Honeycomb-like Structure Research Articles

ZIF-67 encapsulated CoNiSe2 particles anchored on honeycomb structure as high-performance anode materials for sodium-ion battery

Metal selenides show great potential as an anode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). However, they suffer from huge volume change and sluggish kinetics. The binary-metal selenide of CoNiSe2 is proposed to be embedded in a honeycomb-like conductive structure decorated with ZIF-67 pyrolytic carbon coating (HC-ZC@CNS). Even at 10 A g−1, the as-prepared HC-ZC@CNS electrodes exhibit a remarkable Na+ storage capability of 258.3 mA h g−1 when employed in SIBs. The improving electrochemical behavior is attributed to the skilled structure's excellent conductivity, capacitive contribution, better Na+ diffusion coefficient, and the synergetic effect between Co and Ni. This design provides a new paradigm for enhancing SIBs performances.

Cobalt nanoparticles supported on porous carbon nanofiber as efficient catalyst for heterogeneous activation of peroxymonosulfate towards the degradation of organic pollutants

In this work, cobalt-porous carbon nanofiber (Co-PCNF) was developed as a robust catalyst for the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to eliminate organic pollutants in water. Carbamazepine (CBZ) was severed as the probe to examine the ability of Co-PCNF for activating PMS. The microporous honeycomb-like structure endowed Co-PCNF with excellent catalytic activity to activate PMS as evidenced by the rapid removal rate of CBZ (0.1269 min–1) in the existence of 0.1 g/L Co-PCNF and 0.25 g/L PMS. The degradation rate of CBZ can be maintained at 89 % after five runs and the leaching concentration of Co2+ can be neglected, suggesting the extraordinary stability of Co-PCNF reuse. Meanwhile, this system was used to degrade other organic contaminates and achieved satisfactory results, confirming the good universality of Co-PCNF/PMS system. Furthermore, the effects of catalyst and PMS dosage, pH, and co-existing ions on CBZ removal were discussed. Finally, radical identification results prove that SO4·–,·OH, 1O2, and O2·– are generated during the process of PMS activation, and a possible activation mechanism is proposed based on the aforementioned findings. This study can not only provide a method for organic pollutants elimination, but also offer a reference for designing robust heterogeneous PMS catalysts.

Integrating genetic-engineered cellulose nanofibrils of rice straw with mild chemical treatments for enhanced bioethanol conversion and bioaerogels production

Cellulose in crop straws represents an abundant biopolymer convertible for biofuels and bioproducts, while the inherent recalcitrance of lignocellulose limits these applications. By selecting desirable rice mutant (cesa7) from site-mutation of the OsCESA7 isoform essential for cellulose biosynthesis, this study examined much improved lignocellulose recalcitrance such as reduced cellulose crystallinity, polymerization and nanofibril length for increased lignocellulose porosity and accessibility. Compared with its wild type, the cesa7 mutant showed a near-complete biomass saccharification with hexose yields of over 96% (% cellulose) for bioethanol production raised by 58%− 71% under three green-like pretreatments performed. Meanwhile, the cellulose substrate of cesa7 mutant was applied to produce aerogels with high porosity and large specific surface under less-intensity ultrasonic treatment, and its further mild chemical modification led to significantly raised oil adsorption capacity by 55%, mainly due to higher proportion of nanofibrils and the honeycomb-like fibers structure observed. It has thus provided an applicable approach for high-yield bioethanol and high-quality aerogels by integrating genetic-modified cellulose substrates with cost-effective process technology.

Protein–protein interactions between tenascin-R and RPTPζ/phosphacan are critical to maintain the architecture of perineuronal nets

Neural plasticity, the ability to alter the structure and function of neural circuits, varies throughout the age of an individual. The end of the hyperplastic period in the central nervous system coincides with the appearance of honeycomb-like structures called perineuronal nets (PNNs) that surround a subset of neurons. PNNs are a condensed form of neural extracellular matrix that include the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan and extracellular matrix proteins such as aggrecan and tenascin-R (TNR). PNNs are key regulators of developmental neural plasticity and cognitive functions, yet our current understanding of the molecular interactions that help assemble them remains limited. Disruption of Ptprz1, the gene encoding the receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase RPTPζ, altered the appearance of nets from a reticulated structure to puncta on the surface of cortical neuron bodies in adult mice. The structural alterations mirror those found in Tnr-/- mice, and TNR is absent from the net structures that form in dissociated cultures of Ptprz1-/- cortical neurons. These findings raised the possibility that TNR and RPTPζ cooperate to promote the assembly of PNNs. Here, we show that TNR associates with the RPTPζ ectodomain and provide a structural basis for these interactions. Furthermore, we show that RPTPζ forms an identical complex with tenascin-C, a homolog of TNR that also regulates neural plasticity. Finally, we demonstrate that mutating residues at the RPTPζ-TNR interface impairs the formation of PNNs in dissociated neuronal cultures. Overall, this work sets the stage for analyzing the roles of protein-protein interactions that underpin the formation of nets.

Excellent photoluminescence and electrochemical properties of Sm3+ doped Ca2MgSi2O7 nanophosphor: Display and electrochemical sensor applications

A series of orange-red light emitting Ca2MgSi2O7:Sm3+ nanopowders were fabricated via low-cost eco-friendly green combustion technique using Aloe vera gel as fuel. The phase purity of the samples were confirmed by the powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) technique. Pure single-phase tetragonal structure is observed from the PXRD results with no additional impurity peaks. The band gap energy of the fabricated powders was estimated by diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) and is found to be in the range of 4.01–5.98 eV. A high resolution scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to study the morphological behaviour of the samples. Honeycomb-like structures are observed from the SEM results. The particle size was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and is found to be ∼50 nm. The interplanar distance is found to be 0.53 nm. Photoluminescence properties were systematically studied in detail. The phosphors are successfully excited at 403 nm NUV light, producing reddish-orange characteristic emission. The emission peaks are centered at 558 (4G5/2 → 6H5/2), 607 (4G5/2 → 6H7/2) and 645 nm (4G5/2 → 6H9/2), respectively. Among the observed peaks the red emanation (4G5/2 → 6H7/2) is stronger than the orange emission (4G5/2 → 6H5/2) in the current investigation. The photoluminescent concentration quenching is noticed above 5 mol% Sm3+ ion doping content. The dipole–dipole interaction resulting in cross relaxation is found to be the principal cause of concentration quenching mechanism. The color features such as Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (CIE) and correlated color temperature (CCT) were studied in detail. The optimized chromaticity coordinates were estimated to be (0.6363, 0.3632), which fall in the reddish-orange region. The average CCT value obtained is 3362 K. The average color purity is found to be ∼82%. Sm3+ incorporated Ca2MgSi2O7 samples are possible contender for single white light generation commercial candidates owing to their strong hypersensitivity of Sm3+ ions through host, least possibility for re-absorption of blue-green emission owing to poor direct f–f excitation of Sm3+ ions, and high color purity (reddish-orange emission). The prepared powders exhibit excellent electrochemical redox properties and CPE modified optimized powders show outstanding sensitive response which indicates its use in the potential electrochemical sensor materials for drug sensing studies.

A germline-specific role for unconventional components of the γ-tubulin complex in Caenorhabditis elegans.

The γ-tubulin complex (γTuC) is a widely conserved microtubule nucleator, but some of its components, namely GCP4, GCP5 and GCP6 (also known as TUBGCP4, TUBGCP5 and TUBGCP6, respectively), have not been detected in Caenorhabditis elegans. Here, we identified two γTuC-associated proteins in C. elegans, GTAP-1 and GTAP-2, for which apparent orthologs were detected only in the genus Caenorhabditis. GTAP-1 and GTAP-2 were found to localize at centrosomes and the plasma membrane of the germline, and their centrosomal localization was interdependent. In early C. elegans embryos, whereas the conserved γTuC component MZT-1 (also known as MOZART1 and MZT1) was essential for the localization of centrosomal γ-tubulin, depletion of GTAP-1 and/or GTAP-2 caused up to 50% reduction of centrosomal γ-tubulin and precocious disassembly of spindle poles during mitotic telophase. In the adult germline, GTAP-1 and GTAP-2 contributed to efficient recruitment of the γTuC to the plasma membrane. Depletion of GTAP-1, but not of GTAP-2, severely disrupted both the microtubule array and the honeycomb-like structure of the adult germline. We propose that GTAP-1 and GTAP-2 are unconventional components of the γTuC that contribute to the organization of both centrosomal and non-centrosomal microtubules by targeting the γTuC to specific subcellular sites in a tissue-specific manner.

Preparation of Cu7.2S4@N, S co-doped carbon honeycomb-like composite structure for high-rate and high-stability sodium-ion storage

Sodium ion batteries (SIBs) attract most of the attention as alterative secondary battery systems for future large-scale energy storage and power batteries due to abundance resource and low cost. However, the lack of anode materials with high-rate performance and high cycling-stability has limited the commercial application of SIBs. In this paper, Cu7.2S4@N, S co-doped carbon (Cu7.2S4@NSC) honeycomb-like composite structure was designed and prepared by a one-step high-temperature chemical blowing process. As an anode material for SIBs, Cu7.2S4@NSC electrode exhibited an ultra-high initial Coulomb efficiency (94.9%) and an excellent electrochemical property including a high reversible capacity of 441.3 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.2 A g−1, an excellent rate performance of 380.4 mAh g−1 even at 5 A g−1, and a superior long-cycle stability with a capacity retention rate of approximately 100% after 700 cycles at 1A g−1.

Angioscopic Finding of Honeycomb-Like Structure in Coronary Artery Disease

Angioscopic Finding of Honeycomb-Like Structure in Coronary Artery Disease

Anisotropic Polyimide/Cellulose Nanofibril Composite Aerogels for Thermal Insulation and Flame Retardancy

In this study, we report a series of lightweight, anisotropic polyimide/cellulose nanofibril (PI/CNF) composite aerogels with outstanding thermal insulation and flame retardancy via unidirectional drying and freeze drying methods. Along the axial direction, PI/CNF composite aerogels exhibit an arranged tube-like structure in parallel to ice crystal growth, thus providing superior mechanical properties. Conversely, the composite aerogels show a honeycomb-like pore structure along the radial direction, exhibiting excellent elastic properties. More importantly, the addition of CNF endows the composite aerogels with low thermal conductivity along the radial direction. The surface temperature of the composite aerogels with a thickness of 15 mm is 70% lower than that of hot stage annealing at 180 °C for 60 min. Furthermore, the composite aerogels show flame retardant and self-extinguishing performance in the combustion experiment. Therefore, the anisotropic PI/CNF composite aerogels with thermal insulation and flame retardancy are promising for expanding potential applications in aerospace fields.

Twinned single crystal structure of Li4P2S6

Abstract Yellow needles-like single crystals of Li4P2S6 were obtained serendipitously during the preparation of Li7P3S10O. The twinned crystal structure of Li4P2S6 was determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data [wR(F 2) = 0.069, 716 reflections, 40 variables]. Li4P2S6 crystallizes in the trigonal system, space group P 3 ‾ m 1 $P\overline{3}m1$ (N° 164), a = 10.5042(8) Å, c = 6.5837(6) Å, V = 629.11(9) Å3 and Z = 2. The lithium octahedra form a [Li4S6]8− honeycomb-like structure within which diphosphate units are located. The comparison of our crystal structure to those of P63/mcm-, P 3 ‾ 1 m $P\overline{3}1m$ -, and P321-Li4P2S6 demonstrated group-subgroup relationships and associated the disorder or order of the phosphorus atoms within the identical [Li4S6]8− 3d-frameworks to the choice of the unit cell (the subcell with a ∼ 6.07 Å vs. the supercell with a ∼ 10.5 Å).

Numerical analysis of cylindrical lithium-ion battery thermal management system based on bionic flow channel structure

To improve the thermal and flow performance of the battery thermal management system (BTMS), a heat exchanger with a bionic flow channel structure was designed and applied to a cylindrical lithium-ion battery module in this work. To accurately reflect the transient thermal behavior of the battery, a battery thermal model was obtained by experimentally collecting thermodynamic parameters. A computational fluid dynamics model of the BTMS was established. The influences of different bionic flow channel structure parameters on the thermal performance of the BTMS were investigated by a multi-factor optimization analysis. In addition, the thermal performance was also compared with that of a heat exchanger with a bionic honeycomb-like structure and a traditional helical structure. The results show that at the optimum structural parameters, the maximum temperature, maximum temperature difference, and pressure drop of the BTMS were calculated as 302.656 K, 3.726 K and 29.69 Pa respectively. For the same volume fraction and geometrical parameters, the heat exchangers with a spider web-like structure has better thermal and flow characteristics than honeycomb-like and traditional helical structures.

Polyamide composite membrane with 3D honeycomb-like structure via acetone-regulated interfacial polymerization for high-efficiency organic solvent nanofiltration

High-performance organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) membranes play an indispensable role in chemical separation processes. However, conventional OSN membranes such as thin-film composite polyamide (TFC-PA) membranes exhibit insufficient perm-selectivity. In this study, we developed a high-performance TFC-PAOSN membrane on a porous polyketone (PK) support by regulating interfacial polymerization (IP) with acetone as an organic co-solvent. The effect of the acetone co-solvent on the IP reaction and PA nanofilm morphology was investigated. Acetone serves as a regulator to mediate the IP reaction by facilitating the convective diffusion of monomers at the aqueous/organic interface. Furthermore, experimental results and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation analysis confirmed that the addition of acetone increases the width of the IP reaction zone, facilitates more violent exothermic reactions, and induces aggravated vaporization of acetone, resulting in the formation of a 3D honeycomb-like structure with an ultrahigh specific surface area. Compared with the TFC-PA membrane prepared by the conventional IP method, the TFC-PA-acetone membrane prepared by acetone-regulated IP (ARIP) exhibited 2.6 times higher methanol solvent permeance (7.0 LMH/bar) and comparable methyl orange rejection (94.6%). This work explores the underlying mechanism of acetone-regulated IP, providing a facile strategy for tailoring the membrane morphology with high-efficiency organic solvent nanofiltration.

Solvothermal synthesis of lanthanide-functionalized graphene oxide nanocomposites

We propose a facile approach to the preparation of graphene oxide (GO) composites with lanthanide (Ln) oxide/hydroxide nanoparticles (Ln = La, Eu, Gd, Tb) under relatively mild conditions by two different procedures of solvothermal synthesis. The mechanism of GO-Ln nanocomposite formation is thought to involve the initial coordination of Ln3+ ions to the oxygen-containing groups of GO as nucleation sites, followed by f Ln2O3 and Ln(OH)3 nanoparticle growth. The nanocomposites obtained preserve the intrinsic planar honeycomb-like structures of graphene as proven by the typical G and D bands in the Raman spectra. Fourier-transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirm the interaction between oxygen-containing groups of GO and Ln ions. The size and distribution of Ln oxide/hydroxide nanoparticles on GO sheets, estimated from scanning and transmission electron microscopy images, vary broadly for the different lanthanides. The size can span from sub-nm dimensions for Eu oxide to more than 10 μm for Eu hydroxide nanoparticles. The most homogeneous distribution of Ln oxide/hydroxide nanoparticles was found in La-containing composites. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that all the GO-Ln nanocomposites are thermally less stable, by up to 30 °C than pristine GO.

Honeycomb-like nickel oxide-reduced graphene oxide based sensor for the electrochemical tracking of norepinephrine in neuronal cells

Highly sensitive and specific detection and monitoring of trace norepinephrine (NE) in biological fluids and neuronal cell lines is essential for the investigation of pathogenesis of certain neurological diseases. Herein, we constructed a novel electrochemical sensor for real-time monitoring of NE released by PC12 cells based on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with honeycomb-like nickel oxide (NiO)-reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanocomposite. The synthesized NiO, RGO and the NiO-RGO nanocomposite were characterized using X-ray diffraction spectrogram (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The porous three-dimensional honeycomb-like structure of NiO and high charge transfer kinetics of RGO endowed the nanocomposite with excellent electrocatalytic activity, large surface area and good conductivity. The developed sensor exhibited superior sensitivity and specificity towards NE in a wide linear range from 20 nM to 14 μM and 14 μM–80 μM, with a low detection limit of 5 nM. The performances of the sensor in terms of excellent biocompatibility and high sensitivity allow it to be successfully employed in the tracking of NE release from PC12 cells under the stimulation of K+, providing an effective strategy for the real-time monitoring of cellular NE.

Fabrication of pH-Responsive Chitosan/Polyvinylpyrrolidone Hydrogels for Controlled Release of Metronidazole and Antibacterial Properties

This research focused on preparing hydrogels with controlled drug release properties to control gastrointestinal tract bacterial infection. Chitosan (CS) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were used as the base polymers, with the CS component crosslinked by glutaraldehyde for hydrogel preparation using the solution casting technique. The effect of varying glutaraldehyde content in the hydrogels was characterized by the extent of swelling in simulated physiological fluids of pH 1.2, 6.8, and 7.4; the development of porosity; and gel fraction. Functional groups and covalent and hydrogen bonds formed, thermal stability, phase structure, and morphology were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the components in the hydrogels have good compatibility and formed honeycomb-like structures. In vitro studies confirmed that the hydrogels have good biodegradability at pH 7.4. Based on these properties, a CS/PVP hydrogel of the ratio of 60 : 40 crosslinked with 600 μL glutaraldehyde was selected for the in-situ loading of 200 mg of the drug metronidazole (MTZ). The hydrogel was characterized for cumulative drug release in the simulated physiological fluids and drug release kinetics using different models and for its antibacterial activity. The best-fit Korsmeyer–Peppas model suggests that MTZ release followed diffusion and swelling-controlled time-dependent non-Fickian transport related to hydrogel erosion. This hydrogel displays enhanced antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli showed substantial inhibition zones indicating the produced CS/PVP hydrogels are promising candidates for controlled drug release applications.

Liquid crystalline lipid nanoparticles improve the antibacterial activity of tobramycin and vancomycin against intracellular Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus

The intracellular survival of bacteria is a significant challenge in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. Currently available antibiotics suffer from limited penetration across host cell membranes, resulting in suboptimal treatment against the internalised bacteria. Liquid crystalline nanoparticles (LCNP) are gaining significant research interest in promoting the cellular uptake of therapeutics due to their fusogenic properties; however, they have not been reported for targeting intracellular bacteria. Herein, the cellular internalisation of LCNPs in RAW 264.7 macrophages and A549 epithelial cells was investigated and optimized through the incorporation of a cationic lipid, dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide (DDAB). LCNPs displayed a honeycomb-like structure, while the inclusion of DDAB resulted into an onion-like organisation with larger internal pores. Cationic LCNPs enhanced the cellular uptake in both cells, reaching up to ∼ 90% uptake in cells. Further, LCNPs were encapsulated with tobramycin or vancomycin to improve their activity against intracellular gram-negative, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and gram-positive, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria. The enhanced cellular uptake of cationic LCNP resulted in significant reduction of intracellular bacterial load (up to 90% reduction), compared to antibiotic dosed in its free form; with reduced performance observed for epithelial cells infected with S. aureus. Specifically engineered LCNP can re-sensitise antibiotics against both intracellular Gram positive and negative bacteria in diverse cell lines.

Structural, physicochemical, and functional properties of insoluble dietary fiber derived from okara by Viscozyme® L.

The endogenous components of okara can affect the extraction and modification of insoluble dietary fiber (IDF). This study was intended to investigate the effect of extraction and purification of IDFs from okara affected by the endogenous components and composite enzyme Viscozyme® L. After that, the physicochemical, functional, and structural characteristics of IDFs were analyzed. The results showed that with the purification of degreasing, deproteinizing and destarching, Viscozyme® L can accurately act on the cell wall of okara, leading to the increase in specific surface area of IDF and the formation of honeycomb-like structure. In accordance with the X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectrum investigations, relative crystallinity decreased and certain cellulose components were reallocated and changed into soluble dietary fiber. Moreover, the modified IDF showed improved water-holding capacity (10.73-11.59g/g), oil-holding capacity (5.37-6.60g/g), and swelling capacity (8.99-12.37mL/g), leading to improved adsorption capacities of glucose (maximum: 39.60mg/g), cholesterol (14.54-33.56mg/g at pH 7; 10.94-19.37mg/g at pH 2), and cholate and better cation-exchange capacity. The outcomes demonstrated the potential for the acquired IDFs, particularly the high-purity modified-IDFs T3 and T4 , to be exploited as functional fiber components in the food sector. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study advances the understanding of the internal mechanism of modified insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) with different purities in okara. The obtained high-purity modified IDF can be employed as a functional fiber raw material in the manufacture of functional foods, and can also be utilized to assist in the treatment of some illnesses due to its well-established in vivo function.

Novel Single-Ion Conducting Gel Polymer Electrolyte with Honeycomb-Like Morphology Prepared Using Brush Copolymer for Lithium-Ion Battery Application

In this work, a facile and accurate method is reported for the delocalization of negative charge on fluorinated polymers to obtain high-performance single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes (SICPs) based on brush copolymers with simultaneous high ionic conductivity and tLi+. The poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSSA) single ion-conducting moieties were grafted-from C–F linkages to the fluorinated polymer’s backbone via the atom transfer radical polymerization method. The chemical structure characterization of the synthesized brush copolymers via 1H-NMR and thermal gravimetric analyses (TGA) confirmed 25% grafting of PSSA to the poly(vinylidene fluoride) backbone. In continue, the pristine and single-ion fluorinated polymer membranes with bi-continuous honeycomb-like morphology structures were prepared via the vapor-induced phase inversion (VIPS) method. After immersing in a liquid electrolyte, the prepared SICP demonstrated promising ionic conductivity (σ), t Li+ , and electrochemical stability of 1.9 × 10−3 Scm−1, 0.82, and 5.2 V (vs Li+/Li), respectively. The assembled Li/SICP/LiMn2O4 half-cells revealed an improved discharge capacity of 168 mA hg−1 at 0.1C. The charge-discharge studies revealed that the ohmic-resistance and polarization resistance of fluorinated polymer electrolytes could be decreased by the effect of PSSA-grafted moieties. The results of this work confirmed the promising capability of these new SICPs for high-safety LIBs.

Comparative Study of Biochars from the Retort Co-Carbonization of Corn Cob and Polyethylene Wastes

Biochar is a pyrogenic, carbon-rich by-product of the products of biomass valorization. Its applications include source of heat, carbon sequestration, soil improvement, adsorbent, chelating agent and niche for micro-organism growth. The study focused on the retort carbonization of corn cob and co-carbonization of corn cob and polyethylene waste for comparative studies using a top-lit updraft conversion reactor with retort heating. The properties of the biochars were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy - Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) and Branueur-Emmet-Teller (BET). Results revealed the ordinary biochar had a homogeneous surface with repeating patterns forming a honeycomb-like structure with a 62% carbon composition while the hybrid biochar had a heterogeneous surface with a rough pattern and ridges with an 80% carbon composition. The heterogeneity and increase in carbon composition observed in the hybrid biochar were attributed to the presence of the polyethylene waste. Biochars with high carbon contents can find their applications in areas of carbon sequestrations. The biochar and hybrid biochar were found to be porous with specific surface areas of 392.5 m2/g and 889.9 m2/g respectively. The high specific surface area of the hybrid biochar produced highlights its potential as an adsorbent. Biochar with high levels of porosity is also useful in soil enhancement. The co-carbonization of corncob and polyethylene waste has been established to be a means of conversion of both agricultural and plastic wastes into biochar with various potential applications.

Design of three-dimensional hexagonal petal-like nickel-copper cobaltite // luffa sponge-derived activated carbon electrode materials for high-performance solid-state supercapattery

Three-dimensional porous nanostructured materials are considered superior materials for energy storage applications due to their high storage capability. A nickel copper-cobalt oxide (NCC) composite with a uniform 3-D porous nanostructure (positive electrode materials) and luffa sponge-derived activated carbon (LPAC) with honeycomb-like structure (negative electrode materials) were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal and chemical method. A sample of the nickel-copper cobalt oxide-5 (NCC-5) nanocomposite reached a high specific capacitance of 1048 F/g at the current density of 0.5 A/g. The NCC-5 nanocomposite sample shows a retention capacity of 93 % after 10,000 charge and discharge cycles with 95 % of Coulombic efficiency (CE). The LPAC illustrates a remarkable specific capacitance of 909 F/g at 1 A/g of current density, compared to the best literature value of 400 F/g. The full-cell NCC-5//LPAC delivered an energy density of 65 Wh/kg, corresponding to a power density of 500 W/kg. The supercapacitor devices connected in series could glow 55 red LEDs for 5 min.