Double Layer Composite Electrode Strategy for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells with Excellent Reverse-Bias Stability

Perovskite solar cells(PSCs)have become the represent-atives of next generation of photovoltaics;nevertheless,their stability is insufficient for large scale deployment,particularly the reverse bias stability.Here,we propose a transparent conducting oxide(TCO)and low-cost metal composite electrode to improve the stability of PSCs without sacrificing the efficiency.The TCO can block ion migrations and chemical reactions between the metal and perovskite,while the metal greatly enhances the conductivity of the composite electrode.As a result,composite electrode-PSCs achieved a power conversion efficiency(PCE)of 23.7%(certified 23.2%)and exhibited excellent stability,maintaining 95%of the initial PCE when applying a reverse bias of 4.0 V for 60 s and over 92%of the initial PCE after 1000 h continuous light soaking.This composite electrode strategy can be extended to different combinations of TCOs and metals.It opens a new avenue for improving the stability of PSCs.

Electrosynthesis and physicochemical properties ofα-PbO_2-CeO_2-TiO_2 composite electrodes

In order to investigate the effect of solid particles dopants on physicochemical properties of α-PbO2 electrodes, a-PbO2 composite electrodes doped with nano-TiO2 and nano-CeO2 particles were respectively prepared on A1/conductive coating electrodes in 4 mol/L NaOH solution with addition of PbO until saturation by anodic codeposition. The electrodeposition mechanism, morphology, composition and structure of the composite electrodes were characterized by cyclic voltarnmogram （CV）, SEM, EDAX and XRD. Results show that the doping solid particles can not change reaction mechanism of α-PbO2 electrode in alkaline or acid plating bath, but can improve deposition rate and reduce oxygen evolution potential. The doping solid particles can inhibit the growth of a-PbO2 unit cell and improve specific surface area. The diffraction peak intensity of a-PbO2-CeO2-TiO2 composite electrode is lower than that of pure a-PbO2 electrode. The electrocatalytic activity of a-PbO2-2.12%CEO2-3.71%TIO2 composite electrode is the best. The Guglielmi model for CeO2 and TiO2 codeposition with a-PbO2 is also pronosed.

Effects of current density on preparation and performance of Al/conductive coating/α-PbO_2-Ce O_2-TiO_2/β-Pb O_2-MnO_2-WC-ZrO_2 composite electrode materials

Al/conductive coating/α-Pb O2-Ce O2-Ti O2/β-PbO 2-MnO 2-WC-Zr O2 composite electrode material was prepared on Al/conductive coating/α-PbO 2-Ce O2-Ti O2 substrate by electrochemical oxidation co-deposition technique. The effects of current density on the chemical composition, electrocatalytic activity, and stability of the composite anode material were investigated by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy（EDXS）, anode polarization curves, quasi-stationary polarization（Tafel） curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy（EIS）, scanning electron microscopy（SEM）, and X-ray diffraction（XRD）. Results reveal that the composite electrode obtained at 1 A/dm2 possesses the lowest overpotential（0.610 V at 500 A/m2） for oxygen evolution, the best electrocatalytic activity, the longest service life（360 h at 40 °C in 150 g/L H2SO4 solution under 2 A/cm2）, and the lowest cell voltage（2.75 V at 500 A/m2）. Furthermore, with increasing current density, the coating exhibits grain growth and the decrease of content of Mn O2. Only a slight effect on crystalline structure is observed.

Functional porous carbon-based composite electrode materials for lithium secondary batteries

The synthetic routes of porous carbons and the applications of the functional porous carbon-based composite electrode materials for lithium secondary batteries are reviewed. The synthetic methods have made great breakthroughs to control the pore size and volume, wall thickness, surface area, and connectivity of porous carbons, which result in the development of functional porous carbon-based composite electrode materials. The effects of porous carbons on the electrochemical properties are further discussed. The porous carbons as ideal matrixes to incorporate active materials make a great improvement on the electrochemical properties because of high surface area and pore volume, excellent electronic conductivity, and strong adsorption capacity. Large numbers of the composite electrode materials have been used for the devices of electrochemical energy conversion and storage, such as lithium-ion batteries （LIBs）, Li-S batteries, and Li-O2 batteries. It is believed that functional porous carbon-based composite electrode materials will continuously contribute to the field of lithium secondary batteries.

Preparation and electrochemical characterization of C/PANI composite electrode materials

Taking the nano-sized carbon black and aniline monomer as precursor and （NH4）2S2O6 as oxidant, the well coated C/polyaniline（C/PANI） composite materials were prepared by in situ polymerization of the aniline on the surface of well-dispersed nano-sized carbon black for supercapacitor. The micro-structure of the C/PANI composite electrode materials were analyzed by SEM. The electrochemical properties of C/ PANI and PANI composite electrode were characterized by means of the galvanostatic charge-discharge experiment, cyclic voltammetric measurement and impedance spectroscopy analysis. The results show that by adding the nano-sized carbon black in the process of chemical polymerization of the aniline, the polyaniline can be in situ polymerized and well-coated onto the carbon black particles, which may effectively improve the aggregation of particles and the electrolyte penetration. What’s more , the maximum of specific capacitance of C/PANI electrode 437.6F·g -1 can be attained. Compared with PANI electrode, C/PANI electrode shows more desired capacitance characteristics, smaller internal resistance and better cycle performance.

Efficient Thickness of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Composite Electrode

The efficient thickness of a composite electrode for solid oxide fuel cells was directly calculated by developing a physical model taking into account of the charge transfer process, the oxygen ion and electron transportation, and the microstructure characteristics of the electrode. The efficient thickness, which is defined as the electrode thickness corresponding to the minimum electrode polarization resistance, is formulated as a function of charge transfer resistivity, effective resistivity to ion and electron transport, and three-phase boundary length per unit volume. The model prediction is compared with the experimental reports to check the validity. Simulation is performed to show the effect of microstructure, intrinsic material properties, and electrode reaction mechanism on the efficient thickness. The results suggest that when an electrode is fabricated, its thickness should be controlled regarding its composition, particle size of its components, the intrinsic ionic and electronic conductivities,and its reaction mechanisms as well as the expected operation temperatures. The sensitivity of electrode polarization resistance to its thickness is also discussed.

La_(0.75)Sr_(0.25)Cr_(0.5)Mn_(0.5)O_(3)-δ−Ce_(0.8)Gd_(0.2)O_(1.9) composite electrodes as anodes in LaGaO_(3)-based direct carbon solid oxide fuel cells

Direct carbon solid oxide fuel cells(DC-SOFCs)are promising,green,and efficient power-generating devices that are fueled by solid carbons and comprise all-solid-state structures.Developing suitable anode materials for DC-SOFCs is a substantial scientific challenge.Herein we investigated the use of La_(0.75)Sr_(0.25)Cr_(0.5)Mn_(0.5)O_(3)-δ−Ce_(0.8)Gd_(0.2)O_(1.9)(LSCM−GDC)composite electrodes as anodes for La_(0.9)Sr_(0.1)Ga_(0.8)Mg_(0.2)O_(3)-δelectrolyte-based DC-SOFCs,with Camellia oleifera shell char as the carbon fuel.The LSCM−GDC-anode DC-SOFC delivered a maximum power density of 221 mW/cm^(2) at 800℃ and it significantly improved to 425 mW/cm^(2) after Ni nanoparticles were introduced into the LSCM−GDC anode through wet impregnation.The microstructures of the prepared anodes were characterized,and the stability of the anode in a DC-SOFC and the influence of catalytic activity on open circuit voltage were studied.The above results indicate that LSCM–GDC anode is promising to be applied in DC-SOFCs.

Preparation and electrocatalytic property of Au-Pt/SnO_2/GC composite electrode

Au-Pt/SnO2/GC composite electrode was prepared by self-assembling Au-Pt nanoparticles on SnO2 film, which was deposited on actived glassy carbon （GC）. Atomic force microscopy （AFM） and scanning electron microscopy （SEM） images revealed that dense and uniform Au-Pt particles with 25-nm diameter were dispersed on SnO2 film. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy （XPS） results proved that there was an interaction between Au-Pt nanoparticles and SnO2 support. Electrochemical experiments showed that Au-Pt/SnOz/GC composite electrode had a good electrocatalytic activity to the oxidation of methanol

Adsorption properties of Ⅴ(Ⅳ) on resin-activated carbon composite electrodes in capacitive deionization

Composite electrodes prepared by cation exchange resins and activated carbon(AC)were used to adsorb Ⅴ(Ⅳ)in capacitive deionization(CDI).The electrode made of middle resin size(D860/AC M)had the largest specific surface area and mesoporous content than two other composite electrodes.Electrochemical analysis showed that D860/AC M presents higher specific capacitance and electrical double layer capacitor than the others,and significantly lower internal diffusion impedance.Thus,D860/AC M exhibits the highest adsorption capacity and rate of Ⅴ(Ⅳ)among three electrodes.The intra-particle diffusion model fits well in the initial adsorption stage,while the liquid film diffusion model is more suitable for fitting at the later stage.The pseudo-second-order kinetic model is suited for the entire adsorption process.The adsorption of Ⅴ(Ⅳ)on the composite electrode follows that of the Freundlich isotherm.Thermodynamic analysis indicates that the adsorption of Ⅴ(Ⅳ)is an exothermic process with entropy reduction,and the electric field force plays a dominant role in the CDI process.This work aims to improve our understanding of the ion adsorption behaviors and mechanisms on the composite electrodes in CDI.

Composite Electrode SnO_2/TiO_2 for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Composite nanoporous electrode SnO2/TiO2 was fabricated for the dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) with N3 (Cis-Ru). After introducing of TiO2, the open-circuit photovoltage (Voc) was higher than that of the pure SnO2 electrode, while short-circuit photocurrent (Isc) was varied with the ratio of the TiO2. Appropriate content of the TiO2 can be beneficial to the efficiency of the solar cell, and it gives negative impact on the composite electrode when the content of TiO2 is higher.

Electrophoretic Deposition of TiO2/Nb2O5 Composite Electrode Thin Films for Photovoltaic Application

Nano sized powders of TiO2 （titanium dioxide） and Nb2O5 （Niobium （V） oxide） were used to fabricate TiO2/Nb2O5 composites thin films by EPD （electrophoretic deposition） technique. The metal oxide powders, together with magnesium nitrate hexahydrate pellets, were suspended in propan-2-ol inside an EPD cell. The electrodes, placed 1.2 cm apart, were partially immersed in the suspension and a DC potential applied across them. Key EPD process parameters, which include applied DC electric field, deposition time and solid concentration in suspension, were optimized through visual inspection and from UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer spectra. The highest （55%） transmittance was obtained for films with deposition time of 90 s, powder concentration of 0.01 g/40 mL, and 35 V DC （direct current） voltage. XRD micrographs confirmed that TiO2 and Nb2O5 particles were presented in the composite film. SEM （scanning electron microscope） micrographs of the composite electrode thin films showed that porous films of high quality with well controlled morphology were deposited by using the EPD technique.

High-efficiency stretchable organic light-emitting diodes based on ultra-flexible printed embedded metal composite electrodes

Stretchable organic light-emitting diodes(OLEDs)are important components for flexible/wearable electronics.However,the efficiency of the existing stretchable OLEDs is still much lower as compared with their rigid counterparts,one of the main reasons being the lack of ideal flexible transparent electrodes.Herein,we propose and develop a printed embedded metal composite electrode(PEMCE)strategy that enables the fabrication of ultra-thin,highly flexible transparent electrodes with robust mechanical properties.With the flexible transparent electrodes serves as the anodes,flexible/stretchable white OLEDs have been successfully constructed,achieving a current efficiency of up to 77.4 cd A^(-1)and a maximum luminance of 34787 cd m^(-2).The current efficiency of the resulting stretchable OLEDs is the highest ever reported for flexible/stretchable white OLEDs,which is about 1.2 times higher than that of the reference rigid devices based on ITO/glass electrodes.The excellent optoelectronic properties of the printed embedded transparent electrodes and the light extraction effect of the Ag-mesh account for the significant increase in current efficiency.Remarkably,the electroluminescence performance still retains~83%of the original luminance even after bending the device 2000 cycles at a radii of~0.5 mm.More importantly,the device can withstand tensile strains of up to~100%,and even mechanical deformation of 90%tensile strain does not result in a significant loss of electroluminescence performance with current efficiency and luminance maintained at over 85%.The results confirm that the PEMCE strategy is effective for constructing ultra-flexible transparent electrodes,showing great promise for use in a variety of flexible/stretchable electronics.

Electrochemical detection and degradation of ibuprofen from water on multi-walled carbon nanotubes-epoxy composite electrode

This work describes the electrochemical behaviour of ibuprofen on two types of multi-walled carbon nanotubes based composite electrodes, i.e., multi-walled carbon nanotubes-epoxy （MWCNT） and silver-modified zeolite-multi-wailed carbon nanotubes-epoxy （AgZMWCNT） composites electrodes. The composite electrodes were obtained using two-roll mill procedure. SEM images of surfaces of the composites revealed a homogeneous distribution of the composite components within the epoxy matrix. AgZMWCNT composite electrode exhibited the better electrical conductivity and larger electroactive surface area. The electrochemical determination of ibuprofen （IBP） was achieved using AgZMWCNT by cyclic voltammetry, differential-pulsed voltammetry, square-wave voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The IBP degradation occurred on both composite electrodes under controlled electrolysis at 1.2 and 1.75 V vs. Ag/AgCl, and IBP concentration was determined comparatively by differential-pulsed voltammetry, under optimized conditions using AgZMWCNT electrode and UV-Vis spectrophotometry methods to determine the IBP degradation performance for each electrode. AgZMWCNT electrode exhibited a dual character allowing a double application in IBP degradation process and its control.

High electro-catalytic graphite felt/Mn O2composite electrodes for vanadium redox flow batteries

A mild and simple synthesis process for large-scale vanadium redox flow batteries(VRFBs)energy storage systems is desirable.A graphite felt/Mn O_2(GF-MNO)composite electrode with excellent electrocatalytic activity towards VO^(2+)/VO_2^+redox couples in a VRFB was synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal process.The resulting GF-MNO electrodes possess improved electrochemical kinetic reversibility of the vanadium redox reactions compared to pristine GF electrodes,and the corresponding energy efficiency and discharge capacity at 150 m A cm^(-2)are increased by 12.5%and 40%,respectively.The discharge capacity is maintained at 4.8 A h L^(-1)at the ultrahigh current density of 250 m A cm^(-2).Above all,80%of the energy efficiency of the GF-MNO composite electrodes is retained after 120 charge-discharge cycles at 150 m A cm^(-2).Furthermore,these electrodes demonstrated that more evenly distributed catalytic active sites were obtained from the Mn O_2particles under acidic conditions.The proposed synthetic route is facile,and the raw materials are low cost and environmentally friendly.Therefore,these novel GF-MNO electrodes hold great promise in large-scale vanadium redox flow battery energy storage systems.

An antibiotic composite electrode for improving the sensitivity of electrochemically active biofilm biosensor

Extensive research has been carried out for improved sensitivity of electroactive biofilm-based sensor(EAB-sensor),which is recognized as a useful tool in water quality early-warning.Antibiotic that is employed widely to treat infection has been proved feasible in this study to regulate the EAB and to increase the EAB-biosensor’s sensitivity.A novel composite electrode was prepared using azithromycin(AZM)and graphite powder(GP),namely AZM@GP electrode,and was employed as the anode in EAB-biosensor.Different dosages of AZM,i.e.,2 mg,4 mg,and 8 mg,referred to as 0.25%,0.5%and 1%AZM@GP were under examination.Results showed that EAB-biosensor was greatly benefited from appropriate dosage of AZM(0.5%AZM@GP)with reduced start-up time period,comparatively higher voltage output,more readable electrical signal and increased inhibition rate(30%-65%higher than control sensor with GP electrode)when exposing to toxic formaldehyde.This may be attributed to the fact that AZM inhibited the growth of non-EAM without much influence on the physiologic or metabolism activities of EAM under proper dosage.Further investigation of the biofilm morphology and microbial community analysis suggested that the biofilm formation was optimized with reduced thickness and enriched Geobacter with 0.5%AZM@GP dosage.This novel electrode is easily fabricated and equipped,and therefore would be a promising way to facilitate the practical application of EAB-sensors.

Comparative Study on Composite Electrodes for Medium Temperature PEFCs

1 Results The phenomena that affect the membranes could be found in the electrodes when they operate at medium temperature,due to the utilisation of Nafion as an ionomer in the catalytic layer.An approach to improve the mechanical properties of the ionomer in the catalytic layer was used: different inorganic compounds (zeolite,titania and zirconia),having different chemical-physical properties,were selected as inorganic fillers due to their water retention capacity and to act as mechanical reinforce by ...

Understanding Modulus Variation of the Active Layers of Silicon Composite Electrodes

The variation of the effective modulus of silicon composite electrodes,which is a fundamental feature to analyze the coupled mechanical–electrochemical behavior of Si-based electrodes in high-capacity lithium-ion batteries,remains qualitatively controversial.To clarify the contradictory experimental results,numerical modeling of a representative volume element with silicon particles,carbon-binder domains(CBDs),and pores has been performed for the lithiation process.The key parameters for modulus variation were identified and evaluated.A mesostructure change is proposed to be a crucial mechanism that affects the modulus variation,and silicon softening is another key mechanism.Silicon softening and the decreasing CBD volume fraction collectively result in a decrease in the effective modulus of the composite,whereas an increase in the silicon volume fraction along with a decrease in porosity has the opposite effect.The findings of this work provide an in-depth and fundamental understanding of the mechanical properties of silicon composite electrodes.

Development of Chloride Electrode Coated Wire and Composite Systems for Determination Chloride Ion in Gunungkidul Spring Water

The purpose of this research was to fmd out effectiveness of chloride solid membrane electrode of coated wire system compared to solid membrane electrode of composite system, the Nernstian response and character＇s potential response （detection limit, selectivity and response time）. The chloride ISEs （ion selective electrodes） in this research were the solid membrane chloride ISEs based AgC1. There were two types of chloride ISEs that were developed, namely the chloride ISEs of coated wire and composite systems. Both types of electrodes were characterized. The selectivity was done by comparing Esel of the chloride standard solutions and Esel of the interference ions （Br- and I-）. The measurement of chloride ions in water samples was done by using the coated wire chloride ISE, the composite chloride ISE and the Mohr method. We compared the result of the two chloride ISE methods to that of standard method for chloride determination （Mohr） by using F-test and Post Hoc Test LSD （least significant difference） and Duncan. Analysis by using F-test and Post Hoc Test （LSD and Duncan） and characterization results of both the methods showed that coated wire chloride ISE was more effective compared to composite chloride ISE. Nemstian response was 59.83 mV/decade, linier range measurement was 10-1-10-5 M, limit detection was 1.23 × 10-5 M, response time along was 25 s and interfering ion was 10-4 M Br-.

A Hydrogen Peroxide Biosensor Combined HRP Doped Polypyrrole with Ferrocene Modified Sol-gel Derived Composite Carbon Electrode

A novel amperometric biosensor for the detection of hydrogen peroxide is described. The biosensor was constructed by electrodepositing HRP/PPy membrane on the surface of ferrocenecarboxylic acid mediated sol-gel derived composite carbon electrode. The biosensor gives response to hydrogen peroxide in a few seconds with detection limit of 5×10-7 mol·L-1 （based on signal : noise=3）. Linear range is up to 0.2 mmol·L-1.

Fabrication and stiffness optimization of carbon-based composite double polymer compliant electrode

A manufacturing method is proposed for carbon based composite double polymer compliant electrode.The stiffness of this compliant electrode is changed by adjusting the mass fraction of carbon black and the ratios between Ecoflex20 and RT625.Tensile machine is used to test its ductility and hardness.The conductivity is measured through the source table.Finally,it is printed on the dielectric elastomers(DE)film,and the high-voltage amplifier is used for dielectric elastomers actuators(DEAs)dynamics testing.The results show that the compliant electrode has high tensile properties(>200%),low stiffness(<300 kPa)and well conductivity(0.0493 S/cm).It is proved that the DEAs displacement output is up to 1.189 mm by this compliant electrode under dynamic response,which is 1.64 times and 1.32 times of the same type.Moreover,this formula extends the curing time of the original compliant electrode ink.It can provide a reference for the production of compliant electrode and DEAs in the future.