10 research outputs found
Monodispersed PtPdNi Trimetallic Nanoparticles-Integrated Reduced Graphene Oxide Hybrid Platform for Direct Alcohol Fuel Cell
The
direct alcohol fuel cell has recently emerged as an important
energy conversion device. In the present article, superior alcohol
(ethanol, ethylene glycol, and glycerol) electrooxidation performance
using trimetallic platinum–palladium–nickel (PtPdNi)
alloy nanoparticles of diameters from 2–4 nm supported on a
reduced graphene oxide (rGO) electrocatalyst is demonstrated. A simple
and single-step solvothermal technique is adopted to fabricate the
alloy/rGO hybrid electrocatalysts by simultaneous reduction of metal
ions and graphene oxide. The detailed electrochemical investigation
revealed that the performance of the trimetallic/rGO hybrid toward
electrooxidation of different alcohols is higher than that of bimetallic
alloy/rGO hybrids and the state-of-the-art Pt/C catalyst. The incorporation
of Ni into the PtPd alloy is found to change the surface of the electronic
structure PtPd alloy leading to higher electrochemical surface areas
and improved kinetics. In addition, the hydrophilic nature of Ni not
only facilitates alcohol electrooxidation but also electrooxidation
of residual carbon impurities formed on the catalyst surface, thus
reducing catalyst poisoning, demonstrating its role in the development
of anode catalysts for the alcohol fuel cells
Stimulating the Visible-Light Catalytic Activity of Bi<sub>2</sub>MoO<sub>6</sub> Nanoplates by Embedding Carbon Dots for the Efficient Oxidation, Cascade Reaction, and Photoelectrochemical O<sub>2</sub> Evolution
The present work
demonstrates the facile synthesis and applications of carbon dots
(CD)-embedded Bi<sub>2</sub>MoO<sub>6</sub> nanoplates photocatalyst
in the oxidative coupling of amines and oxidation of toluene and ethylbenzene.
The synthetic protocol is applied to afford good yields of benzimidazole/benzothiazole
via the cascade reaction between benzylamine and <i>o</i>-aminothiophenol/<i>o</i>-phenylenediamine. These photocatalytic
reactions are performed under very mild conditions using the household
light-emitting diode bulb as a light source and O<sub>2</sub> (1 atm).
The CD-embedded, 2.4 wt % CD/Bi<sub>2</sub>MoO<sub>6</sub> exhibits
the best photocatalytic activity. Impressive visible-light absorbance
coefficient, quantum confinement, photoluminescence up-conversion,
and stable photoelectrochemical properties of CD are contemplating the excellent
photocatalytic activity of CD/Bi<sub>2</sub>MoO<sub>6</sub> than the
pristine Bi<sub>2</sub>MoO<sub>6</sub>. Generation and influence of
various reactive species in these catalytic reactions are investigated
by radical scavenging, fluorescence spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetric
(CV) analysis. Both qualitative and quantitative estimation of the
in situ generated H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> in the photocatalytic
oxidative coupling of amines was ascertained using CV and redox titration,
respectively. Further, the influence of substitution in the benzylamine
and involvement of the carbocations are confirmed using Hammett plot.
The developed catalysts are also used as photoanode for O<sub>2</sub> evolution from water oxidation in a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell.
Several PEC techniques evaluate the PEC activity of the photoanodes.
The reactivity order for various substituted benzylamine and the involvement
of reactive oxygen species (O<sub>2</sub>·<sup>–</sup>) in the oxidation reaction was obtained and confirmed from the band
edge potentials of the best photocatalyst using Mott–Schottky
analysis. Efficient catalytic recyclability and photostability are
additional important features of the present investigation. This study
provides a feasible alternative to the development of non-noble metal
(CD)-based nanocomposite photocatalysts that can manifest important
photocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic applications in chemical
synthesis and solar fuel production
Shape-Dependent Photocatalytic Activity of Hydrothermally Synthesized Cadmium Sulfide Nanostructures
The
effective surface area of the nanostructured materials is known to
play a prime role in catalysis. Here we demonstrate that the shape
of the nanostructured materials plays an equally important role in
their catalytic activity. Hierarchical CdS microstructures with different
morphologies such as microspheres assembled of nanoplates, nanorods,
nanoparticles, and nanobelts are synthesized using a simple hydrothermal
method by tuning the volume ratio of solvents, i.e., water or ethylenediamine
(en). With an optimum solvent ratio of 3:1 water:en, the roles of
other synthesis parameters such as precursor’s ratio, temperature,
and precursor combinations are also explored and reported here. Four
selected CdS microstructures are used as photocatalysts for the degradation
of methylene blue and photoelectrochemical water splitting for hydrogen
generation. In spite of smaller effective surface area of CdS nanoneedles/nanorods
than that of CdS nanowires network, the former exhibits higher catalytic
activity under visible light irradiation which is ascribed to the
reduced charge recombination as confirmed from the photoluminescence
study
An Efficient, Visible Light Driven, Selective Oxidation of Aromatic Alcohols and Amines with O<sub>2</sub> Using BiVO<sub>4</sub>/g‑C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> Nanocomposite: A Systematic and Comprehensive Study toward the Development of a Photocatalytic Process
In
this study, BiVO<sub>4</sub> was prepared by a hydrothermal
synthesis route in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate using aqueous
NH<sub>3</sub> as precipitant. g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> was prepared
by a combustion method using melamine. In order to develop highly
efficient photocatalyst, a heterojunction catalyst based on g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> and BiVO<sub>4</sub> was prepared. Different
amounts of BiVO<sub>4</sub> and g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> were
mixed and annealed to obtain heterojunction photocatalysts. FeVO<sub>4</sub> and LaVO<sub>4</sub> were also prepared for the comparative
catalytic investigation. Catalysts were characterized by a series
of complementary combinations of powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric
analysis, elemental analysis, N<sub>2</sub> adsorption–desorption,
scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, temperature-programmed
desorption of NH<sub>3</sub> and CO<sub>2</sub>, diffuse reflectance
ultraviolet visible spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,
photoluminescence spectroscopy, and photoelectrochemical studies.
Catalysts were investigated in the visible light driven oxidation
of benzyl alcohol, benzyl amine, and aniline with O<sub>2</sub>. In
order to propose the electrons, holes, and radicals mediated reaction
pathways, reactions were performed in the presence of an electron/hole/radical
scavenger. Further, in order to confirm various products formed during
the photocatalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol, benzyl amine, and
aniline, several model reactions were carried out. Based on the results
obtained, the reaction mechanism and structure–activity relationship
were established
Hybrid Dot–Disk Au-CuInS<sub>2</sub> Nanostructures as Active Photocathode for Efficient Evolution of Hydrogen from Water
The
synthesis of hybrid 0D-2D dot–disk Au-CIS heterostructures
is enabled through nucleating wurtzite ternary I–III–VI
CuInS<sub>2</sub> (CIS) semiconductor nanostructures on cubic Au particles
via thiol-activated interface reactions. Chemistry of formation of
these unique hybrid metal–semiconductor nanostructures is established
by correlating successive X-ray diffraction patterns and microscopic
images. Furthermore, these nanostructures are explored as an efficient
photocathode material for photoelectrochemical (PEC) production of
hydrogen from water. Although CIS nanostructures are extensively used
as PEC active materials for solar-to-hydrogen conversion, the coupled
structures with Au for their exciton–plasmon coupling is observed
in producing a higher photocurrent with efficient evolution of hydrogen.
In the comparison of materials properties, it is observed that the
cathodic photocurrent, onset potential, and the half-cell solar-to-hydrogen
efficiency (HC-STH) are recorded to be superior to all CIS-based photocathodes
reported up to the current time. These results suggest that designing
proper heterostructured functional materials can enhance the hydrogen
production in the PEC cell and would be helpful for the ongoing technological
needs for a greener way of generating and storing hydrogen energy
Graphene Oxide-Impregnated PVA–STA Composite Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Separator for Power Generation in a Single-Chambered Microbial Fuel Cell
The
present study deals with the development and application of
a proton-exchange polymer membrane separator consisting of graphene
oxide (GO), polyÂ(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and silicotungstic acid (STA)
in a single-chambered microbial fuel cell (sMFC). GO and the prepared
membranes were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, TEM,
and AC impedance analysis. Higher power was achieved with a 0.5 wt
% GO-incorporated PVA–STA–GO membrane compared to a
Nafion 117 membrane. The effects of oxygen crossover and membrane-cathode-assembly
(MCA) area were evaluated in terms of current density and Coulombic
efficiency. The electrochemical behavior of the membrane in an MFC
was improved by adding different amounts of GO to the membrane to
reduce biofouling and also to enhance proton conductivity. A maximum
power density of 1.9 W/m<sup>3</sup> was obtained when acetate wastewater
was treated in an sMFC equipped with a PVA–STA–GO-based
MCA. Therefore, PVA–STA–GO could be utilized as an efficient
and inexpensive separator for sMFCs
Bifunctional Manganese Ferrite/Polyaniline Hybrid as Electrode Material for Enhanced Energy Recovery in Microbial Fuel Cell
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are emerging
as a sustainable technology
for waste to energy conversion where electrode materials play a vital
role on its performance. Platinum (Pt) is the most common material
used as cathode catalyst in the MFCs. However, the high cost and low
earth abundance associated with Pt prompt the researcher to explore
inexpensive catalysts. The present study demonstrates a noble metal-free
MFC using a manganese ferrite (MnFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>)/polyaniline
(PANI)-based electrode material. The MnFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> nanoparticles (NPs) and MnFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> NPs/PANI hybrid
composite not only exhibited superior oxygen reduction reaction (ORR)
activity for the air cathode but also enhanced anode half-cell potential
upon modifying carbon cloth anode in the single-chambered MFC. This
is attributed to the improved extracellular electron transfer of exoelectrogens
due to Fe<sup>3+</sup> in MnFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> and its capacitive
nature. The present work demonstrates for the first time the dual
property of MnFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> NPs/PANI, i.e., as cathode
catalyst and an anode modifier, thereby promising cost-effective MFCs
for practical applications
Double-Metal-Ion-Exchanged Mesoporous Zeolite as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Alkaline Water Oxidation: Synergy between Ni–Cu and Their Contents in Catalytic Activity Enhancement
The
kinetics of total water splitting is mostly hampered by the
sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode of the electrolyzer.
Herein, we focus on the design of a cost-effective porous OER catalyst
for efficient water to fuel conversion. A simple metal-ion-exchange
protocol is adapted to implant electroactive metal centers in the
mesoporous architecture of Zeolite Socony Mobil-5 (ZSM-5). OER-active
Ni is incorporated as catalytic sites in the mesoporous ZSM-5. Further,
simultaneous incorporation of both Ni<sup>2+</sup> and Cu<sup>2+</sup> into the mesoporous ZSM-5 (Meso-Z) matrix significantly boost the
OER catalytic activity. The optimization of Ni and Cu contents (1.04
wt % Ni and 0.44 wt % Cu) in the catalyst is found to be essential
to achieve high catalytic activity. The Cu content influences the
onset potential, and the Ni content determines the catalytic current
during OER. Among developed catalysts, Ni<sub>2</sub>Cu<sub>1</sub>-Meso-Z offers the best performance even better than the state-of-art
OER catalyst IrO<sub>2</sub>. Ni<sub>2</sub>Cu<sub>1</sub>-Meso-Z
delivers a current density of 10 mA/cm<sup>2</sup> at an overpotential
of 407 mV and exhibits a low Tafel slope of 55 mV/dec, a high electrochemical
active surface area of 6.26, and a roughness factor of 89.42. Moreover,
Ni<sub>2</sub>Cu<sub>1</sub>-Meso-Z retains 92% of its initial current
density after 1000 potential cycles of a test run. The best performing
Ni<sub>2</sub>Cu<sub>1</sub>-Meso-Z offers a faradic efficiency of
92%, whereas the state-of-the-art IrO<sub>2</sub> efficiency was decreased
by 22% under the similar experimental condition. Further, Ni<sub>2</sub>Cu<sub>1</sub>-Meso-Z-modified anode exhibits better performance
in its single cell than IrO<sub>2</sub>, in which Pt is used as cathode.
The excellent OER catalytic activity of double-metal-ion-exchanged
Meso-Z is attributed to the large surface area of mesoporous ZSM-5,
hydrophilicity, fast diffusion of water molecules through the favorable
interaction with Si–OH groups, and optimum binding and dissociation
of different oxygeneous OER intermediates on the catalyst surface.
Excellent current density and sustainable performance suggest that
the double-metal-ion-exchanged mesoporous zeolite can serve as a potential
candidate to improve the overall water splitting in the electrolyzer
Chemically Filled and Au-Coupled BiSbS<sub>3</sub> Nanorod Heterostructures for Photoelectrocatalysis
The
synergistic effects of foreign ion incorporation into a semiconductor
host crystal lattice can produce new functional properties. This concept
has been adopted in the design of various energy materials for light
harvesting, charge transport, and energy storage applications. Going
beyond the traditionally used group II–VI and III–V
semiconductor nanostructures, herein, 1D materials involving BiÂ(III)
and SbÂ(III) sulfides are reported. Upon Sb dilution into the Bi<sub>2</sub>S<sub>3</sub> lattice, exciting new material properties, including
induction of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and a drastic
change to the 1D crystal growth pattern, were observed. The presence
of the SbÂ(III) precursor along with BiÂ(III) led to nanotubes with
controlled length as the ultimate product, and their transformation
to nanorods via chemical filling emerged as a new fundamental mechanism
of crystal growth. Due to its slow thermal decomposition rate, the
SbÂ(III) precursor dominantly filled these tubes, resulting in graded
alloy Bi<sub>1.09</sub>Sb<sub>0.91</sub>S<sub>3</sub> (BAS) nanorods.
Further, by coupling with Au via seeded nucleation, Au–Bi<sub>1.09</sub>Sb<sub>0.91</sub>S<sub>3</sub> (Au-BAS) 1D heteronanostructures
were designed, in which Au remained at the center of the BAS nanorods.
On the basis of these advantages, these nanostructures were employed
for photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) water splitting, and significant enhancement
was observed in the Au-coupled rods
A Metal-Free Covalent Organic Polymer for Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Metal-free catalysis
for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution from
water is very demanding for the production of sustainable and clean
fuel. Herein, we report the synthesis of a porphyrin-based metal-free
covalent organic polymer (TpPAM) through a simple condensation between
triformyl phloroglucinol (Tp) and 5,10,15,20-tetraÂ(4-aminophenyl)-21<i>H</i>,23<i>H</i>-porphyrin (PAM). The as-prepared
porous TpPAM exhibited superior activity for the hydrogen evolution
reaction (HER) current density of 10 mA cm<sup>–2</sup> at
a low overpotential of 250 mV and a small Tafel slope of 106 mV decade<sup>–1</sup>, which are better than those of related metal-free
electrocatalysts. The high HER activity of TpPAM was investigated
in-depth via theoretical density functional theory (DFT) calculations.
The theoretical findings were correlated with the experimental results,
and these were in good agreement for high HER catalytic efficiency
of the porous TpPAM polymer. The Faradaic efficiency of the TpPAM-based
electrode was found to be 98%, which is very close to the ideal value
of 100%, reflecting its potential for practical implementation. Moreover,
the as-synthesized catalyst showed good stability by retaining 91%
of the initial current density after 1000 cycles