Use In Energy Storage Devices Research Articles

Facile fabrication of FeSe/MnSe composite for improved electrochemical characterization by hydrothermal route

Globally, researchers are primarily focused on creating new electrode materials with high energy and power density (Pd) to develop the efficiency of energy storage devices. This work demonstrates significant advancements in use of transition metal selenide as electrode material for supercapacitors (SCs). FeSe/MnSe composite was produced by a hydrothermal approach and the findings indicated a notable improvement in electrochemical characteristics due to the combined effect of FeSe and MnSe materials. The exceptional electrochemical performance of FeSe/MnSe composite electrode attributed to its inherent features, including crystal structure, excellent electrical conductivity with varying oxidation states, distinct morphology and large surface area. Moreover, FeSe/MnSe composite demonstrated specific capacitances (Csp) of 1533.23 F/g at current density of 1.0 A g−1 with notable energy density (68.70 Wh kg−1) and Pd (284 W kg−1). Furthermore, the FeSe/MnSe composite electrode demonstrates remarkable cyclability, sustaining its effectiveness reliably for more than 5000 cycles while also exhibiting low-impedance features with a Rct of 0.09 Ω. This study delves into a new approach for creating unique FeSe/MnSe electrodes that show potential as a reliable option with extended cycling durability and increased energy capacity for use in energy storage devices.

Improving supercapacitor performance with novel potato starch-PVA solid polymer electrolyte blend modified by sodium perchlorate-glycerol additives

The synthesis and analysis of Solid Polymer Electrolytes (SPEs) derived from a blend of Potato Starch and Poly Vinyl Alcohol (PS-PVA), enhanced with Sodium perchlorate salt (NaClO4) and Glycerol (GCL) are explored in this work. Our focus is on their suitability for Electrical Double-Layer Capacitor (EDLC) devices. GCL, a non-toxic substance, served as the plasticizer, and sodium perchlorate was incorporated to enhance the ionic conductivity of the SPE film. The conductivity at room temperature for pure PS-PVA blend, in the absence of salt and GCL, was found to be 4.16 × 10−8 S cm−1. Upon adding an optimized quantity of NaClO4 salt, the conductivity increased to 1.02 × 10−5 S cm−1. Subsequent plasticization of the salt-polymer blend with GCL induced NaClO4 dissociation, further augmenting the conductivity by one order of magnitude. A conductivity value of 10.35 × 10−5 S cm−1 was achieved for the film with 30 wt% GCL. Morphological, electrical, and structural analyses revealed that synthesized polymer films exhibited favorable characteristics. The suitability of these electrolytes for Electric Double-Layer Capacitors (EDLC) was studied using electrochemical characterizations and cycling tests for 2000 cycles. The findings demonstrate their potential for use in energy storage devices, showcasing excellent performance in specific capacitance, energy, and power densities.

Artificial intelligence computational techniques of flywheel energy storage systems integrated with green energy: A comprehensive review

In recent years, the operation of the electric power grid has become more efficient and resilient due to the integration of renewable energy sources (RESs). Solar and wind energy are being incorporated aggressively into the main grid, while other RESs like biomass and geothermal energy are also on the rise. However, the intermittent nature of these RESs necessitates the use of energy storage devices (ESDs) as a backup for electricity generation such as batteries, supercapacitors, and flywheel energy storage systems (FESS). This paper provides a thorough review of the standardization, market applications, and grid integration of FESS. It examines the components of FESS, including the electric motor/generator set, power converters, bearings, and control techniques. The paper also highlights the application of modern artificial intelligence (AI) methodologies in optimizing FESS operations, referencing over 240 recent publications in reputable journals. Metaheuristic optimizers, machine learning techniques, and well-matures software's are the main AI aspects discussed in this paper. Additionally, it explores the use of FESS in commercial sectors such as marine, space, and transportation, and its integration with RESs for participating in green energy. Finally, the paper emphasizes the role of AI in enhancing the synergy between FESS and RESs to contribute to a more sustainable and secure energy future.

Electrochemical Performance of Niobium MXenes with Lanthanum.

MXenes are the newest class of two-dimensional nanomaterials characterized by large surface area, high conductivity, and hydrophilicity. To further improve their performance for use in energy storage devices, heteroatoms or functional groups can be inserted into the Mxenes' structure increasing their stability. This work proposes insertion of lanthanum atoms into niobium-MXene (Nb-MX/La) that was characterized in terms of morphogy, structure, and electrochemical behavior. The addition of La to the Nb-MXene structure was essential to increase the spacing between the layers, improving the interaction with the electrolyte and enabling charge/discharge cycling in a higher potential window and at higher current densities. Nb-MX/La achieved a specific capacitance of up to 157 mF cm-2, a specific capacity of 42 mAh cm-2 at 250 mV s-1, a specific power of 37.5 mW cm-2, and a specific energy of 14.1 mWh cm-2 after 1000 charge/discharge cycles at 50 mA cm-2.

Towards Using Polybenzidine-Graphene Oxide Sheet on Graphite as a New System for Supercapacitor Device Fabrication

Polybenzidine-anodic exfoliated graphene oxide sheet (PB/AEGO Nsh) graphite sheet electrode was easily fabricated via electrochemical anodization of the graphite sheet followed by in situ chemical polymerization of benzidine on the anodized graphite sheet. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dispersive Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy investigations confirm that benzidine is successfully polymerized on the graphene oxide sheets created by the anodizing process. Evaluating the electrochemical performance of PB/AEGO Nsh graphite sheet electrode shows that the electrode has an excellent specific capacitance of about 841.89 mF cm−2 at 1 mA cm−2 in aqueous 1.0 M H2SO4 electrolyte. To check the applicability of the constructed electrode, a solid-state symmetric supercapacitor device separated by PVA/H2SO4 gel electrolyte was fabricated and its electrochemical performance was checked. Investigation of the capacitance behavior of the fabricated supercapacitor device indicates that the device has an excellent specific capacitance of about 334.7 mF cm−2 (230.11 F g−1) at 1 mA cm−2, maximum specific energy, and power density of 225 mWh cm−2 and 5000 mW cm−2, and cyclic life of 76.7% after 10000 galvanostatic charge/discharge cycles with non-IR drop. PB/AEGO Nsh graphite sheet electrode shows great potential for use in energy storage devices.

Morphologically tailored NiMn2O4nanocubic material for high energy-power density asymmetric supercapacitor and non-enzymatic H2O2 sensing

Developing an advanced material for energy storage and sensors is considered a key solution to meet future energy demands and economic challenges. The inverse spinel-structured NiMn2O4 emerges as a promising electrode material for next-gen energy storage due to its notable power capability, high energy density, and excellent cyclic stability. Nanostructuring enhances features not achievable in bulk materials, with a mixed morphology of nano-cubic and nanoflakes optimizing surface-to-volume ratio for effective use in energy storage devices. The addition of PVP as a surfactant, transforms the diffusion-controlled behavior to a capacitive mechanism, enhancing energy density and cyclic stability. Electrodes exhibit a specific capacitance of 816 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and stable cyclic behavior over 5000 cycles in 1 M KOH. The constructed ASC device shows 96% cyclic stability over 10,000 cycles, maintaining an energy density of 8.8 Wh kg−1 at 6400 W kg−1 and reaching a maximum of 36.55 Wh kg−1 at 400 W kg−1. Electronic structural characteristics explained through density functional theory (DFT) contribute insights. Furthermore, the non-enzymatic NiMn4/GCE H2O2 sensor demonstrates high sensitivity, a low detection limit, and remarkable selectivity against various biological interferences across a broad concentration range.

Fabrication of spinel SrBi2O4 nanomaterials anchored on g-C3N4 nanosheets with enhanced performance of electrode material for energy storage application

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) material with a similar structural phase to graphite opens new opportunities in energy conversion storage systems. The g-C3N4 sheets offered many defected sites that enhanced the adsorption and diffusion of electrolyte ions. High nitrogen concentration in g-C3N4 was ideal for increasing the binding energy between metals and carbon. The stability of pseudo-active metal oxides/chalcogenides supported by carbon results in improved capacitive performance. This study used a hydrothermal route to fabricate binary SrBi2O4/g-C3N4 composite onto g-C3N4 sheets. The SrBi2O4/g-C3N4 nanocomposite was characterized through various techniques including different analytical analyses. Among all evaluated electrodes for the electrochemical experiment binary composite SrBi2O4/g-C3N4 demonstrated the highest electrochemical activity and showed the capacitive of 777.2 F g−1 at 1 A g−1. Moreover, binary composite SrBi2O4/g-C3N4 was shown to have a lesser charge transfer resistance (Rct) of 0.87 Ω as compared to other bare fabricated materials. The exceptional electrochemical capability of SrBi2O4/g-C3N4 can be due to the combined effect of SrBi2O4 and g-C3N4 which included various redox state enhanced electrode wettability and superior structural and chemical stability. The composite material shows excellent power and high energy density of 319.95 W Kg−1 and 44.20 Wh Kg−1. Based on the findings our study suggested a practical approach to fabricated hybrid electrode materials that have optimum properties for use in energy storage devices in future supercapacitors.

Effect of Salt Concentration in Water‐In‐Salt Electrolyte on Supercapacitor Applications

AbstractElectrical double‐layer supercapacitors offer numerous advantages in the context of energy storage; however, their widespread use is hindered by the high unit energy cost and low specific energy. Recently, water‐in‐salt (WIS) electrolytes have garnered interest for use in energy storage devices. Nevertheless, their direct application in high‐power devices is limited due to their high viscosity. In this study, we investigate the WIS Lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)Imide (LiTFSI) electrolyte, revealing a high specific capacitance despite its elevated viscosity and restricted ionic conductivity. Our approach involves nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis alongside electrochemical analyses, highlighting the pronounced advantage of the WIS LiTFSI electrolyte over the WIS LiCl electrolyte at the molecular level. The NMR analysis shows that the LiTFSI electrolyte ions preferentially reside within the activated carbon pore network in the absence of an applied potential, in contrast to LiCl where the ions are more evenly distributed between the in‐pore and ex‐pore environments. This difference may contribute to the difference in capacitance between the two electrolytes observed during electrochemical cycling.

Analysis of the potential application of a residential composite energy storage system based on a double-layer optimization model

Along with the further integration of demand management and renewable energy technology, making optimal use of energy storage devices and coordinating operation with other devices are key. The present study takes into account the current situation of power storage equipment. Based on one year of measured data, four cases are designed for a composite energy storage system (ESS). In this paper, a two-tiered optimization model is proposed and is used to optimizing the capacity of power storage devices and the yearly production of the system. Furthermore, this paper performs a comparative analysis of the performance of the four cases from the energy, environmental and economic perspectives. It is concluded that this kind of energy storage equipment can enhance the economics and environment of residential energy systems. The thermal energy storage system (TESS) has the shortest payback period (7.84 years), and the CO2 emissions are the lowest. Coupled with future price volatility and the carbon tax, the electrothermal hybrid energy storage system (HESS) has good development potential. However, the current investment cost is very high, and it will not be possible to recover this cost in 10 years. Finally, it is recommended that the cost of equipment be reduced in combination with subsidies and incentives for further promotion. The research results not only fill a gap in the study area, but also provide some suggestions for further development of industry and research on user-side energy storage.

Comparison of In Situ‐Fabricated Ternary NiCoMn‐Metal–Organic Frameworks versus Slurry Deposition on Porous Ni‐Foam: A Facile Approach for Enhancing Supercapacitor Performance

Owing to the worldwide energy requirements, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been extensively used as electrode material. Ternary MOFs have been of prime importance because of their characteristic of a variety of oxidation states than mono‐ and bimetallic MOFs. Herein, a novel comparison and superiority of binder‐free MOF deposition known as in situ (IN) on the substrate have been investigated over the slurry deposition method involving the excellent properties of ternary MOFs. Confirmation of MOF formation using X‐ray diffraction and investigation of its morphological features have been explored using field‐emission scanning electron microscopy. Energy dispersive X‐ray area mapping has also been integrated for conformity of uniform elemental distribution. The electrochemical properties of NiCoMn‐MOF have been investigated and the results obtained for NiCoMn deposited using IN methodology are superior due to excellent penetration of MOF inside substrate that provides the basis of excellent electrochemical properties. A specific capacitance of 1000 C g−1 at 4 A g−1 in 3‐electrode assembly has been achieved accompanied by energy and power density of 55 Wh kg−1 and 2467 W kg−1 in 2‐electrode setup. An excellent cyclic stability of about 97% has been obtained after subjecting the asymmetric supercapacitor device to 5000 charge/discharge cycles at 20 A g−1. Diffusive nature dominancy over capacitive is also observed by manipulating Dunns’ model. The superior and novel aspect of using IN deposition may pave the way for their efficient use in energy storage devices.

Experimental investigation on nucleating agent for low temperature binary eutectic salt hydrate phase change material

The melting enthalpy and melting temperature have a significant impact on the latent heat that results from phase change materials (PCMs) used for thermal energy storage. Among the PCMs that are currently on the market, inorganic salt hydrates have greater thermal conductivity and latent heat than organic PCMs. However, the problem of salt hydrates' degree of supercooling limits their use in energy storage devices. Using sodium carbonate decahydrate (SCD) and sodium phosphate dibasic dodecahydrate (SPDD), a low temperature inorganic-inorganic eutectic salt hydrate PCM with a higher melting enthalpy and intended phase transition temperature is developed in this research study. The eutectic SCD/SPDD salt hydrate PCM eutectic point and the eutectic composition of salt hydrate PCMs to operate at low temperature range is numerically determined using Schrader equation. By numerical methods we obtain the 68 wt% of SCD with 32 wt% of SPDD to exhibit eutectic SCD/SPDD composite with eutectic melting temperature of 26.2 °C and melting enthalpy of 210.6 J/g. The synthesised eutectic PCM are characterised to explore their chemical stability, latent heat, melting point and their shortcoming due to degree of supercooling. A good way to get around the problem of the supercooling degree is to disperse the nucleating agents. In order to assess the type and degree of supercooling, the produced eutectic PCM composition is experimentally evaluated at 1–10% utilising borax, alumina, and sodium sulphate dodecahydrate as nucleating agents. However, for building cooling applications PCM with minimal degree of supercooling, with the ability to release low enthalpy during discharging is an advantage.

Borax cross-linked guar gum hydrogel-based self healing polymer electrolytes filled with ceramic nanofibers towards high-performance green energy storage applications

An inventive concept towards the implementation of green energy-storing devices is the synthesis of hydrogel-based gel electrolytes from biopolymers imbued with self-healing capabilities. However, these electrolytes have drawbacks, such as low mechanical stability due to inadequate cross-linking and limited ionic conductivity compared to synthetic polymers. This work develops and characterizes a flexible self-healing hydrogel polymer electrolytes (HPEs) based on guar gum (GG) hydrogel for use in energy storage devices. Hydrogel is prepared with silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanofibers dispersed into borax-bonding cross-linked guar gum. Propylene carbonate (PC) and diethyl carbonate (DC) in equal amounts and lithium perchlorate (LiClO4) are used as plasticizers and salt, respectively. It has been found that adding nanofibers to the hydrogel and spreading them there considerably increases the ionic conductivity as evaluated by ac impedance spectroscopy. When the nanofiber concentration is 5 wt% (wt%), the hydrogel electrolytes reach their maximum room temperature ionic conductivity of 4.3 × 10−3 S cm−1. XRD, FTIR, SEM, and XPS investigations are used to explain the enhanced conductivity caused by the dispersion of nanofibers. Nanofibers also improve the self-healing abilities of materials, as demonstrated by the fact that hydrogels loaded with 5 wt% nanofibers recover from deformation more quickly than hydrogels with lower nanofiber contents. Additionally, the dispersion of nanofibers enhances the hydrogel's mechanical and thermal properties. According to electrochemical investigations and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) graphs, hydrogel electrolytes are stable up to 4.7 V. When compared to nanofiber-free hydrogels, nanofiber-integrated hydrogel electrolytes show more excellent interfacial stability. The developed self-healing hydrogel-based polymer electrolytes exhibit outstanding promise for a range of energy storage systems, opening the way for creating high-performance and environmentally friendly energy storage solutions.

Structural, optical, dielectric, and ferroelectric properties in [formula omitted] ceramics prepared by a solvothermal reflux approach

Chromium (Cr3+) doped BaTi1−xCrxO3 (x = 0.0, 0.03, 0.06, and 0.09) ceramics were prepared by the solvothermal reflux approach. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the development of tetragonal structures with P4mm symmetry in the prepared samples. The SEM analysis showed that Cr3+ doping resulted in a microstructure that was dense, uniform, and had smaller grains. Surface chemical information and oxidation states were studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The diffuse reflectance spectrum confirmed the effect of Cr3+ content on the direct optical bandgap of BaTi1−xCrxO3 samples which shifts from 3.21 eV to 2.73 eV with increasing Cr3+ content. Dielectric permittivity was found to increase in the low-frequency region with increasing Cr3+ doping content up to x = 0.06, while it decreased in the high-frequency region compared to an undoped sample. The observed behavior of permittivity might be explained in terms of the formation of oxygen vacancy defects and their effects on the polarization dynamics of the material. Moreover, the addition of Cr3+ doping had a strong effect on the ferroelectric characteristics, as seen by the formation of a pinched hysteresis loop, resulting in the improvement of energy storage properties. Based on the obtained results, the sample with x = 0.06 exhibited an enhancement of about 3.3 times in energy discharge density and 26 % in storage efficiency compared to the undoped sample. This might be due to a large difference between the values of maximum and remnant polarizations, reduced tangent loss, and a smaller grain size, which makes this material attractive for use in energy storage devices.

A strategy to boost the electrochemical properties of Ag–Fe2O3 with intercalation of MXene hydrogel

Due to the presence of several oxidation states, MXenes and their composites with different metal oxides are of significant interest for use in electrochemical energy storage devices. However, the restacking of MXene layers and weak electrical conductivity of metal oxides pose significant obstacles to their efficient electrochemical transport. To address these crucial problems, we synthesized MXene hydrogel-based composite nanomaterials. MXene stability can be significantly improved by incorporating MXene into hydrogels. MXene hydrogels have high mechanical strength, large surface areas, high electrical conductivity, high flexibility, and superb water absorbency. To effectively stop restacking and expand the surface area of the supercapacitor electrode material, a nanocomposite containing Fe2O3 nanospheres doped with silver and then entangled with cellulose-based MXene hydrogel was fabricated by a facile coprecipitation and ultrasonication procedure. The prepared nanomaterials were characterized for structural analysis via X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Electrochemical measurements were investigated in a 1 M aqueous solution of KOH, used as an electrolyte, via cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and cyclic charge-discharge. It was observed that the MXene hydrogel boosted the electrochemical characteristics of the Fe2O3 nanospheres. The fabricated nanocomposite electrode exhibited an increase in specific capacitance. The obtained specific capacitance of the nanocomposite electrode was 709.4 Fg-1 (at 1 Ag-1) and exhibited capacitance retention of 84.4%. The research results revealed that the Ag–Fe2O3/MXene hydrogel nanocomposite has potential uses in energy storage devices.

EDLC performance of plasticized NBG electrolyte inserted with Ba(NO3)2 salt: Impedance, electrical and electrochemical properties

The great challenge in front of energy storage devices is to reduce the microplastics in the ocean and their potential harm to human health through drinking. The microplastics topic mainly results from the increasing usage of electronic devices and their components. Developing green electrolytes based on natural polymers and plasticizers is unique in overcoming microplastic issues. Natural beef gelatin (NBG) based plasticized polymer electrolyte films doped with barium nitrate (Ba(NO3)2) and glycerol (Gly) were fabricated using a solution casting process. The NBG electrolyte containing 12 wt.% Ba(NO3)2 and 50 wt.% Gly-has the maximum ionic conductivity, 4.87 × 10−5 S cm−1, at room temperature. The electrochemical performance of plasticized NBG:Ba(NO3)2 was examined utilizing impedance spectroscopy, with an emphasis on the dielectric characteristics and electric modulus parameters. With electrochemical stability up to 2.65 V, the plasticized specimen with the highest conducting demonstrated eligibility for use in energy storage devices. Transference number measurement (TNM) proved the dominancy of ions as a charge carrier in the plasticized NBG:Ba(NO3)2 system, yielding an electron transference number of 0.045 and an ion transference number of 0.955. The absence of redox peaks in the cyclic voltammograms suggests a capacitive charge accumulation in the plasticized electrolyte near to the electrode surface other than the Faradaic process. The triangle-shaped galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) plot shows a comparatively low drop voltage. The constructed electric double layer capacitor (EDLC) using activated carbon displays energy and power densities of 3.41 W/kg and 336.4 Wh/kg, respectively, at the first cycle. The EDLC performances of plasticized NBG:Ba(NO3)2 demonstrated the cell has potential industrial use as an energy storage device.

Fallen Leaves-Based Femtosecond-Laser-Induced-Graphene for High-Performance Flexible Micro-Supercapacitors

The rapid growth of wearable and portable electronics has led to the development of microscale energy storage devices. Among these devices, microsupercapacitors (MSCs) have emerged as promising flexible energy storage devices owing to their high power density, fast charge/discharge rate, and long-term cycling stability [1-4]. Flexible MSCs were mainly made from non-biodegradable synthetic polymers, resulting a massive electronic waste. Moreover, complex manufacturing processes increase production costs.To address these challenges, we present a novel approach to fabricate green and flexible MSCs using naturally fallen leaves as a carbon precursor [5]. Our method utilize ultrashort laser pulses to create highly conductive and intrinsically flexible microelectrodes without any additional materials. The laser-induced-graphene is formed on leaves in ambient air, resulting in hierarchically porous graphene with 3D mesoporous few-layer structures.Our green flexible MSCs demonstrated excellent electrochemical performance and were confirmed to work as a power sources for various applications such as LEDs and thermometers. Furthermore, our approach offers a low-cost, renewable, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional manufacturing processes. Overall, our green and flexible MSCs have significant potential for use in energy-storage devices for flexible/wearable electronics.

Improving the efficiency of the solar water-lifting installation for irrigation in conditions of variable clouds

Relevance. In cloudy weather, the use of solar energy for power supply to consumers without the use of energy storage devices is impossible. Known electrical consumers for which power supply may be at intervals. But at these intervals, you need to supply them with a rated voltage. Such a consumer is, for example, a waterlifting installation for an irrigation system with a capacity of 3 m³/h from a depth of up to 90 m and a power consumption of 1500 W.Methods. Modeling of the process of accumulating electricity from a solar power plant and its transmission to an electric consumer.Results. It is proposed to use an electric power storage device based on supercapacitors with the return of the rated voltage to the consumer at certain intervals. At the same time, if a solar power plant produces enough energy, then the electric consumer is connected directly to it, if not enough— first the supercapacitors are charged, then the return of electricity from them. The method of calculating the capacity, charge time and the number of supercapacitors in the storage is given. The parameters of the storage device for cyclic power supply of the water-lifting installation for 60 seconds are calculated. in cloudy weather , with the supply of 50 liters of water in these intervals.

Structural evolution and energy storage properties of Bi(Zn0.5Zr0.5)O3 modified BaTiO3-based relaxation ferroelectric ceramics

A series of (1−x)BaTiO3−xBi(Zn0.5Zr0.5)O3 (x = 0–0.15) ceramics were synthesized using the conventional solid-state method. An ultrahigh recoverable energy storage density of 3.58 J/cm3 and a high energy efficiency of 90% are obtained for 0.85BaTiO3–0.15Bi(Zn0.5Zr0.5)O3 lead-free bulk ceramics under an electric field of 430 kV/cm; the energy storage density is thus enhanced by a factor of a ∼ 895% compared with that of the pure BT ceramics. Furthermore, an excellent temperature stability is obtained, with changes in the energy storage density and efficiency <5% and <0.1%, respectively, over the temperature range of 30 °C – 120 °C. These ergodic relaxor ferroelectric characteristics are attributed to the reduced grain size, the transition from the tetragonal phase to the pseudo-cubic phase, and the transformation of the domain structure from macro domains to polar nanoregions. This work provides a lead-free material for realizing high-temperature capacitors for use in energy storage devices.

Core/shell structured Ti/Si/C composite for high-performance zinc-ion hybrid capacitor

Zinc-ion capacitors (ZnIC) have focused great attention due to high intrinsic safety and their advantages in terms of environmental protection and price. However, the increase in energy and power densities still remains a challenge. Therefore, this study aims to design and fabricate novel low-cost and environmentally-friendly nanocomposite based on titania/silica/carbon used as cathode in ZnIC. The fabrication procedure involves the functionalization of TiO2 nanoparticles with APTES and glucose, followed by a hydrothermal reaction and carbonization at 600, 700, and 800 °C (Ti/Si/C-Tx, where Tx is the temperature of carbonization) to result in carbon-coated titania/silica with a core/shell architecture. In-situ Raman and X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD) analyses were conducted to elucidate the electrochemical behaviour of the material during charge-discharge cycles. The nanocomposites were electrochemically tested using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic cycling with potential limitation (GCPL), and potentio electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (PEIS). The designed nanocomposite showed improved performance in terms of specific capacity, power, and energy densities with values of 295 F/g, 160 W/kg, and 210 Wh/kg, respectively. Ti/Si/C-700 also demonstrated a high stability retention of 85% after 10′000 cycles, indicating its potential for use in energy storage devices. Despite these promising results, further research is required to improve capacity retention at increased current densities. The key implication of this study is the potential for the development of low-cost and high-performance energy storage devices for various applications, contributing to the growth of renewable energy sources.

A Review on Flash Sintering of Graphene Oxide Films: Mechanism and Recent Advances in the Field.

This review highlights the significance of flash sintering, a photothermal route, in reducing graphene oxide (GO) films. Essentially, extensive efforts are devoted to form graphene electrodes due to its distinctive properties, such as high surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, and optical transparency, owing to which it finds widespread use in energy storage devices, wearable electronics, sensors, and optoelectronics. Thus, rapidly rising market demands for these applications necessitate the need of a technique offering ease of manufacturability and scalability for production of graphene electrodes. The solution-processed graphene electrodes (SPGEs) are promising to fulfil these requirements. Particularly, SPGEs are fabricated by reducing GO film to graphene/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) by utilizing any reduction method, such as chemical, solvothermal, electrochemical, etc. Lately, flash sintering has garnered substantial attention as a promising reduction route for rapid, clean, and green production of graphene electrodes. This review briefly describes the underlying principle, mechanism, and parameters of flash sintering to develop an insight and advantages of this method over extensively used reduction methods. The review is a systematic summarization of the electrical, optical, and microstructural properties of rGO films/electrodes fabricated using this technique.