Thermally Chargeable Proton Capacitor Based on Redox-Active Effect for Energy Storage and Low-Grade Heat Conversion

Thermal energy is abundantly available in our daily life and industrial production,and especially,low-grade heat is often regarded as a byproduct.Collecting and utilizing this ignored energy by low-cost and simple technologies may become a smart countermeasure to relieve the energy crisis.Here,a unique device has been demonstrated to achieve high value-added conversion of low-grade heat by introducing redox-active organic alizarin(AZ)onto N-doped hollow carbon nanofibers(N–HCNF)surface.As-prepared N–HCNF/AZ can deliver a high specific capacitance of 514.3 F g^(-1)(at 1 A g^(-1))and an outstanding rate capability of 60.3%even at 50 A g^(-1).Meanwhile,the assembled symmetric proton capacitor can deliver a high energy density of 28.0 Wh kg^(-1) at 350.0 W kg^(-1) and a maximum power density of 35.0 kW kg^(-1) at 17.0 Wh kg^(-1).Significantly,the thermally chargeable proton capacitors can attain a surprisingly high Seebeck coefficient of 15.3 mV K^(-1) and a power factor of 6.02µW g^(-1).Taking advantage of such high performance,a satisfying open-circuit voltage of 481.0 mV with a temperature difference of 54 K is achieved.This research provides new insights into construction of high value-added energy systems requiring high electrochemical performances.

Evidence of Iron Mineralization Channels in the Messondo Area (Centre-Cameroon) Using Geoelectrical (DC &IP) Methods: A Case Study

A geophysical survey was conducted in the Kelle-Bidjocka village, Messondo subdivision, in the Centre Region, Cameroon. The data acquisition was made by combining Schlumberger profiling and electrical soundings along six (06) profiles of 1500 m in length for a total of 64 geoelectrical stations’ survey conducted through a variable mesh 100 m × 200 m, or 100 m × 300 m. The equipment used is the DC resistivimeter Syscal Junior 48 (Iris Instrument). Processing and modelling of field data are made by using the Res2Dinv, Qwseln and Surfer software. The investigation methods used are electrical resistivity (DC) and induced polarization (IP) methods. The analyses and interpretations have helped to highlight areas of weakness or conductive discontinuities (fractures, faults, shear zones, etc.) in Precambrian gneiss formations, sometimes undergoing weathering processes. They identify the weathering or mineralogical accumulation horizons, the most promising is a mineralization channel identified in the NE-SW direction. The highlighted mineralization is characterized by strong gradients of chargeability or polarization. Samples and other geological evidences observed in the area are used to associate the most polarizable structures with ferriferous formations. Weakly polarizable and particularly conductive backgrounds identified by the inverse pseudo-sections are thought to be sulphate minerals or groundwater targets for future hydrogeological studies.

Some Experiences of Resistivity and Induced Polarization Methods on the Exploration of Sulfide: A Review

Sulfide minerals are a group of compounds with the presence of sulfur. This group’s most abundant and economically members are pyrites, pyrrhotite, chalcocite, galena, sphalerite, and the group of copper sulfides minerals. Resistivity and Induced Polarization (IP) methods, which play an essential role in mineral exploration, showed great success in sulfide exploration. This paper started on reviewing sulfide formation by giving details which help to understand their genesis better. To make the reader understand the procedures and appropriate mineral exploration methods, we have briefly covered the theory, the basic principles of resistivity and IP methods, and different investigation techniques using one, two, and three-dimensional surveys. Based on many electrical surveys, we discussed with examples of resistivity and IP methods applied to the exploration of sulfide deposits: the data inversion and interpretation of the geophysical signatures of most of the sulfide deposits in various geological environments were analyzed and end by showing both successful surveys and limitations of the methods.

Gold Mineralization Channels Identification in the Tindikala-Boutou Area (Eastern-Cameroon) Using Geoelectrical (DC &IP) Methods: A Case Study

To achieve the current study, geoelectrical surveys along six (06) profiles of 4 km long in a 100 m × 200 m grid defined according to the triangulation principle in the Ngoura area (Tindikala-Boutou villages) have been made through electrical sounding and profiling following Schlumberger array. The instrument is the resistivimeter Syscal Junior 48 (IRIS Instrument) which uses the electrical current. The data have been processed and modelled with Res2Dinv and Winsev softwares then interpolated with Surfer software. Electrical methods used are the Direct current (DC) and the Induced Polarization (IP). Interpretation and analyses of results from each investigation method highlight weak zones or conductive discontinuities and mineralized zones. Conductive zones have been identified as shear zones within granitic structures of the Precambrian basement, according to the geologic and tectonic background of the area. The structural trend of these shear zones is E-W. The mineralization within it is N-S and characterized by high values of chargeability, essentially in the eastern part of the area under study. This mineralization proves the presence of metalliferous or sulphide heaps disseminated in weathered quartz veins which cross shear zones. Also, the poor mineralization and conductive structures in shear zones characterize the groundwater zones. The intense activities of gold washers encountered in the area enable to link that mineralization to gold within quartz veins. The near surface gold mineralization is eluvial or alluvial, and in depth this mineralization is primary.

Gamma-Ray Spectrometry and Induced Polarization Studies for El Atshan-II Uranium Prospect Area, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt

Gamma-ray spectrometry and induced polarization (IP) studies were carried out to determine the radioactive anomalous zones and to follow their lateral and vertical extensions in El Atshan-II uranium prospect area, central Eastern Desert, Egypt. This area and its surroundings are covered by different Precambrian basement rocks, which intruded by younger bostonite rock, andesite dykes and carbonate veins. Data of the gamma-ray spectrometry have been analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively by applying specific interpretation techniques. These data revealed a wide radioactivity range oscillating from 15.0 to 2362.0 Ur, 0.5 to 307.2 ppm, 0.1 to 55.1 ppm and 0.3 to 22.0% for the total count (Tc), equivalent uranium (eU), equivalent thorium (eTh) and potassium (K), respectively. The constructed radioelement concentration maps and eU-composite image of the study area showed that the anomalously high radioactivity levels are mainly associated with outcrops of the bostonite rock. The induced polarization data were mathematically inverted to produce the true resistivity and chargeability values of cross-sections below the surveyed lines traverse in the area. The resistivity values are varied both vertically and horizontally from 7.83 to more than 1042.0 ohm·m, while the chargeability values are ranged from 0.195 to more than 204.0 mV/V, suggesting variation of the rocks facies and mineralizations. Integration of the resistivity and chargeability data indicates the presence of some mineralized zones, mainly associated with the bostonite rock, with depths varied from the near-surface to more than 70 m. Therefore, a core drilling is recommended at some stations along three selected profiles to a depth of 70 - 100 m to test the depth, structural model and grade of mineralization in the area.

Hosting Capacity Evaluation Method for Power Distribution Networks Integrated with Electric Vehicles

The large-scale deployment of electric vehicles(EVs) poses critical challenges to the secure and economic operation of power distribution networks(PDNs). Therefore, a method for evaluating the hosting capacity that enables a PDN to determine the EV chargeable area(EVCA) to satisfy the charging demand and ensure the secure operation is proposed in this paper. Specifically, the distribution system operator(DSO) serves as a public entity to manage the integration of EVs by determining the presence of the charging load in the EVCA. Hence, an EVCA optimization model is formulated on the basis of the coupling effect of the charging nodes to determine the range of the available charging power. In this model, nonlinear power flow equations and operational constraints are considered to maintain the solvability of the power flow of the PDN. Subsequently, a novel multipoint approximation technique is proposed to quickly search for the boundary points of the EVCA. In addition, the impact of the demand response(DR) mechanism on the hosting capacity is explored. The results show that the presence of the DR significantly enlarged the EVCA during peak hours, thus revealing the suitability of the DR mechanism as an important supplement to accommodate the EV charging load. The examined case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model and show that the unmanaged allocation of the charging load impedes secure operation. Finally, the proposed method provides a reference for the allocation of the EV charging load and a reduction in the risk of line overloading.

Copper nanowire/multi-walled carbon nanotube com- posites as all-nanowire flexible electrode for fast-charging/ discharging lithium-ion battery

A novel lightweight three-dimensional （3D） composite anode for a fast-charging] discharging Li-ion battery （LIB） was fabricated entirely using one-dimensional （1D） nanomaterials, i.e., Cu nanowires （CuNWs） and multi-walled C nanotubes （MWCNTs）. Because of the excellent electrical conductivity, high-aspect ratio structures, and large surface areas of these nanomaterials, the CuNW-MWCNT composite （CNMC） with 3D structure provides significant advantages regarding the transport pathways for both electrons and ions. As an advanced binder-free anode, a CuNW-MWCNT composite film with a controllable thickness （~ 600 prn） exhibited a considerably low sheet resistance, and internal cell resistance. Furthermore, the random CuNW network with 3D structure acting as a rigid framework not only prevented MWCNT shrinkage and expansion due to aggregation and swelling but also minimized the effect of the volume change during the charge/discharge process. Both a half cell and a full cell of LIBs with the CNMC anode exhibited high specific capacities and Coulombic efficiendes, even at a high current. More importantly, we for the first time overcame the limitation of MWCNTs as anode materials for fast-charging]discharging LIBs （both half cells and full cells） by employing CuNWs, and the resulting anode can be applied to flexible LIBs. This innovative anode structure can lead to the development of ultrafast chargeable LIBs for electric vehides.