Electrodeposition Approach Research Articles

Copper-promoted growth of hierarchical Cu–Co–Ni alloys on copper nanodendrites for enhanced hydrogen evolution in a wide pH range

Efficient and sustainable electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) using earth-abundant elements are crucial for eco-friendly hydrogen production, particularly under neutral and acidic conditions. In metallic alloys, careful selection of alloying elements and control over the composition, morphology, electronic structure, and structural defects are expected to tune electrocatalytic activities. In this work, we introduce a two-step electrodeposition approach to create a 3D porous trimetallic alloy, Cu@Cu–Ni–Co, exhibiting excellent catalytic activity and stability for HER in neutral and acidic environments. The process begins with the electrodeposition of 3D copper dendrites, which was found to be crucial for the catalyst's mechanical stability, followed by the deposition of the trimetallic alloy, where copper's inclusion promotes the controlled growth of the alloy's 3D structure. The Cu@Cu–Ni–Co catalyst outperforms Cu@Ni, Cu@Co, Cu@Ni–Co, and GC@Cu–Ni–Co electrocatalysts in neutral and acidic conditions, highlighting the importance of the developed electrodeposition approach. In 1.0 M phosphate-buffer solution (PBS), Cu@Cu–Ni–Co achieves a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of 275 mV with a Tafel slope of 134 mV dec−1, maintaining remarkable stability in both acidic and neutral conditions at high current densities (48–165 mA cm−2) for up to 50 h without any decline in activity.

High performance NiCoSe2@NiFe-MOF@AC Nanocomposite electrode for energy storage and precise detection of mono-sodium glutamate

Hybrid supercapacitors, a fascinating appliances that combines the best of both batteries and supercapacitors, showcase remarkable improvements in power and energy densities. Here, a two-step technique was used to synthesis NiCoSe2@NiFe-MOF. In first step NiCoS was synthesis using electrodeposition approach and in second step the NiCoSe2@NiFe-MOF was synthesis using vacuum-assisted filtering. The specific capacitance of the NiCoSe2@NiFe-MOF composite used as the supercapacitor electrode in a three-electrode system was (2882.5 F g−1) and specific capacity is 1729.8 C g−1, much greater than that of the NiCoSe2 electrode material which was 967.4 C g−1 at current density of 1.5 Ag−1, In addition, a hybrid supercapacitor device (NiCoSe2@NiFe-MOF//AC) has been developed and successfully demonstrates a specific capacity of 205.45 C g−1 at 0.5 A g−1. The energy density is measured in units of WhKg−1 with a numeric values of 78.3, while at 2.9 KWKg−1 the power density is recorded. This device has been tested for up to five thousands cycles of discharging (87.8%) and charging (94.2%), achieving an impressive capacity retention rate of 96.8%.Additionally, an amperometric immunosensor was fabricated by employing the NiCoSe2@NiFe-MOF nanocomposite to detect Mono-Sodium Glutamate (MSG). A constant linear association was observed between the concentration of MSG and the variation in current, encompassing the entire detection range of 0.05–200 μM. The findings of our study offer an exciting starting point for the development of energy storage systems with greater capacity.

Study on evaluating and optimizing surface property mechanisms of polyalloy for enhanced OER catalyses via electrodeposited technique coupled with molecular dynamics simulations

Polyalloy catalysts composed of non-precious metals exhibit considerable potentials for facilitating overall water splitting processes in alkaline environments. However, achieving evaluations and optimizations of surface property mechanisms of polyalloy for enhanced OER catalyses is the key scientific issue that urgently need to be solved. Electrodeposited technique coupled with molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) are the key to breaking through aforementioned bottlenecks. Moreover, accurately predicting selections of non-precious metal elements in these catalysts through molecular dynamics simulations poses a challenging task. Here, three distinct non-precious metal catalysts (i.e. Ni, NiCo, and NiCoFe) were successfully synthesized through a facile one-step electrodeposition approach under a three-electrode system, which were deposited onto carbon sheets. For the sake of evaluating catalytic properties, MDS were utilized to calculate contact angles on ideal surfaces, which were verified by experimental measurements. Furthermore, ternary alloy catalysts (i.e. NiCoFe) exhibited an overpotential of 254 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm2 and exhibited remarkable stability over a prolonged 150-hour testing period. Finally, main findings can further underscore potentials of utilizing electrodeposition to fabricate efficient non-precious metal catalytic electrodes for overall water splitting, as well as the feasibility of indirectly predicting electrocatalytic performances of such cost-effective catalysts via MDS.

Z-scheme heterostructures confining rGO/protonated C3N5 junction supported CoCu LDH positive electrode and Fe3O4 negative electrode for supercapacitors

CoCu LDH stabilized reduced graphene oxide-linked N-rich protonated C3N5 (CoxCuy@rGO/P-CN) as a power source Z-scheme nanocomposite was rationally tailored engineered an electrodeposition approach. The electrochemical performance was regulated by adjusting the electrodeposition potential and manipulating the Co/Cu molar ratio. Hence, affording compelling evidence for fine-tuning the performance of pseudo-active compounds. Benefiting from abundant heterointerfaces and synergistic effects between LDH nanoarrays and rGO/P-CN heterojunction, the hierarchical ‒1.2V Co3Cu1@rGO/P-CN Z-scheme positive electrode achieves a higher capacitance of 1184 F g–1 at 1 A g–1 and good rate capability performance. Theoretical simulation outcomes illustrate that the Co3Cu1@rGO/P-CN nanocomposite has higher electronic conductivity and superior electronic transition capability, originating from robust interactions between valence and conduction bands, interfacial charge transfer, and built-in electric field at the LDH/rGO/P-CN interface. We also explore the Fe3O4@rGO/P-CN Z-scheme as a negative electrode material via a simple annealing process with a capacitance of 402 F g–1 at 1 A g–1 and an enhanced cyclic performance. Consequently, the as-assembled ‒1.2V Co3Cu1@rGO/P-CN//Fe3O4@rGO/P-CN asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) cell acquires a remarkable energy density of 63.4 Wh kg–1 at 750 W kg–1 and displays an exceptional cycling activity with 88% retention after 11,000 cycles.

In2O3 electrochemical transistors based on PtAu4/RGO nanocomposites functionalized gate for highly sensitive nitrite detection

Nitrite is commonly found in the environment, but its overuse and potential toxicity pose serious health risks. There is a strong need to develop robust and reliable methods for detecting nitrite. Herein, a novel In2O3 solution-gated electrochemical transistor (SGET) nitrite sensor was designed and fabricated for highly sensitive detection of nitrite. Different thicknesses of In2O3 thin films were prepared by sol–gel method, which were used as the channel of transistors and optimized through evaluating the electronic and electrochemical properties. To improve the catalytic oxidation of nitrite, PtAu4 nanoparticles modified reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites (PtAu4/RGO) were fabricated on the gate of transistors through electrodeposition approach. The developed sensor exhibited exceptional sensing performance in nitrite detection, which featured with low detection limit (0.1 nM nitrite) and ultra-wide linear range from 0.1 nM to 1 mM. The developed In2O3 SGET sensor displayed excellent stability and high resistance to common interfering ions, thereby demonstrating superior anti-interference performance. Nitrite in real samples of natural lake water has been accurately measured, suggesting that the designed sensor could act as an ideal transducer platform for highly sensitive and selective nitrite detection in food and environmental fields.

Effect of ZrB2 on the wear resistance and corrosion properties of nanocrystalline Ni-Cu coatings fabricated by electrodeposition

In this study, a pulsed electrodeposition approach was used to create a Ni-Cu/ZrB2 composite coating on the surface of J55 steel. Ni-Cu/ZrB2 composite coatings with different material additions were prepared, and the surface morphology, grain size, microhardness and wear and corrosion resistance were investigated. The results confirmed that the embedding of ZrB2 in the Ni-Cu coating can refine the grains and make the coating surface denser. Furthermore, ZrB2 can effectively increase the wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the coating; the Ni-Cu/ZrB2 (1.0 g/L) composite coating reflects this by having the shallowest and narrowest wear cross-section as well as the lowest average friction coefficient (0.537). Additionally, the composite coating has the highest impedance modulus, reaching 83.60 kΩ/cm2. The composite coating improved corrosion resistance by 63.1 % compared to the pure sample. The enhancement in the coating's corrosion resistance can be attributed to three factors. Firstly, the addition of zirconium diborate refines the coating grain and changes the corrosion type from pitting corrosion to homogeneous corrosion. Secondly, zirconium diborate forms a physical barrier against corrosive ions. Lastly, the formation of the oxide layer on the coating during the process of corrosion, also enhances the material's resistance to corrosion.

Facile Fabrication of SERS Substrates by the Electrodeposition Method to Detect Pesticides with High Enhancement Effect and Long-Term Stability.

In this study, surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrates were investigated by the electrodeposition method to detect low concentrations of pesticides via the electrodeposition method with different agents from silver and gold precursors on APTES-modified ITO glass. A dual-potential method supplied three electrodes and was performed with a nucleation potential of 0.7 V for 2 s and a growth potential of -0.2 V for 500 s. The Ag film produced by the electrodeposition approach has great surface uniformity and good SERS signal amplification for the thiram insecticide at low concentrations. Interestingly, the ITO/APTES/Ag substrate extensively increased the sensitivity than the other investigated ones, thanks to the adequate assistance of amino groups of APTES in the denser and hierarchical deposition of Ag NPs. These observations were additionally elucidated via finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) calculation. For thiram, the detection was set at 10-8 M with an enhancement factor of up to 3.6 × 107 times. Comparing the SERS spectra of thiram at concentrations of 10-3, 10-4, and 10-5 M with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of less than 7.0% demonstrates excellent reproducibility of the ITO/APTES/Ag substrate. In addition, the special selectivity of the ITO/APTES/Ag substrate for thiram demonstrates that these nanostructures can identify pesticides with extreme sensitivity.

Integrating multiphasic CuSx/FeSx nanostructured electrocatalyst for enhanced oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions in saline water splitting

This study employed an electrodeposition approach to synthesize multiphasic CuSx and FeSx on nickel foam (NF) for application in saline water splitting. This multiphasic electrocatalyst exhibits a cauliflower morphology and develops a porous fused-type morphology upon partial oxidation. The NF/CuSx/FeSx electrode with partial oxidation exhibits the lowest overpotential of 181 mV at 10 mA/cm2 and a Tafel slope of 163 mV/decade for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The overpotential of 73 mV at 10 mA/cm2 and a Tafel slope of 165 mV/decade were found for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). A charge transfer coefficient value of ∼0.5 in OER and HER indicates that the rate-determining step depends on the surface adsorption of reaction species. The presence of an unpaired electron during partial oxidation can create additional active sites and reduce solution resistance (Rs). This can improve the interaction between reactants and intermediates, improving OER and HER performance. NF/CuSx/FeSx composites demonstrated robust stability using real seawater splitting over 80 hours in HER with negligible degradation. However, catalyst breakdown in OER after 10 hours due to prolonged exposure to higher potentials, resulting in oxidative corrosion. This study offers a multiphasic electrode design using the electrodeposition technique to produce green hydrogen energy through seawater splitting.

Cu Embedded in Co–P Nanosheets with Super Wetting Structure for Accelerated Overall Water Splitting under Simulated Industrial Conditions

AbstractThe development of advanced electrocatalysts with exceptional performance at high current densities is pivotal for reducing electric energy consumption in industrial water splitting for hydrogen production. Herein, a flexible one‐step electrodeposition approach is developed to synthesize superhydrophilic 3D flower‐like clusters of Cu–Co–P nanosheets grown in situ on nickel foam (NF). Introducing Cu into Co–P causes strong electron interactions, forming an electronic configuration favorable for the adsorption and desorption of intermediates, which significantly improves the intrinsic catalytic activity. The as‐deposited Cu–Co–P/NF display notable bifunctional catalytic activity with low overpotentials of 259 and 65 mV for the oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions, respectively, at 10 mA cm−2. Superwetting 3D flower‐like nanostructures are conducive to the penetration of electrolytes and the rapid release of bubbles, enabling the efficient utilization of active sites and the timely release of bubble stress under high current densities. An assembled Cu–Co–P/NF(+, −) electrolyzer achieves an impressive voltage of 1.85 V at 500 mA cm−2 for water splitting and appreciable stability for over 220 h under simulated industrial conditions. This work offers an attractive strategy for regulating superaerophobic Co–P electrocatalysts for industrial water splitting, which can contribute to practical applications.

A Bright Future for Electrodeposition

The Electrodeposition Division, which was founded in 1922 as the second ECS division, celebrated their centennial anniversary at the 242nd ECS Fall meeting in Atlanta. For the occasion, the division organized several sessions with invited contributions to honor the achievements of 100 years of electrodeposition, but also to take a closer look at the present trendsetters and give a perspective on future challenges and opportunities in this thriving field. Our then newly established Electrodeposition Early Career Forum (ECF, founded in Spring 2022) organized a full day symposium with contributions from outstanding early-career researchers involved in cutting-edge research across a broad range of areas of active electrodeposition research. It turned out to be a fantastic day with invigorating talks full of ideas. The ELDP division decided to share some of the excitement with the ECS community and asked our ECF members to suggest topics and participate in the articles for this summer edition of Interface dedicated to Electrochemical and Electroless deposition. Dr. Kent Zheng, assistant professor at the University of Texas and Dr. Martin Leimbach, postdoc at TU Ilmenau, Germany, took up the challenge. Together with us, humble guest editors, four articles have been selected centred around three important topics: (1) electrodeposition for manufacturing and sustainability, edited by Prof. Luca Magagnin; (2) electrodeposition for energy applications, edited by Prof. Natasa Vasiljevic; and (3) new electrodeposition approaches extending the material library, edited by Prof. Philippe Vereecken.

Effective photoabsorption and band-structural engineering in CuxO/NiO interfacial photosensor for improved ultraviolet response

Energy bands modulations in thin films heterostructure has offered exceptional leads towards the development of photosensing material. In this work, nanostructured metal oxides interfacial electrode structure has been employed to fabricate a highly sensitive ultraviolet (UV) sensor with high responsivity and detectivity. A unique, simple and cost-effective electrodeposition approach was adopted for the growth of the film samples. The interfacial structural effect and optical energy band modulations on the photo-electronic structure and UV detector performance of the structure have been examined. The films had fair transmissions of the visible light spectrum with CuxO dominance in the resulting bilayer structure and a high absorption peak in the ultraviolet (UV) region. The energy band gap redshifted towards the bilayer structure from 3.74 to 2.67 eV. Charge carriers trapping through surface recombination has been found to reduce from the assistance of ohmic contact formation of the heterostructure. The bilayer film-based photodetector demonstrated enhanced performance with photodetectivity (1.6⨯1011 Jones at 0.068 mWcm−2 power density), attributable to the existence of lower recombination state in the structure, according to the UV sensing study. The study showed that tailoring dissimilar metal oxide semiconducting films to the bilayer (CuxO/NiO) structure can provide excellent UV photodetector performance over single-layer of NiO and CuxO.

WITHDRAWN: Magnetic field-assisted electrodeposition of ZnCo2O4-rGo nanoelectrodes for enhanced supercapacitor performance

To investigate a convenient, rapid, and environmentally friendly method for the preparation of supercapacitor electrode materials to enhance supercapacitor performance, this study achieved the successful synthesis of ZnCo2O4-rGo (ZCG) nanomaterial electrodes on a nickel foam substrate. These electrodes were then assembled into supercapacitors using Magnetic field-assisted Electrodeposition (MFAED) technology. The surface morphology and structure characterization analysis revealed that the ZCG-4 material exhibited a mesoporous layered nanosheet structure. Moreover, they exhibited a significant specific active surface area of 155.7 m2/g and showed excellent adhesion to the nickel foam substrate. The electrochemical properties of the ZCG nanoelectrode material were studied in a 1 M KOH aqueous solution. The results revealed that the ZCG-4 nanoelectrode displayed low electrochemical impedance (Rs 0.23 Ω, Rct 1.36 Ω, and Zw 0.99 Ω) and a high specific capacitance of 2672 Fg−1. Furthermore, at a current density of 3 Ag−1, the electrode maintained good capacity retention (2672 Fg−1–2529 Fg−1, 94.6 %). Moreover, it retained a significantly high specific capacitance of 1339 Fg−1 even after 6000 cycles under a current density of 20 Ag−1. The supercapacitor assembled with ZCG-4 electrodes exhibits good electrochemical performance, possessing a high capacitance of 5.8F/cm2 at a current density of 1 mA/cm2. Moreover, the ZCG-4 supercapacitor demonstrates outstanding cyclic performance, maintaining 86 % capacity retention following 6000 charge–discharge cycles at a high current density of 30 mA/cm2. The mechanism of magnetic field electrodeposition for preparing ZCG has also been explained using magnetohydrodynamics theory. At a magnetic field strength of 6 T, the ion migration speed is 1.7 × 10−5 m/s, and the addition of the magnetic field effectively increases this speed. An effective magnetic field electrodeposition approach was thus proposed in this investigation to enable the synthesis of high-performance electrode materials and capacitors by combining metal oxide and rGo.

Cu-doped Sb-Zn alloy anodes tailored by novel pulse electrodeposition achieving robust sodium storage

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have garnered significant attention as cost-efficient and expandable energy conversion devices. Nonetheless, their further utilization is impeded by the rapid deterioration in the capacity of anode materials during cycling. Herein, we have successfully introduced both active (Zn) and non-active (Cu) metal components into Sb by fabricating Cu-doped Sb-Zn (SZC-N) anodes through a template-free novel pulse potential electrodeposition (NPPED) approach. The introduction of Cu demonstrated a crucial role in directing the formation of the uniform structure. On the other hand, active “Zn” increases overall capacity and serves as a cushion against the volume expansion of Sb. Notably, the SZC-N exhibits enhanced charge diffusion while maintaining the structural integrity of the electrode, making it a promising choice for SIBs. Interestingly, the SZC-N electrode demonstrated remarkable cycling and rate performance, manifesting an excellent reversible capacity of 380.9 mAh·g−1 after 250 cycles, with an outstanding capacity retention of 80 % when operated at 1 C. Furthermore, it achieved a noteworthy capacity of 454.1 mAh·g−1 at a high current density of 10 C. In contrast, both the SZC-R and SZ-C anodes only yielded 52.9 and 3.9 mAh·g−1 (after 250 cycles), moreover, delivering inferior rate performance. The increased cyclic performance of the SZC-N electrode can be ascribed to the presence of a Cu network, which facilitates charge transport and promotes the stabilization of the electrode structure. The findings suggest that binder-free anode materials produced through the NPPED method present a promising opportunity for SIBs.

Investigating the Role of Embedded ZnO Seed Layer Thickness in Electrodeposited Cu2O/Zn(x)Mg(1−x)O/ZnO/FTO Heterojunctions for Photovoltaic Applications

This article represents the construction of Cu2O/Zn(x)Mg(1−x)O/ZnO/FTO heterojunctions by employing a simple electrodeposition approach. The impact of inserting ZnO seed layers with different thicknesses on the various physicochemical properties of the electrodeposited films is explored by applying various techniques. The electrochemical characterization specifies high photoresponses achieving 335.42 μA cm−2 for seeded Cu2O/Zn(x)Mg(1−x)O heterojunctions by increasing the thickness of seeded ZnO layer from 25 to 100 nm. The scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy techniques indicate that the surface texture and smoothness of Cu2O/ZnO heterojunctions have significantly enhanced after increasing the thickness of the ZnO layers. The synthesized ZnO nanostructures are found to be highly crystalline in nature having ZnO with hexagonal phase oriented along (002) direction and Cu2O with cubic structure oriented along (111) direction. This study shows the introduction of ZnO seed layers, enhances the I–V characteristics of Au/Cu2O/Zn(x)Mg(1−x)O/ZnO/FTO solar cells. The ideality factor shows a decreasing tendency from 5.35 to 3.93 while the photoelectric response is increased from 427% to 643% with the increase of the ZnO thickness from 25 to 100 nm, respectively, demonstrating the effectiveness of the seed layers approach.

Enhancing the Deposition Rate and Uniformity in 3D Gold Microelectrode Arrays via Ultrasonic-Enhanced Template-Assisted Electrodeposition.

In the pursuit of refining the fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) microelectrode arrays (MEAs), this study investigates the application of ultrasonic vibrations in template-assisted electrodeposition. This was driven by the need to overcome limitations in the deposition rate and the height uniformity of microstructures developed using conventional electrodeposition methods, particularly in the field of in vitro electrophysiological investigations. This study employs a template-assisted electrodeposition approach coupled with ultrasonic vibrations to enhance the deposition process. The method involves utilizing a polymeric hard mask to define the shape of electrodeposited microstructures (i.e., micro-pillars). The results show that the integration of ultrasonic vibrations significantly increases the deposition rate by up to 5 times and substantially improves the uniformity in 3D MEAs. The key conclusion drawn is that ultrasonic-enhanced template-assisted electrodeposition emerges as a powerful technique and enables the development of 3D MEAs at a higher rate and with a superior uniformity. This advancement holds promising implications for the precision of selective electrodeposition applications and signifies a significant stride in developing micro- and nanofabrication methodologies for biomedical applications.

Highly Efficient and Stable Overall Water Splitting Electrocatalyst α-Co(OH)2@PN/NF with Hierarchical and Mesoporous Structure

Exploiting efficient, stable, and cost-effective bifunctional water splitting catalysts is extremely challenging. Here, we developed three-dimensional hierarchical porous catalysts with heterogeneous interfaces, α-Co(OH)2@PN/NF, by a facile two-step electrodeposition approach. This bifunctional electrocatalyst exhibits excellent hydrogen and oxygen evolution performance as well as stability in alkaline aqueous environments. In 1 M KOH solution, small overpotential of 187 mV was needed to drive the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at 100 mA cm−2, while the overpotential for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) was 324 mV at 100 mA cm−2 current density. In addition, the two-electrode electrolytic cell with α-Co(OH)2@PN/NF electrodes for HER and OER required only approximately 1.74 V at 100 mA cm−2 with over 75 h of stable operation. According to the physical-chemical characterization results and electrochemical tests, such excellent performance was attributed to the synergistic effect of the heterogeneous interface and the hierarchical porous structure between α-Co(OH)2 and the nickel oxide layer, as it facilitates the transfer of electrons and the diffusion of ions.

Construction of Ni2P@NiCo-BLDH nanocomposite with hierarchical porous structure on nickel foam as advanced oxygen evolution electrocatalyst

The fabrication of two-dimensional layered double hydroxides (LDHs) materials still faces great challenges, particularly in achieving precise modulation of lamellar metals and interlayer anions for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, a hierarchical porous nanocomposite assembled by foam nickel (NF) supported borate anions incorporated bimetallic NiCo hydrotalcite (NiCo-BLDH) on the surface of nickel phosphide sheets (NF/Ni2P @ NiCo-BLDH) is prepared through the NF in-situ phosphating and electrodeposition approach as an electrocatalyst for achieving superior OER catalysis. In this design, introducing multi-phase and incorporated borate anions into LDHs can regulate their structure and properties, creating unique active sites and enhancing the adsorption efficiency of OH- to effectively improve the OER activity. Remarkably, the NF/Ni2P @ NiCo-BLDH electrode shows a low overpotential of 293 mV at 100 mA cm−2 for OER and a Tafel slope of 108.3 mV dec−1 in a 1.0 M KOH medium, surpassing most previously reported NiCo-based catalysts. Nevertheless, the NF/Ni2P electrode exhibits a lower overpotential for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in a 1.0 M KOH medium compared to the NF/Ni2P @ NiCo-BLDH electrode. This work not only advances the catalytic activity of the NiCo-LDH-based materials in OER but also provides a new idea for large-scale electrocatalytic water splitting applications.

Electrocatalytic Degradation of Acyclovir by Three-Dimensional Porous Lead Dioxide Anodes: Condition Optimization, Kinetic Analysis and Degradation Mechanisms

A three-dimensional porous lead dioxide electrode (3D-PbO2) was developed by the template electrodeposition approach. Polystyrene microspheres were prepared by microemulsion polymerization, and then the polystyrene template was loaded on the PbO2 electrode by electrodeposition. Finally, a porous structure was formed by removing the template. Under these optimized conditions, the degradation of acyclovir could achieve complete removal, while the removal of COD was 29.59%. The electrochemical degradation process of acyclovir was consistent with the proposed primary reaction kinetics. The 3D-PbO2 electrode was comprehensively characterized using SEM, XRD, and XPS techniques. The SEM analysis revealed the presence of well-defined porous structures on the electrode surface, while the XRD results indicated a reduction in electrode crystal sizes. Additionally, the XPS analysis demonstrated a higher proportion of reactive oxygen species on the 3D-PbO2 electrode. The electrochemical properties of the electrode were investigated using CV and EIS. The experimental findings demonstrate that the 3D-PbO2 electrode exhibits a higher oxygen evolution potential and lower charge transfer resistance than the conventional PbO2 electrode. This study presents a viable approach to enhance the electrochemical oxidation performance of lead dioxide.

Insight into electrocatalytic activation of peroxymonosulfate by Ti/MnO2 anode via one-step electrodeposition approach toward degradation of levofloxacin

A Ti/MnO2 anode (denoted as MnO2) was facilely constructed via a one-step electrodeposition method and utilized for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation for levofloxacin (LFX) degradation.

An artificial aluminum-tin alloy layer on aluminum metal anodes for ultra-stable rechargeable aluminum-ion batteries.

Rechargeable aluminum ion batteries (RAIBs) exhibit great potential for next-generation energy storage systems owing to the abundant resources, high theoretical volumetric capacity and light weight of the Al metal anode. However, the development of RAIBs based on Al metal anodes faces challenges such as dendrite formation, self-corrosion, and volume expansion at the anode/electrolyte interface, which needs the rational design of an aluminum anode for high-performance RAIBs. This work proposes a novel and low-cost strategy by utilizing an alloy electrodeposition method in a low-temperature molten salt system to fabricate an aluminum-tin (AlSn) alloy coating layer on copper foil as the anode for RAIBs, which successfully addresses the issues of dendrite formation and corrosion at the anode/electrolyte interface. The artificial AlSn alloy layer could enhance the active sites for metal Al homogeneous deposition and effectively retard the dendrite formation, which was verified by an in situ optical microscopy study. The symmetric AlSn@Cu cell demonstrates a low average overpotential of ∼38 mV at a current density of 0.5 mA cm-2 and a long-term lifespan of over 1100 h. Moreover, the AlSn@Cu//Mo6S8 full cells deliver a high capacity of 114.9 mA h g-1 at a current density of 100 mA g-1 and maintain ultra-stable cycling stability even over 1400 cycles with a ∼100% coulombic efficiency (CE) during the long-term charge/discharge processes. This facile alloy electrodeposition approach for designing high-performance Al-based anodes provides insights into the understanding of artificial interface chemistry on Al-based anodes and potentially accelerates the design of high-performance RAIBs.