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Bimetallic phosphides are considered as promising electrocatalysts for zinc–air batteries toward oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). To address the semi‐conductor inherent low electronic conductivity and catalytic activity, a polymetal‐chelated strategy is employed to in situ fabricate bimetallic nanophosphides within carbon matrix anchoring by chemical bonding. The employment of biomolecule polydopamine (PDA) efficiently anchors various transition metal ions due to its strong chelating capability via inherent functional groups. Furthermore, the chelation of multi‐metal ion is proved to promote the formation of graphitic nitrogen. The bimetallic FexCoyP phosphides nanoparticles are intimately encapsulated in carbon matrix through in situ carbonization and phosphatization processes. When utilized in Zinc–air batteries, Fe0.20Co0.80P anchored within N, P co‐doped sub‐microsphere (Fe0.20Co0.80P /PNC) exhibit a maximum power density of 167 mW cm−2 and cycle life up to 270 cycles, with a round‐trip voltage of 0.955 V. The mechanisms for catalytic activity passivation are ascribed to the etching of nitrogen and oxidation of phosphorus in carbon matrix, as well as the oxidation of the surface phosphide on the sub‐microspheres. This study presents a promising candidate for advancing the further development of energy conversation catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal oxides are considered to be highly promising anode materials for high-energy lithium-ion batteries. While carbon matrices have demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing the electrical conductivity and accommodating the volume expansion of transition metal oxide-based anode materials in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), achieving an optimized utilization ratio remains a challenging obstacle. In this investigation, we have devised a straightforward synthesis approach to fabricate CuO nano powder integrated with carbon matrix. We found that with the use of a sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) based binder and fluoroethylene carbonate additives, this anode exhibits enhanced performance compared to acrylonitrile multi-copolymer binder (LA133) based electrodes. CuO@CMC electrodes reveal a notable capacity ~1100 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1 following 170 cycles, and exhibit prolonged cycling stability, with a capacity of 450 mA h g−1 at current density 300 mA g−1 over 500 cycles. Furthermore, they demonstrated outstanding rate performance and reduced charge transfer resistance. This study offers a viable approach for fabricating electrode materials for next-generation, high energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing and synthesizing cathode materials with high specific capacity and stability for aqueous zinc ion battery remains a significant challenge. In this study, citric acid was selected as the reducing agent for converting V2O5 to VO2 with a carbon matrix using the hydrothermal method. The introduction of citric acid not only created a distinct microstructure in V4+ materials but also provided carbon matrix, which resulted in a fast diffusion of zinc ion and a good conductivity. This carbon containing vanadium-oxide material exhibited excellent electrochemical performance as a cathode material for aqueous zinc ion batteries, showing a high specific capacity of 399.33 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1, and a capacity retention rate up to 98.3% after cycling for 1000 cycles at a high current density of 5 A g−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, two types of porous Cf/Cm composites were obtained by introducing pyrolytic carbon (PyC) and pyrolytic carbon/furan resin carbon (PyC/FRC). Subsequently, Cf/Cm-SiC-(ZrxHf1−x)C composites with different carbon matrices were prepared by introducing SiC and (ZrxHf1−x)C matrices into the porous Cf/Cm composites via the reactive melt infiltration method, specifically termed as Cf/PyC-SiC-(ZrxHf1−x)C and Cf/PyC/FRC-SiC-(ZrxHf1−x)C composites. The microstructures of the porous Cf/Cm and Cf/Cm-SiC-(ZrxHf1−x)C composites with different carbon matrices were examined, and a comprehensive analysis was conducted on microstructural evolution and mechanical behaviors of the Cf/Cm-SiC-(ZrxHf1−x)C composites. The results indicate that both Cf/Cm-SiC-(ZrxHf1−x)C composites underwent similar microstructural evolution processes, differing only in terms of evolution kinetics and final microstructure. Differences in the pore structures of porous Cf/Cm composites, as well as in the reactivities of carbon matrices, were identified as primary influencing factors. Additionally, both Cf/Cm-SiC-(ZrxHf1−x)C composites exhibited "pseudo-ductile" fracture characteristics, with flexural strengths of 214.1 ± 8.8 MPa and 149.6 ± 12.2 MPa, respectively. In the Cf/PyC-SiC-(ZrxHf1−x)C composite, crack initiation during loading primarily originated from the ceramic matrix, while in the Cf/PyC/FRC-SiC-(ZrxHf1−x)C composite, failure initially arose from the residual FRC matrix. Excessive fiber corrosion and the presence of residual low-modulus FRC matrix resulted in lower mechanical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and PEDOT-functionalized carbon nanoparticles (f-CNPs) were synthesized by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization and pyrolysis methods. f-CNP-PEDOT nanocomposites were prepared by varying the concentration of PEDOT from 1 to 20% by weight (i.e., 1, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 wt%). Several characterization techniques, such as field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and Barrett–Joyner–Halenda (BJH) analyses, as well as cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), were applied to investigate the morphology, the crystalline structure, the N2 adsorption/desorption capability, as well as the electrochemical properties of these new synthesized nanocomposite materials. FESEM analysis showed that these nanocomposites have defined porous structures, and BET surface area analysis showed that the standalone f-CNP exhibited the largest surface area of 801.6 m2/g, whereas the f-CNP-PEDOT with 20 wt% exhibited the smallest surface area of 116 m2/g. The BJH method showed that the nanocomposites were predominantly mesoporous. CV, GCD, and EIS measurements showed that f-CNP functionalized with 5 wt% PEDOT had a higher capacitive performance compared to the individual f-CNPs and PEDOT constituents, exhibiting an extraordinary specific capacitance of 258.7 F/g, at a current density of 0.25 A/g, due to the combined advantage of enhanced electrochemical activity induced by PEDOT doping, and highly developed porosity of f-CNPs. Symmetric aqueous supercapacitor devices were fabricated using the optimized f-CNP-PEDOT doped with 5 wt% of PEDOT as active material, exhibiting a high capacitance of 96.7 F/g at 1.4 V, holding practically their full charge, after 10,000 charge–discharge cycles at 2 A/g, thus providing the highest electrical electrodes performance. Hereafter, this work paves the way for the potential use of f-CNP-PEDOT nanocomposites in the development of high-energy-density supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium sulfur (Na-S) battery is an electrochemical energy stowage stratagem which has been labelled as a practicable aspirant for extensive grid-ion verve stowage structures. Na-S battery consumes a high energy concentration as well as a high thermodynamic efficiency of charge and discharge rotations. In this aspect, sulfur is a promising cathode material due to its capability of intercalating two electrons simultaneously in addition to its low cost and natural abundance. Due to the insulating nature of sulfur, a carbon matrix is introduced and encapsulates the sulfur. In this work, coconut carbon, rGO, and MWCNT acted as a various carbon matrix synthesized by the melt diffusion method. Further, physical and electrochemical studies have been investigated. Interestingly, S/rGO exhibits an initial discharge capacity of 965 mAhg-1 at 0.1C with a coulombic efficiency of 81%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a model of an electrode material for a hybrid capacitor and experimentally confirmed ways to improve cell parameters, such as increasing the energy capacity of the cell; increasing the operating voltage in cells with aqueous electrolyte up to 2.6 V, twice the water decomposition potential; and reducing internal resistance. The technology of manufacturing electrode materials for hybrid capacitors is also presented, and its choice is justified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relevance. The need to create new safe energy sources that can meet the needs of production and medicine where the use of traditional energy sources is impossible or unprofitable. Such sources may include radioisotope power sources, in which energy production is ensured by the natural decay of radionuclides. The most important components of current sources such as supercapacitors are electrode materials, the characteristics of which determine the electrophysical characteristics of radioisotope sources. This work proposes a method for synthesizing a carbon matrix doped with Sr for use as electrodes of radioisotope power sources. Aim. Development, mastery and optimization of a method for synthesizing electrodes of radioisotope power sources based on carbon materials doped with the Sr-90 radioisotope. Objects. Carbon material doped with a radioisotope simulant Sr-90 (Sr stable). Carbon matrices were obtained by carbonizing a resorcinol-formaldehyde resin doped with a stable strontium salt. Methods. Scanning electron microscopy, low-temperature adsorption-desorption of nitrogen, cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge, impedance microscopy. Results. A carbon matrix doped with a stable strontium isotope was synthesized by the method of semi-carbonization followed by physical activation with carbon dioxide. The structure, porosity and electrochemical characteristics of the material were studied. It was established that physical activation has a positive effect on the development of the specific surface area and mesoporosity of the samples of the synthesized matrix, as a result of which its electrochemical characteristics are improved. The method of physical activation is proposed as the most preferable for the synthesis of a carbon matrix doped with strontium isotopes for use as electrodes of radioisotope power supplies.

In this work, the experimental current collector based on a reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC®) matrix modified with copper and lead was obtained and examined for usage as the current collectors of lead-acid batteries. The collectors under investigation were obtained using galvanic methods. Electrochemical tests of the obtained collectors were carried out using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic gravimetric corrosion rate test. The morphology and metal coating compositions were analyses based on the results obtained by utilizing a scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with an X-ray dispersion analyzer (EDS). The measurements indicated the feasibility of obtaining a collector with a metallic copper-lead bilayer that remains stable under the operating conditions of the positive plate. However, the corrosion resistance of the collector relies on the durability of the outer lead coating. At the same time, incorporating a copper layer enables a reduction in charge transfer resistance during the electrode process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing the challenges associated with the highly exothermic nature of CO2 methanation, there is considerable interest in innovative catalyst designs on structural metallic supports. One promising solution in this regard involves thin films containing cobalt oxide within a carbon matrix, fabricated using the cold plasma deposition method (PECVD). The objective of this study was to search for a relationship between the molecular structure, nanostructure, and electronic structure of such films and their catalytic activity. The investigations employed various techniques, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-VIS absorption, and catalytic tests in the CO2 methanation process. Three types of films were tested: untreated as-deposited (ad-CoO), thermally post-treated (TT-CoO), and argon plasma post-treated (PT-CoO) films. Among these, TT-CoO exhibited the most favorable catalytic properties, demonstrating a CO2 conversion rate of 83%, CH4 selectivity of 98% at 400 °C, and stability during the catalytic process. This superior performance was attributed to the formation of nanoscale heterojunctions in the TT-CoO film, where p-type CoO nanocrystallites interacted with the n-type carbon matrix. This work provides compelling evidence highlighting the key role of nanoscale heterojunctions in shaping the properties of nanocatalysts in thermal catalysis. These findings suggest promising prospects for designing new catalytic systems by manipulating interactions at the nanoscale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, potassium-ion batteries (KIBs) have attracted significant interest due to a number of factors, including the growing demand for energy and limited lithium resources. However, their practical use is hampered by poor cycling stability due to the large size of K+. Therefore, it is critical to develop a structural design that effectively suppresses large volume changes. This study presents a simple method of using a salt template to fabricate porous microspheres (p-MoSe2@C MS) of MoSe2 and a carbon matrix as anode materials in KIBs. These microspheres have a distinct porous design, with uniformly distributed MoSe2 nanocrystals embedded in the carbon matrix to prevent MoSe2 overgrowth due to material diffusion during heat treatment. The manufacturing process combined one-step spray drying with recyclable NaCl as a hard template. Through a two-step thermal process under an inert atmosphere, the initial dextrin, NaCl, and Mo salt microspheres were converted into a p-MoSe2@N MS composite. The carbon structure derived from the dextrin maintained the shape of the microspheres when NaCl was removed, ensuring no overgrowth of MoSe2. This well-designed porous structure improves the interaction with the electrolyte, facilitating the transport of ions and electrons and reducing the K+ diffusion distances. In addition, the porous carbon structure accommodates large volume changes during cycling and maintains its structural strength. As a result, p-MoSe2@C MS composite exhibits superior electrochemical properties, with remarkable capacity, long-term cycling stability (193 mA h g−1 after 500 cycles at 2.0 A g−1), and rate capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red phosphorus (rP) is one of the most promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, owing to its high theoretical capacity. However, its low electronic conductivity and large volume expansion during cycling limit its practical applications, as it exhibits low electrochemical activity and unstable cyclability. To address these problems, tellurium (Te)-rP-C composites, which have active materials (Te, rP) that are uniformly distributed within the carbon matrix, were fabricated through a simple high-energy ball milling method. Among the three electrodes, the Te-rP (1:2)-C electrode with a 5% FEC additive delivers a high initial CE of 80% and a high reversible capacity of 734 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g−1. Additionally, it exhibits a high-rate capacity of 580 mAh g−1 at a high current density of 10,000 mA g−1. Moreover, a comparison of the electrolytes with and without the 5% FEC additive demonstrated improved cycling stability when the FEC additive was used. Ex situ XRD analysis demonstrated the lithiation/delithiation mechanism of Te-rP (1:2)-C after cycling based on the cyclic voltammetry results. Based on the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis results, a Te-rP-C composite with its notable electrochemical performance as an anode can sufficiently contribute to the battery anode industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal oxides are considered to be highly promising anode materials for high-energy lithium-ion batteries. While carbon matrices have demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing the electrical conductivity and accommodating the volume expansion of transition metal oxide-based anode materials in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), achieving an optimized utilization ratio remains a challenging obstacle. In this investigation, we have devised a straightforward synthesis approach to fabricate CuO nano powder integrated with carbon matrix. We found that with the use of a sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) based binder and fluoroethylene carbonate additives, this anode exhibits enhanced performance compared to acrylonitrile multi-copolymer binder (LA133) based electrodes. CuO@CMC electrodes reveal a notable capacity ~1100 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1 following 170 cycles, and exhibit prolonged cycling stability, with a capacity of 450 mA h g−1 at current density 300 mA g−1 over 500 cycles. Furthermore, they demonstrated outstanding rate performance and reduced charge transfer resistance. This study offers a viable approach for fabricating electrode materials for next-generation, high energy storage devices.

In this study, two types of porous Cf/Cm composites were obtained by introducing pyrolytic carbon (PyC) and pyrolytic carbon/furan resin carbon (PyC/FRC). Subsequently, Cf/Cm-SiC-(ZrxHf1−x)C composites with different carbon matrices were prepared by introducing SiC and (ZrxHf1−x)C matrices into the porous Cf/Cm composites via the reactive melt infiltration method, specifically termed as Cf/PyC-SiC-(ZrxHf1−x)C and Cf/PyC/FRC-SiC-(ZrxHf1−x)C composites. The microstructures of the porous Cf/Cm and Cf/Cm-SiC-(ZrxHf1−x)C composites with different carbon matrices were examined, and a comprehensive analysis was conducted on microstructural evolution and mechanical behaviors of the Cf/Cm-SiC-(ZrxHf1−x)C composites. The results indicate that both Cf/Cm-SiC-(ZrxHf1−x)C composites underwent similar microstructural evolution processes, differing only in terms of evolution kinetics and final microstructure. Differences in the pore structures of porous Cf/Cm composites, as well as in the reactivities of carbon matrices, were identified as primary influencing factors. Additionally, both Cf/Cm-SiC-(ZrxHf1−x)C composites exhibited “pseudo-ductile” fracture characteristics, with flexural strengths of 214.1 ± 8.8 MPa and 149.6 ± 12.2 MPa, respectively. In the Cf/PyC-SiC-(ZrxHf1−x)C composite, crack initiation during loading primarily originated from the ceramic matrix, while in the Cf/PyC/FRC-SiC-(ZrxHf1−x)C composite, failure initially arose from the residual FRC matrix. Excessive fiber corrosion and the presence of residual low-modulus FRC matrix resulted in lower mechanical performance.

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and PEDOT-functionalized carbon nanoparticles (f-CNPs) were synthesized by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization and pyrolysis methods. f-CNP-PEDOT nanocomposites were prepared by varying the concentration of PEDOT from 1 to 20% by weight (i.e., 1, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 wt%). Several characterization techniques, such as field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and Barrett–Joyner–Halenda (BJH) analyses, as well as cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), were applied to investigate the morphology, the crystalline structure, the N2 adsorption/desorption capability, as well as the electrochemical properties of these new synthesized nanocomposite materials. FESEM analysis showed that these nanocomposites have defined porous structures, and BET surface area analysis showed that the standalone f-CNP exhibited the largest surface area of 801.6 m2/g, whereas the f-CNP-PEDOT with 20 wt% exhibited the smallest surface area of 116 m2/g. The BJH method showed that the nanocomposites were predominantly mesoporous. CV, GCD, and EIS measurements showed that f-CNP functionalized with 5 wt% PEDOT had a higher capacitive performance compared to the individual f-CNPs and PEDOT constituents, exhibiting an extraordinary specific capacitance of 258.7 F/g, at a current density of 0.25 A/g, due to the combined advantage of enhanced electrochemical activity induced by PEDOT doping, and highly developed porosity of f-CNPs. Symmetric aqueous supercapacitor devices were fabricated using the optimized f-CNP-PEDOT doped with 5 wt% of PEDOT as active material, exhibiting a high capacitance of 96.7 F/g at 1.4 V, holding practically their full charge, after 10,000 charge–discharge cycles at 2 A/g, thus providing the highest electrical electrodes performance. Hereafter, this work paves the way for the potential use of f-CNP-PEDOT nanocomposites in the development of high-energy-density supercapacitors.

Thermal processing of Zr-loaded ion-exchangers is a facile route to synthetize (ZrO2, ZrC)@C composites. In the present paper, furnace and RF-thermal plasma processing of ZrOCl2 loaded thiourea-functionalized styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer was investigated and led to composites containing ZrO2 and ZrC. Different ZrO2@C composites were formed between 1000 and 1400 °C in 2 h, whereas the composite containing ZrC was created at 1400 °C in 8 h. The ratio of ZrO2/ZrC, the prevailing ZrO2 modifications, and the crystallite sizes strongly depend on the synthesis conditions. The ZrC-containing composites formed only at 1400 °C in 8 h and by the plasma treatment of the ZrO2@C sample prepared in the furnace, resulting in 8 and 16% ZrC content, with 44 and 41 nm ZrC crystallite sizes, respectively. The ZrO2-containing composites (tetragonal, monoclinic, and cubic modifications with 65–88 nm ZrO2 crystallite sizes and 15–43 m2/g BET surface areas) formed in a tube furnace between 1000 and 1400 °C in 2 h. All ZrO2@C composites had both amorphous carbon and graphite, and their ratio is temperature dependent. The carbonaceous compounds were characterized by Raman spectroscopy with analysis of the G and D band intensities. XPS studies showed the surface oxidation of ZrC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composites made of carbon-fiber-reinforced carbon (C/C or CFC) are high-performance materials with a wide range of properties, making them especially suitable for the design of thermally and mechanically highly stressed components. As the production process of these high-performance materials is currently still very expensive, new concepts for an economical manufacturing process are required. This paper focusses on an innovative approach that uses the polymer-based pultrusion process for shaping with a subsequent carbonization step to C/C. In this process, carbon fibers (CF) and a phenolic resin were used to manufacture a semi-finished product made of unidirectional (UD) carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) with a fiber volume content of 66%. The C/C composite shows dimensional stability and has a flexural strength of approx. 240 MPa and a flexural modulus of approx. of 135 GPa with an elongation of 1.8%.

Composites made of carbon-fiber-reinforced carbon (C/C or CFC) are high-performance materials with a wide range of properties, making them especially suitable for the design of thermally and mechanically highly stressed components. As the production process of these high-performance materials is currently still very expensive, new concepts for an economical manufacturing process are required. This paper focusses on an innovative approach that uses the polymer-based pultrusion process for shaping with a subsequent carbonization step to C/C. In this process, carbon fibers (CF) and a phenolic resin were used to manufacture a semi-finished product made of unidirectional (UD) carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) with a fiber volume content of 66%. The C/C composite shows dimensional stability and has a flexural strength of approx. 240 MPa and a flexural modulus of approx. of 135 GPa with an elongation of 1.8%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Recently, potassium-ion batteries (KIBs) have attracted significant interest due to a number of factors, including the growing demand for energy and limited lithium resources. However, their practical use is hampered by poor cycling stability due to the large size of K+. Therefore, it is critical to develop a structural design that effectively suppresses large volume changes. This study presents a simple method of using a salt template to fabricate porous microspheres (p-MoSe2@C MS) of MoSe2 and a carbon matrix as anode materials in KIBs. These microspheres have a distinct porous design, with uniformly distributed MoSe2 nanocrystals embedded in the carbon matrix to prevent MoSe2 overgrowth due to material diffusion during heat treatment. The manufacturing process combined one-step spray drying with recyclable NaCl as a hard template. Through a two-step thermal process under an inert atmosphere, the initial dextrin, NaCl, and Mo salt microspheres were converted into a p-MoSe2@N MS composite. The carbon structure derived from the dextrin maintained the shape of the microspheres when NaCl was removed, ensuring no overgrowth of MoSe2. This well-designed porous structure improves the interaction with the electrolyte, facilitating the transport of ions and electrons and reducing the K+ diffusion distances. In addition, the porous carbon structure accommodates large volume changes during cycling and maintains its structural strength. As a result, p-MoSe2@C MS composite exhibits superior electrochemical properties, with remarkable capacity, long-term cycling stability (193 mA h g−1 after 500 cycles at 2.0 A g−1), and rate capability.

Addressing the challenges associated with the highly exothermic nature of CO2 methanation, there is considerable interest in innovative catalyst designs on structural metallic supports. One promising solution in this regard involves thin films containing cobalt oxide within a carbon matrix, fabricated using the cold plasma deposition method (PECVD). The objective of this study was to search for a relationship between the molecular structure, nanostructure, and electronic structure of such films and their catalytic activity. The investigations employed various techniques, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-VIS absorption, and catalytic tests in the CO2 methanation process. Three types of films were tested: untreated as-deposited (ad-CoO), thermally post-treated (TT-CoO), and argon plasma post-treated (PT-CoO) films. Among these, TT-CoO exhibited the most favorable catalytic properties, demonstrating a CO2 conversion rate of 83%, CH4 selectivity of 98% at 400 °C, and stability during the catalytic process. This superior performance was attributed to the formation of nanoscale heterojunctions in the TT-CoO film, where p-type CoO nanocrystallites interacted with the n-type carbon matrix. This work provides compelling evidence highlighting the key role of nanoscale heterojunctions in shaping the properties of nanocatalysts in thermal catalysis. These findings suggest promising prospects for designing new catalytic systems by manipulating interactions at the nanoscale.

Solid materials that contain holes in their structure are generally defined as porous materials. Porosity is obtained by dividing the volume of pores by the total volume of the material. Porous materials are a new category of materials that have attracted the attention of scientists and different industries due to their special mechanical properties, such as definable strength and density. These materials have been attracted due to various applications in molecular separation, heterogeneous catalysis, absorption technology or light and electronics technology. This research aims to investigate the effects of an electric field on the mechanical properties of a silicon-doped carbon matrix with 10% porosity. The mechanical properties investigated in this research include Young's modulus and ultimate strength, obtained using the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation method and LAMMPS comprehensive software. The results revealed that the ultimate strength and Young’s modulus of silicon-doped nanoporous carbon matrix converged to 69.4014 GPa and 200.192GPa, respectively. In the following, the mechanical strength in simulated samples decreases with increasing the electric field magnitude. Numerically, by increasing the electric field from 0.2 to 0.5 V/Å, the ultimate strength and Young’s modulus of silicon-doped nanoporous carbon matrix decrease from 65.83 and 191.022 GPa to 57.81 and 167.18 GPa

[Display omitted] Rational design and synthesis of multifunctional electrocatalysts with high electrochemical activity and low cost are significantly important for new-generation lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. Herein, N -doped FeP nanospheres decorated N doped carbon matrix is successfully synthesized by facile one-pot pyrolysis and in-situ phosphorization technique to mitigate the conversion kinetics and suppress the shuttle effect. The large specific surface area with mesopores can incorporate up to 81.5% sulfur, with the conductive carbon and nitrogen co-matrix providing Li+/e- passage and fastening the redox kinetics. The remarkable adsorption properties and the electrocatalytic activity through physical confinement and chemical immobilization is thoroughly verified. Consequently, the FeP/C N@S deliver a high reversible capacity of 1183 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C compared to Co/P/C N@S (961 mAh g−1); whereas, at 1 C, a negligible decay rate of 0.04% is observed for 1000 cycles, possessing outstanding cycling stability and rate capability. Hence, the cost-effective in-situ phosphorization strategy to synthesize FeP/C N@S as an efficient nanoreactor is constructive to be applied in Li-S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possibility of synthesizing carbon–carbon nanocomposites with nanofibers embedded in a carbon matrix by two-stage dehydrochlorination (under the action of alkali followed by carbonization) of a carbon-chain chloropolymer has been shown. Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride was used as the initial chloropolymer, and nitrogen-containing carbon nanofibers (N-CNFs) were used as a nanoscale component. The structure of the resulting nanocomposites was examined by electron microscopy and the texture parameters were studied using low-temperature nitrogen adsorption–desorption. The introduction of N-CNFs into the carbon matrix and the activation of the resulting carbon–carbon nanocomposite in an atmosphere of CO2 contributed to the formation of a micro- and mesoporous material with a specific surface area of ~1100 m2/g. It was shown that the resulting nanocomposites were characterized by high energy capacity and energy efficiency when tested as electrodes of electrochemical supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The methodologies for the synthesis of core-shell multilayered morphologies are being intensely explored. Following such scenarios, we report the fabrication of sulfur (S) and nitrogen (N) co-doped nickel/cobalt carbide (S,N@Ni/Co–C) hollow (carbon matrix) polyhedral nanoparticles (PNPs) by facile solvothermal and sulfurization process. The main objective of this research is to study the anomaly behind the structural deformation of the PNPs during the annealing and to propose a relevant method to preserve them by enhancing their abilities. Additionally, the electrochemical properties of the S, N@Ni/Co–C/nickel foam (NF) electrode are optimized and examined, exhibiting a high areal capacity of 563.3 μAh cm−2 and a notable cycling retention of 96 % at 7 mA cm−2 for 5000 cycles in a three-electrode system. Furthermore, the optimized electrode is employed as a positive electrode along with an activated carbon-coated NF as a negative electrode to fabricate a hybrid supercapacitor device which delivers a maximum energy density of 118.9 μAh cm−2 and a maximum power density of 7000 μA cm−2. Finally, it is used as a power source to drive a few real-time electronic devices, especially safety E-bands. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red phosphorus (rP) is one of the most promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, owing to its high theoretical capacity. However, its low electronic conductivity and large volume expansion during cycling limit its practical applications, as it exhibits low electrochemical activity and unstable cyclability. To address these problems, tellurium (Te)-rP-C composites, which have active materials (Te, rP) that are uniformly distributed within the carbon matrix, were fabricated through a simple high-energy ball milling method. Among the three electrodes, the Te-rP (1:2)-C electrode with a 5% FEC additive delivers a high initial CE of 80% and a high reversible capacity of 734 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g−1. Additionally, it exhibits a high-rate capacity of 580 mAh g−1 at a high current density of 10,000 mA g−1. Moreover, a comparison of the electrolytes with and without the 5% FEC additive demonstrated improved cycling stability when the FEC additive was used. Ex situ XRD analysis demonstrated the lithiation/delithiation mechanism of Te-rP (1:2)-C after cycling based on the cyclic voltammetry results. Based on the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis results, a Te-rP-C composite with its notable electrochemical performance as an anode can sufficiently contribute to the battery anode industry.

Amorphous SnO2 nanoparticles uniformly embedded into the carbon matrix (Am-SnO2@C) are prepared by simple phase separation and heat treatments. The Am-SnO2@C composite powders are characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscope, and high-resolution-transmission electron microscope, which confirm the amorphous phase and uniform distribution of the SnO2 nanoparticles in the carbon matrix. In addition, the influences of different loadings of SnO2 in the quantitative amount of carbon are thoroughly investigated by just altering the addition of the tin precursor, and the Am-SnO2@C-5 composite electrode displays the optimal electrochemical behaviors when the content of the tin precursor is precisely controlled at 5 mmol. The Am-SnO2@C-5 composite electrode can deliver the discharge/charge specific capacity of 1243.9/940.3 mAh/g with coulombic efficiency of 75% and maintain the discharge specific capacity of 643.1 mAh/g at 100 mA/g after 100 cycles. Moreover, the composite electrode also demonstrates great rate capability with the discharge specific capacity of 410.1 and 286.6 mAh/g at 1.0 and 2.0 A/g, respectively. The improved electrochemical performance of the Am-SnO2@C-5 electrode may be attributed to the fact that the proper active materials are evenly encapsulated into the carbon matrix and that the amorphous nature of SnO2 with ultrafine diameter can offer reduced volume change effect and fast reaction kinetics. The feasible preparation processes of the SnO2/C-based composite electrodes may provide a prospective strategy for the metal oxide-based anodes for lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A plum-putting-like CoP@NPPC with CoP nanoparticles anchored in N, P co-doped porous carbon by P C bond shows excellent long-cycle performance. [Display omitted] • The lithiation reaction and metallicity of CoP is theoretically studied. • An easy, cheap, environment-friendly method to prepare phosphide. • The composite shows novelty plum-pudding structure. • The increase in conductivity results from the increase in TDOS at the Fermi level. • Increased ion diffusion coefficient is revealed by GITT method. Metallic cobalt phosphide (CoP) has a higher theoretical capacity than traditional graphite anode due to its unique lithium storage mechanism. However, CoP can not be directly used as anode material because of its insufficient conductivity and serious volume expansion in cycles. Here, CoP was modified by nanocrystallization and carbon compositing methods, and plum-putting-like CoP nanoparticles embedded in nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped porous carbon (CoP@NPPC) were prepared. The successful nanocrystallization strategy leads to the formation of tiny CoP nanodots smaller than 20 nm and nanoparticles smaller than 100 nm, which uniformly disperse in the simultaneously formed N and P co-doped porous carbon. The CoP nanodots and nanoparticles are chemically bonded to carbon by P C bond, which is theoretically proved to bring increased density of states of CoP at Fermi level, responsible for its conductivity improvement. At the same time, the nanocrystallization of CoP also alleviates its volume expansion and particle breakage after numbers of lithiation reactions, thus improving the electrode stability in cycles. Based on the above characteristics, CoP@NPPC achieves a high capacity retention rate of 95.9% and a remaining specific capacity of 380.1 mAh g−1 after 1800 cycles at the current density of 5 A g−1. Moreover, the preparation of CoP@NPPC is achieved by a simple carbothermic treatment using a highly safe flame-retardant material as both P and C sources, which avoids the release of highly toxic phosphine that are usually involved in traditional phosphorization methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report a systematic study of nanohybrids (NHs) of various Fe−Co oxides anchored on to carbon matrix for high‐performing oxygen electrode reactions. Fe2.1Co0.9O4/C NH having minor content of Co3+ exhibited superior oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance than the other compositions and benchmark Pt/C. It exhibits a current density of 8.4 mA cm−2 in 0.1 M KOH for ORR compared to the benchmark Pt/C (3.81 mA cm−2). It also reveals superior stability and durability than Pt/C. It can retain 92 % of its initial current up to 7000 s. Also, the Fe2.1Co0.9O4/C NH delivers the best Tafel slope of 72.6 mV dec−1. Additionally, the Co3+ rich Fe0.9Co2.1O4/C NH demonstrated superior oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance than the Pt/C, RuO2 and other compositions in 0.1 M KOH solution. Thus, the obtained electrocatalysts (ECs) having bimetallic active site demonstrates unique electrocatalytic properties and the carbon matrix can increase stability and thus provide additional catalytic active sites. This makes them a significant candidate for oxygen electrocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal processing of Zr-loaded ion-exchangers is a facile route to synthetize (ZrO2, ZrC)@C composites. In the present paper, furnace and RF-thermal plasma processing of ZrOCl2 loaded thiourea-functionalized styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer was investigated and led to composites containing ZrO2 and ZrC. Different ZrO2@C composites were formed between 1000 and 1400 °C in 2 h, whereas the composite containing ZrC was created at 1400 °C in 8 h. The ratio of ZrO2/ZrC, the prevailing ZrO2 modifications, and the crystallite sizes strongly depend on the synthesis conditions. The ZrC-containing composites formed only at 1400 °C in 8 h and by the plasma treatment of the ZrO2@C sample prepared in the furnace, resulting in 8 and 16% ZrC content, with 44 and 41 nm ZrC crystallite sizes, respectively. The ZrO2-containing composites (tetragonal, monoclinic, and cubic modifications with 65–88 nm ZrO2 crystallite sizes and 15–43 m2/g BET surface areas) formed in a tube furnace between 1000 and 1400 °C in 2 h. All ZrO2@C composites had both amorphous carbon and graphite, and their ratio is temperature dependent. The carbonaceous compounds were characterized by Raman spectroscopy with analysis of the G and D band intensities. XPS studies showed the surface oxidation of ZrC.

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• C-embedded Cu nanoparticles were obtained from a Cu-oleate complex as single source. • Cu maintained its structure in the C/Cu@S composite ruling out the Cu x S formation. • The values both the areal and specific capacity improve with increasing Cu content. • Cu nanoparticles act as electrocatalysts to enhance the redox reaction kinetics. • The Cu conductivity and its affinity towards LiPSs are the keys to this behavior. The lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery is a promising alternative to Li-ion batteries as an energy storage system, owing to its higher capacity and specific energy values. To tackle its intrinsic problems, the element copper (Cu) is an attractive option given both its excellent conductivity and its ability to interact with highly reactive polysulfides. Here, we propose the use of a carbon/copper composite (90.5:9.5 wt ratio) obtained by thermal decomposition of a single precursor based on a Cu(II) oleate/oleic acid complex and eliminating the use of H 2 as a reducing agent as commonly reported. Cu nanoparticles (mean particle size around 15 nm in diameter) which are highly dispersed on an amorphous carbon matrix derived from an organic framework, enhance both the conductivity and the ability for the chemical adsorption of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs), and thus increasing the reaction efficiency. Poor cycling stability, less specific capacity, and diminished rate capability were observed when the Cu content was reduced to around 70 % through treatment with concentrated nitric acid. This confirms the electrocatalytic role of the metal. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • MOFs hybridized carbon matrix materials are classified according to MOFs and carbon matrix. • The strategies of MOFs hybridized carbon matrix for the interlayer of LSBs are reviewed. • Design of MOFs hybridized carbon matrix as the interlayer for LSBs are suggested. • Requirements of MOFs hybridized carbon matrix as the interlayer for LSBs are proposed. Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) have attracted much attention due to their high capacity, but the shuttle of polysulfides during the sulfur reduction reaction (SRR) leads to a decrease in capacity. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) hybridized carbon matrix materials coupled active sites on the basis of the strong conductivity of carbon matrix is widely used in LSBs. Herein, this review introduces the state-of-the-art research progress of MOFs hybridized carbon matrix materials as the interlayer of LSBs. The advantages of MOFs hybridized carbon matrix materials as the interlayer of LSBs are firstly introduced by the shuttle effect in the process of SRR. Then it is divided into four categories of MOFs and carbon matrix by ex-situ mixing, in-situ growth, MOFs derived carbon matrix and MOFs/carbon precursor derived carbon matrix for summary. The research progress, existing problems and development sequence are mainly introduced. Finally, the future design points of MOFs hybridized carbon matrix materials as the interlayer of LSBs are prospected and new requirements for the design of lithium-sulfur interlayer are put forward. The significance of this review is to contribute to the development of the interlayer of LSBs for practical applications in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is known that excessive concentrations of glutamate in the brain can cause neurotoxicity. A common approach to neutralizing this phenomenon is the use of suppressant drugs. However, excessive dependence on suppressant drugs could potentially lead to adversarial side effects, such as drug addiction. Here, we propose an alternative approach to this problem by controlling excessive amounts of glutamate ions through carbon-based, neural implant–mediated uptake. In this study, we introduce a microfluidic system that enables us to emulate the uptake of glutamate into the carbon matrix. The uptake is controlled using electrical pulses to incorporate glutamate ions into the carbon matrix through electro-adsorption. The effect of electric potential on glutamate ion uptake to control the amount of glutamate released into the microfluidic system was observed. The glutamate concentration was measured using a Ultra Violet-Visible spectrophotometer. The current setup demonstrated that a low pulsatile electric potential (0.5–1.5 V) was able to effectively govern the uptake of glutamate ions. The stimulated carbon matrix was able to decrease glutamate concentration by up to 40%. Furthermore, our study shows that these “entrapped” glutamate molecules can be effectively released upon electrical stimulation, thereby reversing the carbon electrical charge through a process called reverse uptake. A release model was used to study the profile of glutamate release from the carbon matrix at a potential of 0–1.5 V. This study showed that a burst release of glutamate was evident at an applied voltage higher than 0.5 V. Ultimately, the MTS (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium) test for cytotoxicity indicated a cell viability of more than 80% for the carbon matrix. This test demonstrates that the carbon matrix can support the proliferation of cells and has a nontoxic composition; thus, it could be accepted as a candidate material for use as neural implants.

Abstract Construction of a thickness‐independent electrode with high active material mass loading is crucial for the development of high energy rechargeable lithium battery. Herein, we fabricate an all‐in‐one integrated SnS2@3D multichannel carbon matrix (SnS2@3DMCM) electrode with in‐situ growth of ultrathin SnS2 nanosheets inside the inner walls of three dimensional (3D) multichannels. The interconnected conductive carbon matrix derived from natural wood acts as an integrated porous current collector to avail the electrons transport and accommodate massive SnS2 nanosheets, while plenty of 3D aligned multichannels facilitate fast ions transport with electrode thickness‐independent even under high mass loading. As expected, the integrated SnS2@3DMCM electrode exhibits remarkable electrochemical lithium storage performance, such as exceptional high‐areal‐capacity of 6.4 mAh cm−2, high rate capability of 3 mAh cm−2 under current of 6.8 mA cm−2 (10 C), and stable cycling performance of 6.8 mA cm−2 with a high mass loading of 7 mg cm−2. The 3D integrated porous electrode constructing conveniently with the natural source paves new avenues towards future high‐performance lithium batteries.

An environmentally benign approach towards synthesis of a non‐noble metal and/or metal oxide doped incorporated in nitrogen containing carbon matrix (Cu−Fe2O3/NC) is premeditated in this study. In‐situ incorporation of Cu, Fe2O3 as well as nitrogen into the carbon matrix using a single gel precursor simplified the synthetic route and divulged bifunctional activity assisting chlorine evolution at anode and oxygen reduction reaction at cathodic counterpart during HCl electrolysis. As a result of synergy between Cu and Fe2O3 in N‐ doped carbon matrix, enhanced activity and stability is stimulated. Catalyst optimization was executed by varying the weight percentage of metal reactants added during precursor synthesis (2, 5 and 10 wt. %), which rendered different composition of Cu, Fe2O3 and N in the composite with flake‐like morphology at same thermal treatment conditions. Electrochemical studies were performed in 0.4 M HCl analogous to industrial waste HCl, to investigate the bifunctional activity of catalyst where Cu−Fe2O3 (5 %)/NC came out to be the most active and exhibited long term stability for 24 hours at onset potential of chlorine evolution. It offered a higher current density of 92.1 mA cm−2 at 1.7 V vs. RHE during chlorine evolution and comparable activity to that of benchmark noble metal based catalyst along with more positive onset potential and high diffusion limiting current density of 0.78 V vs. RHE and 6 mA cm−2 during oxygen reduction respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are recognized as a potential candidate for large-scale energy storage due to its high-security and low-expense aspects. However, the poor structural stability and sluggish redox kinetics of cathode material lead to the serious capacity fading and bad rate performances, which hinders its practical applications. Herein, a novel one-step pyrolysis strategy is conducted for fabricating the composites of multicomponent active substances (including WO 3 , Bi and Bi 2 O 3) embedded in amorphous N-doped carbon matrix (BWO@C) using polydopamine-coated Bi 2 WO 6 micro-flowers as the precursors. The amorphous nitrogen-doped carbon endows BWO@C composite to possess more active-sites and higher electrical conductivity for rapid electrons/ions transport, and meanwhile the active substances could be effectively utilized even undergoing thousands of charge/discharge cycles. Therefore, the resulting BWO@C as cathode for aqueous ZIBs exhibits satisfying rate performances as well as outstanding cycling stability. This work provides a simple and efficient pathway for designing the cathode materials with high conductivity and high structural stability to achieve remarkable performances and long life-span of aqueous ZIBs. A novel one-step pyrolysis strategy has been conducted for fabricating the composites of multicomponent active substances (including WO 3 , Bi and Bi 2 O 3) embedded in amorphous N-doped carbon matrix (BWO@C). The amorphous N-doped carbon enables BWO@C composite to possess more active sites and higher conductivity for rapid electrons/ions transport, and meanwhile the active substances could be effectively utilized even undergoing thousands of charge/discharge cycles. The resulting BWO@C as cathode for aqueous ZIBs exhibits satisfying rate performances as well as outstanding cycling stability. [Display omitted] • Highlights (for review). • BWO@C material composited of multicomponent active substances has been conveniently fabricated by the pyrolysis strategy. • The stable structure and accelerated redox kinetics could be simultaneously realized in BWO@C electrode. • The BWO@C cathode could take full advantage of B and W elements for achieving high charges storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Preparation of Nitrogen doped leather waste-derived material (NCM) • Highly active eletrocatalyst in the oxygen evolution reaction. • At 10 mA cm−2 current density, NCM showed 330 mV over potential. • NCM provided 73 mV dec-1 of slope value according to Tafel analysis. • Performance much improved as compared to reported carbon electrocatalysts. Nitrogen doped leather waste-derived carbon materials have been employed as eletrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction. Low current densities and complex synthesis routes of other carbon-based materials limit their practical applicability. We present herein a simple and cost-competitive design of a metal free nitrogen-doped carbon matrix (NCM). At 10 mA cm−2 of current density, the assembled NCM showed a low over potential of 330 mV. NCM provided 73 mV dec-1 of slope value according to Tafel analysis, with NCM slope value improved as compared to previously described electrocatalysts inclusive of graphene (113 mV dec−1) and carbon nanosheets (101 mV dec−1), under similar reaction conditions. Linear sweep voltamogram, stability test and electrochemical impedance spectra confirmed the potential of NCM in OER as a heterogeneous electrocatalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Film boiling chemical vapor infiltration (FB-CVI) technique is considered as one of the fastest process to manufacture carbon fiber reinforced carbon (CFRC) composite products. In the present work, the characteristics of the carbon matrix deposited through FB-CVI process under deposition and infiltration are investigated. A novel reactor with unique features was developed, to simulate the process conditions. Utilizing the indigenously build reactor, pyrocarbon (PyC) was deposited on graphite substrates. The kinetics of the process is investigated within temperature range of 1100 °C–1150 °C and characteristics of carbon matrix was investigated. The nature of the carbon deposited and effect of graphitization on the microstructure of the deposited PyC was examined. The role of preform architecture on densification through FB-CVI process and characteristics of the composites were further studied. The mechanical behavior of the FB-CVI based CFRC material were investigated through nanoindentation technique. The present study has provided process guidelines for densification of 2D continuous fibers based preform. Structure property relationship is evolved to optimally develop CFRC composite products for aerospace applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deformation and fracture of a 4D-reinforced carbon–carbon composite material are studied during tension, compression, and three-point bending. A deformation and fracture mechanism is proposed for such a material during its compression and tension. The minimum reinforcing bar length in a carbon matrix, which provides effective external load resistance of the material, is determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) from water electrolysis is an attractive technique developed in recent years for clean renewable energy. It is critical to develop a low‐cost, high activity and long‐time stability HER catalyst. In this work, a novel catalyst, Cobalt‐Molybdenum bimetal phosphides encapsulated in carbon matrix (Co‐Mo‐P@C), is synthesized using MOFs‐templated strategy by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and phosphidation. The Co‐Mo‐P@C catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic performances with low overpotentials of 148 and 159 mV to reach current densities of 10 mA cm−2 for HER in both acidic and alkaline media, respectively, as well as long‐time durability over 20 h. This work introduces a new method for an efficient and stable HER catalyst and it may be extended to design other encapsulated bimetal nitrides, sulfides, and selenides for more applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium-selenium sulfide (Li–SeS 2) batteries are promising next-generation batteries due to their high energy density (1124 mAh g−1 and 3372 mAh cm−3). In a carbonate-based electrolyte, Li–SeS 2 batteries show excellent cycle life but low discharge voltage. This low discharge voltage is affected by the SeS 2 content in the composite. To increase the energy density, both the discharge voltage and SeS 2 content should be elevated simultaneously. Herein, various structures of ordered mesoporous carbons (OMCs) are investigated to overcome the low discharge voltage while containing a high SeS 2 content. By tuning the OMC structure with a large pore volume and effective morphology, Li-ion diffusion is improved, thus leading to decreased ohmic resistance and charge-transfer resistance. Even at a high SeS 2 content of 75 wt.%, a platelet-type OMC (POMC2.0) with a pore volume of 2.0 cm3 g−1 enables operation at 2.0 V in a carbonate-based electrolyte. The Li–SeS 2 batteries show excellent cycle performance with an average capacity of 552 mAh g−1 for 1600 cycles in a carbonate-based electrolyte. Image 1 • Various structures of ordered mesoporous carbons (OMCs) are synthesized. • The advanced OMC structure has an effective morphology and high pore volume. • POMC2.0 and ROMC2.2 with a high content of SeS 2 (75 wt%) discharged at 2.0 V. • The carbon structure affects the fast Li-ion diffusivity, leading to a low IR drop and R ct. • The advanced OMC shows a stable cycle life of 552 mAh g−1 for 1600 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catalytic decomposition of the inorganic (hydrogen peroxide) and organic (benzoyl and lauroyl) peroxides by a different type of carbon matrices has been investigated. The activity of the carbon-based catalyst, such as carbon nanotubes (1D), graphene (2D), activated carbon (3D), and their modified forms (O- and N-doped) was analyzing and comparing. The effects of the carbon's electronic structure on catalytic performance have been established by the quantum-chemical study. Obtained DFT results correlate with experimental ones and demonstrate increases in the carbon's catalytic activity in the presence of electron-donating groups. This observation is fair despite the type of carbocatalyst as well as the type of peroxide. A comprehensive assessment of obtained results allows for the conclusion that it is the uniform mechanism of peroxides decomposition that proceeds through electron transfer. However, textural characteristics and diffusion limitations are also affecting the catalytic activity and should not be ignored, especially for 1D and 3D matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesis of silicon/carbon (Si/C) composites from biomass resources could enable the effective utilization of agricultural products in the battery industry with economical as well as environmental benefits. Herein, a simplified process was developed to synthesize Si/C from biomass, by using a low‐cost agricultural byproduct "rice husk (RH)" as a model. This process includes the calcination of RH for SiO2/C and the reduction of SiO2/C by Al in molten salts at a moderate temperature. This process does not need the removal of carbon before thermal reduction of SiO2, which is thought to be necessary to avoid the formation of SiC at elevated temperatures. Thus, carbon derived from biomass can be directly used for Si/C composites for anode materials. The resultant Si/C shows a high reversible capacity of 1309 mAh g−1 and long cycle life (300 cycles). This research advocates a new and simplified strategy for the synthesis of RH‐based biomass‐derived Si/C, which is beneficial for low‐cost, environmentally friendly, and green energy storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We developed a facile and scalable strategy to prepare Fe doped Sb nanoparticles supported on heteroatoms (N, P and S) co-doped carbon matrix (Fe-Sb/NPSC). • This work opens an avenue to apply Sb and other transition metal based nanomaterials on electrocatalytic process. Exploring non-precious, efficient and earth abundant electrocatalysts plays significant role on the large-scale applications of sustainable hydrogen energy. Herein, a facile and scalable strategy is developed to prepare Fe doped Sb nanoparticles supported on heteroatoms (N, P and S) co-doped carbon matrix (Fe-Sb/NPSC). Electrochemical measurements results demonstrated that the obtained electrocatalyst possesses excellent catalytic activities for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in both acid (174 mV@10 mA cm−2) and alkaline (242 mV@10 mA cm−2) media. Moreover, the obtained electrocatalyst also owns excellent long-term stability. This work paves a facile avenue to develop Sb based electrocatalysts for HER and other related energy conversion technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]