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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 11098

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Dr. Sudeshna Chandra

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Hanse-Wissenschaftskolleg—Institute for Advanced Study (HWK), Lehmkuhlenbusch 4, 27753 Delmenhorst, Germany
Interests: metal oxide nanomaterials; hybrid metal sulfides nanomaterials; biosensors; energy devices; characterization of nanomaterials; electrochemistry
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Dear Colleagues,

Recent research developments in nanoscience and nanotechnology have seen plenty of nanomaterials in energy storage systems (ESSs) and technologies. The rapid growth of portable electronics and electric vehicles have propelled the development of ESSs devices such as lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors. Electrochemical energy storage (EES) technology is also of critical importance for portable electronics, transportation, and large-scale energy storage systems that are emerging as primary power sources for global energy dependence due to their high energy or power densities, portability, and long cycle life. Research on nanomaterials is rising to an unprecedented height due to their unique characteristics for application in the energy sector. The modification of nanomaterials structurally or engineering them into designed architectures can enhance the performance of ESSs. Several carbon nanomaterials (viz., fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, graphene, and their assemblies), layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), porous 1D nanomaterials, 2D transition metal carbides/nitride (MXene) nanomaterials, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), etc., have significantly impacted the energy storage systems. Further, with a rise in thermal energy consumption, the development of thermal energy storage systems can also significantly benefit the society. In this regard, phase change nanomaterials (PCNMs) have demonstrated potential in the storage and conversion of solar thermal energy.

The aim of the Special Issue on "Advanced Nanomaterials for Energy Storage Devices" is to invite the submission of original research, short communications, and review articles focusing on the current state-of-the-art nanomaterials that are used in energy devices and technology. Manuscripts providing new insights on nanomaterials for energy conversion and storage are welcome. The Special Issue will essentially provide a platform for energy researchers to showcase their work in the emerging areas, such as solar energy conversion; energy storage including batteries, flow batteries, and supercapacitors; catalysis for energy technologies; fuel cells; hydrogen production, storage, and distribution; utilization of carbon dioxide; and other sustainable energy conversion technologies.

Dr. Sudeshna Chandra
Guest Editor

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Keywords

electrochemical energy storage
carbon nanomaterials
layered transition metal dichalcogenides
porous 1D nanomaterials
2D transition metal carbides/nitride (MXene) nanomaterials
energy conversion and storage
fuel cells
batteries
flow batteries
supercapacitors
hydrogen production
storage and distribution
utilization of carbon dioxide

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 3251 KiB

Open AccessArticle

MUF-n-Octadecane Phase-Change Microcapsules: Effects of Core pH and Core–Wall Ratio on Morphology and Thermal Properties of Microcapsules

by Lin Lin, Ziqi Li, Jian Zhang, Tonghua Ma, Renzhong Wei, Qiang Zhang and Junyou Shi

Molecules 2024, 29(20), 4794; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29204794 - 10 Oct 2024

Viewed by 783

Abstract

Phase change energy storage microcapsules were synthesized in situ by using melamine-formaldehyde–urea co-condensation resin (MUF) as wall material, n-octadecane (C18) as core material and styryl-maleic anhydride copolymer (SMA) as emulsifier. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis were used to study the effects of emulsifier type, emulsifier dosage, core–wall ratio and pH on the morphology and thermal properties of microcapsules. The results show that the pH of core material and the ratio of core to wall have a great influence on the performance of microcapsules. SMA emulsifiers and MUF are suitable for the encapsulation of C18. When the pH is 4.5 and the core–wall ratio is 2/1, the latent heat and encapsulation efficiency of phase transition reaches 207.3 J g⁻¹ and 84.7%, respectively. The prepared phase-change microcapsules also have good shape stability and thermal stability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Energy Storage Devices)

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11 pages, 2290 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Electrochemical Performance of Si@CNT Anode by Integrating SrTiO₃ Material for High-Capacity Lithium-Ion Batteries

by Nischal Oli, Diana C. Liza Castillo, Brad R. Weiner, Gerardo Morell and Ram S. Katiyar

Molecules 2024, 29(19), 4750; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29194750 - 8 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1106

Abstract

Silicon (Si) has attracted worldwide attention for its ultrahigh theoretical storage capacity (4200 mA h g⁻¹), low mass density (2.33 g cm⁻³), low operating potential (0.4 V vs. Li/Li⁺), abundant reserves, environmentally benign nature, and low cost. It is a promising high-energy-density anode material for next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), offering a replacement for graphite anodes owing to the escalating energy demands in booming automobile and energy storage applications. Unfortunately, the commercialization of silicon anodes is stringently hindered by large volume expansion during lithiation–delithiation, the unstable and detrimental growth of electrode/electrolyte interface layers, sluggish Li-ion diffusion, poor rate performance, and inherently low ion/electron conductivity. These present major safety challenges lead to quick capacity degradation in LIBs. Herein, we present the synergistic effects of nanostructured silicon and SrTiO₃ (STO) for use as anodes in Li-ion batteries. Si and STO nanoparticles were incorporated into a multiwalled carbon nanotube (CNT) matrix using a planetary ball-milling process. The mechanical stress resulting from the expansion of Si was transferred via the CNT matrix to the STO. We discovered that the introduction of STO can improve the electrochemical performance of Si/CNT nanocomposite anodes. Experimental measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy provide evidence for the enhanced mobility of Li-ions facilitated by STO. Hence, incorporating STO into the Si@CNT anode yields promising results, exhibiting a high initial Coulombic efficiency of approximately 85%, a reversible specific capacity of ~800 mA h g⁻¹ after 100 cycles at 100 mA g⁻¹, and a high-rate capability of 1400 mA g⁻¹ with a capacity of 800 mA h g⁻¹. Interestingly, it exhibits a capacity of 350 mAh g⁻¹ after 1000 lithiation and delithiation cycles at a high rate of 600 mA hg⁻¹. This result unveils and sheds light on the design of a scalable method for manufacturing Si anodes for next-generation LIBs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Energy Storage Devices)

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11 pages, 2970 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High-Density Capacitive Energy Storage in Low-Dielectric-Constant Polymer PMMA/2D Mica Nanofillers Heterostructure Composite

by Sumit Bera, Rukshan Thantirige, Sujit A. Kadam, Anirudha V. Sumant and Nihar R. Pradhan

Molecules 2024, 29(19), 4671; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29194671 - 1 Oct 2024

Viewed by 906

Abstract

The ubiquitous, rising demand for energy storage devices with ultra-high storage capacity and efficiency has drawn tremendous research interest in developing energy storage devices. Dielectric polymers are one of the most suitable materials used to fabricate electrostatic capacitive energy storage devices with thin-film geometry with high power density. In this work, we studied the dielectric properties, electric polarization, and energy density of PMMA/2D Mica nanocomposite capacitors where stratified 2D nanofillers are interfaced between the multiple layers of PMMA thin films using two heterostructure designs of the capacitors, PMMA/2D Mica/PMMA (PMP) and PMMA/2D Mica/PMMA/2D Mica/PMMA (PMPMP). The incorporation of a 2D Mica nanofiller in the low-dielectric-constant PMMA leads to an enhancement in the dielectric constant, with ∆ε ~ 15% and 53% for PMP and PMPMP heterostructures at room temperature. Additionally, a significant improvement in discharged energy density was measured for the PMPMP capacitor (U_d ~ 38 J/cm³ at 825 MV/m) compared to the pristine PMMA (U_d ~ 9.5 J/cm³ at 522 MV/m) and PMP capacitors (U_d ~ 19 J/cm³ at 740 MV/m). This excellent capacitive and energy storage performance of the PMMA/2D Mica heterostructure nanocomposite may inform the fabrication of thin-film, high-density energy storage capacitor devices for potential applications in various platforms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Energy Storage Devices)

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17 pages, 4803 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Investigation of Water-Based CMC and LA133 Binders for CuO Anodes in High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries

by Nischal Oli, Sunny Choudhary, Brad R. Weiner, Gerardo Morell and Ram S. Katiyar

Molecules 2024, 29(17), 4114; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29174114 - 30 Aug 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 939

Abstract

Transition metal oxides are considered to be highly promising anode materials for high-energy lithium-ion batteries. While carbon matrices have demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing the electrical conductivity and accommodating the volume expansion of transition metal oxide-based anode materials in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), achieving an optimized utilization ratio remains a challenging obstacle. In this investigation, we have devised a straightforward synthesis approach to fabricate CuO nano powder integrated with carbon matrix. We found that with the use of a sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) based binder and fluoroethylene carbonate additives, this anode exhibits enhanced performance compared to acrylonitrile multi-copolymer binder (LA133) based electrodes. CuO@CMC electrodes reveal a notable capacity ~1100 mA h g⁻¹ at 100 mA g⁻¹ following 170 cycles, and exhibit prolonged cycling stability, with a capacity of 450 mA h g⁻¹ at current density 300 mA g⁻¹ over 500 cycles. Furthermore, they demonstrated outstanding rate performance and reduced charge transfer resistance. This study offers a viable approach for fabricating electrode materials for next-generation, high energy storage devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Energy Storage Devices)

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13 pages, 5106 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Preparation of N, P-Doped NiSe Nanorod Electrode Materials on Nickel Foam Using the Microwave Method for High-Performance Supercapacitors

by Zhen Lu, Hongjie Kang, Qianwen Duan, Chao Lv, Rui Liu, Feng Feng and Haidong Zhao

Molecules 2024, 29(13), 3224; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29133224 - 7 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 935

Abstract

Transition metal selenides have the leading position in the field of energy storage and conversion due to their high theoretical capacity, good electrical conductivity, and cycling stability. Nickel is widely used for the construction of positive electrodes in devices due to its good conductivity, variable valence state, and ideal redox activity. NiSe materials have high internal resistance and are prone to volume change during charging and discharging, thus affecting the practical application of this electrode material, and the reported NiSe materials have not achieved a more desirable capacity value. Therefore, in this study, N, P-NiSe nanoelectrode materials were prepared using nickel foam as the nickel source and hexachlorocyclotriphonitrile as the nitrogen and phosphorus dopant using an efficient, energy-saving, and simple microwave method. It was also characterised by XRD and XPS to confirm the successful preparation of N, P-NiSe materials. In addition, the material yielded a high capacitance value (3184 F g⁻¹) and good cycling stability (72% of the initial capacitance value was retained after 4000 cycles) in electrochemical tests. To demonstrate its excellent suitability for practical applications, an asymmetric supercapacitor was assembled using N, P-NiSe as the anode and activated carbon as the cathode. At an operating voltage of 1.6 V, the device achieved an energy density of 289.06 Wh kg⁻¹ and a power density of 799.26 W kg⁻¹ and retained 80% of its initial capacity after 20,000 cycles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Energy Storage Devices)

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15 pages, 12589 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Expanded Graphite Content on the Thermal Properties of Fatty Acid Composite Materials for Thermal Energy Storage

by Dongyi Zhou, Shuaizhe Xiao and Yicai Liu

Molecules 2024, 29(13), 3146; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29133146 - 2 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 854

Abstract

The mass content of expanded graphite (EG) in fatty acid/expanded graphite composite phase-change materials (CPCMs) affects their thermal properties. In this study, a series of capric–myristic acid/expanded graphite CPCMs with different EG mass content (1%, 3%, 5%, 8%, 12%, 16%, and 20%) were prepared. The adsorption performance effect of EG on the PCMs was observed and analyzed. The structure and thermal properties of the prepared CPCMs were characterized via scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermal conductivity measurements, and heat energy storage/release experiments. The results show that the minimum mass content of EG in the CPCMs is 7.6%. The phase-change temperature of the CPCMs is close to that of the PCMs, at around 19 °C. The latent heat of phase change is equivalent to that of the PCM at the corresponding mass content, and that of phase change with an EG mass content of 8% is 138.0 J/g. The CPCMs exhibit a large increase in thermal conductivity and a significant decrease in storage/release time as the expanded graphite mass content increases. The thermal conductivity of the CPCM with a mass content of 20% is 418.5% higher than that with a mass content of 5%. With an increase in the EG mass content in CPCMs, the heat transfer mainly transitions from phase-change heat transfer to thermal conductivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Energy Storage Devices)

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18 pages, 4126 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improvement in Electrochemical Performance of Waste Sugarcane Bagasse-Derived Carbon via Hybridization with SiO₂ Nanospheres

by Muhammad Mudassir Ahmad Alwi, Jyoti Singh, Arup Choudhury, SK Safdar Hossain and Akbar Niaz Butt

Molecules 2024, 29(7), 1569; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29071569 - 31 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1313

Abstract

Sugar industries generate substantial quantities of waste biomass after the extraction of sugar water from sugarcane stems, while biomass-derived porous carbon has currently received huge research attention for its sustainable application in energy storage systems. Hence, we have investigated waste sugarcane bagasse (WSB) as a cheap and potential source of porous carbon for supercapacitors. The electrochemical capacitive performance of WSB-derived carbon was further enhanced through hybridization with silicon dioxide (SiO₂) as a cost-effective pseudocapacitance material. Porous WSB-C/SiO₂ nanocomposites were prepared via the in situ pyrolysis of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS)-modified WSB biomass. The morphological analysis confirms the pyrolytic growth of SiO₂ nanospheres on WSB-C. The electrochemical performance of WSB-C/SiO₂ nanocomposites was optimized by varying the SiO₂ content, using two different electrolytes. The capacitance of activated WSB-C was remarkably enhanced upon hybridization with SiO₂, while the nanocomposite electrode demonstrated superior specific capacitance in 6 M KOH electrolyte compared to neutral Na₂SO₄ electrolyte. A maximum specific capacitance of 362.3 F/g at 0.25 A/g was achieved for the WSB-C/SiO₂ 105 nanocomposite. The capacitance retention was slightly lower in nanocomposite electrodes (91.7–86.9%) than in pure WSB-C (97.4%) but still satisfactory. A symmetric WSB-C/SiO₂ 105//WSB-C/SiO₂ 105 supercapacitor was fabricated and achieved an energy density of 50.3 Wh kg⁻¹ at a power density of 250 W kg⁻¹, which is substantially higher than the WSB-C//WSB-C supercapacitor (22.1 Wh kg⁻¹). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Energy Storage Devices)

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13 pages, 3705 KiB

Open AccessArticle

All-Nitrogen Energetic Material Cubic Gauche Polynitrogen: Plasma Synthesis and Thermal Performance

by Chenxi Qu, Jiale Li, Kewei Ding, Songsong Guo and Yating Jia

Molecules 2024, 29(2), 504; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29020504 - 19 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1472

Abstract

Numerous theoretical calculations have demonstrated that polynitrogen with an extending polymeric network is an ultrahigh-energy all-nitrogen material. Typical samples, such as cubic gauche polynitrogen (cg-N), have been synthesized, but the thermal performance of polynitrogen has not been unambiguously determined. Herein, macroscopic samples of polynitrogen were synthesized utilizing a coated substrate, and their thermal decomposition behavior was investigated. Polynitrogen with carbon nanotubes was produced using a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition method and characterized using infrared, Raman, X-ray diffraction X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope. The results showed that the structure of the deposited polynitrogen was consistent with that of cg-N and the amount of deposition product obtained with coated substrates increased significantly. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at various heating rates and TG-DSC-FTIR-MS analyses were performed. The thermal decomposition temperature of cg-N was determined to be 429 °C. The apparent activation energy (E_a) of cg-N calculated by the Kissinger and Ozawa equations was 84.7 kJ/mol and 91.9 kJ/mol, respectively, with a pre-exponential constant (lnA_k) of 12.8 min⁻¹. In this study, cg-N was demonstrated to be an all-nitrogen material with good thermal stability and application potential to high-energy-density materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Energy Storage Devices)

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15 pages, 1885 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Pore Size Distribution on Energy Storage of Nanoporous Carbon Materials in Neat and Dilute Ionic Liquid Electrolytes

by Maike Käärik, Mati Arulepp, Anti Perkson and Jaan Leis

Molecules 2023, 28(20), 7191; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28207191 - 20 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1377

Abstract

This study investigates three carbide-derived carbon (CDC) materials (TiC, NbC, and Mo₂C) characterized by uni-, bi-, and tri-modal pore sizes, respectively, for energy storage in both neat and acetonitrile-diluted 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide. A distribution of micro- and mesopores was studied through low-temperature N₂ and CO₂ adsorption. To elucidate the relationships between porosity and the electrochemical properties of carbon materials, cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic cycling, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements were conducted using three-electrode test cells. The ultramicroporous TiC-derived carbon is characterized by a high packing density of 0.85 g cm⁻³, resulting in superior cathodic and anodic capacitances for both neat ionic liquid (IL) and a 1.9 M IL/acetonitrile electrolyte (93.6 and 75.8 F cm⁻³, respectively, in the dilute IL). However, the bi-modal pore-sized microporous NbC-derived carbon, with slightly lower cathodic and anodic capacitances (i.e., 85.0 and 73.7 F cm⁻³ in the dilute IL, respectively), has a lower pore resistance, making it more suitable for real-world applications. A symmetric two-electrode capacitor incorporating microporous CDC-NbC electrodes revealed an acceptable cycle life. After 10,000 cycles, the cell retained approximately 75% of its original capacitance, while the equivalent series resistance (ESR) only increased by 13%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Energy Storage Devices)

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