, allowing greater energy storage capacity and increased device durability. We synthesized extremely thin nanosheets of niobium silver sulfide using a hydrothermal process and mixed them with magnesium sulfate in different wt% ratios to produce Mg(NbAgS)x)(SO4)y. The synergistic effect of MgSO4 and NbS2 increased the storage capacity and energy density of the supercapattery. Multivalent ion storage in Mg(NbAgS)x(SO4)y enables the storage of a number of ions. The Mg(NbAgS)x)(SO4)y was directly deposited on a nickel foam substrate using a simple and innovative electrodeposition approach. The synthesized silver Mg(NbAgS)x)(SO4)y provided a maximum specific capacity of 2087 C/g at 2.0 A/g current density because of its substantial electrochemically active surface area and linked nanosheet channels which aid in ion transportation. The supercapattery was designed with Mg(NbAgS)x)(SO4)y and activated carbon (AC) achieved a high energy density of 79 Wh/kg in addition to its high power density of 420 W/kg. The supercapattery (Mg(NbAgS)x)(SO4)y//AC) was subjected to 15,000 consecutive cycles. The Coulombic efficiency of the device was 81% after 15,000 consecutive cycles while retaining a 78% capacity retention. This study reveals that the use of this novel electrode material (Mg(NbAgS)x(SO4)y) in ester-based electrolytes has great potential in supercapattery applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exclusive Feature Papers in Electrochemistry)
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Review

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39 pages, 8007 KiB  
Review
Progress and Challenges of Vanadium Oxide Cathodes for Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries
by Elena G. Tolstopyatova, Yulia D. Salnikova, Rudolf Holze and Veniamin V. Kondratiev
Molecules 2024, 29(14), 3349; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29143349 - 17 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1263
Abstract
Among the challenges related to rechargeable magnesium batteries (RMBs) still not resolved are positive electrode materials with sufficient charge storage and rate capability as well as stability and raw material resources. Out of the materials proposed and studied so far, vanadium oxides stand [...] Read more.
Among the challenges related to rechargeable magnesium batteries (RMBs) still not resolved are positive electrode materials with sufficient charge storage and rate capability as well as stability and raw material resources. Out of the materials proposed and studied so far, vanadium oxides stand out for these requirements, but significant further improvements are expected and required. They will be based on new materials and an improved understanding of their mode of operation. This report provides a critical review focused on this material, which is embedded in a brief overview on the general subject. It starts with the main strategic ways to design layered vanadium oxides cathodes for RMBs. Taking these examples in more detail, the typical issues and challenges often missed in broader overviews and reviews are discussed. In particular, issues related to the electrochemistry of intercalation processes in layered vanadium oxides; advantageous strategies for the development of vanadium oxide composite cathodes; their mechanism in aqueous, “wet”, and dry non-aqueous aprotic systems; and the possibility of co-intercalation processes involving protons and magnesium ions are considered. The perspectives for future development of vanadium oxide-based cathode materials are finally discussed and summarized. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exclusive Feature Papers in Electrochemistry)
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23 pages, 15008 KiB  
Review
Review of the Real-Time Monitoring Technologies for Lithium Dendrites in Lithium-Ion Batteries
by Yifang Liang, Daiheng Song, Wenju Wu, Yanchao Yu, Jun You and Yuanpeng Liu
Molecules 2024, 29(9), 2118; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29092118 - 3 May 2024
Viewed by 1472
Abstract
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have the advantage of high energy density, which has attracted the wide attention of researchers. Nevertheless, the growth of lithium dendrites on the anode surface causes short life and poor safety, which limits their application. Therefore, it is necessary to [...] Read more.
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have the advantage of high energy density, which has attracted the wide attention of researchers. Nevertheless, the growth of lithium dendrites on the anode surface causes short life and poor safety, which limits their application. Therefore, it is necessary to deeply understand the growth mechanism of lithium dendrites. Here, the growth mechanism of lithium dendrites is briefly summarized, and the real-time monitoring technologies of lithium dendrite growth in recent years are reviewed. The real-time monitoring technologies summarized here include in situ X-ray, in situ Raman, in situ resonance, in situ microscopy, in situ neutrons, and sensors, and their representative studies are summarized. This paper is expected to provide some guidance for the research of lithium dendrites, so as to promote the development of LIBs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exclusive Feature Papers in Electrochemistry)
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28 pages, 623 KiB  
Review
Ag(e)ing and Degradation of Supercapacitors: Causes, Mechanisms, Models and Countermeasures
by Xuecheng Chen, Yuping Wu and Rudolf Holze
Molecules 2023, 28(13), 5028; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28135028 - 27 Jun 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2039
Abstract
The most prominent and highly visible advantage attributed to supercapacitors of any type and application, beyond their most notable feature of high current capability, is their high stability in terms of lifetime, number of possible charge/discharge cycles or other stability-related properties. Unfortunately, actual [...] Read more.
The most prominent and highly visible advantage attributed to supercapacitors of any type and application, beyond their most notable feature of high current capability, is their high stability in terms of lifetime, number of possible charge/discharge cycles or other stability-related properties. Unfortunately, actual devices show more or less pronounced deterioration of performance parameters during time and use. Causes for this in the material and component levels, as well as on the device level, have only been addressed and discussed infrequently in published reports. The present review attempts a complete coverage on these levels; it adds in modelling approaches and provides suggestions for slowing down ag(e)ing and degradation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exclusive Feature Papers in Electrochemistry)
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32 pages, 26676 KiB  
Review
Mechanistic Aspects of the Electrochemical Oxidation of Aliphatic Amines and Aniline Derivatives
by Ashwin K. V. Mruthunjaya and Angel A. J. Torriero
Molecules 2023, 28(2), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28020471 - 4 Jan 2023
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 5431
Abstract
The electrochemical oxidation of amines is an essential alternative to the conventional chemical transformation that provides critical routes for synthesising and modifying a wide range of chemically useful molecules, including pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. As a result, the anodic reactivity of these compounds has [...] Read more.
The electrochemical oxidation of amines is an essential alternative to the conventional chemical transformation that provides critical routes for synthesising and modifying a wide range of chemically useful molecules, including pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. As a result, the anodic reactivity of these compounds has been extensively researched over the past seven decades. However, the different mechanistic aspects of the electrochemical oxidation of amines have never been discussed from a comprehensive and general point of view. This review examines the oxidation mechanism of aliphatic amines, amides, aniline and aniline derivatives, carbamates, and lactams, either directly oxidised at different electrode surfaces or indirectly oxidised by a reversible redox molecule, in which the reactive form was generated in situ. The mechanisms are compared and simplified to understand all possible pathways for the oxidation of amines using only a few general mechanisms. Examples of the application of these oxidation reactions are also provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exclusive Feature Papers in Electrochemistry)
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