Stable Capacity Research Articles

Precisely controlled electrostatically sprayed sodium alginate/carboxymethyl chitosan hydrogel microbeads as super-adsorbent for adsorption of cationic dye.

In this pioneering study, electrostatic spraying (ES) technology with high voltages is proposed to reduce the size of hydrogel microbeads further, aiming to enhance the adsorption rate of cationic methylene blue (MB) dye. The increased voltages, ranging from 0.0 to 13.0 kV, further decreased the size of electrostatically sprayed hydrogel microbeads crosslinked by hydrogen bonds between sodium alginate (SA) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) in hydrochloric acid. The size of SA/CMCS hydrogel microbeads was successfully reduced from 2000 ± 121 μm (SC-2000) to 400 ± 15 μm (SC-400). Notably, SC-400 exhibits the highest maximum adsorption capacity (qm) and rate constant (k2) at 840.3 mg/g and 0.0598 g/mg/min, respectively, at pH 9.0 and a temperature of 25 °C in the absence of ionic compounds, which is three times higher than that of SC-2000, due to their high specific surface area and pore volume. Through a series of adsorption studies and characterization analyses, SA/CMCS hydrogel microbeads displayed heterogeneous adsorption behaviors towards MB dye through electrostatic interactions between the deprotonated carboxylic groups and cationic MB molecules, where MB adsorption efficiency could be significantly influenced by pH and ionic strength. These findings suggest that ES technology is effective in synthesizing smaller SA/CMCS hydrogel microbeads with enhanced MB removal rates and stable adsorption capacities and their applications could be further explored for removing other organic dyes and toxic metals in subsequent research studies.

MnOOH nanorods decorated with CeO2 nanoparticles as advanced electrode for high-performance supercapacitor

The development of novel composite electrode materials is essential to fabricating supercapacitors with high specific capacitance and good stability. In this study, MnOOH nanorods adorned with CeO2 (CeMn composites) have been satisfactorily synthesized through in-situ growth of tiny CeO2 nanoparticles using hydrothermal treatment. SEM images revealed that the granular CeO2 particles are adhered to the surfaces of nanorod-shaped MnOOH. XRD analysis confirmed the CeMn composites maintain the crystal structure of MnOOH and CeO2 with high purity. The EDS elemental mapping images demonstrated that Mn, O, and Ce elements are homogenously dispersion distributed in the CeMn composites. The supercapacitive performance of the MnOOH and CeMn composites pasted onto the Ni foam was evaluated determined through electrochemical measurements. The Ce0.05Mn1 (Ce/Mn molar ratio of 0.05/1) as a supercapacitor electrode exhibited an excellent specific capacitance of 857.62 F/g at 1 A/g, which is higher than the values for the MnOOH. Moreover, the prepared Ce0.05Mn1 still could retain good cycling stability over 3000 charge/discharge cycles. This study presents a feasible route to develop high-performing supercapacitor electrode materials.

Low Temperature Rapid Interfacial Kinetics Achieved by Sodium Titanate Anode Co‐Intercalation Storage Mechanism and Stable Solid Electrolyte Interface

AbstractQuasi‐layered sodium titanates have been extensively studied as anode materials for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) owing to their quasi‐zero‐strain intercalative storage chemistry and high theoretical capacity. However, their sluggish sodiation kinetics and unstable electrode/electrolyte interface lead to rapid capacity decay at low temperatures. Herein, the local electronic structure and interlayer spacing of Na2Ti2O5 are finely regulated by heteroelement Sn‐doping, oxygen rich vacancies, and carbon‐confined structure (Sn‐HNTO@C) to improve low‐temperature performance. Theoretical calculations and Sn doping concentration control confirm that appropriate concentrations of heteroelement Sn‐doping and vacancy defects can redistribute charge density, enhance Na+ adsorption, reduce Na+ diffusion energy barriers, and endow Sn‐HNTO@C anode with stable capacity. In addition, optimizing electrolyte systems at low temperatures allows Sn‐HNTO@C to exhibit a Na+‐solvent co‐intercalation storage mechanism in ether‐based electrolytes, avoiding high desolvent energy barriers and reducing charge transfer activation energy. Furthermore, the thin, stable solid electrolyte interface rich in organic components promotes the low‐temperature interfacial Na+ kinetics. Consequently, Sn‐HNTO@C anode delivers high capacity over 500 cycles (177 mAh g−1) and Sn‐HNTO@C//Na3(VPO4)2F3 full cell presents 91 mAh g−1 over 200 cycles (−15 °C). This study provides unique guidance for optimizing sodium titanate anodes and emphasizes the importance of the low‐temperature electrode/electrolyte interface for SIBs.

Surface Engineering of Copper Foam to Construct a Hierarchical Heterostructure for High Energy Efficient Supercapacitors.

As a unique pseudocapacitive material, the heterojunction-structured CuO@Cu combines the high conductivity of substrate Cu and the high capacity of active CuO together for structure-integral electrodes, however, its structural optimization and improved capacity are still the main challenges so far. In this study, an initial surface etching of copper foam (CF) is adopted to construct a primary heterostructure of CuO nanowires@CF (CuO NW@CF), and then, the surface decoration of CuO NW@CF via the deposition of cerium-2-methylimidazole based metal-organic frameworks (Ce-2MI) finally results in the current-collector-/binder-free electrodes of the hierarchical heterostructure Ce-2MI@CuO NW@CF. Compared to the structural properties of CuO NW@CF, both the introducing Ce-ion active sites and the enriched lattice oxygen vacancies cooperatively endow the pseudocapacitive electrodes of Ce-2MI@CuO NW@CF with a ultrahigh specific capacitance and excellent cycling stability. Within the potential window of 1.6 V, the asymmetric supercapacitor devices of activated carbon//Ce-2MI@CuO NW@CF acquire a high energy density of 56.8 Wh kg-1 at 725 W kg-1, which can light up a light-emitting diode (LED) bulb for 20 min. Therefore, constructing the hierarchically heterostructured Ce-2MI@CuO NW@CF is an effective approach to developing high-performance supercapacitors for potential application purposes.

Edge Electron Effect Induced High-Entropy SEI for Durable Anode-Free Sodium Batteries.

Anode-free sodium metal batteries represent great promising as high-energy-density and resource-rich electrochemical energy storage systems. However, the savage growth of sodium metal and continuous consumption hinder its stable capacity output. Herein, ordered flower-edges of zinc on Al substrate can induce high-entropy solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) to adjust sodium uniform deposition and extremely reduce electrolyte consumption with ultrahigh initial Coulombic efficiency (97.05%) for prolong batteries cycling life. Theoretical and experimental studies have demonstrated that the electron-donating property and exposed edge sites between (100) and (101) facets in zinc flower enhance anion adsorption onto the inner Helmholtz plane accelerating its interface decomposition. Additionally, the ordered zinc edges serve as homogeneous-nucleating template, leading to thin and inorganic-rich SEI layer (18 nm, ZnF2, NaZn13, NaF, and Na2CO3) with high-entropy discrete multicomponent distribution, so that fast and high-flux Na ions transport field, thereby reducing the critical nucleation barrier and promoting sodium high density nucleation (7.36 × 1013 N cm-2) and pyknotic growth (3 mAh cm-2, 22µm). The assembled anode-free sodium batteries exhibit high stability (86%, 90 cycles) under ultrahigh cathode loading (32 mg cm-2). Moreover, the anode-less single-layer pouch batteries exhibit a durable capacity retention of 99% after 600 cycles.

Novel Q-Carbon Anodes for Sodium-Ion Batteries

The lack of a standard anode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) has greatly hindered their applications. Herein, we show that a novel phase of carbon, namely Q-carbon, is an effective anode material for sodium-ion batteries. The Q-carbon, which is a metastable phase of carbon consisting of about 80% sp3- and 20% sp2-bonded carbon, is synthesized by nonequilibrium pulsed laser annealing and arc-discharge methods. Two types of Q-carbons, Q1 and Q2, were evaluated as anode material for SIBs. Q1 had a slow quench and was used as the control, whereas Q2 was Q-carbon with a rapid quenching. Q1 exhibits a high initial columbic efficiency of 81% and a low-capacity retention of less than 60%, whereas Q2 has a low initial columbic efficiency of 58% and a high-capacity retention of 81%. Q2 exhibits a stable capacity of 168 mAh·g−1 at a cycling rate of C/3 (124 mA·g−1), which is comparable to other hard carbon anodes reported in the literature. This unique synthesis method opens a pathway for the further tuning of Q-carbon with higher trapping/charging of Na+ ions in improved SIBs.

Optimizing Hygroscopic Metal–Organic Frameworks via EDTA‐Mediated Structural Reinforcement and Photothermal Modification

AbstractHygroscopic metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are considered as superior moisture sorbents due to their highly adjustable and desired water adsorption/release performance, enabling effective atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) in arid regions. However, the water adsorption capacity, recycling stability, and functionality of current MOFs should be further improved to meet the requirements of practical AWH systems. Here the hydrophilicity at low relative humidity (RH) and cycling stability of MOF‐808 are simultaneously enhanced through the ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)‐mediated post‐modification. Based on the structural reinforcement, EDTA‐modified MOF‐808 (E‐MOF‐808) delivers a stable water uptake capacity of 0.39 g g−1 at 25% RH even after 50 water adsorption–desorption cycles, more than five times that of pristine MOF‐808. In addition, bridging by EDTA with the strong chelating ability, the E‐MOF‐808 can spontaneously capture Cu2+ for further functional improvement. Accordingly, light‐absorbing CuS nanoparticles can be in situ decorated on E‐MOF‐808 for facilitating solar‐driven water release. It is envisioned that this EDTA‐mediated function enhancement should provide valuable insights into the all‐in‐one design of versatile MOFs sorbents.

High‐Safety Lithium Metal Batteries Enabled by Additive of Fire‐Extinguishing Microcapsules

ABSTRACTLithium metal battery (LMB) is regarded as one of the most promising high‐energy energy storage systems. However, the high reactivity of lithium metal and the formation of lithium dendrites during battery operation have caused safety concerns. Herein, we present the design and synthesis of fire‐extinguishing microcapsules to enhance LMB safety. The encapsulation strategy addressed perfluoro(2‐methyl‐3‐pentanone)'s volatility and storage challenges, yielding microcapsules with stable and uniform size distributions. The rapid release and effective fire‐extinguishing performance of the microcapsules upon exposure to high temperatures has been demonstrated. Integration of these microcapsules into LMBs showed no significant impact on electrochemical performance, maintaining high lithium‐ion conductivity, and stable cycling capacity. Notably, practical safety tests on pouch cells indicated that the presence of microcapsules effectively prevented ignition and improved thermal stability under mechanical damage and flame intrusion, underscoring their potential for significantly improved battery safety. These findings provide a robust strategy for mitigating fire hazards of high‐energy‐density battery systems without compromising their electrochemical performances.

Non‐Aqueous Liquid Electrolytes for Li‐O2 Batteries

AbstractLi‐O2 batteries (LOBs) have become a research hotspot of energy storage devices because of its high theoretical energy density. Practical applications require that non‐aqueous LOBs can deliver stable and high reversible capacity, which heavily depends on the appropriate electrolyte system. Therefore, it is very important to select electrolytes that are hard to decompose and conducive to modulating the growth kinetics of discharge products. Herein, we will review the current progress and challenges of non‐aqueous liquid electrolytes for LOBs by analyzing the influence factors on electrolyte stability and introducing the design and modification methods of electrolytes with different solvent types. At last, the possible research tactics have been proposed to develop advanced electrolytes for improving electrochemical performance of LOBs.

Chitosan-Based Electronics: The Importance of Acid Strength and Plasticizing Additives on Device Performance.

A rise in demand for disposable consumer electronics such as smart packaging, wearable electronics, and single-use point-of-source sensors requires the development of eco-friendly and compostable electronic materials. Chitosan is derived from crustacean waste and offers high dielectric constant values without requiring rigorous purification, making it sustainable for large-scale electronic device manufacturing. When processed in acidic media, the protonated backbone of chitosan pairs with counterions from the acid dissociation to form chitosan thin films with electrical double layers (EDLs) and tunable capacitive properties. We report the importance of the choice of acid when processing chitosan by surveying a series of halogenated and biosourced acids with varying pKa values and solutions with different pH values. Oxalic acid outperforms other acids, with a maximum areal capacitance of 161 nF·mm-2. Tartaric acid and citric acid, despite lower capacitance values, showed promising results with a stable EDL capacitance and high reproducibility, making them optimal for large-area manufacturing. The incorporation of sorbitol as a plasticizer boosts the EDL formation onset of all chitosan-acid combinations to 1 × 103-105 Hz and improves reproducibility. High-performing single-walled carbon nanotube thin film transistors were made using chitosan-based dielectrics treated with different acids with and without sorbitol, leading to transconductance as high as ≈5.2 μS and Ion/Ioff of 105. The capacitors and transistors remain functional after one year of storage in ambient conditions. Overall, this study demonstrates durable high-performance electronics based on chitosan and stresses the importance of processing acid and the use of plasticizing additives, such as sorbitol.

Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of Highly Porous CeO2-Doped Zr Nanoparticles for Supercapacitor Applications.

The aim of this work was to develop an ultrasonic-assisted synthesis method for the fabrication of CeO2-doped Zr nanoparticles that would improve the performance of supercapacitor electrodes. This method, which eliminates the need for high-temperature calcination, involves embedding CeO2 into Zr nanoparticles through 1 hr (CeO2-Zr-1) and 2 hrs (CeO2-Zr-2) of ultrasonic irradiation, resulting in the formation of nanostructures with significant improvements in their electrochemical properties. Through physicochemical analysis, we observed that the CeO2-doped Zr nanoparticles, particularly those treated for 2 hrs (CeO2-Zr-2), exhibit superior crystalline phase purity, optimal chemical surface composition, minimal agglomeration with particle sizes below 50 nm, and an impressive average surface area of 178 m2/g. Compared to the 1 hr irradiation samples (CeO2-Zr-1) and undoped CeO2 nanoparticles, the (CeO2-Zr-2) electrodes demonstrated a remarkable capacitance of 198 Fg-1 at a current density of 1 A/g while maintaining ~94.9% of their capacity after 3750 cycles. This indicates not only good reversibility but also exceptional stability. In (CeO2-Zr-2) samples, the nanospherical structure achieved through ultrasonic synthesis is responsible for the enhanced capacitive behavior and stability, along with the synergistic effects caused by Zr doping, which improves the CeO2 nanoparticle conductivity to a significant extent. Surface areas of the electrodes are larger due to the combination of these two materials, which contribute to their superior performance.

Single organic electrode for multi-system dual-ion symmetric batteries

The large void space of organic electrodes endows themselves with the capability to store different counter ions without size concern. In this work, a small-molecule organic bipolar electrode called diquinoxalino[2,3-a:2’,3’-c]phenazine-2,6,10-tris(phenoxazine) (DQPZ-3PXZ) is designed. Based on its robust solid structure by the π conjugation of diquinoxalino[2,3-a:2’,3’-c]phenazine (DQPZ) and phenoxazine (PXZ), DQPZ-3PXZ can indiscriminately and stably host 5 counter ions with different charge and size (Li+, Na+, K+, PF6− and FSI−). In Li/Na/K-based half cells, DQPZ-3PXZ can deliver the peak discharge capacities of 257/243/253 mAh g−1cathode and peak energy densities of 609/530/572 Wh kg−1cathode, respectively. The Li/Na/K-based dual-ion symmetric batteries can be constructed, which can be activated through the 1st charge process and show the stable discharge capacities of 85/66/72 mAh g−1cathode and energy densities of 59/50/52 Wh kg−1total mass, all running for more than 15000 cycles with nearly 100% capacity retention.

High-performance, high energy density symmetric supercapacitors based on δ-MnO2 nanoflower electrodes incorporated with an ion-conducting polymer.

The present work investigates liquid-based and liquid-free supercapacitors assembled using δ-MnO2-nanoflower-based electrodes. An optimized electrode composition was prepared using acetylene black (AB), a polymer (PEO), a salt (LiClO4), and δ-MnO2 and used for device fabrication. The composite electrode was tested against a liquid electrolyte and a 'liquid-free' composite solid polymer electrolyte (CSPE) membrane. In a three electrode geometry, with 1 M solution of LiClO4 as an electrolyte, the specific capacitance of the electrode was found to be ∼385 F g-1, with a specific energy of ∼23 W h kg-1 and specific power of ∼341 W kg-1 (at 1 mA, 1 V). Dunn's method confirmed that the charge storage process was predominantly pseudocapacitive. When the device was assembled in a two-electrode Swagelok cell, a stable specific capacitance of ∼216 F g-1 was observed with a specific energy of 30 W h kg-1 and a specific power of 417 W kg-1. The supercapacitors exhibited stable performance up to ∼7000 cycles with ∼90% capacitance retention and ∼97% coulombic efficiency. A combination of these cells could light two white light-emitting diodes (LEDs, 3 V) for at least ∼10 minutes. Further, all-solid-state supercapacitors (ASSCs) were fabricated using a Li+ ion (CSPE) membrane. The ASSCs exhibited a specific capacitance of ∼496 F g-1 after ∼500 cycles, with a specific energy and power of ∼19 W h kg-1 and ∼367 W kg-1, respectively. The investigation reveals that the electrodes are versatile and show compatibility with liquid and solid electrolytes. The polymer in the electrode matrix plays an important role in enhancing device performance.

A Study of the Effect of Temperature on the Capacitance Characteristics of a Metal-μhemisphere Resonant Gyroscope.

Metal-μhemispherical resonant gyros (M-μHRGs) are widely used in highly dynamic navigation systems in extreme environments due to their high accuracy and structural stability. However, the effect of temperature variations on the capacitance characteristics of M-μHRGs has not been fully investigated, which is crucial for optimizing the performance of the gyro. This study aims to systematically analyze the effect of temperature on the static and dynamic capacitances of M-μHRGs. In this study, an M-μHRG structure based on a 16-tooth metal oscillator is designed, and conducted simulation experiments using non-contact capacitance measurement method and COMSOL Multiphysics 6.2 finite element simulation software in the temperature range of 233.15 K to 343.15 K. The modeling analysis of the static capacitance takes into account the thermal expansion effect, and the results show that static capacitance remains stable across the measured temperature range, with minimal effect from temperature. The dynamic capacitance exhibits significant nonlinear variations under different temperature conditions, especially in the two end temperature intervals (below 273.15 K and above 313.15 K), where the capacitance values show local extremes and fluctuations. In order to capture this nonlinear behavior, the experimental data were smoothed and fitted using the LOESS method, revealing a complex trend of the capacitance variation with temperature. The results show that the M-μHRG has good capacitance stability in the mid-temperature range, but its dynamic performance is significantly affected at extreme temperatures. This study provides a theoretical reference for the optimal design of M-μHRGs in high- and low-temperature environments.

Increasing capacitive desalination stability of active carbon by forming methanol layer on its surface

Capacitive deionization (CDI) based on active carbon is a promising technology for desalinating brackish water, but its desalination performance usually decreases after multiple adsorption/desorption cycles, which seriously hinders its practical application. To explore a solution method, study was conducted on regulating cyclic stability of active carbon electrode by utilizing methanol in NaCl solution. When the methanol content of the solution was 2 vol%, the active carbon electrode displayed 82% desalination capacity retention after the 12th cycle, which was 64% higher than the value reached when the methanol content was 0 vol%. This enhancement in stability was due to the formation of protective methanol layer on electrode surface, which retarded contact of carbon with water and thus oxidation of positive electrode. To put this finding into use, methanol was employed to improve stability of flowing electrode of a flowing CDI (FCDI) device, which does not need continuous addition of methanol into NaCl solution. The capacity retention of the flowing electrode after the 9th cycle was also markedly increased (94%＞80%) by methanol. This study provided a new route for improving cyclic stability of active carbons, which was suitable for application in FCDI.

Hierarchical structural design of cobalt sulphide nanoparticles/nickel sulphide for high-performance supercapacitors

Metal-organic framework (MOF) materials have become increasingly attractive in supercapacitor electrode research because of their regular crystal topology and tunable pore distribution. The strategy for the synthesis of the Ni3S4/Co3S4 electrode material with a layered structure was successfully devised using the layered Ni-MOF as a template and precursor. The characterisation techniques of XRD, FTIR, XPS, SEM, TEM and BET have provided confirmation of the assertion that the Ni3S4/Co3S4 composites exhibit an advanced hierarchical pore structure and considerable specific surface area. The specific capacity of the Ni3S4/Co3S4 composite is as high as 122.8 mAh g−1, and it can still maintain 72.6 % of the specific capacity after 3,000 cycles. Furthermore, the SEM morphology remains largely unchanged after cycling, which demonstrates excellent stability. Moreover, honeycomb-shape porous carbon (N-HAPC) with ultra-high specific surface area was selected as negative electrode material to fabricate a novel hybrid supercapacitor (Ni3S4/Co3S4//N-HAPC), which exhibits a broad operational voltage range of 1.6 V and superior energy density of 28.6 Wh kg−1. Simultaneously, HSCs exhibited remarkable charge-discharge stability, exhibiting a mere 17.2 % decline in capacitance stability following 7,000 GCD cycles. The combination of two Ni3S4/Co3S4//N-HAPC HSCs in series has been demonstrated to be capable of illuminating a small LED lamp, indicating the potential for their use in practical applications. Furthermore, this approach offers a novel strategy for the structural design of MOF-like materials.

Long term properties of Nano-engineered temperature self-controlled concrete served for mass concrete structure

Due to the advantages of low-cost and superior electrical conductivity, Nano-carbon black (NCB) can endow hydraulic concrete with long-term and stable self-heating capacities at affordable costs, thus allowing active and intelligent temperature control for high-altitude and high-latitude dams. This study, for the first time, investigated the long-term mechanical behaviors, freeze-thaw resistance and impermeability of temperature self-controlled concrete (TSC). Moreover, the modification mechanisms of TSC were revealed with the help of mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Finally, the long-term performance and cost assessment of TSC are comprehensively evaluated by the entropy weight method. The results indicate that the incorporation of 4.5 wt% NCB improves the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of TSC at 180 days by 17.4 % and 7.9 %, respectively, and shows an excellent response against impermeability and a slightly lower response against frost resistance. Besides, NCB accelerates the hydration degree and repairs the interfacial transition zone of TSC. The presence of NCB densifies the microstructures of the matrix and reduces the content of harmful pores by nearly 50 %. Finally, TSC with 4.5 wt% NCB is the optimal mixture that shows excellent comprehensive performances.

Pivotal copper bimetallic oxide in hierarchical Calcium magnesium materials for low-temperature carbon capture and utilization

Carbon removal from anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions is essential to achieve net-zero emissions and mitigate climate change, and integrated carbon capture and utilisation (ICCU) has been studied for subsequent in-situ chemical production. However, high temperature and CaO sintering remain critical issues, highlighting the need for improved, low-cost CO2 adsorbents that can be regenerated at lower temperatures. Herin, we innovatively introduce the low-temperature ICCU coupled with reverse water gas shift reactions (RWGS) using dual functional materials (DFMs), exemplifying a range of potential transition metals doped over CaO with or without the MgO support. Among all the prepared DFMs, D-Cu showed desirable enhanced catalytic activity at a comparatively low-temperature performance (550°C) and still maintained a stable CO2 capture capacity (7.0mmol g−1) and CO yield (8.0mmol g−1) with an exceptional CO2 conversion (94.4 %) and CO selectivity (97.6 %) after cyclic hydrogenation. The mechanism study revealed that Ca2CuO3 bimetalliccatalyst in the hierarchical porous 2CaO/MgO matrix of D-Cu plays a crucial role in retaining its cyclic stability, surpassing that of noble D-Pt. Given the ICCU-RWGS performance and cyclic stability of cost-effective D-Cu at reduced operating temperatures, the findings would minimise energy and cost consumption.

Development of a novel rotational metallic damper as a dissipative connector in rocking steel core systems: Cyclic behavior and seismic demand

Rocking systems with stiff rocking cores have been proposed as a promising solution for mitigating concentrations of story drift and enhancing structural seismic resilience. This study introduces a novel rotational metallic damper, termed the rotational steel rod damper (RSRD), developed for use in rocking steel core systems to improve energy dissipation capacity. The configuration, working mechanism, and application of the RSRD in rocking steel core systems are described. Three critical energy-dissipating elements, low-yield-point steel rods with different edge shapes, were isolated from the RSRD and tested to validate the efficacy of an optimal hourglass shape, defined through cubic equations, in enhancing low-cycle-fatigue performance. Two RSRD specimens were then tested and analyzed, focusing on failure modes, cyclic behavior, rotational strength, and energy dissipation. Both specimens demonstrated positive and stable hysteretic performance and energy dissipation capacity, with maximum equivalent viscous damping ratios of 0.51 and 0.53. Subsequently, structural models of seven steel frames were developed in OpenSees for case studies. Nonlinear response history analyses were performed under 20 ground motion records scaled to DBE and MCE levels. Dynamic behaviors, particularly the seismic demand on RSRDs, were examined. Numerical results confirmed the efficacy of the RSRD in mitigating inter-story drift. The location of the pivoting point of the rocking core significantly influenced the rotational demand on the RSRD. The proposed RSRD presents an innovative energy-dissipating alternative for the development of rocking steel core systems.

Facile synthesis and first principles calculations of Li-MoS2/rGO nanocomposite for high-performance supercapacitor applications

Two-dimensional (2D) nanostructured materials such as graphene oxide nanosheets and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) are potential candidates for electrochemical energy storage applications. The layered structure of MoS2 makes it a promising active electrode material for supercapacitors. Lithium (Li) interacted with MoS2/reduced graphene oxide (Li-MoS2/rGO) nanocomposite has been synthesized in two steps using a sonochemical dispersion method, and a one-pot hydrothermal method resulting in few-layered MoS2/rGO nanosheets of 2D heterointerfaces. The Li-MoS2/rGO nanocomposite exhibits a high specific capacitance of 173.3 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1. Furthermore, an asymmetric supercapacitor device fabricated with Li-MoS2/rGO achieves a good energy density of 10.6 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 686.3 W kg−1 and outstanding cycling stability with 81.2 % capacity retention over 10,000 cycles. The dispersion of 2D-MoS2 in water is due to the strong electrostatic interface. The structural and electronic properties are theoretically calculated for pristine and Li-interacted MoS2/rGO heterostructure using density functional theory. A comparison of the density of states plots of the two heterostructures and the difference charge density plot of Li-MoS2/rGO heterostructure clearly brings out the importance of the presence of Li. A value of 64 μF cm−2 for the quantum capacitance for pristine MoS2/graphene heterostructure increases to a value 99 μF cm−2 corroborating the experimental observations and we assign this change to the transfer of charge from the Li atom to the outer S atoms in the MoS2/graphene heterostructure. This comprehensive approach, combining experimental synthesis with computational modelling, significantly advances the development and optimization of high-performance supercapacitor materials in the energy storage field. The Li-MoS2/rGO nanocomposite has excellent electrochemical specific capacitance and long-term cyclic stability and has been effectively used for supercapacitor applications with high electrochemical performance.