IonicsPub Date : 2025-02-04DOI: 10.1007/s11581-025-06121-7
N. A. S. Aziz, M. Y. A. Rahman, A. A. Umar, E. R. Mawarnis, A. W. M. Zuhdi
{"title":"Dye-sensitized solar cells utilizing aurum-palladium bimetal film counter electrode","authors":"N. A. S. Aziz, M. Y. A. Rahman, A. A. Umar, E. R. Mawarnis, A. W. M. Zuhdi","doi":"10.1007/s11581-025-06121-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11581-025-06121-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This work is concerned with the improvement of dye-sensitized solar cell efficiency by incorporating aurum into palladium which serves as a counter electrode (CE) for the device. The CE has been prepared via the liquid phase deposition (LPD) technique. The effect of the concentration of aurum (III) chloride trihydrate (HAuCl<sub>4</sub>.3H<sub>2</sub>O) on the properties and the performance of the device has been studied. The sources of palladium and aurum are potassium hexachloropalladate (K<sub>2</sub>PdCl<sub>6</sub>) and HAuCl<sub>4</sub>.3H<sub>2</sub>O, respectively. A dominant phase of Au–Pd exists in the sample. The morphological shape of AuPd is a truncated nanohexagon plate. The particle size of AuPd increases with the concentration of HAuCl<sub>4</sub>.3H<sub>2</sub>O, but its crystallite size decreases until an optimum concentration of 0.5 mM. The device employing AuPd CE with 0.5 mM HAuCl<sub>4</sub>.3H<sub>2</sub>O yielded the highest efficiency of 6.69%. This is because this device possesses the highest coverage area, highest particle density, biggest particle size, smallest crystallite size, highest IPCE, lowest <i>R</i><sub>s</sub> and <i>R</i><sub>ct</sub>, longest <i>τ</i>, highest <i>J</i><sub>pc</sub>, <i>J</i><sub>o</sub>, and <i>J</i><sub>lim</sub>. In conclusion, AuPd is found as a suitable CE candidate in efficient DSSC.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":599,"journal":{"name":"Ionics","volume":"31 3","pages":"2855 - 2867"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143553845","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
IonicsPub Date : 2025-02-03DOI: 10.1007/s11581-025-06115-5
Chien-Sheng Huang, Jui-Yu Wang, Jung-Jie Huang
{"title":"Titanium oxide covers graphite felt as negative electrode for vanadium redox flow battery by liquid phase deposition","authors":"Chien-Sheng Huang, Jui-Yu Wang, Jung-Jie Huang","doi":"10.1007/s11581-025-06115-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11581-025-06115-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Using a mixed solution of (NH<sub>4</sub>)<sub>2</sub>TiF<sub>6</sub> and H<sub>3</sub>BO<sub>3</sub>, this study performed liquid phase deposition (LPD) to deposit TiO<sub>2</sub> on graphite felt (GF) for application in the negative electrode of a vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB). The results revealed that LPD-TiO<sub>2</sub> uniformly coated GF, effectively transforming the original hydrophobic nature of GF into a superhydrophilic nature. After annealing at 500 ℃ in an atmospheric environment, the oxygen vacancies in the TiO<sub>2</sub> thin film were optimized, considerably enhancing its mass transfer efficiency and electrochemical activity. The VRFB comprising the LPD-TiO<sub>2</sub>/GF negative electrode achieved a coulombic efficiency, voltage efficiency, and energy efficiency of 96.2%, 71.8%, and 69.3%, respectively, at 125 mA/cm<sup>2</sup>, which were significantly superior to the corresponding efficiencies of 95.7%, 60.3%, and 57.7%, respectively, achieved by the VRFB with the acid cleaned GF. These findings demonstrate that the proposed technology has great potential for application in VRFBs.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":599,"journal":{"name":"Ionics","volume":"31 3","pages":"2539 - 2551"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143553842","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
IonicsPub Date : 2025-02-02DOI: 10.1007/s11581-025-06083-w
Bassam A. Najri, Hilal Kivrak, Arif Kivrak
{"title":"Efficient hydrogen production via NaBH4 methanolysis enhanced by bismuth terephthalic acid metal–organic framework","authors":"Bassam A. Najri, Hilal Kivrak, Arif Kivrak","doi":"10.1007/s11581-025-06083-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11581-025-06083-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The bismuth terephthalate metal–organic framework (Bi(TPA).MOF) was synthesized as a methanolysis catalyst using a solvothermal method, by reacting terephthalic acid (TPA) with bismuth nitrate pentahydrate (Bi(NO<sub>3</sub>)<sub>3</sub>·5H<sub>2</sub>O) in dimethylformamide (DMF) at 383.15 K. The structure, morphology, and composition of the resulting MOF were characterized using advanced surface analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM–EDX), which confirmed successful formation of the Bi(TPA).MOF structure. The catalytic performance of Bi(TPA).MOF was then assessed in the sodium borohydride (NaBH<sub>4</sub>) methanolysis reaction, demonstrating remarkable activity. The optimization of key reaction parameters, such as catalyst loading, NaBH<sub>4</sub> concentration, methanol volume, and reaction temperature, was conducted. Notably, Bi(TPA).MOF exhibited an outstanding hydrogen generation rate (HGR) of 321,996 mL/min·g_catalyst, with an activation energy of 39.9 kJ/mol, calculated via the Arrhenius equation. These results significantly surpass those previously reported in the literature, positioning Bi(TPA).MOF as a promising and efficient catalyst for enhancing hydrogen production through NaBH<sub>4</sub> methanolysis.\u0000</p></div>","PeriodicalId":599,"journal":{"name":"Ionics","volume":"31 3","pages":"2679 - 2689"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143553705","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
IonicsPub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1007/s11581-025-06113-7
Vinoline Golda Thanapalan, Amudhavalli Karuppiah, Infant Francita Fonseka Christopher
{"title":"Synergistic effect of CuCo2O4 and self-doped TiO2 nanotubes in binder-free electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors","authors":"Vinoline Golda Thanapalan, Amudhavalli Karuppiah, Infant Francita Fonseka Christopher","doi":"10.1007/s11581-025-06113-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11581-025-06113-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In this work, a high-performance binder-free electrode for supercapacitor applications is fabricated using self-doped TiO<sub>2</sub> nanotube arrays (TNAs) adorned with copper cobaltite (CuCo<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>). A two-step electrochemical anodization technique was used to produce highly ordered TNAs with a large surface area and electrochemical properties. To improve electrical conductivity, oxygen vacancies, and Ti<sup>3</sup>⁺ states were added to the pristine TNAs during the self-doping process. Instead of requiring polymer binders, these nanotube arrays act as a strong scaffold. Following that, an easy electrochemical deposition procedure was used to uniformly deposit CuCo<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> nanoparticles onto the self-doped TNAs. Due to its large surface area, superior electron transport capabilities, and numerous redox-active sites, the resulting self-doped TNA/CuCo<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> composite greatly improves electrochemical performance. A significant capacitive behavior was observed when the electrodes were examined in Na<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> electrolyte. Measurements using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) revealed a long cycle stability, good rate capability, and high areal capacitance. The self-doped TNA electrode achieves the greatest areal capacitance of 29.19 mF/cm<sup>2</sup> at a current density of 0.1 mA/cm<sup>2</sup>, along with good rate capability and long-term cycle stability, with capacitance retention of 97.36% after 5000 cycles. A remarkable areal capacitance of 669.59mF/cm<sup>2</sup> was achieved for the self-doped TNAs/CuCo<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> electrode at a scan rate of 5 mV/s. The synergistic impact of self-doped TiO<sub>2</sub> and CuCo<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> in increasing electron transfer and ion diffusion was further confirmed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), which also indicated a low charge-transfer resistance (<i>R</i><sub>ct</sub>) of 4.641 Ω. Combining the benefits of pseudocapacitive characteristics of CuCo<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> with the improved conductivity of self-doped TNA, the self-doped TNA/CuCo<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> composite electrode presents a potential option for energy storage devices. This binder-free, self-doped TNA electrode decorated with CuCo<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> shows great promise for application in the next generation of supercapacitors, providing enhanced cycling durability, power density, and energy density.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":599,"journal":{"name":"Ionics","volume":"31 3","pages":"2919 - 2941"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143553746","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
IonicsPub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1007/s11581-024-06042-x
Atef Y. Shenouda, Mostafa S. Eraky, Moustafa M. S. Sanad, Marwa M. Moharam
{"title":"Synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical performance of novel ZnxCd1-xO compounds as negative electrodes in lithium batteries","authors":"Atef Y. Shenouda, Mostafa S. Eraky, Moustafa M. S. Sanad, Marwa M. Moharam","doi":"10.1007/s11581-024-06042-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11581-024-06042-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Cadmium and zinc oxide compounds of chemical formula Zn<sub>x</sub>Cd<sub>1-x</sub>O, where <i>x</i> = 0–1 with various weight ratios, were synthesized by hydrothermal technique. These compounds are used as novel anode materials in lithium batteries. The crystal structure was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The crystal structure of ZnO is hexagonal like wurtzite, while the crystal structure of CdO is cubic. The morphology of samples was investigated by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The morphology of pure CdO is like bacillary, whereas ZnO has spheroid morphology. The Zn<sub>0.4</sub>Cd<sub>0.6</sub>O sample reveals a coral reef-like structure. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) explained binding energy, chemical composition, and elemental states of ZnO, CdO, and the mixed oxides. The prepared compounds were applied as anode active materials in the collected CR2032 coin cell versus the Li metal. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) studies revealed three cathodic peaks at 1.10, 0.5, and 0.15 V vs. Li<sup>+</sup>, respectively, with ZnO, Zn<sub>0.8</sub>Cd<sub>0.2</sub>O, and Zn<sub>0.4</sub>Cd<sub>0.6</sub>O cells. These peaks are for solid electrolyte interface (SEI) formation and lithiation (discharging) processes. On the other hand, there are three main apparent anodic peaks at 0.01, 0.20, and 1.10 V, respectively for delithiation (charging) reactions. Galvanostatic measurements were carried out. Zn<sub>0.4</sub>Cd<sub>0.6</sub>O cell exhibited the maximum specific capacity of 1213 mAhg<sup>−1</sup> for the first discharge process and delivered a capacity of 800 mAhg<sup>−1</sup> for cycle life up to 100 cycles. Also, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements demonstrated a reasonable value of charge transfer resistance (<i>R</i><sub>ct</sub> ~ 80.2 Ω) for the Zn<sub>0.4</sub>Cd<sub>0.6</sub>O cell, which is close to that of pure ZnO (68 Ω). Therefore, Zn<sub>x</sub>Cd<sub>1-x</sub>O materials are good candidates for use as anode electrodes in lithium batteries.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":599,"journal":{"name":"Ionics","volume":"31 3","pages":"2391 - 2405"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143553747","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
IonicsPub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1007/s11581-025-06112-8
Nitin Kumar, K. Sandeep Rao, U. P. Deshpande, Vasant Sathe, A. K. Sahu, S. N. Achary, S. K. Deshpande
{"title":"Enhanced oxygen ion conductivity in Ba3W1+xV1−xO8.5+x/2 (− 0.2 ≤ × ≤ 0.2) hexagonal perovskite derivative compounds","authors":"Nitin Kumar, K. Sandeep Rao, U. P. Deshpande, Vasant Sathe, A. K. Sahu, S. N. Achary, S. K. Deshpande","doi":"10.1007/s11581-025-06112-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11581-025-06112-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>A series of hexagonal perovskite derivative compounds Ba<sub>3</sub>W<sub>1+<i>x</i></sub>V<sub>1−<i>x</i></sub>O<sub>8.5+<i>x</i>/2</sub> (<i>x</i> = − 0.2, − 0.1, 0, 0.1, 0.2) with varying oxygen content was synthesized by high-temperature solid-state reaction route and characterized using X-ray diffraction, SEM–EDX, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, and dielectric spectroscopy. All samples were isostructural, having features of both palmierite and 9R hexagonal perovskite. The unit cell volume showed a continuously decreasing trend with increasing oxygen content. The XPS studies showed no deviation of oxidation states of W<sup>6+</sup> and V<sup>5+</sup> and hence confirmed that the oxygen stoichiometry is solely controlled by the W to V ratio in the samples. The presence of both octahedral MO<sub>6</sub> and tetrahedral MO<sub>4</sub> units in all samples was inferred from temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopic studies. The translational and rotational motion of MO<sub>4</sub> tetrahedra are appreciably affected by temperature. The <i>dc</i> conductivity was obtained directly from the complex <i>ac</i> conductivity derived from temperature-dependent dielectric measurements. It was found that the <i>dc</i> conductivity increases when the composition deviates from <i>x</i> = 0.0, i.e., W:V = 1:1. An estimate of the ion mobility and mobile ion concentration was obtained using the Almond-West formalism. The conductivity was found to be significantly higher in W-rich compounds (<i>x</i> > 0), and the ion mobility was also correspondingly higher. It could be inferred that the compositional dependence of unit cell parameters, particularly <i>a</i>- or <i>b</i>-axis, and the oxygen stoichiometry, play crucial roles in governing the ionic conductivity of these hexagonal perovskite derivatives.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":599,"journal":{"name":"Ionics","volume":"31 3","pages":"2593 - 2610"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11581-025-06112-8.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143553748","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
IonicsPub Date : 2025-01-31DOI: 10.1007/s11581-025-06111-9
Jayaprakash Avinash, S. P. Vijaya Chamundeeswari
{"title":"Recent advancements and challenges for Cu2O-based binary heterojunction photocatalyst for organic pollutant degradation","authors":"Jayaprakash Avinash, S. P. Vijaya Chamundeeswari","doi":"10.1007/s11581-025-06111-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11581-025-06111-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Cu<sub>2</sub>O-based binary heterojunction photocatalysts have emerged as promising candidates for the degradation of organic pollutants, offering a sustainable solution for environmental remediation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements and challenges in the development and application of Cu<sub>2</sub>O-based binary heterojunction photocatalysts. The synergistic integration of Cu<sub>2</sub>O with other semiconductors has been shown to significantly enhance photocatalytic activity through improved charge separation and light absorption. Various synthesis methods, including sol–gel, hydrothermal, and chemical thermal oxidation, have enabled precise tailoring of structural and functional properties to optimize performance. We highlight cutting-edge developments in photocatalytic degradation technologies addressing a wide range of organic pollutants, including pharmaceuticals, dyes, and industrial chemicals. Furthermore, we discuss existing limitations and propose future directions to improve efficiency and scalability, underlining the critical role of these photocatalysts in advancing sustainable environmental cleanup efforts.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":599,"journal":{"name":"Ionics","volume":"31 4","pages":"3151 - 3171"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143769756","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
IonicsPub Date : 2025-01-31DOI: 10.1007/s11581-025-06105-7
Babita Tripathi, Sunil Chauhan, M. Z. A. Yahya, S. N. F. Yusuf, Markus Diantoro, R. C. Singh
{"title":"Enhanced photocatalytic properties of hydrothermally synthesized Bi2S3-C dots nanocomposites","authors":"Babita Tripathi, Sunil Chauhan, M. Z. A. Yahya, S. N. F. Yusuf, Markus Diantoro, R. C. Singh","doi":"10.1007/s11581-025-06105-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11581-025-06105-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In this present communication, we have synthesized the Bi<sub>2</sub>S<sub>3</sub>-<i>x</i>C dots (<i>x</i> = 0, 0.03, 0.06, 0.13, 0.27, 0.67 and 1.0) nanocomposite samples by using low temperature hydrothermal method. The XRD measurements confirmed the phase purity and nanocomposite nature of the synthesized samples. FESEM and TEM measurements confirmed that, Bi<sub>2</sub>S<sub>3</sub> samples have rod shape of morphology and their sizes (diameter) are between 15-30 nm in pristine Bi<sub>2</sub>S<sub>3</sub> and Bi<sub>2</sub>S<sub>3</sub>-<i>x</i>C dots samples allografted with amorphous C dots. The photocatalytic properties of the Bi<sub>2</sub>S<sub>3</sub>-<i>x</i>C dots nanocomposite samples against the ciprofloxacin (CIP) antibiotic were studied in detail. The maximum photocatalytic activity was shown by <i>x</i> = 0.67 sample (maximum 88% CIP degradation, in 80 min) due to effective electrons transfer and reduction of charge recombination rate in the p–n junction, formed between the nanocomposite.\u0000</p></div>","PeriodicalId":599,"journal":{"name":"Ionics","volume":"31 3","pages":"2821 - 2835"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143554113","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
IonicsPub Date : 2025-01-31DOI: 10.1007/s11581-025-06110-w
Muhammad Azam Qamar, Majed Y. Almashnowi, Mohsenah H. J. Mashniwi, Syed Kashif Ali, Neelam Shahadat
{"title":"Advancing the future: a mini review of developments and prospects in potassium-ion capacitors and potassium-ion hybrid capacitors","authors":"Muhammad Azam Qamar, Majed Y. Almashnowi, Mohsenah H. J. Mashniwi, Syed Kashif Ali, Neelam Shahadat","doi":"10.1007/s11581-025-06110-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11581-025-06110-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This review examines the advancements and challenges in potassium-ion hybrid capacitors (K-H<sub>y</sub>C<sub>s</sub>) and potassium-ion capacitors (K-ICs), emerging next-generation energy storage technologies that synergize the high energy density of batteries with the superior power density and extended cycle life of supercapacitors. These systems capitalize on potassium’s natural abundance, economic viability, and advantageous electrochemical properties, presenting themselves as sustainable alternatives to lithium-based storage systems. The paper highlights recent progress in developing carbon-based anode materials, focusing on strategies such as heteroatom doping, hierarchical structuring, and using biomass-derived precursors. In addition to carbon-based materials, we also briefly discussed transition metal chalcogenide materials and titanium-based materials. These innovations are pivotal in addressing critical challenges associated with potassium’s large ionic radius, which impairs ion diffusion kinetics and electrode structural stability. Furthermore, advanced electrolyte designs are discussed for their critical role in enhancing these devices’ electrochemical performance and stability. Despite substantial advancements, significant obstacles remain. Key challenges include ensuring compatibility between electrode materials, achieving thermodynamic stability, and developing efficient ion transport mechanisms. Future research directions are proposed to overcome these limitations, including developing hybrid nanostructured electrodes, exploring novel electrolyte chemistries, and integrating machine learning techniques to accelerate material discovery and optimization. These efforts aim to unlock the full potential of PIHCs and PICs for scalable energy storage applications.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":599,"journal":{"name":"Ionics","volume":"31 4","pages":"3121 - 3150"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143769755","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
IonicsPub Date : 2025-01-30DOI: 10.1007/s11581-025-06099-2
Zhiyan He, Xiaoqiang Jia, Wei Huang, Guimin Lu
{"title":"Electrochemical behavior of Na₂B₄O₇ in the BaCl2-NaCl-CaCl2 molten salt","authors":"Zhiyan He, Xiaoqiang Jia, Wei Huang, Guimin Lu","doi":"10.1007/s11581-025-06099-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11581-025-06099-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Sodium metal has demonstrated significant potential for various applications due to its exceptional performance characteristics. The electrochemical behavior of Na₂B₄O₇ and the underpotential deposition mechanism of Ca(II) and B on the electrode surface were investigated in a BaCl₂-NaCl-CaCl₂ molten salt system at 873 K using cyclic voltammetry (CV), square wave voltammetry (SWV), chronoamperometry (CA), and open-circuit potentiometry (OCP). B₄O₇<sup>2−</sup> undergoes a quasi-reversible, one-step, three-electron reduction to B on a tungsten electrode in the molten salt system. The diffusion coefficient of B₄O₇<sup>2−</sup> in the BaCl₂-NaCl-CaCl₂ molten salt system was determined to be 3.24 × 10<sup>-4</sup> cm<sup>2</sup> s<sup>−1</sup>, and the nucleation mechanism was identified as instantaneous nucleation. Under the interaction between B and Ca(II), part of the Ca(II) undergoes underpotential deposition on the B surface to form the intermediate phase CaB₆, which is a diffusion-controlled, quasi-reversible process. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the electrolysis products confirmed that the reduction product of B₄O₇<sup>2−</sup> is B, and the intermediate phase is CaB₆. This study provides valuable insights into impurity separation in the electrolytic production of sodium metal and establishes a theoretical foundation for reducing impurity accumulation and improving current efficiency.</p>","PeriodicalId":599,"journal":{"name":"Ionics","volume":"31 3","pages":"2515 - 2522"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143554031","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}