Colorless to black switching with high contrast ratio via the electrochemical process of a hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite

Colorless‐to‐black switching has attracted widespread attention for smart windows and multifunctional displays because they are more useful to control solar energy.However,it still remains a challenge owing to the tremendous difficulties in the design of completely reverse absorptions in transmissive and colored states.Herein,we report on an electrochemical device that can switch between colorless and black by using the electrochemical process of hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite MAPbBr_(3),which shows a high integrated contrast ratio of up to 73%from 400 to 800 nm.The perovskite solution can be used as the active layer to assemble the device,showing superior transmittance over the entire visible region in neutral states.By applying an appropriate voltage,the device undergoes reversible switching between colorless and black,which is attributed to the formation of lead and Br_(2)in the redox reaction induced by the electron transfer process in MAPbBr_(3).In addition,the contrast ratio can be modulated over the entire visible region by changing the concentration and the applied voltage.These results contribute toward gaining an insightful understanding of the electrochemical process of perovskites and greatly promoting the development of switchable devices.

Electrochemical reduction process of Co(Ⅱ) in citrate solution

Effects of citrate concentration and pH on the electrochemical reduction process of Co（Ⅱ） were investigated by cyclic voltammetry（CV） and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy（EIS）. The results show that Co（Ⅱ） is reduced into two species which are free Co2＋ and [Co（C6H607）] in the solution composed of 0.05 mol/L CoS04·5H2O, 0.20 mol/L Na2SO4 and 0-0.40 mol/L C6H5O7Na3·2H2O in the pH range of 3-9. The reduction behavior depends on the pH of the solution. Co（H） is mainly reduced into the form of free Co^2＋ at pH 3 and into the form of [Co（C6H6O7）] at the pH range of 4-6 in citrate solution. The [Co（C6H6O7）] is first reduced to an intermediate state and then to Co°. Adsorption of the intermediate state exists on the surface of the electrode. Co（Ⅱ） is difficult to be reduced in the solution with the pH above 7, because the existing Co（Ⅱ）-citrate complex species [Co（C6H5O7）]- and [Co（C6H4O7）]2- are more difficult to be reduced than the hydrogen ion.

Recent progress in two-dimensional metallenes and their potential application as electrocatalyst

In this article,we looked at metallenes,a novel class of two-dimensional(2D)metals that are attracting interest in the energy and catalysis sectors.Catalysis is one area where their exceptional physicochemical and electrical characteristics might be useful.Metallenes are unique because they include several metal atoms that are not in a coordinated bond.This makes them more active and improves their atomic uti-lization,which in turn increases their catalytic potential.This article delves into the potential of two-dimensional metals as electrocatalysts for carbon dioxide reduction,fuel oxidation,oxygen evolution,and oxygen reduction reactions in the context of sustainable energy conversion.Owing to the exception-ally high surface-to-volume ratio,large surface area as well as their optimized atomic use efficiency,2D materials defined by atomic layers are crucial for surface-related sustainable energy applications.Due to its exceptional properties,such as high conductivity and the ability to enhance the exposure of active metal sites,2D metallenes have recently attracted a lot of interest for use in catalysis,electronics,and energy-related applications.With their highly mobility,adjustable surface states,and electrical struc-tures that can be fine-tuned,2D metallenes are promising nanostructure materials for use in energy con-version with the sustainable applications.

Relationship between electrochemical characteristics and SCC of X70 pipeline steel in an acidic soil simulated solution

Stress corrosion cracking （SCC） of X70 pipeline steel in simulated solution of the acidic soil in Yingtan in China was investigated using slow strain rate test （SSRT）, SEM and potentiodynamic polarization technique. Experiment results indicate that X70 steel is highly susceptible to SCC as applied potential reduces, which is manifested in loss of toughness and brittle fracture. Constaat polarization current can detect the occurrence of SCC. The lower the polarization current is the sooner stress corrosion cracking occurs. The SCC mechanisms are different at varying potentials. When potential is higher than open circuit potential, anodic process controls SCC, whereas when potential is far lower than open circuit potential, cathodic process controls SCC, and between these two potential regions, a combined electrochemical process controls the SCC. Stress or strain has a synergistic effect with electrochemical reactions to accelerate the cathodic hydrogen evolution process, which makes the X70 pipeline steel to be more susceptible to SCC.

Direct electrochemical N-doping to carbon paper in molten LiCl-KCl-Li3N

Graphite materials are widely used as electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage.N-doping is an effective method for enhancing the electrochemical properties of graphite.A novel one-step N-doping method for complete and compact carbon paper was proposed for molten salt electrolysis in the Li Cl-KCl-Li3 N system.The results show that the degree of graphitization of carbon paper can be improved by the electrolysis of molten salts,especially at 2.0 V.Nitrogen gas was produced at the anode and nitrogen atoms can substitute carbon atoms of carbon paper at different sites to create nitrogen doping during the electrolysis process.The doping content of N in carbon paper is up to 13.0 wt%.There were three groups of nitrogen atoms,i.e.quaternary N(N-Q),pyrrolic N(N-5),and pyridinic N(N-6)in N-doping carbon paper.N-doping carbon paper as an Al-ion battery cathode shows strong charge-recharge properties.

De-colorization of Reactive Brilliant Orange X-GN by a novel rotating electrochemical disc process

A novel electrochemical setup for wastewater treatment-rotating electrochemical disc process(RECDP)was developed in this article. The anode and cathode are distributed alternatively and evenly on a flat round disc,which was designed to improve mass transfer of organics from bulk solution to electrode surface,while at the same time increasing oxygen transfer from air to the liquid to benefit the organics oxidization.The color removal of dye Reactive Brilliant Orange X-GN(RBO)was experimentally investigated u...

Process engineering in electrochemical energy devices innovation

This review focuses on the application of process engineering in electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices innovation. For polymer electrolyte based devices, it highlights that a strategic simple switch from proton exchange membranes(PEMs) to hydroxide exchange membranes(HEMs) may lead to a new-generation of affordable electrochemical energy devices including fuel cells, electrolyzers, and solar hydrogen generators. For lithium-ion batteries, a series of advancements in design and chemistry are required for electric vehicle and energy storage applications. Manufacturing process development and optimization of the LiF eP O_4/C cathode materials and several emerging novel anode materials are also discussed using the authors' work as examples.Design and manufacturing process of lithium-ion battery electrodes are introduced in detail, and modeling and optimization of large-scale lithium-ion batteries are also presented. Electrochemical energy materials and device innovations can be further prompted by better understanding of the fundamental transport phenomena involved in unit operations.

Effects of doping Fe and Al on microstructure and electrochemical characteristics of Mg-based hydrogen storage alloys

The Mg-based hydrogen storage alloys Mg2Ni, Mg2Ni0.7Fe0.3 and Mgl.7Alo.3Ni were successfully synthesized by a two-step process （sintering and ball milling）. The crystal structure and microstructure were examined by X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscope and Malvern particle size analyzer. New phase appears in the tripe alloys doped with A1 and Fe, and the particle size ranges from 3μm to 5 μm. The electrochemical performance studies indicate that the partial substitution of AI for Mg, and Fe for Ni significantly improve the cycle life, reversibility of hydrogen absorption and desorption. The diffusion process is the control step in the electrode reaction of hydrogen storage alloys.

Fabrication of superhydrophilic surface on copper substrate by electrochemical deposition and sintering process

Superhydrophilic surfaces were fabricated on copper substrates by an electrochemical deposition and sintering process. Superhydrophobic surfaces were prepared by constructing micro/nano-structure on copper substrates through an electrochemical deposition method. Conversion from superhydrophobic to superhydrophilic was obtained via a suitable sintering process. After reduction sintering, the contact angle of the superhydrophilic surfaces changed from 155° to 0°. The scanning electron microscope （SEM） images show that the morphology of superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic surfaces looks like corals and cells respectively. The chemical composition and crystal structure of these surfaces were examined using energy dispersive spectrometry （EDS） and X-ray diffraction （XRD）. The results show that the main components on superhydrophobic surfaces are Cu, Cu2O and CuO, while the superhydrophilic surfaces are composed of Cu merely. The crystal structure is more inerratic and the grain size becomes bigger after the sintering. The interracial strength of the superhydrophilic surfaces was investigated, showing that the interfacial strength between superhydrophilic layer and copper substrate is considerably high.

Influence of MnO_(x)deposition on TiO_(2)nanotube arrays for electrooxidation

TiO_(2)has demonstrated outstanding performance in electrochemical advanced oxidation processes(EAOPs)due to its structural stability and high oxygen overpotential.However,there is still much room for improving its electrochemical activity.Herein,narrow bandgap manganese oxide(MnO_(x))was composited with TiO_(2)nanotube arrays(TiO_(2)NTAs)that in-situ oxidized on porous Ti sponge,forming the MnO_(x)-TiO_(2)NTAs anode.XANES and XPS analysis further proved that the composition of MnO_(x)is Mn2O3.Electrochemical characterizations revealed that increasing the composited concentration of MnO_(x)can improve the conductivity and reduce oxygen evolution potential so as to improve the electrochemical activity of the composited MnO_(x)-TiO_(2)NTAs anode.Meanwhile,the optimal degradation rate of benzoic acid(BA)was achieved using MnO_(x)-TiO_(2)NTAs with a MnO_(x)concentration of 0.1 mmol L^(-1),and the role of MnO_(x)was proposed based on DFT calculation.Additionally,the required electrical energy(EE/O)to destroy BA was optimized by varying the composited concentration of MnO_(x)and the degradation voltage.These quantitative results are of great significance for the design and application of high-performance materials for EAOPs.

Construction of amorphous/crystalline heterointerfaces for enhanced electrochemical processes

Amorphous nanomaterials have emerged as potential candidates for energy storage and conversion owing to their amazing physicochemical properties.Recent studies have proved that the manipulation of amorphous nanomaterials can further enhance electrochemical performance.To date,various feasible strategies have been proposed,of which amorphous/crystalline(a-c)heterointerface engineering is deemed an effective approach to break through the inherent activity limitations of electrode materials.The following review discusses recent research progress on a-c heterointerfaces for enhanced electrochemical processes.The general strategies for synthesizing ac heterojunctions are first summarized.Subsequently,we highlight various advanced applications of a-c heterointerfaces in the field of electrochemistry,including for supercapacitors,batteries,and electrocatalysts.We also elucidate the synergistic mechanism of the crystalline phase and amorphous phase for electrochemical processes.Lastly,we summarize the challenges,present our personal opinions,and offer a critical perspective on the further development of a-c nanomaterials.

Degradation and detoxification mechanisms of organophosphorus flame retardant tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate(TDCPP)during electrochemical oxidation process

Electrochemical oxidation of aqueous tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate(TDCPP)by using Ti/SnO_(2)-Sb/La-PbO_(2)as anode was investigated for the first time,and the degradation mechanisms and toxicity changes of the degradation intermediates were further determined.Results suggested that electrochemical degradation of TDCPP followed pseudo-first-order kinetics,and the reaction rate constant(k)was 0.0332 min^(−1)at the applied current density of 10 mA/cm^(2)and Na_(2)SO_(4)concentration of 10 mmol/L.There was better TDCPP degradation performance at higher current density.Free hydroxy radical(•OH)was proved to play dominant role in TDCPP oxidation via quenching experiment,with a relative contribution rate of 60.1%.A total of five intermediates(M1,C_(6)H_(11)Cl_(4)O_(4)P;M2,C_(3)H_(7)Cl_(2)O_(4)P;M3,C_(9)H_(16)Cl_(5)O_(5)P;M4,C_(9)H_(14)Cl_(5)O_(6)P;M5,C_(6)H_(10)Cl_(3)O_(6)P)were identified,and the intermediates were further degraded prolonging with the reaction time.Flow cytometer results suggested that the toxicity of TDCPP and degradation intermediates significantly reduced,and the detoxification efficiency was achieved at 78.1%at 180 min.ECOSAR predictive model was used to assess the relative toxicity of TDCPP and the degradation intermediates.The EC_(50)to green algae was 3.59 mg/L for TDCPP,and the values raised to 84,574,54.6,391,and 8920 mg/L for M1,M2,M3,M4,and M5,respectively,indicating that the degradation intermediates are less toxic or not toxic.Electrochemical advanced oxidation process is a valid technology to degrade TDCPP and pose a good detoxification effect.

Electocbemical Process of Ti-Ni Alloy Electrodes by Cyclic Voltammetry

The electrochemical process of Ti-Ni alloy electrode was studied by using cyclic voltammetry. The hydrogen-absorbing electrode could be approximately regarded as a reversible hydrogen elecrede. The con- trolling steps of the discharging process varying with the anodic overpotentials were investigated and the effect ofelecrode constituent modification or Zr adulteation on the electrochemical behavior was also studied.

In situ coagulation-electrochemical oxidation of leachate concentrate:A key role of cathodes

To efficiently remove organic and inorganic pollutants from leachate concentrate,an in situ coagulation-electrochemical oxidation(CO-EO)system was proposed using Ti/Ti_(4)O_(7)anode and Al cathode,coupling the“super-Faradaic”dissolution of Al.The system was evaluated in terms of the removal efficiencies of organics,nutrients,and metals,and the underlying cathodic mechanisms were investigated compared with the Ti/RuO_(2)-IrO_(2)and graphite cathode systems.After a 3-h treatment,the Al-cathode system removed 89.0%of COD and 36.3%of total nitrogen(TN).The TN removal was primarily ascribed to the oxidation of both ammonia and organic-N to N_(2).In comparison,the Al-cathode system achieved 3-10-fold total phosphorus(TP)(62.6%)and metal removals(>80%)than Ti/RuO_(2)-IrO_(2)and graphite systems.The increased removals of TP and metals were ascribed to the in situ coagulation of Al(OH)_(3),hydroxide precipitation,and electrodeposition.With the reduced scaling on the Al cathode surface,the formation of Al^(3+)and electrified Al(OH)_(3)lessened the requirement for cathode cleaning and increased the bulk conductivity,resulting in increased instantaneous current production(38.9%)and operating cost efficiencies(48.3 kWh kg_(COD)^(−1)).The present study indicated that the in situ CO-EO process could be potentially used for treating persistent wastewater containing high levels of organic and inorganic ions.

Characterization and Electrochemical Properties of Nanostructured Zr-Doped Anatase TiO_2 Tubes Synthesized by Sol–Gel Template Route

A series of nanostructured Zr-doped anatase TiO_2 tubes with the Zr/Ti molar ratio of 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, and0.09 were prepared by a sol–gel technology on a carbon fiber template. The electrochemical performance of Zr-doped anatase TiO_2 as anodes for rechargeable lithium batteries was investigated and compared with undoped titania. Tests represented that after 35-fold charge/discharge cycling at C/10 the reversible capacity of Zr-doped titania（Zr/Ti = 0.03） reaches 135 m A h g^（-1）, while the capacity of undoped titania（Zr/Ti = 0） yielded only 50 m A h g^（-1）. Based on the results of the physicochemical investigation, three reasons of improving electrochemical performance of Zr-doped titania were suggested. According to the scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, Zr^（4＋） doping induces a decrease in nanoparticle size, which facilitates the Li＋diffusion. The Raman investigations show the more open structure of Zr-doped TiO_2 as compared to undoped titania due to changing of the unit cell parameters, that significantly affects on the reversibility of the insertion/extraction process. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results indicate that substitution of Zr^（4＋） for Ti^（4＋） into anatase TiO_2 has favorable effects on the conductivity.

A Review of Solid Electrolyte Interphase(SEI)and Dendrite Formation in Lithium Batteries

Lithium-metal batteries with high energy/power densities have significant applications in electronics,electric vehicles,and stationary power plants.However,the unstable lithium-metal-anode/electrolyte interface has induced insufficient cycle life and safety issues.To improve the cycle life and safety,understanding the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase(SEI)and growth of lithium dendrites near the anode/electrolyte interface,regulating the electrodeposition/electrostripping processes of Li^(+),and developing multiple approaches for protecting the lithium-metal surface and SEI layer are crucial and necessary.This paper comprehensively reviews the research progress in SEI and lithium dendrite growth in terms of their classical electrochemical lithium plating/stripping processes,interface interaction/nucleation processes,anode geometric evolution,fundamental electrolyte reduction mechanisms,and effects on battery performance.Some important aspects,such as charge transfer,the local current distribution,solvation,desolvation,ion diffusion through the interface,inhibition of dendrites by the SEI,additives,models for dendrite formation,heterogeneous nucleation,asymmetric processes during stripping/plating,the host matrix,and in situ nucleation characterization,are also analyzed based on experimental observations and theoretical calculations.Several technical challenges in improving SEI properties and reducing lithium dendrite growth are analyzed.Furthermore,possible future research directions for overcoming the challenges are also proposed to facilitate further research and development toward practical applications.

Effects of zinc-substituted nano-hydroxyapatite coatings on bone integration with implant surfaces

Objective:The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a zinc-substituted nano-hydroxyapatite(Zn-HA) coating,applied by an electrochemical process,on implant osseointegraton in a rabbit model.Methods:A Zn-HA coating or an HA coating was deposited using an electrochemical process.Surface morphology was examined using field-emission scanning electron microscopy.The crystal structure and chemical composition of the coatings were examined using an X-ray diffractometer(XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR).A total of 78 implants were inserted into femurs and tibias of rabbits.After two,four,and eight weeks,femurs and tibias were retrieved and prepared for histomorphometric evaluation and removal torque(RTQ) tests.Results:Rod-like HA crystals appeared on both implant surfaces.The dimensions of the Zn-HA crystals seemed to be smaller than those of HA.XRD patterns showed that the peaks of both coatings matched well with standard HA patterns.FTIR spectra showed that both coatings consisted of HA crystals.The Zn-HA coating significantly improved the bone area within all threads after four and eight weeks(P<0.05),the bone to implant contact(BIC) at four weeks(P<0.05),and RTQ values after four and eight weeks(P<0.05).Conclusions:The study showed that an electrochemically deposited Zn-HA coating has potential for improving bone integration with an implant surface.

Assessment of solar-assisted electrooxidation of bisphenol AF and bisphenol A on boron-doped diamond electrodes

Bisphenol(BP)analogues in wastewater effluent and groundwater pose a potential threat to human health due to their ability to disrupt steroidogenesis.A new solar-assisted electrochemical process(SECP)was developed and evaluated for the degradation of BP analogues.The effects of quenchers,current density,initial pH,supporting electrolyte,and aqueous matrix on the removal kinetics of bisphenol AF(BPAF)and bisphenol A(BPA)were investigated.The kinetic constants of BPAF,BPA,and bisphenol S(BPS)in the SECP with irradiation intensity of 500 mW cm^(-2) were 0.017±0.002 min^(-1),0.022±0.002 min^(-1),and 0.012±0.001 min^(-1),respectively.The changes in the degradation rates of BPAF,BPA,and BPS in the presence of quenchers indicated the relative contribution of hydroxyl radical(·OH)oxidation,anodic electrolysis,and singlet(^(1)O_(2))oxygenation in the degradation of BPs in the SECP.The enhanced rate of generation of ·OH and ^(1)O_(2) was observed in the SECP compared with those in the conventional electrochemical system.The identification of the transformation products(TPs)of BPAF demonstrated that hydroxylation,ring cleavage,b-scission,and defluorination were the major processes during the oxidation in the SECP.The conversion to fluoride ions(76%)and mineralization of total organic carbon(72%)in the SECP indicated further degradation of TPs.The results from this study improved our understanding of the degradation of BP analogues in the electrooxidation irradiated by solar light and help to establish the application potential of the SECP for the effective degradation of emerging contaminants in wastewater.