Search Results (1,104)

Porous carbon with a high surface area and controllable pore size is needed for energy storage. It is still a significant challenge to produce porous carbon in an economical way. Nitrogen-doped porous carbon (N-PC) was prepared through carbonization of a mixture of waste PET-derived metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and ammonium. The obtained N-PC exhibits a large surface area and controlled pore size. When utilized as an electrode material for supercapacitors, the N-PC exhibits a specific capacitance of 224 F g⁻¹, significantly surpassing that of commercial activated carbon (AC), which has a capacitance of 111 F g⁻¹. In the subsequent capacitive deionization (CDI) tests, the N-PC demonstrated a maximum salt adsorption capacity of 19.9 mg g⁻¹ at 1.2 V in a NaCl electrolyte (0.5 g L⁻¹), and the salt adsorption capacity increased to 24.7 mg g⁻¹ at 1.4 V. The N-PC electrode also exhibited superior regeneration. The present work not only presents a potential approach to develop cost-effective electrodes for seawater purification but also paves the way for recycling of waste plastics into high value-added products. Full article

Activated carbons can be applied in various areas of our daily life depending on their properties. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of thermal treatment of activated carbon on its properties, considering its future use. The characteristics of activated carbon heat-treated at temperatures of 1500, 1800, and 2100 °C based on its future use are presented. The significant effect of the treatment temperature on morphological, adsorption, electrochemical, and corrosion properties was proved. Increasing the temperature above 1800 °C resulted in a significant decrease in the specific surface area (from 969 to 8 m²·g⁻¹) and material porosity—the formation of mesopores (20–100 nm diameter) was observed. Simultaneously, adsorption capability, double layer capacity, and electrochemically active surface area also decreased, which helped to explain the shape of cyclic voltammograms recorded in 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and in supporting electrolytes. However, a significant increase in corrosion resistance was found for the carbon material treated at a temperature of 2100 °C (corrosion current decreased by 23 times). Comparison of morphological, adsorption, corrosion, and electrochemical characteristics of the tested activated carbon, its applicability as an electrode material in electrical energy storage devices, and materials for adsorptive removal of organic compounds from wastewater or as a sensor in electrochemical determination of organic compounds was discussed. Full article

In recent years, the demand for solid, thin, and flexible energy storage devices has surged in modern consumer electronics, which require autonomy and long duration. In this context, hybrid supercapacitors have become strategic, and significant efforts are being made to develop cells with higher energy densities while preserving the power density of conventional supercapacitors. Motivated by these requirements, we report the development of a new high-performance dual-redox-mediator supercapacitor. In this study, cells were constructed using fully moldable buckypapers (BPs), composed of carbon nanotubes and cellulose nanofibers, as electrodes. We evaluated the compatibility of BPs with hydrogel polymer electrolytes, based on 1 mol L⁻¹ H₂SO₄ and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), supplemented with different redox species: methylene blue, indigo carmine, and hydroquinone. Solid cells were constructed containing two active redox species to maximize the specific capacity of each electrode. Considering the main results, the dual-redox-mediator supercapacitor exhibits high energy density of 32.0 Wh kg⁻¹ (at 0.8 kW kg⁻¹) and is capable of delivering 25.9 Wh kg⁻¹ at high power demand (4.0 kW kg⁻¹). Stability studies conducted over 10,000 galvanostatic cycles revealed that the PVA polymer matrix benefits the system by inhibiting the crossover of redox species within the cell. Full article

CO₂ flooding plays a significant part in enhancing oil recovery and is essential to achieving CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage). This study aims to understand the fundamental theory of CO₂ dissolving and diffusing into crude oil and how these processes vary under reasonable reservoir conditions. In this paper, we primarily use molecular dynamics simulation to construct a multi-component crude oil model with 17 hydrocarbons, which is on the basis of a component analysis of oil samples through laboratory experiments. Then, the CO₂ dissolving capacity of the multi-component crude was quantitatively characterized and the impacts of external conditions—including temperature and pressure—on the motion of the CO₂ dissolution and diffusion coefficients were systematically investigated. Finally, the swelling behavior of mixed CO₂–crude oil was analyzed and the diffusion coefficients were predicted; furthermore, the levels of CO₂ impacting the oil’s mobility were analyzed. Results showed that temperature stimulation intensified molecular thermal motion and increased the voids between the alkane molecules, promoting the rapid dissolution and diffusion of CO₂. This caused the crude oil to swell and reduced its viscosity, further improving the mobility of the crude oil. As the pressure increased, the voids between the internal and external potential energy of the crude oil models became wider, facilitating the dissolution of CO₂. However, when subjected to external compression, the CO₂ molecules’ diffusing progress within the oil samples was significantly limited, even diverging to zero, which inhabited the improvement in oil mobility. This study provides some meaningful insights into the effect of CO₂ on improving molecular-scale mobility, providing theoretical guidance for subsequent investigations into CO₂–crude oil mixtures’ complicated and detailed behavior. Full article

As more companies strive for net-zero emissions, mitigating indirect greenhouse gas emissions embedded in value chains—especially in logistics activities—has become a critical priority. In the European logistics sector, sustainability and energy efficiency are receiving growing attention, given the sector’s intersectional role in both transportation and construction. This transition toward low-carbon logistics design not only reduces carbon emissions but also yields financial benefits, including operational cost savings and new market opportunities. This study examines the impact of passive design strategies and low-carbon technologies in a Swedish logistics center, assessed using the low-carbon design criteria from the BREEAM International standard, version 6. The findings show that passive energy-efficient measures, such as the installation of 47 skylights for natural daylighting, reduced light power density in accordance with AHSHARE 90.1-2019 and the integration of free night flushing, contribute to a 23% reduction in total energy consumption. In addition, the integration of 600 PV panels and 480 batteries with a capacity of 268 ampere-hours and 13.5 kWh storage, operating at 50 volts, delivers a further 56% reduction in carbon emissions. By optimizing the interaction between passive design and active low-carbon technologies, this research presents a comprehensive feasibility analysis that promotes sustainable logistics practices while ensuring a future-proof, low-carbon operational model. Full article

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are gaining attention as a safer, more cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their use of abundant and non-critical materials. A notable feature of SIBs is their ability to utilize aluminum current collectors, which are resistant to oxidation, allowing for safer storage at 0 V. However, the long-term impacts of such storage on their electrochemical performance remain poorly understood. This study systematically investigates how storage conditions at various states of charge (SOCs) affect open circuit voltage (OCV) decay, internal resistance, and post-storage cycling stability in two different Na-ion chemistries: Prussian white//hard carbon and layered oxide//hard carbon. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy before and after storage shows a pronounced increase in internal resistance and a corresponding decline in cycling performance when SIBs are stored in a fully discharged state (0 V), particularly for layered oxide-based cells, illustrating the sensitivity of different SIB chemistries to storage conditions. Additionally, a novel reformation protocol is proposed that reactivates cell capacity by rebuilding the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer, offering a recovery path after prolonged storage. These insights into the long-term storage effects on SIBs provide new guidelines for optimizing storage and transport conditions to minimize performance degradation, making them more viable for commercial applications. Full article

Personal thermal management materials integrated with phase-change materials have significant potential to satisfy human thermal comfort needs and save energy through the efficient storage and utilization of thermal energy. However, conventional organic phase-change materials in a solid state suffer from rigidity, low thermal conductivity, and leakage, making their application challenging. In this work, polyethylene glycol (PEG) was chosen as the phase-change material to provide the energy storage density, polyethylene oxide (PEO) was chosen to provide the backbone structure of the three-dimensional polymer network and cross-linked with the PEG to provide flexibility, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used to improve the mechanical and thermal conductivity of the material. The thermal conductivity of the composite fiber membranes was boosted by 77.1% when CNTs were added at 4 wt%. Water-resistant modification of the composite fiber membranes was successfully performed using glutaraldehyde-saturated steam. The resulting composite fiber membranes had a reasonable range of phase transition temperatures, and the CC₄PCF-55 membranes had melting and freezing latent heats of 66.71 J/g and 64.74 J/g, respectively. The results of this study prove that the green CC₄PCF-55 composite fiber membranes have excellent flexibility, with good thermal energy storage capacity and thermal conductivity and, therefore, high potential in the field of flexible wearable thermal management textiles. Full article

The increasing level of anthropogenic CO₂ in the atmosphere has made it imperative to investigate an efficient method for carbon sequestration. Geological carbon sequestration presents a viable path to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by sequestering the captured CO₂ deep underground in rock formations to store it permanently. Geochemistry, as the cornerstone of geological CO₂ sequestration (GCS), plays an indispensable role. Therefore, it is not just timely but also urgent to undertake a comprehensive review of studies conducted in this area, articulate gaps and findings, and give directions for future research areas. This paper reviews geochemistry in terms of the sequestration of CO₂ in geological formations, addressing mechanisms of trapping, challenges, and ways of mitigating challenges in trapping mechanisms; mineralization and methods of accelerating mineralization; and the interaction between rock, brine, and CO₂ for the long-term containment and storage of CO₂. Mixing CO₂ with brine before or during injection, using microbes, selecting sedimentary reservoirs with reactive minerals, co-injection of carbonate anhydrase, and enhancing the surface area of reactive minerals are some of the mechanisms used to enhance mineral trapping in GCS applications. This review also addresses the potential challenges and opportunities associated with geological CO₂ storage. Challenges include caprock integrity, understanding the lasting effects of storing CO₂ on geological formations, developing reliable models for monitoring CO₂–brine–rock interactions, CO₂ impurities, and addressing public concerns about safety and environmental impacts. Conversely, opportunities in the sequestration of CO₂ lie in the vast potential for storing CO₂ in geological formations like depleted oil and gas reservoirs, saline aquifers, coal seams, and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) sites. Opportunities include improved geochemical trapping of CO₂, optimized storage capacity, improved sealing integrity, managed wellbore leakage risk, and use of sealant materials to reduce leakage risk. Furthermore, the potential impact of advancements in geochemical research, understanding geochemical reactions, addressing the challenges, and leveraging the opportunities in GCS are crucial for achieving sustainable carbon mitigation and combating global warming effectively. Full article

Silicon (Si) has attracted worldwide attention for its ultrahigh theoretical storage capacity (4200 mA h g⁻¹), low mass density (2.33 g cm⁻³), low operating potential (0.4 V vs. Li/Li⁺), abundant reserves, environmentally benign nature, and low cost. It is a promising high-energy-density anode material for next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), offering a replacement for graphite anodes owing to the escalating energy demands in booming automobile and energy storage applications. Unfortunately, the commercialization of silicon anodes is stringently hindered by large volume expansion during lithiation–delithiation, the unstable and detrimental growth of electrode/electrolyte interface layers, sluggish Li-ion diffusion, poor rate performance, and inherently low ion/electron conductivity. These present major safety challenges lead to quick capacity degradation in LIBs. Herein, we present the synergistic effects of nanostructured silicon and SrTiO₃ (STO) for use as anodes in Li-ion batteries. Si and STO nanoparticles were incorporated into a multiwalled carbon nanotube (CNT) matrix using a planetary ball-milling process. The mechanical stress resulting from the expansion of Si was transferred via the CNT matrix to the STO. We discovered that the introduction of STO can improve the electrochemical performance of Si/CNT nanocomposite anodes. Experimental measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy provide evidence for the enhanced mobility of Li-ions facilitated by STO. Hence, incorporating STO into the Si@CNT anode yields promising results, exhibiting a high initial Coulombic efficiency of approximately 85%, a reversible specific capacity of ~800 mA h g⁻¹ after 100 cycles at 100 mA g⁻¹, and a high-rate capability of 1400 mA g⁻¹ with a capacity of 800 mA h g⁻¹. Interestingly, it exhibits a capacity of 350 mAh g⁻¹ after 1000 lithiation and delithiation cycles at a high rate of 600 mA hg⁻¹. This result unveils and sheds light on the design of a scalable method for manufacturing Si anodes for next-generation LIBs. Full article

Soils play a crucial role in the protection, management, and ecological understanding of the La Moraña region, located in Ávila province, Central Spain, which has a moderate population, traditional agriculture, livestock farming, and low industrial activity, resulting in relatively low environmental degradation. The region’s soils often experience prolonged water stagnation, influencing its agronomy, ecology, and economy. This study aimed to estimate and understand the soil’s role in the C sequestration of an agrosilvopastoral system under conditions of temporary water stagnation and different land uses. The results showed that ryegrass-magaza and Pinus pinaster show more content in soil carbon sequestration storage (98.7 and 92.4 Mg per hectare) compared to the adjacent degraded rangeland (75.8 and 63.9 Mg ha⁻¹). Arenosols exhibited a higher total amount of SOC stocks. The soil profile with ryegrass sequestered more nitrogen (9.7 Mg ha⁻¹) than other land uses; moreover, Arenosols have a lower nitrogen sequestration capacity even in low-forest conditions. The study highlights significant differences in carbon accumulation due to the management practices, temporary water layers, and parent material. Full article

Hydrogen storage has been a bottleneck factor for the application of hydrogen energy. Hydrogen storage capacity for titanium-decorated boron-doped C₂₀ fullerenes has been investigated using the density functional theory. Different boron-doped C₂₀ fullerene absorbents are examined to avoid titanium atom clustering. According to our research, with three carbon atoms in the pentagonal ring replaced by boron atoms, the binding interaction between the Ti atom and C₂₀ fullerene is stronger than the cohesive energy of titanium. The calculated results revealed that one Ti atom can reversibly adsorb four H₂ molecules with an average adsorption energy of −1.52 eV and an average desorption temperature of 522.5 K. The stability of the best absorbent structure with a gravimetric density of 4.68 wt% has been confirmed by ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. These findings suggest that titanium-decorated boron-doped C₂₀ fullerenes could be considered as a potential candidate for hydrogen storage devices. Full article

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have garnered significant interest due to their potential as viable alternatives to conventional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), particularly in environments where low-temperature (LT) performance is crucial. This paper provides a comprehensive review of current research on LT SIBs, focusing on electrode materials, electrolytes, and operational challenges specific to sub-zero conditions. Recent advancements in electrode materials, such as carbon-based materials and titanium-based materials, are discussed for their ability to enhance ion diffusion kinetics and overall battery performance at colder temperatures. The critical role of electrolyte formulation in maintaining battery efficiency and stability under extreme cold is highlighted, alongside strategies to mitigate capacity loss and cycle degradation. Future research directions underscore the need for further improvements in energy density and durability and scalable manufacturing processes to facilitate commercial adoption. Overall, LT SIBs represent a promising frontier in energy storage technology, with ongoing efforts aimed at overcoming technical barriers to enable widespread deployment in cold-climate applications and beyond. Full article

LiFePO₄ (LFP) cathodes are popular due to their safety and cyclic performance, despite limitations in lithium-ion diffusion and conductivity. These can be improved with carbon coating, but further advancements are possible despite commercial success. In this study, we modified the carbon coating layer using sulfur to enhance the electronic conductivity and stabilize the carbon surface layer via two methods: 1-step and 2-step processes. In the 1-step process, sulfur powder was mixed with cellulose followed by heat treatment to form a coating layer; in the 2-step process, an additional coating layer was applied on top of the carbon coating layer. Electrochemical measurements demonstrated that the 1-step sulfur-modified LFP significantly improved the discharge capacity (~152 mAh·g⁻¹ at 0.5 C rate) and rate capability compared to pristine LFP. Raman analyses indicated that sulfur mixed with a carbon source increases the graphitization of the carbon layer. Although the 2-step sulfur modification did not exceed the 1-step process in enhancing rate capability, it improved the storage characteristics of LFP at high temperatures. The residual sulfur elements apparently protected the surface. These findings confirm that sulfur modification of the carbon layer is effective for improving LFP cathode properties, offering a promising approach to enhance the performance and stability of LFP-based lithium-ion batteries. Full article

Solid-state electrolytes have received widespread attention for solving the problem of the leakage of liquid electrolytes and effectively improving the overall performance of supercapacitors. However, the electrochemical performance and environmental friendliness of solid-state electrolytes still need to be further improved. Here, a binary biomass-based solid electrolyte film (LSE) was successfully synthesized through the incorporation of lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) with sodium alginate (SA). The impact of the mass ratio of SA to LNPs on the microstructure, porosity, electrolyte absorption capacity, ionic conductivity, and electrochemical properties of the LSE was thoroughly investigated. The results indicated that as the proportion of SA increased from 5% to 15% of LNPs, the pore structure of the LSE became increasingly uniform and abundant. Consequently, enhancements were observed in porosity, liquid absorption capacity, ionic conductivity, and overall electrochemical performance. Notably, at an SA amount of 15% of LNPs, the ionic conductivity of the resultant LSE-15 was recorded at 14.10 mS cm⁻¹, with the porosity and liquid absorption capacity reaching 58.4% and 308%, respectively. LSE-15 was employed as a solid electrolyte, while LNP-based carbon aerogel (LCA) served as the two electrodes in the construction of a symmetric all-solid-state supercapacitor (SSC). The SSC device demonstrated exceptional electrochemical storage capacity, achieving a specific capacitance of 197 F g⁻¹ at 0.5 A g⁻¹, along with a maximum energy and power density of 27.33 W h kg⁻¹ and 4998 W kg⁻¹, respectively. Furthermore, the SSC device exhibited highly stable electrochemical performance under extreme conditions, including compression, bending, and both series and parallel connections. Therefore, the development and application of binary biomass-based solid electrolyte films in supercapacitors represent a promising strategy for harnessing high-value biomass resources in the field of energy storage. Full article

Exploring high-performance carbon anodes that are low-cost and easily accessible is the key to the commercialization of sodium-ion batteries. Producing carbon materials from bio by-products is an intriguing strategy for sodium-ion battery anode manufacture and for high-value utilization of biomass. Herein, a novel hard carbon (PPHC) was prepared via a facile pyrolysis process followed by acid treatment using biowaste pomegranate peel as the precursor. The morphology and structure of the PPHC were influenced by the carbonization temperature, as evidenced by physicochemical characterization. The PPHC pyrolyzed at 1100 °C showed expanded interlayer spacing and appropriate oxygen group content. When used as a sodium ion battery anode, the PPHC-1100 demonstrated a reversible capacity of up to 330 mAh g⁻¹, maintaining 174 mAh g⁻¹ at an increased current rate of 1 C. After 200 cycles at 0.5 C, the capacity delivered by PPHC-1100 was 175 mAh g⁻¹. The electrochemical behavior of PPHC electrodes was investigated, revealing that the PPHC-1100 possessed increased capacitive-controlled energy storage and improved ion transport properties, which explained its excellent electrochemical performance. This work underscores the feasibility of high-performance sodium-ion battery anodes derived from biowaste and provides insights into the sodium storage process in biomass-derived hard carbon. Full article