Microbes are microscopic living organisms that surround us which include bacteria, archaea, most protozoa, and some fungi and algae. In recent years, microbes have been explored as novel precursors to synthesize carbo...Microbes are microscopic living organisms that surround us which include bacteria, archaea, most protozoa, and some fungi and algae. In recent years, microbes have been explored as novel precursors to synthesize carbon-based（nano）materials and as substrates or templates to produce carbon-containing（nano）composites. Being greener and more affordable, microbe-derived carbons（MDCs） offer good potential for energy applications. In this review, we describe the unique advantages of MDCs and outline the common procedures to prepare them. We also extensively discuss the energy applications of MDCs including their use as electrodes in supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries, and as electrocatalysts for processes such as oxygen reduction, oxygen evolution, and hydrogen evolution reactions which are essential for fuel cell and water electrochemical splitting cells. Based on the literature trend and our group＇s expertise, we propose potential research directions for developing new types of MDCs. This review, therefore, provides the state-of-the-art of a new energy chemistry concept. We expect to stimulate future research on the applications of MDCs that may address energy and environmental challenges that our societies are facing.展开更多
Clean and highly efficient energy production has long been sought after, as a way to solve global energy and environmental problems. Fuel cells, which convert the chemical energy stored in fuel directly into electrici...Clean and highly efficient energy production has long been sought after, as a way to solve global energy and environmental problems. Fuel cells, which convert the chemical energy stored in fuel directly into electricity, are expected to be a key enabling technology for the pressing energy issues that plague our planet. Fuel cells require oxygen as an oxidant and require oxygen tank containers when used in air-free environments such as outer space and underwater. Hydrogen peroxide has been extensively uti- lized as an alternative liquid oxidant in place of gaseous oxygen. In addition to being an oxidant, hydrogen peroxide can donate electrons in the oxidation reaction to act as a fuel. This article provides an overview of the dual role of hydrogen peroxide in fuel-cell applications, including working principle, system design, and cell performance. Recent innovations and future perspectives of fuel cells that use hydrogen peroxide are particularly emphasized.展开更多
基金supported by the Ministry of Education, Singapore (2013-T1-002132)the iFood program of Nanyang Technological UniversityThe University of Sydney for financial support
文摘Microbes are microscopic living organisms that surround us which include bacteria, archaea, most protozoa, and some fungi and algae. In recent years, microbes have been explored as novel precursors to synthesize carbon-based（nano）materials and as substrates or templates to produce carbon-containing（nano）composites. Being greener and more affordable, microbe-derived carbons（MDCs） offer good potential for energy applications. In this review, we describe the unique advantages of MDCs and outline the common procedures to prepare them. We also extensively discuss the energy applications of MDCs including their use as electrodes in supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries, and as electrocatalysts for processes such as oxygen reduction, oxygen evolution, and hydrogen evolution reactions which are essential for fuel cell and water electrochemical splitting cells. Based on the literature trend and our group＇s expertise, we propose potential research directions for developing new types of MDCs. This review, therefore, provides the state-of-the-art of a new energy chemistry concept. We expect to stimulate future research on the applications of MDCs that may address energy and environmental challenges that our societies are facing.
基金fully supported by a grant fromthe Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,China(HKUST9/CRF/11G)
文摘Clean and highly efficient energy production has long been sought after, as a way to solve global energy and environmental problems. Fuel cells, which convert the chemical energy stored in fuel directly into electricity, are expected to be a key enabling technology for the pressing energy issues that plague our planet. Fuel cells require oxygen as an oxidant and require oxygen tank containers when used in air-free environments such as outer space and underwater. Hydrogen peroxide has been extensively uti- lized as an alternative liquid oxidant in place of gaseous oxygen. In addition to being an oxidant, hydrogen peroxide can donate electrons in the oxidation reaction to act as a fuel. This article provides an overview of the dual role of hydrogen peroxide in fuel-cell applications, including working principle, system design, and cell performance. Recent innovations and future perspectives of fuel cells that use hydrogen peroxide are particularly emphasized.
