Hybrid Electrode Research Articles

Polyethylene Glycol-Protected Zinc Microwall Arrays for Stable Zinc Anodes.

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries promise good commercial application prospects due to their environmental benignity and easy assembly under atmospheric conditions, positioning them as a viable alternative to lithium-ion batteries. However, some inherent issues, such as chaotic zinc dendrite growth and inevitable side reactions, challenge the commercialization progress. In this work, we imprint highly ordered zinc microwall arrays to regulate the electric field toward uniform Zn deposition. Afterward, coating a polyethylene glycol protection layer on the zinc microwalls aims to passivate the surface defects that rise unintentionally by mechanical imprinting. Polyethylene glycol can also boost oriented Zn deposition along the (002) plane and inhibit hydrogen gas production, further enhancing the stability of such three-dimensional (3D) hybrid anodes. Compared to the messy electric field near the polyethylene glycol-protected Zn foil, the uniform electric field provided by these 3D hybrid anodes can regulate the Zn deposition behaviors, enabling a longer lifespan and thus certifying the necessity of adding 3D microstructures. Additionally, 3D microstructures can offer a larger surface area than that of the planar Zn foil, providing more reaction sites and higher specific capacity. In this case, the 3D hybrid electrode exhibits a good initial capacity of approximately 120 mA h/g at a current density of 5 A/g and a nice retention of more than 80% after 800 cycles. The proposed scheme paves the way for a long-term stable 3D zinc anode solution with promising application prospects.

Fabrication of MoFe2O4/Cr-MOF//activated Carbon Nanocomposite Electrode Material for High Performance Energy Storage and Fast Response for Gluten Detection

Abstract Gluten is a high-energy protein that is present in some grains, such as wheat, rye, and barley. It has a significant impact on the food production processes. In this work, the MoFe2O4/Cr-MOF composite was synthesized using a hydrothermal method. To estimate the electrochemical properties, the MoFe2O4/Cr-MOF composite-based electrode is designed, which shows the specific capacity (Qs) of 1050 Cg-1 at 3 mVs-1 because of the enhancement in redox-active sites and conductivity. The hybrid electrode MoFe2O4/Cr-MOF//AC revealed Qs of 337 Cg-1. In addition, the device demonstrated an exceptional energy density (Ed) of 55 Whkg-1 and a power density (Pd) of 2200 Wkg-1. The device showed capacity retention of 88% and Coulombic efficiency of 96% after 5000 cycles. Furthermore, the MoFe2O4/Cr-MOF composite is utilized for the detection of gliadin. The electrochemical sensor showed an extraordinary sensitivity of 732 µA mM−1 cm−2 against the gluten. The MoFe2O4/Cr-MOF nanocomposite has diverse potential for creating hybrid devices used in applications related to food and energy harvesting.

Solid-state preparation of in-situ grown graphene-embedded bi-metallic NiMnS hybrids for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitor

Endowed with intrinsic redox-rich features and superior electronic conductivities, mixed-metallic sulphides offer high prospects in electrochemical charge storage, especially in supercapacitors. Hence, their rational design and scalable preparation are of great scientific significance. Herein, we report the in-situ growth of nanostructured hybrids of NiMnS directly embedded into graphene sheets by a straightforward, scalable solid-state synthesis method. In this environment-friendly approach, the metal precursors, elemental sulphur, and graphene oxide (GO) are homogeneously mixed under ball-milling, followed by controlled thermal treatment. Incited from their unique synergistic contribution, the resulting NiMnS/G hybrids exhibit impressive electrochemical performance as a battery-type electrode in an aqueous electrolyte. The NiMnS/G hybrid electrode displayed a high specific capacity of 871.7C g−1 at 2 A g−1 with superior rate capability. Moreover, the asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device assembled based on the surface-enhanced NiMnS/G nanohybrid as the positive electrode and activated carbon (AC) as the negative electrode achieves an intriguing performance, delivering a maximum energy density of 53.4 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 500 W kg−1. The ASCs were successfully cycled over 10,000 cycles with 87 % capacitance retention and around 99 % Coulombic efficiency. This simple yet scalable strategy holds high promise and may pave the way for preparing other multimetallic sulphide-based hybrid electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage applications.

Hydrothermal synthesis of rGO-decorated NiMn2O4 nanoneedles for high-performance positive electrode in asymmetric supercapacitors

Pseudocapacitive electrode materials inherently have low electron conductivity, which prevents an energetic material from being fully utilised. We were able to produce effective hierarchical NiMn2O4/rGO composites, which provide an appealing solution to this issue. The composites were synthesised using a one-step hydrothermal approach. Due to the high electrical conductivity of reduced graphene oxide (rGO), the needles on plate like morphology of NiMn2O4, and the strong hold of dynamic materials to the current collector, the resulting hybrid electrodes exhibit a specific capacitance of 1628 Fg−1 at a current density of 1 Ag−1. They also demonstrate excellent rate performance and remarkable cycling stability, with a capacitance retention of 97.4 % after 10,000 cycles. In addition, the NiMn2O4/rGO//AC asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) exhibits a peak energy density of 45Whkg−1 when operated at a power density of 3240 Wkg−1. The ASC device has an impressive ultralong cycling life, with a capacitance retention rate of 89.1 % after undergoing 10,000 charge/discharge cycles. The NiMn2O4/rGO composites provide a scalable production method and demonstrate outstanding electrochemical performance. This presents an opportunity to create innovative hybrid electrodes for enhanced supercapacitors.

High volumetric-energy-density flexible supercapacitors based on PEDOT:PSS incorporated with carbon quantum dots hybrid electrodes

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is a highly successful conductive polymer utilized as an electrode material in energy storage units for portable and wearable electronic devices. Nevertheless, employing PEDOT:PSS in supercapacitors (SC) in its pristine state presents challenges due to its suboptimal electrochemical performance and operational instability. To surmount these limitations, PEDOT:PSS has been integrated with carbon-based materials to form flexible electrodes, which exhibit physical and chemical stability during SC operation. We developed a streamlined fabrication process for high-performance SC electrodes composed of PEDOT:PSS and carbon quantum dots (CQDs). The CQDs were synthesized under microwave irradiation, yielding green- and red-light emissions. Through optimizing the ratios of CQDs to PEDOT:PSS, the SC electrodes were prepared using a spray-coating technique, marking a significant improvement in device performance with a high volumetric capacitance (104.10 F cm−3), impressive energy density (19.68 Wh cm−3), and excellent cyclic stability, retaining ∼85% of its original volumetric capacitance after 15,000 repeated GCD cycles. Moreover, the SCs, when utilized as a flexible substrate, demonstrated the ability to maintain up to ∼85% of their electrochemical performance even after 3,000 bending cycles (at a bending angle of 60°). These attributes render this hybrid composite an ideal candidate for a lightweight smart energy storage component in portable and wearable electronic technologies.

Synergistic effects of CNT-bridged dual-phase MoS2 on MXene as a ternary hybrid electrode for rapid sensing of chloramphenicol in aqueous media

The fabrication of a hybridized electrochemical sensor denoted CNT/MoS2/MXene for chloramphenicol (CAP) detection is described based on growing MoS2 nanoflakes on stacked Ti3C2Tx MXene and bridging the structure obtained with carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Herein, we introduce an acid-etched stacked Ti3C2Tx MXene as an interlayered structure to accommodate solvothermally grown layered MoS2 and a bridged CNT network for the efficient electrocatalytic sensing of CAP. The successful growth of MoS2 on the MXene surface prevented restacking of layered MXene and increased conductivity. Interconnected CNTs over the MoS2 nanoflake array served as an electron transport highway, accelerating the electron transport pathway and maintaining the structural stability of the MXene/MoS2 heterostructure. Morphologically, CNT/MoS2/MXene was found to have a functionalized multilayered structure and to have a greater electron transfer rate, and a larger electrochemically active surface area than the binary feature. Modifying the surface area of MXene with MoS2 and CNTs synergistically enhanced the transportation of kinetic barrier electrons and well-defined the redox cycle in the ferricyanide system. Further, the electrochemical detection of CAP using a CNT/MoS2/MXene electrode by cyclic voltammetry (CV) produced greater electrochemical responses than bare GCE, MXene, CNT-MoS2, and MoS2-MXene. In addition, scanning rates, the effects of different concentrations, and pH electrolyte tests showed that the GCE-CNT/MoS2/MXene electrode was suitable for the electrochemical sensing of CAP. Amperometric response, as determined by i-t profiles, showed the CNT/MoS2/MXene electrode had superior electrochemical sensing performance for CAP detection, a wide linear range (8 to 152 nM), a remarkably low detection limit (0.32 nM), a high sensitivity of 14.22 μA nM−1cm−2, and superior stability (96 % activity retention after four weeks). The synergistic effect of the ternary three-dimensional assembly with CNT bridging over hierarchical MoS2/MXene increased surface-active sites and electron transportation rates and enhanced CAP detection performance. Moreover, the proposed sensor demonstrated high selectivity and satisfactory recovery for milk, eye drops, and pork.

Electrodeposition of Manganese (III) Phthalocyanine/ Reduced Graphene Oxide for Asymmetric Supercapacitor Devices.

In this study, two novel tetra-substituted manganese (III) phthalocyanines bearing (9H-carbazol-2-yl)oxy groups on peripheral (1) or non-peripheral (2) positions were prepared and used for modification of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) by applying a simple one-step electrodeposition technique for the first time. The manganese (III) phthalocyanines (MnPcs) were electropolymerized and graphene oxide was electrochemically converted into reduced graphene oxide simultaneously. Subsequently, an rGO-MnPc hybrid structure was formed directly on the NiF electrode (substrate) via layer-by-layer assembly. Additionally, the effect of substituent position on the charge storage capacity of the prepared hybrid capacitive candidates was investigated. The fabricated hybrid electrodes exhibited remarkable electrochemical performance due to the combination of manganese (III) phthalocyanines and reduced graphene oxide. The NiF/rGO2-2 electrode exhibited the highest specific capacitance (512.4 F g-1) at 0.5 A g-1 and the remained specific capacitance was obtained 88.1 % after 5000 consecutive charge-discharge cycles. An asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) was constructed from rGO2-2 as the positive electrode and rGO as the negative electrode with a working potential of 1.5 V. The as-prepared device delivered a specific energy of 17.4 Wh kg-1 at 350 W kg-1. Hence, manganese (III) phthalocyanine-reduced graphene oxide electrodes can be considered outstanding materials for energy storage applications in the future.

Comprehensive Coverage of Glycolysis and Pentose Phosphate Metabolic Pathways by Isomer-Selective Accurate Targeted Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Assay.

The accurate liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis of phosphorylated isomers from glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathways is a challenging analytical problem in metabolomics due to extraction problems from the biological matrix, adherence to stainless steel surfaces leading to tailing in LC, and incomplete separation of hexose and pentose phosphate isomers. In this study, we present a targeted HILIC-ESI-MS/MS method based on a BEH amide fully porous 1.7 μm particle column with an inert surface coating of column hardware and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) acquisition fully covering the glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway metabolites. To minimize contact of the phosphorylated analytes with stainless steel surfaces, a μ-ESI-MS probe with a hybrid electrode made of PEEKsil was employed. Optimized HILIC gradient elution conditions with 100 mM ammonium formate (pH 11) provided the separation of hexose monophosphate and pentose phosphate isomers. To ensure good retention time repeatability in HILIC, perfluoroalkoxy alkane bottles were used for the mobile phase (with sd over 60 runs between 0.01 and 0.02 min). For the quantitative assay, the U-13C-labeled cell extract was spiked prior to extraction by metal oxide-based affinity chromatography (MOAC) with TiO2 beads. The concentrations of the 24 targets were quantified in HeLa and human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells. Erastin-induced ferroptosis in HEK293 cells was accompanied by enhanced levels of fructose-1,6-bis-phosphate, 2- and 3-phosphoglycerate, and 2,3-bis-phosphoglycerate.

Heterostructured Nanocomposites of NiCo–S@Ni(OH)2 on Ni Foam for High-Performance Supercapacitors

The development of composite materials is a key area of research for enhancing the electrochemical performance of electrode materials. In this study, NiCo–S nanostructured hybrid electrode materials were prepared on nickel foam (NF) by using binary metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as the sacrificial template through a two-step hydrothermal method. Ni–MOF was then deposited on the surface of NiCo–S/NF through the hydrothermal method and subsequently converted into Ni(OH)2 through a subsequent alkalization treatment. The duration of the Ni–MOF hydrothermal process was varied as a parameter. NiCo–S@Ni–MOF/NF was prepared through hydrothermal reaction for 6[Formula: see text]h, 9[Formula: see text]h and 12[Formula: see text]h, followed by heating in a 6[Formula: see text]M KOH solution at 75[Formula: see text]C for 6[Formula: see text]h in a water bath. The electrode materials with the best morphology and electrochemical properties were obtained when the hydrothermal reaction time was 6[Formula: see text]h. The optimized electrode had a specific capacity of 2533.2[Formula: see text]F[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] at 1[Formula: see text]A[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] and a capacity retention rate of 60.8% at 10[Formula: see text]A[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text], which indicated good rate performance. Additionally, the electrode material demonstrated excellent cycling stability, with a capacity retention rate of 95.3% after 5000 cycles at 50[Formula: see text]mV[Formula: see text]s[Formula: see text]. The energy density of the hybrid supercapacitor device assembled from this electrode material was 33.5[Formula: see text]Wh[Formula: see text]kg[Formula: see text] when the power density was 849.89[Formula: see text]W[Formula: see text]kg[Formula: see text] at a current density of 1[Formula: see text]A[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text].

One-Step laser induced molybdenum carbide/graphene hybrid electrode for supercapacitor

Transition metal carbides (TMCs) have garnered significant attention in various energy applications owing to their outstanding conductive and electrochemical properties. Despite these advantages, challenges persist in terms of non-toxicity and efficient fabrication methods. In this study, a Mo3C2/laser-induced graphene (LIG) heterostructure was synthesized via one-step CO2 laser induced conversion process. The specific area capacitance of the Mo3C2/LIG hybrid electrode reached 23.5 mF cm−2, which is 2.5 times higher than that of pure Mo3C2 and 9 times greater than pure LIG electrodes. Moreover, the hybrid electrode exhibited robust cycling stability, maintaining 98.4 % of its initial capacitance after 10,000 charge–discharge cycles. Theoretical simulation also revealed superior hydrogen adsorption and high electrical conductivity of the Mo3C2/LIG hybrid electrode. This work presents a promising approach for developing advanced molybdenum carbide-based composites and offers an alternative strategy for enhancing the electrochemical performance of capacitive electrodes.

A Flexible and Binderless Thienothiophene Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube-Based Hybrid Electrode: Design, Synthesis, and Supercapacitor Applications

A Flexible and Binderless Thienothiophene Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube-Based Hybrid Electrode: Design, Synthesis, and Supercapacitor Applications

Supercapacitor electrodes based on Ru/RuO2 decorated on N,S-doped few-layer graphene

Innovatively designed flexible and high-performance shape memory polymer supercapacitors are promising next-generation energy storage devices for portable and wearable electronics. Therefore, thermally induced smart shape memory polymer polyurethane was synthesized using polycaprolactone/poly(ethylene glycol)/hexamethylene diisocyanate (PCL/PEG/HDI) in which the incorporation of PEG successfully assisted in lowering the transition temperature. The resulting polymer exhibits a remarkable transition temperature of 50 °C and a shape recovery ratio of 100 % at a strain of 300 %. The smart polymer was coated with a silver paste to ease the electron flow followed by coating with the electrode. Hybrid electrode materials are prepared in two stages. Initially, a few layers of holey-graphene were synthesized, where BET surface area reveals the presence of pores that are tuned by isothermal treatments in O2-atmosphere. Subsequently, active hybrid electrode materials nanostructured Ru/RuO2 decorated N, S-doped few layers of holey graphene were synthesized using hydrothermal methods. Here, nitrogen and sulfur doping in the basal or edge plane served as catalysts and metal coordination sites, facilitating the uniform distribution of ruthenium nanoparticles on the graphene. It is further confirmed by the density function theory (DFT) calculation using the adsorption energy. The optimized hybrid electrode material demonstrates a specific capacitance of 1297 mFcm−2 at a current density of 2 mAcm−2. A flexible-shape memory polymer supercapacitor exhibits a notable device-specific capacitance of 189 mFcm−2 at a current density of 1 mAcm−2, a high energy density of 45 µWhcm−2 at a power density of 0.25 mWcm−2, with 81 % of specific capacitance retention after eight shape programming and recovery cycle. Excellent shape recoverability and robust electrochemical performance make the as-fabricated symmetric supercapacitors a promising candidate for integration in flexible electronic applications.

Facile synthesis of high-performance free-standing hierarchically porous NiO/Bi@Bi2O3 hybrid electrode for supercapacitors

By tactfully utilizing the different chemical characteristics of Bi and Ni element in the electrodeposition process, this work successfully designs a novel free-standing NiO/Bi@Bi2O3 hybrid electrode with dual electroactive components (NiO and Bi@Bi2O3) and hierarchically porous structure. After co-electrodeposition, the porous Bi metal as a conductive skeleton can effectively improve the electrical conductivity of the electrode. Moreover, Bi2O3 and NiO have synergistic effects by modifying the electronic structure. The newly developed bimetallic NiO/Bi@Bi2O3 hybrid electrode exhibits high volumetric capacitance value of 1166.67 F cm−3, which is attributed to the dual advantages of structure and composition. This work provides a new idea for the design of high-performance transition metal oxide-based electrodes.

MnO2-decorated flexible carbon nanofibers with controllable hierarchical porous nanostructures for high energy density supercapacitors

Constructing hierarchical porous structures and reducing material size enhance the electrochemical efficiency of porous carbon-based electrodes. In this study, ultrafine hierarchical porous carbon-based nanofibers were synthesized via electrospinning a blend of polyacrylonitrile, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and zinc acetate dihydrate (ZAH), followed by pre-oxidation, carbonization, and acid washing. Adjusting the ZAH content allowed precise control of fiber diameters (300-600nm) and promoted significant hierarchical porous structures, achieving an optimal mesopore to micropore ratio (1.65) and a high specific surface area (SSA) of 599 m²/g. MnO2 nanosheets were in-situ modified on the carbon nanofibers, forming a hybrid electrode (MnO2@HPCNFs) with excellent flexibility, high SSA value, and rich pore structure. This electrode demonstrated a specific capacitance value equal to 1035 F/g at 0.5 A/g and maintained 80.7% capacitance at 10 A/g. The assembled asymmetric supercapacitor achieved an energy density of 54.81 Wh/kg. This study presents new possibilities for binder-free, self-supporting electrodes in electrochemical energy storage devices.

Preparation and characterisation of IPMC brakes modified with composite electrodes performance

Ionic Polymer Metal Composite (IPMC) can be used as flexible actuators and sensors in the fields of bionic machinery and medical devices. However, IPMC still suffer from poor actuation performance and high cost of electrode preparation in practical applications. Optimisation of electrodes and use of novel assembly processes are expected to solve these problems. In this paper, low-dimensional nanocarbon materials were used to modify the Nafion membrane. Appropriate amounts of carbon nanotubes and carbon black were weighed and dispersed in chitosan and acetic acid to form a stable electrolyte. A new IPMC was prepared by bonding carbon nanotube and carbon black films on the Nafion membrane using the hot pressing method. Scanning electron microscope images showed that the hybrid films composed of carbon nanotubes and carbon black were successfully hot pressed onto the surface of the Nafion membrane and the hybrid electrode layer composed of carbon nanotubes and carbon black was more homogeneous and densely packed. The results of driving performance tests show that the hybrid electrode-modified IPMC has excellent driving performance, with a maximum output displacement of 9.2 mm and a maximum output force of 9.9 mN at a voltage of 5.0 V. These results are 1.07 and 1.14 times higher than those of the carbon nanotube IPMC and 1.74 and 1.70 times higher than those of the carbon black IPMC under the same conditions, respectively.

Designing of a High Performance NiMgPO4/CNT Electrode Material for a Battery-Supercapacitor Hybrid Device

Improved pseudo-capacitance performance can be obtained by phosphates and transition-metal oxides by achieving oxidation states that boost redox (reduction-oxidation) processes. In this work, the nickel magnesium phosphate (NiMgPO4) is synthesized using the hydrothermal method, Additional, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are blended with NiMgPO4. To build the supercapattery device (NiMgPO4@CNT//AC) and evaluate its electrochemical characteristics, we used NiMgPO4@CNT as the anode & activated carbon as cathode. We also used X-ray diffraction, scanning electron micrscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques to analyze the crystal structure, surface area, and elemental composition. The nanocomposite NiMgPO4@CNT demonstrated a high specific capacity of 1243 C g−1 or 2071.66 F g−1 in a three-electrode system, which was much more than that of the separate reference materials. The supercapattery device shows a specific capacity of 251 C g−1, energy density of 44.5 Wh kg−1 and power density of 1030 W kg−1 is observed. The hybrid electrode exhibited a capacity retention of 85% after 5000 cycles and a columbic efficiency of 91% during the stability measurement. These findings emphasize NiMgPO4@CNT’s potential as an electrode composite material that holds promise for high-performance supercapattery device building.

Synergistic advancements in battery-grade energy storage: Nb2C/MoTe2(PANI) hybrid electrode material as a enhanced electrocatalyst for hydrogen reduction reaction

The inherent stratified arrangement, narrow energy band gap, and similar electrical conductivity of two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe2) have attracted considerable interest for their use in supercapacitors. Integrating Niobium Carbide (Nb2C) into the MXene framework significantly improves self-aggregation and electrochemical activity. The current work, Nb2C/MoTe2 was synthesized via a cost-effective and simple hydrothermal technique. However, the Nb2C/MoTe2 nanocomposite shows pronounced self-stacking problems during electrode fabrication, which can significantly restrict the capacity for storing charge. PANI was incorporated as a dopant to address these challenges and enhance electrochemical activity, such as Nb2C/MoTe2(PANI). The performance of supercapacitors was assessed by electrochemical measurement in an aqueous electrolytic solution with a concentration of 2 M potassium hydroxide (KOH). Based on the GCD profile, the Nb2C/MoTe2(PANI) material demonstrates a notable specific capacity (Qs) of 270 C/g, energy density of 72.2 Wh/kg, and power density of 935 W/kg at a current density of 2 A g-1. In contrast, the composite material demonstrates a specific capacity of 185 C/g, as proven by CV conducted at 5 mV/s. In addition, the nanohybrid has a high level of capacitance retention of 87.6 % after undergoing 8500 consecutive cycles. The exceptional efficiency of supercapacitor applications can be ascribed to the enhanced mechanical flexibility, active cooperation, and synergistic impacts of Nb2C/MoTe2 and PANI. The Nb2C/MoTe2(PANI) nanocomposite possesses significant potential for eco-friendly energy generation and allows for a simple single-step fabrication procedure. Consequently, it can serve as an electrode for highly efficient supercapacitors.

High-Performance Intrinsically Stretchable Organic Photovoltaics Enabled by Robust Silver Nanowires/S-PH1000 Hybrid Transparent Electrodes.

Intrinsically stretchable organic photovoltaics (is-OPVs) hold significant promise for integration into self-powered wearable electronics. However, their potential is hindered by the lack of sufficient consistency between optoelectronic and mechanical properties. This is primarily due to the limited availability of stretchable transparent electrodes (STEs) that possess both high conductivity and stretchability. Here, a hybrid STE with exceptional conductivity, stretchability, and thermal stability is presented. Specifically, STEs are composed of the modified PH1000 (referred to as S-PH1000) and silver nanowires (AgNWs). The S-PH1000 endows the STE with good stretchability and smoothens the surface, while the AgNWs enhance the charge transport. The resulting hybrid STEs enable is-OPVs to a remarkable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.32%, positioning them among the top-performing is-OPVs. With 10% elastomer, the devices retain 82% of the initial PCE after 500 cycles at 20% strain. Additionally, OPVs equipped with these STEs exhibit superior thermal stability compared to those using indium tin oxide electrodes, maintaining 75% of the initial PCE after annealing at 85°C for 390 h. The findings underscore the suitability of the designed hybrid electrodes for efficient and stable is-OPVs, offering a promising avenue for the future application of OPVs.

Fabrication of asymmetric supercapacitors by laser processing of activated carbon-based electrodes produced from rice husk waste

The development of supercapacitors (SCs) by using carbon electrodes obtained from biomass waste simultaneously promotes the optimized use of the renewable energy by its high-powered storage, and the reduction of contamination in nature. Such industrial sector would be an excellent opportunity also for the developing nations, promoting their economic growth by the conversion of biowaste into added value goods. However, such carbon may not reach the desired performance for SCs. In this work, we used laser processing technology for enhancing the capacitance of SC electrodes composed of activated carbon obtained from rice husk produced in Nigerian farmlands. The activated carbon powder was synthesized by conventional carbonization-chemical activation processes and treated with microwaves. Afterwards, the CO2 laser processing of thin film electrodes composed of a mixture of the carbon powder with carbon black (conductive additive), and precursors as urea (for doping of the activated carbon with nitrogen), or manganese nitrate (for the crystallization of pseudocapacitive Mn3O4 nanoparticles on the carbon surface) was carried out for obtaining enhanced positrodes and negatrodes. The resulting hybrid electrodes exhibited a 3-fold increase of the capacitance (up to 134 F/g @ 10 mV/s) as compared to the raw carbon in the [0, 0.8] V potential window. Asymmetric SC devices integrated by carbon (-)//carbon-Mn3O4 (+) laser-treated electrodes, operating at 1.2 V voltage, revealed up to 300 × higher energy and power densities than symmetric SCs composed of raw carbon electrodes.

Exploring the Electrochemical Superiority of V2O5/TiO2@Ti3C2-MXene Hybrid Nanostructures for Enhanced Lithium-Ion Battery Performance.

The use of vanadium(V)-based materials as electrode materials in electrochemical energy storage (EES) devices is promising due to their structural and chemical variety, abundance, and low cost. V-based materials with a layered structure and high multielectron transfer in the redox reaction have been actively explored for energy storage. Our current work presents the structural and electrochemical properties of a vanadium-based composite with TiO2@Ti3C2 MXene, referred to as VM. This composite is obtained through the in situ thermal decomposition of the VO2(OH)/Ti3C2mixture, which is achieved by solution mixing and drying. The material structure is confirmed using various characterization tools, which establish an orthorhombic V2O5 nanostructure compositing with nanocrystalline TiO2@Ti3C2. VM with 5 wt % MXene, referred to as VM5, can achieve 460 mAhg-1 at a current density of 0.1 Ag1- and 290 mAhg-1 at 1 Ag1-, with an average coulombic efficiency of 98.5%. The presence of the V2O5/TiO2 (nanocrystals) heterojunction attached with Ti3C2 sheets contributed to reduced charge transfer resistance. The cyclic stability shows a capacity retention of 62% over 500 cycles at 1 Ag1- (4C rate, where 1C equals 0.25 Ag1-) with a 0.22 capacity drop with each cycle. Dunn's approach to examining the charge storage mechanism demonstrates 72% contribution of the surface-dominant capacitive process and 28% of the diffusion-controlled intercalation process at 0.4 mVs-1, suggesting a potential high-performance pseudocapacitive hybrid electrode material for lithium-ion batteries.