Sample records for current density electrode

  1. A finite element analysis of the effect of electrode area and inter-electrode distance on the spatial distribution of the current density in tDCS

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Faria, Paula; Hallett, Mark; Cavaleiro Miranda, Pedro

    2011-12-01

    We investigated the effect of electrode area and inter-electrode distance on the spatial distribution of the current density in transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). For this purpose, we used the finite element method to compute the distribution of the current density in a four-layered spherical head model using various electrode montages, corresponding to a range of electrode sizes and inter-electrode distances. We found that smaller electrodes required slightly less current to achieve a constant value of the current density at a reference point on the brain surface located directly under the electrode center. Under these conditions, smaller electrodes also produced a more focal current density distribution in the brain, i.e. the magnitude of the current density fell more rapidly with distance from the reference point. The combination of two electrodes with different areas produced an asymmetric current distribution that could lead to more effective and localized neural modulation under the smaller electrode than under the larger one. Focality improved rapidly with decreasing electrode size when the larger electrode sizes were considered but the improvement was less marked for the smaller electrode sizes. Also, focality was not affected significantly by inter-electrode distance unless two large electrodes were placed close together. Increasing the inter-electrode distance resulted in decreased shunting of the current through the scalp and the cerebrospinal fluid, and decreasing electrode area resulted in increased current density on the scalp under the edges of the electrode. Our calculations suggest that when working with conventional electrodes (25-35 cm2), one of the electrodes should be placed just 'behind' the target relative to the other electrode, for maximum current density on the target. Also electrodes with areas in the range 3.5-12 cm2 may provide a better compromise between focality and current density in the scalp than the traditional electrodes. Finally, the use of multiple small return electrodes may be more efficient than the use of a single large return electrode.

  2. Optimal geometry toward uniform current density electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Song, Yizhuang; Lee, Eunjung; Woo, Eung Je; Seo, Jin Keun

    2011-07-01

    Electrodes are commonly used to inject current into the human body in various biomedical applications such as functional electrical stimulation, defibrillation, electrosurgery, RF ablation, impedance imaging, and so on. When a highly conducting electrode makes direct contact with biological tissues, the induced current density has strong singularity along the periphery of the electrode, which may cause painful sensation or burn. Especially in impedance imaging methods such as the magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography, we should avoid such singularity since more uniform current density underneath a current-injection electrode is desirable. In this paper, we study an optimal geometry of a recessed electrode to produce a well-distributed current density on the contact area under the electrode. We investigate the geometry of the electrode surface to minimize the edge singularity and produce nearly uniform current density on the contact area. We propose a mathematical framework for the uniform current density electrode and its optimal geometry. The theoretical results are supported by numerical simulations.

  3. Safety parameter considerations of anodal transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in rats.

    PubMed

    Jackson, Mark P; Truong, Dennis; Brownlow, Milene L; Wagner, Jessica A; McKinley, R Andy; Bikson, Marom; Jankord, Ryan

    2017-08-01

    A commonly referenced transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) safety threshold derives from tDCS lesion studies in the rat and relies on electrode current density (and related electrode charge density) to support clinical guidelines. Concerns about the role of polarity (e.g. anodal tDCS), sub-lesion threshold injury (e.g. neuroinflammatory processes), and role of electrode montage across rodent and human studies support further investigation into animal models of tDCS safety. Thirty-two anesthetized rats received anodal tDCS between 0 and 5mA for 60min through one of three epicranial electrode montages. Tissue damage was evaluated using hemotoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, Iba-1 immunohistochemistry, and computational brain current density modeling. Brain lesion occurred after anodal tDCS at and above 0.5mA using a 25.0mm 2 electrode (electrode current density: 20.0A/m 2 ). Lesion initially occurred using smaller 10.6mm 2 or 5.3mm 2 electrodes at 0.25mA (23.5A/m 2 ) and 0.5mA (94.2A/m 2 ), respectively. Histological damage was correlated with computational brain current density predictions. Changes in microglial phenotype occurred in higher stimulation groups. Lesions were observed using anodal tDCS at an electrode current density of 20.0A/m 2 , which is below the previously reported safety threshold of 142.9A/m 2 using cathodal tDCS. The lesion area is not simply predicted by electrode current density (and so not by charge density as duration was fixed); rather computational modeling suggests average brain current density as a better predictor for anodal tDCS. Nonetheless, under the assumption that rodent epicranial stimulation is a hypersensitive model, an electrode current density of 20.0A/m 2 represents a conservative threshold for clinical tDCS, which typically uses an electrode current density of 2A/m 2 when electrodes are placed on the skin (resulting in a lower brain current density). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Current density distributions, field distributions and impedance analysis of segmented deep brain stimulation electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wei, Xuefeng F.; Grill, Warren M.

    2005-12-01

    Deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes are designed to stimulate specific areas of the brain. The most widely used DBS electrode has a linear array of 4 cylindrical contacts that can be selectively turned on depending on the placement of the electrode and the specific area of the brain to be stimulated. The efficacy of DBS therapy can be improved by localizing the current delivery into specific populations of neurons and by increasing the power efficiency through a suitable choice of electrode geometrical characteristics. We investigated segmented electrode designs created by sectioning each cylindrical contact into multiple rings. Prototypes of these designs, made with different materials and larger dimensions than those of clinical DBS electrodes, were evaluated in vitro and in simulation. A finite element model was developed to study the effects of varying the electrode characteristics on the current density and field distributions in an idealized electrolytic medium and in vitro experiments were conducted to measure the electrode impedance. The current density over the electrode surface increased towards the edges of the electrode, and multiple edges increased the non-uniformity of the current density profile. The edge effects were more pronounced over the end segments than over the central segments. Segmented electrodes generated larger magnitudes of the second spatial difference of the extracellular potentials, and thus required lower stimulation intensities to achieve the same level of neuronal activation as solid electrodes. For a fixed electrode conductive area, increasing the number of segments (edges) decreased the impedance compared to a single solid electrode, because the average current density over the segments increased. Edge effects played a critical role in determining the current density distributions, neuronal excitation patterns, and impedance of cylindrical electrodes, and segmented electrodes provide a means to increase the efficiency of DBS.

  5. In-plane structuring of proton exchange membrane fuel cell cathodes: Effect of ionomer equivalent weight structuring on performance and current density distribution

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Herden, Susanne; Riewald, Felix; Hirschfeld, Julian A.; Perchthaler, Markus

    2017-07-01

    Within the active area of a fuel cell inhomogeneous operating conditions occur, however, state of the art electrodes are homogenous over the complete active area. This study uses current density distribution measurements to analyze which ionomer equivalent weight (EW) shows locally the highest current densities. With this information a segmented cathode electrode is manufactured by decal transfer. The segmented electrode shows better performance especially at high current densities compared to homogenous electrodes. Furthermore this segmented catalyst coated membrane (CCM) performs optimal in wet as well as dry conditions, both operating conditions arise in automotive fuel cell applications. Thus, cathode electrodes with an optimized ionomer EW distribution might have a significant impact on future automotive fuel cell development.

  6. Direct mapping of local redox current density on a monolith electrode by laser scanning.

    PubMed

    Lee, Seung-Woo; Lopez, Jeffrey; Saraf, Ravi F

    2013-09-15

    An optical method of mapping local redox reaction over a monolith electrode using simple laser scanning is described. As the optical signal is linearly proportional to the maximum redox current that is measured concomitantly by voltammetry, the optical signal quantitatively maps the local redox current density distribution. The method is demonstrated on two types of reactions: (1) a reversible reaction where the redox moieties are ionic, and (2) an irreversible reaction on two different types of enzymes immobilized on the electrode where the reaction moieties are nonionic. To demonstrate the scanning capability, the local redox behavior on a "V-shaped" electrode is studied where the local length scale and, hence, the local current density, is nonuniform. The ability to measure the current density distribution by this method will pave the way for multianalyte analysis on a monolith electrode using a standard three-electrode configuration. The method is called Scanning Electrometer for Electrical Double-layer (SEED). Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Individual differences in transcranial electrical stimulation current density

    PubMed Central

    Russell, Michael J; Goodman, Theodore; Pierson, Ronald; Shepherd, Shane; Wang, Qiang; Groshong, Bennett; Wiley, David F

    2013-01-01

    Transcranial electrical stimulation (TCES) is effective in treating many conditions, but it has not been possible to accurately forecast current density within the complex anatomy of a given subject's head. We sought to predict and verify TCES current densities and determine the variability of these current distributions in patient-specific models based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. Two experiments were performed. The first experiment estimated conductivity from MRIs and compared the current density results against actual measurements from the scalp surface of 3 subjects. In the second experiment, virtual electrodes were placed on the scalps of 18 subjects to model simulated current densities with 2 mA of virtually applied stimulation. This procedure was repeated for 4 electrode locations. Current densities were then calculated for 75 brain regions. Comparison of modeled and measured external current in experiment 1 yielded a correlation of r = .93. In experiment 2, modeled individual differences were greatest near the electrodes (ten-fold differences were common), but simulated current was found in all regions of the brain. Sites that were distant from the electrodes (e.g. hypothalamus) typically showed two-fold individual differences. MRI-based modeling can effectively predict current densities in individual brains. Significant variation occurs between subjects with the same applied electrode configuration. Individualized MRI-based modeling should be considered in place of the 10-20 system when accurate TCES is needed. PMID:24285948

  8. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chen, Qing; Gerhardt, Michael R.; Aziz, Michael J.

    We measure the polarization characteristics of a quinone-bromide redox flow battery with interdigitated flow fields, using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and voltammetry of a full cell and of a half cell against a reference electrode. We find linear polarization behavior at 50% state of charge all the way to the short-circuit current density of 2.5 A/cm 2. We uniquely identify the polarization area-specific resistance (ASR) of each electrode, the membrane ASR to ionic current, and the electronic contact ASR. We use voltage probes to deduce the electronic current density through each sheet of carbon paper in the quinone-bearing electrode. By alsomore » interpreting the results using the Newman 1-D porous electrode model, we deduce the volumetric exchange current density of the porous electrode. We uniquely evaluate the power dissipation and identify a correspondence to the contributions to the electrode ASR from the faradaic, electronic, and ionic transport processes. We find that, within the electrode, more power is dissipated in the faradaic process than in the electronic and ionic conduction processes combined, despite the observed linear polarization behavior. We examine the sensitivity of the ASR to the values of the model parameters. The greatest performance improvement is anticipated from increasing the volumetric exchange current density.« less

  9. Experimental study on magnetically insulated transmission line electrode surface evolution process under MA/cm current density

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zhang, PengFei; Qiu, Aici; State Key Laboratory of Intense Pulse Radiation of Simulation and Effect, Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology, Xi'an 710024

    The design of high-current density magnetically insulated transmission line (MITL) is a difficult problem of current large-scale Z-pinch device. In particular, a thorough understanding of the MITL electrode surface evolution process under high current density is lacking. On the “QiangGuang-I” accelerator, the load area possesses a low inductance short-circuit structure with a diameter of 2.85 mm at the cathode, and three reflux columns with a diameter of 3 mm and uniformly distributed circumference at the anode. The length of the high density MITL area is 20 mm. A laser interferometer is used to assess and analyze the state of the MITL cathode andmore » anode gap, and their evolution process under high current density. Experimental results indicate that evident current loss is not observed in the current density area at pulse leading edge, and peak when the surface current density reaches MA/cm. Analysis on electrode surface working conditions indicates that when the current leading edge is at 71.5% of the peak, the total evaporation of MITL cathode structure can be realized by energy deposition caused by ohmic heating. The electrode state changes, and diffusion conditions are reflected in the laser interferometer image. The MITL cathode area mainly exists in metal vapor form. The metal vapor density in the cathode central region is higher than the upper limit of laser penetration density (∼4 × 10{sup 21}/cm{sup 3}), with an expansion velocity of ∼0.96 km/s. The metal vapor density in the electrode outer area may lead to evident distortion of fringes, and its expansion velocity is faster than that in the center area (1.53 km/s).« less

  10. Dissection of the Voltage Losses of an Acidic Quinone Redox Flow Battery

    DOE PAGES

    Chen, Qing; Gerhardt, Michael R.; Aziz, Michael J.

    2017-03-28

    We measure the polarization characteristics of a quinone-bromide redox flow battery with interdigitated flow fields, using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and voltammetry of a full cell and of a half cell against a reference electrode. We find linear polarization behavior at 50% state of charge all the way to the short-circuit current density of 2.5 A/cm 2. We uniquely identify the polarization area-specific resistance (ASR) of each electrode, the membrane ASR to ionic current, and the electronic contact ASR. We use voltage probes to deduce the electronic current density through each sheet of carbon paper in the quinone-bearing electrode. By alsomore » interpreting the results using the Newman 1-D porous electrode model, we deduce the volumetric exchange current density of the porous electrode. We uniquely evaluate the power dissipation and identify a correspondence to the contributions to the electrode ASR from the faradaic, electronic, and ionic transport processes. We find that, within the electrode, more power is dissipated in the faradaic process than in the electronic and ionic conduction processes combined, despite the observed linear polarization behavior. We examine the sensitivity of the ASR to the values of the model parameters. The greatest performance improvement is anticipated from increasing the volumetric exchange current density.« less

  11. High-voltage electrode optimization towards uniform surface treatment by a pulsed volume discharge

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ponomarev, A. V.; Pedos, M. S.; Scherbinin, S. V.; Mamontov, Y. I.; Ponomarev, S. V.

    2015-11-01

    In this study, the shape and material of the high-voltage electrode of an atmospheric pressure plasma generation system were optimised. The research was performed with the goal of achieving maximum uniformity of plasma treatment of the surface of the low-voltage electrode with a diameter of 100 mm. In order to generate low-temperature plasma with the volume of roughly 1 cubic decimetre, a pulsed volume discharge was used initiated with a corona discharge. The uniformity of the plasma in the region of the low-voltage electrode was assessed using a system for measuring the distribution of discharge current density. The system's low-voltage electrode - collector - was a disc of 100 mm in diameter, the conducting surface of which was divided into 64 radially located segments of equal surface area. The current at each segment was registered by a high-speed measuring system controlled by an ARM™-based 32-bit microcontroller. To facilitate the interpretation of results obtained, a computer program was developed to visualise the results. The program provides a 3D image of the current density distribution on the surface of the low-voltage electrode. Based on the results obtained an optimum shape for a high-voltage electrode was determined. Uniformity of the distribution of discharge current density in relation to distance between electrodes was studied. It was proven that the level of non-uniformity of current density distribution depends on the size of the gap between electrodes. Experiments indicated that it is advantageous to use graphite felt VGN-6 (Russian abbreviation) as the material of the high-voltage electrode's emitting surface.

  12. Transportation properties of a high-current magnetically insulated transmission line and dynamics of the electrode plasma

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Anan'ev, S. S.; Bakshaev, Yu. L.; Bartov, A. V.; Blinov, P. I.; Dan'ko, S. A.; Zhuzhunashvili, A. I.; Kazakov, E. D.; Kalinin, Yu. G.; Kingsep, A. S.; Korolev, V. D.; Mizhiritskii, V. I.; Smirnov, V. P.; Tkachenko, S. I.; Chernenko, A. S.

    2008-07-01

    Results are presented from experimental studies of a section of a magnetically insulated transmission line (MITL) with a current density of up to 500 MA/cm2 and linear current density of up to 7 MA/cm (the parameters close to those in a fast-Z-pinch-driven fusion reactor projected at Sandia Laboratories). The experiments were performed in the S-300 facility (3 MA, 0.15 Ω, 100 ns). At high linear current densities, the surface of the ohmically heated MITL electrode can explode and a plasma layer can form near the electrode surface. As a result, the MITL can lose its transmission properties due to the shunting of the vacuum gap by the plasma produced. In this series of experiments, the dynamics of the electrode plasma and the dependence of the transmission properties of the MITL on the material and cleanness of the electrode surface were studied. It is shown experimentally that, when the current with a linear density of up to 7 MA/cm begins to flow along a model MITL, the input and output currents differ by less than 10% over a time interval of up to 230 ns for nickel electrodes and up to 350 ns for a line with a gold central electrode. No effect of the oil film present on the electrode surface on the loss of the transmission properties of the line was observed. It is also shown that electron losses insignificantly contribute to the total current balance. The experimental results are compared with calculations of the electrode explosion and the subsequent expansion of the plasma layer. A conclusion is made that the life-time of the model MITL satisfies the requirements imposed on the transmission lines intended for use in the projected thermonuclear reactor.

  13. Electrodeposition of hierarchically structured three-dimensional nickel–iron electrodes for efficient oxygen evolution at high current densities

    PubMed Central

    Lu, Xunyu; Zhao, Chuan

    2015-01-01

    Large-scale industrial application of electrolytic splitting of water has called for the development of oxygen evolution electrodes that are inexpensive, robust and can deliver large current density (>500 mA cm−2) at low applied potentials. Here we show that an efficient oxygen electrode can be developed by electrodepositing amorphous mesoporous nickel–iron composite nanosheets directly onto macroporous nickel foam substrates. The as-prepared oxygen electrode exhibits high catalytic activity towards water oxidation in alkaline solutions, which only requires an overpotential of 200 mV to initiate the reaction, and is capable of delivering current densities of 500 and 1,000 mA cm−2 at overpotentials of 240 and 270 mV, respectively. The electrode also shows prolonged stability against bulk water electrolysis at large current. Collectively, the as-prepared three-dimensional structured electrode is the most efficient oxygen evolution electrode in alkaline electrolytes reported to the best of our knowledge, and can potentially be applied for industrial scale water electrolysis. PMID:25776015

  14. Azimuthal swirl in liquid metal electrodes and batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ashour, Rakan; Kelley, Douglas

    2016-11-01

    Liquid metal batteries consist of two molten metals with different electronegativity separated by molten salt. In these batteries, critical performance related factors such as the limiting current density are governed by fluid mixing in the positive electrode. In this work we present experimental results of a swirling flow in a layer of molten lead-bismuth alloy driven by electrical current. Using in-situ ultrasound velocimetery, we show that poloidal circulation appears at low current density, whereas azimuthal swirl becomes dominant at higher current density. The presence of thermal gradients produces buoyant forces, which are found to compete with those produced by current injection. Taking the ratio of the characteristic electromagnetic to buoyant flow velocity, we are able to predict the current density at which the flow becomes electromagnetically driven. Scaling arguments are also used to show that swirl is generated through self-interaction between the electrical current in the electrode with its own magnetic field.

  15. Electrochemical characterization of high frequency stimulation electrodes: role of electrode material and stimulation parameters on electrode polarization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ghazavi, Atefeh; Cogan, Stuart F.

    2018-06-01

    Objective. With recent interest in kilohertz frequency electrical stimulation for nerve conduction block, understanding the electrochemistry and role of electrode material is important for assessing the safety of these stimulus protocols. Here we describe an approach to determining electrode polarization in response to continuous kilohertz frequency sinusoidal current waveforms. We have also investigated platinum, iridium oxide, and titanium nitride as coatings for high frequency electrodes. The current density distribution at 50 kHz at the electrode–electrolyte interface was also modeled to demonstrate the importance of the primary current distribution in supporting charge injection at high frequencies. Approach. We determined electrode polarization in response to sinusoidal currents with frequencies in the 1–50 kHz range and current amplitudes from 100 to 500 µA and 1–5 mA, depending on the electrode area. The current density distribution at the interface was modeled using the finite element method (FEM). Main results. At low frequencies, 1–5 kHz, polarization on the platinum electrode was significant, exceeding the water oxidation potential for high amplitude (5 mA) waveforms. At frequencies of 20 kHz or higher, the polarization was less than 300 mV from the electrode open circuit potential. The choice of electrode material did not play a significant role in electrode polarization at frequencies higher than 10 kHz. The current density distribution modeled at 50 kHz is non-uniform and this non-uniformity persists throughout charge delivery. Significance. At high frequencies (>10 kHz) electrode double-layer charging is the principal mechanism of charge-injection and selection of the electrode material has little effect on polarization, with platinum, iridium oxide, and titanium nitride exhibiting similar behavior. High frequency stimulation is dominated by a highly nonuniform primary current distribution.

  16. Asymmetric battery having a semi-solid cathode and high energy density anode

    DOEpatents

    Tan, Taison; Chiang, Yet-Ming; Ota, Naoki; Wilder, Throop; Duduta, Mihai

    2017-11-28

    Embodiments described herein relate generally to devices, systems and methods of producing high energy density batteries having a semi-solid cathode that is thicker than the anode. An electrochemical cell can include a positive electrode current collector, a negative electrode current collector and an ion-permeable membrane disposed between the positive electrode current collector and the negative electrode current collector. The ion-permeable membrane is spaced a first distance from the positive electrode current collector and at least partially defines a positive electroactive zone. The ion-permeable membrane is spaced a second distance from the negative electrode current collector and at least partially defines a negative electroactive zone. The second distance is less than the first distance. A semi-solid cathode that includes a suspension of an active material and a conductive material in a non-aqueous liquid electrolyte is disposed in the positive electroactive zone, and an anode is disposed in the negative electroactive zone.

  17. Asymmetric battery having a semi-solid cathode and high energy density anode

    DOEpatents

    Tan, Taison; Chiang, Yet-Ming; Ota, Naoki; Wilder, Throop; Duduta, Mihai

    2016-09-06

    Embodiments described herein relate generally to devices, systems and methods of producing high energy density batteries having a semi-solid cathode that is thicker than the anode. An electrochemical cell can include a positive electrode current collector, a negative electrode current collector and an ion-permeable membrane disposed between the positive electrode current collector and the negative electrode current collector. The ion-permeable membrane is spaced a first distance from the positive electrode current collector and at least partially defines a positive electroactive zone. The ion-permeable membrane is spaced a second distance from the negative electrode current collector and at least partially defines a negative electroactive zone. The second distance is less than the first distance. A semi-solid cathode that includes a suspension of an active material and a conductive material in a non-aqueous liquid electrolyte is disposed in the positive electroactive zone, and an anode is disposed in the negative electroactive zone.

  18. Vertical motion of a charged colloidal particle near an AC polarized electrode with a nonuniform potential distribution: theory and experimental evidence.

    PubMed

    Fagan, Jeffrey A; Sides, Paul J; Prieve, Dennis C

    2004-06-08

    Electroosmotic flow in the vicinity of a colloidal particle suspended over an electrode accounts for observed changes in the average height of the particle when the electrode passes alternating current at 100 Hz. The main findings are (1) electroosmotic flow provides sufficient force to move the particle and (2) a phase shift between the purely electrical force on the particle and the particle's motion provides evidence of an E2 force acting on the particle. The electroosmotic force in this case arises from the boundary condition applied when faradaic reactions occur on the electrode. The presence of a potential-dependent electrode reaction moves the likely distribution of electrical current at the electrode surface toward uniform current density around the particle. In the presence of a particle the uniform current density is associated with a nonuniform potential; thus, the electric field around the particle has a nonzero radial component along the electrode surface, which interacts with unbalanced charge in the diffuse double layer on the electrode to create a flow pattern and impose an electroosmotic-flow-based force on the particle. Numerical solutions are presented for these additional height-dependent forces on the particle as a function of the current distribution on the electrode and for the time-dependent probability density of a charged colloidal particle near a planar electrode with a nonuniform electrical potential boundary condition. The electrical potential distribution on the electrode, combined with a phase difference between the electric field in solution and the electrode potential, can account for the experimentally observed motion of particles in ac electric fields in the frequency range from approximately 10 to 200 Hz.

  19. Three-dimensional forward solver and its performance analysis for magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography (MREIT) using recessed electrodes.

    PubMed

    Lee, Byung Il; Oh, Suk Hoon; Woo, Eung Je; Lee, Soo Yeol; Cho, Min Hyoung; Kwon, Ohin; Seo, Jin Keun; Lee, June-Yub; Baek, Woon Sik

    2003-07-07

    In magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography (MREIT), we try to reconstruct a cross-sectional resistivity (or conductivity) image of a subject. When we inject a current through surface electrodes, it generates a magnetic field. Using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, we can obtain the induced magnetic flux density from MR phase images of the subject. We use recessed electrodes to avoid undesirable artefacts near electrodes in measuring magnetic flux densities. An MREIT image reconstruction algorithm produces cross-sectional resistivity images utilizing the measured internal magnetic flux density in addition to boundary voltage data. In order to develop such an image reconstruction algorithm, we need a three-dimensional forward solver. Given injection currents as boundary conditions, the forward solver described in this paper computes voltage and current density distributions using the finite element method (FEM). Then, it calculates the magnetic flux density within the subject using the Biot-Savart law and FEM. The performance of the forward solver is analysed and found to be enough for use in MREIT for resistivity image reconstructions and also experimental designs and validations. The forward solver may find other applications where one needs to compute voltage, current density and magnetic flux density distributions all within a volume conductor.

  20. Effect of electrode sub-micron surface feature size on current generation of Shewanella oneidensis in microbial fuel cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ye, Zhou; Ellis, Michael W.; Nain, Amrinder S.; Behkam, Bahareh

    2017-04-01

    Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are envisioned to serve as compact and sustainable sources of energy; however, low current and power density have hindered their widespread use. Introduction of 3D micro/nanostructures on the MFC anode is known to improve its performance by increasing the surface area available for bacteria attachment; however, the role of the feature size remains poorly understood. To delineate the role of feature size from the ensuing surface area increase, nanostructures with feature heights of 115 nm and 300 nm, both at a height to width aspect ratio of 0.3, are fabricated in a grid pattern on glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs). Areal current densities and bacteria attachment densities of the patterned and unpatterned GCEs are compared using Shewanella oneidensis Δbfe in a three-electrode bioreactor. The 115 nm features elicit a remarkable 40% increase in current density and a 78% increase in bacterial attachment density, whereas the GCE with 300 nm pattern does not exhibit significant change in current density or bacterial attachment density. The current density dependency on feature size is maintained over the entire 160 h experiment. Thus, optimally sized surface features have a substantial effect on current production that is independent of their effect on surface area.

  1. Electrospun carbon nanofibers surface-grafted with vapor-grown carbon nanotubes as hierarchical electrodes for supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhou, Zhengping; Wu, Xiang-Fa; Fong, Hao

    2012-01-01

    This letter reports the fabrication and electrochemical properties of electrospun carbon nanofibers surface-grafted with vapor-grown carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as hierarchical electrodes for supercapacitors. The specific capacitance of the fabricated electrodes was measured up to 185 F/g at the low discharge current density of 625 mA/g; a decrease of 38% was detected at the high discharge current density of 2.5 A/g. The morphology and microstructure of the electrodes were examined by electron microscopy, and the unique connectivity of the hybrid nanomaterials was responsible for the high specific capacitance and low intrinsic contact electric resistance of the hierarchical electrodes.

  2. Titanium-containing Raney nickel catalyst for hydrogen electrodes in alkaline fuel cell systems

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Mund, K.; Richter, G.; von Sturm, F.

    In alkaline hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells Raney nickel is employed as catalyst for hydrogen electrodes. The rate of anodic hydrogen conversion has been increased significantly by using a titanium-containing Raney nickel. The properties of the catalyst powder, the influence of particle diameter, and the behavior of electrodes under load are described. Impedance measurements have been used to characterize the electrodes. In fuel cell systems the supported electrodes are normally operated at current densities up to 0.4 A . cm/sup -2/; the overload current density of 1 A . cm/sup -2/ can be maintained for several hours. (15 fig.)

  3. Electrode effects on temporal changes in electrolyte pH and redox potential for water treatment

    PubMed Central

    Ciblak, Ali; Mao, Xuhui; Padilla, Ingrid; Vesper, Dorothy; Alshawabkeh, Iyad; Alshawabkeh, Akram N.

    2012-01-01

    The performance of electrochemical remediation methods could be optimized by controlling the physicochemical conditions of the electrochemical redox system. The effects of anode type (reactive or inert), current density and electrolyte composition on the temporal changes in pH and redox potential of the electrolyte were evaluated in divided and mixed electrolytes. Two types of electrodes were used: iron as a reactive electrode and mixed metal oxide coated titanium (MMO) as an inert electrode. Electric currents of 15, 30, 45 and 60 mA (37.5 mA L−1, 75 mA L−1, 112.5 mA L−1 and 150 mA L−1) were applied. Solutions of NaCl, Na2SO4 and NaHCO3 were selected to mimic different wastewater or groundwater composition. Iron anodes resulted in highly reducing electrolyte conditions compared to inert anodes. Electrolyte pH was dependent on electrode type, electrolyte composition and current density. The pH of mixed-electrolyte was stable when MMO electrodes were used. When iron electrodes were used, the pH of electrolyte with relatively low current density (37.5 mA L−1) did not show significant changes but the pH increased sharply for relatively high current density (150 mA L−1). Sulfate solution showed more basic and relatively more reducing electrolyte condition compared to bicarbonate and chloride solution. The study shows that a highly reducing environment could be achieved using iron anodes in divided or mixed electrolytes and the pH and redox potential could be optimized by using appropriate current and polarity reversal. PMID:22416866

  4. Redox flow batteries with serpentine flow fields: Distributions of electrolyte flow reactant penetration into the porous carbon electrodes and effects on performance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ke, Xinyou; Prahl, Joseph M.; Alexander, J. Iwan D.; Savinell, Robert F.

    2018-04-01

    Redox flow batteries with flow field designs have been demonstrated to boost their capacities to deliver high current density and power density in medium and large-scale energy storage applications. Nevertheless, the fundamental mechanisms involved with improved current density in flow batteries with serpentine flow field designs have been not fully understood. Here we report a three-dimensional model of a serpentine flow field over a porous carbon electrode to examine the distributions of pressure driven electrolyte flow penetrations into the porous carbon electrodes. We also estimate the maximum current densities associated with stoichiometric availability of electrolyte reactant flow penetrations through the porous carbon electrodes. The results predict reasonably well observed experimental data without using any adjustable parameters. This fundamental work on electrolyte flow distributions of limiting reactant availability will contribute to a better understanding of limits on electrochemical performance in flow batteries with serpentine flow field designs and should be helpful to optimizing flow batteries.

  5. Organic pollutant removal from edible oil process wastewater using electrocoagulation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sharma, S.; Can, O. T.; Hammed, M.; Nawarathna, D.; Simsek, H.

    2018-03-01

    Wastewaters generated from vegetable oil industries contain a high concentration of organic pollutants that are detrimental to the aquatic ecosystem. Electrochemical processes are gaining importance in the treatment of inorganic and resistant organic pollutants in wastewaters. In this study, electrocoagulation (EC) was applied to remove organic pollutants and oil and grease from canola oil wastewater using aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe) electrodes. The application of EC in the wastewater achieved more than 80% removal of organic carbon and nearly 100% removal of suspended solids (SS). The effectiveness of EC is influenced mainly by current density, pH, electrolyte (NaCl), electrode contact time and electrode type. It was observed that Al electrode combination yielded better removal at a lesser time compared to that of Fe electrodes. However, varying current densities had its significance in terms of coagulation time only. Increase in current density achieved decrease in coagulation time. Both Al and Fe could remove between 52-59% of oil and grease from canola oil wastewater

  6. Construction of leaf-like CuO-Cu2O nanocomposites on copper foam for high-performance supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    He, Dong; Wang, Guanda; Liu, Guolong; Suo, Hui; Zhao, Chun

    2017-03-07

    Leaf-like CuO-Cu 2 O nanosheets have been prepared on copper foam by a one-step simple anodization method, which can be used as an advanced binder-free supercapacitor electrode. The performance of the CuO-Cu 2 O/Cu foam electrode was optimized through controlling and restraining the current density and reaction time. The prepared electrode exhibits a very high specific capacitance (1.954 F cm -2 at a scan rate of 2 mV s -1 ), excellent durability (120% retention after 5000 cycles), remarkable rate capability (91.8% retention upon increasing the current density by 10 times) and good coulombic efficiency (78.2% at a current density of 2 mA cm -2 ). The facile and cost-effective fabrication process is also suitable for large scale practical production. These results indicate the leaf-like CuO-Cu 2 O/Cu foam electrode would be a promising electrode for high-performance supercapacitor applications.

  7. Current-induced transition from particle-by-particle to concurrent intercalation in phase-separating battery electrodes.

    PubMed

    Li, Yiyang; El Gabaly, Farid; Ferguson, Todd R; Smith, Raymond B; Bartelt, Norman C; Sugar, Joshua D; Fenton, Kyle R; Cogswell, Daniel A; Kilcoyne, A L David; Tyliszczak, Tolek; Bazant, Martin Z; Chueh, William C

    2014-12-01

    Many battery electrodes contain ensembles of nanoparticles that phase-separate on (de)intercalation. In such electrodes, the fraction of actively intercalating particles directly impacts cycle life: a vanishing population concentrates the current in a small number of particles, leading to current hotspots. Reports of the active particle population in the phase-separating electrode lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4; LFP) vary widely, ranging from near 0% (particle-by-particle) to 100% (concurrent intercalation). Using synchrotron-based X-ray microscopy, we probed the individual state-of-charge for over 3,000 LFP particles. We observed that the active population depends strongly on the cycling current, exhibiting particle-by-particle-like behaviour at low rates and increasingly concurrent behaviour at high rates, consistent with our phase-field porous electrode simulations. Contrary to intuition, the current density, or current per active internal surface area, is nearly invariant with the global electrode cycling rate. Rather, the electrode accommodates higher current by increasing the active particle population. This behaviour results from thermodynamic transformation barriers in LFP, and such a phenomenon probably extends to other phase-separating battery materials. We propose that modifying the transformation barrier and exchange current density can increase the active population and thus the current homogeneity. This could introduce new paradigms to enhance the cycle life of phase-separating battery electrodes.

  8. Degradation of (La(0.8)Sr(0.2))(0.98)MnO(3-δ)-Zr(0.84)Y(0.16)O(2-γ) composite electrodes during reversing current operation.

    PubMed

    Hughes, Gareth A; Railsback, Justin G; Yakal-Kremski, Kyle J; Butts, Danielle M; Barnett, Scott A

    2015-01-01

    Reversing-current operation of solid oxide cell (La(0.8)Sr(0.2))(0.98)MnO(3-δ)-Zr(0.84)Y(0.16)O(2-γ) (LSM-YSZ) oxygen electrodes is described. Degradation was characterized by impedance spectroscopy in symmetric cells tested at 800 °C in air with a symmetric current cycle with a period of 12 hours. No change in cell resistance could be detected, in 1000 h tests with a sensitivity of ∼1% per kh, at a current density of 0.5 A cm(-2) corresponding to an overpotential of 0.18 V. At a current density to 0.6 A cm(-2) (0.33 V overpotential) measurable resistance degradation at a rate of 3% per kh was observed, while higher current/overpotential values led to faster degradation. Degradation was observed mainly in the ohmic resistance for current densities of 0.6, 0.8 and 0.9 A cm(-2), with little change in the polarization resistance. Polarization degradation, mainly observed at higher current density, was present as an increase in an impedance response at ∼30 kHz, apparently associated with the resistance of YSZ grain boundaries within the electrode. Microstructural and chemical analysis showed significant changes in electrode structure after the current cycling, including an increase in LSM particle size and a reduction in the amount of YSZ and LSM at the electrode/electrolyte interface - the latter presumably a precursor to delamination.

  9. Controllable synthesis of CuS hollow microflowers hierarchical structures for asymmetric supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Yanxia; Zhou, Zhaoxiao; Zhang, Shengping; Luo, Wenhao; Zhang, Guofeng

    2018-06-01

    One of the major challenges of high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors is engineering electrode materials with high capacitance and good cycling stability. Hence, we have successfully prepared different CuS hierarchical structures including CuS tubular structures (T-CuS), CuS hollow microspheres (S-CuS) and CuS hollow microflowers (H-CuS) by adjusting the solvents, all of which are investigated as electrode materials for supercapacitors. Among them, the H-CuS electrode exhibits the best electrochemical performance involving a high capacitance of 536.7 F g-1 at a current density of 8 A g-1 and excellent cycling stability with 83.6% capacitance retention for 20,000 continuous cycles at a current density of 5 A g-1. In addition, an asymmetric supercapacitor has assembled with H-CuS as positive electrode and activated carbon (AC) as negative electrode, which exhibits a desirable energy density of 15.97 W h kg-1 when the power density is 185.4 W kg-1. These desirable electrochemical performances powerfully demonstrate that the H-CuS electrode has promising potential for applications in energy storage fields.

  10. Modelling the effect of electrode displacement on transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ramaraju, Sriharsha; Roula, Mohammed A.; McCarthy, Peter W.

    2018-02-01

    Objective. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a neuromodulatory technique that delivers a low-intensity, direct current to cortical areas with the purpose of modulating underlying brain activity. Recent studies have reported inconsistencies in tDCS outcomes. The underlying assumption of many tDCS studies has been that replication of electrode montage equates to replicating stimulation conditions. It is possible however that anatomical difference between subjects, as well as inherent inaccuracies in montage placement, could affect current flow to targeted areas. The hypothesis that stimulation of a defined brain region will be stable under small displacements was tested. Approach. Initially, we compared the total simulated current flowing through ten specific brain areas for four commonly used tDCS montages: F3-Fp2, C3-Fp2, Fp1-F4, and P3-P4 using the software tool COMETS. The effect of a slight (~1 cm in each of four directions) anode displacement on the simulated regional current density for each of the four tDCS montages was then determined. Current flow was calculated and compared through ten segmented brain areas to determine the effect of montage type and displacement. The regional currents, as well as the localised current densities, were compared with the original electrode location, for each of these new positions. Main results. Recommendations for montages that maximise stimulation current for the ten brain regions are considered. We noted that the extent to which stimulation is affected by electrode displacement varies depending on both area and montage type. The F3-Fp2 montage was found to be the least stable with up to 38% change in average current density in the left frontal lobe while the Fp1-F4 montage was found to the most stable exhibiting only 1% change when electrodes were displaced. Significance. These results indicate that even relatively small changes in stimulation electrode placement appear to result in surprisingly large changes in current densities and distribution.

  11. High-Performance Flexible Asymmetric Supercapacitor Based on CoAl-LDH and rGO Electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Shuoshuo; Cheng, Pengpeng; Luo, Jiaxian; Zhou, Dan; Xu, Weiming; Li, Jingwei; Li, Ruchun; Yuan, Dingsheng

    2017-07-01

    A flexible asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) based on a CoAl-layered double hydroxide (CoAl-LDH) electrode and a reduced graphene oxide (rGO) electrode was successfully fabricated. The CoAl-LDH electrode as a positive electrode was synthesized by directly growing CoAl-LDH nanosheet arrays on a carbon cloth (CC) through a facile hydrothermal method, and it delivered a specific capacitance of 616.9 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1. The rGO electrode as a negative electrode was synthesized by coating rGO on the CC via a simple dip-coating method and revealed a specific capacitance of 110.0 F g-1 at a current density of 2 A g-1. Ultimately, the advanced ASC offered a broad voltage window (1.7 V) and exhibited a high superficial capacitance of 1.77 F cm-2 at 2 mA cm-2 and a high energy density of 0.71 mWh cm-2 at a power density of 17.05 mW cm-2, along with an excellent cycle stability (92.9% capacitance retention over 8000 charge-discharge cycles).

  12. Flame oxidation of stainless steel felt enhances anodic biofilm formation and current output in bioelectrochemical systems.

    PubMed

    Guo, Kun; Donose, Bogdan C; Soeriyadi, Alexander H; Prévoteau, Antonin; Patil, Sunil A; Freguia, Stefano; Gooding, J Justin; Rabaey, Korneel

    2014-06-17

    Stainless steel (SS) can be an attractive material to create large electrodes for microbial bioelectrochemical systems (BESs), due to its low cost and high conductivity. However, poor biocompatibility limits its successful application today. Here we report a simple and effective method to make SS electrodes biocompatible by means of flame oxidation. Physicochemical characterization of electrode surface indicated that iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) were generated in situ on an SS felt surface by flame oxidation. IONPs-coating dramatically enhanced the biocompatibility of SS felt and consequently resulted in a robust electroactive biofilm formation at its surface in BESs. The maximum current densities reached at IONPs-coated SS felt electrodes were 16.5 times and 4.8 times higher than the untreated SS felts and carbon felts, respectively. Furthermore, the maximum current density achieved with the IONPs-coated SS felt (1.92 mA/cm(2), 27.42 mA/cm(3)) is one of the highest current densities reported thus far. These results demonstrate for the first time that flame oxidized SS felts could be a good alternative to carbon-based electrodes for achieving high current densities in BESs. Most importantly, high conductivity, excellent mechanical strength, strong chemical stability, large specific surface area, and comparatively low cost of flame oxidized SS felts offer exciting opportunities for scaling-up of the anodes for BESs.

  13. Theoretical model and experimental investigation of current density boundary condition for welding arc study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Boutaghane, A.; Bouhadef, K.; Valensi, F.; Pellerin, S.; Benkedda, Y.

    2011-04-01

    This paper presents results of theoretical and experimental investigation of the welding arc in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) processes. A theoretical model consisting in simultaneous resolution of the set of conservation equations for mass, momentum, energy and current, Ohm's law and Maxwell equation is used to predict temperatures and current density distribution in argon welding arcs. A current density profile had to be assumed over the surface of the cathode as a boundary condition in order to make the theoretical calculations possible. In stationary GTAW process, this assumption leads to fair agreement with experimental results reported in literature with maximum arc temperatures of ~21 000 K. In contrast to the GTAW process, in GMAW process, the electrode is consumable and non-thermionic, and a realistic boundary condition of the current density is lacking. For establishing this crucial boundary condition which is the current density in the anode melting electrode, an original method is setup to enable the current density to be determined experimentally. High-speed camera (3000 images/s) is used to get geometrical dimensions of the welding wire used as anode. The total area of the melting anode covered by the arc plasma being determined, the current density at the anode surface can be calculated. For a 330 A arc, the current density at the melting anode surface is found to be of 5 × 107 A m-2 for a 1.2 mm diameter welding electrode.

  14. Facile fabrication of cobalt oxalate nanostructures with superior specific capacitance and super-long cycling stability

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cheng, Guanhua; Si, Conghui; Zhang, Jie; Wang, Ying; Yang, Wanfeng; Dong, Chaoqun; Zhang, Zhonghua

    2016-04-01

    Transition metal oxalate materials have shown huge competitive advantages for applications in supercapacitors. Herein, nanostructured cobalt oxalate supported on cobalt foils has been facilely fabricated by anodization, and could directly serve as additive/binder-free electrodes for supercapacitors. The as-prepared cobalt oxalate electrodes present superior specific capacitance of 1269 F g-1 at the current density of 6 A g-1 in the galvanostatic charge/discharge test. Moreover, the retained capacitance is as high as 87.2% as the current density increases from 6 A g-1 to 30 A g-1. More importantly, the specific capacitance of cobalt oxalate retains 91.9% even after super-long cycling of 100,000 cycles. In addition, an asymmetric supercapacitor assembled with cobalt oxalate (positive electrode) and activated carbon (negative electrode) demonstrates excellent capacitive performance with high energy density and power density.

  15. Comparative study of humic acid removal and floc characteristics by electrocoagulation and chemical coagulation.

    PubMed

    Semerjian, Lucy; Damaj, Ahmad; Salam, Darine

    2015-11-01

    The current study aims at investigating the efficiency of electrocoagulation for the removal of humic acid from contaminated waters. In parallel, conventional chemical coagulation was conducted to asses humic acid removal patterns. The effect of varying contributing parameters (matrix pH, humic acid concentration, type of electrode (aluminum vs. iron), current density, solution conductivity, and distance between electrodes) was considered to optimize the electrocoagulation process for the best attainable humic acid removal efficiencies. Optimum removals were recorded at pH of 5.0-5.5, an electrical conductivity of 3000 μS/cm at 25 °C, and an electrode distance of 1 cm for both electrode types. With aluminum electrodes, a current density of 0.05 mA/cm2 outperformed 0.1 mA/cm2 yet not higher densities, whereas a current density of 0.8 mA/cm2 was needed for iron electrodes to exhibit comparable performance. With both electrode types, higher initial humic acid concentrations were removed at a slower rate but ultimately attained almost complete removals. On the other hand, the best humic acid removals (∼90%) by chemical coagulation were achieved at 4 mg/L for both coagulants. Also, higher removals were attained at elevated initial humic acid concentrations. Humic acid removals of 90% or higher at an initial HA concentration of 40 mg/L were exhibited, yet alum performed better at the highest experimented concentration. It was evident that iron flocs were larger, denser, and more geometrical in shape compared to aluminum flocs.

  16. MnO2/multiwall carbon nanotube/Ni-foam hybrid electrode for electrochemical capacitor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, L. H.; Li, L.; Qian, W. J.; Dong, C. K.

    2018-01-01

    The ternary composites of manganese dioxide/multiwall carbon nanotube/Ni-foam (MnO2/MWNT/Ni-foam) for supercapacitors were fabricated via a hydrothermal method after direct growth of MWNTs on the Ni-foam. The structural properties of the electrodes were characterized by SEM and TEM. The electrode exhibited excellent electrochemical properties from the investigation based on the three-electrode setup. Low contact resistance Rs of about 0.291 Ω between MnO2/MWNT and Ni-foam was reached benefited from the direct growth structure. High capacitance of 355.1 F/g at the current density of 2 A/g was achieved, with good capacitive response at high current density. The MnO2/MWNT/Ni-foam electrode exhibits good stability performance after 2000 cycles at a current of 40 mA.

  17. 3-D capacitance density imaging system

    DOEpatents

    Fasching, G.E.

    1988-03-18

    A three-dimensional capacitance density imaging of a gasified bed or the like in a containment vessel is achieved using a plurality of electrodes provided circumferentially about the bed in levels and along the bed in channels. The electrodes are individually and selectively excited electrically at each level to produce a plurality of current flux field patterns generated in the bed at each level. The current flux field patterns are suitably sensed and a density pattern of the bed at each level determined. By combining the determined density patterns at each level, a three-dimensional density image of the bed is achieved. 7 figs.

  18. 3-D capacitance density imaging of fluidized bed

    DOEpatents

    Fasching, George E.

    1990-01-01

    A three-dimensional capacitance density imaging of a gasified bed or the like in a containment vessel is achieved using a plurality of electrodes provided circumferentially about the bed in levels and along the bed in channels. The electrodes are individually and selectively excited electrically at each level to produce a plurality of current flux field patterns generated in the bed at each level. The current flux field patterns are suitably sensed and a density pattern of the bed at each level determined. By combining the determined density patterns at each level, a three-dimensional density image of the bed is achieved.

  19. Optimization of electrode characteristics for the Br₂/H₂ redox flow cell

    DOE PAGES

    Tucker, Michael C.; Cho, Kyu Taek; Weber, Adam Z.; ...

    2014-10-17

    The Br₂/H₂ redox flow cell shows promise as a high-power, low-cost energy storage device. The effect of various aspects of material selection, processing, and assembly of electrodes on the operation, performance, and efficiency of the system is determined. In particular, (+) electrode thickness, cell compression, hydrogen pressure, and (–) electrode architecture are investigated. Increasing hydrogen pressure and depositing the (–) catalyst layer on the membrane instead of on the carbon-paper backing layers have a large positive impact on performance, enabling a limiting current density above 2 A cm -2 and a peak power density of 1.4 W cm -2. Maximummore » energy efficiency of 79% is achieved. In addition, the root cause of limiting-current behavior in this system is elucidated, where it is found that Br - reversibly adsorbs at the Pt (–) electrode for potentials exceeding a critical value, and the extent of Br - coverage is potential-dependent. This phenomenon limits maximum cell current density and must be addressed in system modeling and design. These findings are expected to lower system cost and enable higher efficiency.« less

  20. Self-focusing of a high current density ion beam extracted with concave electrodes in a low energy region around 150 eV.

    PubMed

    Hirano, Y; Kiyama, S; Koguchi, H; Sakakita, H

    2014-02-01

    Spontaneous self-focusing of ion beam with high current density (Jc ∼ 2 mA/cm(2), Ib ∼ 65 mA) in low energy region (∼150 eV) is observed in a hydrogen ion beam extracted from an ordinary bucket type ion source with three electrodes having concave shape (acceleration, deceleration, and grounded electrodes). The focusing appears abruptly in the beam energy region over ∼135-150 eV, and the Jc jumps up from 0.7 to 2 mA/cm(2). Simultaneously a strong electron flow also appears in the beam region. The electron flow has almost the same current density. Probably these electrons compensate the ion space charge and suppress the beam divergence.

  1. Electrosynthesis of nanofibers and nano-composite films

    DOEpatents

    Lin, Yuehe; Liang, Liang; Liu, Jun

    2006-10-17

    A method for producing an array of oriented nanofibers that involves forming a solution that includes at least one electroactive species. An electrode substrate is brought into contact with the solution. A current density is applied to the electrode substrate that includes at least a first step of applying a first substantially constant current density for a first time period and a second step of applying a second substantially constant current density for a second time period. The first and second time periods are of sufficient duration to electrically deposit on the electrode substrate an array of oriented nanofibers produced from the electroactive species. Also disclosed are films that include arrays or networks of oriented nanofibers and a method for amperometrically detecting or measuring at least one analyte in a sample.

  2. The Importance of the Numerical Resolution of the Laplace Equation in the optimization of a Neuronal Stimulation Technique

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Faria, Paula

    2010-09-01

    For the past few years, the potential of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for the treatment of several pathologies has been investigated. Knowledge of the current density distribution is an important factor in optimizing such applications of tDCS. For this goal, we used the finite element method to solve the Laplace equation in a spherical head model in order to investigate the three dimensional distribution of the current density and the variation of its intensity with depth using different electrodes montages: the traditional one with two sponge electrodes and new electrode montages: with sponge and EEG electrodes and with EEG electrodes varying the numbers of electrodes. The simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the mixed system which may allow the use of tDCS and EEG recording concomitantly and may help to optimize this neuronal stimulation technique. The numerical results were used in a promising application of tDCS in epilepsy.

  3. High-performance flexible electrode based on electrodeposition of polypyrrole/MnO2 on carbon cloth for supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fan, Xingye; Wang, Xiaolei; Li, Ge; Yu, Aiping; Chen, Zhongwei

    2016-09-01

    A highly flexible electrodes based on electrodeposited MnO2 and polypyrrole composite on carbon cloth is designed and developed by a facile in-situ electrodeposition technique. Such flexible composite electrodes with multiply layered structure possess a high specific capacitance of 325 F g-1 at a current density of 0.2 A g-1, and an excellent rate capability with a capacitance retention of 70% at a high current density of 5.0 A g-1. The superior electrochemical performance is mainly due to the unique electrode with improved ion- and electron-transportation pathways as well as the efficient utilization of active materials and electrode robustness. The excellent electrochemical performance and the low cost property endow this flexible nanocomposite electrode with great promise in applications of flexible supercapacitors.

  4. All 2D materials as electrodes for high power hybrid energy storage applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kato, Keiko; Sayed, Farheen N.; Babu, Ganguli; Ajayan, Pulickel M.

    2018-04-01

    Achieving both high energy and power densities from energy storage devices is a core strategy to meet the increasing demands of high performance portable electronics and electric transportation systems. Li-ion capacitor is a promising hybrid technology that strategically exploits high energy density from a Li-ion battery electrode and high power density from a supercapacitor electrode. However, the performance and safety of hybrid devices are still major concerns due to the use of graphite anodes which form passivation layers with organic electrolytes at lower potentials. Here, we explore 2D nanosheets as both anode and cathode electrodes to build a high power system without compromising energy density. Owing to the high electrical conductivity and multivalent redox activity at higher potentials, the Li-ion intercalation electrode is capable of maintaining large energy density at higher current rates with less safety risk than conventional systems. Hybrid devices consisting of all in all 2D electrodes deliver energy density as high as 121 Wh g-1 (at 240 W kg-1) and retains 29 Wh g-1 at high power density of 3600 W kg-1.

  5. Analysis of the processes occurring in a submicrosecond discharge with a linear current density of up to 3 MA/cm through a thick-wall stainless-steel electrode

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Branitsky, A. V.; Grabovski, E. V.; Dzhangobegov, V. V.

    The state of conductors carrying a megampere current from the generator to the load is studied experimentally. It is found that the plasma produced from cylindrical stainless-steel tubes during the passage of a submicrosecond current pulse with a linear density of 3 MA/cm expands with a velocity of 5.5 km/s. Numerical results on the diffusion of the magnetic field induced by a current with a linear density of 1–3MA/cm into metal electrodes agree with the experimental data on the penetration time of the magnetic field. For a linear current density of 3.1 MA/cm, the experimentally determined electric field strength onmore » the inner surface of the tube is 4 kV/cm. The calculated electric field strength on the inner surface of the tube turns out to be two times higher, which can be explained by plasma production on the outer and inner surfaces of the electrode.« less

  6. Fabrication and Characterization of Ultrathin-ring Electrodes for Pseudo-steady-state Amperometric Detection.

    PubMed

    Kitazumi, Yuki; Hamamoto, Katsumi; Noda, Tatsuo; Shirai, Osamu; Kano, Kenji

    2015-01-01

    The fabrication of ultrathin-ring electrodes with a diameter of 2 mm and a thickness of 100 nm is established. The ultrathin-ring electrodes provide a large density of pseudo-steady-state currents, and realize pseudo-steady-state amperometry under quiescent conditions without a Faraday cage. Under the limiting current conditions, the current response at the ultrathin-ring electrode can be well explained by the theory of the microband electrode response. Cyclic voltammograms at the ultrathin-ring electrode show sigmoidal characteristics with some hysteresis. Numerical simulation reveals that the hysteresis can be ascribed to the time-dependence of pseudo-steady-state current. The performance of amperometry with the ultrathin-ring electrode has been verified in its application to redox enzyme kinetic measurements.

  7. Sensitivity to microstimulation of somatosensory cortex distributed over multiple electrodes.

    PubMed

    Kim, Sungshin; Callier, Thierri; Tabot, Gregg A; Tenore, Francesco V; Bensmaia, Sliman J

    2015-01-01

    Meaningful and repeatable tactile sensations can be evoked by electrically stimulating primary somatosensory cortex. Intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) may thus be a viable approach to restore the sense of touch in individuals who have lost it, for example tetraplegic patients. One of the potential limitations of this approach, however, is that high levels of current can damage the neuronal tissue if the resulting current densities are too high. The limited range of safe ICMS amplitudes thus limits the dynamic range of ICMS-evoked sensations. One way to get around this limitation would be to distribute the ICMS over multiple electrodes in the hopes of intensifying the resulting percept without increasing the current density experienced by the neuronal tissue. Here, we test whether stimulating through multiple electrodes is a viable solution to increase the dynamic range of ICMS-elicited sensations without increasing the peak current density. To this end, we compare the ability of non-human primates to detect ICMS delivered through one vs. multiple electrodes. We also compare their ability to discriminate pulse trains differing in amplitude when these are delivered through one or more electrodes. We find that increasing the number of electrodes through which ICMS is delivered only has a marginal effect on detectability or discriminability despite the fact that 2-4 times more current is delivered overall. Furthermore, the impact of multielectrode stimulation (or lack thereof) is found whether pulses are delivered synchronously or asynchronously, whether the leading phase of the pulses is cathodic or anodic, and regardless of the spatial configuration of the electrode groups.

  8. Multi-line triggering and interdigitated electrode structure for photoconductive semiconductor switches

    DOEpatents

    Mar, Alan [Albuquerque, NM; Zutavern, Fred J [Albuquerque, NM; Loubriel, Guillermo [Albuquerque, NM

    2007-02-06

    An improved photoconductive semiconductor switch comprises multiple-line optical triggering of multiple, high-current parallel filaments between the switch electrodes. The switch can also have a multi-gap, interdigitated electrode for the generation of additional parallel filaments. Multi-line triggering can increase the switch lifetime at high currents by increasing the number of current filaments and reducing the current density at the contact electrodes in a controlled manner. Furthermore, the improved switch can mitigate the degradation of switching conditions with increased number of firings of the switch.

  9. Investigating the role of capacitive coupling between the operating table and the return electrode of an electrosurgery unit in the modification of the current density distribution within the patients' body.

    PubMed

    Bifulco, Paolo; Massa, Rita; Cesarelli, Mario; Romano, Maria; Fratini, Antonio; Gargiulo, Gaetano D; McEwan, Alistair L

    2013-08-12

    Electrosurgery units are widely employed in modern surgery. Advances in technology have enhanced the safety of these devices, nevertheless, accidental burns are still regularly reported. This study focuses on possible causes of sacral burns as complication of the use of electrosurgery. Burns are caused by local densifications of the current, but the actual pathway of current within patient's body is unknown. Numerical electromagnetic analysis can help in understanding the issue. To this aim, an accurate heterogeneous model of human body (including seventy-seven different tissues), electrosurgery electrodes, operating table and mattress was build to resemble a typical surgery condition. The patient lays supine on the mattress with the active electrode placed onto the thorax and the return electrode on his back. Common operating frequencies of electrosurgery units were considered. Finite Difference Time Domain electromagnetic analysis was carried out to compute the spatial distribution of current density within the patient's body. A differential analysis by changing the electrical properties of the operating table from a conductor to an insulator was also performed. Results revealed that distributed capacitive coupling between patient body and the conductive operating table offers an alternative path to the electrosurgery current. The patient's anatomy, the positioning and the different electromagnetic properties of tissues promote a densification of the current at the head and sacral region. In particular, high values of current density were located behind the sacral bone and beneath the skin. This did not occur in the case of non-conductive operating table. Results of the simulation highlight the role played from capacitive couplings between the return electrode and the conductive operating table. The concentration of current density may result in an undesired rise in temperature, originating burns in body region far from the electrodes. This outcome is concordant with the type of surgery-related sacral burns reported in literature. Such burns cannot be immediately detected after surgery, but appear later and can be confused with bedsores. In addition, the dosimetric analysis suggests that reducing the capacity coupling between the return electrode and the operating table can decrease or avoid this problem.

  10. Resistive switching near electrode interfaces: Estimations by a current model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schroeder, Herbert; Zurhelle, Alexander; Stemmer, Stefanie; Marchewka, Astrid; Waser, Rainer

    2013-02-01

    The growing resistive switching database is accompanied by many detailed mechanisms which often are pure hypotheses. Some of these suggested models can be verified by checking their predictions with the benchmarks of future memory cells. The valence change memory model assumes that the different resistances in ON and OFF states are made by changing the defect density profiles in a sheet near one working electrode during switching. The resulting different READ current densities in ON and OFF states were calculated by using an appropriate simulation model with variation of several important defect and material parameters of the metal/insulator (oxide)/metal thin film stack such as defect density and its profile change in density and thickness, height of the interface barrier, dielectric permittivity, applied voltage. The results were compared to the benchmarks and some memory windows of the varied parameters can be defined: The required ON state READ current density of 105 A/cm2 can only be achieved for barriers smaller than 0.7 eV and defect densities larger than 3 × 1020 cm-3. The required current ratio between ON and OFF states of at least 10 requests defect density reduction of approximately an order of magnitude in a sheet of several nanometers near the working electrode.

  11. Properties of the electrostatically driven helical plasma state

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Akçay, Cihan; Finn, John M.; Nebel, Richard A.; Barnes, Daniel C.; Martin, Neal

    2018-02-01

    A novel plasma state has been found [Akçay et al., Phys. Plasmas 24, 052503 (2017)] in the presence of a uniform applied axial magnetic field in periodic cylindrical geometry. This state is driven by external electrostatic fields provided by helical electrodes with a (m =1 ,n =1 ) (helical) symmetry where m and n represent the poloidal and axial harmonics. The resulting plasma is a function of the cylinder radius r

  12. Evaluation of local electric fields generated by transcranial direct current stimulation with an extracephalic reference electrode based on realistic 3D body modeling

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Im, Chang-Hwan; Park, Ji-Hye; Shim, Miseon; Chang, Won Hyuk; Kim, Yun-Hee

    2012-04-01

    In this study, local electric field distributions generated by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with an extracephalic reference electrode were evaluated to address extracephalic tDCS safety issues. To this aim, we generated a numerical model of an adult male human upper body and applied the 3D finite element method to electric current conduction analysis. In our simulations, the active electrode was placed over the left primary motor cortex (M1) and the reference electrode was placed at six different locations: over the right temporal lobe, on the right supraorbital region, on the right deltoid, on the left deltoid, under the chin, and on the right buccinator muscle. The maximum current density and electric field intensity values in the brainstem generated by the extracephalic reference electrodes were comparable to, or even less than, those generated by the cephalic reference electrodes. These results suggest that extracephalic reference electrodes do not lead to unwanted modulation of the brainstem cardio-respiratory and autonomic centers, as indicated by recent experimental studies. The volume energy density was concentrated at the neck area by the use of deltoid reference electrodes, but was still smaller than that around the active electrode locations. In addition, the distributions of elicited cortical electric fields demonstrated that the use of extracephalic reference electrodes might allow for the robust prediction of cortical modulations with little dependence on the reference electrode locations.

  13. Optimization of return electrodes in neurostimulating arrays

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Flores, Thomas; Goetz, Georges; Lei, Xin; Palanker, Daniel

    2016-06-01

    Objective. High resolution visual prostheses require dense stimulating arrays with localized inputs of individual electrodes. We study the electric field produced by multielectrode arrays in electrolyte to determine an optimal configuration of return electrodes and activation sequence. Approach. To determine the boundary conditions for computation of the electric field in electrolyte, we assessed current dynamics using an equivalent circuit of a multielectrode array with interleaved return electrodes. The electric field modeled with two different boundary conditions derived from the equivalent circuit was then compared to measurements of electric potential in electrolyte. To assess the effect of return electrode configuration on retinal stimulation, we transformed the computed electric fields into retinal response using a model of neural network-mediated stimulation. Main results. Electric currents at the capacitive electrode-electrolyte interface redistribute over time, so that boundary conditions transition from equipotential surfaces at the beginning of the pulse to uniform current density in steady state. Experimental measurements confirmed that, in steady state, the boundary condition corresponds to a uniform current density on electrode surfaces. Arrays with local return electrodes exhibit improved field confinement and can elicit stronger network-mediated retinal response compared to those with a common remote return. Connecting local return electrodes enhances the field penetration depth and allows reducing the return electrode area. Sequential activation of the pixels in large monopolar arrays reduces electrical cross-talk and improves the contrast in pattern stimulation. Significance. Accurate modeling of multielectrode arrays helps optimize the electrode configuration to maximize the spatial resolution, contrast and dynamic range of retinal prostheses.

  14. Biopolymer-nanocarbon composite electrodes for use as high-energy high-power density electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Karakaya, Mehmet; Roberts, Mark; Arcilla-Velez, Margarita; Zhu, Jingyi; Podila, Ramakrishna; Rao, Apparao

    2014-03-01

    Supercapacitors (SCs) address our current energy storage and delivery needs by combining the high power, rapid switching, and exceptional cycle life of a capacitor with the high energy density of a battery. Although activated carbon is extensively used as a supercapacitor electrode due to its inexpensive nature, its low specific capacitance (100-120 F/g) fundamentally limits the energy density of SCs. We demonstrate that a nano-carbon based mechanically robust, electrically conducting, free-standing buckypaper electrode modified with an inexpensive biorenewable polymer, viz., lignin increases the electrode's specific capacitance (~ 600-700 F/g) while maintaining rapid discharge rates. In these systems, the carbon nanomaterials provide the high surface area, electrical conductivity and porosity, while the redox polymers provide a mechanism for charge storage through Faradaic charge transfer. The design of redox polymers and their incorporation into nanomaterial electrodes will be discussed with a focus on enabling high power and high energy density electrodes. Research supported by US NSF CMMI Grant 1246800.

  15. A novel photoactive and three-dimensional stainless steel anode dramatically enhances the current density of bioelectrochemical systems.

    PubMed

    Feng, Huajun; Tang, Chenyi; Wang, Qing; Liang, Yuxiang; Shen, Dongsheng; Guo, Kun; He, Qiaoqiao; Jayaprada, Thilini; Zhou, Yuyang; Chen, Ting; Ying, Xianbin; Wang, Meizhen

    2018-04-01

    This study reports a high-performance 3D stainless-steel photoanode (3D SS photoanode) for bioelectrochemical systems (BESs). The 3D SS photoanode consists of 3D carbon-coated SS felt bioactive side and a flat α-Fe 2 O 3 -coated SS plate photoactive side. Without light illumination, the electrode reached a current density of 26.2 ± 1.9 A m -2 , which was already one of the highest current densities reported thus far. Under illumination, the current density of the electrode was further increased to 46.5 ± 2.9 A m -2 . The mechanism of the photo-enhanced current production can be attributed to the reduced charge-transfer resistance between electrode surface and the biofilm with illumination. It was also found that long-term light illumination can enhance the biofilm formation on the 3D SS photoanode. These findings demonstrate that using the synergistic effect of photocatalysis and microbial electrocatalysis is an efficient way to boost the current production of the existing high-performance 3D anodes for BESs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Ternary nitrogen-doped graphene/nickel ferrite/polyaniline nanocomposites for high-performance supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Wenjuan; Hao, Qingli; Lei, Wu; Xia, Xifeng; Wang, Xin

    2014-12-01

    The electrochemical property of graphene can be significantly enhanced due to the incorporating of heteroatoms into graphene. In this article, the ternary nitrogen-doped graphene/nickel ferrite/polyaniline (NGNP) nanocomposite is synthesized by a facile two-step approach and its electrochemical properties as electrodes for supercapacitors are studied by various electrochemical measurements. The specific capacitance of NGNP is 645.0 F g-1 at 1 mV s-1 and 667.0 F g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 in a three- and two-electrode system, respectively, much higher than other binary electrodes. In a two-electrode symmetric system, the energy density of the NGNP electrode is 92.7 W h kg-1 at a power density of 110.8 W kg-1, moreover, that of the supercapacitor based on NGNP can also reach 23.2 W h kg-1 at a power density of 27.7 W kg-1. In addition, the capacitance loses only 5% after repeating test for 5000 cycles, and about 10% after 10,000 cycles at a high current density 5 A g-1. The results demonstrate the novel ternary NGNP electrode produced by the current economical method will gain promising applications in supercapacitors and other devices by virtue of its outstanding characteristics (high specific capacitance, high power and energy density, excellent cycle life).

  17. Removal of suspended solids and turbidity from marble processing wastewaters by electrocoagulation: comparison of electrode materials and electrode connection systems.

    PubMed

    Solak, Murat; Kiliç, Mehmet; Hüseyin, Yazici; Sencan, Aziz

    2009-12-15

    In this study, removal of suspended solids (SS) and turbidity from marble processing wastewaters by electrocoagulation (EC) process were investigated by using aluminium (Al) and iron (Fe) electrodes which were run in serial and parallel connection systems. To remove these pollutants from the marble processing wastewater, an EC reactor including monopolar electrodes (Al/Fe) in parallel and serial connection system, was utilized. Optimization of differential operation parameters such as pH, current density, and electrolysis time on SS and turbidity removal were determined in this way. EC process with monopolar Al electrodes in parallel and serial connections carried out at the optimum conditions where the pH value was 9, current density was approximately 15 A/m(2), and electrolysis time was 2 min resulted in 100% SS removal. Removal efficiencies of EC process for SS with monopolar Fe electrodes in parallel and serial connection were found to be 99.86% and 99.94%, respectively. Optimum parameters for monopolar Fe electrodes in both of the connection types were found to be for pH value as 8, for electrolysis time as 2 min. The optimum current density value for Fe electrodes used in serial and parallel connections was also obtained at 10 and 20 A/m(2), respectively. Based on the results obtained, it was found that EC process running with each type of the electrodes and the connections was highly effective for the removal of SS and turbidity from marble processing wastewaters, and that operating costs with monopolar Al electrodes in parallel connection were the cheapest than that of the serial connection and all the configurations for Fe electrode.

  18. An Electrochemical Capacitor with Applicable Energy Density of 7.4 Wh/kg at Average Power Density of 3000 W/kg.

    PubMed

    Zhai, Teng; Lu, Xihong; Wang, Hanyu; Wang, Gongming; Mathis, Tyler; Liu, Tianyu; Li, Cheng; Tong, Yexiang; Li, Yat

    2015-05-13

    Electrochemical capacitors represent a new class of charge storage devices that can simultaneously achieve high energy density and high power density. Previous reports have been primarily focused on the development of high performance capacitor electrodes. Although these electrodes have achieved excellent specific capacitance based on per unit mass of active materials, the gravimetric energy densities calculated based on the weight of entire capacitor device were fairly small. This is mainly due to the large mass ratio between current collector and active material. We aimed to address this issue by a 2-fold approach of minimizing the mass of current collector and increasing the electrode performance. Here we report an electrochemical capacitor using 3D graphene hollow structure as current collector, vanadium sulfide and manganese oxide as anode and cathode materials, respectively. 3D graphene hollow structure provides a lightweight and highly conductive scaffold for deposition of pseudocapacitive materials. The device achieves an excellent active material ratio of 24%. Significantly, it delivers a remarkable energy density of 7.4 Wh/kg (based on the weight of entire device) at the average power density of 3000 W/kg. This is the highest gravimetric energy density reported for asymmetric electrochemical capacitors at such a high power density.

  19. Electrochemical disinfection of simulated ballast water on PbO2/graphite felt electrode.

    PubMed

    Chen, Shuiping; Hu, Weidong; Hong, Jianxun; Sandoe, Steve

    2016-04-15

    A novel PbO2/graphite felt electrode was constructed by electrochemical deposition of PbO2 on graphite felt and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The prepared electrode is a viable technology for inactivation of Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Artemia salina as indicator organisms in simulated ballast water treatment, which meets the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Regulation D-2. The effects of contact time and current density on inactivation were investigated. An increase in current density generally had a beneficial effect on the inactivation of the three species. E.faecalis and A.salina were more resistant to electrochemical disinfection than E. coli. The complete disinfection of E.coli was achieved in <8min at an applied current density of 253A/m(2). Complete inactivation of E. faecalis and A.salina was achieved at the same current density after 60 and 40min of contact time, respectively. A. salina inactivation follows first-order kinetics. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Porous graphene current collectors filled with silicon as high-performance lithium battery anode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ababtain, Khalid; Babu, Ganguli; Susarla, Sandhya; Gullapalli, Hemtej; Masurkar, Nirul; Ajayan, Pulickel M.; Mohana Reddy Arava, Leela

    2018-01-01

    Despite the massive success for high energy density, the charge-discharge current rate performance of the lithium-ion batteries are still a major concern owing to inherent sluggish Li-ion kinetics. Herein, we demonstrate three-dimensional porous electrodes engineered on highly conductive graphene current collectors to enhance the Li-ion conductivity, thereby c-rate performance. Such high-quality graphene provides surface area for loading a large amount of electrochemically active material and strong adhesion with the electrode. The synergism of porous structure and conductive current collector enables us to realize high-performance new-generation silicon anodes with a high energy density of 1.8 mAh cm-2. Further, silicon electrodes revealed with excellent current rates up to 5C with a capacity of 0.37 mAh cm-2 for 500 nm planar thickness.

  1. Electric breakdown during the pulsed current spreading in the sand

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Vasilyak, L. M., E-mail: vasilyak@ihed.ras.ru; Vetchinin, S. P.; Panov, V. A.

    2016-03-15

    Processes of spreading of the pulsed current from spherical electrodes and an electric breakdown in the quartz sand are studied experimentally. When the current density on the electrode exceeds the critical value, a nonlinear reduction occurs in the grounding resistance as a result of sparking in the soil. The critical electric field strengths for ionization and breakdown are determined. The ionization-overheating instability is shown to develop on the electrode, which leads to the current contraction and formation of plasma channels.

  2. What is the optimal anodal electrode position for inducing corticomotor excitability changes in transcranial direct current stimulation?

    PubMed

    Lee, Minji; Kim, Yun-Hee; Im, Chang-Hwan; Kim, Jung-Hoon; Park, Chang-hyun; Chang, Won Hyuk; Lee, Ahee

    2015-01-01

    Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) non-invasively modulates brain function by inducing neuronal excitability. The conventional hot spot for inducing the highest current density in the hand motor area may not be the optimal site for effective stimulation. In this study, we investigated the influence of the center position of the anodal electrode on changes in motor cortical excitability. We considered three tDCS conditions in 16 healthy subjects: (i) real stimulation with the anodal electrode located at the conventional hand motor hot spot determined by motor evoked potentials (MEPs); (ii) real stimulation with the anodal electrode located at the point with the highest current density in the hand motor area as determined by electric current simulation; and (iii) sham stimulation. Motor cortical excitability as measured by MEP amplitude increased after both real stimulation conditions, but not after sham stimulation. Stimulation using the simulation-derived anodal electrode position, which was found to be posterior to the MEP hot spot for all subjects, induced higher motor cortical excitability. Individual positioning of the anodal electrode, based on the consideration of anatomical differences between subjects, appears to be important for maximizing the effects of tDCS. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. Hybrid composite Ni(OH)2@NiCo2O4 grown on carbon fiber paper for high-performance supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Huang, Liang; Chen, Dongchang; Ding, Yong; Wang, Zhong Lin; Zeng, Zhengzhi; Liu, Meilin

    2013-11-13

    We have successfully fabricated and tested the electrochemical performance of supercapacitor electrodes consisting of Ni(OH)2 nanosheets coated on NiCo2O4 nanosheets grown on carbon fiber paper (CFP) current collectors. When the NiCo2O4 nanosheets are replaced by Co3O4 nanosheets, however, the energy and power density as well as the rate capability of the electrodes are significantly reduced, most likely due to the lower conductivity of Co3O4 than that of NiCo2O4. The 3D hybrid composite Ni(OH)2/NiCo2O4/CFP electrodes demonstrate a high areal capacitance of 5.2 F/cm(2) at a cycling current density of 2 mA/cm(2), with a capacitance retention of 79% as the cycling current density was increased from 2 to 50 mA/cm(2). The remarkable performance of these hybrid composite electrodes implies that supercapacitors based on them have potential for many practical applications.

  4. Treatment of leachate by electrocoagulation using aluminum and iron electrodes.

    PubMed

    Ilhan, Fatih; Kurt, Ugur; Apaydin, Omer; Gonullu, M Talha

    2008-06-15

    In this paper, treatment of leachate by electrocoagulation (EC) has been investigated in a batch process. The sample of leachate was supplied from Odayeri Landfill Site in Istanbul. Firstly, EC was compared with classical chemical coagulation (CC) process via COD removal. The first comparison results with 348 A/m2 current density showed that EC process has higher treatment performance than CC process. Secondly, effects of process variables such as electrode material, current density (from 348 to 631 A/m2), pH, treatment cost, and operating time for EC process are investigated on COD and NH4-N removal efficiencies. The appropriate electrode type search for EC provided that aluminum supplies more COD removal (56%) than iron electrode (35%) at the end of the 30 min operating time. Finally, EC experiments were also continued to determine the efficiency of ammonia removal, and the effects of current density, mixing, and aeration. All the findings of the study revealed that treatment of leachate by EC can be used as a step of a joint treatment.

  5. Nanoscale discharge electrode for minimizing ozone emission from indoor corona devices.

    PubMed

    Bo, Zheng; Yu, Kehan; Lu, Ganhua; Mao, Shun; Chen, Junhong; Fan, Fa-Gung

    2010-08-15

    Ground-level ozone emitted from indoor corona devices poses serious health risks to the human respiratory system and the lung function. Federal regulations call for effective techniques to minimize the indoor ozone production. In this work, stable atmospheric corona discharges from nanomaterials are demonstrated using horizontally suspended carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as the discharge electrode. Compared with the conventional discharges employing micro- or macroscale electrodes, the corona discharge from CNTs could initiate and operate at a much lower voltage due to the small electrode diameter, and is thus energy-efficient. Most importantly, the reported discharge is environmentally friendly since no ozone (below the detection limit of 0.5 ppb) was detected for area current densities up to 0.744 A/m(2) due to the significantly reduced number of electrons and plasma volume generated by CNT discharges. The resulting discharge current density depends on the CNT loading. Contrary to the conventional wisdom, negative CNT discharges should be used to enhance the current density owing to the efficient field emission of electrons from the CNT surface.

  6. Hybrid Composite Ni(OH)(2)@NiCo2O4 Grown on Carbon Fiber Paper for High-Performance Supercapacitors

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Huang, L; Chen, DC; Ding, Y

    2013-11-13

    We have successfully fabricated and tested the electrochemical performance of supercapacitor electrodes consisting of Ni(OH)(2) nanosheets coated on NiCo2O4 nanosheets grown on carbon fiber paper (CFP) current collectors. When the NiCo2O4 nanosheets are replaced by Co3O4 nanosheets, however, the energy and power density as well as the rate capability of the electrodes are significantly reduced, most likely due to the lower conductivity of Co3O4 than that of NiCo2O4. The 3D hybrid composite Ni(OH)(2)/ NiCo2O4/CFP electrodes demonstrate a high areal capacitance of 5.2 F/cm(2) at a cycling current density of 2 rnA/cm(2), with a capacitance retention of 79% as the cyclingmore » current density was increased from 2 to 50 mA/cm(2). The remarkable performance of these hybrid composite electrodes implies that supercapacitors based on them have potential for many practical applications.« less

  7. MnO2 nanowires-decorated carbon fiber cloth as electrodes for aqueous asymmetric supercapacitor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hong, Congcong; Wang, Xing; Yu, Houlin; Wu, Huaping; Wang, Jianshan; Liu, Aiping

    Manganese dioxide nanowires (MnO2 NWs) anchored on carbon fiber cloth (CFC) were fabricated through a simple hydrothermal reaction and used as integrated electrodes for supercapacitor. The morphology-dependent electrochemical performance of MnO2 NWs was confirmed, yielding good capacitance performance with a high specific capacitance of 3.88Fṡcm‑2 at a charge-discharge current density of 5mAṡcm‑2 and excellent stability of 91.5% capacitance retention after 3000 cycles. Moreover, the composite electrodes were used to fabricate supercapacitors, which showed a high specific capacitance of 194mFṡcm‑2 at a charge-discharge current density of 2mAṡcm‑2 and high energy density of 0.108mWhṡcm‑2 at power density of 2mWṡcm‑2, foreboding its potential application for high-performance supercapacitor.

  8. Development and validation of chemistry agnostic flow battery cost performance model and application to nonaqueous electrolyte systems: Chemistry agnostic flow battery cost performance model

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Crawford, Alasdair; Thomsen, Edwin; Reed, David

    2016-04-20

    A chemistry agnostic cost performance model is described for a nonaqueous flow battery. The model predicts flow battery performance by estimating the active reaction zone thickness at each electrode as a function of current density, state of charge, and flow rate using measured data for electrode kinetics, electrolyte conductivity, and electrode-specific surface area. Validation of the model is conducted using a 4kW stack data at various current densities and flow rates. This model is used to estimate the performance of a nonaqueous flow battery with electrode and electrolyte properties used from the literature. The optimized cost for this system ismore » estimated for various power and energy levels using component costs provided by vendors. The model allows optimization of design parameters such as electrode thickness, area, flow path design, and operating parameters such as power density, flow rate, and operating SOC range for various application duty cycles. A parametric analysis is done to identify components and electrode/electrolyte properties with the highest impact on system cost for various application durations. A pathway to 100$kWh -1 for the storage system is identified.« less

  9. Synthesis and electrocatalytic activity of Au/Pt bimetallic nanodendrites for ethanol oxidation in alkaline medium.

    PubMed

    Han, Xinyi; Wang, Dawei; Liu, Dong; Huang, Jianshe; You, Tianyan

    2012-02-01

    Gold/Platinum (Au/Pt) bimetallic nanodendrites were successfully synthesized through seeded growth method using preformed Au nanodendrites as seeds and ascorbic acid as reductant. Cyclic voltammograms (CVs) of a series of Au/Pt nanodendrites modified electrodes in 1M KOH solution containing 1M ethanol showed that the electrocatalyst with a molar ratio (Au:Pt) of 3 exhibited the highest peak current density and the lowest onset potential. The peak current density of ethanol electro-oxidation on the Au(3)Pt(1) nanodendrites modified glassy carbon electrode (Au(3)Pt(1) electrode) is about 16, 12.5, and 4.5 times higher than those on the polycrystalline Pt electrode, polycrystalline Au electrode, and Au nanodendrites modified glassy carbon electrode (Au dendrites electrode), respectively. The oxidation peak potential of ethanol electro-oxidation on the Au(3)Pt(1) electrode is about 299 and 276 mV lower than those on the polycrystalline Au electrode and Au dendrites electrode, respectively. These results demonstrated that the Au/Pt bimetallic nanodendrites may find potential application in alkaline direct ethanol fuel cells (ADEFCs). Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Manganese oxide micro-supercapacitors with ultra-high areal capacitance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Xu; Myers, Benjamin D.; Yan, Jian; Shekhawat, Gajendra; Dravid, Vinayak; Lee, Pooi See

    2013-05-01

    A symmetric micro-supercapacitor is constructed by electrochemically depositing manganese oxide onto micro-patterned current collectors. High surface-to-volume ratio of manganese oxide and short diffusion distance between electrodes give an ultra-high areal capacitance of 56.3 mF cm-2 at a current density of 27.2 μA cm-2.A symmetric micro-supercapacitor is constructed by electrochemically depositing manganese oxide onto micro-patterned current collectors. High surface-to-volume ratio of manganese oxide and short diffusion distance between electrodes give an ultra-high areal capacitance of 56.3 mF cm-2 at a current density of 27.2 μA cm-2. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Experimental procedures; optical images of micro-supercapacitors; areal capacitances of samples M-0.3C, M-0.6C and M-0.9C; illustration of interdigital finger electrodes; Nyquist plot of Co(OH)2 deposited on micro-electrodes. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr00210a

  11. Charging/discharging stability of a metal hydride battery electrode

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Geng, M.; Han, J.; Feng, F.

    1999-07-01

    The metal hydride (MH) alloy powder for the negative electrode of the Ni/MH battery was first pulverized and oxidized by electrochemically charging and discharging for a number of cycles. The plate of the negative electrode of an experimental cell in this study was made from a mixture of a multicomponent AB{sub 5}-based alloy powder, nickel powder, and polytetra fluoroethylene (PTFE). The characteristics of the negative electrode, including discharge capacity, exchange current density, and hydrogen diffusivity, were studied by means of the electrochemical experiments and analysis in an experimental cell. The exchange current density of a Mm{sub 0.95}Ti{sub 0.05}Ni{sub 3.85}Co{sub 0.45}Mn{submore » 0.35}Al{sub 0.35} alloy electrode increases with increasing number of charge/discharge cycles and then remains almost constant after 20 cycles. A microcracking activation, resulting from an increase in reaction surface area and an improvement in the electrode surface activation, increases the hydrogen exchange current densities. Measurement of hydrogen diffusivities for Mm{sub 0.95}Ti{sub 0.05}Ni{sub 3.85}Co{sub 0.45}Mn{sub 0.35}Al{sub 0.35} alloy powder shows that the ratio of D/a{sup 2} (D = hydrogen diffusivity; a = sphere radius) increases with increasing number of cycles but remains constant after 20 cycles.« less

  12. Preliminary scaling laws for plasma current, ion kinetic temperature, and plasma number density in the NASA Lewis bumpy torus plasma

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Roth, J. R.

    1976-01-01

    Parametric variation of independent variables which may affect the characteristics of bumpy torus plasma have identified those which have a significant effect on the plasma current, ion kinetic temperature, and plasma number density, and those which do not. Empirical power law correlations of the plasma current, and the ion kinetic temperature and number density were obtained as functions of potential applied to the midplane electrode rings, the background neutral gas pressure, and the magnetic field strength. Additional parameters studied included the type of gas, the polarity of the midplane electrode rings, the mode of plasma operation, and the method of measuring the plasma number density. No significant departures from the scaling laws appear to occur at the highest ion kinetic temperatures or number densities obtained to date.

  13. Four-dimensional ultrasound current source density imaging of a dipole field

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Z. H.; Olafsson, R.; Ingram, P.; Li, Q.; Qin, Y.; Witte, R. S.

    2011-09-01

    Ultrasound current source density imaging (UCSDI) potentially transforms conventional electrical mapping of excitable organs, such as the brain and heart. For this study, we demonstrate volume imaging of a time-varying current field by scanning a focused ultrasound beam and detecting the acoustoelectric (AE) interaction signal. A pair of electrodes produced an alternating current distribution in a special imaging chamber filled with a 0.9% NaCl solution. A pulsed 1 MHz ultrasound beam was scanned near the source and sink, while the AE signal was detected on remote recording electrodes, resulting in time-lapsed volume movies of the alternating current distribution.

  14. An asymmetric supercapacitor with ultrahigh energy density based on nickle cobalt sulfide nanocluster anchoring multi-wall carbon nanotubes hybrid

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wen, Ping; Fan, Mingjin; Yang, Desuo; Wang, Yan; Cheng, Hualei; Wang, Jinqing

    2016-07-01

    The development of novel electrode materials with high energy density and long cycling life is critical to realize electrochemical capacitive energy storage for practical applications. In this paper, the hybrids of nickle cobalt sulfide/multi-wall carbon nanotubes (NiCo2S4/MWCNTs) with different contents of MWCNTs are prepared using a facile one-pot solvothermal reaction. As novel active materials for supercapacitors, the electrochemistry tests show that the hybrid of NiCo2S4/MWCNTs-5 is able to deliver a high specific capacitance of 2080 F g-1 at the current density of 1 A g-1, even superior rate capability of 61% capacitance retention after a 20-fold increase in current densities, when the content of MWCNTs is up to 5%. More importantly, an asymmetric supercapacitor assembled by NiCo2S4/MWCNTs-5 as positive electrode and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as negative electrode delivers a high energy density of 51.8 Wh Kg-1 at a power density of 865 W kg-1, and 85.7% of its initial capacitance is retained at the current density of 4 A g-1 after 5000 charge-discharge cycles, exhibiting potential prospect for practical applications.

  15. Porous carbon derived from aniline-modified fungus for symmetrical supercapacitor electrodes

    DOE PAGES

    Wang, Keliang; Xu, Ming; Wang, Xiaomin; ...

    2017-01-23

    N incorporated carbon materials are proven to be efficient EDLCs electrode materials. In this work, aniline modified fungus served as a raw material, and N-doped porous activated carbon is prepared via an efficient KOH activation method. A porous network with a high specific surface area of 2339 m 2g -1 is displayed by the prepared carbon material, resulting in a high accessible surface area and low ion diffusion resistance which is desirable for EDLC electrode materials. In assembled EDLCs, the N–AC based electrode exhibits a specific capacitance of 218 F g -1 at a current density of 0.1 A gmore » -1. Besides, excellent stability is displayed after 5000 continuous cycles at different current densities ranging from 0.1 to 10 A g -1. Thus, the present work reveals a promising candidate for electrode materials of EDLCs.« less

  16. Facile synthesis of ultrathin manganese dioxide nanosheets arrays on nickel foam as advanced binder-free supercapacitor electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huang, Ming; Zhao, Xiao Li; Li, Fei; Zhang, Li Li; Zhang, Yu Xin

    2015-03-01

    Ultrathin MnO2 nanosheets arrays on Ni foam have been fabricated by a facile hydrothermal approach and further investigated as the binder-free electrode for high-performance supercapacitors. This unique well-designed binder-free electrode exhibits a high specific capacitance (595.2 F g-1 at a current density of 0.5 A g-1), good rate capability (64.1% retention), and excellent cycling stability (89% capacitance retention after 3000 cycles). Moreover, an asymmetric supercapacitor is constructed using the as-prepared MnO2 nanosheets arrays as the positive electrode and activated microwave exfoliated graphite oxide (MEGO) as the negative electrode. The optimized asymmetric supercapacitor displays excellent electrochemical performance with an energy density of 25.8 Wh kg-1 and a maximum power density of 223.2 kW kg-1. These impressive performances suggest that the MnO2 nanosheet array is a promising electrode material for supercapacitors.

  17. Band Gap Engineering of Boron Nitride by Graphene and Its Application as Positive Electrode Material in Asymmetric Supercapacitor Device.

    PubMed

    Saha, Sanjit; Jana, Milan; Khanra, Partha; Samanta, Pranab; Koo, Hyeyoung; Murmu, Naresh Chandra; Kuila, Tapas

    2015-07-08

    Nanostructured hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN)/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) composite is prepared by insertion of h-BN into the graphene oxide through hydrothermal reaction. Formation of the super lattice is confirmed by the existence of two separate UV-visible absorption edges corresponding to two different band gaps. The composite materials show enhanced electrical conductivity as compared to the bulk h-BN. A high specific capacitance of ∼824 F g(-1) is achieved at a current density of 4 A g(-1) for the composite in three-electrode electrochemical measurement. The potential window of the composite electrode lies in the range from -0.1 to 0.5 V in 6 M aqueous KOH electrolyte. The operating voltage is increased to 1.4 V in asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device where the thermally reduced graphene oxide is used as the negative electrode and the h-BN/RGO composite as the positive electrode. The ASC exhibits a specific capacitance of 145.7 F g(-1) at a current density of 6 A g(-1) and high energy density of 39.6 W h kg(-1) corresponding to a large power density of ∼4200 W kg(-1). Therefore, a facile hydrothermal route is demonstrated for the first time to utilize h-BN-based composite materials as energy storage electrode materials for supercapacitor applications.

  18. Treatment of pulp and paper industry bleaching effluent by electrocoagulant process.

    PubMed

    Sridhar, R; Sivakumar, V; Prince Immanuel, V; Prakash Maran, J

    2011-02-28

    The experiments were carried out in an electrocoagulation reactor with aluminum as sacrificial electrodes. The influence of electrolysis time, current density, pH, NaCl concentration, rotational speed of the stirrer and electrode distance on reduction of color, COD and BOD were studied in detail. From the experimental results, 15 mA/cm(2) current density, pH of 7, 1 g/l NaCl, 100 rpm, 28°C temperature and 3 cm electrode distance were found to be optimum for maximum reduction of color, COD and BOD. The reduction of color, COD and BOD under the optimum condition were found to be 94%, 90% and 87% respectively. The electrode energy consumption was calculated and found to be varied from 10.1 to 12.9 kWh/m(3) depending on the operating conditions. Under optimal operating condition such as 15 mA/cm(2) current density, pH of 7, 1 g/l NaCl, 100 rpm, 28°C temperature and 3 cm electrode distance, the operating cost was found to be 1.56 US $/m(3). The experimental results proved that the electrocoagulation is a suitable method for treating bleaching plant effluents for reuse. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Generalization of the Child-Langmuir law to the alternate extraction of positive and negative ions

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lafleur, T., E-mail: trevor.lafleur@lpp.polytechnique.fr; ONERA-The French Aerospace Lab, 91120 Palaiseau; Aanesland, A.

    Using a combined analytical and simulation approach, we investigate positive and negative ion extraction between two electrodes from an ion-ion plasma source. With a square voltage waveform applied to the electrodes, we obtain approximate analytical solutions for the time-averaged extracted current densities, which are given simply by: J{sub p}{sup ac}=[α−fL√((M{sub p})/(q{sub p}V{sub 0}) )]J{sub p}{sup dc}, and J{sub n}{sup ac}=[(1−α)−fL√((M{sub n})/(q{sub n}V{sub 0}) )]J{sub n}{sup dc}, where J{sup ac} is the time-averaged current density, α is the square waveform duty cycle, f is the frequency, L is the electrode gap length, M is the ion mass, q is the ionmore » charge, V{sub 0} is the applied voltage amplitude, J{sup dc} is the dc extracted current density, and the subscripts p and n refer to positive and negative ions, respectively. In particular, if J{sup dc} is the dc space-charge limited current density, then these equations describe the square waveform generalization of the Child-Langmuir law.« less

  20. Crystallographic orientation and electrode nature are key factors for electric current generation by Geobacter sulfurreducens.

    PubMed

    Maestro, Beatriz; Ortiz, Juan M; Schrott, Germán; Busalmen, Juan P; Climent, Víctor; Feliu, Juan M

    2014-08-01

    We have investigated the influence of electrode material and crystallographic structure on electron transfer and biofilm formation of Geobacter sulfurreducens. Single-crystal gold-Au(110), Au(111), Au(210)-and platinum-Pt(100), Pt(110), Pt(111), Pt(210)-electrodes were tested and compared to graphite rods. G. sulfurreducens electrochemically interacts with all these materials with different attachment kinetics and final current production, although redox species involved in the electron transfer to the anode are virtually the same in all cases. Initial bacterial colonization was fastest on graphite up to the monolayer level, whereas gold electrodes led to higher final current densities. Crystal geometry was shown to have an important influence, with Au(210) sustaining a current density of up to 1442±101μAcm(-2) at the steady state, over Au(111) with 961±94μAcm(-2) and Au(110) with 944±89μAcm(-2). On the other hand, the platinum electrodes displayed the lowest performances, including Pt(210). Our results indicate that both crystal geometry and electrode material are key parameters for the efficient interaction of bacteria with the substrate and should be considered for the design of novel materials and microbial devices to optimize energy production. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. The cataphoretic emitter effect exhibited in high intensity discharge lamp electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mentel, Juergen

    2018-01-01

    A mono-layer of atoms, electropositive with respect to the substrate atoms, forms a dipole layer, reducing its work function. Such a layer is generated by diffusion of emitter material from the interior of the substrate, by vapour deposition or by deposition of emitter material onto arc electrodes by cataphoresis. This cataphoretic emitter effect is investigated within metal halide lamps with transparent YAG ceramic burners, and within model lamps. Within the YAG lamps, arcs are operated with switched-dc current between rod shaped tungsten electrodes in high pressure Hg vapour seeded with metal iodides. Within the model lamps, dc arcs are operated between rod-shaped tungsten electrodes—one doped—in atmospheric pressure Ar. Electrode temperatures are determined by 1λ -pyrometry, combined with simulation of the electrode heat balance. Plasma temperatures, atom and ion densities of emitter material are determined by emission and absorption spectroscopy. Phase resolved measurements in YAG lamps seeded with CeI3, CsI, DyI3, TmI3 and LaI3 show, within the cathodic half period, a reduction of the electrode temperature and an enhanced metal ion density in front of the electrode, and an opposite behavior after phase reversal. With increasing operating frequency, the state of the cathode overlaps onto the anodic phase—except for Cs, being low in adsorption energy. Generally, the phase averaged electrode tip temperature is reduced by seeding a lamp with emitter material; its height depends on admixtures. Measurements at tungsten electrodes doped with ThO2, La2O3 and Ce2O3 within the model lamp show that evaporated emitter material is redeposited by an emitter ion current onto the electrode surface. It reduces the work function of tungsten cathodes above the evaporation temperature of the emitter material, too; and also of cold anodes, indicating a field reversal in front of them. The formation of an emitter spot at low cathode temperature and high emitter material density is traced back to a locally reduced work function generated by a locally enhanced emitter ion current density.

  2. Calcium-bismuth electrodes for large-scale energy storage (liquid metal batteries)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Hojong; Boysen, Dane A.; Ouchi, Takanari; Sadoway, Donald R.

    2013-11-01

    Calcium is an attractive electrode material for use in grid-scale electrochemical energy storage due to its low electronegativity, earth abundance, and low cost. The feasibility of combining a liquid Ca-Bi positive electrode with a molten salt electrolyte for use in liquid metal batteries at 500-700 °C was investigated. Exhibiting excellent reversibility up to current densities of 200 mA cm-2, the calcium-bismuth liquid alloy system is a promising positive electrode candidate for liquid metal batteries. The measurement of low self-discharge current suggests that the solubility of calcium metal in molten salt electrolytes can be sufficiently suppressed to yield high coulombic efficiencies >98%. The mechanisms giving rise to Ca-Bi electrode overpotentials were investigated in terms of associated charge transfer and mass transport resistances. The formation of low density Ca11Bi10 intermetallics at the electrode-electrolyte interface limited the calcium deposition rate capability of the electrodes; however, the co-deposition of barium into bismuth from barium-containing molten salts suppressed Ca-Bi intermetallic formation thereby improving the discharge capacity.

  3. Magneto-acousto-electrical tomography: a potential method for imaging current density and electrical impedance.

    PubMed

    Haider, S; Hrbek, A; Xu, Y

    2008-06-01

    Primarily this report outlines our investigation on utilizing magneto-acousto-electrical-tomography (MAET) to image the lead field current density in volume conductors. A lead field current density distribution is obtained when a current/voltage source is applied to a sample via a pair of electrodes. This is the first time a high-spatial-resolution image of current density is presented using MAET. We also compare an experimental image of current density in a sample with its corresponding numerical simulation. To image the lead field current density, rather than applying a current/voltage source directly to the sample, we place the sample in a static magnetic field and focus an ultrasonic pulse on the sample to simulate a point-like current dipole source at the focal point. Then by using electrodes we measure the voltage/current signal which, based on the reciprocity theorem, is proportional to a component of the lead field current density. In the theory section, we derive the equation relating the measured voltage to the lead field current density and the displacement velocity caused by ultrasound. The experimental data include the MAET signal and an image of the lead field current density for a thin sample. In addition, we discuss the potential improvements for MAET especially to overcome the limitation created by the observation that no signal was detected from the interior of a region having a uniform conductivity. As an auxiliary we offer a mathematical formula whereby the lead field current density may be utilized to reconstruct the distribution of the electrical impedance in a piecewise smooth object.

  4. Synthesis of a highly efficient 3D graphene-CNT-MnO2-PANI nanocomposite as a binder free electrode material for supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Asif, Muhammad; Tan, Yi; Pan, Lujun; Rashad, Muhammad; Li, Jiayan; Fu, Xin; Cui, Ruixue

    2016-09-29

    Graphene based nanocomposites have been investigated intensively, as electrode materials for energy storage applications. In the current work, a graphene-CNT-MnO 2 -PANI (GCM@PANI) nanocomposite has been synthesized on 3D graphene grown on nickel foam, as a highly efficient binder free electrode material for supercapacitors. Interestingly, the specific capacitance of the synthesized electrode increases up to the first 1500 charge-discharge cycles, and is thus referred to as an electrode activation process. The activated GCM@PANI nanocomposite electrode exhibits an extraordinary galvanostatic specific capacitance of 3037 F g -1 at a current density of 8 A g -1 . The synthesized nanocomposite exhibits an excellent cyclic stability with a capacitance retention of 83% over 12 000 charge-discharge cycles, and a high rate capability by retaining a specific capacitance of 84.6% at a current density of 20 A g -1 . The structural and electrochemical analysis of the synthesized nanocomposite suggests that the astonishing electrochemical performance might be attributed to the growth of a novel PANI nanoparticle layer and the synergistic effect of CNT/MnO 2 nanostructures.

  5. Preliminary scaling laws for plasma current, ion kinetic temperature, and plasma number density in the NASA Lewis Bumpy Torus plasma

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Roth, J. R.

    1976-01-01

    Parametric variation of independent variables which may affect the characteristics of the NASA Lewis Bumpy Torus plasma have identified those which have a significant effect on the plasma current, ion kinetic temperature, and plasma number density, and those which do not. Empirical power-law correlations of the plasma current, and the ion kinetic temperature and number density were obtained as functions of the potential applied to the midplane electrode rings, the background neutral gas pressure, and the magnetic field strength. Additional parameters studied include the type of gas, the polarity of the midplane electrode rings (and hence the direction of the radial electric field), the mode of plasma operation, and the method of measuring the plasma number density. No significant departures from the scaling laws appear to occur at the highest ion kinetic temperatures or number densities obtained to date.

  6. Using sewage sludge pyrolytic gas to modify titanium alloy to obtain high-performance anodes in bio-electrochemical systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gu, Yuan; Ying, Kang; Shen, Dongsheng; Huang, Lijie; Ying, Xianbin; Huang, Haoqian; Cheng, Kun; Chen, Jiazheng; Zhou, Yuyang; Chen, Ting; Feng, Huajun

    2017-12-01

    Titanium is under consideration as a potential stable bio-anode because of its high conductivity, suitable mechanical properties, and electrochemical inertness in the operating potential window of bio-electrochemical systems; however, its application is limited by its poor electron-transfer capacity with electroactive bacteria and weak ability to form biofilms on its hydrophobic surface. This study reports an effective and low-cost way to convert a hydrophobic titanium alloy surface into a hydrophilic surface that can be used as a bio-electrode with higher electron-transfer rates. Pyrolytic gas of sewage sludge is used to modify the titanium alloy. The current generation, anodic biofilm formation surface, and hydrophobicity are systematically investigated by comparing bare electrodes with three modified electrodes. Maximum current density (15.80 A/m2), achieved using a modified electrode, is 316-fold higher than that of the bare titanium alloy electrode (0.05 A/m2) and that achieved by titanium alloy electrodes modified by other methods (12.70 A/m2). The pyrolytic gas-modified titanium alloy electrode can be used as a high-performance and scalable bio-anode for bio-electrochemical systems because of its high electron-transfer rates, hydrophilic nature, and ability to achieve high current density.

  7. Electrochemical oxidation of bio-refractory dye in a simulated textile industry effluent using DSA electrodes in a filter-press type FM01-LC reactor.

    PubMed

    Rodríguez, Francisca A; Mateo, María N; Aceves, Juan M; Rivero, Eligio P; González, Ignacio

    2013-01-01

    This work presents a study on degradation of indigo carmine dye in a filter-press type FM01-LC reactor using Sb2O5-doped Ti/IrO2-SnO2 dimensionally stable anode (DSA) electrodes. Micro- and macroelectrolysis studies were carried out using solutions of 0.8 mM indigo carmine in 0.05 M NaCl, which resemble blue denim laundry industrial wastewater. Microelectrolysis results show the behaviour of DSA electrodes in comparison with the behaviour of boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes. In general, dye degradation reactions are carried out indirectly through active chlorine generated on DSA, whereas in the case of BDD electrodes more oxidizing species are formed, mainly OH radicals, on the electrode surface. The well-characterized geometry, flow pattern and mass transport of the FM01-LC reactor used in macroelectrolysis experiments allowed the evaluation of the effect of hydrodynamic conditions on the chlorine-mediated degradation rate. Four values of Reynolds number (Re) (93, 371, 464 and 557) at four current densities (50, 100, 150 and 200 A/m2) were tested. The results show that the degradation rate is independent of Re at low current density (50 A/m2) but becomes dependent on the Re at high current density (200 A/m2). This behaviour shows the central role of mass transport and the reactor parameters and design. The low energy consumption (2.02 and 9.04 kWh/m3 for complete discolouration and chemical oxygen demand elimination at 50 A/m2, respectively) and the low cost of DSA electrodes compared to BDD make DSA electrodes promising for practical application in treating industrial textile effluents. In the present study, chlorinated organic compounds were not detected.

  8. Engineering hierarchical Diatom@CuO@MnO2 hybrid for high performance supercapacitor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Yan; Guo, Wan Wan; Zheng, Tian Xu; Zhang, Yu Xin; Fan, Xing

    2018-01-01

    A rational and hierarchical Diatom@CuO@MnO2 hybrid was fabricated via a facile electroless copper plating technology, following by a one-pot hydrothermal reaction with KMnO4. Such unique architecture acts as a supercapacitor electrode, which exhibits a high specific capacitance (240 F g-1 at a current density of 0.5 A g-1), good rate capability (58.3% retention when the current density increases from 0.5 to 5 A g-1), and excellent electrochemical cycling stability (91.2% retention of the initial specific capacitance after 4000 cycles at a current density of 2 A g-1). The impressive electrochemical performance of this Diatom@CuO@MnO2 electrode ascribed to the synergistic effect between the CuO particles and MnO2 nanosheets. Therefore, it can be expected that this unique Diatom@CuO@MnO2 electrode may have great promise for the application in supercapacitors.

  9. A porous carbon material from pyrolysis of fructus cannabis’s shells for supercapacitor electrode application

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Kai; Zhang, Wei-Bin; Zhao, Zhi-Yun; Zhao, Yue; Chen, Xi-Wen; Kong, Ling-Bin

    2018-02-01

    The porous carbon material is obtained via pyrolysis and activation of fructus cannabis’s shells, an easy-to-get biomass source, and is used as an active electrode material for supercapacitors. The obtained carbon exhibit a high specific surface area of 2389 m2 g-1. And the result of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) shows that the obtained porous carbon possess numerous oxygen groups, which can facilitate the wettability of the electrode. The prepared porous carbon also exhibit remarkable electrochemical properties, such as high specific capacitance of 357 F g-1 at a current density of 0.5 A g-1 in 6 mol L-1 aqueous KOH electrolyte, good rate capability of 77% capacitance retention as the current density increase from 0.5 A g-1 to 10 A g-1. In addition, it also presents a superior cycling stability of 100% capacitance retention after 10 000 cycles at the current density of 1 A g-1.

  10. Rotating disk electrode system for elevated pressures and temperatures.

    PubMed

    Fleige, M J; Wiberg, G K H; Arenz, M

    2015-06-01

    We describe the development and test of an elevated pressure and temperature rotating disk electrode (RDE) system that allows measurements under well-defined mass transport conditions. As demonstrated for the oxygen reduction reaction on polycrystalline platinum (Pt) in 0.5M H2SO4, the setup can easily be operated in a pressure range of 1-101 bar oxygen, and temperature of 140 °C. Under such conditions, diffusion limited current densities increase by almost two orders of magnitude as compared to conventional RDE setups allowing, for example, fuel cell catalyst studies under more realistic conditions. Levich plots demonstrate that the mass transport is indeed well-defined, i.e., at low electrode potentials, the measured current densities are fully diffusion controlled, while at higher potentials, a mixed kinetic-diffusion controlled regime is observed. Therefore, the setup opens up a new field for RDE investigations under temperature and current density conditions relevant for low and high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells.

  11. Rotating disk electrode system for elevated pressures and temperatures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fleige, M. J.; Wiberg, G. K. H.; Arenz, M.

    2015-06-01

    We describe the development and test of an elevated pressure and temperature rotating disk electrode (RDE) system that allows measurements under well-defined mass transport conditions. As demonstrated for the oxygen reduction reaction on polycrystalline platinum (Pt) in 0.5M H2SO4, the setup can easily be operated in a pressure range of 1-101 bar oxygen, and temperature of 140 °C. Under such conditions, diffusion limited current densities increase by almost two orders of magnitude as compared to conventional RDE setups allowing, for example, fuel cell catalyst studies under more realistic conditions. Levich plots demonstrate that the mass transport is indeed well-defined, i.e., at low electrode potentials, the measured current densities are fully diffusion controlled, while at higher potentials, a mixed kinetic-diffusion controlled regime is observed. Therefore, the setup opens up a new field for RDE investigations under temperature and current density conditions relevant for low and high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells.

  12. Separation of plutonium from lanthanum by electrolysis in LiCl KCl onto molten bismuth electrode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Serp, J.; Lefebvre, P.; Malmbeck, R.; Rebizant, J.; Vallet, P.; Glatz, J.-P.

    2005-04-01

    This work presents a study on the electroseparation of plutonium from lanthanum using molten bismuth electrodes in LiCl-KCl eutectic at 733 K. The reduction potentials of Pu3+ and La3+ ions were measured on a Bi thin film electrode using cyclic voltammetry (CV). A difference between the peak potentials for the formation of PuBi2 and LaBi2 of approximately 100 mV was found. Separation tests were then carried out using different current densities and salt phase compositions between a plutonium rod anode and an unstirred molten Bi cathode in order to evaluate the efficiency of an electrolytic separation process. At a current density of 12 mA/cm2/wt% (Pu3+), only Pu3+ ions are reduced into the molten Bi electrode, leaving La3+ ions in the salt melt. Similar results were found at two different Pu/La concentration ratios ([Pu]/[La] = 4 and 10). At a current density of 26 mA/cm2/wt% (Pu3+), co-reduction of Pu and La was observed as expected by the large negative potential of the Bi cathode during the separation test.

  13. Superconducting current injection transistor with very high critical-current-density edge-junctions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    van Zeghbroeck, B. J.

    1985-03-01

    A Superconducting Current Injection Transistor (Super-CIT) was fabricated with very high critical current-density edge-junctions. The junctions have a niobium base electrode and a lead-alloy counter electrode. The length of the junctions is 30 microns and the critical-current density is 190KA/sq cm. The Super-CIT has a current gain of 2, a large signal transresistance of 100 mV/A, and the turn-on delay, inferred from the junction resonance, is 7ps. The power dissipation is 3.5 microwatts and the power-delay product is 24.5aJ. Gap reduction due to heating was observed, limiting the maximum power dissipation per unit length to 1.1 microwatt/micron. Compared to lead-alloy Super-CITs, the device is five times smaller, three times faster, and has a three times larger output voltage. The damping resistor and the contact junction could also be eliminated.

  14. Ionomer equivalent weight structuring in the cathode catalyst layer of automotive fuel cells: Effect on performance, current density distribution and electrochemical impedance spectra

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Herden, Susanne; Hirschfeld, Julian A.; Lohri, Cyrill; Perchthaler, Markus; Haase, Stefan

    2017-10-01

    To improve the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells, membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) with segmented cathode electrodes have been manufactured. Electrodes with a higher and lower ionomer equivalent weight (EW) were used and analyzed using current density and temperature distribution, polarization curve, temperature sweep and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. These were performed using automotive metallic bipolar plates and operating conditions. Measurement data were used to manufacture an optimized segmented cathode electrode. We were able to show that our results are transferable from a small scale hardware to automotive application and that an ionomer EW segmentation of the cathode leads to performance improvement in a broad spectrum of operating conditions. Furthermore, we confirmed our results by using in-situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

  15. Enhancement of anodic biofilm formation and current output in microbial fuel cells by composite modification of stainless steel electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liang, Yuxiang; Feng, Huajun; Shen, Dongsheng; Li, Na; Guo, Kun; Zhou, Yuyang; Xu, Jing; Chen, Wei; Jia, Yufeng; Huang, Bin

    2017-02-01

    In this paper, we first systematically investigate the current output performance of stainless steel electrodes (SS) modified by carbon coating (CC), polyaniline coating (PANI), neutral red grafting (NR), surface hydrophilization (SDBS), and heat treatment (HEAT). The maximum current density of 13.0 A m-2 is obtained on CC electrode (3.0 A m-2 of the untreated anode). Such high performance should be attributed to its large effective surface area, which is 2.3 times that of the unmodified electrode. Compared with SS electrode, about 3-fold increase in current output is achieved with PANI. Functionalization with hydrophilic group and electron medium result in the current output rising to 1.5-2 fold, through enhancing bioadhesive and electron transport rate, respectively. CC modification is the best choice of single modification for SS electrode in this study. However, this modification is not perfect because of its poor hydrophilicity. So CC electrode is modified by SDBS for further enhancing the current output to 16 A m-2. These results could provide guidance for the choice of suitable single modification on SS electrodes and a new method for the perfection of electrode performance through composite modification.

  16. All-Solid-State High-Energy Asymmetric Supercapacitors Enabled by Three-Dimensional Mixed-Valent MnOx Nanospike and Graphene Electrodes.

    PubMed

    Yang, Jie; Li, Guizhu; Pan, Zhenghui; Liu, Meinan; Hou, Yuan; Xu, Yijun; Deng, Hong; Sheng, Leimei; Zhao, Xinluo; Qiu, Yongcai; Zhang, Yuegang

    2015-10-14

    Three-dimensional (3D) nanostructures enable high-energy storage devices. Here we report a 3D manganese oxide nanospike (NSP) array electrode fabricated by anodization and subsequent electrodeposition. All-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors were assembled with the 3D Al@Ni@MnOx NSP as the positive electrode, chemically converted graphene (CCG) as the negative electrode, and Na2SO4/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as the polymer gel electrolyte. Taking advantage of the different potential windows of Al@Ni@MnOx NSP and CCG electrodes, the asymmetric supercapacitor showed an ideal capacitive behavior with a cell voltage up to 1.8 V, capable of lighting up a red LED indicator (nominal voltage of 1.8 V). The device could deliver an energy density of 23.02 W h kg(-1) at a current density of 1 A g(-1). It could also preserve 96.3% of its initial capacitance at a current density of 2 A g(-1) after 10000 charging/discharging cycles. The remarkable performance is attributed to the unique 3D NSP array structure that could play an important role in increasing the effective electrode surface area, facilitating electrolyte permeation, and shortening the electron pathway in the active materials.

  17. Effect of surface nano/micro-structuring on the early formation of microbial anodes with Geobacter sulfurreducens: Experimental and theoretical approaches.

    PubMed

    Champigneux, Pierre; Renault-Sentenac, Cyril; Bourrier, David; Rossi, Carole; Delia, Marie-Line; Bergel, Alain

    2018-06-01

    Smooth and nano-rough flat gold electrodes were manufactured with controlled Ra of 0.8 and 4.5nm, respectively. Further nano-rough surfaces (Ra 4.5nm) were patterned with arrays of micro-pillars 500μm high. All these electrodes were implemented in pure cultures of Geobacter sulfurreducens, under a constant potential of 0.1V/SCE and with a single addition of acetate 10mM to check the early formation of microbial anodes. The flat smooth electrodes produced an average current density of 0.9A·m -2 . The flat nano-rough electrodes reached 2.5A·m -2 on average, but with a large experimental deviation of ±2.0A·m -2 . This large deviation was due to the erratic colonization of the surface but, when settled on the surface, the cells displayed current density that was directly correlated to the biofilm coverage ratio. The micro-pillars considerably improved the experimental reproducibility by offering the cells a quieter environment, facilitating biofilm development. Current densities of up to 8.5A·m -2 (per projected surface area) were thus reached, in spite of rate limitation due to the mass transport of the buffering species, as demonstrated by numerical modelling. Nano-roughness combined with micro-structuring increased current density by a factor close to 10 with respect to the smooth flat surface. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Electrodeposition of high-density lithium vanadate nanowires for lithium-ion battery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hua, Kang; Li, Xiujuan; Fang, Dong; Yi, Jianhong; Bao, Rui; Luo, Zhiping

    2018-07-01

    Lithium vanadate nanowires have been electrodeposited onto a titanium (Ti) foil by a direct current electrodeposition without template. The morphology, crystal structure, and the effects of deposition voltage, temperature and time on the prepared samples were tested and presented. The as-prepared lithium vanadate nanowires/Ti composite can be used as electrode for lithium-ion battery. Electrochemical measurements showed that the electrode displayed a specific discharge capacitance as high as 235.1 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles at a current density of 30 mA g-1. This research provides a new pathway to explore high tap density vanadates nanowires on metals with enhanced electrochemical performance.

  19. Mesoporous composite nickel cobalt oxide/graphene oxide synthesized via a template-assistant co-precipitation route as electrode material for supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Yanjie; Wang, Lincai; Cao, Peiqi; Cai, Chuanlin; Fu, Yanbao; Ma, Xiaohua

    2016-02-01

    A simple co-precipitation method utilizing SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate) as template and ammonia as precipitant is successfully employed to synthesize nickel cobalt oxide/graphene oxide (NiCo2O4/GO) composite. The as-prepared composite (NCG-10) exhibits a high capacitance of 1211.25 F g-1, 687 F g-1 at the current density of 1 A g-1, 10 A g-1 and good cycling ability which renders NCG-10 as promising electrode material for supercapacitors. An asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) (full button cell) has been constructed with NCG-10 as positive electrode and lab-made reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as negative electrode. The fabricated NCG-10//rGO with an extended stable operational voltage of 1.6 V can deliver a high specific capacitance of 144.45 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1. The as-prepared NCG-10//rGO demonstrates remarkable energy density (51.36 W h kg-1 at 1 A g-1), high power density (50 kW kg-1 at 20 A g-1). The retention of capacitance is 88.6% at the current density of 8 A g-1 after 2000 cycles. The enhanced capacitive performance can be attributed to the improved specific surface area and 3D open area of NCG-10 generated by the pores and channels with the substantial function of SDS.

  20. Silicon-Based Lithium-Ion Capacitor for High Energy and High Power Application

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wu, James J.; Demattia, Brianne; Loyselle, Patricia; Reid, Concha; Kohout, Lisa

    2017-01-01

    Si-based Li-ion capacitor has been developed and demonstrated. The results show it is feasible to improve both power density and energy density in this configuration. The applied current density impacts the power and energy density: low current favors energy density while high current favors power density. Active carbon has a better rate capability than Si. Next StepsFuture Directions. Si electrode needs to be further studied and improved. Further optimization of SiAC ratio and evaluation of its impact on energy density and power density.

  1. Detection of Matrix Crack Density of CFRP using an Electrical Potential Change Method with Multiple Probes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Todoroki, Akira; Omagari, Kazuomi

    Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) laminates are adopted for fuel tank structures of next generation space rockets or automobiles. Matrix cracks may cause fuel leak or trigger fatigue damage. A monitoring system of the matrix crack density is required. The authors have developed an electrical resistance change method for the monitoring of delamination cracks in CFRP laminates. Reinforcement fibers are used as a self-sensing system. In the present study, the electric potential method is adopted for matrix crack density monitoring. Finite element analysis (FEA) was performed to investigate the possibility of monitoring matrix crack density using multiple electrodes mounted on a single surface of a specimen. The FEA reveals the matrix crack density increases electrical resistance for a target segment between electrodes. Experimental confirmation was also performed using cross-ply laminates. Eight electrodes were mounted on a single surface of a specimen using silver paste after polishing of the specimen surface with sandpaper. The two outermost electrodes applied electrical current, and the inner electrodes measured electric voltage changes. The slope of electrical resistance during reloading is revealed to be an appropriate index for the detection of matrix crack density.

  2. Cellulose nanofibril/reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanotube hybrid aerogels for highly flexible and all-solid-state supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Zheng, Qifeng; Cai, Zhiyong; Ma, Zhenqiang; Gong, Shaoqin

    2015-02-11

    A novel type of highly flexible and all-solid-state supercapacitor that uses cellulose nanofibril (CNF)/reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/carbon nanotube (CNT) hybrid aerogels as electrodes and H2SO4/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) gel as the electrolyte was developed and is reported here. These flexible solid-state supercapacitors were fabricated without any binders, current collectors, or electroactive additives. Because of the porous structure of the CNF/RGO/CNT aerogel electrodes and the excellent electrolyte absorption properties of the CNFs present in the aerogel electrodes, the resulting flexible supercapacitors exhibited a high specific capacitance (i.e., 252 F g(-1) at a discharge current density of 0.5 A g(-1)) and a remarkable cycle stability (i.e., more than 99.5% of the capacitance was retained after 1000 charge-discharge cycles at a current density of 1 A g(-1)). Furthermore, the supercapacitors also showed extremely high areal capacitance, areal power density, and energy density (i.e., 216 mF cm(-2), 9.5 mW cm(-2), and 28.4 μWh cm(-2), respectively). In light of its excellent electrical performance, low cost, ease of large-scale manufacturing, and environmental friendliness, the CNF/RGO/CNT aerogel electrodes may have a promising application in the development of flexible energy-storage devices.

  3. Impact of uncertain head tissue conductivity in the optimization of transcranial direct current stimulation for an auditory target

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schmidt, Christian; Wagner, Sven; Burger, Martin; van Rienen, Ursula; Wolters, Carsten H.

    2015-08-01

    Objective. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique to modify neural excitability. Using multi-array tDCS, we investigate the influence of inter-individually varying head tissue conductivity profiles on optimal electrode configurations for an auditory cortex stimulation. Approach. In order to quantify the uncertainty of the optimal electrode configurations, multi-variate generalized polynomial chaos expansions of the model solutions are used based on uncertain conductivity profiles of the compartments skin, skull, gray matter, and white matter. Stochastic measures, probability density functions, and sensitivity of the quantities of interest are investigated for each electrode and the current density at the target with the resulting stimulation protocols visualized on the head surface. Main results. We demonstrate that the optimized stimulation protocols are only comprised of a few active electrodes, with tolerable deviations in the stimulation amplitude of the anode. However, large deviations in the order of the uncertainty in the conductivity profiles could be noted in the stimulation protocol of the compensating cathodes. Regarding these main stimulation electrodes, the stimulation protocol was most sensitive to uncertainty in skull conductivity. Finally, the probability that the current density amplitude in the auditory cortex target region is supra-threshold was below 50%. Significance. The results suggest that an uncertain conductivity profile in computational models of tDCS can have a substantial influence on the prediction of optimal stimulation protocols for stimulation of the auditory cortex. The investigations carried out in this study present a possibility to predict the probability of providing a therapeutic effect with an optimized electrode system for future auditory clinical and experimental procedures of tDCS applications.

  4. Effects of electrode gap and electric current on chlorine generation of electrolyzed deep ocean water.

    PubMed

    Hsu, Guoo-Shyng Wang; Hsu, Shun-Yao

    2018-04-01

    Electrolyzed water is a sustainable disinfectant, which can comply with food safety regulations and is environmental friendly. A two-factor central composite design was adopted for studying the effects of electrode gap and electric current on chlorine generation efficiency of electrolyzed deep ocean water. Deep ocean water was electrolyzed in a glass electrolyzing cell equipped with platinum-plated titanium anode and cathode in a constant-current operation mode. Results showed that current density, chlorine concentration, and electrolyte temperature increased with electric current, while electric efficiency decreased with electric current and electrode gap. An electrode gap of less than 11.7 mm, and a low electric current appeared to be a more energy efficient design and operation condition for the electrolysis system. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  5. Optimizing TOC and COD removal for the biodiesel wastewater by electrocoagulation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tanattı, N. Pınar; Şengil, İ. Ayhan; Özdemir, Abdil

    2018-05-01

    In this study, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and the total organic carbon content (TOC) in biodiesel wastewater iron and aluminum electrodes arranged in a bipolar position. In the EC of the biodiesel wastewater, the effects of the supporting electrolyte, initial pH, electrolysis time and current density were examined. The results showed that the majority of the pollutants in the biodiesel wastewater were effectively removed when the iron or aluminum electrodes were used as a sacrificial anode. The highest COD and TOC removal efficiencies were successfully obtained with the iron electrode. COD removal efficiencies are 91.74 and 90.94% for iron and aluminum electrode, respectively. In the same way, TOC removal efficiencies were obtained as 91.79 and 91.98% for the iron and aluminum electrodes, respectively, at initial pH of 6, the current density of 0.3226 mA/cm2, NaCl concentration 1 g/L and 1 min of operating time.

  6. Electrospun Carbon Nanofibers with in Situ Encapsulated Co₃O₄ Nanoparticles as Electrodes for High-Performance Supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Abouali, Sara; Garakani, Mohammad Akbari; Zhang, Biao; Xu, Zheng-Long; Heidari, Elham Kamali; Huang, Jian-qiu; Huang, Jiaqiang; Kim, Jang-Kyo

    2015-06-24

    A facile electrospinning method with subsequent heat treatments is employed to prepare carbon nanofibers (CNFs) containing uniformly dispersed Co3O4 nanoparticles as electrodes for supercapacitors. The Co3O4/CNF electrodes with ∼68 wt % active particles deliver a remarkable capacitance of 586 F g(-1) at a current density of 1 A g(-1). When the current density is increased to 50 A g(-1), ∼66% of the original capacitance is retained. The electrodes also present excellent cyclic stability of 74% capacity retention after 2000 cycles at 2 A g(-1). These superior electrochemical properties are attributed to the uniform dispersion of active particles in the CNF matrix, which functions as a conductive support. The onionlike graphitic layers formed around the Co3O4 nanoparticles not only improve the electrical conductivity of the electrode but also prevent the separation of the nanoparticles from the carbon matrix.

  7. Nano ZnO-activated carbon composite electrodes for supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Selvakumar, M.; Krishna Bhat, D.; Manish Aggarwal, A.; Prahladh Iyer, S.; Sravani, G.

    2010-05-01

    A symmetrical (p/p) supercapacitor has been fabricated by making use of nanostructured zinc oxide (ZnO)-activated carbon (AC) composite electrodes for the first time. The composites have been characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). Electrochemical properties of the prepared nanocomposite electrodes and the supercapacitor have been studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and AC impedance spectroscopy in 0.1 M Na 2SO 4 as electrolyte. The ZnO-AC nanocomposite electrode showed a specific capacitance of 160 F/g for 1:1 composition. The specific capacitance of the electrodes decreased with increase in zinc oxide content. Galvanostatic charge-discharge measurements have been done at various current densities, namely 2, 4, 6 and 7 mA/cm 2. It has been found that the cells have excellent electrochemical reversibility and capacitive characteristics in 0.1 M Na 2SO 4 electrolyte. It has also been observed that the specific capacitance is constant up to 500 cycles at all current densities.

  8. A study on the electrolysis of sulfur dioxide and water for the sulfur cycle hydrogen production process

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1980-01-01

    Experimental electrolysis cells using various platinum catalyzed carbon electrodes were tested. When operated at 200 mA/sq cm current density using 50 w/o acid at 50 C and 1 atm, a reference cell required 1.22 volts and degraded rapidly. After several improvements were incorporated into electrodes and the test cell configuration, a later cell required only 0.77 volts under identical operating conditions. At a lower current density, 100 mA/sq cm, the cell required only 0.63 volts. Kinetic studies on metal electrodes, measurements of temperature effects on electrode kinetics, investigations of electrocatalytic activities of metal electrodes over a wide range of acid concentrations, cyclic voltametric studies and evaluation of alternate catalysts were also conducted. From diffusivity experiments, a cation exchange membrane material, P-4010, exhibited an excellent diffusion coefficient, more than two orders of magnitude lower than that of rubber. Ionic resistivity measurements of eight materials showed that microporous rubber had the lowest resistivity.

  9. Electrically conductive polycrystalline diamond and particulate metal based electrodes

    DOEpatents

    Swain, Greg M.; Wang, Jian

    2005-04-26

    An electrically conducting and dimensionally stable diamond (12, 14) and metal particle (13) electrode produced by electrodepositing the metal on the diamond is described. The electrode is particularly useful in harsh chemical environments and at high current densities and potentials. The electrode is particularly useful for generating hydrogen, and for reducing oxygen and oxidizing methanol in reactions which are of importance in fuel cells.

  10. A kinetic Monte Carlo model with improved charge injection model for the photocurrent characteristics of organic solar cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kipp, Dylan; Ganesan, Venkat

    2013-06-01

    We develop a kinetic Monte Carlo model for photocurrent generation in organic solar cells that demonstrates improved agreement with experimental illuminated and dark current-voltage curves. In our model, we introduce a charge injection rate prefactor to correct for the electrode grid-size and electrode charge density biases apparent in the coarse-grained approximation of the electrode as a grid of single occupancy, charge-injecting reservoirs. We use the charge injection rate prefactor to control the portion of dark current attributed to each of four kinds of charge injection. By shifting the dark current between electrode-polymer pairs, we align the injection timescales and expand the applicability of the method to accommodate ohmic energy barriers. We consider the device characteristics of the ITO/PEDOT/PSS:PPDI:PBTT:Al system and demonstrate the manner in which our model captures the device charge densities unique to systems with small injection energy barriers. To elucidate the defining characteristics of our model, we first demonstrate the manner in which charge accumulation and band bending affect the shape and placement of the various current-voltage regimes. We then discuss the influence of various model parameters upon the current-voltage characteristics.

  11. A figure of merit for AMTEC electrodes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Underwood, M. L.; Williams, R. M.; Jeffries-Nakamura, B.; Ryan, M. A.

    1991-01-01

    As a method to compare the results of alkali metal thermoelectric converter (AMTEC) electrode performance measured under different conditions, an AMTEC figure of merit called ZA is proposed. This figure of merit is the ratio of the experimental maximum power for an electrode to a calculated maximum power density as determined from a recently published electrode performance model. The calculation of a maximum power density assumes that certain loss terms in the electrode can be reduced to essentially zero by improved cell design and construction, and that the electrochemical exchange current is determined from a standard value. Other losses in the electrode are considered inherent to the electrode performance. Thus, these terms remain in the determination of the calculated maximum power. A value of ZA near one, then, indicates an electrode performance near the maximum possible performance. The primary limitation of this calculation is that the small electrode effect cannot be included. This effect leads to anomalously high values of ZA. Thus, the electrode area should be reported along with the figure of merit.

  12. Application of Chemical Doping and Architectural Design Principles To Fabricate Nanowire Co2Ni3ZnO8 Arrays for Aqueous Asymmetric Supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Liu, Qi; Yang, Bin; Liu, Jingyuan; Yuan, Yi; Zhang, Hongsen; Liu, Lianhe; Wang, Jun; Li, Rumin

    2016-08-10

    Electrode materials derived from transition metal oxides have a serious problem of low electron transfer rate, which restricts their practical application. However, chemically doped graphene transforms the chemical bonding configuration to enhance electron transfer rate and, therefore, facilitates the successful fabrication of Co2Ni3ZnO8 nanowire arrays. In addition, the Co2Ni3ZnO8 electrode materials, considered as Ni and Zn ions doped into Co3O4, have a high electron transfer rate and electrochemical response capability, because the doping increases the degree of crystal defect and reaction of Co/Ni ions with the electrolyte. Hence, the Co2Ni3ZnO8 electrode exhibits a high rate property and excellent electrochemical cycle stability, as determined by electrochemical analysis of the relationship between specific capacitance, IR drop, Coulomb efficiency, and different current densities. From the results of a three-electrode system of electrochemical measurement, the Co2Ni3ZnO8 electrode demonstrates a specific capacitance of 1115 F g(-1) and retains 89.9% capacitance after 2000 cycles at a current density of 4 A g(-1). The energy density of the asymmetric supercapacitor (AC//Co2Ni3ZnO8) is 54.04 W h kg(-1) at the power density of 3200 W kg(-1).

  13. MXene-Based Electrode with Enhanced Pseudocapacitance and Volumetric Capacity for Power-Type and Ultra-Long Life Lithium Storage.

    PubMed

    Niu, Shanshan; Wang, Zhiyu; Yu, Mingliang; Yu, Mengzhou; Xiu, Luyang; Wang, Song; Wu, Xianhong; Qiu, Jieshan

    2018-04-24

    Powerful yet thinner lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are eagerly desired to meet the practical demands of electric vehicles and portable electronic devices. However, the use of soft carbon materials in current electrode design to improve the electrode conductivity and stability does not afford high volumetric capacity due to their low density and capacity for lithium storage. Herein, we report a strategy leveraging the MXene with superior conductivity and density to soft carbon as matrix and additive material for comprehensively enhancing the power capability, lifespan, and volumetric capacity of conversion-type anode. A kinetics favorable 2D nanohybrid with high conductivity, compact density, accumulated pseudocapacitance, and diffusion-controlled behavior is fabricated by coupling Ti 3 C 2 MXene with high-density molybdenum carbide for fast lithium storage over 300 cycles with high capacities. By replacing the carbonaceous conductive agent with Ti 3 C 2 MXene, the electrodes with better conductivity and dramatically reduced thickens could be further manufactured to achieve 37-40% improvement in capacity retention and ultra-long life of 5500 cycles with extremely slow capacity loss of 0.002% per cycle at high current rates. Ultrahigh volumetric capacity of 2460 mAh cm -3 could be attained by such MXene-based electrodes, highlighting the great promise of MXene in the development of high-performance LIBs.

  14. Multilayer core-shell structured composite paper electrode consisting of copper, cuprous oxide and graphite assembled on cellulose fibers for asymmetric supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wan, Caichao; Jiao, Yue; Li, Jian

    2017-09-01

    An easily-operated and inexpensive strategy (pencil-drawing-electrodeposition-electro-oxidation) is proposed to synthesize a novel class of multilayer core-shell structured composite paper electrode, which consists of copper, cuprous oxide and graphite assembled on cellulose fibers. This interesting electrode structure plays a pivotal role in providing more active sites for electrochemical reactions, facilitating ion and electron transport and shorting their diffusion pathways. This electrode demonstrates excellent electrochemical properties with a high specific capacitance of 601 F g-1 at 2 A g-1 and retains 83% of this capacitance when operated at an ultrahigh current density of 100 A g-1. In addition, a high energy density of 13.4 W h kg-1 at the power density of 0.40 kW kg-1 and a favorable cycling stability (95.3%, 8000 cycles) were achieved for this electrode. When this electrode was assembled into an asymmetric supercapacitor with carbon paper as negative electrode, the device displays remarkable electrochemical performances with a large areal capacitances (122 mF cm-2 at 1 mA cm-2), high areal energy density (10.8 μW h cm-2 at 402.5 μW cm-2) and outstanding cycling stability (91.5%, 5000 cycles). These results unveil the potential of this composite electrode as a high-performance electrode material for supercapacitors.

  15. Time and space resolved current density mapping in three dimensions using magnetic field probe array in a high voltage coaxial gap

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cordaro, S. W.; Bott-Suzuki, S. C.

    2017-12-01

    We present an experimental analysis of the symmetry of current density in a coaxial geometry, diagnosed using a magnetic field probe array and calculations of the Fowler-Nordheim enhancement factor. Data were collected on the coaxial gap breakdown device (240 A, 25 kV, 150 ns, ˜0.1 Hz), and data from experiments using 2 different gap sizes and different penetration depths are compared over runs comprising 50 shots for each case. The magnetic field probe array quantifies the distribution of current density at three axial locations, on either sides of a vacuum breakdown, and tracks the evolution with time and space. The results show asymmetries in current density, which can be influenced by changes in the gap size and the penetration depth (of the center electrode into the outer electrode). For smaller gap sizes (400 μm), symmetric current profiles were not observed, and the change in the penetration depth changes both the symmetric behavior of the current density and the enhancement factor. For larger gaps (900 μm), current densities were typically more uniform and less influenced by the penetration depth, which is reflected in the enhancement factor values. It is possible that the change in inductance caused by the localization of current densities plays a role in the observed behavior.

  16. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Matsuura, Yukihito, E-mail: matsuura@chem.nara-k.ac.jp

    The tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) of a silicon chain sandwiched between nickel electrodes was examined by using first-principles density functional theory. The relative orientation of the magnetization in a parallel-alignment (PA) configuration of two nickel electrodes enhanced the current with a bias less than 0.4 V compared with that in an antiparallel-alignment configuration. Consequently, the silicon chain-nickel electrodes yielded good TMR characteristics. In addition, there was polarized spin current in the PA configuration. The spin polarization of sulfur atoms functioning as a linking bridge between the chain and nickel electrode played an important role in the magnetic effects of the electric current.more » Moreover, the hybridization of the sulfur 3p orbital and σ-conjugated silicon 3p orbital contributed to increasing the total current.« less

  17. Characterization of microbial current production as a function of microbe-electrode-interaction.

    PubMed

    Dolch, Kerstin; Danzer, Joana; Kabbeck, Tobias; Bierer, Benedikt; Erben, Johannes; Förster, Andreas H; Maisch, Jan; Nick, Peter; Kerzenmacher, Sven; Gescher, Johannes

    2014-04-01

    Microbe-electrode-interactions are keys for microbial fuel cell technology. Nevertheless, standard measurement routines to analyze the interplay of microbial physiology and material characteristics have not been introduced yet. In this study, graphite anodes with varying surface properties were evaluated using pure cultures of Shewanella oneidensis and Geobacter sulfurreducens, as well as defined and undefined mixed cultures. The evaluation routine consisted of a galvanostatic period, a current sweep and an evaluation of population density. The results show that surface area correlates only to a certain extent with population density and anode performance. Furthermore, the study highlights a strain-specific microbe-electrode-interaction, which is affected by the introduction of another microorganism. Moreover, evidence is provided for the possibility of translating results from pure culture to undefined mixed species experiments. This is the first study on microbe-electrode-interaction that systematically integrates and compares electrochemical and biological data. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. A mathematical model for predicting cyclic voltammograms of electronically conductive polypyrrole

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Yeu, Taewhan; Nguyen, Trung V.; White, Ralph E.

    1988-01-01

    Polypyrrole is an attractive polymer for use as a high-energy-density secondary battery because of its potential as an inexpensive, lightweight, and noncorrosive electrode material. A mathematical model to simulate cyclic voltammograms for polypyrrole is presented. The model is for a conductive porous electrode film on a rotating disk electrode (RDE) and is used to predict the spatial and time dependence of concentration, overpotential, and stored charge profiles within a polypyrrole film. The model includes both faradic and capacitance charge components in the total current density expression.

  19. A mathematical model for predicting cyclic voltammograms of electronically conductive polypyrrole

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Yeu, Taewhan; Nguyen, Trung V.; White, Ralph E.

    1987-01-01

    Polypyrrole is an attractive polymer for use as a high-energy-density secondary battery because of its potential as an inexpensive, lightweight, and noncorrosive electrode material. A mathematical model to simulate cyclic voltammograms for polypyrrole is presented. The model is for a conductive porous electrode film on a rotating disk electrode (RDE) and is used to predict the spatial and time dependence of concentration, overpotential, and stored charge profiles within a polypyrrole film. The model includes both faradic and capacitance charge components in the total current density expression.

  20. Cellobiose Dehydrogenase Aryl Diazonium Modified Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes: Enhanced Direct Electron Transfer through a Positively Charged Surface

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    One of the challenges in the field of biosensors and biofuel cells is to establish a highly efficient electron transfer rate between the active site of redox enzymes and electrodes to fully access the catalytic potential of the biocatalyst and achieve high current densities. We report on very efficient direct electron transfer (DET) between cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) from Phanerochaete sordida (PsCDH) and surface modified single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT). Sonicated SWCNTs were adsorbed on the top of glassy carbon electrodes and modified with aryl diazonium salts generated in situ from p-aminobenzoic acid and p-phenylenediamine, thus featuring at acidic pH (3.5 and 4.5) negative or positive surface charges. After adsorption of PsCDH, both electrode types showed excellent long-term stability and very efficient DET. The modified electrode presenting p-aminophenyl groups produced a DET current density of 500 μA cm−2 at 200 mV vs normal hydrogen reference electrode (NHE) in a 5 mM lactose solution buffered at pH 3.5. This is the highest reported DET value so far using a CDH modified electrode and comes close to electrodes using mediated electron transfer. Moreover, the onset of the electrocatalytic current for lactose oxidation started at 70 mV vs NHE, a potential which is 50 mV lower compared to when unmodified SWCNTs were used. This effect potentially reduces the interference by oxidizable matrix components in biosensors and increases the open circuit potential in biofuel cells. The stability of the electrode was greatly increased compared with unmodified but cross-linked SWCNTs electrodes and lost only 15% of the initial current after 50 h of constant potential scanning. PMID:21417322

  1. Cellobiose dehydrogenase aryl diazonium modified single walled carbon nanotubes: enhanced direct electron transfer through a positively charged surface.

    PubMed

    Tasca, Federico; Harreither, Wolfgang; Ludwig, Roland; Gooding, John Justin; Gorton, Lo

    2011-04-15

    One of the challenges in the field of biosensors and biofuel cells is to establish a highly efficient electron transfer rate between the active site of redox enzymes and electrodes to fully access the catalytic potential of the biocatalyst and achieve high current densities. We report on very efficient direct electron transfer (DET) between cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) from Phanerochaete sordida (PsCDH) and surface modified single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT). Sonicated SWCNTs were adsorbed on the top of glassy carbon electrodes and modified with aryl diazonium salts generated in situ from p-aminobenzoic acid and p-phenylenediamine, thus featuring at acidic pH (3.5 and 4.5) negative or positive surface charges. After adsorption of PsCDH, both electrode types showed excellent long-term stability and very efficient DET. The modified electrode presenting p-aminophenyl groups produced a DET current density of 500 μA cm(-2) at 200 mV vs normal hydrogen reference electrode (NHE) in a 5 mM lactose solution buffered at pH 3.5. This is the highest reported DET value so far using a CDH modified electrode and comes close to electrodes using mediated electron transfer. Moreover, the onset of the electrocatalytic current for lactose oxidation started at 70 mV vs NHE, a potential which is 50 mV lower compared to when unmodified SWCNTs were used. This effect potentially reduces the interference by oxidizable matrix components in biosensors and increases the open circuit potential in biofuel cells. The stability of the electrode was greatly increased compared with unmodified but cross-linked SWCNTs electrodes and lost only 15% of the initial current after 50 h of constant potential scanning. © 2011 American Chemical Society

  2. Zn/gelled 6 M KOH/O 2 zinc-air battery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mohamad, A. A.

    The gel electrolyte for the zinc-air cell was prepared by mixing hydroponics gel with a 6 M potassium hydroxide aqueous solution. The self-discharge of cells was characterized by measuring the open-circuit voltage. The effect of a discharge rate of 50 mA constant current on cell voltage and plateau hour, as well as the voltage-current and current density-power density were measured and analysed. The electrode degradation after discharge cycling was characterized by structural and surface methods. The oxidation of the electrode surface further blocked the utilization of the Zn anode and was identified as a cause for the failure of the cell.

  3. Electrochemical properties of electrodes with different shapes and diffusion kinetic analysis of microbial fuel cells on ocean floor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fu, Yubin; Liu, Jia; Su, Jia; Zhao, Zhongkai; Liu, Yang; Xu, Qian

    2012-03-01

    Microbial fuel cell (MFC) on the ocean floor is a kind of novel energy- harvesting device that can be developed to drive small instruments to work continuously. The shape of electrode has a great effect on the performance of the MFC. In this paper, several shapes of electrode and cell structure were designed, and their performance in MFC were compared in pairs: Mesh (cell-1) vs. flat plate (cell-2), branch (cell-3) vs. cylinder (cell-4), and forest (cell-5) vs. disk (cell-6) FC. Our results showed that the maximum power densities were 16.50, 14.20, 19.30, 15.00, 14.64, and 9.95 mWm-2 for cell-1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 respectively. And the corresponding diffusion-limited currents were 7.16, 2.80, 18.86, 10.50, 18.00, and 6.900 mA. The mesh and branch anodes showed higher power densities and much higher diffusion-limited currents than the flat plate and the cylinder anodes respectively due to the low diffusion hindrance with the former anodes. The forest cathode improved by 47% of the power density and by 161% of diffusion-limited current than the disk cathode due to the former's extended solid/liquid/gas three-phase boundary. These results indicated that the shape of electrode is a major parameter that determining the diffusion-limited current of an MFC, and the differences in the electrode shape lead to the differences in cell performance. These results would be useful for MFC structure design in practical applications.

  4. Optimal joule heating of the subsurface

    DOEpatents

    Berryman, James G.; Daily, William D.

    1994-01-01

    A method for simultaneously heating the subsurface and imaging the effects of the heating. This method combines the use of tomographic imaging (electrical resistance tomography or ERT) to image electrical resistivity distribution underground, with joule heating by electrical currents injected in the ground. A potential distribution is established on a series of buried electrodes resulting in energy deposition underground which is a function of the resistivity and injection current density. Measurement of the voltages and currents also permits a tomographic reconstruction of the resistivity distribution. Using this tomographic information, the current injection pattern on the driving electrodes can be adjusted to change the current density distribution and thus optimize the heating. As the heating changes conditions, the applied current pattern can be repeatedly adjusted (based on updated resistivity tomographs) to affect real time control of the heating.

  5. Spray-painted binder-free SnSe electrodes for high-performance energy-storage devices.

    PubMed

    Wang, Xianfu; Liu, Bin; Xiang, Qingyi; Wang, Qiufan; Hou, Xiaojuan; Chen, Di; Shen, Guozhen

    2014-01-01

    SnSe nanocrystal electrodes on three-dimensional (3D) carbon fabric and Au-coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) wafer have been prepared by a simple spray-painting process and were further investigated as binder-free active-electrodes for Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and flexible stacked all-solid-state supercapacitors. The as-painted SnSe nanocrystals/carbon fabric electrodes exhibit an outstanding capacity of 676 mAh g(-1) after 80 cycles at a current density of 200 mA g(-1) and a considerable high-rate capability in lithium storage because of the excellent ion transport from the electrolyte to the active materials and the efficient charge transport between current collector and electrode materials. The binder-free electrodes also provide a larger electrochemical active surface compared with electrodes containing binders, which leads to the enhanced capacities of energy-storage devices. A flexible stacked all-solid-state supercapacitor based on the SnSe nanocrystals on Au-coated PET wafers shows high capacitance reversibility with little performance degradation at different current densities after 2200 charge-discharge cycles and even when bent. This allows for many potential applications in facile, cost-effective, spray-paintable, and flexible energy-storage devices. The results indicate that the fabrication of binder-free electrodes by a spray painting process is an interesting direction for the preparation of high-performance energy-storage devices. Copyright © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  6. A comparison between block and smooth modeling in finite element simulations of tDCS*

    PubMed Central

    Indahlastari, Aprinda; Sadleir, Rosalind J.

    2018-01-01

    Current density distributions in five selected structures, namely, anterior superior temporal gyrus (ASTG), hippocampus (HIP), inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), occipital lobe (OCC) and pre-central gyrus (PRC) were investigated as part of a comparison between electrostatic finite element models constructed directly from MRI-resolution data (block models), and smoothed tetrahedral finite element models (smooth models). Three electrode configurations were applied, mimicking different tDCS therapies. Smooth model simulations were found to require three times longer to complete. The percentage differences between mean and median current densities of each model type in arbitrarily chosen brain structures ranged from −33.33–48.08%. No clear relationship was found between structure volumes and current density differences between the two model types. Tissue regions nearby the electrodes demonstrated the least percentage differences between block and smooth models. Therefore, block models may be adequate to predict current density values in cortical regions presumed targeted by tDCS. PMID:26737023

  7. 3D macroporous graphene frameworks for supercapacitors with high energy and power densities.

    PubMed

    Choi, Bong Gill; Yang, Minho; Hong, Won Hi; Choi, Jang Wook; Huh, Yun Suk

    2012-05-22

    In order to develop energy storage devices with high power and energy densities, electrodes should hold well-defined pathways for efficient ionic and electronic transport. Herein, we demonstrate high-performance supercapacitors by building a three-dimensional (3D) macroporous structure that consists of chemically modified graphene (CMG). These 3D macroporous electrodes, namely, embossed-CMG (e-CMG) films, were fabricated by using polystyrene colloidal particles as a sacrificial template. Furthermore, for further capacitance boost, a thin layer of MnO(2) was additionally deposited onto e-CMG. The porous graphene structure with a large surface area facilitates fast ionic transport within the electrode while preserving decent electronic conductivity and thus endows MnO(2)/e-CMG composite electrodes with excellent electrochemical properties such as a specific capacitance of 389 F/g at 1 A/g and 97.7% capacitance retention upon a current increase to 35 A/g. Moreover, when the MnO(2)/e-CMG composite electrode was asymmetrically assembled with an e-CMG electrode, the assembled full cell shows remarkable cell performance: energy density of 44 Wh/kg, power density of 25 kW/kg, and excellent cycle life.

  8. Low-cost flexible supercapacitors based on laser reduced graphene oxide supported on polyethylene terephthalate substrate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ghoniem, Engy; Mori, Shinsuke; Abdel-Moniem, Ahmed

    2016-08-01

    A controlled high powered CO2 laser system is used to reduce and pattern graphene oxide (GO) film supported onto a flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. The laser reduced graphene oxide (rGO) film is characterized and evaluated electrochemically in the absence and presence of an overlying anodicaly deposited thin film of pseuodcapactive MnO2 as electrodes for supercapacitor applications using aqueous electrolyte. The laser treatment of the GO film leads to an overlapped structure of defective multi-layer rGO sheets with an electrical conductivity of 273 S m-1. The rGO and MnO2/rGO electrodes exhibit specific capacitance in the range of 82-107 and 172-368 Fg-1 at applied current range of 0.1-1.0 mA cm-2 and retain 98 and 95% of their initial capacitances after 2000 cycles at a current density of 1.0 mA cm-2, respectively. Also, the rGO is assigned as an electrode material for flexible conventionally stacked and interdigitated in-plane supercapacitor structures using gel electrolyte. Three electrode architectures of 2, 4, and 6 sub-electrodes are studied for the interdigital in-plane design. The device with interdigital 6 sub-electrodes architecture I-PS(6) delivers power density of 537.1 Wcm-3 and an energy density of 0.45 mWh cm-3.

  9. Currents between tethered electrodes in a magnetized laboratory plasma

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Stenzel, R. L.; Urrutia, J. M.

    1989-01-01

    Laboratory experiments on important plasma physics issues of electrodynamic tethers were performed. These included current propagation, formation of wave wings, limits of current collection, nonlinear effects and instabilities, charging phenomena, and characteristics of transmission lines in plasmas. The experiments were conducted in a large afterglow plasma. The current system was established with a small electron-emitting hot cathode tethered to an electron-collecting anode, both movable across the magnetic field and energized by potential difference up to V approx.=100 T(sub e). The total current density in space and time was obtained from complete measurements of the perturbed magnetic field. The fast spacecraft motion was reproduced in the laboratory by moving the tethered electrodes in small increments, applying delayed current pulses, and reconstructing the net field by a linear superposition of locally emitted wavelets. With this technique, the small-amplitude dc current pattern is shown to form whistler wings at each electrode instead of the generally accepted Alfven wings. For the beam electrode, the whistler wing separates from the field-aligned beam which carries no net current. Large amplitude return currents to a stationary anode generate current-driven microinstabilities, parallel electric fields, ion depletions, current disruptions and time-varying electrode charging. At appropriately high potentials and neutral densities, excess neutrals are ionized near the anode. The anode sheath emits high-frequency electron transit-time oscillations at the sheath-plasma resonance. The beam generates Langmuir turbulence, ion sound turbulence, electron heating, space charge fields, and Hall currents. An insulated, perfectly conducting transmission line embedded in the plasma becomes lossy due to excitation of whistler waves and magnetic field diffusion effects. The implications of the laboratory observations on electrodynamic tethers in space are discussed.

  10. Novel ultrathin Bi2O3 nanowires for supercapacitor electrode materials with high performance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Qiu, Yongfu; Fan, Hongbo; Chang, Xueyi; Dang, Haifeng; Luo, Qun; Cheng, Zhiyu

    2018-03-01

    In this paper, the ultrathin Bi2O3 nanowires are synthesized by an oxidative metal vapor transport deposition technique. Their diameters and length are about 10 nm and several tens of micrometers, the growth direction is along [101] and the specific surface area is about 7.34 m2 g-1. The galvanostatic charge-discharge measurement results show that the specific capacitances of the Bi2O3 nanowires-based electrodes increase with the decrease of the current densities. The maximum capacitance is 691.3 F g-1 at the current density of 2.0 A g-1. The Ragone plot shows that the Bi2O3 nanowires has excellent supercapacitive performance. Moreover, the cyclic stability is measured by the galvanostatic charge/discharge technique at a constant current density of 10.0 A g-1 in 6.0 M KOH electrolyte. The results show the excellent capacitance retention of 75.5% over 3000 cycles. In a word, the Bi2O3 nanowires should be the ideal potential electrode materials for low-costing and effective electrochemical supercapacitors.

  11. Ionization and current growth in N/sub 2/ at very high electric field to gas density ratios

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gylys, V.T.; Jelenkovic, B.M.; Phelps, A.V.

    1989-05-01

    Measurements and analyses have been made of electron impact ionization and of current growth in pulsed, low-current, prebreakdown discharges in parallel-plane geometry in N/sub 2/ at very high electric field to gas density ratios E/n and low products of the gas density n and electrode separation d. The E/n range and nd ranges were 1

  12. Biomass-Derived Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanofiber Network: A Facile Template for Decoration of Ultrathin Nickel-Cobalt Layered Double Hydroxide Nanosheets as High-Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitor Electrode.

    PubMed

    Lai, Feili; Miao, Yue-E; Zuo, Lizeng; Lu, Hengyi; Huang, Yunpeng; Liu, Tianxi

    2016-06-01

    The development of biomass-based energy storage devices is an emerging trend to reduce the ever-increasing consumption of non-renewable resources. Here, nitrogen-doped carbonized bacterial cellulose (CBC-N) nanofibers are obtained by one-step carbonization of polyaniline coated bacterial cellulose (BC) nanofibers, which not only display excellent capacitive performance as the supercapacitor electrode, but also act as 3D bio-template for further deposition of ultrathin nickel-cobalt layered double hydroxide (Ni-Co LDH) nanosheets. The as-obtained CBC-N@LDH composite electrodes exhibit significantly enhanced specific capacitance (1949.5 F g(-1) at a discharge current density of 1 A g(-1) , based on active materials), high capacitance retention of 54.7% even at a high discharge current density of 10 A g(-1) and excellent cycling stability of 74.4% retention after 5000 cycles. Furthermore, asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs) are constructed using CBC-N@LDH composites as positive electrode materials and CBC-N nanofibers as negative electrode materials. By virtue of the intrinsic pseudocapacitive characteristics of CBC-N@LDH composites and 3D nitrogen-doped carbon nanofiber networks, the developed ASC exhibits high energy density of 36.3 Wh kg(-1) at the power density of 800.2 W kg(-1) . Therefore, this work presents a novel protocol for the large-scale production of biomass-derived high-performance electrode materials in practical supercapacitor applications. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  13. Current density reversibly alters metabolic spatial structure of exoelectrogenic anode biofilms

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, Dan; Cheng, Shaoan; Zhang, Fang; Logan, Bruce E.

    2017-07-01

    Understanding how current densities affect electrogenic biofilm activity is important for wastewater treatment as current densities can substantially decrease at COD concentrations greater than those suitable for discharge to the environment. We examined the biofilm's response, in terms of viability and enzymatic activity, to different current densities using microbial electrolysis cells with a lower (0.7 V) or higher (0.9 V) added voltage to alter current production. Viability was assessed using florescent dyes, with dead cells identified on the basis of dye penetration due to a compromised cell outer-membrane (red), and live cells (intact membrane) fluorescing green. Biofilms operated with 0.7 V produced 2.4 ± 0.2 A m-2, and had an inactive layer near the electrode and a viable layer at the biofilm-solution interface. The lack of cell activity near the electrode surface was confirmed by using an additional dye that fluoresces only with enzymatic activity. Adding 0.9 V increased the current by 61%, and resulted in a single, more homogeneous and active biofilm layer. Switching biofilms between these two voltages produced outcomes associated with the new current rather than the previous biofilm conditions. These findings suggest that maintaining higher current densities will be needed to ensure long-term viability electrogenic biofilms.

  14. Transcranial Electrical Neuromodulation Based on the Reciprocity Principle

    PubMed Central

    Fernández-Corazza, Mariano; Turovets, Sergei; Luu, Phan; Anderson, Erik; Tucker, Don

    2016-01-01

    A key challenge in multi-electrode transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) or transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is to find a current injection pattern that delivers the necessary current density at a target and minimizes it in the rest of the head, which is mathematically modeled as an optimization problem. Such an optimization with the Least Squares (LS) or Linearly Constrained Minimum Variance (LCMV) algorithms is generally computationally expensive and requires multiple independent current sources. Based on the reciprocity principle in electroencephalography (EEG) and TES, it could be possible to find the optimal TES patterns quickly whenever the solution of the forward EEG problem is available for a brain region of interest. Here, we investigate the reciprocity principle as a guideline for finding optimal current injection patterns in TES that comply with safety constraints. We define four different trial cortical targets in a detailed seven-tissue finite element head model, and analyze the performance of the reciprocity family of TES methods in terms of electrode density, targeting error, focality, intensity, and directionality using the LS and LCMV solutions as the reference standards. It is found that the reciprocity algorithms show good performance comparable to the LCMV and LS solutions. Comparing the 128 and 256 electrode cases, we found that use of greater electrode density improves focality, directionality, and intensity parameters. The results show that reciprocity principle can be used to quickly determine optimal current injection patterns in TES and help to simplify TES protocols that are consistent with hardware and software availability and with safety constraints. PMID:27303311

  15. Transcranial Electrical Neuromodulation Based on the Reciprocity Principle.

    PubMed

    Fernández-Corazza, Mariano; Turovets, Sergei; Luu, Phan; Anderson, Erik; Tucker, Don

    2016-01-01

    A key challenge in multi-electrode transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) or transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is to find a current injection pattern that delivers the necessary current density at a target and minimizes it in the rest of the head, which is mathematically modeled as an optimization problem. Such an optimization with the Least Squares (LS) or Linearly Constrained Minimum Variance (LCMV) algorithms is generally computationally expensive and requires multiple independent current sources. Based on the reciprocity principle in electroencephalography (EEG) and TES, it could be possible to find the optimal TES patterns quickly whenever the solution of the forward EEG problem is available for a brain region of interest. Here, we investigate the reciprocity principle as a guideline for finding optimal current injection patterns in TES that comply with safety constraints. We define four different trial cortical targets in a detailed seven-tissue finite element head model, and analyze the performance of the reciprocity family of TES methods in terms of electrode density, targeting error, focality, intensity, and directionality using the LS and LCMV solutions as the reference standards. It is found that the reciprocity algorithms show good performance comparable to the LCMV and LS solutions. Comparing the 128 and 256 electrode cases, we found that use of greater electrode density improves focality, directionality, and intensity parameters. The results show that reciprocity principle can be used to quickly determine optimal current injection patterns in TES and help to simplify TES protocols that are consistent with hardware and software availability and with safety constraints.

  16. Hierarchical 3D NiFe2O4@MnO2 core-shell nanosheet arrays on Ni foam for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xinyang; Zhang, Ziqing; Sun, Shuanggan; Sun, Qiushi; Liu, Xiaoyang

    2018-02-13

    Hierarchical NiFe 2 O 4 @MnO 2 core-shell nanosheet arrays (NSAs) were synthesized on Ni foam as an integrated electrode for supercapacitors, using a facile two-step hydrothermal method followed by calcination treatment. The NiFe 2 O 4 nanosheets were designed as the core and ultrathin MnO 2 nanoflakes as the shell, creating a unique three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical electrode on Ni foam. The composite electrode exhibited remarkable electrochemical performance with a high specific capacitance of 1391 F g -1 at a current density of 2 mA cm -2 and long cycling stability at a high current density of 10 mA cm -2 (only 11.4% loss after 3000 cycles). Additionally, an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device was fabricated with a NiFe 2 O 4 @MnO 2 composite as the positive electrode material and activated carbon (AC) as the negative one. The ASC device exhibited a high energy density (45.2 W h kg -1 ) at a power density of 174 W kg -1 , and an excellent cycling stability over 3000 cycles with 92.5% capacitance retention. The remarkable electrochemical performance demonstrated its great potential as a promising candidate for high-performance supercapacitors.

  17. Hierarchically porous CoFe2O4 nanosheets supported on Ni foam with excellent electrochemical properties for asymmetric supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gao, Hongyan; Xiang, Junjie; Cao, Yan

    2017-08-01

    A new type of hierarchically mesoporous cobalt ferrite oxide nanosheets, CoFe2O4 nanosheets, has been successfully fabricated via a simple hydrothermal method on the Ni foam followed by a post-annealing treatment. This CoFe2O4 nanosheets was employed as a supercapacitor electrode and exhibited an excellent capacitance of 503 F g-1 at a current density of 2 A g-1. When the current density increased to 20 A g-1, the capacitance of CoFe2O4 nanosheets can maintain 78.5% (395 F g-1) of the initial value, indicating the remarkable rate capability of the as-prepared CoFe2O4 nanosheets. An aqueous asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) based on CoFe2O4 nanosheets as a positive electrode and the activated carbon (AC) as a negative electrode was assembled for the first time. The as-fabricated ASC delivered a specific capacitance of 73.12 F g-1 at a current density of 1.2 A g-1 in a voltage window of 1.5 V. The CoFe2O4//AC ASC could achieve a high energy density of 22.85 W h kg-1 and good long-term cycling stability (98% retention after 5000 cycles). These results demonstrated that CoFe2O4 nanosheets could be one of the promising electrode material for supercapacitors applications.

  18. Electrochemical Properties of Poly(Anthraquinonyl Sulfide)/Graphene Sheets Composites as Electrode Materials for Electrochemical Capacitors.

    PubMed

    Lee, Wonkyun; Suzuki, Shinya; Miyayama, Masaru

    2014-07-30

    Poly(anthraquinonyl sulfide) (PAQS)/graphene sheets (GSs) composite was synthesized through in situ polymerization to evaluate its performance as an electrode material for electrochemical capacitors. PAQS was successfully synthesized in the presence of GSs with uniform distribution. PAQS/GSs showed a pair of reversible redox peaks at around 0 V ( vs. Ag/AgCl). The specific capacitance of PAQS/GSs was 349 F·g -1 (86 mAh·g -1 ) at a current density of 500 mA·g -1 , and a capacitance of 305 F·g -1 was maintained even at a high current density of 5000 mA·g -1 . The in situ polymerization of PAQS with GSs facilitated their interaction and enabled faster charge transfer and redox reaction, resulting in enhanced electrode properties.

  19. Flexible micro supercapacitors based on laser-scribed graphene/ZnO nanocomposite

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Amiri, Morteza Hassanpour; Namdar, Naser; Mashayekhi, Alireza; Ghasemi, Foad; Sanaee, Zeinab; Mohajerzadeh, Shams

    2016-08-01

    We report on the fabrication of graphene/Zno nanocomposite supercapacitor electrodes. Laser-scribing process was implemented in order to reduce the graphene oxide (GO)/ZnO mixture on a DVD disk. With reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/ZnO composite prepared by a mass ratio of 1:25 of Zn(NO3)2·6H2O to GO constituents, nanoparticles of ZnO with sizes ranging from 20 to 50 nm are obtained. Consequently, 12 times improvement in the specific capacitance was achieved at a current density of 0.1 mA/cm2 compared with pristine rGO electrodes. In addition, flexible microsupercapacitor was fabricated by spin coating of the gel electrolyte, showing high stack capacitance of 9 F/cm3 at a current density of 150 mA/cm2. This microsupercapacitor delivers power density of 70 mW/cm3 and energy density of 1.2 mWh/cm3. Furthermore, the performance of device was investigated at different bending angles. The resulted characteristics demonstrate that LSG/ZnO nanocomposite is a promising electrode material for high-performance supercapacitors.

  20. Comparison of current distributions in electroconvulsive therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sekino, Masaki; Ueno, Shoogo

    2002-05-01

    We compared current density distributions in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) by numerical calculations. The model consisted of an air region and three types of tissues with different conductivities representing the brain, the skull, and the scalp. In the ECT model, electric currents were applied through electrodes with a voltage of 100 V. In the TMS model, a figure-eight coil (6 cm diameter per coil) was placed on the vertex of the head model. An alternating current with a peak intensity of 3.0 kA and a frequency of 4.2 kHz was applied to the coil. The maximum current densities inside the brain in ECT (bilateral electrode position) and TMS were 234 and 322 A/m2, respectively. The results indicate that magnetic stimulators can generate comparable current densities to ECT. While the skull significantly affected current distributions in ECT, TMS efficiently induced eddy currents in the brain. In addition, TMS is more beneficial than ECT because the localized current distribution reduces the risk of adverse side effects.

  1. The aluminum electrode in AlCl3-alkali-halide melts.

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Holleck, G. L.; Giner, J.

    1972-01-01

    Passivation phenomena have been observed upon cathodic and anodic polarization of the Al electrode in AlCl3-KCl-NaCl melts between 100 and 160 C. They are caused by formation of a solid salt layer at the electrode surface resulting from concentration changes upon current flow. The anodic limiting currents increased with temperature and with decreasing AlCl3 content of the melt. Current voltage curves obtained on a rotating aluminum disk showed a linear relationship between the anodic limiting current and omega to the minus 1/2 power. Upon cathodic polarization, dendrite formation occurs at the Al electrode. The activation overvoltage in AlCl3-KCl-NaCl was determined by galvanostatic current step methods. An apparent exchange current density of 270 mA/sq cm at 130 C and a double layer capacity of 40 plus or minus 10 microfarad/sq cm were measured.

  2. Freestanding eggshell membrane-based electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors and oxygen evolution reaction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Geng, Jing; Wu, Hao; Al-Enizi, Abdullah M.; Elzatahry, Ahmed A.; Zheng, Gengfeng

    2015-08-01

    A type of freestanding, light-weight eggshell membrane-based electrode is demonstrated for supercapacitors and for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysis. As a widely available daily waste, eggshell membranes have unique porous three-dimensional grid-like fibrous structures with relatively high surface area and abundant macropores, allowing for effective conjugation of carbon nanotubes and growth of NiCo2O4 nanowire arrays, an effective supercapacitor material and OER catalyst. The three-dimensional fibrous eggshell membrane frameworks with carbon nanotubes offer efficient pathways for charge transport, and the macropores between adjacent fibers are fully accessible for electrolytes and bubble evolution. As a supercapacitor, the eggshell membrane/carbon nanotube/NiCo2O4 electrode shows high specific capacitances at current densities from 1 to 20 A g-1, with excellent capacitance retention (>90%) at 10 A g-1 for over 10 000 cycles. When employed as an OER catalyst, this eggshell membrane-based electrode exhibits an OER onset potential of 1.53 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), and a stable catalytic current density of 20 mA cm-2 at 1.65 V vs. the RHE.A type of freestanding, light-weight eggshell membrane-based electrode is demonstrated for supercapacitors and for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysis. As a widely available daily waste, eggshell membranes have unique porous three-dimensional grid-like fibrous structures with relatively high surface area and abundant macropores, allowing for effective conjugation of carbon nanotubes and growth of NiCo2O4 nanowire arrays, an effective supercapacitor material and OER catalyst. The three-dimensional fibrous eggshell membrane frameworks with carbon nanotubes offer efficient pathways for charge transport, and the macropores between adjacent fibers are fully accessible for electrolytes and bubble evolution. As a supercapacitor, the eggshell membrane/carbon nanotube/NiCo2O4 electrode shows high specific capacitances at current densities from 1 to 20 A g-1, with excellent capacitance retention (>90%) at 10 A g-1 for over 10 000 cycles. When employed as an OER catalyst, this eggshell membrane-based electrode exhibits an OER onset potential of 1.53 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), and a stable catalytic current density of 20 mA cm-2 at 1.65 V vs. the RHE. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Supporting figures, with additional SEM images, EDS spectra, N2 sorption isotherms, charge-discharge curves, cycling performance, Ragone plot, Nyquist plots and linear scan voltammogram plots. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr04603c

  3. Steady state and transient simulation of anion exchange membrane fuel cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dekel, Dario R.; Rasin, Igal G.; Page, Miles; Brandon, Simon

    2018-01-01

    We present a new model for anion exchange membrane fuel cells. Validation against experimental polarization curve data is obtained for current densities ranging from zero to above 2 A cm-2. Experimental transient data is also successfully reproduced. The model is very flexible and can be used to explore the system's sensitivity to a wide range of material properties, cell design specifications, and operating parameters. We demonstrate the impact of gas inlet relative humidity (RH), operating current density, ionomer loading and ionomer ion exchange capacity (IEC) values on cell performance. In agreement with the literature, high air RH levels are shown to improve cell performance. At high current densities (>1 A cm-2) this effect is observed to be especially significant. Simulated hydration number distributions across the cell reveal the related critical dependence of cathode hydration on air RH and current density values. When exploring catalyst layer design, optimal intermediate ionomer loading values are demonstrated. The benefits of asymmetric (cathode versus anode) electrode design are revealed, showing enhanced performance using higher cathode IEC levels. Finally, electrochemical reaction profiles across the electrodes uncover inhomogeneous catalyst utilization. Specifically, at high current densities the cathodic reaction is confined to a narrow region near the membrane.

  4. One-step electroplating porous graphene oxide electrodes of supercapacitors for ultrahigh capacitance and energy density.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yongjie; Zhu, Jiaqi

    2015-02-06

    An electroplating method was used for the first time to synthesize 3D porous graphene oxide (PGO) architectures, exhibiting ultrahigh capacitance and energy density as electrodes of supercapacitors. Scanning electron microscopy illustrated the porous structures which promoted the stability and alleviated the stacking of the graphene oxide layers. As investigated in a three-electrode supercapacitor cell, PGO electrodes exhibited the maximum capacitance and energy of 973 F · g(-1) and 98.4 Wh · Kg(-1), which are better than current reports and comparable to batteries. At 4 A · g(-1) for high-power applications, PGO electrodes reached a capacitance, energy, and power density of 493 F · g(-1), 49.9 Wh · Kg(-1), and 1700 W · Kg(-1), and they retained ∼97.83% of capacitance after 10 000 charge/discharge processes. Furthermore, when the PGO was bent exaggeratedly, it still displayed identical properties, which is of important significance for supporting wearable devices.

  5. High-rate nano-crystalline Li 4Ti 5O 12 attached on carbon nano-fibers for hybrid supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Naoi, Katsuhiko; Ishimoto, Shuichi; Isobe, Yusaku; Aoyagi, Shintaro

    A lithium titanate (Li 4Ti 5O 12)-based electrode which can operate at unusually high current density (300 C) was developed as negative electrode for hybrid capacitors. The high-rate Li 4Ti 5O 12 electrode has a unique nano-structure consisting of unusually small nano-crystalline Li 4Ti 5O 12 (ca. 5-20 nm) grafted onto carbon nano-fiber anchors (nc-Li 4Ti 5O 12/CNF). This nano-structured nc-Li 4Ti 5O 12/CNF composite are prepared by simple sol-gel method under ultra-centrifugal force (65,000 N) followed by instantaneous annealing at 900 °C for 3 min. A model hybrid capacitor cell consisting of a negative nc-Li 4Ti 5O 12/CNF composite electrode and a positive activated carbon electrode showed high energy density of 40 Wh L -1 and high power density of 7.5 kW L -1 comparable to conventional EDLCs.

  6. β-Cobalt sulfide nanoparticles decorated graphene composite electrodes for high capacity and power supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Qu, Baihua; Chen, Yuejiao; Zhang, Ming; Hu, Lingling; Lei, Danni; Lu, Bingan; Li, Qiuhong; Wang, Yanguo; Chen, Libao; Wang, Taihong

    2012-11-01

    Electrochemical supercapacitors have drawn much attention because of their high power and reasonably high energy densities. However, their performances still do not reach the demand of energy storage. In this paper β-cobalt sulfide nanoparticles were homogeneously distributed on a highly conductive graphene (CS-G) nanocomposite, which was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy analysis, and exhibit excellent electrochemical performances including extremely high values of specific capacitance (~1535 F g-1) at a current density of 2 A g-1, high-power density (11.98 kW kg-1) at a discharge current density of 40 A g-1 and excellent cyclic stability. The excellent electrochemical performances could be attributed to the graphene nanosheets (GNSs) which could maintain the mechanical integrity. Also the CS-G nanocomposite electrodes have high electrical conductivity. These results indicate that high electronic conductivity of graphene nanocomposite materials is crucial to achieving high power and energy density for supercapacitors.

  7. β-Cobalt sulfide nanoparticles decorated graphene composite electrodes for high capacity and power supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Qu, Baihua; Chen, Yuejiao; Zhang, Ming; Hu, Lingling; Lei, Danni; Lu, Bingan; Li, Qiuhong; Wang, Yanguo; Chen, Libao; Wang, Taihong

    2012-12-21

    Electrochemical supercapacitors have drawn much attention because of their high power and reasonably high energy densities. However, their performances still do not reach the demand of energy storage. In this paper β-cobalt sulfide nanoparticles were homogeneously distributed on a highly conductive graphene (CS-G) nanocomposite, which was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy analysis, and exhibit excellent electrochemical performances including extremely high values of specific capacitance (~1535 F g(-1)) at a current density of 2 A g(-1), high-power density (11.98 kW kg(-1)) at a discharge current density of 40 A g(-1) and excellent cyclic stability. The excellent electrochemical performances could be attributed to the graphene nanosheets (GNSs) which could maintain the mechanical integrity. Also the CS-G nanocomposite electrodes have high electrical conductivity. These results indicate that high electronic conductivity of graphene nanocomposite materials is crucial to achieving high power and energy density for supercapacitors.

  8. MOF-Derived Hollow Cage Nix Co3-x O4 and Their Synergy with Graphene for Outstanding Supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Jayakumar, Anjali; Antony, Rajini P; Wang, Ronghua; Lee, Jong-Min

    2017-03-01

    Highly optimized nickel cobalt mixed oxide has been derived from zeolite imidazole frameworks. While the pure cobalt oxide gives only 178.7 F g -1 as the specific capacitance at a current density of 1 A g -1 , the optimized Ni:Co 1:1 has given an extremely high and unprecedented specific capacitance of 1931 F g -1 at a current density of 1 A g -1 , with a capacitance retention of 69.5% after 5000 cycles in a three electrode test. This optimized Ni:Co 1:1 mixed oxide is further used to make a composite of nickel cobalt mixed oxide/graphene 3D hydrogel for enhancing the electrochemical performance by virtue of a continuous and porous graphene conductive network. The electrode made from GNi:Co 1:1 successfully achieves an even higher specific capacitance of 2870.8 F g -1 at 1 A g -1 and also shows a significant improvement in the cyclic stability with 81% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles. An asymmetric supercapacitor is also assembled using a pure graphene 3D hydrogel as the negative electrode and the GNi:Co 1:1 as the positive electrode. With a potential window of 1.5 V and binder free electrodes, the capacitor gives a high specific energy density of 50.2 Wh kg -1 at a high power density of 750 W kg -1 . © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  9. Cr2O3 nanoparticles: Advanced electrode materials for high performance pseudocapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Babu, I. Manohara; William, J. Johnson; Muralidharan, G.

    2017-05-01

    Cr2O3 nanoparticles have been synthesized via simple and facile microwave irradiation method. The structural, morphological and electrochemical performances of Cr2O3 nanoparticles have been studied. Electrochemical analysis indicates the Cr2O3 electrodes to be good pseudocapacitor material with a specific capacitance (122 F g-1 at a constant current of 1 A g-1), high energy density (6.08 W h kg-1), large power density (218.98 W kg-1). These results allow us to state with confidence that new class of electrode materials with good electrochemical performance has been identified.

  10. Understanding Inhomogeneous Reactions in Li‐Ion Batteries: Operando Synchrotron X‐Ray Diffraction on Two‐Layer Electrodes

    PubMed Central

    Villevieille, Claire; Takeuchi, Yoji

    2015-01-01

    To understand inhomogeneous reactions perpendicular to the current collector in an electrode for batteries, a method combining operando synchrotron X‐ray diffraction and two‐layer electrodes with different porosities is developed. The two layers are built using two different active materials (LiNi0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2 and LiMn2O4), therefore, tracing each diffraction pattern reveals which active material is reacting during the electrochemical measurement in transmission mode. The results demonstrate that the active material close to the separator is obviously more active than that one close to the current collector in the case of low porosity electrodes. This inhomogeneity should be due to the rate‐limitation and especially to low average ionic conductivity of the electrolyte in the porous electrode because the current flows first mainly into the electrode regions close to the separator. The inhomogeneity is found to be mitigated by the adjustment of the electrode density and thus porosity. Hence, the novel operando method reveals a clear inhomogeneous reaction perpendicular to the current collector. PMID:27708998

  11. Electrochemical disinfection using boron-doped diamond electrode--the synergetic effects of in situ ozone and free chlorine generation.

    PubMed

    Rajab, Mohamad; Heim, Carolin; Letzel, Thomas; Drewes, Jörg E; Helmreich, Brigitte

    2015-02-01

    This work investigated the capability of using a boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode for bacterial disinfection in different water matrices containing varying amounts of chloride. The feed water containing Pseudomonas aeruginosa was electrochemically treated while applying different electrode conditions. Depending on the applied current density and the exposure time, inactivation between 4- and 8-log of the targeted microorganisms could be achieved. The disinfection efficiency was driven by the generation of free chlorine as a function of chloride concentration in the water. A synergetic effect of generating both free chlorine and ozone in situ during the disinfection process resulted in an effective bactericidal impact. The formation of the undesired by-products chlorate and perchlorate depended on the water matrix, the applied current density and the desired target disinfection level. In case of synthetic water with a low chloride concentration (20 mg L(-1)) and an applied current density of 167 mA cm(-2), a 6-log inactivation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa could be achieved after 5 min of exposure. The overall energy consumption ranged between 0.3 and 0.6 kW h m(-3) depending on the applied current density and water chemistry. Electrochemical water disinfection represents a suitable and efficient process for producing pathogen-free water without the use of any chemicals. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Charge Injection Capacity of TiN Electrodes for an Extended Voltage Range

    PubMed Central

    Patan, Mustafa; Shah, Tosha; Sahin, Mesut

    2011-01-01

    Many applications of neural stimulation demand a high current density from the electrodes used for stimulus delivery. New materials have been searched that can provide such large current and charge densities where the traditional noble metal and capacitor electrodes are inadequate. Titanium nitride, which has been used in cardiac pacemaker leads for many years, is one of these materials recently considered for neural stimulation. In this short report, we investigated the charge injection capacity of TiN electrodes for an extended range of cathodic voltages. The injected charge increased first slowly as a function of the electrode voltage, and then at a faster rate beyond −1.6 V. The maximum charge was 4.45 mC/cm2 (n=6) for a cathodic voltage peak of −3.0 V and a bias voltage of −0.8 V. There was no evidence of bubble generation under microscopic observation. The unrecoverable charges remained under 7% of the total injected charge for the largest cathodic voltage tested. These large values of charge injection capacity and relatively small unrecoverable charges warrant further investigation of the charge injection mechanism in TiN interfaces at this extended range of electrode voltages. PMID:17946870

  13. Removal of nitrate and sulphate from biologically treated municipal wastewater by electrocoagulation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sharma, Arun Kumar; Chopra, A. K.

    2017-06-01

    The present investigation observed the effect of current density ( j), electrocoagulation (EC) time, inter electrode distance, electrode area, initial pH and settling time on the removal of nitrate (NO3 -) and sulphate (SO4 2-) from biologically treated municipal wastewater (BTMW), and optimization of the operating conditions of the EC process. A glass chamber of two-liter volume was used for the experiments with DC power supply using two electrode plates of aluminum (Al-Al). The maximum removal of NO3 - (63.21 %) and SO4 2- (79.98 %) of BTMW was found with the optimum operating conditions: current density: 2.65 A/m2, EC time: 40 min, inter electrode distance: 0.5 cm, electrode area: 160 cm2, initial pH: 7.5 and settling time: 60 min. The EC brought down the concentration of NO3 - within desirable limit of the Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS)/WHO for drinking water. Under optimal operating conditions, the operating cost was found to be 1.01/m3 of water in terms of the electrode consumption (23.71 × 10-5 kg Al/m3) and energy consumption (101.76 kWh/m3).

  14. Optimal joule heating of the subsurface

    DOEpatents

    Berryman, J.G.; Daily, W.D.

    1994-07-05

    A method for simultaneously heating the subsurface and imaging the effects of the heating is disclosed. This method combines the use of tomographic imaging (electrical resistance tomography or ERT) to image electrical resistivity distribution underground, with joule heating by electrical currents injected in the ground. A potential distribution is established on a series of buried electrodes resulting in energy deposition underground which is a function of the resistivity and injection current density. Measurement of the voltages and currents also permits a tomographic reconstruction of the resistivity distribution. Using this tomographic information, the current injection pattern on the driving electrodes can be adjusted to change the current density distribution and thus optimize the heating. As the heating changes conditions, the applied current pattern can be repeatedly adjusted (based on updated resistivity tomographs) to affect real time control of the heating.

  15. Electrodes of carbonized MWCNT-cellulose paper for supercapacitor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, Xiaogang; Cai, Manyuan; Chen, Long; Qiu, Zhiwen; Liu, Zhenghong

    2017-07-01

    A flexible composite paper of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and cellulose fiber (CF) were fabricated by traditional paper-making method. Then, the MWCNT/CF papers were carbonized at high temperature in vacuum to remove organic component. The carbonized MWCNT/CF (MWCNT/CCF) papers are consisted of MWCNT and carbon fiber. The papers were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and four-point probe resistance meter. The electrochemical performances of the supercapacitors were tested by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge >with 1 moL/L LiPF6 as electrolyte. The MWCNT/CCF electrode yielded a specific capacitance of 156F/g at a current density of 50 mA/g by galvanostatic charge/discharge measurement, which is 1.29 times higher than MWCNT/CF electrode of 68F/g. The MWCNT/CCF electrodes also displayed an excellent specific capacitance retention of 84% after 2000 continuous charge/discharge cycles at a current density of 400 mA/g. The increase of specific capacitance can be attributed to enhanced electrical conductivity of MWCNT/CCF papers and improved contact interface between electrolyte and electrodes.

  16. A microwave synthesis of mesoporous NiCo2O4 nanosheets as electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Mondal, Anjon Kumar; Su, Dawei; Chen, Shuangqiang; Kretschmer, Katja; Xie, Xiuqiang; Ahn, Hyo-Jun; Wang, Guoxiu

    2015-01-12

    A facile microwave method was employed to synthesize NiCo2 O4 nanosheets as electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors. The structure and morphology of the materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller methods. Owing to the porous nanosheet structure, the NiCo2 O4 electrodes exhibited a high reversible capacity of 891 mA h g(-1) at a current density of 100 mA g(-1) , good rate capability and stable cycling performance. When used as electrode materials for supercapacitors, NiCo2 O4 nanosheets demonstrated a specific capacitance of 400 F g(-1) at a current density of 20 A g(-1) and superior cycling stability over 5000 cycles. The excellent electrochemical performance could be ascribed to the thin porous structure of the nanosheets, which provides a high specific surface area to increase the electrode-electrolyte contact area and facilitate rapid ion transport. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  17. Flower-like Copper Cobaltite Nanosheets on Graphite Paper as High-Performance Supercapacitor Electrodes and Enzymeless Glucose Sensors.

    PubMed

    Liu, Shude; Hui, K S; Hui, K N

    2016-02-10

    Flower-like copper cobaltite (CuCo2O4) nanosheets anchored on graphite paper have been synthesized using a facile hydrothermal method followed by a postannealing treatment. Supercapacitor electrodes employing CuCo2O4 nanosheets exhibit an enhanced capacitance of 1131 F g(-1) at a current density of 1 A g(-1) compared with previously reported supercapacitor electrodes. The CuCo2O4 electrode delivers a specific capacitance of up to 409 F g(-1) at a current density of as high as 50 A g(-1), and a good long-term cycling stability, with 79.7% of its specific capacitance retained after 5000 cycles at 10 A g(-1). Furthermore, the as-prepared CuCo2O4 nanosheets on graphite paper can be fabricated as electrodes and used as enzymeless glucose sensors, which exhibit good sensitivity (3.625 μA μM(-1) cm(-2)) and an extraordinary linear response ranging up to 320 μM with a low detection limit (5 μM).

  18. N-Doped Porous Carbon Nanofibers/Porous Silver Network Hybrid for High-Rate Supercapacitor Electrode.

    PubMed

    Meng, Qingshi; Qin, Kaiqiang; Ma, Liying; He, Chunnian; Liu, Enzuo; He, Fang; Shi, Chunsheng; Li, Qunying; Li, Jiajun; Zhao, Naiqin

    2017-09-13

    A three-dimensional cross-linked porous silver network (PSN) is fabricated by silver mirror reaction using polymer foam as the template. The N-doped porous carbon nanofibers (N-PCNFs) are further prepared on PSN by chemical vapor deposition and treated by ammonia gas subsequently. The PSN substrate serving as the inner current collector will improve the electron transport efficiency significantly. The ammonia gas can not only introduce nitrogen doping into PCNFs but also increase the specific surface area of PCNFs at the same time. Because of its large surface area (801 m 2 /g), high electrical conductivity (211 S/cm), and robust structure, the as-constructed N-PCNFs/PSN demonstrates a specific capacitance of 222 F/g at the current density of 100 A/g with a superior rate capability of 90.8% of its initial capacitance ranging from 1 to 100 A/g while applied as the supercapacitor electrode. The symmetric supercapacitor device based on N-PCNFs/PSN displays an energy density of 8.5 W h/kg with power density of 250 W/kg and excellent cycling stability, which attains 103% capacitance retention after 10 000 charge-discharge cycles at a high current density of 20 A/g, which indicates that N-PCNFs/PSN is a promising candidate for supercapacitor electrode materials.

  19. Electrocatalytic activity of cobalt phosphide-modified graphite felt toward VO2+/VO2+ redox reaction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ge, Zhijun; Wang, Ling; He, Zhangxing; Li, Yuehua; Jiang, Yingqiao; Meng, Wei; Dai, Lei

    2018-04-01

    A novel strategy for improving the electro-catalytic properties of graphite felt (GF) electrode in vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) is designed by depositing cobalt phosphide (CoP) onto GF surface. The CoP powder is synthesized by direct carbonization of Co-based zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-67) followed by phosphidation. Cyclic voltammetry results confirm that the CoP-modified graphite felt (GF-CoP) electrode has excellent reversibility and electro-catalytic activity to the VO2+/VO2+ cathodic reaction compared with the pristine GF electrode. The cell using GF-CoP electrode shows apparently higher discharge capacity over that based on GF electrode. The cell using GF-CoP electrode has the capacity of 67.2 mA h at 100 mA cm-2, 32.7 mA h larger than that using GF electrode. Compared with cell using GF electrode, the voltage efficiency of the cell based on GF-CoP electrode increases by 5.9% and energy efficiency by 5.4% at a current density of 100 mA cm-2. The cell using GF-CoP electrode can reach 94.31% capacity retention after 50 cycles at a current density of 30 mA cm-2. The results show that the CoP can effectively promote the VO2+/VO2+ redox reaction, implying that metal phosphides are a new kind of potential catalytic materials for VRFB.

  20. Supercapacitors based on 3D network of activated carbon nanowhiskers wrapped-on graphitized electrospun nanofibers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    He, Shuijian; Chen, Linlin; Xie, Chencheng; Hu, Huan; Chen, Shuiliang; Hanif, Muddasir; Hou, Haoqing

    2013-12-01

    Due to their cycling stability and high power density, the supercapacitors bridge the power/energy gap between traditional dielectric capacitors and batteries/fuel cells. Electrode materials are key components for making high performance supercapacitors. An activated carbon nanowhiskers (ACNWs) wrapped-on graphitized electrospun nanofiber (GENF) network (ACNWs/GENFN) with 3D porous structure is prepared as a new type of binder-free electrode material for supercapacitors. The supercapacitor based on the ACNWs/GENFN composite material displays an excellent performance with a specific capacitance of 176.5 F g-1 at current density of 0.5 A g-1, an ultrahigh power density of 252.8 kW kg-1 at current density of 800 A g-1 and an outstanding cycling stability of no capacitance loss after 10,000 charge/discharge cycles.

  1. The Joule heating problem in silver nanowire transparent electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Khaligh, H. H.; Xu, L.; Khosropour, A.; Madeira, A.; Romano, M.; Pradére, C.; Tréguer-Delapierre, M.; Servant, L.; Pope, M. A.; Goldthorpe, I. A.

    2017-10-01

    Silver nanowire transparent electrodes have shown considerable potential to replace conventional transparent conductive materials. However, in this report we show that Joule heating is a unique and serious problem with these electrodes. When conducting current densities encountered in organic solar cells, the average surface temperature of indium tin oxide (ITO) and silver nanowire electrodes, both with sheet resistances of 60 ohms/square, remains below 35 °C. However, in contrast to ITO, the temperature in the nanowire electrode is very non-uniform, with some localized points reaching temperatures above 250 °C. These hotspots accelerate nanowire degradation, leading to electrode failure after 5 days of continuous current flow. We show that graphene, a commonly used passivation layer for these electrodes, slows nanowire degradation and creates a more uniform surface temperature under current flow. However, the graphene does not prevent Joule heating in the nanowires and local points of high temperature ultimately shift the failure mechanism from nanowire degradation to melting of the underlying plastic substrate. In this paper, surface temperature mapping, lifetime testing under current flow, post-mortem analysis, and modelling illuminate the behaviour and failure mechanisms of nanowires under extended current flow and provide guidelines for managing Joule heating.

  2. Effects of electrode settings on chlorine generation efficiency of electrolyzing seawater.

    PubMed

    Hsu, Guoo-Shyng Wang; Hsia, Chih-Wei; Hsu, Shun-Yao

    2015-12-01

    Electrolyzed water has significant disinfection effects, can comply with food safety regulations, and is environmental friendly. We investigated the effects of immersion depth of electrodes, stirring, electrode size, and electrode gap on the properties and chlorine generation efficiency of electrolyzing seawater and its storage stability. Results indicated that temperature and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of the seawater increased gradually, whereas electrical conductivity decreased steadily in electrolysis. During the electrolysis process, pH values and electric currents also decreased slightly within small ranges. Additional stirring or immersing the electrodes deep under the seawater significantly increased current density without affecting its electric efficiency and current efficiency. Decreasing electrode size or increasing electrode gap decreased chlorine production and electric current of the process without affecting its electric efficiency and current efficiency. Less than 35% of chlorine in the electrolyzed seawater was lost in a 3-week storage period. The decrement trend leveled off after the 1 st week of storage. The electrolyzing system is a convenient and economical method for producing high-chlorine seawater, which will have high potential applications in agriculture, aquaculture, or food processing. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  3. The kinetics, current efficiency, and power consumption of electrochemical dye decolorization by BD-NCD film electrode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nurhayati, Ervin; Juang, Yaju; Huang, Chihpin

    2017-06-01

    Diamond film electrode has been known as a material with very wide potential window for water electrolysis which leads to its applicability in numerous electrochemical processes. Its capability to produce hydroxyl radicals, a very strong oxidants, prompts its popular application in wastewater treatment. Batch and batch recirculation reactor were applied to perform bulk electrolysis experiments to investigate the kinetics of dye decolorization under different operation conditions, such as pH, active species, and current density. Furthermore, COD degradation data from batch recirculation reactor operation was used as the basis for the calculation of current efficiency and power consumption in the decolorization process. The kinetics of decolorization process using boron-doped nanocrystalline diamond (BD-NCD) film electrode revealed that acidic condition is favored for the dye degradation, and the presence of chloride ion in the solution was found to be more advantageous than sulfate active species, as evidenced by the higher reaction rate constants. Applying different current density of 10, 20 and 30 mA cm-2, it was found that the higher the current density the faster the decolorization rate. General current efficiency achieved after nearly total decolorization and 80% COD removal in batch recirculation reactor was around 74%, with specific power consumption of 4.4 kWh m-3 (in terms of volume of solution treated) or 145 kWh kg-1(in terms of kg COD treated).

  4. Influence of Electrolyte Modulus on the Local Current Density at a Dendrite Tip on a Lithium Metal Electrode

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Harry, Katherine J.; Higa, Kenneth; Srinivasan, Venkat

    Understanding and controlling the electrochemical deposition of lithium is imperative for the safe use of rechargeable batteries with a lithium metal anode. Solid block copolymer electrolyte membranes are known to enhance the stability of lithium metal anodes by mechanically suppressing the formation of lithium protrusions during battery charging. Time-resolved hard X-ray microtomography was used to monitor the internal structure of a symmetric lithium-polymer cell during galvanostatic polarization. The microtomography images were used to determine the local rate of lithium deposition, i.e. local current density, in the vicinity of a lithium globule growing through the electrolyte. Measurements of electrolyte displacement enabledmore » estimation of local stresses in the electrolyte. At early times, the current density was maximized at the globule tip, as expected from simple current distribution arguments. At later times, the current density was maximized at the globule perimeter. We show that this phenomenon is related to the local stress fields that arise as the electrolyte is deformed. The local current density, normalized for the radius of curvature, decreases with increasing compressive stresses at the lithium-polymer interface. To our knowledge, our study provides the first direct measurement showing the influence of local mechanical stresses on the deposition kinetics at lithium metal electrodes.« less

  5. Influence of Electrolyte Modulus on the Local Current Density at a Dendrite Tip on a Lithium Metal Electrode

    DOE PAGES

    Harry, Katherine J.; Higa, Kenneth; Srinivasan, Venkat; ...

    2016-08-10

    Understanding and controlling the electrochemical deposition of lithium is imperative for the safe use of rechargeable batteries with a lithium metal anode. Solid block copolymer electrolyte membranes are known to enhance the stability of lithium metal anodes by mechanically suppressing the formation of lithium protrusions during battery charging. Time-resolved hard X-ray microtomography was used to monitor the internal structure of a symmetric lithium-polymer cell during galvanostatic polarization. The microtomography images were used to determine the local rate of lithium deposition, i.e. local current density, in the vicinity of a lithium globule growing through the electrolyte. Measurements of electrolyte displacement enabledmore » estimation of local stresses in the electrolyte. At early times, the current density was maximized at the globule tip, as expected from simple current distribution arguments. At later times, the current density was maximized at the globule perimeter. We show that this phenomenon is related to the local stress fields that arise as the electrolyte is deformed. The local current density, normalized for the radius of curvature, decreases with increasing compressive stresses at the lithium-polymer interface. To our knowledge, our study provides the first direct measurement showing the influence of local mechanical stresses on the deposition kinetics at lithium metal electrodes.« less

  6. High performance current and spin diode of atomic carbon chain between transversely symmetric ribbon electrodes.

    PubMed

    Dong, Yao-Jun; Wang, Xue-Feng; Yang, Shuo-Wang; Wu, Xue-Mei

    2014-08-21

    We demonstrate that giant current and high spin rectification ratios can be achieved in atomic carbon chain devices connected between two symmetric ferromagnetic zigzag-graphene-nanoribbon electrodes. The spin dependent transport simulation is carried out by density functional theory combined with the non-equilibrium Green's function method. It is found that the transverse symmetries of the electronic wave functions in the nanoribbons and the carbon chain are critical to the spin transport modes. In the parallel magnetization configuration of two electrodes, pure spin current is observed in both linear and nonlinear regions. However, in the antiparallel configuration, the spin-up (down) current is prohibited under the positive (negative) voltage bias, which results in a spin rectification ratio of order 10(4). When edge carbon atoms are substituted with boron atoms to suppress the edge magnetization in one of the electrodes, we obtain a diode with current rectification ratio over 10(6).

  7. High performance current and spin diode of atomic carbon chain between transversely symmetric ribbon electrodes

    PubMed Central

    Dong, Yao-Jun; Wang, Xue-Feng; Yang, Shuo-Wang; Wu, Xue-Mei

    2014-01-01

    We demonstrate that giant current and high spin rectification ratios can be achieved in atomic carbon chain devices connected between two symmetric ferromagnetic zigzag-graphene-nanoribbon electrodes. The spin dependent transport simulation is carried out by density functional theory combined with the non-equilibrium Green's function method. It is found that the transverse symmetries of the electronic wave functions in the nanoribbons and the carbon chain are critical to the spin transport modes. In the parallel magnetization configuration of two electrodes, pure spin current is observed in both linear and nonlinear regions. However, in the antiparallel configuration, the spin-up (down) current is prohibited under the positive (negative) voltage bias, which results in a spin rectification ratio of order 104. When edge carbon atoms are substituted with boron atoms to suppress the edge magnetization in one of the electrodes, we obtain a diode with current rectification ratio over 106. PMID:25142376

  8. Fabrication of highly ordered polyaniline nanocone on pristine graphene for high-performance supercapacitor electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Song, Ningning; Wang, Wucong; Wu, Yue; Xiao, Ding; Zhao, Yaping

    2018-04-01

    The hybrids of pristine graphene with polyaniline were synthesized by in situ polymerizations for making a high-performance supercapacitor. The formed high-ordered PANI nanocones were vertically aligned on the graphene sheets. The length of the PANI nanocones increased with the concentration of aniline monomer. The specific capacitance of the hybrids electrode in the three-electrode system was measured as high as 481 F/g at a current density of 0.1 A/g, and its stability remained 87% after constant charge-discharge 10000 cycles at a current density of 1 A/g. This outstanding performance is attributed to the coupling effects of the pristine graphene and the hierarchical structure of the PANI possessing high specific surface area. The unique structure of the PANI provided more charge transmission pathways and fast charge-transfer speed of electrons to the pristine graphene because of its large specific area exposed to the electrolyte. The hybrid is expected to have potential applications in supercapacitor electrodes.

  9. Piezo-Electrochemical Energy Harvesting with Lithium-Intercalating Carbon Fibers.

    PubMed

    Jacques, Eric; Lindbergh, Göran; Zenkert, Dan; Leijonmarck, Simon; Kjell, Maria Hellqvist

    2015-07-01

    The mechanical and electrochemical properties are coupled through a piezo-electrochemical effect in Li-intercalated carbon fibers. It is demonstrated that this piezo-electrochemical effect makes it possible to harvest electrical energy from mechanical work. Continuous polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fibers that can work both as electrodes for Li-ion batteries and structural reinforcement for composites materials are used in this study. Applying a tensile force to carbon fiber bundles used as Li-intercalating electrodes results in a response of the electrode potential of a few millivolts which allows, at low current densities, lithiation at higher electrode potential than delithiation. More electrical energy is thereby released from the cell at discharge than provided at charge, harvesting energy from the mechanical work of the applied force. The measured harvested specific electrical power is in the order of 1 μW/g for current densities in the order of 1 mA/g, but this has a potential of being increased significantly.

  10. Design Rules for Oxygen Evolution Catalysis at Porous Iron Oxide Electrodes: A 1000-Fold Current Density Increase.

    PubMed

    Haschke, Sandra; Pankin, Dmitrii; Petrov, Yuri; Bochmann, Sebastian; Manshina, Alina; Bachmann, Julien

    2017-09-22

    Nanotubular iron(III) oxide electrodes are optimized for catalytic efficiency in the water oxidation reaction at neutral pH. The nanostructured electrodes are prepared from anodic alumina templates, which are coated with Fe 2 O 3 by atomic layer deposition. Scanning helium ion microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy are used to characterize the morphologies and phases of samples submitted to various treatments. These methods demonstrate the contrasting effects of thermal annealing and electrochemical treatment. The electrochemical performances of the corresponding electrodes under dark conditions are quantified by steady-state electrolysis and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. A rough and amorphous Fe 2 O 3 with phosphate incorporation is critical for the optimization of the water oxidation reaction. For the ideal pore length of 17 μm, the maximum catalytic turnover is reached with an effective current density of 140 μA cm -2 at an applied overpotential of 0.49 V. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  11. Directly Grown Nanostructured Electrodes for High Volumetric Energy Density Binder-Free Hybrid Supercapacitors: A Case Study of CNTs//Li4Ti5O12

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zuo, Wenhua; Wang, Chong; Li, Yuanyuan; Liu, Jinping

    2015-01-01

    Hybrid supercapacitor (HSC), which typically consists of a Li-ion battery electrode and an electric double-layer supercapacitor electrode, has been extensively investigated for large-scale applications such as hybrid electric vehicles, etc. Its application potential for thin-film downsized energy storage systems that always prefer high volumetric energy/power densities, however, has not yet been explored. Herein, as a case study, we develop an entirely binder-free HSC by using multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) network film as the cathode and Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) nanowire array as the anode and study the volumetric energy storage capability. Both the electrode materials are grown directly on carbon cloth current collector, ensuring robust mechanical/electrical contacts and flexibility. Our 3 V HSC device exhibits maximum volumetric energy density of ~4.38 mWh cm-3, much superior to those of previous supercapacitors based on thin-film electrodes fabricated directly on carbon cloth and even comparable to the commercial thin-film lithium battery. It also has volumetric power densities comparable to that of the commercial 5.5 V/100 mF supercapacitor (can be operated within 3 s) and has excellent cycling stability (~92% retention after 3000 cycles). The concept of utilizing binder-free electrodes to construct HSC for thin-film energy storage may be readily extended to other HSC electrode systems.

  12. Layer by Layer Ex-Situ Deposited Cobalt-Manganese Oxide as Composite Electrode Material for Electrochemical Capacitor

    PubMed Central

    Rusi; Chan, P. Y.; Majid, S. R.

    2015-01-01

    The composite metal oxide electrode films were fabricated using ex situ electrodeposition method with further heating treatment at 300°C. The obtained composite metal oxide film had a spherical structure with mass loading from 0.13 to 0.21 mg cm-2. The structure and elements of the composite was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The electrochemical performance of different composite metal oxides was studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge (CD). As an active electrode material for a supercapacitor, the Co-Mn composite electrode exhibits a specific capacitance of 285 Fg-1 at current density of 1.85 Ag-1 in 0.5M Na2SO4 electrolyte. The best composite electrode, Co-Mn electrode was then further studied in various electrolytes (i.e., 0.5M KOH and 0.5M KOH/0.04M K3Fe(CN) 6 electrolytes). The pseudocapacitive nature of the material of Co-Mn lead to a high specific capacitance of 2.2 x 103 Fg-1 and an energy density of 309 Whkg-1 in a 0.5MKOH/0.04MK3Fe(CN) 6 electrolyte at a current density of 10 Ag-1. The specific capacitance retention obtained 67% of its initial value after 750 cycles. The results indicate that the ex situ deposited composite metal oxide nanoparticles have promising potential in future practical applications. PMID:26158447

  13. Layer by Layer Ex-Situ Deposited Cobalt-Manganese Oxide as Composite Electrode Material for Electrochemical Capacitor.

    PubMed

    Rusi; Chan, P Y; Majid, S R

    2015-01-01

    The composite metal oxide electrode films were fabricated using ex situ electrodeposition method with further heating treatment at 300°C. The obtained composite metal oxide film had a spherical structure with mass loading from 0.13 to 0.21 mg cm(-2). The structure and elements of the composite was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The electrochemical performance of different composite metal oxides was studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge (CD). As an active electrode material for a supercapacitor, the Co-Mn composite electrode exhibits a specific capacitance of 285 Fg(-1) at current density of 1.85 Ag(-1) in 0.5 M Na2SO4 electrolyte. The best composite electrode, Co-Mn electrode was then further studied in various electrolytes (i.e., 0.5 M KOH and 0.5 M KOH/0.04 M K3Fe(CN) 6 electrolytes). The pseudocapacitive nature of the material of Co-Mn lead to a high specific capacitance of 2.2 x 10(3) Fg(-1) and an energy density of 309 Whkg(-1) in a 0.5 M KOH/0.04 M K3Fe(CN) 6 electrolyte at a current density of 10 Ag(-1). The specific capacitance retention obtained 67% of its initial value after 750 cycles. The results indicate that the ex situ deposited composite metal oxide nanoparticles have promising potential in future practical applications.

  14. NiCo2S4 nanosheet-decorated 3D, porous Ni film@Ni wire electrode materials for all solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor applications.

    PubMed

    Saravanakumar, Balasubramaniam; Jayaseelan, Santhana Sivabalan; Seo, Min-Kang; Kim, Hak-Yong; Kim, Byoung-Suhk

    2017-12-07

    Wire type supercapacitors with high energy and power densities have generated considerable interest in wearable applications. Herein, we report a novel NiCo 2 S 4 -decorated 3D, porous Ni film@Ni wire electrode for high performance supercapacitor application. In this work, a facile method is introduced to fabricate a 3D, porous Ni film deposited on a Ni wire as a flexible electrode, followed by decoration with NiCo 2 S 4 as an electroactive material. The fabricated NiCo 2 S 4 -decorated 3D, porous Ni film@Ni wire electrode displays a superior performance with an areal and volumetric capacitance of 1.228 F cm -2 and 199.74 F cm -3 , respectively, at a current density of 0.2 mA cm -1 with a maximum volumetric energy and power density (E V : 6.935 mW h cm -3 ; P V : 1.019 W cm -3 ). Finally, the solid state asymmetric wire type supercapacitor is fabricated using the fabricated NiCo 2 S 4 -decorated 3D, porous Ni film@Ni wire as a positive electrode and N-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO) as a negative electrode and this exhibits good areal and volumetric capacitances of C A : 0.12 F cm -2 and C V : 19.57 F cm -2 with a higher rate capability (92%). This asymmetric wire type supercapacitor demonstrates a low leakage current and self-discharge with a maximum volumetric energy (E V : 5.33 mW h cm -3 ) and power (P V : 855.69 mW cm -3 ) density.

  15. Influence of electron injection into 27 cm audio plasma cell on the plasma diagnostics

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Haleem, N. A.; Ragheb, M. S.; Zakhary, S. G.

    2013-08-15

    In this article, the plasma is created in a Pyrex tube (L = 27 cm, φ= 4 cm) as a single cell, by a capacitive audio frequency (AF) discharge (f = 10–100 kHz), at a definite pressure of ∼0.2 Torr. A couple of tube linear and deviating arrangements show plasma characteristic conformity. The applied AF plasma and the injection of electrons into two gas mediums Ar and N{sub 2} revealed the increase of electron density at distinct tube regions by one order to attain 10{sup 13}/cm{sup 3}. The electrons temperature and density strengths are in contrast to each other. Whilemore » their distributions differ along the plasma tube length, they show a decaying sinusoidal shape where their peaks position varies by the gas type. The electrons injection moderates electron temperature and expands their density. The later highest peak holds for the N{sub 2} gas, at electrons injection it changes to hold for the Ar. The sinusoidal decaying density behavior generates electric fields depending on the gas used and independent of tube geometry. The effect of the injected electrons performs a responsive impact on electrons density not attributed to the gas discharge. Analytical tools investigate the interaction of the plasma, the discharge current, and the gas used on the electrodes. It points to the emigration of atoms from each one but for greater majority they behave to a preferred direction. Meanwhile, only in the linear regime, small percentage of atoms still moves in reverse direction. Traces of gas atoms revealed on both electrodes due to sheath regions denote lack of their participation in the discharge current. In addition, atoms travel from one electrode to the other by overcoming the sheaths regions occurring transportation of particles agglomeration from one electrode to the other. The electrons injection has contributed to increase the plasma electron density peaks. These electrons populations have raised the generated electrostatic fields assisting the elemental ions emigration to a preferred electrode direction. Regardless of plasma electrodes positions and plasma shape, ions can be departed from one electrode to deposit on the other one. In consequence, as an application the AF plasma type can enhance the metal deposition from one electrode to the other.« less

  16. High performance electrodes in vanadium redox flow batteries through oxygen-enriched thermal activation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pezeshki, Alan M.; Clement, Jason T.; Veith, Gabriel M.; Zawodzinski, Thomas A.; Mench, Matthew M.

    2015-10-01

    The roundtrip electrochemical energy efficiency is improved from 63% to 76% at a current density of 200 mA cm-2 in an all-vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) by utilizing modified carbon paper electrodes in the high-performance no-gap design. Heat treatment of the carbon paper electrodes in a 42% oxygen/58% nitrogen atmosphere increases the electrochemically wetted surface area from 0.24 to 51.22 m2 g-1, resulting in a 100-140 mV decrease in activation overpotential at operationally relevant current densities. An enriched oxygen environment decreases the amount of treatment time required to achieve high surface area. The increased efficiency and greater depth of discharge doubles the total usable energy stored in a fixed amount of electrolyte during operation at 200 mA cm-2.

  17. Electrochemical Properties of Poly(Anthraquinonyl Sulfide)/Graphene Sheets Composites as Electrode Materials for Electrochemical Capacitors

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Wonkyun; Suzuki, Shinya; Miyayama, Masaru

    2014-01-01

    Poly(anthraquinonyl sulfide) (PAQS)/graphene sheets (GSs) composite was synthesized through in situ polymerization to evaluate its performance as an electrode material for electrochemical capacitors. PAQS was successfully synthesized in the presence of GSs with uniform distribution. PAQS/GSs showed a pair of reversible redox peaks at around 0 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). The specific capacitance of PAQS/GSs was 349 F·g−1 (86 mAh·g−1) at a current density of 500 mA·g−1, and a capacitance of 305 F·g−1 was maintained even at a high current density of 5000 mA·g−1. The in situ polymerization of PAQS with GSs facilitated their interaction and enabled faster charge transfer and redox reaction, resulting in enhanced electrode properties. PMID:28344238

  18. Electrochemical process for electrode material of spent lithium ion batteries.

    PubMed

    Prabaharan, G; Barik, S P; Kumar, N; Kumar, L

    2017-10-01

    Electrochemical method for recovering cobalt and manganese from electrode materials of spent lithium ion batteries was studied. Electrochemical leaching of cobalt and manganese from electrode material was optimized by varying different process parameters such as time, acid concentration and current density. Both cobalt and manganese could effectively be leached out at a current density of 400A/m 2 in 3h using 2M sulphuric acid. In the subsequent study, the metallic cobalt and electrolytic manganese dioxides was recovered from the leach liquor at 200A/m 2 , pH 2-2.5 and 90°C after removing aluminum. The commercial feasibility of the study was tested in pilot scale. Overall recovery of Co, Cu and Mn was above 96%, 97% and 99%, respectively. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Modeling of breakdown during the post-arc phase of a vacuum circuit breaker

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sarrailh, P.; Garrigues, L.; Boeuf, J. P.; Hagelaar, G. J. M.

    2010-12-01

    After a high-current interruption in a vacuum circuit breaker (VCB), the electrode gap is filled with a high density copper vapor plasma in a large copper vapor density (~1022 m-3). The copper vapor density is sustained by electrode evaporation. During the post-arc phase, a rapidly increasing voltage is applied to the gap, and a sheath forms and expands, expelling the plasma from the gap when circuit breaking is successful. There is, however, a risk of breakdown during that phase, leading to the failure of the VCB. Preventing breakdown during the post-arc phase is an important issue for the improvement of VCB reliability. In this paper, we analyze the risk of Townsend breakdown in the high copper vapor density during the post-arc phase using a numerical model that takes into account secondary electron emission, volume ionization, and plasma and neutral transport, for given electrode temperatures. The simulations show that fast neutrals created in the cathode sheath by charge exchange collisions with ions generate a very large secondary electron emission current that can lead to Townsend breakdown. The results also show that the risk of failure of the VCB due to Townsend breakdown strongly depends on the electrode temperatures (which govern the copper vapor density) and becomes important for temperatures greater than 2100 K, which can be reached in vacuum arcs. The simulations also predict that a hotter anode tends to increase the risk of Townsend breakdown.

  20. Full synergistic effect of hydrothermal NiCo2O4 nanosheets/CuCo2O4 nanocones supported on Ni foam for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wen, Shiyang; Liu, Yu; Bai, Hongye; Shao, Rong; Xu, Wei; Shi, Weidong

    2018-06-01

    In this work, a series of NiCo2O4/CuCo2O4 composites were prepared by a two-step hydrothermal method. The optimized NiCo2O4/CuCo2O4 electrode shows more than 5 times area capacitance (4.97 F cm-2) than pure NiCo2O4 at the current density of 1 mA cm-2. The best performance of sample assembled an asymmetric supercapacitor could reach up to 42 F g-1 at the current density of 1 A g-1. In addition, the maximum energy density of 15 W h kg-1 was achieved with the power density of 814 W kg-1. The as-prepared active electrode material also reveals excellent cycling stability with 90.6% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles. These results indicate potential application in developing energy storage devices with high energy density power density.

  1. Computationally optimized ECoG stimulation with local safety constraints.

    PubMed

    Guler, Seyhmus; Dannhauer, Moritz; Roig-Solvas, Biel; Gkogkidis, Alexis; Macleod, Rob; Ball, Tonio; Ojemann, Jeffrey G; Brooks, Dana H

    2018-06-01

    Direct stimulation of the cortical surface is used clinically for cortical mapping and modulation of local activity. Future applications of cortical modulation and brain-computer interfaces may also use cortical stimulation methods. One common method to deliver current is through electrocorticography (ECoG) stimulation in which a dense array of electrodes are placed subdurally or epidurally to stimulate the cortex. However, proximity to cortical tissue limits the amount of current that can be delivered safely. It may be desirable to deliver higher current to a specific local region of interest (ROI) while limiting current to other local areas more stringently than is guaranteed by global safety limits. Two commonly used global safety constraints bound the total injected current and individual electrode currents. However, these two sets of constraints may not be sufficient to prevent high current density locally (hot-spots). In this work, we propose an efficient approach that prevents current density hot-spots in the entire brain while optimizing ECoG stimulus patterns for targeted stimulation. Specifically, we maximize the current along a particular desired directional field in the ROI while respecting three safety constraints: one on the total injected current, one on individual electrode currents, and the third on the local current density magnitude in the brain. This third set of constraints creates a computational barrier due to the huge number of constraints needed to bound the current density at every point in the entire brain. We overcome this barrier by adopting an efficient two-step approach. In the first step, the proposed method identifies the safe brain region, which cannot contain any hot-spots solely based on the global bounds on total injected current and individual electrode currents. In the second step, the proposed algorithm iteratively adjusts the stimulus pattern to arrive at a solution that exhibits no hot-spots in the remaining brain. We report on simulations on a realistic finite element (FE) head model with five anatomical ROIs and two desired directional fields. We also report on the effect of ROI depth and desired directional field on the focality of the stimulation. Finally, we provide an analysis of optimization runtime as a function of different safety and modeling parameters. Our results suggest that optimized stimulus patterns tend to differ from those used in clinical practice. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Flexible three-dimensional electrodes of hollow carbon bead strings as graded sulfur reservoirs and the synergistic mechanism for lithium-sulfur batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Dan; Ni, Wei; Cheng, Jianli; Wang, Zhuanpei; Wang, Ting; Guan, Qun; Zhang, Yun; Wu, Hao; Li, Xiaodong; Wang, Bin

    2017-08-01

    Three-dimensional (3D) flexible electrodes of stringed hollow nitrogen-doped (N-doped) carbon nanospheres as graded sulfur reservoirs and conductive frameworks were elaborately designed via a combination of the advantages of hollow structures, 3D electrodes and flexible devices. The as-prepared electrodes by a synergistic method of electrospinning, template sacrificing and activation for Li-S batteries without any binder or conductive additives but a 3D interconnected conductive network offered multiple transport paths for electrons and improved sulfur utilization and facilitated an easy access to Li+ ingress/egress. With the increase of density of hollow carbon spheres in the strings, the self-supporting composite electrode reveals an enhanced synergistic mechanism for sulfur confinement and displays a better cycling stability and rate performance. It delivers a high initial specific capacity of 1422.6 mAh g-1 at the current rate of 0.2C with the high sulfur content of 76 wt.%, and a much higher energy density of 754 Wh kg-1 and power density of 1901 Wh kg-1, which greatly improve the energy/power density of traditional lithium-sulfur batteries and will be promising for further commercial applications.

  3. High energy efficiency and high power density proton exchange membrane fuel cells: Electrode kinetics and mass transport

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Srinivasan, Supramaniam; Velev, Omourtag A.; Parthasathy, Arvind; Manko, David J.; Appleby, A. John

    1991-01-01

    The development of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell power plants with high energy efficiencies and high power densities is gaining momentum because of the vital need of such high levels of performance for extraterrestrial (space, underwater) and terrestrial (power source for electric vehicles) applications. Since 1987, considerable progress has been made in achieving energy efficiencies of about 60 percent at a current density of 200 mA/sq cm and high power densities (greater than 1 W/sq cm) in PEM fuel cells with high (4 mg/sq cm) or low (0.4 mg/sq cm) platinum loadings in electrodes. The following areas are discussed: (1) methods to obtain these high levels of performance with low Pt loading electrodes - by proton conductor impregnation into electrodes, localization of Pt near front surface; (2) a novel microelectrode technique which yields electrode kinetic parameters for oxygen reduction and mass transport parameters; (3) demonstration of lack of water transport from anode to cathode; (4) modeling analysis of PEM fuel cell for comparison with experimental results and predicting further improvements in performance; and (5) recommendations of needed research and development for achieving the above goals.

  4. Patterning of colloidal particles in the galvanic microreactor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jan, Linda

    A Cu-Au galvanic microreactor is used to demonstrate the autonomous patterning of two-dimensional colloidal crystals with spatial and orientational order which are adherent to the electrode substrate. The microreactor is comprised of a patterned array of copper and gold microelectrodes in a coplanar arrangement that is immersed in a dilute hydrochloric acid solution in which colloidal polystyrene microspheres are suspended. During the electrochemical dissolution of copper, polystyrene colloids are transported to the copper electrodes. The spatial arrangement of the electrodes determines whether the colloids initiate aggregation at the edges or centers of the copper electrodes. Depending on the microreactor parameters, two-dimensional colloidal crystals can form and adhere to the electrode. This thesis investigates the mechanisms governing the autonomous particle motion, the directed particle trajectory (inner- versus edge-aggregation) as affected by the spatial patterning of the electrodes, and the adherence of the colloidal particles onto the substrate. Using in situ current density measurements, particle velocimetry, and order-of-magnitude arguments, it is shown that particle motion is governed by bulk fluid motion and electrophoresis induced by the electrochemical reactions. Bulk electrolyte flow is most likely driven by electrochemical potential gradients of reaction products formed during the inhomogeneous copper dissolution, particularly due to localized high current density at the electrode junction. Preferential aggregation of the colloidal particles resulting in inner- and edge-aggregation is influenced by changes to the flow pattern in response to difference in current density profiles as affected by the spatial patterning of the electrode. Finally, by determining the onset of particle cementation through particle tracking analysis, and by monitoring the deposition of reaction products through the observation of color changes of the galvanic electrodes in situ, it is shown that particle cementation coincides with the precipitation and deposition of reaction products. The precipitation process is caused by shifts in the chemical equilibria of the microreactor due to changes in the composition of the electrolyte during the reactions, which can be used to control particle cementation. The corrosion driven transport, deposition and adherence of colloidal particles at corrosion sites have implications for the development of autonomous self-healing materials.

  5. Stability of a Cu0.7Co2.3O4 electrode during the oxygen evolution reaction for alkaline anion-exchange membrane water electrolysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kang, Kyoung Eun; Kim, Chi Ho; Lee, Myung Sup; Jung, Chang Wook; Kim, Yang Do; Lee, Jae Ho

    2018-01-01

    The electrode materials for oxygen evolution, especially non-platinum group metal oxides, have attracted increasing attention. Among the spinel-type transition metal oxides, Cu0.7Co2.3O4 powders were evaluated as a potential replacement for expensive dimensionally stabilized anode materials. Cu0.7Co2.3O4 powder for use as an electrode material for oxygen evolution in an alkaline anion-exchange membrane water electrolyzer was prepared using a thermal decomposition method. The Cu0.7Co2.3O4 powders heat-treated at 250 °C exhibited the same X-ray diffraction patterns without any secondary phases as the Co3O4 spinel structure did. The Cu0.7Co2.3O4 powders heat-treated at 250 °C for 30 minutes showed the smallest mean particle size of approximately 376 nm with the powders having a homogeneous shape and size distribution. The fine powders with a relatively homogeneous size distribution showed a higher current density during the oxygen evolution reaction. The lifetime of the Cu0.7Co2.3O4 electrode was relatively long at a low current density, but was quickly shortened due to physical detachment of the Cu0.7Co2.3O4 powders as the current density was increased. This study showed that the efficiency and the stability of Cu0.7Co2.3O4 powders during the oxygen evolution reaction were related directly to the active electrode area.

  6. High Energy Density Asymmetric Supercapacitor Based on NiOOH/Ni3S2/3D Graphene and Fe3O4/Graphene Composite Electrodes

    PubMed Central

    Lin, Tsung-Wu; Dai, Chao-Shuan; Hung, Kuan-Chung

    2014-01-01

    The application of the composite of Ni3S2 nanoparticles and 3D graphene as a novel cathode material for supercapacitors is systematically investigated in this study. It is found that the electrode capacitance increases by up to 111% after the composite electrode is activated by the consecutive cyclic voltammetry scanning in 1 M KOH. Due to the synergistic effect, the capacitance and the diffusion coefficient of electrolyte ions of the activated composite electrode are ca. 3.7 and 6.5 times higher than those of the Ni3S2 electrode, respectively. Furthermore, the activated composite electrode exhibits an ultrahigh specific capacitance of 3296 F/g and great cycling stability at a current density of 16 A/g. To obtain the reasonable matching of cathode/anode electrodes, the composite of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and chemically reduced graphene oxide (Fe3O4/rGO) is synthesized as the anode material. The Fe3O4/rGO electrode exhibits the specific capacitance of 661 F/g at 1 A/g and excellent rate capability. More importantly, an asymmetric supercapacitor fabricated by two different composite electrodes can be operated reversibly between 0 and 1.6 V and obtain a high specific capacitance of 233 F/g at 5 mV/s, which delivers a maximum energy density of 82.5 Wh/kg at a power density of 930 W/kg. PMID:25449978

  7. Oxygen-hydrogen fuel cell with an iodine-iodide cathode - A concept

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Javet, P.

    1970-01-01

    Fuel cell uses a porous cathode through which is fed a solution of iodine in aqueous iodide solution, the anode is a hydrogen electrode. No activation polarization appears on the cathode because of the high exchange-current density of the iodine-iodide electrode.

  8. Influence of electrodes on the 448 kHz electric currents created by radiofrequency: A finite element study.

    PubMed

    Spottorno, J; Gonzalez de Vega, C; Buenaventura, M; Hernando, A

    2017-01-01

    Radiofrequency is a technology used in physical rehabilitation by physicians and physiotherapists for more than fifteen years, although there exist doubts on how it works. Indiba is a particular method that applies a voltage difference of 448 KHz between two electrodes, creating an electric current between them. These electrodes are an active one that is placed on different areas of the body and a passive one that is left on the same position during the treatment. There are two different types of active electrodes: the capacitive one and the resistive one. In this paper, it has been studied how the different electrodes affect the current density inside the body and thus how they affect the efficacy of the treatment. It shows how finite element calculations should help physicians in order to better understand its behavior and improve the treatments.

  9. One-step solvothermal synthesis of carnation flower-like SnS2 as superior electrodes for supercapacitor applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mishra, Rajneesh Kumar; Baek, Geun Woo; Kim, Kyuwon; Kwon, Hyuck-In; Jin, Sung Hun

    2017-12-01

    We report the synthesis of carnation flower-like SnS2 (CF-SnS2) via a one-step solvothermal method for potential application as supercapacitor electrodes in energy storage devices. The structural and morphological properties of CF-SnS2 were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman analysis, and field-emission scanning and transmission electron microscopies. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning tunneling electron microscopy with color mapping verified the distribution of Sn and S, and depicted the successful formation of SnS2. Electrochemical studies were performed to explore the supercapacitive nature of CF-SnS2. Supercapacitors with CF-SnS2 electrodes delivered excellent cyclic voltammetry performances, superior gravimetric specific capacitances, and high power densities. The evaluated specific capacitance and power density reached ∼524.5 F/g and 12.3 W/kg, respectively, at a current density of 0.08 A/g, and ∼215.9 F/g and 61.4 W/kg, respectively, at a current density of 0.38 A/g. These values are at least two times higher than those previously reported. The long-term cyclic stability was also tested to demonstrate the endurance of the CF-SnS2-based supercapacitor, with a 66% rate retention and galvanostatic charge/discharge reversibility. These electrochemical findings indicate that CF-SnS2 is a promising candidate for electrode materials in supercapacitor applications.

  10. Efficient Supercapacitor Energy Storage Using Conjugated Microporous Polymer Networks Synthesized from Buchwald-Hartwig Coupling.

    PubMed

    Liao, Yaozu; Wang, Haige; Zhu, Meifang; Thomas, Arne

    2018-03-01

    Supercapacitors have received increasing interest as energy storage devices due to their rapid charge-discharge rates, high power densities, and high durability. In this work, novel conjugated microporous polymer (CMP) networks are presented for supercapacitor energy storage, namely 3D polyaminoanthraquinone (PAQ) networks synthesized via Buchwald-Hartwig coupling between 2,6-diaminoanthraquinone and aryl bromides. PAQs exhibit surface areas up to 600 m 2 g -1 , good dispersibility in polar solvents, and can be processed to flexible electrodes. The PAQs exhibit a three-electrode specific capacitance of 576 F g -1 in 0.5 m H 2 SO 4 at a current of 1 A g -1 retaining 80-85% capacitances and nearly 100% Coulombic efficiencies (95-98%) upon 6000 cycles at a current density of 2 A g -1 . Asymmetric two-electrode supercapacitors assembled by PAQs show a capacitance of 168 F g -1 of total electrode materials, an energy density of 60 Wh kg -1 at a power density of 1300 W kg -1 , and a wide working potential window (0-1.6 V). The asymmetric supercapacitors show Coulombic efficiencies up to 97% and can retain 95.5% of initial capacitance undergo 2000 cycles. This work thus presents novel promising CMP networks for charge energy storage. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  11. High-performance free-standing capacitor electrodes of multilayered Co9S8 plates wrapped by carbonized poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate)/reduced graphene oxide

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yao, Tinghui; Li, Yali; Liu, Dequan; Gu, Yipeng; Qin, Shengchun; Guo, Xin; Guo, Hui; Ding, Yongqiang; Liu, Qiming; Chen, Qiang; Li, Junshuai; He, Deyan

    2018-03-01

    In this paper, a free-standing electrode structure composed of multilayered Co9S8 plates wrapped by carbonized poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate)/reduced graphene oxide (PEDOT:PSS/rGO) layers is introduced. Excellent supercapacitive behaviors, especially long cycling stability at high current densities are delivered owing to the synergetic effects of stable electrical contact between the active material and carbonized PEDOT:PSS/rGO due to the wrapped configuration, efficient charge exchange between the multilayered Co9S8 plates and electrolyte, improved electrical conductance by rGO, and plenty of voids for accommodating volume changes. For the optimized electrode (starting materials: 0.5 mL PEDOT:PSS, 1.0 mL GO (6.0 mg mL-1) and 10.0 mg Co(OH)2), a specific capacitance of about 788.9 F g-1 at 1.0 A g-1 and good cycling stability of over 100% of the initial capacitance (∼488.6 F g-1) after 10000 cycles at a current density of 15.0 A g-1 can be achieved. The assembled asymmetric supercapacitor based on the optimized electrode//active carbon exhibits an energy density of ∼19.6 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 400.9 W kg-1.

  12. All-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors based on Fe-doped mesoporous Co3O4 and three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide electrodes with high energy and power densities.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Cheng; Wei, Jun; Chen, Leiyi; Tang, Shaolong; Deng, Mingsen; Du, Youwei

    2017-10-19

    An asymmetric supercapacitor offers opportunities to effectively utilize the full potential of the different potential windows of the two electrodes for a higher operating voltage, resulting in an enhanced specific capacitance and significantly improved energy without sacrificing the power delivery and cycle life. To achieve high energy and power densities, we have synthesized an all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor with a wider voltage range using Fe-doped Co 3 O 4 and three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide (3DrGO) as the positive and negative electrodes, respectively. In contrast to undoped Co 3 O 4 , the increased density of states and modified charge spatial separation endow the Fe-doped Co 3 O 4 electrode with greatly improved electrochemical capacitive performance, including high specific capacitance (1997 F g -1 and 1757 F g -1 at current densities of 1 and 20 A g -1 , respectively), excellent rate capability, and superior cycling stability. Remarkably, the optimized all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor can be cycled reversibly in a wide range of 0-1.8 V, thus delivering a high energy density (270.3 W h kg -1 ), high power density (9.0 kW kg -1 at 224.2 W h kg -1 ), and excellent cycling stability (91.8% capacitance retention after 10 000 charge-discharge cycles at a constant current density of 10 A g -1 ). The superior capacitive performance suggests that such an all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor shows great potential for developing energy storage systems with high levels of energy and power delivery.

  13. Advances in lightweight nickel electrode technology

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Coates, Dwaine; Paul, Gary; Daugherty, Paul

    1989-01-01

    Studies are currently underway to further the development of lightweight nickel electrode technology. Work is focused primarily on the space nickel-hydrogen system and nickel-iron system but is also applicable to the nickel-cadmium and nickel-zinc systems. The goal is to reduce electrode weight while maintaining or improving performance, thereby increasing electrode energy density. Two basic electrode structures are being investigated. The first is the traditional nickel sponge produced from sintered nickel-carbonyl powder. The second is a new material for this application which consists of a non-woven mat of nickel fiber. Electrodes are being manufactured, tested, and evaluated at the electrode and cell level.

  14. Advances in lightweight nickel electrode technology

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Coates, Dwaine; Paul, Gary; Wheeler, James R.; Daugherty, Paul

    1989-01-01

    Studies are currently underway to further the development of lightweight nickel electrode technology. Work is focused primarily on the space nickel-hydrogen system and nickel-iron system but is also applicable to the nickel-cadmium and nickel-zinc systems. The goal is to reduce electrode weight while maintaining or improving performance thereby increasing electrode energy density. Two basic electrode structures are being investigated. The first is the traditional nickel sponge produced from sintered nickel-carbonyl powder and the second is a new material for this application which consists of a non-woven mat of nickel fiber. Electrodes are being manufactured, tested and evaluated at the electrode and cell level.

  15. Two-step hydrothermal synthesis of NiCo2S4/Co9S8 nanorods on nickel foam for high energy density asymmetric supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Rui; Lin, Jianming; Wu, Jihuai; Huang, Miaoliang; Fan, Leqing; Chen, Hongwei; He, Xin; Wang, Yiting; Xu, Zedong

    2018-03-01

    It is still a huge challenge to obtain a high-energy-density asymmetric supercapacitors and develop an active electrode material with excellent electrochemical characteristics. Although NiCo2S4 has been considered as one of the promising positive electrode materials for asymmetric supercapacitors, the electrochemical performance of the NiCo2S4-based positive electrodes is still relatively low and cannot meet the demand in the devices. Herein, NiCo2S4/Co9S8 nanorods with a large capacitance are synthesized via a simple two-step hydrothermal treatment. A high-performance asymmetric supercapacitor operating at 1.6 V is successfully assembled using the NiCo2S4/Co9S8 nanorods as positive electrode and activated carbon as negative electrode in 3 M KOH aqueous electrolyte, which demonstrates a fairly high energy density of 49.6 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 123 W kg-1, an excellent capacitance of 0.91 F cm-2 (139.42 F g-1) at current density of 1 mA cm-2 as well as a remarkable cycling stability due to the high physical strength, the large specific surface area, and the good conductivity for NiCo2S4/Co9S8 nanorods and the brilliant synergistic effect for NiCo2S4 and Co9S8 electrode materials. The as-prepared NiCo2S4/Co9S8 nanorods open up a new platform as positive electrode material for high-energy-density asymmetric supercapacitors in energy-storage.

  16. Nitrogen-doped carbon spheres: A new high-energy-density and long-life pseudo-capacitive electrode material for electrochemical flow capacitor.

    PubMed

    Hou, Shujin; Wang, Miao; Xu, Xingtao; Li, Yandong; Li, Yanjiang; Lu, Ting; Pan, Likun

    2017-04-01

    One of the most challenging issues in developing electrochemical flow capacitor (EFC) technology is the design and synthesis of active electrode materials with high energy density and long cycle life. However, in practical cases, the energy density and cycle ability obtained currently cannot meet the practical need. In this work, we propose a new active material, nitrogen-doped carbon spheres (NCSs), as flowable electrodes for EFC application. The NCSs were prepared via one-pot hydrothermal synthesis in the presence of resorcinol/formaldehyde as carbon precursors and melamine as nitrogen precursor, followed by carbonization in nitrogen flow at various temperatures. The results of EFC experiments demonstrate that NCSs obtained at 800°C exhibit a high energy density of 13.5Whkg -1 and an excellent cycle ability, indicating the superiority of NCSs for EFC application. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. High power density yeast catalyzed microbial fuel cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ganguli, Rahul

    Microbial fuel cells leverage whole cell biocatalysis to convert the energy stored in energy-rich renewable biomolecules such as sugar, directly to electrical energy at high efficiencies. Advantages of the process include ambient temperature operation, operation in natural streams such as wastewater without the need to clean electrodes, minimal balance-of-plant requirements compared to conventional fuel cells, and environmentally friendly operation. These make the technology very attractive as portable power sources and waste-to-energy converters. The principal problem facing the technology is the low power densities compared to other conventional portable power sources such as batteries and traditional fuel cells. In this work we examined the yeast catalyzed microbial fuel cell and developed methods to increase the power density from such fuel cells. A combination of cyclic voltammetry and optical absorption measurements were used to establish significant adsorption of electron mediators by the microbes. Mediator adsorption was demonstrated to be an important limitation in achieving high power densities in yeast-catalyzed microbial fuel cells. Specifically, the power densities are low for the length of time mediator adsorption continues to occur. Once the mediator adsorption stops, the power densities increase. Rotating disk chronoamperometry was used to extract reaction rate information, and a simple kinetic expression was developed for the current observed in the anodic half-cell. Since the rate expression showed that the current was directly related to microbe concentration close to the electrode, methods to increase cell mass attached to the anode was investigated. Electrically biased electrodes were demonstrated to develop biofilm-like layers of the Baker's yeast with a high concentration of cells directly connected to the electrode. The increased cell mass did increase the power density 2 times compared to a non biofilm fuel cell, but the power density increase was shown to quickly saturate with cell mass attached on the electrode. Based on recent modelling data that suggested that the electrode currents might be limited by the poor electrical conductivity of the anode, the power density versus electrical conductivity of a yeast-immobilized anode was investigated. Introduction of high aspect ratio carbon fiber filaments to the immobilization matrix increased the electrical conductivity of the anode. Although a higher electrical conductivity clearly led to an increase in power densities, it was shown that the principal limitation to power density increase was coming from proton transfer limitations in the immobilized anode. Partial overcoming of the gradients lead a power density of ca. 250 microW cm-2, which is the highest reported for yeast powered MFCs. A yeast-catalyzed microbial fuel cell was investigated as a power source for low power sensors using raw tree sap. It was shown that yeast can efficiently utilize the sucrose present in the raw tree sap to produce electricity when excess salt is added to the medium. Therefore the salinity of a potential energy source is an important consideration when MFCs are being considered for energy harvesting from natural sources.

  18. A Ni-P@NiCo LDH core-shell nanorod-decorated nickel foam with enhanced areal specific capacitance for high-performance supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Xing, Jiale; Du, Jing; Zhang, Xuan; Shao, Yubo; Zhang, Ting; Xu, Cailing

    2017-08-14

    Recently, transition metal-based nanomaterials have played a key role in the applications of supercapacitors. In this study, nickel phosphide (Ni-P) was simply combined with NiCo LDH via facile phosphorization of Ni foam and subsequent electrodeposition to form core-shell nanorod arrays on the Ni foam; the Ni-P@NiCo LDH was then directly used for a pseudocapacitive electrode. Owing to the splendid synergistic effect between Ni-P and NiCo LDH nanosheets as well as the hierarchical structure of 1D nanorods, 2D nanosheets, and 3D Ni foam, the hybrid electrode exhibited significantly enhanced electrochemical performances. The Ni-P@NiCo LDH electrode showed a high specific capacitance of 12.9 F cm -2 at 5 mA cm -2 (3470.5 F g -1 at a current density of 1.3 A g -1 ) that remained as high as 6.4 F cm -2 at a high current density of 100 mA cm -2 (1700 F g -1 at 27 A g -1 ) and excellent cycling stability (96% capacity retention after 10 000 cycles at 40 mA cm -2 ). Furthermore, the asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs) were assembled using Ni-P@NiCo LDH as a positive electrode and activated carbon (AC) as a negative electrode. The obtained ASCs delivered remarkable energy density and power density as well as good cycling performance. The enhanced electrochemical activities open a new avenue for the development of supercapacitors.

  19. Bifunctional bamboo-like CoSe2 arrays for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitor and electrocatalytic oxygen evolution.

    PubMed

    Chen, Tian; Li, Songzhan; Gui, Pengbin; Wen, Jian; Fu, Xuemei; Fang, Guojia

    2018-05-18

    Bifunctional bamboo-like CoSe 2 arrays are synthesized by thermal annealing of Co(CO 3 ) 0.5 OH grown on carbon cloth in Se atmosphere. The CoSe 2 arrays obtained have excellent electrical conductivity, larger electrochemical active surface areas, and can directly serve as a binder-free electrode for supercapacitors and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). When tested as a supercapacitor electrode, the CoSe 2 delivers a higher specific capacitance (544.6 F g -1 at current density of 1 mA cm -2 ) compared with CoO (308.2 F g -1 ) or Co 3 O 4 (201.4 F g -1 ). In addition, the CoSe 2 electrode possesses excellent cycling stability. An asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) is also assembled based on bamboo-like CoSe 2 as a positive electrode and active carbon as a negative electrode in a 3.0 M KOH aqueous electrolyte. Owing to the unique stucture and good electrochemical performance of bamboo-like CoSe 2 , the as-assembled ACS can achieve a maximum operating voltage window of 1.7 V, a high energy density of 20.2 Wh kg -1 at a power density of 144.1 W kg -1 , and an outstanding cyclic stability. As the catalyst for the OER, the CoSe 2 exhibits a lower potential of 1.55 V (versus RHE) at current density of 10 mA cm -2 , a smaller Tafel slope of 62.5 mV dec -1 and an also outstanding stability.

  20. Bifunctional bamboo-like CoSe2 arrays for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitor and electrocatalytic oxygen evolution

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Tian; Li, Songzhan; Gui, Pengbin; Wen, Jian; Fu, Xuemei; Fang, Guojia

    2018-05-01

    Bifunctional bamboo-like CoSe2 arrays are synthesized by thermal annealing of Co(CO3)0.5OH grown on carbon cloth in Se atmosphere. The CoSe2 arrays obtained have excellent electrical conductivity, larger electrochemical active surface areas, and can directly serve as a binder-free electrode for supercapacitors and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). When tested as a supercapacitor electrode, the CoSe2 delivers a higher specific capacitance (544.6 F g‑1 at current density of 1 mA cm‑2) compared with CoO (308.2 F g‑1) or Co3O4 (201.4 F g‑1). In addition, the CoSe2 electrode possesses excellent cycling stability. An asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) is also assembled based on bamboo-like CoSe2 as a positive electrode and active carbon as a negative electrode in a 3.0 M KOH aqueous electrolyte. Owing to the unique stucture and good electrochemical performance of bamboo-like CoSe2, the as-assembled ACS can achieve a maximum operating voltage window of 1.7 V, a high energy density of 20.2 Wh kg‑1 at a power density of 144.1 W kg‑1, and an outstanding cyclic stability. As the catalyst for the OER, the CoSe2 exhibits a lower potential of 1.55 V (versus RHE) at current density of 10 mA cm‑2, a smaller Tafel slope of 62.5 mV dec‑1 and an also outstanding stability.

  1. Research on Plasma Synthetic Jet Actuator

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Che, X. K.; Nie, W. S.; Hou, Z. Y.

    2011-09-01

    Circular dielectric barrier surface discharge (DBDs) actuator is a new concept of zero mass synthetic jet actuator. The characteristic of discharge and flow control effect of annular-circular plasma synthetic jet actuator has been studied by means of of numerical simulation and experiment. The discharge current density, electron density, electrostatic body force density and flowfield have been obtained. The results show annular-circular actuator can produce normal jet whose velocity will be greater than 2.0 m/s. The jet will excite circumfluence. In order to insure the discharge is generated in the exposed electrode annular and produce centripetal and normal electrostatic body force, the width and annular diameter of exposed electrode must be big enough, or an opposite phase drove voltage potential should be applied between the two electrodes.

  2. Silicone Molding and Lifetime Testing of Peripheral Nerve Interfaces for Neuroprostheses

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gupte, Kimaya; Tolosa, Vanessa

    Implantable peripheral nerve cuffs have a large application in neuroprostheses as they can be used to restore sensation to those with upper limb amputations. Modern day prosthetics, while lessening the pain associated with phantom limb syndrome, have limited fine motor control and do not provide sensory feedback to patients. Sensory feedback with prosthetics requires communication between the nervous system and limbs, and is still a challenge to accomplish with amputees. Establishing this communication between the peripheral nerves in the arm and artificial limbs is vital as prosthetics research aims to provide sensory feedback to amputees. Peripheral nerve cuffs restore sensationmore » by electrically stimulating certain parts of the nerve in order to create feeling in the hand. Cuff electrodes have an advantage over standard electrodes as they have high selective stimulation by bringing the electrical interface close to the neural tissue in order to selectively activate targeted regions of a peripheral nerve. In order to further improve the selective stimulation of these nerve cuffs, there is need for finer spatial resolution among electrodes. One method to achieve a higher spatial resolution is to increase the electrode density on the cuff itself. Microfabrication techniques can be used to achieve this higher electrode density. Using L-Edit, a layout editor, microfabricated peripheral nerve cuffs were designed with a higher electrode density than the current model. This increase in electrode density translates to an increase in spatial resolution by at least one order of magnitude. Microfabricated devices also have two separate components that are necessary to understand before implantation: lifetime of the device and assembly to prevent nerve damage. Silicone molding procedures were optimized so that devices do not damage nerves in vivo, and lifetime testing was performed on test microfabricated devices to determine their lifetime in vivo. Future work of this project would include fabricating some of the designed devices and seeing how they compare to the current cuffs in terms of their electrical performance, lifetime, shape, and mechanical properties.« less

  3. Exploration of the Memory Effect on the Photon-Assisted Tunneling via a Single Quantum Dot:. a Generalized Floquet Theoretical Approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Hsing-Ta; Ho, Tak-San; Chu, Shih-I.

    The generalized Floquet approach is developed to study memory effect on electron transport phenomena through a periodically driven single quantum dot in an electrode-multi-level dot-electrode nanoscale quantum device. The memory effect is treated using a multi-function Lorentzian spectral density (LSD) model that mimics the spectral density of each electrode in terms of multiple Lorentzian functions. For the symmetric single-function LSD model involving a single-level dot, the underlying single-particle propagator is shown to be related to a 2×2 effective time-dependent Hamiltonian that includes both the periodic external field and the electrode memory effect. By invoking the generalized Van Vleck (GVV) nearly degenerate perturbation theory, an analytical Tien-Gordon-like expression is derived for arbitrary order multi-photon resonance d.c. tunneling current. Numerically converged simulations and the GVV analytical results are in good agreement, revealing the origin of multi-photon coherent destruction of tunneling and accounting for the suppression of the staircase jumps of d.c. current due to the memory effect. Specially, a novel blockade phenomenon is observed, showing distinctive oscillations in the field-induced current in the large bias voltage limit.

  4. Flexible asymmetric supercapacitors with high energy and high power density in aqueous electrolytes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cheng, Yingwen; Zhang, Hongbo; Lu, Songtao; Varanasi, Chakrapani V.; Liu, Jie

    2013-01-01

    Supercapacitors with both high energy and high power densities are critical for many practical applications. In this paper, we discuss the design and demonstrate the fabrication of flexible asymmetric supercapacitors based on nanocomposite electrodes of MnO2, activated carbon, carbon nanotubes and graphene. The combined unique properties of each of these components enable highly flexible and mechanically strong films that can serve as electrodes directly without using any current collectors or binders. Using these flexible electrodes and a roll-up approach, asymmetric supercapacitors with 2 V working voltage were successfully fabricated. The fabricated device showed excellent rate capability, with 78% of the original capacitance retained when the scan rate was increased from 2 mV s-1 to 500 mV s-1. Owing to the unique composite structure, these supercapacitors were able to deliver high energy density (24 W h kg-1) under high power density (7.8 kW kg-1) conditions. These features could enable supercapacitor based energy storage systems to be very attractive for a variety of critical applications, such as the power sources in hybrid electric vehicles and the back-up powers for wind and solar energy, where both high energy density and high power density are required.Supercapacitors with both high energy and high power densities are critical for many practical applications. In this paper, we discuss the design and demonstrate the fabrication of flexible asymmetric supercapacitors based on nanocomposite electrodes of MnO2, activated carbon, carbon nanotubes and graphene. The combined unique properties of each of these components enable highly flexible and mechanically strong films that can serve as electrodes directly without using any current collectors or binders. Using these flexible electrodes and a roll-up approach, asymmetric supercapacitors with 2 V working voltage were successfully fabricated. The fabricated device showed excellent rate capability, with 78% of the original capacitance retained when the scan rate was increased from 2 mV s-1 to 500 mV s-1. Owing to the unique composite structure, these supercapacitors were able to deliver high energy density (24 W h kg-1) under high power density (7.8 kW kg-1) conditions. These features could enable supercapacitor based energy storage systems to be very attractive for a variety of critical applications, such as the power sources in hybrid electric vehicles and the back-up powers for wind and solar energy, where both high energy density and high power density are required. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c2nr33136e

  5. Flexible superior electrode architectures based on three-dimensional porous spinous α-Fe2O3 with a high performance as a supercapacitor.

    PubMed

    Nan, Honghong; Yu, Liutao; Ma, Wenqin; Geng, Baoyou; Zhang, Xiaojun

    2015-05-28

    Flexible supercapacitors have recently attracted increasing attention as they show unique promising advantages, such as flexibility and shape diversity, and they are light-weight and so on. Herein, we designed a series of 3D porous spinous iron oxide materials synthesized on a thin iron plate through a facile method under mild conditions. The unique nanostructural features endow them with excellent electrochemical performance. The electrochemical properties of the integrated electrodes as active electrode materials for supercapacitors have been investigated using different electrochemical techniques including cyclic voltammetry, and galvanostatic charge-discharge in Na2SO4 and LiPF6/EC : DEC electrolyte solutions. These integrated electrodes showed high specific capacitance (as high as 524.6 F g(-1) at the current density of 1 A g(-1)) in 1.0 M Na2SO4 (see Table S1). Moreover, the integrated electrodes also show high power densities and high energy densities in a LiPF6/EC : DEC electrolyte solution; for example, the energy densities were 319.3, 252.5, 152.1, 74.13 and 38.6 W h kg(-1) at different power densities of 8.81, 21.59, 56.65, 92.09 and 152.64 kW kg(-1), respectively. Additionally, the flexible superior electrode exhibited excellent stability with capacitance retention of 92.9% after 5000 cycles. Therefore, such flexible integrated devices might be used in smart and portable electronics.

  6. Response of the plasma to the size of an anode electrode biased near the plasma potential

    DOE PAGES

    Barnat, E. V.; Laity, G. R.; Baalrud, S. D.

    2014-10-01

    As the size of a positively biased electrode increases, the nature of the interface formed between the electrode and the host plasma undergoes a transition from an electron-rich structure (electron sheath) to an intermediate structure containing both ion and electron rich regions (double layer) and ultimately forms an electron-depleted structure (ion sheath). In this study, measurements are performed to further test how the size of an electron-collecting electrode impacts the plasma discharge the electrode is immersed in. This is accomplished using a segmented disk electrode in which individual segments are individually biased to change the effective surface area of themore » anode. Measurements of bulk plasma parameters such as the collected current density, plasma potential, electron density, electron temperature and optical emission are made as both the size and the bias placed on the electrode are varied. Abrupt transitions in the plasma parameters resulting from changing the electrode surface area are identified in both argon and helium discharges and are compared to the interface transitions predicted by global current balance [S. D. Baalrud, N. Hershkowitz, and B. Longmier, Phys. Plasmas 14, 042109 (2007)]. While the size-dependent transitions in argon agree, the size-dependent transitions observed in helium systematically occur at lower electrode sizes than those nominally derived from prediction. Thus, the discrepancy in helium is anticipated to be caused by the finite size of the interface that increases the effective area offered to the plasma for electron loss to the electrode.« less

  7. Modeling of Optical Waveguide Poling and Thermally Stimulated Discharge (TSD) Charge and Current Densities for Guest/Host Electro Optic Polymers

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Watson, Michael D.; Ashley, Paul R.; Abushagur, Mustafa

    2004-01-01

    A charge density and current density model of a waveguide system has been developed to explore the effects of electric field electrode poling. An optical waveguide may be modeled during poling by considering the dielectric charge distribution, polarization charge distribution, and conduction charge generated by the poling field. These charge distributions are the source of poling current densities. The model shows that boundary charge current density and polarization current density are the major source of currents measured during poling and thermally stimulated discharge These charge distributions provide insight into the poling mechanisms and are directly related to E(sub A), and, alpha(sub r). Initial comparisons with experimental data show excellent correlation to the model results.

  8. In situ electrochemical investigations of the kinetic and thermodynamic properties of nickel-metal hydride traction batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Xiao Guang; Liaw, Bor Yann

    Although large ampere hour nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) traction batteries are in the stage of being commercialized for electric and hybrid vehicle applications, little is known about their performance characteristics. By using a standard Hg/HgO reference electrode in a commercial Ni-MH battery, we were able to conduct in situ measurements to determine both kinetic and thermodynamic properties of the system, including the characteristics of individual electrodes. Using the galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT), we simultaneously and effectively determined the open-circuit voltage of the battery, the equilibrium electrode potentials, and the diffusion coefficient of proton and hydrogen in the nickel and metal hydride electrode, respectively, as a function of the states of charge (SOC). Using the current-step excitation technique, we found that the internal resistance of the battery primarily comes from the metal hydride electrode, which is greater by one order of magnitude than that of the Ni electrode. The cyclic linear micro-polarization experiments, on the other hand, showed that the charge-transfer resistance of the electrochemical reaction at the metal hydride electrode is about twice larger than that of the Ni counterpart above 20% SOC. In comparison, the internal resistance is an order of magnitude smaller than those of the electrochemical charge-transfer reactions. The micro-polarization technique also allowed us to calculate the exchange current densities of the respective electrode electrochemical reactions and the associated specific exchange current densities. These in situ, simple but detailed, characterizations of the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of the Ni-MH system provided valuable information for better understanding of the battery performance.

  9. Green synthesis of in situ electrodeposited rGO/MnO2 nanocomposite for high energy density supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Rusi; Majid, S R

    2015-11-05

    This paper presents the preparation of in situ electrodeposited rGO/MnO2 nanocomposite as a binder-free electrode for supercapacitor application. The work describes and evaluates the performance of prepared electrode via green and facile electrodeposition technique of in situ rGO/MnO2-glucose carbon nanocomposites. The carbon content in the composite electrode increased after GO and D (+) glucose solution has been added in the deposition electrolyte. This study found that a suitable concentration of D (+) glucose in the deposition electrolyte can slow down the nucleation process of MnO2 particles and lead to uniform and ultrathin nanoflakes structure. The optimize electrode exhibited low transfer resistance and resulted on excellent electrochemical performance in three electrolyte systems viz. Na2SO4, KOH and KOH/K3Fe(CN)6 redox electrolytes. The optimum energy density and power density were 1851 Whkg(-1) and 68 kWkg(-1) at current density of 20 Ag(-1) in mixed KOH/K3Fe(CN)6 electrolyte.

  10. Green synthesis of in situ electrodeposited rGO/MnO2 nanocomposite for high energy density supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rusi; Majid, S. R.

    2015-11-01

    This paper presents the preparation of in situ electrodeposited rGO/MnO2 nanocomposite as a binder-free electrode for supercapacitor application. The work describes and evaluates the performance of prepared electrode via green and facile electrodeposition technique of in situ rGO/MnO2-glucose carbon nanocomposites. The carbon content in the composite electrode increased after GO and D (+) glucose solution has been added in the deposition electrolyte. This study found that a suitable concentration of D (+) glucose in the deposition electrolyte can slow down the nucleation process of MnO2 particles and lead to uniform and ultrathin nanoflakes structure. The optimize electrode exhibited low transfer resistance and resulted on excellent electrochemical performance in three electrolyte systems viz. Na2SO4, KOH and KOH/K3Fe(CN)6 redox electrolytes. The optimum energy density and power density were 1851 Whkg-1 and 68 kWkg-1 at current density of 20 Ag-1 in mixed KOH/K3Fe(CN)6 electrolyte.

  11. Green synthesis of in situ electrodeposited rGO/MnO2 nanocomposite for high energy density supercapacitors

    PubMed Central

    Rusi; Majid, S. R.

    2015-01-01

    This paper presents the preparation of in situ electrodeposited rGO/MnO2 nanocomposite as a binder-free electrode for supercapacitor application. The work describes and evaluates the performance of prepared electrode via green and facile electrodeposition technique of in situ rGO/MnO2-glucose carbon nanocomposites. The carbon content in the composite electrode increased after GO and D (+) glucose solution has been added in the deposition electrolyte. This study found that a suitable concentration of D (+) glucose in the deposition electrolyte can slow down the nucleation process of MnO2 particles and lead to uniform and ultrathin nanoflakes structure. The optimize electrode exhibited low transfer resistance and resulted on excellent electrochemical performance in three electrolyte systems viz. Na2SO4, KOH and KOH/K3Fe(CN)6 redox electrolytes. The optimum energy density and power density were 1851 Whkg−1 and 68 kWkg−1 at current density of 20 Ag−1 in mixed KOH/K3Fe(CN)6 electrolyte. PMID:26537363

  12. Polyaniline nanowire array encapsulated in titania nanotubes as a superior electrode for supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xie, Keyu; Li, Jie; Lai, Yanqing; Zhang, Zhi'an; Liu, Yexiang; Zhang, Guoge; Huang, Haitao

    2011-05-01

    Conducting polymer with 1D nanostructure exhibits excellent electrochemical performances but a poor cyclability that limits its use in supercapacitors. In this work, a novel composite electrode made of polyaniline nanowire-titania nanotube array was synthesized via a simple and inexpensive electrochemical route by electropolymerizing aniline onto an anodized titania nanotube array. The specific capacitance was as high as 732 F g-1 at 1 A g-1, which remained at 543 F g-1 when the current density was increased by 20 times. 74% of the maximum energy density (36.6 Wh kg-1) was maintained even at a high power density of 6000 W kg-1. An excellent long cycle life of the electrode was observed with a retention of ~86% of the initial specific capacitance after 2000 cycles. The good electrochemical performance was attributed to the unique microstructure of the electrode with disordered PANI nanowire arrays encapsulated inside the TiO2 nanotubes, providing high surface area, fast diffusion path for ions and long-term cycle stability. Such a nanocomposite electrode is attractive for supercapacitor applications.

  13. Microwave synthesis of three-dimensional nickel cobalt sulfide nanosheets grown on nickel foam for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Wang, Fangping; Li, Guifang; Zheng, Jinfeng; Ma, Jing; Yang, Caixia; Wang, Qizhao

    2018-04-15

    A facile and cost-effective microwave method is developed to prepare ternary nickel cobalt sulfide (NiCo 2 S 4 ) interconnected nanosheet arrays on nickel foam (NF). When acting as an electrochemical supercapacitor electrode material, the as-prepared NiCo 2 S 4 /NF shows a high specific capacitance of 1502 F g -1 at a current density of 1 A g -1 , and outstanding cycling stability of 91% capacitance retention after 8000 cycles. In addition, a asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) is composed of NiCo 2 S 4 /NF as positive electrode and activated carbon as negative electrode, which exhibits a high energy density of 34.7 W h kg -1 at a power density of 750 W kg -1 and long-term cyclic stability (83.7% capacity retention after 8000 cycles). Even at a high power density of 15 kW kg -1 , it still remains an energy density of 17.9 W h kg -1 , which is able to light up a light-emitting diode. These findings provide a new and facile approach to fabricate high-performance electrode for supercapacitors. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Improved transfer of graphene for gated Schottky-junction, vertical, organic, field-effect transistors.

    PubMed

    Lemaitre, Maxime G; Donoghue, Evan P; McCarthy, Mitchell A; Liu, Bo; Tongay, Sefaattin; Gila, Brent; Kumar, Purushottam; Singh, Rajiv K; Appleton, Bill R; Rinzler, Andrew G

    2012-10-23

    An improved process for graphene transfer was used to demonstrate high performance graphene enabled vertical organic field effect transistors (G-VFETs). The process reduces disorder and eliminates the polymeric residue that typically plagues transferred films. The method also allows for purposely creating pores in the graphene of a controlled areal density. Transconductance observed in G-VFETs fabricated with a continuous (pore-free) graphene source electrode is attributed to modulation of the contact barrier height between the graphene and organic semiconductor due to a gate field induced Fermi level shift in the low density of electronic-states graphene electrode. Pores introduced in the graphene source electrode are shown to boost the G-VFET performance, which scales with the areal pore density taking advantage of both barrier height lowering and tunnel barrier thinning. Devices with areal pore densities of 20% exhibit on/off ratios and output current densities exceeding 10(6) and 200 mA/cm(2), respectively, at drain voltages below 5 V.

  15. Vertically porous nickel thin film supported Mn3O4 for enhanced energy storage performance.

    PubMed

    Li, Xiao-Jun; Song, Zhi-Wei; Zhao, Yong; Wang, Yue; Zhao, Xiu-Chen; Liang, Minghui; Chu, Wei-Guo; Jiang, Peng; Liu, Ying

    2016-12-01

    Three-dimensionally porous metal materials are often used as the current collectors and support for the active materials of supercapacitors. However, the applications of vertically porous metal materials in supercapacitors are rarely reported, and the effect of vertically porous metal materials on the energy storage performance of supported metal oxides is not explored. To this end, the Mn3O4-vertically porous nickel (VPN) electrodes are fabricated via a template-free method. The Mn3O4-VPN electrode shows much higher volumetric specific capacitances than that of flat nickel film supported Mn3O4 with the same loading under the same measurement conditions. The volumetric specific capacitance of the vertically porous nickel supported Mn3O4 electrode can reach 533Fcm(-3) at the scan rate of 2mVs(-1). The fabricated flexible all-solid microsupercapacitor based on the interdigital Mn3O4-VPN electrode has a volumetric specific capacitance of 110Fcm(-3) at the current density of 20μAcm(-2). The capacitance retention rate of this microsupercapacitor reaches 95% after 5000 cycles under the current density of 20μAcm(-2). The vertical pores in the nickel electrode not only fit the micro/nanofabrication process of the Mn3O4-VPN electrode, but also play an important role in enhancing the capacitive performances of supported Mn3O4 particles. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Electric field distribution and current emission in a miniaturized geometrical diode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lin, Jinpu; Wong, Patrick Y.; Yang, Penglu; Lau, Y. Y.; Tang, W.; Zhang, Peng

    2017-06-01

    We study the electric field distribution and current emission in a miniaturized geometrical diode. Using Schwarz-Christoffel transformation, we calculate exactly the electric field inside a finite vacuum cathode-anode (A-K) gap with a single trapezoid protrusion on one of the electrode surfaces. It is found that there is a strong field enhancement on both electrodes near the protrusion, when the ratio of the A-K gap distance to the protrusion height d /h <2. The calculations are spot checked against COMSOL simulations. We calculate the effective field enhancement factor for the field emission current, by integrating the local Fowler-Nordheim current density along the electrode surfaces. We systematically examine the electric field enhancement and the current rectification of the miniaturized geometrical diode for various geometric dimensions and applied electric fields.

  17. PEDOT as a Flexible Organic Electrode for a Thin Film Acoustic Energy Harvester.

    PubMed

    Kim, Younghoon; Na, Jongbeom; Park, Chihyun; Shin, Haijin; Kim, Eunkyoung

    2015-08-05

    An efficient thin film acoustic energy harvester was explored using flexible poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDOT) films as electrodes in an all-organic triboelectric generator (AO-TEG). A thin film AO-TEG structured as PEDOT/Kapton//PET/PEDOT was prepared by the solution casting polymerization(SCP) on the dielectric polymer films. As-prepared AO-TEG showed high flexibility and durability due to the strong adhesion between the electrodes and the dielectric polymer. The short-circuit current density (Jsc), open-circuit voltage (Voc), and maximum power density (Pw) reached 50 mA/m(2), 700 V, and 12.9 W/m(2) respectively. The output current density decreased with the increase in the electrode resistance (Re), but the energy loss in the organic electrodes was negligible. The AO-TEG could light up 180 LEDs instantaneously upon touching of the AO-TEG with a palm (∼120 N). With the flexible structure, the AO-TEG was worn as clothes and generated electricity to light LEDs upon regular human movement. Furthermore, the AO-TEG was applicable as a thin film acoustic energy harvester, which used music to generate electricity enough for powering of 5 LEDs. An AO-TEG with a PEDOT electrode (Re = 200 Ω) showed instantaneous peak-to-peak voltage generation of 11 V under a sound pressure level (SPL) of 90-100 dB. The harvested acoustic energy through the AO-TEG was 350 μJ from the 4 min playing of the same single song. This is the first demonstration of a flexible triboelectric generator (TEG) using an organic electrode for harvesting acoustic energy from ambient environment.

  18. Vertical distribution of overpotentials and irreversible charge losses in lithium ion battery electrodes.

    PubMed

    Klink, Stefan; Schuhmann, Wolfgang; La Mantia, Fabio

    2014-08-01

    Porous lithium ion battery electrodes are characterized using a vertical distribution of cross-currents. In an appropriate simplification, this distribution can be described by a transmission line model (TLM) consisting of infinitely thin electrode layers. To investigate the vertical distribution of currents, overpotentials, and irreversible charge losses in a porous graphite electrode in situ, a multi-layered working electrode (MWE) was developed as the experimental analogue of a TLM. In this MWE, each layer is in ionic contact but electrically insulated from the other layers by a porous separator. It was found that the negative graphite electrodes get lithiated and delithiated stage-by-stage and layer-by-layer. Several mass-transport- as well as non-mass-transport-limited processes could be identified. Local current densities can reach double the average, especially on the outermost layer at the beginning of each intercalation stage. Furthermore, graphite particles close to the counter electrode act as "electrochemical sieve" reducing the impurities present in the electrolyte such as water. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  19. Electrocatalytic performance of fuel cell reactions at low catalyst loading and high mass transport.

    PubMed

    Zalitis, Christopher M; Kramer, Denis; Kucernak, Anthony R

    2013-03-28

    An alternative approach to the rotating disk electrode (RDE) for characterising fuel cell electrocatalysts is presented. The approach combines high mass transport with a flat, uniform, and homogeneous catalyst deposition process, well suited for studying intrinsic catalyst properties at realistic operating conditions of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC). Uniform catalyst layers were produced with loadings as low as 0.16 μgPt cm(-2) and thicknesses as low as 200 nm. Such ultra thin catalyst layers are considered advantageous to minimize internal resistances and mass transport limitations. Geometric current densities as high as 5.7 A cm(-2)Geo were experimentally achieved at a loading of 10.15 μgPt cm(-2) for the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) at room temperature, which is three orders of magnitude higher than current densities achievable with the RDE. Modelling of the associated diffusion field suggests that such high performance is enabled by fast lateral diffusion within the electrode. The electrodes operate over a wide potential range with insignificant mass transport losses, allowing the study of the ORR at high overpotentials. Electrodes produced a specific current density of 31 ± 9 mA cm(-2)Spec at a potential of 0.65 V vs. RHE for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and 600 ± 60 mA cm(-2)Spec for the peak potential of the HOR. The mass activity of a commercial 60 wt% Pt/C catalyst towards the ORR was found to exceed a range of literature PEFC mass activities across the entire potential range. The HOR also revealed fine structure in the limiting current range and an asymptotic current decay for potentials above 0.36 V. These characteristics are not visible with techniques limited by mass transport in aqueous media such as the RDE.

  20. Highly active, bi-functional and metal-free B4C-nanoparticle-modified graphite felt electrodes for vanadium redox flow batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jiang, H. R.; Shyy, W.; Wu, M. C.; Wei, L.; Zhao, T. S.

    2017-10-01

    The potential of B4C as a metal-free catalyst for vanadium redox reactions is investigated by first-principles calculations. Results show that the central carbon atom of B4C can act as a highly active reaction site for redox reactions, due primarily to the abundant unpaired electrons around it. The catalytic effect is then verified experimentally by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests, both of which demonstrate that B4C nanoparticles can enhance the kinetics for both V2+/V3+ and VO2+/VO2+ redox reactions, indicating a bi-functional effect. The B4C-nanoparticle-modified graphite felt electrodes are finally prepared and tested in vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs). It is shown that the batteries with the prepared electrodes exhibit energy efficiencies of 88.9% and 80.0% at the current densities of 80 and 160 mA cm-2, which are 16.6% and 18.8% higher than those with the original graphite felt electrodes. With a further increase in current densities to 240 and 320 mA cm-2, the batteries can still maintain energy efficiencies of 72.0% and 63.8%, respectively. All these results show that the B4C-nanoparticle-modified graphite felt electrode outperforms existing metal-free catalyst modified electrodes, and thus can be promising electrodes for VRFBs.

  1. Treatment of automotive industry oily wastewater by electrocoagulation: statistical optimization of the operational parameters.

    PubMed

    GilPavas, Edison; Molina-Tirado, Kevin; Gómez-García, Miguel Angel

    2009-01-01

    An electrocoagulation process was used for the treatment of oily wastewater generated from an automotive industry in Medellín (Colombia). An electrochemical cell consisting of four parallel electrodes (Fe and Al) in bipolar configuration was implemented. A multifactorial experimental design was used for evaluating the influence of several parameters including: type and arrangement of electrodes, pH, and current density. Oil and grease removal was defined as the response variable for the statistical analysis. Additionally, the BOD(5), COD, and TOC were monitored during the treatment process. According to the results, at the optimum parameter values (current density = 4.3 mA/cm(2), distance between electrodes = 1.5 cm, Fe as anode, and pH = 12) it was possible to reach a c.a. 95% oils removal, COD and mineralization of 87.4% and 70.6%, respectively. A final biodegradability (BOD(5)/COD) of 0.54 was reached.

  2. Three-dimensional sulphur/nitrogen co-doped reduced graphene oxide as high-performance supercapacitor binder-free electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huo, Jinghao; Zheng, Peng; Wang, Xiaofei; Guo, Shouwu

    2018-06-01

    Sulphur/nitrogen co-doped reduced graphene oxide (SNG) aerogels were prepared by a simple solvothermal method with l-cysteine-assisted in ethylene glycol. The morphology and composition tests showed that the S/N heteroatoms were evenly distributed on SNG microsheets, and these microsheets were further composed of SNG aerogels with three-dimensional (3D) porous structure. The cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge tests illustrated the SNG bind-free electrode possessed electric double-layer capacitance and pseudocapacitance, and had a capacitance of 254 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1. After the 5000 cycles tests, the capacitance retained 83.54% at a current density of 2 A g-1. Meanwhile, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data shown the electrode materials had excellent capacity and good conductivity. Hence, the SNG aerogel prepared by l-cysteine-assisted solvothermal method is a great material for high-performance supercapacitors.

  3. Optimizing electrocoagulation process using experimental design for COD removal from unsanitary landfill leachate.

    PubMed

    Ogedey, Aysenur; Tanyol, Mehtap

    2017-12-01

    Leachate is the most difficult wastewater to be treated due to its complex content and high pollution release. For this reason, since it is not possible to be treated with a single process, a pre-treatment is needed. In the present study, a batch electrocoagulation reactor containing aluminum and iron electrodes was used to reduce chemical oxygen demand (COD) from landfill leachate (Tunceli, Turkey). Optimization of COD elimination was carried out with response surface methodology to describe the interaction effect of four main process independent parameters (current density, inter-electrode distance, pH and time of electrolysis). The optimum current density, inter-electrode distance, pH and time of electrolysis for maximum COD removal (43%) were found to be 19.42 mA/m 2 , 0.96 cm, 7.23 and 67.64 min, respectively. The results shown that the electrocoagulation process can be used as a pre-treatment step for leachate.

  4. Enhanced electrochemical capacitance of polyimidazole coated covellite CuS dispersed CNT composite materials for application in supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Ravi, Seenu; Gopi, Chandu V V M; Kim, Hee Je

    2016-08-02

    Great attention has been paid to the design and synthesis of distinct core/shell heterostructures for high-performance supercapacitors. We have prepared unique heterostructures consisting of polyimidazole-coated copper sulphide over a carbon nanotube network (CuS@CNT) on nickel foam, which was accomplished through a facile and cost-effective solvothermal method combined with a dip coating process. Hexagonal covellite CuS nanoparticles were dispersed on CNTs using a solvothermal method where dimethylformamide and distilled water were used as solvents. The synthesized CuS and CuS@CNT supercapacitor electrode materials were thoroughly characterized. The polymer supported electrode (PIM/CuS@CNT) shows a high areal capacitance of 1.51 F cm(-2) at a current density of 1.2 A g(-1), which is higher than the CuS@CNT electrode and many other previously reported CuS electrode materials. After 1000 cycles at a high current density of 1.2 A g(-1), the retention rate is 92%, indicating good long-term cycling stability. These results indicate that the PIM/CuS@CNT electrode is promising for high-performance supercapacitor applications.

  5. Freestanding eggshell membrane-based electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors and oxygen evolution reaction.

    PubMed

    Geng, Jing; Wu, Hao; Al-Enizi, Abdullah M; Elzatahry, Ahmed A; Zheng, Gengfeng

    2015-09-14

    A type of freestanding, light-weight eggshell membrane-based electrode is demonstrated for supercapacitors and for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysis. As a widely available daily waste, eggshell membranes have unique porous three-dimensional grid-like fibrous structures with relatively high surface area and abundant macropores, allowing for effective conjugation of carbon nanotubes and growth of NiCo2O4 nanowire arrays, an effective supercapacitor material and OER catalyst. The three-dimensional fibrous eggshell membrane frameworks with carbon nanotubes offer efficient pathways for charge transport, and the macropores between adjacent fibers are fully accessible for electrolytes and bubble evolution. As a supercapacitor, the eggshell membrane/carbon nanotube/NiCo2O4 electrode shows high specific capacitances at current densities from 1 to 20 A g(-1), with excellent capacitance retention (>90%) at 10 A g(-1) for over 10,000 cycles. When employed as an OER catalyst, this eggshell membrane-based electrode exhibits an OER onset potential of 1.53 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), and a stable catalytic current density of 20 mA cm(-2) at 1.65 V vs. the RHE.

  6. 18.4%-Efficient Heterojunction Si Solar Cells Using Optimized ITO/Top Electrode.

    PubMed

    Kim, Namwoo; Um, Han-Don; Choi, Inwoo; Kim, Ka-Hyun; Seo, Kwanyong

    2016-05-11

    We optimize the thickness of a transparent conducting oxide (TCO) layer, and apply a microscale mesh-pattern metal electrode for high-efficiency a-Si/c-Si heterojunction solar cells. A solar cell equipped with the proposed microgrid metal electrode demonstrates a high short-circuit current density (JSC) of 40.1 mA/cm(2), and achieves a high efficiency of 18.4% with an open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 618 mV and a fill factor (FF) of 74.1% as result of the shortened carrier path length and the decreased electrode area of the microgrid metal electrode. Furthermore, by optimizing the process sequence for electrode formation, we are able to effectively restore the reduction in VOC that occurs during the microgrid metal electrode formation process. This work is expected to become a fundamental study that can effectively improve current loss in a-Si/c-Si heterojunction solar cells through the optimization of transparent and metal electrodes.

  7. Directly Grown Nanostructured Electrodes for High Volumetric Energy Density Binder-Free Hybrid Supercapacitors: A Case Study of CNTs//Li4Ti5O12

    PubMed Central

    Zuo, Wenhua; Wang, Chong; Li, Yuanyuan; Liu, Jinping

    2015-01-01

    Hybrid supercapacitor (HSC), which typically consists of a Li-ion battery electrode and an electric double-layer supercapacitor electrode, has been extensively investigated for large-scale applications such as hybrid electric vehicles, etc. Its application potential for thin-film downsized energy storage systems that always prefer high volumetric energy/power densities, however, has not yet been explored. Herein, as a case study, we develop an entirely binder-free HSC by using multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) network film as the cathode and Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) nanowire array as the anode and study the volumetric energy storage capability. Both the electrode materials are grown directly on carbon cloth current collector, ensuring robust mechanical/electrical contacts and flexibility. Our 3 V HSC device exhibits maximum volumetric energy density of ~4.38 mWh cm−3, much superior to those of previous supercapacitors based on thin-film electrodes fabricated directly on carbon cloth and even comparable to the commercial thin-film lithium battery. It also has volumetric power densities comparable to that of the commercial 5.5 V/100 mF supercapacitor (can be operated within 3 s) and has excellent cycling stability (~92% retention after 3000 cycles). The concept of utilizing binder-free electrodes to construct HSC for thin-film energy storage may be readily extended to other HSC electrode systems. PMID:25586374

  8. Solid oxide reversible cells (SORCs) using LaGaO3-based oxide electrolyte and oxide fuel electrode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ishihara, Tatsumi

    2017-09-01

    Activity of La0.8Sr0.2FeO3 (LSF) to the fuel electrode reaction in Solid Oxide Reversible Cells (SORCs) was investigated by using La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O3 (LSGM) and Ba0.6La0.4CoO3 (BLC) as electrolyte and air electrode, respectively. In electrolysis mode (SOEC), LSF electrode exhibited small overpotential under the atmosphere without H2 co-feeding; the current densities reached -1.42, -0.92, -0.36 A/cm2 at 1.4 V at 900, 800, 700 °C, respectively and H2 formation rate is well agreed with that estimated by Faraday's law. On the other hand, in the SOEC-SOFC reversible mode with the gas composition of 20% steam /20%H2/60%Ar, the maximum power densities of 0.42, 0.28, 0.11 W/cm2 were achieved at 900, 800 and 700 °C, respectively. In addition, the cyclic reversible operation was also investigated at 800 °C, and it was found that the cell showed high stability over 30 cycles. DC polarization measurement suggests that the exchange current density of LSF is 14 mA/cm2 at 700 °C, which is almost the same with that of Ni-YSZ reported. XRD measurement and SEM observation after the reversible measurement suggest that LSF is highly stable under SOEC-SOFC cyclic operation condition. Therefore, LSF is promising as the fuel electrode for SORCs, although the conductivity is not sufficiently high as electrode.

  9. Ni3Si2 nanowires grown in situ on Ni foam for high-performance supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jiang, Yizhe; Li, Zhihui; Li, Beibei; Zhang, Jinying; Niu, Chunming

    2016-07-01

    Ni3Si2 nanowires and nanoawls have grown in situ on the surface of Ni foams by a controlled low pressure chemical vapor deposition process. Structural characterization shows that the individual Ni3Si2 nanowire is single crystal covered with a thin layer (1-2 nm) of SiO2 with a diameter of ∼20-30 nm and length of ten's micrometers. Individual nanoawl with a circular cone shape is polycrystalline. Both Ni3Si2 nanowire and nanoawl samples are evaluated as potential electrode materials for supercapacitors. The nanowire electrode delivers a very high specific capacitance and excellent rate capability. A specific capacitance of 760 F g-1 is measured at current density of 0.5 A g-1, which decreases to 518 F g-1 when the current density increases to 10 A g-1. The capacitance is dominated by pseudocapacitance with a mechanism similar to that of NiO or Ni(OH)2 widely studied in the literature. An asymmetric supercapacitor fabricated by pairing Ni3Si2 nanowire electrode with an activated carbon electrode exhibits energy densities of 17.5 Wh kg-1 and 8.8 Wh kg-1 at power densites of 301 W kg-1 and 3000 W kg-1.

  10. High-performance supercapacitor electrode from cellulose-derived, inter-bonded carbon nanofibers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cai, Jie; Niu, Haitao; Wang, Hongxia; Shao, Hao; Fang, Jian; He, Jingren; Xiong, Hanguo; Ma, Chengjie; Lin, Tong

    2016-08-01

    Carbon nanofibers with inter-bonded fibrous structure show high supercapacitor performance when being used as electrode materials. Their preparation is highly desirable from cellulose through a pyrolysis technique, because cellulose is an abundant, low cost natural material and its carbonization does not emit toxic substance. However, interconnected carbon nanofibers prepared from electrospun cellulose nanofibers and their capacitive behaviors have not been reported in the research literature. Here we report a facile one-step strategy to prepare inter-bonded carbon nanofibers from partially hydrolyzed cellulose acetate nanofibers, for making high-performance supercapacitors as electrode materials. The inter-fiber connection shows considerable improvement in electrode electrochemical performances. The supercapacitor electrode has a specific capacitance of ∼241.4 F g-1 at 1 A g-1 current density. It maintains high cycling stability (negligible 0.1% capacitance reduction after 10,000 cycles) with a maximum power density of ∼84.1 kW kg-1. They may find applications in the development of efficient supercapacitor electrodes for energy storage applications.

  11. Amorphous Ni(Fe)OxHy-coated nanocone arrays self-supported on stainless steel mesh as a promising oxygen-evolving anode for large scale water splitting

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shen, Junyu; Wang, Mei; Zhao, Liang; Zhang, Peili; Jiang, Jian; Liu, Jinxuan

    2018-06-01

    The development of highly efficient, robust, and cheap water oxidation electrodes is a major challenge in constructing industrially applicable electrolyzers for large-scale production of hydrogen from water. Herein we report a hierarchical stainless steel mesh electrode which features Ni(Fe)OxHy-coated self-supported nanocone arrays. Through a facile, mild, low-cost and readily scalable two-step fabrication procedure, the electrochemically active area of the optimized electrode is enlarged by a factor of 3.1 and the specific activity is enhanced by a factor of 250 at 265 mV overpotential compared with that of a corresponding pristine stainless steel mesh electrode. Moreover, the charge-transfer resistance is reduced from 4.47 Ω for the stainless steel mesh electrode to 0.13 Ω for the Ni(Fe)OxHy-coated nanocone array stainless steel mesh electrode. As a result, the cheap and easily fabricated electrode displays 280 and 303 mV low overpotentials to achieve high current densities of 500 and 1000 mA cmgeo-2, respectively, for oxygen evolution reaction in 1 M KOH. More importantly, the electrode exhibits a good stability over 340 h of chronopotentiometric test at 50 mA cmgeo-2 and only a slight attenuation (4.2%, ∼15 mV) in catalytic activity over 82 h electrolysis at a constant current density of 500 mA cmgeo-2.

  12. Graphene-on-GaN Hot Electron Transistor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zubair, Ahmad; Nourbakhsh, Amirhasan; Hong, Jin-Yong; Song, Yi; Qi, Meng; Jena, Debdeep; Kong, Jing; Dresselhaus, Mildred S.; Palacios, Tomas

    Hot electron transistors (HETs) are promising devices for potential high-frequency operation that currently CMOS cannot provide. In an HET, carrier transport is due to the injection of hot electrons from an emitter to a collector which is modulated by a base electrode. Therefore, ultra-thin base electrodes are needed to facilitate ultra-short transit time and high performance for THz operation range. In this regard, graphene, the thinnest conductive membrane in nature, is considered the best candidate for the base material in HETs. The existing HETs with SiO2/Si as emitter stack suffer from low current gain and output current density. In this work, we use the two-dimensional electron gas (2-DEG) in a GaN-based heterostructure as emitter and monolayer graphene as the base electrode. The transport study of the proof-of-concept device shows high output current density (>50 A/cm2) , current gain (>3) and ballistic injection efficiency of 75%. These results indicate that performance parameters can be further improved by engineering the band offset of the graphene/collector stack and improved interface between graphene and GaN. Army Research Office (ARO) (Grant Nos. W911NF-14-2-0071, 6930265, and 6930861).

  13. Titanium plate supported MoS2 nanosheet arrays for supercapacitor application

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Lina; Ma, Ying; Yang, Min; Qi, Yanxing

    2017-02-01

    A promising new concept is to apply binder-free supercapacitor electrode by directly growing active materials on current collectors. However, there are many challenges to be solved, such as fabrication of well quality electronic contact and good mechanical stability films through a simple and feasible method. In this study, MoS2 nanosheet arrays supported on titanium plate has been synthesized by a hydrothermal method without other additives, surface active agents and toxic reagents. As the supercapacitor electrode, a good capacitance of 133 F g-1 is attained at a discharge current density of 1 A g-1. The specific energy density is 11.11 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 0.53 kW kg-1. Moreover, the electrode shows an excellent cyclic stability. The loss of capacity is only 7% even after 1000 cycles. In addition, the formation mechanism is proposed. The facile method of fabricating MoS2 nanosheet arrays on titanium plate affords an green and effective way to prepare other metal sulfides for the application in electrochemical capacitors.

  14. Methods for thermodynamic evaluation of battery state of health

    DOEpatents

    Yazami, Rachid; McMenamin, Joseph; Reynier, Yvan; Fultz, Brent T

    2013-05-21

    Described are systems and methods for accurately characterizing thermodynamic and materials properties of electrodes and battery systems and for characterizing the state of health of electrodes and battery systems. Measurement of physical attributes of electrodes and batteries corresponding to thermodynamically stabilized electrode conditions permit determination of thermodynamic parameters, including state functions such as the Gibbs free energy, enthalpy and entropy of electrode/electrochemical cell reactions, that enable prediction of important performance attributes of electrode materials and battery systems, such as energy, power density, current rate, cycle life and state of health. Also provided are systems and methods for charging a battery according to its state of health.

  15. Methods and systems for thermodynamic evaluation of battery state of health

    DOEpatents

    Yazami, Rachid; McMenamin, Joseph; Reynier, Yvan; Fultz, Brent T

    2014-12-02

    Described are systems and methods for accurately characterizing thermodynamic and materials properties of electrodes and battery systems and for characterizing the state of health of electrodes and battery systems. Measurement of physical attributes of electrodes and batteries corresponding to thermodynamically stabilized electrode conditions permit determination of thermodynamic parameters, including state functions such as the Gibbs free energy, enthalpy and entropy of electrode/electrochemical cell reactions, that enable prediction of important performance attributes of electrode materials and battery systems, such as energy, power density, current rate, cycle life and state of health. Also provided are systems and methods for charging a battery according to its state of health.

  16. Impurities, temperature, and density in a miniature electrostatic plasma and current source

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Den Hartog, D.J.; Craig, D.J.; Fiksel, G.

    1996-10-01

    We have spectroscopically investigated the Sterling Scientific miniature electrostatic plasma source-a plasma gun. This gun is a clean source of high density (10{sup 19} - 10{sup 20} m{sup -3}), low temperature (5 - 15 eV) plasma. A key result of our investigation is that molybdenum from the gun electrodes is largely trapped in the internal gun discharge; only a small amount escapes in the plasma flowing out of the gun. In addition, the gun plasma parameters actually improve (even lower impurity contamination and higher ion temperature) when up to 1 kA of electron current is extracted from the gun viamore » the application of an external bias. This improvement occurs because the internal gun anode no longer acts as the current return for the internal gun discharge. The gun plasma is a virtual plasma electrode capable of sourcing an electron emission current density of 1 kA/cm{sup 2}. The high emission current, small size (3 - 4 cm diameter), and low impurity generation make this gun attractive for a variety of fusion and plasma technology applications.« less

  17. Self-Assembly of Mesoporous Nanotubes Assembled from Interwoven Ultrathin Birnessite-type MnO2 Nanosheets for Asymmetric Supercapacitors

    PubMed Central

    Huang, Ming; Zhang, Yuxin; Li, Fei; Zhang, Lili; Ruoff, Rodney S.; Wen, Zhiyu; Liu, Qing

    2014-01-01

    Porous nanotubes comprised of MnO2 nanosheets were fabricated with a one-pot hydrothermal method using polycarbonate membrane as the template. The diameter and thickness of nanotubes can be controlled by choice of the membrane pore size and the chemistry. The porous MnO2 nanotubes were used as a supercapacitor electrode. The specific capacitance in a three-electrode system was 365 F g−1 at a current density of 0.25 A g−1 with capacitance retention of 90.4% after 3000 cycles. An asymmetric supercapacitor with porous MnO2 nanotubes as the positive electrode and activated graphene as the negative electrode yielded an energy density of 22.5 Wh kg−1 and a maximum power density of 146.2 kW kg−1; these values exceeded those reported for other MnO2 nanostructures. The supercapacitor performance was correlated with the hierarchical structure of the porous MnO2 nanotubes. PMID:24464344

  18. Ionomer-Liquid Electrolyte Hybrid Ionic Conductor for High Cycling Stability of Lithium Metal Electrodes

    PubMed Central

    Song, Jongchan; Lee, Hongkyung; Choo, Min-Ju; Park, Jung-Ki; Kim, Hee-Tak

    2015-01-01

    The inhomogeneous Li electrodeposition of lithium metal electrode has been a major impediment to the realization of rechargeable lithium metal batteries. Although single ion conducting ionomers can induce more homogeneous Li electrodeposition by preventing Li+ depletion at Li surface, currently available materials do not allow room-temperature operation due to their low room temperature conductivities. In the paper, we report that a highly conductive ionomer/liquid electrolyte hybrid layer tightly laminated on Li metal electrode can realize stable Li electrodeposition at high current densities up to 10 mA cm−2 and permit room-temperature operation of corresponding Li metal batteries with low polarizations. The hybrid layer is fabricated by laminating few micron-thick Nafion layer on Li metal electrode followed by soaking 1 M LiPF6 EC/DEC (1/1) electrolyte. The Li/Li symmetric cell with the hybrid layer stably operates at a high current density of 10 mA cm−2 for more than 2000 h, which corresponds to more than five-fold enhancement compared with bare Li metal electrode. Also, the prototype Li/LiCoO2 battery with the hybrid layer offers cycling stability more than 350 cycles. These results demonstrate that the hybrid strategy successfully combines the advantages of bi-ionic liquid electrolyte (fast Li+ transport) and single ionic ionomer (prevention of Li+ depletion). PMID:26411701

  19. Ionomer-Liquid Electrolyte Hybrid Ionic Conductor for High Cycling Stability of Lithium Metal Electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Song, Jongchan; Lee, Hongkyung; Choo, Min-Ju; Park, Jung-Ki; Kim, Hee-Tak

    2015-09-01

    The inhomogeneous Li electrodeposition of lithium metal electrode has been a major impediment to the realization of rechargeable lithium metal batteries. Although single ion conducting ionomers can induce more homogeneous Li electrodeposition by preventing Li+ depletion at Li surface, currently available materials do not allow room-temperature operation due to their low room temperature conductivities. In the paper, we report that a highly conductive ionomer/liquid electrolyte hybrid layer tightly laminated on Li metal electrode can realize stable Li electrodeposition at high current densities up to 10 mA cm-2 and permit room-temperature operation of corresponding Li metal batteries with low polarizations. The hybrid layer is fabricated by laminating few micron-thick Nafion layer on Li metal electrode followed by soaking 1 M LiPF6 EC/DEC (1/1) electrolyte. The Li/Li symmetric cell with the hybrid layer stably operates at a high current density of 10 mA cm-2 for more than 2000 h, which corresponds to more than five-fold enhancement compared with bare Li metal electrode. Also, the prototype Li/LiCoO2 battery with the hybrid layer offers cycling stability more than 350 cycles. These results demonstrate that the hybrid strategy successfully combines the advantages of bi-ionic liquid electrolyte (fast Li+ transport) and single ionic ionomer (prevention of Li+ depletion).

  20. Biofuel cells based on direct enzyme-electrode contacts using PQQ-dependent glucose dehydrogenase/bilirubin oxidase and modified carbon nanotube materials.

    PubMed

    Scherbahn, V; Putze, M T; Dietzel, B; Heinlein, T; Schneider, J J; Lisdat, F

    2014-11-15

    Two types of carbon nanotube electrodes (1) buckypaper (BP) and (2) vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (vaCNT) have been used for elaboration of glucose/O2 enzymatic fuel cells exploiting direct electron transfer. For the anode pyrroloquinoline quinone dependent glucose dehydrogenase ((PQQ)GDH) has been immobilized on [poly(3-aminobenzoic acid-co-2-methoxyaniline-5-sulfonic acid), PABMSA]-modified electrodes. For the cathode bilirubin oxidase (BOD) has been immobilized on PQQ-modified electrodes. PABMSA and PQQ act as promoter for enzyme bioelectrocatalysis. The voltammetric characterization of each electrode shows current densities in the range of 0.7-1.3 mA/cm(2). The BP-based fuel cell exhibits maximal power density of about 107 µW/cm(2) (at 490 mV). The vaCNT-based fuel cell achieves a maximal power density of 122 µW/cm(2) (at 540 mV). Even after three days and several runs of load a power density over 110 µW/cm(2) is retained with the second system (10mM glucose). Due to a better power exhibition and an enhanced stability of the vaCNT-based fuel cells they have been studied in human serum samples and a maximal power density of 41 µW/cm(2) (390 mV) can be achieved. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. What do you feel if I apply transcranial electric stimulation? Safety, sensations and secondary induced effects.

    PubMed

    Fertonani, Anna; Ferrari, Clarissa; Miniussi, Carlo

    2015-11-01

    The goals of this work are to report data regarding a large number of stimulation sessions and to use model analyses to explain the similarities or differences in the sensations induced by different parameters of tES application. We analysed sensation data relative to 693 different tES sessions. In particular, we studied the effects on sensations induced by different types of current, categories of polarity and frequency, different timing, levels of current density and intensity, different electrode sizes and different electrode locations (areas). The application of random or fixed alternating current stimulation (i.e., tRNS and tACS) over the scalp induced less sensation compared with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), regardless of the application parameters. Moreover, anodal tDCS induced more annoyance in comparison to other tES. Additionally, larger electrodes induced stronger sensations compared with smaller electrodes, and higher intensities were more strongly perceived. Timing of stimulation, montage and current density did not influence sensations perception. The analyses demonstrated that the induced sensations could be clustered on the basis of the type of somatosensory system activated. Finally and most important no adverse events were reported. Induced sensations are modulated by electrode size and intensity and mainly pertain to the cutaneous receptor activity of the somatosensory system. Moreover, the procedure currently used to perform placebo stimulation may not be totally effective when compared with anodal tDCS. The reported observations enrich the literature regarding the safety aspects of tES, confirming that it is a painless and safe technique. Copyright © 2015 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Controlling stimulation strength and focality in electroconvulsive therapy via current amplitude and electrode size and spacing: comparison with magnetic seizure therapy.

    PubMed

    Deng, Zhi-De; Lisanby, Sarah H; Peterchev, Angel V

    2013-12-01

    Understanding the relationship between the stimulus parameters of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and the electric field characteristics could guide studies on improving risk/benefit ratio. We aimed to determine the effect of current amplitude and electrode size and spacing on the ECT electric field characteristics, compare ECT focality with magnetic seizure therapy (MST), and evaluate stimulus individualization by current amplitude adjustment. Electroconvulsive therapy and double-cone-coil MST electric field was simulated in a 5-shell spherical human head model. A range of ECT electrode diameters (2-5 cm), spacing (1-25 cm), and current amplitudes (0-900 mA) was explored. The head model parameters were varied to examine the stimulus current adjustment required to compensate for interindividual anatomical differences. By reducing the electrode size, spacing, and current, the ECT electric field can be more focal and superficial without increasing scalp current density. By appropriately adjusting the electrode configuration and current, the ECT electric field characteristics can be made to approximate those of MST within 15%. Most electric field characteristics in ECT are more sensitive to head anatomy variation than in MST, especially for close electrode spacing. Nevertheless, ECT current amplitude adjustment of less than 70% can compensate for interindividual anatomical variability. The strength and focality of ECT can be varied over a wide range by adjusting the electrode size, spacing, and current. If desirable, ECT can be made as focal as MST while using simpler stimulation equipment. Current amplitude individualization can compensate for interindividual anatomical variability.

  3. Ni nanoparticles@Ni-Mo nitride nanorod arrays: a novel 3D-network hierarchical structure for high areal capacitance hybrid supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Ruan, Yunjun; Lv, Lin; Li, Zhishan; Wang, Chundong; Jiang, Jianjun

    2017-11-23

    Because of the advanced nature of their high power density, fast charge/discharge time, excellent cycling stability, and safety, supercapacitors have attracted intensive attention for large-scale applications. Nevertheless, one of the obstacles for their further development is their low energy density caused by sluggish redox reaction kinetics, low electroactive electrode materials, and/or high internal resistance. Here, we develop a facile and simple nitridation process to successfully synthesize hierarchical Ni nanoparticle decorated Ni 0.2 Mo 0.8 N nanorod arrays on a nickel foam (Ni-Mo-N NRA/NF) from its NiMoO 4 precursor, which delivers a high areal capacity of 2446 mC cm -2 at a current density of 2 mA cm -2 and shows outstanding cycling stability. The superior performance of the Ni-Mo-N NRA/NF can be ascribed to the metallic conductive nature of the Ni-Mo nitride, the fast surface redox reactions for the electrolyte ions and electrode materials, and the low contacted resistance between the active materials and the current collectors. Furthermore, a hybrid supercapacitor (HSC) is assembled using the Ni-Mo-N NRA/NF as the positive electrode and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) as the negative electrode. The optimized HSC exhibits excellent electrochemical performance with a high energy density of 40.9 W h kg -1 at a power density of 773 W kg -1 and a retention of 80.1% specific capacitance after 6000 cycles. These results indicate that the Ni-Mo-N NRA/NF have a promising potential for use in high-performance supercapacitors.

  4. Sandwich-structured nanohybrid paper based on controllable growth of nanostructured MnO2 on ionic liquid functionalized graphene paper as a flexible supercapacitor electrode.

    PubMed

    Sun, Yimin; Fang, Zheng; Wang, Chenxu; Ariyawansha, K R Rakhitha Malinga; Zhou, Aijun; Duan, Hongwei

    2015-05-07

    A sandwich-structured flexible supercapacitor electrode has been developed based on MnO2 nanonest (MNN) modified ionic liquid (IL) functionalized graphene paper (GP), which is fabricated by functionalizing graphene nanosheets with an amine-terminated IL (i.e., 1-(3-aminopropyl)-3-methylimidazolium bromide) to form freestanding IL functionalized GP (IL-GP), and then modifying IL-GP with a unique MNN structure via controllable template-free ultrasonic electrodeposition. The as-obtained MNN modified IL-GP (MNN/IL-GP) inherits the excellent pseudocapacity of the metal oxide, the high conductivity and electric double layer charging/discharging of IL-graphene composites, and therefore shows an enhanced supercapacitor performance. The maximum specific capacitance of 411 F g(-1) can be achieved by chronopotentiometry at a current density of 1 A g(-1). Meanwhile, the MNN/IL-GP electrode exhibits excellent rate capability and cycling stability, its specific capacitance is maintained at 70% as the current densities increase from 1 to 20 A g(-1) and 85% at a current density of 10 A g(-1) after 10 000 cycles. More importantly, the MNN/IL-GP displays distinguished mechanical stability and flexibility for device packaging, although its thickness is merely 8 μm. These features collectively demonstrate the potential of MNN/IL-GP as a high-performance paper electrode for flexible and lightweight and highly efficient electrochemical capacitor applications.

  5. Nitrogen-Doped Porous Carbon Nanosheets from Eco-Friendly Eucalyptus Leaves as High Performance Electrode Materials for Supercapacitors and Lithium Ion Batteries.

    PubMed

    Mondal, Anjon Kumar; Kretschmer, Katja; Zhao, Yufei; Liu, Hao; Wang, Chengyin; Sun, Bing; Wang, Guoxiu

    2017-03-13

    Nitrogen-doped porous carbon nanosheets were prepared from eucalyptus tree leaves by simply mixing the leaf powders with KHCO 3 and subsequent carbonisation. Porous carbon nanosheets with a high specific surface area of 2133 m 2  g -1 were obtained and applied as electrode materials for supercapacitors and lithium ion batteries. For supercapacitor applications, the porous carbon nanosheet electrode exhibited a supercapacitance of 372 F g -1 at a current density of 500 mA g -1 in 1 m H 2 SO 4 aqueous electrolyte and excellent cycling stability over 15 000 cycles. In organic electrolyte, the nanosheet electrode showed a specific capacitance of 71 F g -1 at a current density of 2 Ag -1 and stable cycling performance. When applied as the anode material for lithium ion batteries, the as-prepared porous carbon nanosheets also demonstrated a high specific capacity of 819 mA h g -1 at a current density of 100 mA g -1 , good rate capability, and stable cycling performance. The outstanding electrochemical performances for both supercapacitors and lithium ion batteries are derived from the large specific surface area, porous nanosheet structure and nitrogen doping effects. The strategy developed in this paper provides a novel route to utilise biomass-derived materials for low-cost energy storage systems. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  6. Binder-free nitrogen-doped carbon paper electrodes derived from polypyrrole/cellulose composite for Li-O2 batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Jia; Wang, Zhaohui; Zhu, Jiefang

    2016-02-01

    This work presents a novel binder-free nitrogen-doped carbon paper electrode (NCPE), which was derived from a N-rich polypyrrole (PPy)/cellulose-chopped carbon filaments (CCFs) composite, for Li-O2 batteries. The fabrication of NCPE involved cheap raw materials (e.g., Cladophora sp. green algae) and easy operation (e.g., doping N by a carbonization of N-rich polymer), which is especially suitable for large-scale production. The NCPE exhibited a bird's nest microstructure, which could provide the self-standing electrode with considerable mechanic durability, fast Li+ and O2 diffusion, and enough space for the discharge product deposition. In addition, the NCPE contained N-containing function groups, which may promote the electrochemical reactions. Furthermore, binder-free architecture designs can prevent binder-involved parasitic reactions. A Li-O2 cell with the NCPE displayed a cyclability of more than 30 cycles at a constant current density of 0.1 mA/cm2. The 1st discharge capacity for a cell with the NCPE reached 8040 mAh/g at a current density of 0.1 mA/cm2, with a cell voltage around 2.81 V. A cell with the NCPE displayed a coulombic efficiency of 81% on the 1st cycle at a current density of 0.2 mA/cm2. These results represent a promising progress in the development of a low-cost and versatile paper-based O2 electrode for Li-O2 batteries.

  7. Hybrid anodes for redox flow batteries

    DOEpatents

    Wang, Wei; Xiao, Jie; Wei, Xiaoliang; Liu, Jun; Sprenkle, Vincent L.

    2015-12-15

    RFBs having solid hybrid electrodes can address at least the problems of active material consumption, electrode passivation, and metal electrode dendrite growth that can be characteristic of traditional batteries, especially those operating at high current densities. The RFBs each have a first half cell containing a first redox couple dissolved in a solution or contained in a suspension. The solution or suspension can flow from a reservoir to the first half cell. A second half cell contains the solid hybrid electrode, which has a first electrode connected to a second electrode, thereby resulting in an equipotential between the first and second electrodes. The first and second half cells are separated by a separator or membrane.

  8. Scalable high-power redox capacitors with aligned nanoforests of crystalline MnO₂ nanorods by high voltage electrophoretic deposition.

    PubMed

    Santhanagopalan, Sunand; Balram, Anirudh; Meng, Dennis Desheng

    2013-03-26

    It is commonly perceived that reduction-oxidation (redox) capacitors have to sacrifice power density to achieve higher energy density than carbon-based electric double layer capacitors. In this work, we report the synergetic advantages of combining the high crystallinity of hydrothermally synthesized α-MnO2 nanorods with alignment for high performance redox capacitors. Such an approach is enabled by high voltage electrophoretic deposition (HVEPD) technology which can obtain vertically aligned nanoforests with great process versatility. The scalable nanomanufacturing process is demonstrated by roll-printing an aligned forest of α-MnO2 nanorods on a large flexible substrate (1 inch by 1 foot). The electrodes show very high power density (340 kW/kg at an energy density of 4.7 Wh/kg) and excellent cyclability (over 92% capacitance retention over 2000 cycles). Pretreatment of the substrate and use of a conductive holding layer have also been shown to significantly reduce the contact resistance between the aligned nanoforests and the substrates. High areal specific capacitances of around 8500 μF/cm(2) have been obtained for each electrode with a two-electrode device configuration. Over 93% capacitance retention was observed when the cycling current densities were increased from 0.25 to 10 mA/cm(2), indicating high rate capabilities of the fabricated electrodes and resulting in the very high attainable power density. The high performance of the electrodes is attributed to the crystallographic structure, 1D morphology, aligned orientation, and low contact resistance.

  9. Virtual electrodes for high-density electrode arrays

    DOEpatents

    Cela, Carlos J.; Lazzi, Gianluca

    2015-10-13

    The present embodiments are directed to implantable electrode arrays having virtual electrodes. The virtual electrodes may improve the resolution of the implantable electrode array without the burden of corresponding complexity of electronic circuitry and wiring. In a particular embodiment, a virtual electrode may include one or more passive elements to help steer current to a specific location between the active electrodes. For example, a passive element may be a metalized layer on a substrate that is adjacent to, but not directly connected to an active electrode. In certain embodiments, an active electrode may be directly coupled to a power source via a conductive connection. Beneficially, the passive elements may help to increase the overall resolution of the implantable array by providing additional stimulation points without requiring additional wiring or driver circuitry for the passive elements.

  10. Dependence of streamer density on electric field strength on positive electrode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Koki, Nakamura; Takahumi, Okuyama; Wang, Douyan; Takao, N.; Hidenori, Akiyama; Kumamoto University Collaboration

    2015-09-01

    Pulsed streamer discharge plasma, a type of non-thermal plasma, is known as generation method of reactive radicals and ozone and treatment of exhausted gas. From our previous research, the distance between electrodes has been considered a very important parameter for applications using pulsed streamer discharge. However, how the distance between electrodes affects the pulsed discharge hasn't been clarified. In this research, the propagation process of pulsed streamer discharge in a wire-plate electrode was observed using an ICCD camera for 4 electrodes having different distance between electrodes. The distance between electrodes was changeable at 45 mm, 40 mm, 35 mm, and 30 mm. The results show that, when the distance between electrodes was shortened, applied voltage with a pulse duration of 100 ns decreased from 80 to 60.3 kV. Conversely, discharge current increased from 149 to 190 A. Streamer head velocity became faster. On the other hand, Streamer head density at onset time of streamer head propagation didn't change. This is considered due to the electric field strength of streamer head at that time, in result, it was about 14 kV/mm under each distance between electrodes.

  11. Structure Controlled Long-Range Sequential Tunneling in Carbon-Based Molecular Junctions.

    PubMed

    Morteza Najarian, Amin; McCreery, Richard L

    2017-04-25

    Carbon-based molecular junctions consisting of aromatic oligomers between conducting sp 2 hybridized carbon electrodes exhibit structure-dependent current densities (J) when the molecular layer thickness (d) exceeds ∼5 nm. All four of the molecular structures examined exhibit an unusual, nonlinear ln J vs bias voltage (V) dependence which is not expected for conventional coherent tunneling or activated hopping mechanisms. All molecules exhibit a weak temperature dependence, with J increasing typically by a factor of 2 over the range of 200-440 K. Fluorene and anthraquinone show linear plots of ln J vs d with nearly identical J values for the range d = 3-10 nm, despite significant differences in their free-molecule orbital energy levels. The observed current densities for anthraquinone, fluorene, nitroazobenzene, and bis-thienyl benzene for d = 7-10 nm show no correlation with occupied (HOMO) or unoccupied (LUMO) molecular orbital energies, contrary to expectations for transport mechanisms based on the offset between orbital energies and the electrode Fermi level. UV-vis absorption spectroscopy of molecular layers bonded to carbon electrodes revealed internal energy levels of the chemisorbed films and also indicated limited delocalization in the film interior. The observed current densities correlate well with the observed UV-vis absorption maxima for the molecular layers, implying a transport mechanism determined by the HOMO-LUMO energy gap. We conclude that transport in carbon-based aromatic molecular junctions is consistent with multistep tunneling through a barrier defined by the HOMO-LUMO gap, and not by charge transport at the electrode interfaces. In effect, interfacial "injection" at the molecule/electrode interfaces is not rate limiting due to relatively strong electronic coupling, and transport is controlled by the "bulk" properties of the molecular layer interior.

  12. Vapor deposition polymerization of aniline on 3D hierarchical porous carbon with enhanced cycling stability as supercapacitor electrode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao, Yufeng; Zhang, Zhi; Ren, Yuqin; Ran, Wei; Chen, Xinqi; Wu, Jinsong; Gao, Faming

    2015-07-01

    In this work, a polyaniline coated hierarchical porous carbon (HPC) composite (PANI@HPC) is developed using a vapor deposition polymerization technique. The as synthesized composite is applied as the supercapacitor electrode material, and presents a high specific capacitance of 531 F g-1 at current density of 0.5 A g-1 and superior cycling stability of 96.1% (after 10,000 charge-discharge cycles at current density of 10 A g-1). This can be attributed to the maximized synergistic effect of PANI and HPC. Furthermore, an aqueous symmetric supercapacitor device based on PANI@HPC is fabricated, demonstrating a high specific energy of 17.3 Wh kg-1.

  13. Nanoporous graphene obtained by hydrothermal process in H2O2 and its application for supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lv, Jinlong; Liang, Tongxiang

    2016-08-01

    Nanohole graphene oxide (NHGO) was obtained in a homogeneous aqueous mixture of graphene oxide (GO) and H2O2 at 120 °C. Supercapacitors were fabricated as the electrode material by using NHGO. A specific capacitance of 240.1 F g-1 was obtained at a current density of 1 A g-1 in 6 m KOH electrolyte and specific capacitance remained 193.6 F g-1 at the current density of 20 A g-1. This was attributed to reducing the inner space between the double-layers, enhanced ion diffusion and large specific surface area. Supercapacitor prepared with NHGO electrodes also exhibited an excellent cycle stability.

  14. Characteristics of electrode impedance and stimulation efficacy of a chronic cortical implant using novel annulus electrodes in rat motor cortex

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Chun; Brunton, Emma; Haghgooie, Saman; Cassells, Kahli; Lowery, Arthur; Rajan, Ramesh

    2013-08-01

    Objective. Cortical neural prostheses with implanted electrode arrays have been used to restore compromised brain functions but concerns remain regarding their long-term stability and functional performance. Approach. Here we report changes in electrode impedance and stimulation thresholds for a custom-designed electrode array implanted in rat motor cortex for up to three months. Main Results. The array comprises four 2000 µm long electrodes with a large annular stimulating surface (7860-15700 µm2) displaced from the penetrating insulated tip. Compared to pre-implantation in vitro values there were three phases of impedance change: (1) an immediate large increase of impedance by an average of two-fold on implantation; (2) a period of continued impedance increase, albeit with considerable variability, which reached a peak at approximately four weeks post-implantation and remained high over the next two weeks; (3) finally, a period of 5-6 weeks when impedance stabilized at levels close to those seen immediately post-implantation. Impedance could often be temporarily decreased by applying brief trains of current stimulation, used to evoke motor output. The stimulation threshold to induce observable motor behaviour was generally between 75-100 µA, with charge density varying from 48-128 µC cm-2, consistent with the lower current density generated by electrodes with larger stimulating surface area. No systematic change in thresholds occurred over time, suggesting that device functionality was not compromised by the factors that caused changes in electrode impedance. Significance. The present results provide support for the use of annulus electrodes in future applications in cortical neural prostheses.

  15. Perovskite SrCo0.9 Nb0.1 O3-δ as an Anion-Intercalated Electrode Material for Supercapacitors with Ultrahigh Volumetric Energy Density.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Liang; Liu, Yu; Su, Chao; Zhou, Wei; Liu, Meilin; Shao, Zongping

    2016-08-08

    We have synthesized and characterized perovskite-type SrCo0.9 Nb0.1 O3-δ (SCN) as a novel anion-intercalated electrode material for supercapacitors in an aqueous KOH electrolyte, demonstrating a very high volumetric capacitance of about 2034.6 F cm(-3) (and gravimetric capacitance of ca. 773.6 F g(-1) ) at a current density of 0.5 A g(-1) while maintaining excellent cycling stability with a capacity retention of 95.7 % after 3000 cycles. When coupled with an activated carbon (AC) electrode, the SCN/AC asymmetric supercapacitor delivered a specific energy density as high as 37.6 Wh kg(-1) with robust long-term stability. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  16. Superior performance asymmetric supercapacitors based on a directly grown commercial mass 3D Co3O4@Ni(OH)2 core-shell electrode.

    PubMed

    Tang, Chun-hua; Yin, Xuesong; Gong, Hao

    2013-11-13

    Pseudocapacitors based on fast surface Faradaic reactions can achieve high energy densities together with high power densities. Usually, researchers develop a thin layer of active materials to increase the energy density by enhancing the surface area; meanwhile, this sacrifices the mass loading. In this work, we developed a novel 3D core-shell Co3O4@Ni(OH)2 electrode that can provide high energy density with very high mass loading. Core-shell porous nanowires (Co3O4@Ni(OH)2) were directly grown on a Ni current collector as an integrated electrode/collector for the supercapacitor anode. This Co3O4@Ni(OH)2 core-shell nanoarchitectured electrode exhibits an ultrahigh areal capacitance of 15.83 F cm(-2). The asymmetric supercapacitor prototypes, assembled using Co3O4@Ni(OH)2 as the anode, reduced graphene oxide (RGO) or active carbon (AC) as the cathode, and 6 M aqueous KOH as the electrolyte, exhibit very high energy densities falling into the energy-density range of Li-ion batteries. Because of the large mass loading and high energy density, the prototypes can drive a minifan or light a bulb even though the size is very small. These results indicate that our asymmetric supercapacitors have outstanding potential in commercial applications. Systematic study and scientific understanding were carried out.

  17. Direct electrochemistry of Shewanella loihica PV-4 on gold nanoparticles-modified boron-doped diamond electrodes fabricated by layer-by-layer technique.

    PubMed

    Wu, Wenguo; Xie, Ronggang; Bai, Linling; Tang, Zuming; Gu, Zhongze

    2012-05-01

    Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) are robust devices capable of taping biological energy, converting pollutants into electricity through renewable biomass. The fabrication of nanostructured electrodes with good bio- and electrochemical activity, play a profound role in promoting power generation of MFCs. Au nanoparticles (AuNPs)-modified Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD) electrodes are fabricated by layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly technique and used for the direct electrochemistry of Shewanella loihica PV-4 in an electrochemical cell. Experimental results show that the peak current densities generated on the Au/PAH multilayer-modified BDD electrodes increased from 1.25 to 2.93 microA/cm(-2) as the layer increased from 0 to 6. Different cell morphologies of S. loihica PV-4 were also observed on the electrodes and the highest density of cells was attached on the (Au/PAH)6/BDD electrode with well-formed three-dimensional nanostructure. The electrochemistry of S. loihica PV-4 was enhanced on the (Au/PAH)4/BDD electrode due to the appropriate amount of AuNPsand thickness of PAH layer.

  18. Lithium manganese oxide spinel electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Darling, Robert Mason

    Batteries based oil intercalation eletrodes are currently being considered for a variety of applications including automobiles. This thesis is concerned with the simulation and experimental investigation of one such system: spinel LiyMn2O4. A mathematical model simulating the behavior of an electrochemical cell containing all intercalation electrode is developed and applied to Li yMn2O4 based systems. The influence of the exchange current density oil the propagation of the reaction through the depth of the electrode is examined theoretically. Galvanostatic cycling and relaxation phenomena on open circuit are simulated for different particle-size distributions. The electrode with uniformly sized particles shows the best performance when the current is on, and relaxes towards equilibrium most quickly. The impedance of a porous electrode containing a particle-size distribution at low frequencies is investigated with all analytic solution and a simplified version of the mathematical model. The presence of the particle-size distribution leads to an apparent diffusion coefficient which has all incorrect concentration dependence. A Li/1 M LiClO4 in propylene carbonate (PC)/ LiyMn 2O4 cell is used to investigate the influence of side reactions oil the current-potential behavior of intercalation electrodes. Slow cyclic voltammograms and self-discharge data are combined to estimate the reversible potential of the host material and the kinetic parameters for the side reaction. This information is then used, together with estimates of the solid-state diffusion coefficient and main-reaction exchange current density, in a mathematical model of the system. Predictions from the model compare favorably with continuous cycling results and galvanostatic experiments with periodic current interruptions. The variation with respect to composition of' the diffusion coefficient of lithium in LiyMn2O4 is estimated from incomplete galvanostatic discharges following open-circult periods. The results compared favorably with those available in the literature. Dynamic Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to investigate the concentration dependence of the diffusion coefficient fundamentally. The dynamic Monte Carlo predictions compare favorably with the experimental data.

  19. A microfabricated low cost enzyme-free glucose fuel cell for powering low-power implantable devices

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Oncescu, Vlad; Erickson, David

    In the past decade the scientific community has showed considerable interest in the development of implantable medical devices such as muscle stimulators, neuroprosthetic devices, and biosensors. Those devices have low power requirements and can potentially be operated through fuel cells using reactants present in the body such as glucose and oxygen instead of non-rechargeable lithium batteries. In this paper, we present a thin, enzyme-free fuel cell with high current density and good stability at a current density of 10 μA cm -2. A non-enzymatic approach is preferred because of higher long term stability. The fuel cell uses a stacked electrode design in order to achieve glucose and oxygen separation. An important characteristic of the fuel cell is that it has no membrane separating the electrodes, which results in low ohmic losses and small fuel cell volume. In addition, it uses a porous carbon paper support for the anodic catalyst layer which reduces the amount of platinum or other noble metal catalysts required for fabricating high surface area electrodes with good reactivity. The peak power output of the fuel cell is approximately 2 μW cm -2 and has a sustainable power density of 1.5 μW cm -2 at 10 μA cm -2. An analysis on the effects of electrode thickness and inter electrode gap on the maximum power output of the fuel cell is also performed.

  20. Investigation of electrodes under flow of a submicrosecond current pulse with linear density up to 3 MA/cm

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Branitskii, A. V.; Grabovskii, E. V.; Dzhangobegov, V. V.

    The states of current-carrying elements at the transmission of megaampere current into load are studied. It is determined that the expansion velocity of plasma generated at the outer surface of cylindrical tubes produced of stainless steel, at flowing through them of submicrosecond current pulses with linear density of 3 MA/cm is 5.5 km/s. The evolution of various modes of instability is analyzed.

  1. Application of Lattice Boltzmann Methods in Complex Mass Transfer Systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, Ning

    Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) is a novel computational fluid dynamics method that can easily handle complex and dynamic boundaries, couple local or interfacial interactions/reactions, and be easily parallelized allowing for simulation of large systems. While most of the current studies in LBM mainly focus on fluid dynamics, however, the inherent power of this method makes it an ideal candidate for the study of mass transfer systems involving complex/dynamic microstructures and local reactions. In this thesis, LBM is introduced to be an alternative computational method for the study of electrochemical energy storage systems (Li-ion batteries (LIBs) and electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs)) and transdermal drug design on mesoscopic scale. Based on traditional LBM, the following in-depth studies have been carried out: (1) For EDLCs, the simulation of diffuse charge dynamics is carried out for both the charge and the discharge processes on 2D systems of complex random electrode geometries (pure random, random spheres and random fibers). Steric effect of concentrated solutions is considered by using modified Poisson-Nernst-Plank (MPNP) equations and compared with regular Poisson-Nernst-Plank (PNP) systems. The effects of electrode microstructures (electrode density, electrode filler morphology, filler size, etc.) on the net charge distribution and charge/discharge time are studied in detail. The influence of applied potential during discharging process is also discussed. (2) For the study of dendrite formation on the anode of LIBs, it is shown that the Lattice Boltzmann model can capture all the experimentally observed features of microstructure evolution at the anode, from smooth to mossy to dendritic. The mechanism of dendrite formation process in mesoscopic scale is discussed in detail and compared with the traditional Sand's time theories. It shows that dendrite formation is closely related to the inhomogeneous reactively at the electrode-electrolyte interface. When the inhomogeneity is small, dendrites form mainly under high current densities, in which the mass transfer is dominated by electromigration; when the inhomogeneity is very large, dendrites may form under both high and low current densities, which is dominated by electromigration in high current density and by surface reactivity in low current density. We show that the critical current density for dendrite formation is sensitive to surface inhomogeneous reactivity and the onset time of dendrite formation is sensitive to the initial roughness of electrode. A new analysis method is introduced, which can predict the formation of dendrites in batteries at a very early stage even before large dendrites form. Charge/discharge cyclic properties of the system are also studied, which shows that electrode roughness will increase during cycles and the break-off of dendritic structures is inevitable once big dendrites form; however, it is possible to minimize the amount of break-off materials by optimizing the rate of discharge. (3) The LBM is also used to simulate intercalation reactions in a Li-Ion battery with graphite as anode and pure Li metal as counter electrode. Both galvanostatic and potentiostatic conditions were studied. The relation between operation parameters (current and potential) and electrode parameters (porosity, thickness and diffusivity) and plating times were discussed. Different equilibrium potentials forms (empirical fitting, fitting of SONY 18650 cell, and staged profiles) were also compared. By modifying the morphology of electrode with a density gradient, it was shown that much better electrode performance can be obtained, which can be helpful for the designing and manufacturing of better batteries. (4) The transdermal drug delivery system is also simulated by using LBM. Two kinds of transdermal structures are discussed: "brick and mortar" structure and a simple homogenized structure. It is demonstrated that the homogenized system is able to obtain similar steady state flux as the "brick and mortar" structure; however, in the early transient region, their flux value can be different. The influence of different system parameters (amount of drug in patch, patch thickness, partition coefficient at patch/ Stratum Corneum (SC) interface, and the diffusion coefficient of drug in each component) is discussed in details. It turns out that in this system, the rate-determine step for mass transfer should be the partition between patch and SC layers and the diffusion in the SC layer. The influence of enhancer is also tested. It is shown that by adding enhancers, the drug flux can be significantly increased. However, the peak time of drug does not necessarily match the peak flux time of enhancer. The peak time of drug could be adjusted (pushed earlier or dragged later) by using different kinds of enhancers, which has higher/smaller diffusivity than drug in the SC layer.

  2. Hierarchically structured Ni(3)S(2)/carbon nanotube composites as high performance cathode materials for asymmetric supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Dai, Chao-Shuan; Chien, Pei-Yi; Lin, Jeng-Yu; Chou, Shu-Wei; Wu, Wen-Kai; Li, Ping-Hsuan; Wu, Kuan-Yi; Lin, Tsung-Wu

    2013-11-27

    The Ni3S2 nanoparticles with the diameters ranging from 10 to 80 nm are grown on the backbone of conductive multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) using a glucose-assisted hydrothermal method. It is found that the Ni3S2 nanoparticles deposited on MWCNTs disassemble into smaller components after the composite electrode is activated by the consecutive cyclic voltammetry scan in a 2 M KOH solution. Therefore, the active surface area of the Ni3S2 nanoparticles is increased, which further enhances the capacitive performance of the composite electrode. Because the synergistic effect of the Ni3S2 nanoparticles and MWCNTs on the capacitive performance of the composite electrode is pronounced, the composite electrode shows a high specific capacitance of 800 F/g and great cycling stability at a current density of 3.2 A/g. To examine the capacitive performance of the composite electrode in a full-cell configuration, an asymmetric supercapacitor device was fabricated by using the composite of Ni3S2 and MWCNTs as the cathode and activated carbon as the anode. The fabricated device can be operated reversibly between 0 and 1.6 V, and obtain a high specific capacitance of 55.8 F/g at 1 A/g, which delivers a maximum energy density of 19.8 Wh/kg at a power density of 798 W/kg. Furthermore, the asymmetric supercapacitor shows great stability based on the fact that the device retains 90% of its initial capacitance after a consecutive 5000 cycles of galvanostatic charge-discharge performed at a current density of 4 A/g.

  3. Influence of vanadium doping on the electrochemical performance of nickel oxide in supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Park, Hae Woong; Na, Byung-Ki; Cho, Byung Won; Park, Sun-Min; Roh, Kwang Chul

    2013-10-28

    In this study, V-doped NiO materials were prepared by simple coprecipitation and thermal decomposition, and the effect of the vanadium content on the morphology, structural properties, electrochemical behavior, and cycling stability of NiO upon oxidation and reduction was analyzed for supercapacitor applications. The results show an improvement in the capacitive characteristics of the V-doped NiO, including increases in the specific capacitance after the addition of just 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 at% V. All VxNi1-xO electrodes (x = 0.01, 0.02, 0.04) exhibited higher specific capacitances of 371.2, 365.7, and 386.2 F g(-1) than that of pure NiO (303.2 F g(-1)) at a current density of 2 A g(-1) after 500 cycles, respectively. The V0.01Ni0.99O electrode showed good capacitance retention of 73.5% at a current density of 2 A g(-1) for more than 500 cycles in a cycling test. Importantly, the rate capability of the V0.01Ni0.99O electrode was maintained at about 84.7% as discharge current density was increased from 0.5 A g(-1) to 4 A g(-1).

  4. Ohmic resistance affects microbial community and ...

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Multi-anode microbial electrochemical cells (MXCs) are considered as one of the most promising configurations for scale-up of MXCs, but fundamental understanding of anode kinetics governing current density is limited in the MXCs. In this study we first assessed microbial community and electrochemical kinetic parameters for biofilms on individual anodes in a multi-anode MXC to better comprehend anode fundamentals. Microbial community analysis using 16S rRNA illumine sequencing showed that Geobactor genus, one of the most kinetically efficient anode-respiring bacteria (ARB), was abundant (87%) only on the biofilm anode closest to a reference electrode in which current density was the highest among four anodes. In comparison, Geobacter populations were less than 11% for other three anodes more distant from the reference electrode, generating small current density. Half-saturation anode potential (EKA) was the lowest at -0.251 to -0.242 V (vs. standard hydrogen electrode) for the closest anode, while EKA was as high as -0.134 V for the farthest anode. Our study clearly proves that ohmic resistance changes anode potential which mainly causes different biofilm communities on individual anodes and consequently influences anode kinetics. This study explored the use of multiple anodes in microelectrochemical cells and the microbial community on these anodes, as a function of the efficiency in producing hydrogen peroxide.

  5. Innovative manufacturing and materials for low cost lithium ion batteries

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Carlson, Steven

    2015-12-29

    This project demonstrated entirely new manufacturing process options for lithium ion batteries with major potential for improved cost and performance. These new manufacturing approaches are based on the use of the new electrode-coated separators instead of the conventional electrode-coated metal current collector foils. The key enabler to making these electrode-coated separators is a new and unique all-ceramic separator with no conventional porous plastic separator present. A simple, low cost, and high speed manufacturing process of a single coating of a ceramic pigment and polymer binder onto a re-usable release film, followed by a subsequent delamination of the all-ceramic separator andmore » any layers coated over it, such as electrodes and metal current collectors, was utilized. A suitable all-ceramic separator was developed that demonstrated the following required features needed for making electrode-coated separators: (1) no pores greater than 100 nanometer (nm) in diameter to prevent any penetration of the electrode pigments into the separator; (2) no shrinkage of the separator when heated to the high oven heats needed for drying of the electrode layer; and (3) no significant compression of the separator layer by the high pressure calendering step needed to densify the electrodes by about 30%. In addition, this nanoporous all-ceramic separator can be very thin at 8 microns thick for increased energy density, while providing all of the performance features provided by the current ceramic-coated plastic separators used in vehicle batteries: improved safety, longer cycle life, and stability to operate at voltages up to 5.0 V in order to obtain even more energy density. The thin all-ceramic separator provides a cost savings of at least 50% for the separator component and by itself meets the overall goal of this project to reduce the cell inactive component cost by at least 20%. The all-ceramic separator also enables further cost savings by its excellent heat stability with no shrinkage at up to 220oC. This allows vacuum drying of the dry cell just before filling with the electrolyte and thereby can reduce the size of the cell assembly dry room by 50%. Once the electrode-coated separator is produced, there are many different approaches for adding the metal current collector layers and making and connecting the tabs of the cells. These approaches include: (1) laminating the electrode side of the electrode-coated separator to both sides of a metal current collector; and (2) making a full coated electrode stack by coating or depositing a current collector layer on the electrode side and then coating a second electrode layer onto the current collector. Further cost savings are available from using lower cost and/or thinner and lighter current collectors and from using a separator coating manufacturing process at widths of 1.5 meters (m) or more and at high production line speeds of up to 125 meters per minute (mpm), both of which are well above the conventional coating widths and line speeds presently used in manufacturing electrodes for lithium ion batteries.« less

  6. Resistance characterization of nickel sulfide electrodes in LiCl-containing molten salt electrolytes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Redey, L.; Vissers, D. R.

    The electrode kinetics of a high area loading: (545.6 mAh/cm(2) for the Ni reversible NiS transition), porous nickel sulfide electrode were studied under one-dimensional current distribution in a half-cell-type test arrangement. Area-specific resistance values (ASR/sub t/) were measured under wide variety of conditions: temperature, 450 to 490(0)C; current density, 0.01 to 3A/cm(2); and mechanical stress, 0.11 to 1.68 kg/cm(2). The ASR/sub t/ values were used for quantitative characterization of the ohmic-related and electrochemical-related resistances of the electrode bed. When cycled in the Ni reversible NiS transition range, the electrode showed good utilization and excellent power characteristics in an all-lithium-cation (LiF-LiCl-LiBr) electrolyte. Capability of continuous cycling at high rates (up to 800 mA/cm(12) was demonstrated. The performance of the electrode was also found to be dependent on the mechanical stress developed in the electrode.

  7. Design, fabrication, and evaluation of on-chip micro-supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Beidaghi, Majid; Chen, Wei; Wang, Chunlei

    2011-06-01

    Development of miniaturized electronic systems has stimulated the demand for miniaturized power sources that can be integrated into such systems. Among the different micro power sources micro electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices are particularly attractive because of their high efficiency and relatively high energy density. Electrochemical micro-capacitors or micro-supercapacitors offer higher power density compared to micro-batteries and micro-fuel cells. In this paper, development of on-chip micro-supercapacitors based on interdigitated C-MEMS electrode microarrays is introduced. C-MEMS electrodes are employed both as electrode material for electric double layer capacitor (EDLC) or as three dimensional (3D) current collectors of EDLC or pseudo-capacitive materials. Recent advancements in fabrication methods of C-MEMS based micro-supercapacitors are discussed and electrochemical properties of C-MEMS electrodes and it composites are reviewed.

  8. Hierarchical Co3O4/PANI hollow nanocages: Synthesis and application for electrode materials of supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ren, Xiaohu; Fan, Huiqing; Ma, Jiangwei; Wang, Chao; Zhang, Mingchang; Zhao, Nan

    2018-05-01

    Hierarchically hollow Co3O4/polyaniline nanocages (Co3O4/PANI NCs) with enhanced specific capacitance and cycle performance for electrode material of supercapacitors are fabricated by combining self-sacrificing template and in situ polymerization route. Benefiting from the good conductivity of PANI improving an electron transport rate as well as high specific surface area from such a hollow structure, the electrode made of Co3O4/PANI NCs exhibits a large specific capacitance of 1301 F/g at the current density of 1 A/g, a much enhancement is obtained as compared with the pristine Co3O4 NCs electrode. The contact resistance (Re), charge-transfer (Rct) and Warburg resistance of Co3O4/PANI NCs electrode is significantly lower than that of the pristine Co3O4 NCs electrode, indicating the enhanced electrical conductivity. In addition, the Co3O4/PANI NCs electrode also displays superior cycling stability with 90 % capacitance retention after 2000 cycles. Moreover, an aqueous asymmetric supercapacitor was successfully assembled using Co3O4/PANI NCs as the positive electrode and activated carbon (AC) as the negative electrode, the assembled device exhibits a superior energy density of 41.5 Wh/kg at 0.8 kW/kg, outstanding power density of 15.9 kW/kg at 18.4 Wh/kg, which significantly transcending those of most previously reported. These results demonstrate that the hierarchically hollow Co3O4/PANI NCs composites have a potential for fabricating electrode of supercapacitors.

  9. Powder processing of hybrid titanium neural electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lopez, Jose Luis, Jr.

    A preliminary investigation into the powder production of a novel hybrid titanium neural electrode for EEG is presented. The rheological behavior of titanium powder suspensions using sodium alginate as a dispersant are examined for optimal slip casting conditions. Electrodes were slip cast and sintered at 950°C for 1 hr, 1000°C for 1, 3, and 6 hrs, and 1050°C for 1 hr. Residual porosities from sintering are characterized using Archimedes' technique and image analysis. The pore network is gel impregnated by submerging the electrodes in electrically conductive gel and placing them in a chamber under vacuum. Gel evaporation of the impregnated electrodes is examined. Electrodes are characterized in the dry and gelled states using impedance spectrometry and compared to a standard silver- silver chloride electrode. Power spectral densities for the sensors in the dry and gelled state are also compared. Residual porosities for the sintered specimens were between 50.59% and 44.81%. Gel evaporation tests show most of the impregnated gel evaporating within 20 min of exposure to atmospheric conditions with prolonged evaporation times for electrodes with higher impregnated gel mass. Impedance measurements of the produced electrodes indicate the low impedance of the hybrid electrodes are due to the increased contact area of the porous electrode. Power spectral densities of the titanium electrode behave similar to a standard silver-silver chloride electrode. Tests suggest the powder processed hybrid titanium electrode's performance is better than current dry contact electrodes and comparable to standard gelled silver-silver chloride electrodes.

  10. 3D CFD ELECTROCHEMICAL AND HEAT TRANSFER MODEL OF AN INTERNALLY MANIFOLDED SOLID OXIDE ELECTROLYSIS CELL

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Grant L. Hawkes; James E. O'Brien; Greg Tao

    2011-11-01

    A three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) electrochemical model has been created to model high-temperature electrolysis cell performance and steam electrolysis in an internally manifolded planar solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) stack. This design is being evaluated at the Idaho National Laboratory for hydrogen production from nuclear power and process heat. Mass, momentum, energy, and species conservation and transport are provided via the core features of the commercial CFD code FLUENT. A solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) model adds the electrochemical reactions and loss mechanisms and computation of the electric field throughout the cell. The FLUENT SOFC user-defined subroutine was modified formore » this work to allow for operation in the SOEC mode. Model results provide detailed profiles of temperature, operating potential, steam-electrode gas composition, oxygen-electrode gas composition, current density and hydrogen production over a range of stack operating conditions. Single-cell and five-cell results will be presented. Flow distribution through both models is discussed. Flow enters from the bottom, distributes through the inlet plenum, flows across the cells, gathers in the outlet plenum and flows downward making an upside-down ''U'' shaped flow pattern. Flow and concentration variations exist downstream of the inlet holes. Predicted mean outlet hydrogen and steam concentrations vary linearly with current density, as expected. Effects of variations in operating temperature, gas flow rate, oxygen-electrode and steam-electrode current density, and contact resistance from the base case are presented. Contour plots of local electrolyte temperature, current density, and Nernst potential indicate the effects of heat transfer, reaction cooling/heating, and change in local gas composition. Results are discussed for using this design in the electrolysis mode. Discussion of thermal neutral voltage, enthalpy of reaction, hydrogen production, cell thermal efficiency, cell electrical efficiency, and Gibbs free energy are discussed and reported herein.« less

  11. Development of lithium powder based anode with conductive carbon materials for lithium batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Park, Man Su

    Current lithium ion battery with a graphite anode shows stable cycle performance and safety. However, the lithium ion battery still has the limitation of having a low energy density caused by the application of lithium intercalated cathode and anode with low energy density. The combination of high capacity non-lithiated cathode such as sulfur and carbon and lithium metal anode has been researched for a long time to maximize battery's energy density. However, this cell design also has a lot of technical challenges to be solved. Among the challenges, lithium anode's problem related to lithium dendrite growth causing internal short and low cycling efficiency is very serious. Thus, extensive research on lithium metal anode has been performed to solve the lithium dendrite problem and a major part of the research has been focused on the control of the interface between lithium and electrolyte. However, research on lithium anode design itself has not been much conducted. In this research, innovative lithium anode design for less dendrite growth and higher cycling efficiency was suggested. Literature review for the lithium dendrite growth mechanism was conducted in Chapter 2 to develop electrode design concept and the importance of the current density on lithium dendrite growth was also found in the literatures. The preliminary test was conducted to verify the developed electrode concept by using lithium powder based anode (LIP) with conductive carbon materials and the results showed that lithium dendrite growth could be suppressed in this electrode design due to its increased electrochemical surface area and lithium deposition sites during lithium deposition. The electrode design suggested in Chapter 2 was extensively studied in Chapter 3 in terms of lithium dendrite growth morphology, lithium cycling efficiency and full cell cycling performance. This electrode concept was further developed to maximize the electrode's performance and safety in Chapter 4. In this new electrode design, electrically isolated super-p carbon agglomerates in the electrode were effectively reduced by adding conductive fillers such as graphite and further improvement in cycling performance and safety was also verified. The lithium powder based anode with conductive carbon materials is very useful concept as an alternative anode design instead of pure lithium metal anode for high energy density lithium batteries such as lithium-sulfur and lithium-air. As shown in Chapter 5, this electrode concept can be further developed and optimized through the application of new carbon materials and structure.

  12. Analysis of factors that affect the potential of star fruit (Averhoa Bilimbi) and cactus (Gymnocalycium Hossei) extracts as alternative battery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rahmawati, Sitti; Agnesstacia

    2014-03-01

    This research analyzes the factors that affect the work of the battery from the star fruit extract and the cactus extract. The value voltage and current generated are measure the work of the battery. Voltage measurement based on the electrode distance function, and electrode surface area. Voltage as a surface area electrode function and electrode distance function determined the current density and the voltage generated. From the experimental results obtained that the battery voltage is large enough, it is about 1.8 V for the extract of star fruit, and 1.7 V for the extract of cactus, which means that the juice extract from star fruit and the juice extract of cactus can become an alternative as battery replacement. The measurements with different electrode surface area on the star fruit and cactus extract which has the depth of the electrode 0.5 cm to 4 cm causes a decrease in the electric current generated from 12.5 mA to 1.0 mA, but obtained the same voltage.

  13. Simulation-Based Validation for Four-Dimensional Multi-Channel Ultrasound Current Source Density Imaging

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Zhaohui; Witte, Russell S.

    2015-01-01

    Ultrasound current source density imaging (UCSDI), which has application to the heart and brain, exploits the acoustoelectric (AE) effect and Ohm's law to detect and map an electrical current distribution. In this study, we describe 4-D UCSDI simulations of a dipole field for comparison and validation with bench-top experiments. The simulations consider the properties of the ultrasound pulse as it passes through a conductive medium, the electric field of the injected dipole, and the lead field of the detectors. In the simulation, the lead fields of detectors and electric field of the dipole were calculated by the finite element (FE) method, and the convolution and correlation in the computation of the detected AE voltage signal were accelerated using 3-D fast Fourier transforms. In the bench-top experiment, an electric dipole was produced in a bath of 0.9% NaCl solution containing two electrodes, which injected an ac pulse (200 Hz, 3 cycles) ranging from 0 to 140 mA. Stimulating and recording electrodes were placed in a custom electrode chamber made on a rapid prototype printer. Each electrode could be positioned anywhere on an x-y grid (5 mm spacing) and individually adjusted in the depth direction for precise control of the geometry of the current sources and detecting electrodes. A 1-MHz ultrasound beam was pulsed and focused through a plastic film to modulate the current distribution inside the saline-filled tank. AE signals were simultaneously detected at a sampling frequency of 15 MHz on multiple recording electrodes. A single recording electrode is sufficient to form volume images of the current flow and electric potentials. The AE potential is sensitive to the distance from the dipole, but is less sensitive to the angle between the detector and the dipole. Multi-channel UCSDI potentially improves 4-D mapping of bioelectric sources in the body at high spatial resolution, which is especially important for diagnosing and guiding treatment of cardiac and neurologic disorders, including arrhythmia and epilepsy. PMID:24569247

  14. Construction of Core-Shell NiMoO4@Ni-Co-S Nanorods as Advanced Electrodes for High-Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Chen, Chao; Yan, Dan; Luo, Xin; Gao, Wenjia; Huang, Guanjie; Han, Ziwu; Zeng, Yan; Zhu, Zhihong

    2018-02-07

    In this work, hierarchical core-shell NiMoO 4 @Ni-Co-S nanorods were first successfully grown on nickel foam by a facile two-step method to fabricate a bind-free electrode. The well-aligned electrode wrapped by Ni-Co-S nanosheets displays excellent nanostructural properties and outstanding electrochemical performance, owing to the synergistic effects of both nickel molybdenum oxides and nickel cobalt sulfides. The prepared core-shell nanorods in a three-electrode cell yielded a high specific capacitance of 2.27 F cm -2 (1892 F g -1 ) at a current density of 5 mA cm -2 and retained 91.7% of the specific capacitance even after 6000 cycles. Their electrochemical performance was further investigated for their use as positive electrode for asymmetric supercapacitors. Notably, the energy density of the asymmetric supercapacitor device reached 2.45 mWh cm -3 at a power density of 0.131 W cm -3 , and still retained a remarkable 80.3% of the specific capacitance after 3500 cycles. There is great potential for the electrode composed of the core-shell NiMoO 4 @Ni-Co-S nanorods for use in an all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor device.

  15. Metal-Organic Coordination Polymer to Prepare Density Controllable and High Nitrogen-Doped Content Carbon/Graphene for High Performance Supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Luo, Jinwei; Zhong, Wenbin; Zou, Yubo; Xiong, Changlun; Yang, Wantai

    2017-01-11

    Design and preparation of carbon-based electrode material with high nitrogen-doping ratio and appropriate density attract much interest for supercapacitors in practical application. Herein, three porous carbon/graphene (NCG Cu , NCG Fe , and NCG Zn ) with high doping ratio of nitrogen have been prepared via directly pyrolysis of graphene oxide (GO)/metal-organic coordination polymer (MOCP) composites, which were formed by reacting 4,4'-bipyridine (BPD) with CuCl 2 , FeCl 3 , and ZnCl 2 , respectively. As-prepared NCG Cu , NCG Fe and NCG Zn showed high nitrogen doping ratio of 10.68, 12.99, and 11.21 at. %; and high density of 1.52, 0.84, and 1.15 g cm -3 , respectively. When as-prepared samples were used as supercapacitor electrodes, NCG Cu , NCG Fe and NCG Zn exhibited high gravimetric specific capacitances of 369, 298.5, 309.5 F g -1 , corresponding to high volumetric specific capacitances of 560.9, 250.7, 355.9 F cm -3 at a current density of 0.5 A g -1 , as well as good cycling stability, nearly 100% of the capacitance retained after 1000 cycles even at a large current density of 10 A g -1 . It is expected that the provided novel strategy can be used to develop electrode materials in high performance energy conversion/storage devices.

  16. A High Performance H2-Cl2 Fuel Cell for Space Power Applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Anderson, Everett B.; Taylor, E. Jennings; Wilemski, Gerald; Gelb, Alan

    1993-01-01

    NASA has numerous airborne/spaceborne applications for which high power and energy density power sources are needed. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is an attractive candidate for such a power source. PEMFC's offer many advantages for airborne/spaceborne applications. They have high power and energy densities, convert fuel to electrical power with high efficiency at both part and full load, and can rapidly startup and shutdown. In addition, PEMFC's are lightweight and operate silently. A significant impediment to the attainment of very high power and energy densities by PEMFC's is their current exclusive reliance on oxygen as the oxidant. Conventional PEMFC's oxidize hydrogen at the anode and reduce oxygen at the cathode. The electrode kinetics of oxygen reduction are known to be highly irreversible, incurring large overpotential losses. In addition, the modest open circuit potential of 1.2V for the H2-O2 fuel cell is unattainable due to mixed potential effects at the oxygen electrode. Because of the high overpotential losses, cells using H2 and O2 are capable of achieving high current densities only at very low cell voltages, greatly curtailing their power output. Based on experimental work on chlorine reduction in a gas diffusion electrode, we believe significant increases in both the energy and power densities of PEMFC systems can be achieved by employing chlorine as an alternative oxidant.

  17. Self-sustained focusing of high-density streaming plasma

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bugaev, A.; Dobrovolskiy, A.; Goncharov, A.; Gushenets, V.; Litovko, I.; Naiko, I.; Oks, E.

    2017-01-01

    We describe our observations of the transport through an electrostatic plasma lens of a wide-aperture, high-current, low energy, metal-ion plasma flow produced by a cathodic arc discharge. The lens input aperture was 80 mm, the length of the lens was 140 mm, and there were three electrostatic ring electrodes located in a magnetic field formed by permanent magnets. The lens outer electrodes were grounded and the central electrode was biased up to -3 kV. The plasma was a copper plasma with directed (streaming) ion energy 20-40 eV, and the equivalent ion current was up to several amperes depending on the potential applied to the central lens electrode. We find that when the central lens electrode is electrically floating, the current density of the plasma flow at the lens focus increases by up to 40%-50%, a result that is in good agreement with a theoretical treatment based on plasma-optical principles of magnetic insulation of electrons and equipotentialization along magnetic field lines. When the central lens electrode is biased negatively, an on-axis stream of energetic electrons is formed, which can also provide a mechanism for focusing of the plasma flow. Optical emission spectra under these conditions show an increase in intensity of lines corresponding to both copper atoms and singly charged copper ions, indicating the presence of fast electrons within the lens volume. These energetic electrons, as well as accumulating on-axis and providing ion focusing, can also assist in reducing the microdroplet component in the dense, low-temperature, metal plasma.

  18. 3-D time-domain induced polarization tomography: a new approach based on a source current density formulation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Soueid Ahmed, A.; Revil, A.

    2018-04-01

    Induced polarization (IP) of porous rocks can be associated with a secondary source current density, which is proportional to both the intrinsic chargeability and the primary (applied) current density. This gives the possibility of reformulating the time domain induced polarization (TDIP) problem as a time-dependent self-potential-type problem. This new approach implies a change of strategy regarding data acquisition and inversion, allowing major time savings for both. For inverting TDIP data, we first retrieve the electrical resistivity distribution. Then, we use this electrical resistivity distribution to reconstruct the primary current density during the injection/retrieval of the (primary) current between the current electrodes A and B. The time-lapse secondary source current density distribution is determined given the primary source current density and a distribution of chargeability (forward modelling step). The inverse problem is linear between the secondary voltages (measured at all the electrodes) and the computed secondary source current density. A kernel matrix relating the secondary observed voltages data to the source current density model is computed once (using the electrical conductivity distribution), and then used throughout the inversion process. This recovered source current density model is in turn used to estimate the time-dependent chargeability (normalized voltages) in each cell of the domain of interest. Assuming a Cole-Cole model for simplicity, we can reconstruct the 3-D distributions of the relaxation time τ and the Cole-Cole exponent c by fitting the intrinsic chargeability decay curve to a Cole-Cole relaxation model for each cell. Two simple cases are studied in details to explain this new approach. In the first case, we estimate the Cole-Cole parameters as well as the source current density field from a synthetic TDIP data set. Our approach is successfully able to reveal the presence of the anomaly and to invert its Cole-Cole parameters. In the second case, we perform a laboratory sandbox experiment in which we mix a volume of burning coal and sand. The algorithm is able to localize the burning coal both in terms of electrical conductivity and chargeability.

  19. Characterization of reaction kinetics in a porous electrode

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fedkiw, Peter S.

    1990-01-01

    A continuum-model approach, analogous to porous electrode theory, was applied to a thin-layer cell of rectangular and cylindrical geometry. A reversible redox couple is assumed, and the local reaction current density is related to the potential through the formula of Hubbard and Anson for a uniformily accessible thin-layer cell. The placement of the reference electrode is also accounted for in the analysis. Primary emphasis is placed on the effect of the solution-phase ohmic potential drop on the voltammogram characteristics. Correlation equations for the peak-potential displacement from E(sup 0 prime) and the peak current are presented in terms of two dimensionless parameters.

  20. Rechargeable Al/Cl2 battery with molten AlCl4/-/ electrolyte.

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Holleck, G. L.; Giner, J.; Burrows, B.

    1972-01-01

    A molten salt system based on Al- and Cl2 carbon electrodes, with an AlCl3 alkali chloride eutectic as electrolyte, offers promise as a rechargeable, high energy density battery which can operate at a relatively low temperature. Electrode kinetic studies showed that the electrode reactions at the Al anode were rapid and that the observed passivation phenomena were due to the formation at the electrode surface of a solid salt layer resulting from concentration changes on anodic or cathodic current flow. It was established that carbon electrodes were intrinsically active for chlorine reduction in AlCl3-alkali chloride melts. By means of a rotating vitreous carbon disk electrode, the kinetic parameters were determined.

  1. Asymmetric Supercapacitor Electrodes and Devices.

    PubMed

    Choudhary, Nitin; Li, Chao; Moore, Julian; Nagaiah, Narasimha; Zhai, Lei; Jung, Yeonwoong; Thomas, Jayan

    2017-06-01

    The world is recently witnessing an explosive development of novel electronic and optoelectronic devices that demand more-reliable power sources that combine higher energy density and longer-term durability. Supercapacitors have become one of the most promising energy-storage systems, as they present multifold advantages of high power density, fast charging-discharging, and long cyclic stability. However, the intrinsically low energy density inherent to traditional supercapacitors severely limits their widespread applications, triggering researchers to explore new types of supercapacitors with improved performance. Asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs) assembled using two dissimilar electrode materials offer a distinct advantage of wide operational voltage window, and thereby significantly enhance the energy density. Recent progress made in the field of ASCs is critically reviewed, with the main focus on an extensive survey of the materials developed for ASC electrodes, as well as covering the progress made in the fabrication of ASC devices over the last few decades. Current challenges and a future outlook of the field of ASCs are also discussed. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  2. Hierarchical Cobalt Hydroxide and B/N Co-Doped Graphene Nanohybrids Derived from Metal-Organic Frameworks for High Energy Density Asymmetric Supercapacitors

    PubMed Central

    Tabassum, Hassina; Mahmood, Asif; Wang, Qingfei; Xia, Wei; Liang, Zibin; Qiu, Bin; zhao, Ruo; Zou, Ruqiang

    2017-01-01

    To cater for the demands of electrochemical energy storage system, the development of cost effective, durable and highly efficient electrode materials is desired. Here, a novel electrode material based on redox active β-Co(OH)2 and B, N co-doped graphene nanohybrid is presented for electrochemical supercapacitor by employing a facile metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) route through pyrolysis and hydrothermal treatment. The Co(OH)2 could be firmly stabilized by dual protection of N-doped carbon polyhedron (CP) and B/N co-doped graphene (BCN) nanosheets. Interestingly, the porous carbon and BCN nanosheets greatly improve the charge storage, wettability, and redox activity of electrodes. Thus the hybrid delivers specific capacitance of 1263 F g−1 at a current density of 1A g−1 with 90% capacitance retention over 5000 cycles. Furthermore, the new aqueous asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) was also designed by using Co(OH)2@CP@BCN nanohybrid and BCN nanosheets as positive and negative electrodes respectively, which leads to high energy density of 20.25 Whkg−1. This device also exhibits excellent rate capability with energy density of 15.55 Whkg−1 at power density of 9331 Wkg−1 coupled long termed stability up to 6000 cycles. PMID:28240224

  3. Hierarchical Cobalt Hydroxide and B/N Co-Doped Graphene Nanohybrids Derived from Metal-Organic Frameworks for High Energy Density Asymmetric Supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Tabassum, Hassina; Mahmood, Asif; Wang, Qingfei; Xia, Wei; Liang, Zibin; Qiu, Bin; Zhao, Ruo; Zou, Ruqiang

    2017-02-27

    To cater for the demands of electrochemical energy storage system, the development of cost effective, durable and highly efficient electrode materials is desired. Here, a novel electrode material based on redox active β-Co(OH) 2 and B, N co-doped graphene nanohybrid is presented for electrochemical supercapacitor by employing a facile metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) route through pyrolysis and hydrothermal treatment. The Co(OH) 2 could be firmly stabilized by dual protection of N-doped carbon polyhedron (CP) and B/N co-doped graphene (BCN) nanosheets. Interestingly, the porous carbon and BCN nanosheets greatly improve the charge storage, wettability, and redox activity of electrodes. Thus the hybrid delivers specific capacitance of 1263 F g -1 at a current density of 1A g -1 with 90% capacitance retention over 5000 cycles. Furthermore, the new aqueous asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) was also designed by using Co(OH) 2 @CP@BCN nanohybrid and BCN nanosheets as positive and negative electrodes respectively, which leads to high energy density of 20.25 Whkg -1 . This device also exhibits excellent rate capability with energy density of 15.55 Whkg -1 at power density of 9331 Wkg -1 coupled long termed stability up to 6000 cycles.

  4. Nanodisperse transition metal electrodes (NTME) for electrochemical cells

    DOEpatents

    Striebel, Kathryn A.; Wen, Shi-Jie

    2000-01-01

    Disclosed are transition metal electrodes for electrochemical cells using gel-state and solid-state polymers. The electrodes are suitable for use in primary and secondary cells. The electrodes (either negative electrode or positive electrode) are characterized by uniform dispersion of the transition metal at the nanoscale in the polymer. The transition metal moiety is structurally amorphous, so no capacity fade should occur due to lattice expansion/contraction mechanisms. The small grain size, amorphous structure and homogeneous distribution provide improved charge/discharge cycling performance, and a higher initial discharge rate capability. The cells can be cycled at high current densities, limited only by the electrolyte conductivity. A method of making the electrodes (positive and negative), and their usage in electrochemical cells are disclosed.

  5. Three-Dimensional Array of TiN@Pt3Cu Nanowires as an Efficient Porous Electrode for the Lithium-Oxygen Battery.

    PubMed

    Luo, Wen-Bin; Pham, Thien Viet; Guo, Hai-Peng; Liu, Hua-Kun; Dou, Shi-Xue

    2017-02-28

    The nonaqueous lithium-oxygen battery is a promising candidate as a next-generation energy storage system because of its potentially high energy density (up to 2-3 kW kg -1 ), exceeding that of any other existing energy storage system for storing sustainable and clean energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the consumption of nonrenewable fossil fuels. To achieve high round-trip efficiency and satisfactory cycling stability, the air electrode structure and the electrocatalysts play important roles. Here, a 3D array composed of one-dimensional TiN@Pt 3 Cu nanowires was synthesized and employed as a whole porous air electrode in a lithium-oxygen battery. The TiN nanowire was primarily used as an air electrode frame and catalyst support to provide a high electronic conductivity network because of the high-orientation one-dimensional crystalline structure. Meanwhile, deposited icosahedral Pt 3 Cu nanocrystals exhibit highly efficient catalytic activity owing to the abundant {111} active lattice facets and multiple twin boundaries. This porous air electrode comprises a one-dimensional TiN@Pt 3 Cu nanowire array that demonstrates excellent energy conversion efficiency and rate performance in full discharge and charge modes. The discharge capacity is up to 4600 mAh g -1 along with an 84% conversion efficiency at a current density of 0.2 mA cm -2 , and when the current density increased to 0.8 mA cm -2 , the discharge capacity is still greater than 3500 mAh g -1 together with a nearly 70% efficiency. This designed array is a promising bifunctional porous air electrode for lithium-oxygen batteries, forming a continuous conductive and high catalytic activity network to facilitate rapid gas and electrolyte diffusion and catalytic reaction throughout the whole energy conversion process.

  6. Polyaniline nanowire array encapsulated in titania nanotubes as a superior electrode for supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Xie, Keyu; Li, Jie; Lai, Yanqing; Zhang, Zhi'an; Liu, Yexiang; Zhang, Guoge; Huang, Haitao

    2011-05-01

    Conducting polymer with 1D nanostructure exhibits excellent electrochemical performances but a poor cyclability that limits its use in supercapacitors. In this work, a novel composite electrode made of polyaniline nanowire-titania nanotube array was synthesized via a simple and inexpensive electrochemical route by electropolymerizing aniline onto an anodized titania nanotube array. The specific capacitance was as high as 732 F g(-1) at 1 A g(-1), which remained at 543 F g(-1) when the current density was increased by 20 times. 74% of the maximum energy density (36.6 Wh kg(-1)) was maintained even at a high power density of 6000 W kg(-1). An excellent long cycle life of the electrode was observed with a retention of ∼86% of the initial specific capacitance after 2000 cycles. The good electrochemical performance was attributed to the unique microstructure of the electrode with disordered PANI nanowire arrays encapsulated inside the TiO(2) nanotubes, providing high surface area, fast diffusion path for ions and long-term cycle stability. Such a nanocomposite electrode is attractive for supercapacitor applications. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2011

  7. Hierarchical columnar silicon anode structures for high energy density lithium sulfur batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Piwko, Markus; Kuntze, Thomas; Winkler, Sebastian; Straach, Steffen; Härtel, Paul; Althues, Holger; Kaskel, Stefan

    2017-05-01

    Silicon is a promising anode material for next generation lithium secondary batteries. To significantly increase the energy density of state of the art batteries with silicon, new concepts have to be developed and electrode structuring will become a key technology. Structuring is essential to reduce the macroscopic and microscopic electrode deformation, caused by the volume change during cycling. We report pulsed laser structuring for the generation of hierarchical columnar silicon films with outstanding high areal capacities up to 7.5 mAh cm-2 and good capacity retention. Unstructured columnar electrodes form a micron-sized block structure during the first cycle to compensate the volume expansion leading to macroscopic electrode deformation. At increased silicon loading, without additional structuring, pronounced distortion and the formation of cracks through the current collector causes cell failure. Pulsed laser ablation instead is demonstrated to avoid macroscopic electrode deformation by initial formation of the block structure. A full cell with lithiated silicon versus a carbon-sulfur cathode is assembled with only 15% overbalanced anode and low electrolyte amount (8 μl mgsulfur-1). While the capacity retention over 50 cycles is identical to a cell with high excess lithium anode, the volumetric energy density could be increased by 30%.

  8. Fabrication of nickel hydroxide electrodes with open-ended hexagonal nanotube arrays for high capacitance supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Wu, Mao-Sung; Huang, Kuo-Chih

    2011-11-28

    A nickel hydroxide electrode with open-ended hexagonal nanotube arrays, prepared by hydrolysis of nickel chloride in the presence of hexagonal ZnO nanorods, shows a very high capacitance of 1328 F g(-1) at a discharge current density of 1 A g(-1) due to the significantly improved ion transport.

  9. An Integrated, Layered-Spinel Composite Cathode for Energy Storage Applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hagh, Nader; Skandan, Ganesh

    2012-01-01

    At low operating temperatures, commercially available electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries do not fully meet the energy and power requirements for NASA fs exploration activities. The composite cathode under development is projected to provide the required energy and power densities at low temperatures and its usage will considerably reduce the overall volume and weight of the battery pack. The newly developed composite electrode material can provide superior electrochemical performance relative to a commercially available lithium cobalt system. One advantage of using a composite cathode is its higher energy density, which can lead to smaller and lighter battery packs. In the current program, different series of layered-spinel composite materials with at least two different systems in an integrated structure were synthesized, and the volumetric and gravimetric energy densities were evaluated. In an integrated network of a composite electrode, the effect of the combined structures is to enhance the capacity and power capabilities of the material to levels greater than what is possible in current state-of-the-art cathode systems. The main objective of the current program is to implement a novel cathode material that meets NASA fs low temperature energy density requirements. An important feature of the composite cathode is that it has at least two components (e.g., layered and spinel) that are structurally integrated. The layered material by itself is electrochemically inactive; however, upon structural integration with a spinel material, the layered material can be electrochemically activated, thereby delivering a large amount of energy with stable cycling. A key aspect of the innovation has been the development of a scalable process to produce submicronand micron-scale particles of these composite materials. An additional advantage of using such a composite electrode material is its low irreversible loss (.5%), which is primarily due to the unique activation of the composite. High columbic efficiency (greater than 99%) upon cycling may indicate the formation of a stable SEI (solid-electrolyte interface) layer, which can contribute to long cycle life. The innovation in the current program, when further developed, will enable the system to maintain high energy and power densities at low temperatures, improve efficiency, and further stabilize and enhance the safety of the cell.

  10. A study of Na(x)Pt3O4 as an O2 electrode bifunctional electrocatalyst

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fielder, William L.; Singer, Joseph

    1991-01-01

    The present study suggests that polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) bonded Na(X)Pt3O4 gas porous diffusion electrodes may be a viable candidate for bifunctional O2 reduction and evolution activity. The electrodes exhibited Tafel slopes of about 0.06 V/decade for both O2 reduction an evolution. For O2 reduction, the 0.06 slope doubled to 0.12 V/decade at larger current densities. Preliminary stability testing at 24 C suggest that the Na(x)Pt3O4 electrodes were relatively stable at reducing and oxidizing potentials typically encountered at the O2 electrodes in a regenerative fuel cell.

  11. Electrochemical treatment of anti-cancer drug carboplatin on mixed-metal oxides and boron doped diamond electrodes: Density functional theory modelling and toxicity evaluation.

    PubMed

    Barışçı, Sibel; Turkay, Ozge; Ulusoy, Ebru; Soydemir, Gülfem; Seker, Mine Gul; Dimoglo, Anatoli

    2018-02-15

    This study represents the electrooxidation of anti-cancer drug carboplatin (CrbPt) with different mixed metal oxide (MMO) and boron doped diamond (BDD) electrodes. The most effective anode was found as Ti/RuO 2 with the complete degradation of CrbPt in just 5min. The effect of applied current density, pH and electrolyte concentration on CrbPt degradation has been studied. The degradation of CrbPt significantly increased at the initial stages of the process with increasing current density. However, further increase in current density did not affect the degradation rate. While complete degradation of CrbPt was provided at pH 7, the degradation rates were 49% and 75% at pH 9 and 4, respectively. Besides, increasing supporting electrolyte (Na 2 SO 4 ) concentration provided higher degradation rate but further increase in Na 2 SO 4 concentration did not provide higher degradation rate due to excess amount of SO 4 -2 . According to the DFT calculations, the formation of [Pt(NH 3 ) 2 (H 2 O) 2 ] 2+ and [Pt(NH 3 ) 2 (OH) 2 ] takes place with molecular weights of 265 and 263gmol -1 , respectively. Toxicity of treated samples at BDD and Ti/RuO 2 electrodes has been also evaluated in this study. The results showed that Ti/RuO 2 anode provided zero toxicity at the end of the process. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Preparation and characterization of electrodes for the NASA Redox storage system

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Reid, M. A.; Gahn, R. F.; Ling, J. S.; Charleston, J.

    1980-01-01

    Electrodes for the Redox energy storage system based on iron and chromium chloride reactants is discussed. The physical properties of several lots of felt were determined. Procedures were developed for evaluating electrode performance in lab scale cells. Experimental procedures for evaluating electrodes by cyclic voltammetry are described which minimize the IR losses due to the high internal resistance in the felt (distributed resistance). Methods to prepare electrodes which reduced the coevolution of hydrogen at the chromium electrode and eleminate the drop in voltage on discharge occasionally seen with previous electrodes were discussed. Single cells of 0.3329 ft area with improved membranes and electrodes are operating at over 80% voltage efficiency and coulombic efficiencies of over 98% at current densities of 16 to 20 amp % ft.

  13. High performance all-solid-state symmetric supercapacitor based on porous carbon made from a metal-organic framework compound

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yu, Feng; Wang, Teng; Wen, Zubiao; Wang, Hongxia

    2017-10-01

    In this work, we demonstrate the synthesis of porous carbon material with high specific surface area by using metal-organic framework (MOF) as precursor. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have confirmed that the material was amorphous and consisted of nanoparticles (5-6 nm) and hierarchical distribution of pores. The characterization of the material by N2 adsorption/desorption isotherm measurement have shown that the material had a high specific surface area reaching to 2618.7 m2 g-1 and abundant porosity with pore size less than 10 nm. The investigation of the electrochemical properties of the material has shown the porous carbon electrode possessed excellent rate performance with high specific capacitances of 150.8 F g-1 at a current density of 5 A g-1, and 133.6 F g-1 at a current density of 50 A g-1, respectively. An all-solid-state symmetric supercapacitor assembled using the as-prepared porous carbon as electrodes and Na2SO4/PVA gel as an electrolyte delivered a high power density of 13 516.4 W kg-1 with an energy density of 8.26 Wh kg-1. A high energy density of 17.37 Wh kg-1 was obtained at discharge current density of 1 A g-1. In addition, the device exhibited superior cycling performance with 94.8% retention rate after 10 000 cycles at a current density of 10 A g-1.

  14. The effect of chemical vapor deposition temperature on the performance of binder-free sewage sludge-derived anodes in microbial fuel cells.

    PubMed

    Feng, Huajun; Jia, Yufeng; Shen, Dongsheng; Zhou, Yuyang; Chen, Ting; Chen, Wei; Ge, Zhipeng; Zheng, Shuting; Wang, Meizhen

    2018-04-13

    Conversion of sewage sludge (SS) into value-added material has garnered increasing attention due to its potential applications. In this study, we propose a new application of the sewage sludge-derived carbon (SSC) as an electrode without binder in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). SS was firstly converted into SSC monoliths by methane chemical vapor method at different temperature (600, 800, 1000 or 1200°C). Scanning electron microscopy images showed that carbon micro-wires were present on the surfaces of the samples prepared at 1000 and 1200°C. The results showed that it was beneficial for converting sludge into a highly conductive electrode and increasing carbon content of the electrode at higher temperatures, thereby improving the current generation. The conductivity results show that a higher temperature favors the conversion of sludge into a highly conductive electrode. The MFC using an SSC anode processed at 1200°C generated the maximum power density of 2228mWm -2 and the maximum current density of 14.2Am -2 . This value was 5 times greater than that generated by an MFC equipped with a graphite anode. These results present a promising means of converting SS into electrode materials. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Self-Supported Biocarbon-Fiber Electrode Decorated with Molybdenum Carbide Nanoparticles for Highly Active Hydrogen-Evolution Reaction.

    PubMed

    Xiao, Jian; Zhang, Yan; Zhang, Zheye; Lv, Qiying; Jing, Feng; Chi, Kai; Wang, Shuai

    2017-07-12

    Devising and facilely synthesizing an efficient noble metal-free electrocatalyst for the acceleration of the sluggish kinetics in the hydrogen-evolution reaction (HER) is still a big challenge for electrolytic water splitting. Herein, we present a simple one-step approach for constructing self-supported biocarbon-fiber cloth decorated with molybdenum carbide nanoparticles (BCF/Mo 2 C) electrodes by a direct annealing treatment of the Mo oxyanions loaded cotton T-shirt. The Mo 2 C nanoparticles not only serve as the catalytic active sites toward the HER but also enhance the hydrophilicity and conductivity of resultant electrodes. As an integrated three-dimensional HER cathode catalyst, the BCF/Mo 2 C exhibits outstanding electrocatalytic performance with extremely low overpotentials of 88 and 115 mV to drive a current density of 20 mA cm -2 in alkaline and acidic media, respectively. In addition, it can continuously work for 50 h with little decrease in the cathodic current density in both alkaline and acidic solutions. Even better, self-supported tungsten carbide and vanadium carbide based electrodes also can be prepared by a similar synthesis process. This work will illuminate an entirely new avenue for the preparation of various self-supported three-dimensional electrodes made of transition-metal carbides for various applications.

  16. The Effects of Different Electrode Types for Obtaining Surface Machining Shape on Shape Memory Alloy Using Electrochemical Machining

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Choi, S. G.; Kim, S. H.; Choi, W. K.; Moon, G. C.; Lee, E. S.

    2017-06-01

    Shape memory alloy (SMA) is important material used for the medicine and aerospace industry due to its characteristics called the shape memory effect, which involves the recovery of deformed alloy to its original state through the application of temperature or stress. Consumers in modern society demand stability in parts. Electrochemical machining is one of the methods for obtained these stabilities in parts requirements. These parts of shape memory alloy require fine patterns in some applications. In order to machine a fine pattern, the electrochemical machining method is suitable. For precision electrochemical machining using different shape electrodes, the current density should be controlled precisely. And electrode shape is required for precise electrochemical machining. It is possible to obtain precise square holes on the SMA if the insulation layer controlled the unnecessary current between electrode and workpiece. If it is adjusting the unnecessary current to obtain the desired shape, it will be a great contribution to the medical industry and the aerospace industry. It is possible to process a desired shape to the shape memory alloy by micro controlling the unnecessary current. In case of the square electrode without insulation layer, it derives inexact square holes due to the unnecessary current. The results using the insulated electrode in only side show precise square holes. The removal rate improved in case of insulated electrode than others because insulation layer concentrate the applied current to the machining zone.

  17. Low Li+ Insertion Barrier Carbon for High Energy Efficient Lithium-Ion Capacitor.

    PubMed

    Lee, Wee Siang Vincent; Huang, Xiaolei; Tan, Teck Leong; Xue, Jun Min

    2018-01-17

    Lithium-ion capacitor (LIC) is an attractive energy-storage device (ESD) that promises high energy density at moderate power density. However, the key challenge in its design is the low energy efficient negative electrode, which barred the realization of such research system in fulfilling the current ESD technological inadequacy due to its poor overall energy efficiency. Large voltage hysteresis is the main issue behind high energy density alloying/conversion-type materials, which reduces the electrode energy efficiency. Insertion-type material though averted in most research due to the low capacity remains to be highly favorable in commercial application due to its lower voltage hysteresis. To further reduce voltage hysteresis and increase capacity, amorphous carbon with wider interlayer spacing has been demonstrated in the simulation result to significantly reduce Li + insertion barrier. Hence, by employing such amorphous carbon, together with disordered carbon positive electrode, a high energy efficient LIC with round-trip energy efficiency of 84.3% with a maximum energy density of 133 Wh kg -1 at low power density of 210 W kg -1 can be achieved.

  18. Electrochemical current noise on aluminum microelectrodes

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Isaac, J.W.; Hebert, K.R.

    1999-02-01

    Aluminum disk microelectrodes were used to investigate electrochemical current noise in pH 8.8 borate buffer. The current noise spectra, expressed in terms of the current spectral density, had a characteristic two-plateau structure in the experimental bandwidth of 0.05--50 Hz, were potential-independent, and increased proportionally to electrode area. Injection of NaCl solution near the electrode surface, at potentials below that of the onset of pitting corrosion, caused 0.1--1 Hz current fluctuations to appear. From the frequency and area dependence of the current spectral density in the chloride-free solution, it was concluded that the noise arose from a number of discrete, approximatelymore » evenly distributed voltage noise sources positioned electrically in series with the inner barrier layer of the oxide film. A mathematical model for the current noise was developed which described a physical mechanism for noise production based on fluctuations in the widths of cracks or pores in the outer part of the surface film. The model was consistent with the observed area and frequency dependence of the current spectral density, suggesting that the physical process it described is a possible mechanism of noise generation. It could not be determined whether the noise sources were isolated defects or flaws, or pores in an outer precipitated portion of the oxide film.« less

  19. A Novel Ni/WOX/W Resistive Random Access Memory with Excellent Retention and Low Switching Current

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chien, Wei-Chih; Chen, Yi-Chou; Lee, Feng-Ming; Lin, Yu-Yu; Lai, Erh-Kun; Yao, Yeong-Der; Gong, Jeng; Horng, Sheng-Fu; Yeh, Chiao-Wen; Tsai, Shih-Chang; Lee, Ching-Hsiung; Huang, Yu-Kai; Chen, Chun-Fu; Kao, Hsiao-Feng; Shih, Yen-Hao; Hsieh, Kuang-Yeu; Lu, Chih-Yuan

    2011-04-01

    The behavior of WOX resistive random access memory (ReRAM) is a strong function of the top electrode material, which controls the conduction mechanism and the forming process. When using a top electrode with low work function, the current conduction is limited by space charges. On the other hand, the mechanism becomes thermionic emission for devices with a high work function top electrode. These (thermionic) devices are also found to have higher initial resistance, reduced forming current, and larger resistance window. Based on these insights and considering the compatibility to complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process, we proposed to use Ni as the top electrode for high performance WOX ReRAM devices. The new Ni/WOX/W device can be switched at a low current density less than 8×105 A/cm2, with RESET/SET resistance ratio greater than 100, and extremely good data retention of more than 300 years at 85 °C.

  20. 3D finite element modeling of epiretinal stimulation: Impact of prosthetic electrode size and distance from the retina.

    PubMed

    Sui, Xiaohong; Huang, Yu; Feng, Fuchen; Huang, Chenhui; Chan, Leanne Lai Hang; Wang, Guoxing

    2015-05-01

    A novel 3-dimensional (3D) finite element model was established to systematically investigate the impact of the diameter (Φ) of disc electrodes and the electrode-to-retina distance on the effectiveness of stimulation. The 3D finite element model was established based on a disc platinum stimulating electrode and a 6-layered retinal structure. The ground electrode was placed in the extraocular space in direct attachment with sclera and treated as a distant return electrode. An established criterion of electric-field strength of 1000 Vm-1 was adopted as the activation threshold for RGCs. The threshold current (TC) increased linearly with increasing Φ and electrode-to-retina distance and remained almost unchanged with further increases in diameter. However, the threshold charge density (TCD) increased dramatically with decreasing electrode diameter. TCD exceeded the electrode safety limit for an electrode diameter of 50 µm at an electrode-to-retina distance of 50 to 200 μm. The electric field distributions illustrated that smaller electrode diameters and shorter electrode-to-retina distances were preferred due to more localized excitation of RGC area under stimulation of different threshold currents in terms of varied electrode size and electrode-to-retina distances. Under the condition of same-amplitude current stimulation, a large electrode exhibited an improved potential spatial selectivity at large electrode-to-retina distances. Modeling results were consistent with those reported in animal electrophysiological experiments and clinical trials, validating the 3D finite element model of epiretinal stimulation. The computational model proved to be useful in optimizing the design of an epiretinal stimulating electrode for prosthesis.

  1. Performance of lightweight nickel electrodes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Britton, Doris L.

    1988-01-01

    The NASA Lewis Research Center is currently developing nickel electrodes for nickel-hydrogen (Ni-H2) batteries. These electrodes are lighter in weight and have higher energy densities than the heavier state-of-the-art (SOA) sintered nickel electrodes. In the present approach, lightweight materials or plaques are used as conductive supports for the nickel hydroxide active material. These plaques (fiber and felt, nickel plated plastic and graphite) are commercial products that are fabricated into nickel electrodes by electrochemically impregnating them with active material. Evaluation is performed in half cells structured in the bipolar configuration. Initial performance tests include capacity measurements at five discharge levels, C/2, 1.0C 1.37C, 2.0C and 2.74C. The electrodes that pass the initial tests are life cycle tested in a low Earth orbit regime at 80 percent depth of discharge. Different formulations of nickel fiber materials obtained from several manufacturers are currently being tested as possible candidates for nickel electrodes. One particular lightweight fiber mat electrode has accumulated over 3000 cycles to date, with stable capacity and voltage. Life and performance data of this electrode were investigated and presented. Good dimensional stability and active material adherence have been demonstrated in electrodes made from this lightweight plaque.

  2. All-solid-state flexible microsupercapacitors based on reduced graphene oxide/multi-walled carbon nanotube composite electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mao, Xiling; Xu, Jianhua; He, Xin; Yang, Wenyao; Yang, Yajie; Xu, Lu; Zhao, Yuetao; Zhou, Yujiu

    2018-03-01

    All-solid-state flexible microsupercapacitors have been intensely investigated in order to meet the rapidly growing demands for portable microelectronic devices. Herein, we demonstrate a facile, readily scalable and cost-effective laser induction process for preparing reduced graphene oxide/multi-walled carbon nanotube composite, which can be used as the interdigital electrodes in microsupercapacitors. The obtained composite exhibits high volumetric capacitance about 49.35 F cm-3, which is nearly 5 times higher than that of the pristine reduced graphene oxide film in aqueous 1.0 M H2SO4 solution (measured at a current density of 5 A cm-3 in a three-electrode testing). Additionally, an all-solid-state flexible microsupercapacitor employing these composite electrodes with PVA/H3PO4 gel electrolyte delivers high volumetric energy density of 6.47 mWh cm-3 at 10 mW cm-3 under the current density of 20 mA cm-3 as well as achieve excellent cycling stability retaining 88.6% of its initial value and outstanding coulombic efficiency after 10,000 cycles. Furthermore, the microsupercapacitors array connected in series/parallel can be easily adjusted to achieve the demands in practical applications. Therefore, this work brings a promising new candidate of prepare technologies for all-solid-state flexible microsupercapacitors as miniaturized power sources used in the portable and wearable electronics.

  3. Freestanding Gold/Graphene-Oxide/Manganese Oxide Microsupercapacitor Displaying High Areal Energy Density.

    PubMed

    Morag, Ahiud; Becker, James Y; Jelinek, Raz

    2017-07-10

    Microsupercapacitors are touted as one of the promising "next frontiers" in energy-storage research and applications. Despite their potential, significant challenges still exist in terms of physical properties and electrochemical performance, particularly attaining high energy density, stability, ease of synthesis, and feasibility of large-scale production. We present new freestanding microporous electrodes comprising self-assembled scaffold of gold and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanowires coated with MnO 2 . The electrodes exhibited excellent electrochemical characteristics, particularly superior high areal capacitance. Moreover, the freestanding Au/rGO scaffold also served as the current collector, obviating the need for an additional electrode support required in most reported supercapacitors, thus enabling low volume and weight devices with a high overall device specific energy. Stacked symmetrical solid-state supercapacitors were fabricated using the Au/rGO/MnO 2 electrodes in parallel configurations showing the advantage of using freestanding electrodes in the fabrication of low-volume devices. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  4. Sulfurized activated carbon for high energy density supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huang, Yunxia; Candelaria, Stephanie L.; Li, Yanwei; Li, Zhimin; Tian, Jianjun; Zhang, Lili; Cao, Guozhong

    2014-04-01

    Sulfurized activated carbon (SAC), made by coating the pore surface with thiophenic sulfur functional groups from the pyrolysis of sulfur flakes, were characterized and tested for supercapacitor applications. From X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), the sulfur content in the SAC was found to be 2.7 at%. Electrochemical properties from potentiostatic and galvanostatic measurements, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to evaluate the effect of sulfur on porous carbon electrodes. The SAC electrode exhibits better conductivity, and an obvious increase in specific capacitance that is almost 40% higher than plain activated carbons (ACs) electrode at a high current density of 1.4 A g-1. The proposed mechanism for improved conductivity and capacitive performance due to the sulfur functional groups on ACs will be discussed.

  5. Free-standing porous manganese dioxide/graphene composite films for high performance supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Guo, Wang-Huan; Liu, Teng-Jiao; Jiang, Peng; Zhang, Zhan-Jun

    2015-01-01

    A simple hard template method and hydrothermal process have been employed to fabricate a self-standing hierarchical porous MnO2/graphene film. Thus-constructed electrode materials for binder-free supercapacitors exhibit a high specific capacitance of 266.3 F g(-1) at the density of 0.2 A g(-1). Moreover, the two-electrode device demonstrates an excellent rate capability and cycling stability with capacitance retention of 85.1% after 2000 charge-discharge cycles at a current density of 1 A g(-1). The porous nanostructured design can effectively improve the specific surface areas and account for the shorter relaxation time for the electrodes, resulting in a high electrochemical performance. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Influence of the electrode gap separation on the pseudospark-sourced electron beam generation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zhao, J., E-mail: junping.zhao@qq.com; State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, West Xianning Road, Xi'an 710049; Department of Physics, SUPA, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0NG Scotland

    Pseudospark-sourced electron beam is a self-focused intense electron beam which can propagate without any external focusing magnetic field. This electron beam can drive a beam-wave interaction directly or after being post-accelerated. It is especially suitable for terahertz radiation generation due to the ability of a pseudospark discharge to produce small size in the micron range and very high current density and bright electron beams. In this paper, a single-gap pseudospark discharge chamber has been built and tested with several electrode gap separations to explore the dependence of the pseudospark-sourced electron beam current on the discharge voltage and the electrode gapmore » separation. Experimental results show that the beam pulses have similar pulse width and delay time from the distinct drop of the applied voltage for smaller electrode gap separations but longer delay time for the largest gap separation used in the experiment. It has been found that the electron beam only starts to occur when the charging voltage is above a certain value, which is defined as the starting voltage of the electron beam. The starting voltage is different for different electrode gap separations and decreases with increasing electrode gap separation in our pseudospark discharge configuration. The electron beam current increases with the increasing discharge voltage following two tendencies. Under the same discharge voltage, the configuration with the larger electrode gap separation will generate higher electron beam current. When the discharge voltage is higher than 10 kV, the beam current generated at the electrode gap separation of 17.0 mm, is much higher than that generated at smaller gap separations. The ionization of the neutral gas in the main gap is inferred to contribute more to the current increase with increasing electrode gap separation.« less

  7. Electro-osmotic fluxes in multi-well electro-remediation processes.

    PubMed

    López-Vizcaíno, Rubén; Sáez, Cristina; Mena, Esperanza; Villaseñor, Jose; Cañizares, Pablo; Rodrigo, Manuel A

    2011-01-01

    In recent years, electrokinetic techniques on a laboratory scale have been studied but few applications have been assessed at full-scale. In this work, a mock-up plant with two rows of three electrodes positioned in semipermeable electrolyte wells has been used to study the electro-osmotic flux distribution. Water accumulated in the cathodic wells when an electric voltage gradient was applied between the two electrode-well rows. Likewise, slight differences in the water flux were observed depending on the position and number of electrodes used and on the voltage gradient applied. Results show that the electro-osmotic flow did not increase proportionally with the number of electrodes used. During the start-up of the study, there was an abrupt change in the current density, pH and conductivity of the soil portions closest to electrodic wells due to electrokinetic processes. These differences can be explained in terms of the complex current distributions from anode and cathode rows.

  8. Recent advances in solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell technology with low platinum loading electrodes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Srinivasan, Supramaniam; Manko, David J.; Enayatullah, Mohammad; Appleby, A. John

    1989-01-01

    High power density fuel cell systems for defense and civilian applications are being developed. Taking into consideration the main causes for efficiency losses (activation, mass transport and ohmic overpotentials) the only fuel cell systems capable of achieving high power densities are the ones with alkaline and solid polymer electrolyte. High power densities (0.8 W/sq cm at 0.8 V and 1 A/sq cm with H2 and O2 as reactants), were already used in NASA's Apollo and Space Shuttle flights as auxiliary power sources. Even higher power densities (4 W/sq cm - i.e., 8 A sq cm at 0.5 V) were reported by the USAF/International Fuel Cells in advanced versions of the alkaline system. High power densities (approximately 1 watt/sq cm) in solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells with ten times lower platinum loading in the electrodes (i.e., 0.4 mg/sq cm) were attained. It is now possible to reach a cell potential of 0.620 V at a current density of 2 A/sq cm and at a temperature of 95 C and pressure of 4/5 atm with H2/O2 as reactants. The slope of the linear region of the potential-current density plot for this case is 0.15 ohm-sq cm. With H2/air as reactants and under the same operating conditions, mass transport limitations are encountered at current densities above 1.4 A/sq cm. Thus, the cell potential at 1 A/sq cm with H2/air as reactants is less than that with H2/O2 as reactants by 40 mV, which is the expected value based on electrode kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction, and at 2 A/sq cm with H2/air as reactant is less than the corresponding value with H2/O2 as reactants by 250 mV, which is due to the considerably greater mass transport limitations in the former case.

  9. Conductance Switching Phenomena and H-Like Aggregates in Squarylium-Dye Langmuir-Blodgett Films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kushida, Masahito; Inomata, Hisao; Tanaka, Yuichiro; Harada, Kieko; Saito, Kyoichi; Sugita, Kazuyuki

    2002-03-01

    The current-voltage characteristics of sandwich devices with the structure of top gold electrode/squarylium-dye Langmuir-Blodgett (SQ LB) films/bottom aluminum electrode indicated four kinds of conductivity depending on the evaporation conditions of the top gold electrode. The current densities of two, which showed conductance switching, of the four samples were 30-40 μA/cm2 and 20-30 mA/cm2 in the ON state. In the former case, the dependence of conductance switching voltage on the number of SQ LB films and ultraviolet-visible absorption spectra were studied. The results revealed that conductance switching phenomena were induced at the interface between the top gold electrode and SQ LB films, and caused by the presence of H-like aggregates in SQ LB films.

  10. Dark current suppression of MgZnO metal-semiconductor-metal solar-blind ultraviolet photodetector by asymmetric electrode structures.

    PubMed

    Wang, Ping; Zheng, Qinghong; Tang, Qing; Yang, Yintang; Guo, Lixin; Huang, Feng; Song, Zhenjie; Zhang, Zhiyong

    2014-01-15

    The application of asymmetric Schottky barrier and electrode area in an MgZnO metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) solar-blind ultraviolet photodetector has been investigated by a physical-based numerical model in which the electron mobility is obtained by an ensemble Monte Carlo simulation combined with first principle calculations using the density functional theory. Compared with the experimental data of symmetric and asymmetric MSM structures based on ZnO substrate, the validity of this model is verified. The asymmetric Schottky barrier and electrode area devices exhibit reductions of 20 times and 1.3 times on dark current, respectively, without apparent photocurrent scarification. The plots of photo-to-dark current ratio (PDR) indicate that the asymmetric MgZnO MSM structure has better dark current characteristic than that of the symmetric one.

  11. Silicon/copper dome-patterned electrodes for high-performance hybrid supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Liu, Xuyan; Jung, Hun-Gi; Kim, Sang-Ok; Choi, Ho-Suk; Lee, Sangwha; Moon, Jun Hyuk; Lee, Joong Kee

    2013-12-02

    This study proposes a method for manufacturing high-performance electrode materials in which controlling the shape of the current collector and electrode material for a Li-ion capacitor (LIC). In particular, the proposed LIC manufacturing method maintains the high voltage of a cell by using a microdome-patterned electrode material, allowing for reversible reactions between the Li-ion and the active material for an extended period of time. As a result, the LICs exhibit initial capacities of approximately 42 F g⁻¹, even at 60 A g⁻¹. The LICs also exhibit good cycle performance up to approximately 15,000 cycles. In addition, these advancements allow for a considerably higher energy density than other existing capacitor systems. The energy density of the proposed LICs is approximately nine, two, and 1.5 times higher than those of the electrochemical double layer capacitor (EDLC), AC/LiMn₂O₄ hybrid capacitor, and intrinsic Si/AC LIC, respectively.

  12. Silicon/copper dome-patterned electrodes for high-performance hybrid supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Xuyan; Jung, Hun-Gi; Kim, Sang-Ok; Choi, Ho-Suk; Lee, Sangwha; Moon, Jun Hyuk; Lee, Joong Kee

    2013-12-01

    This study proposes a method for manufacturing high-performance electrode materials in which controlling the shape of the current collector and electrode material for a Li-ion capacitor (LIC). In particular, the proposed LIC manufacturing method maintains the high voltage of a cell by using a microdome-patterned electrode material, allowing for reversible reactions between the Li-ion and the active material for an extended period of time. As a result, the LICs exhibit initial capacities of approximately 42 F g-1, even at 60 A g-1. The LICs also exhibit good cycle performance up to approximately 15,000 cycles. In addition, these advancements allow for a considerably higher energy density than other existing capacitor systems. The energy density of the proposed LICs is approximately nine, two, and 1.5 times higher than those of the electrochemical double layer capacitor (EDLC), AC/LiMn2O4 hybrid capacitor, and intrinsic Si/AC LIC, respectively.

  13. Hydrothermal synthesis of Mn-doped ZnCo2O4 electrode material for high-performance supercapacitor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mary, A. Juliet Christina; Bose, A. Chandra

    2017-12-01

    Mn-doped ZnCo2O4 nanoparticle has been synthesized by hydrothermal method without adding any surfactants. Structural, morphological and electrochemical performances have been studied for the pure and various concentration of Mn-doped ZnCo2O4 nanoparticles. XRD and Raman studies demonstrate the crystalline structure of the material. Specific capacitance of the 10 wt% Mn doped ZnCo2O4 nanomaterial is analysed using the three-electrode system. 10 wt% Mn-doped ZnCo2O4 has a maximum capacitance of 707.4 F g-1 at a current density of 0.5 A g-1. Coulombic efficiency of the material is 96.3% for 500 cycles in the KOH electrolyte medium. A two-electrode device using 10 wt% Mn-doped ZnCo2O4 exhibits the highest specific capacitance of 6.5 F g-1 at a current density of 0.03 A g-1 which is the suitable material for supercapacitor application.

  14. Hybrid NiS/CoO mesoporous nanosheet arrays on Ni foam for high-rate supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wu, Jianghong; Ouyang, Canbin; Dou, Shuo; Wang, Shuangyin

    2015-08-01

    A new hybrid of NiS/CoO porous nanosheets was synthesized on Ni foam by one-step electrodeposition method and used as an electrode for high-performance pseudocapacitance. The as-synthesized NiS/CoO porous nanosheets hybrid shows a high specific capacitance of 1054 F g-1 at a high current density of 6 A g-1, a good rate capability even at high current density (760 F g-1 at 20 A g-1) and a good long-term cycling stability (91.7% of the maximum specific capacitance after 3000 cycles). These excellent properties can be mainly attributed to the unique hierarchical porous structure with large surface area and interspaces which facilitate charge transfer and redox reaction. The enhancement in the interface contact between active material and substrate results in excellent conductivity of the electrode and a strong synergistic effect of NiS and CoO as individual constituents contributed to high capacitance of the hybrid electrode.

  15. Hybrid NiS/CoO mesoporous nanosheet arrays on Ni foam for high-rate supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Wu, Jianghong; Ouyang, Canbin; Dou, Shuo; Wang, Shuangyin

    2015-08-14

    A new hybrid of NiS/CoO porous nanosheets was synthesized on Ni foam by one-step electrodeposition method and used as an electrode for high-performance pseudocapacitance. The as-synthesized NiS/CoO porous nanosheets hybrid shows a high specific capacitance of 1054 F g(-1) at a high current density of 6 A g(-1), a good rate capability even at high current density (760 F g(-1) at 20 A g(-1)) and a good long-term cycling stability (91.7% of the maximum specific capacitance after 3000 cycles). These excellent properties can be mainly attributed to the unique hierarchical porous structure with large surface area and interspaces which facilitate charge transfer and redox reaction. The enhancement in the interface contact between active material and substrate results in excellent conductivity of the electrode and a strong synergistic effect of NiS and CoO as individual constituents contributed to high capacitance of the hybrid electrode.

  16. Treatment of oily wastewater of a gas refinery by electrocoagulation using aluminum electrodes.

    PubMed

    Saeedi, Mohesn; Khalvati-Fahlyani, Amin

    2011-03-01

    Oily wastewaters are the most important discharges of gas refineries from an environmental point-of-view. In the present study, treatment of gas refinery oily wastewater by electrocoagulation using aluminum electrodes was investigated. The effects of electrode distance, initial pH, sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) as a supporting electrolyte, polyaluminum chloride dosage as a coagulant aid, and current density on the efficiency of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal were examined. The results revealed that the COD removal rate increases by applying more current density and polyaluminum chloride and, to a lesser extent, Na2SO4 dosage. The results also showed that 97% COD can be removed at optimum operational conditions. Specific electrical energy consumption could be reduced from 19.48 kWh (kg COD removal)(-1) to 11.057 kWh (kg COD removal)(-1) using Na2SO4 as a supporting electrolyte. Gas chromatographic analysis of raw and treated wastewater also revealed that most normal hydrocarbons (nearly 99%) were removed during the electrocoagulation process.

  17. High discharge rate characteristics of nickel-cadmium batteries for pulse load filtering

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gearing, G. M.; Cimino, M. B.; Fritts, D. H.; Leonard, J. F.; Terzuoli, A. J., Jr.

    1985-01-01

    Several tests of specially fabricated nickel-cadmium batteries having circular disk type electrodes were considered. These batteries were evaluated as filter elements between a constant current power supply and a five hertz pulsed load demanding approximately twice the power supply current during the load on portion of the cycle. Short tests lasting 10,000 cycles were conducted at up to a 21 C rate and an equivalent energy density of over 40 Joules per pound. In addition, two batteries were subjected to 10 to the 7 charge/discharge cycles, one at a 6.5 C rate and the other at a 13 C rate. Assuming an electrode to battery weight ratio of 0.5, these tests represent an energy density of about 7 and 14 Joules per pound respectively. Energy density, efficiency, capacitance, average voltage, and available capacity were tracked during these tests. After 10 to the 7 cycles, capacity degradation was negligible for one battery and about 20% for the other. Cadmium electrode failure may be the factor limiting lifetime at extremely low depth of discharge cycling. The output was examined and a simple equivalent circuit was proposed.

  18. Review of electrochemical impregnation for nickel cadmium cells. [aerospace applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gross, S.

    1977-01-01

    A method of loading active material within the electrodes of nickel cadmium cells is examined. The basic process of electrochemical impregnation of these electrodes is detailed, citing the principle that when current is applied reactions occur which remove hydrogen ions from solution, making the interior of the plaque less acidic. Electrodes result which are superior in energy density, stability, and life. The technology is reviewed and illustrated with typical performance data. Recommendations are made for additional research and development.

  19. Transparent capacitors with hybrid ZnO:Al and Ag nanowires as electrodes.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Guozhen; Wu, Hao; Wang, Xiao; Wang, Ti; Liu, Chang

    2016-03-11

    Transparent conducting films with a composite structure of AlZnO-Ag nanowires (AgNWs) have been prepared by atomic layer deposition. The sheet resistance was reduced from 120 to 9 Ω when the AgNW networks were involved. Transparent capacitors with Al2O3-TiO2-Al2O3 dielectrics were fabricated on the composite electrodes and demonstrated a capacitance density of 10.1 fF μm(-2), which was significantly higher than that of capacitors with AlZnO electrodes (8.8 fF μm(-1)). The capacitance density remained almost unchanged in a broad frequency range from 3 kHz to 1 MHz. Moreover, a low leakage current density of 2.4 × 10(-7) A cm(-2) at 1 V was achieved. Transparent and flexible capacitors were also fabricated using the composite electrodes, and demonstrated an improved bendability. The transparent capacitors showed an average optical transmittance over 70% in the visible range, and thus open the door to practical applications in transparent integrated circuits.

  20. Engineering firecracker-like beta-manganese dioxides@spinel nickel cobaltates nanostructures for high-performance supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kuang, Min; Wen, Zhong Quan; Guo, Xiao Long; Zhang, Sheng Mao; Zhang, Yu Xin

    2014-12-01

    An effective and rational strategy is developed for large-scale growth of firecracker-like Ni-substituted Co3O4 (NiCo2O4) nanosheets on β-MnO2 nanowires (NWs) with robust adhesion as high-performance electrode for electrochemical capacitors. The NiCo2O4-MnO2 nanostructures display much higher specific capacitance (343 F g-1 at current density of 0.5 A g-1), better rate capability (75.3% capacitance retention from 0.5 A g-1 to 8 A g-1) and excellent cycle stability (5% capacitance loss after 3000 cycles) than Co3O4-MnO2 nanostructures. Moreover, an asymmetric supercapacitor based on NiCo2O4-MnO2 NWs as the positive electrode and activated graphenes (AG) as the negative electrode achieves an energy density of 9.4 Wh kg-1 and a maximum power density of 2.5 kW kg-1. These attractive findings suggest this novel core-shell nanostructure promising for electrochemical applications as an efficient supercapacitive electrode.

  1. Effects of Electrodeposition Mode and Deposition Cycle on the Electrochemical Performance of MnO2-NiO Composite Electrodes for High-Energy-Density Supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Rusi; Majid, S R

    2016-01-01

    Nanostructured network-like MnO2-NiO composite electrodes were electrodeposited onto stainless steel substrates via different electrodeposition modes, such as chronopotentiometry, chronoamperometry, and cyclic voltammetry, and then subjected to heat treatment at 300°C for metal oxide conversion. X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used to study the crystalline natures and morphologies of the deposited films. The electrochemical properties were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and charge/discharge tests. The results revealed that the electrochemical performance of the as-obtained composite electrodes depended on the electrodeposition mode. The electrochemical properties of MnO2-NiO composite electrodes prepared using cyclic voltammetry exhibited the highest capacitance values and were most influenced by the deposition cycle number. The optimum specific capacitance was 3509 Fg-1 with energy and power densities of 1322 Wh kg-1 and 110.5 kW kg-1, respectively, at a current density of 20 Ag-1 in a mixed KOH/K3Fe(CN)6 electrolyte.

  2. Nitrogen and sulfur co-doped porous graphene aerogel as an efficient electrode material for high performance supercapacitor in ionic liquid electrolyte

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Yujuan; Liu, Zhaoen; Sun, Li; Lu, Zhiwei; Zhuo, Kelei

    2018-06-01

    Nitrogen and sulfur co-doped graphene aerogel (NS-GA) is prepared by one-pot process. The as-prepared materials are investigated as supercapacitors electrodes in an ionic liquid (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, EMIMBF4) electrolyte. The NS-GA is characterized using X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the NS-GA has hierarchical porous structure. Electrochemical performance is investigated by cycle voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge. Notably, the supercapacitor based on the NS-GA-5 possesses a maximum energy density of 100.7 Wh kg-1 at power density of 0.94 kW kg-1. The electrode materials also offer a large specific capacitance of 203.2 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1 and the capacitance retention of NS-GA-5 is 90% after 3000 cycles at a scan rate of 2 A g-1. The NS-GA-5 with numerous advantages including low cost and remarkable electrochemical behaviors can be a promising electrode material for the application of supercapacitors.

  3. Effects of Electrodeposition Mode and Deposition Cycle on the Electrochemical Performance of MnO2-NiO Composite Electrodes for High-Energy-Density Supercapacitors

    PubMed Central

    Rusi; Majid, S. R.

    2016-01-01

    Nanostructured network-like MnO2-NiO composite electrodes were electrodeposited onto stainless steel substrates via different electrodeposition modes, such as chronopotentiometry, chronoamperometry, and cyclic voltammetry, and then subjected to heat treatment at 300°C for metal oxide conversion. X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used to study the crystalline natures and morphologies of the deposited films. The electrochemical properties were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and charge/discharge tests. The results revealed that the electrochemical performance of the as-obtained composite electrodes depended on the electrodeposition mode. The electrochemical properties of MnO2-NiO composite electrodes prepared using cyclic voltammetry exhibited the highest capacitance values and were most influenced by the deposition cycle number. The optimum specific capacitance was 3509 Fg−1 with energy and power densities of 1322 Wh kg−1 and 110.5 kW kg−1, respectively, at a current density of 20 Ag−1 in a mixed KOH/K3Fe(CN)6 electrolyte. PMID:27182595

  4. Catalyst surfaces for the chromous/chromic redox couple

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Giner, J. D.; Cahill, K. J. (Inventor)

    1980-01-01

    An electricity producing cell of the reduction-oxidation (REDOX) type is described. The cell is divided into two compartments by a membrane, each compartment containing a solid inert electrode. A ferrous/ferric couple in a chloride solution serves as a cathode fluid which is circulated through one of the compartments to produce a positive electric potential disposed therein. A chromic/chromous couple in a chloride solution serves as an anode fluid which is circulated through the second compartment to produce a negative potential on an electrode disposed therein. The electrode is an electrically conductive, inert material plated with copper, silver or gold. A thin layer of lead plates onto the copper, silver or gold layer when the cell is being charged, the lead ions being available from lead chloride which was added to the anode fluid. If the REDOX cell is then discharged, the current flows between the electrodes causing the lead to deplate from the negative electrode and the metal coating on the electrode will act as a catalyst to cause increased current density.

  5. Silicon oxycarbide glass-graphene composite paper electrode for long-cycle lithium-ion batteries.

    PubMed

    David, Lamuel; Bhandavat, Romil; Barrera, Uriel; Singh, Gurpreet

    2016-03-30

    Silicon and graphene are promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries because of their high theoretical capacity; however, low volumetric energy density, poor efficiency and instability in high loading electrodes limit their practical application. Here we report a large area (approximately 15 cm × 2.5 cm) self-standing anode material consisting of molecular precursor-derived silicon oxycarbide glass particles embedded in a chemically-modified reduced graphene oxide matrix. The porous reduced graphene oxide matrix serves as an effective electron conductor and current collector with a stable mechanical structure, and the amorphous silicon oxycarbide particles cycle lithium-ions with high Coulombic efficiency. The paper electrode (mass loading of 2 mg cm(-2)) delivers a charge capacity of ∼588 mAh g(-1)electrode (∼393 mAh cm(-3)electrode) at 1,020th cycle and shows no evidence of mechanical failure. Elimination of inactive ingredients such as metal current collector and polymeric binder reduces the total electrode weight and may provide the means to produce efficient lightweight batteries.

  6. Electron transport in dipyridazine and dipyridimine molecular junctions: a first-principles investigation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Parashar, Sweta

    2018-05-01

    We present density functional theory-nonequilibrium Green’s function method for electron transport of dipyridazine and dipyridimine molecular junctions with gold, copper and nickel electrodes. Our investigation reveals that the junctions formed with gold and copper electrodes bridging dipyridazine molecule through thiol anchoring group enhance current as compared to the junctions in which the molecule and electrode were coupled directly. Further, nickel electrode displays weak decrease of current with increase of voltage at about 1.2 V. The result is fully rationalized by means of the distribution of molecular orbitals as well as shift in molecular energy levels and HOMO-LUMO gap with applied bias voltage. Our findings are compared with theoretical and experimental results available for other molecular junctions. Present results predict potential avenues for changing the transport behavior by not only changing the electrodes, but also the position of nitrogen atom and type of anchoring-atom that connect molecule and electrodes, thus extending applications of dipyridazine and dipyridimine molecule in future integrated circuits.

  7. Performance Improvement of Diagonal Type MHD Generator by Modification of PTO Electrode Configuration

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Takahashi, Toru; Fujino, Takayasu; Ishikawa, Motoo

    Time dependent three-dimensional numerical analysis is carried out in order to clarify causes of voltage loss occurring near power takeoff regions and to suggest how to reduce the voltage loss for the scramjet engine driven MHD generator which was developed under the hypersonic vehicle electric power system program in USA. The numerical results under the experimental condition show that the local positive electric field is induced near the power takeoff electrodes. The phenomenon is due to the electric field loss by the high electric current through the weakly ionized plasma with low temperature and also by the low electromotive force near the power takeoff electrodes. When the configuration of power takeoff electrodes is modified, the current density near the power takeoff electrodes becomes small and the electromotive force becomes strong. The electric power output under the optimum electrode configuration of power takeoff is improved by 22 percent, compared with the value under the experimental condition.

  8. Excess Heat in Molten Salts of (LiCl - KCl) + (LiD + LiF) at the Titanium Electrode during Electrolysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tsvetkov, S. A.; Filatov, E. S.; Khokhlov, V. A.

    2005-12-01

    The electrochemical cell and a technique for precision calorimetric measurements has been developed. Experiments with molten salts containing lithium deuteride were carried out. Calorimetric measurements made on the titanium electrode during experiments. Measurements were made in an inert atmosphere of helium and in an atmosphere of deuterium at various density of an electrolysis current. Excess heat was obtained on the titanium electrode in a deuterium atmosphere during electrolysis. An x-ray diffraction analysis was made on the used titanium electrode. The analysis of the results obtained is discussed.

  9. Electron density profile measurements at a self-focusing ion beam with high current density and low energy extracted through concave electrodes.

    PubMed

    Fujiwara, Y; Hirano, Y; Kiyama, S; Nakamiya, A; Koguchi, H; Sakakita, H

    2014-02-01

    The self-focusing phenomenon has been observed in a high current density and low energy ion beam. In order to study the mechanism of this phenomenon, a special designed double probe to measure the electron density and temperature is installed into the chamber where the high current density ion beam is injected. Electron density profile is successfully measured without the influence of the ion beam components. Estimated electron temperature and density are ∼0.9 eV and ∼8 × 10(8) cm(-3) at the center of ion beam cross section, respectively. It was found that a large amount of electrons are spontaneously accumulated in the ion beam line in the case of self-forcing state.

  10. Numerical Study of the Buoyancy-Driven Flow in a Four-Electrode Rectangular Electrochemical Cell

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, Zhanyu; Agafonov, Vadim; Rice, Catherine; Bindler, Jacob

    2009-11-01

    Two-dimensional numerical simulation is done on the buoyancy-driven flow in a four-electrode rectangular electrochemical cell. Two kinds of electrode layouts, the anode-cathode-cathode-anode (ACCA) and the cathode-anode-anode-cathode (CAAC) layouts, are studied. In the ACCA layout, the two anodes are placed close to the channel outlets while the two cathodes are located between the two anodes. The CAAC layout can be converted from the ACCA layout by applying higher electric potential on the two middle electrodes. Density gradient was generated by the electrodic reaction I3^-+2e^- =3I^-. When the electrochemical cell is accelerated axially, buoyancy-driven flow occurs. In our model, electro-neutrality is assumed except at the electrodes. The Navier-Stokes equations with the Boussinesq approximation and the Nernst-Planck equations are employed to model the momentum and mass transports, respectively. It is found that under a given axial acceleration, the electrolyte density between the two middle electrodes determines the bulk flow through the electrochemical cell. The cathodic current difference is found to be able to measure the applied acceleration. Other important electro-hydrodynamic characteristics are also discussed.

  11. Enhanced performance of photonic crystal GaN light-emitting diodes with graphene transparent electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ge, Hai-Liang; Xu, Chen; Xu, Kun; Xun, Meng; Wang, Jun; Liu, Jie

    2015-03-01

    The two-dimensional (2D) triangle lattice air hole photonic crystal (PC) GaN-based light-emitting diodes (LED) with double-layer graphene transparent electrodes (DGTE) have been produced. The current spreading effect of the double-layer graphene (GR) on the surface of the PC structure of the LED has been researched. Specially, we found that the part of the graphene suspending over the air hole of the PC structure was of much higher conductivity, which reduced the average sheet resistance of the graphene transparent conducting electrode and improved the current spreading of the PC LED. Therefore, the work voltage of the DGTE-PC LED was obviously decreased, and the output power was greatly enhanced. The COMSOL software was used to simulate the current density distribution of the samples. The results show that the etching of PC structure results in the degradation of the current spreading and that the graphene transparent conducting electrode can offer an uniform current spreading in the DGTE-PC LED. PACS: 85.60.Jb; 68.65.Pq; 42.70.Qs

  12. Characteristics of the high-rate discharge capability of a nickel/metal hydride battery electrode

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Geng, M.; Han, J.; Feng, F.

    1999-10-01

    The high rate discharge capability of the negative electrode in a Ni/MH battery is mainly determined by the charge transfer process at the interface between the metal hydride (MH) alloy powder and the electrolyte, and the mass transfer process in the bulk MH alloy powder. In this study, the anodic polarization curves of a MH electrode were measured and analyzed. An alloy of nominal composition Mm{sub 0.95}Ti{sub 0.05}Ni{sub 3.85}Co{sub 0.45}Mn{sub 0.35}Al{sub 0.35} was used as the negative electrode material. With increasing number of charge/discharge cycles, the MH alloy powders microcrack into particles several micrometers in diameter. The decrease in themore » MH alloy particle size results in an increase in both the activation surface area and the exchange current density of the MH alloy electrode. The electrode overpotentials of the MH electrode decreases with increasing number of cycles at a large value of anodic polarization current. The decrease in electrode overpotential leads to an increase in the high rate discharge capability of the MH electrode. By using the limiting current, the hydrogen diffusion coefficient in the MH alloy was estimated to be 1.2 x 10{sup {minus}11}cm{sup 2}s{sup {minus}1} assuming an average particle radius of 5 {micro}m.« less

  13. Treatment of real wastewater produced from Mobil car wash station using electrocoagulation technique.

    PubMed

    El-Ashtoukhy, E-S Z; Amin, N K; Fouad, Y O

    2015-10-01

    This paper deals with the electrocoagulation of real wastewater produced from a car wash station using a new cell design featuring a horizontal spiral anode placed above a horizontal disc cathode. The study dealt with the chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction and turbidity removal using electrodes in a batch mode. Various operating parameters such as current density, initial pH, NaCl concentration, temperature, and electrode material were examined to optimize the performance of the process. Also, characterization of sludge formed during electrocoagulation was carried out. The results indicated that the COD reduction and turbidity removal increase with increasing the current density and NaCl concentration; pH from 7 to 8 was found to be optimum for treating the wastewater. Temperature was found to have an insignificant effect on the process. Aluminum was superior to iron as a sacrificial electrode material in treating car wash wastewater. Energy consumption based on COD reduction ranged from 2.32 to 15.1 kWh/kg COD removed depending on the operating conditions. Finally, the sludge produced during electrocoagulation using aluminum electrodes was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) analysis.

  14. Integrated 3D porous C-MoS2/nitrogen-doped graphene electrode for high capacity and prolonged stability lithium storage

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xie, D.; Tang, W. J.; Xia, X. H.; Wang, D. H.; Zhou, D.; Shi, F.; Wang, X. L.; Gu, C. D.; Tu, J. P.

    2015-11-01

    Scrupulous design and fabrication of advanced anode materials are of great importance for developing high-performance lithium ion batteries. Herein, we report a facile strategy for construction of free-standing and free-binder 3D porous carbon coated MoS2/nitrogen-doped graphene (C-MoS2/N-G) integrated electrode via a hydrothermal-induced self-assembly process. The preformed carbon coated MoS2 is strongly anchored on the porous nitrogen-doped graphene aerogel architecture. As an anode for lithium ion batteries, the C-MoS2/N-G electrode delivers a high first discharge capacity of 1600 mAh g-1 and maintains 900 mAh g-1 after 500 cycles at a current density of 200 mA g-1. Impressively, superior high-rate capability is achieved for the C-MoS2/N-G with a reversible capacity of 500 mAh g-1 at a high current density of 4000 mA g-1. Furthermore, the lithium storage mechanism of the obtained integrated electrode is investigated by ex-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy in detail.

  15. Substrate Engineered Interconnected Graphene Electrodes with Ultrahigh Energy and Power Densities for Energy Storage Applications.

    PubMed

    Chaichi, Ardalan; Wang, Ying; Gartia, Manas Ranjan

    2018-06-27

    Supercapacitors combine the advantages of electrochemical storage technologies such as high energy density batteries and high power density capacitors. At 5-10 W h kg -1 , the energy densities of current supercapacitors are still significantly lower than the energy densities of lead acid (20-35 W h kg -1 ), Ni-metal hydride (40-100 W h kg -1 ), and Li-ion (120-170 W h kg -1 ) batteries. Recently, graphene-based supercapacitors have shown an energy density of 40-80 W h kg -1 . However, their performance is mainly limited because of the reversible agglomeration and restacking of individual graphene layers caused by π-π interactions. The restacking of graphene layers leads to significant decrease of ion-accessible surface area and the low capacitance of graphene-based supercapacitors. Here, we introduce a microstructure substrate-based method to produce a fully delaminated and stable interconnected graphene structure using flash reduction of graphene oxide in a few seconds. With this structure, we achieve the highest amount of volumetric capacitance obtained so far by any type of a pure carbon-based material. The affordable and scalable production method is capable of producing electrodes with an energy density of 0.37 W h cm -3 and a power density of 416.6 W cm -3 . This electrode maintained more than 91% of its initial capacitance after 5000 cycles. Moreover, combining with ionic liquid, this solvent-free graphene electrode material is highly promising for on-chip electronics, micro-supercapacitors, as well as high-power applications.

  16. Design of electrodes and current limits for low frequency electrical impedance tomography of the brain.

    PubMed

    Gilad, O; Horesh, L; Holder, D S

    2007-07-01

    For the novel application of recording of resistivity changes related to neuronal depolarization in the brain with electrical impedance tomography, optimal recording is with applied currents below 100 Hz, which might cause neural stimulation of skin or underlying brain. The purpose of this work was to develop a method for application of low frequency currents to the scalp, which delivered the maximum current without significant stimulation of skin or underlying brain. We propose a recessed electrode design which enabled current injection with an acceptable skin sensation to be increased from 100 muA using EEG electrodes, to 1 mA in 16 normal volunteers. The effect of current delivered to the brain was assessed with an anatomically realistic finite element model of the adult head. The modelled peak cerebral current density was 0.3 A/m(2), which was 5 to 25-fold less than the threshold for stimulation of the brain estimated from literature review.

  17. Arbitrary helicity control of circularly polarized light from lateral-type spin-polarized light-emitting diodes at room temperature

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nishizawa, Nozomi; Aoyama, Masaki; Roca, Ronel C.; Nishibayashi, Kazuhiro; Munekata, Hiro

    2018-05-01

    We demonstrate arbitrary helicity control of circularly polarized light (CPL) emitted at room temperature from the cleaved side facet of a lateral-type spin-polarized light-emitting diode (spin-LED) with two ferromagnetic electrodes in an antiparallel magnetization configuration. Driving alternate currents through the two electrodes results in polarization switching of CPL with frequencies up to 100 kHz. Furthermore, tuning the current density ratio in the two electrodes enables manipulation of the degree of circular polarization. These results demonstrate arbitrary electrical control of polarization with high speed, which is required for the practical use of lateral-type spin-LEDs as monolithic CPL light sources.

  18. Ultimate scaling of TiN/ZrO2/TiN capacitors: Leakage currents and limitations due to electrode roughness

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jegert, Gunther; Kersch, Alfred; Weinreich, Wenke; Lugli, Paolo

    2011-01-01

    In this paper, we investigate the influence of electrode roughness on the leakage current in TiN/high-κ ZrO2/TiN (TZT) thin-film capacitors which are used in dynamic random access memory cells. Based on a microscopic transport model, which is expanded to incorporate electrode roughness, we assess the ultimate scaling potential of TZT capacitors in terms of equivalent oxide thickness, film smoothness, thickness fluctuations, defect density and distribution, and conduction band offset (CBO). The model is based on three-dimensional, fully self-consistent, kinetic Monte Carlo transport simulations. Tunneling transport in the bandgap of the dielectric is treated, which includes defect-assisted transport mechanisms. Electrode roughness is described in the framework of fractal geometry. While the short-range roughness of the electrodes is found not to influence significantly the leakage current, thickness fluctuations of the dielectric have a major impact. For thinner dielectric films they cause a transformation of the dominant transport mechanism from Poole-Frenkel conduction to trap-assisted tunneling. Consequently, the sensitivity of the leakage current on electrode roughness drastically increases on downscaling. Based on the simulations, optimization of the CBO is suggested as the most viable strategy to extend the scalability of TZT capacitors over the next chip generations.

  19. High Performance Li4Ti5O12/Si Composite Anodes for Li-Ion Batteries

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Chunhui; Agrawal, Richa; Wang, Chunlei

    2015-01-01

    Improving the energy capacity of spinel Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) is very important to utilize it as a high-performance Li-ion battery (LIB) electrode. In this work, LTO/Si composites with different weight ratios were prepared and tested as anodes. The anodic and cathodic peaks from both LTO and silicon were apparent in the composites, indicating that each component was active upon Li+ insertion and extraction. The composites with higher Si contents (LTO:Si = 35:35) exhibited superior specific capacity (1004 mAh·g−1) at lower current densities (0.22 A·g−1) but the capacity deteriorated at higher current densities. On the other hand, the electrodes with moderate Si contents (LTO:Si = 50:20) were able to deliver stable capacity (100 mAh·g−1) with good cycling performance, even at a very high current density of 7 A·g−1. The improvement in specific capacity and rate performance was a direct result of the synergy between LTO and Si; the former can alleviate the stresses from volumetric changes in Si upon cycling, while Si can add to the capacity of the composite. Therefore, it has been demonstrated that the addition of Si and concentration optimization is an easy yet an effective way to produce high performance LTO-based electrodes for lithium-ion batteries. PMID:28347076

  20. Effect of enzymatic orientation through the use of syringaldazine molecules on multiple multi-copper oxidase enzymes.

    PubMed

    Ulyanova, Yevgenia; Babanova, Sofia; Pinchon, Erica; Matanovic, Ivana; Singhal, Sameer; Atanassov, Plamen

    2014-07-14

    The effect of proper enzyme orientation at the electrode surface was explored for two multi-copper oxygen reducing enzymes: Bilirubin Oxidase (BOx) and Laccase (Lac). Simultaneous utilization of "tethering" agent (1-pyrenebutanoic acid, succinimidyl ester; PBSE), for stable enzyme immobilization, and syringaldazine (Syr), for enzyme orientation, of both Lac and BOx led to a notable enhancement of the electrode performance. For Lac cathodes tested in solution it was established that PBSE-Lac and PBSE-Syr-Lac modified cathodes demonstrated approximately 6 and 9 times increase in current density, respectively, compared to physically adsorbed and randomly oriented Lac cathodes. Further testing in solution utilizing BOx showed an even higher increase in achievable current densities, thus BOx was chosen for additional testing in air-breathing mode. In subsequent air-breathing experiments the incorporation of PBSE and Syr with BOx resulted in current densities of 0.65 ± 0.1 mA cm(-2); 2.5 times higher when compared to an unmodified BOx cathode. A fully tethered/oriented BOx cathode was combined with a NAD-dependent Glucose Dehydrogenase anode for the fabrication of a complete enzymatic membraneless fuel cell. A maximum power of 1.03 ± 0.06 mW cm(-2) was recorded for the complete fuel cell. The observed significant enhancement in the performance of "oriented" cathodes was a result of proper enzyme orientation, leading to facilitated enzyme/electrode interface interactions.

  1. Treatment of heavy metal polluted industrial wastewater by a new water treatment process: ballasted electroflocculation.

    PubMed

    Brahmi, Khaled; Bouguerra, Wided; Harbi, Soumaya; Elaloui, Elimame; Loungou, Mouna; Hamrouni, Béchir

    2018-02-15

    This laboratory study investigated the parameters efficiency of the new technology: ballasted electro-flocculation (BEF) using aluminum (Al) electrodes to remove cadmium and zinc from industrial mining wastewater (MWW). The principle of the BEF process is based on the use of micro-sand and polymer together to increase the weight of the flocs and the rate at which they settle is radically changing the electrocoagulation-electroflocculation settling methodology. Based on the examination of the operation parameters one by one, the best removal percentage was obtained at a current intensity of 2A, a the flow rate of 20L/h, a micro-sand dose of 6g/L, a polyéthylèneimine (PEI) polymer dose of 100mg, the contact times of 30min, a stirring speed of 50 RPM, a monopolar configuration of the electrodes, and an electrodes number of 10. The results showed that the flow rate and the current density have a preponderant effect on the variability of the quality of the settled water. In comparison, filterability was found to be more sensitive to number of electrodes, micro sand dosages and current density. It was dependent on the ratio of microsand to PEI polymer dosage, and improved when this ratio increased. Response surface methodology was applied to evaluate the main effects and interactions among stirring speed, polymer dose, current intensity, and electrodes number. The removal of Cd and Zn from industrial MWW was done for very low cost of 0.1TND/m 3 equivalent to 0.04€/m 3 . The investigation of BEF process proposes a highly cost-effective wastewater treatment method if compared to Actiflo TM and electrocoagulation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Electrochemistry at Edge of Single Graphene Layer in a Nanopore

    PubMed Central

    Banerjee, Shouvik; Shim, Jiwook; Rivera, Jose; Jin, Xiaozhong; Estrada, David; Solovyeva, Vita; You, Xiuque; Pak, James; Pop, Eric; Aluru, Narayana; Bashir, Rashid

    2013-01-01

    We study the electrochemistry of single layer graphene edges using a nanopore-based structure consisting of stacked graphene and Al2O3 dielectric layers. Nanopores, with diameters ranging from 5 to 20 nm, are formed by an electron beam sculpting process on the stacked layers. This leads to unique edge structure which, along with the atomically thin nature of the embedded graphene electrode, demonstrates electrochemical current densities as high as 1.2 × 104 A/cm2. The graphene edge embedded structure offers a unique capability to study the electrochemical exchange at an individual graphene edge, isolated from the basal plane electrochemical activity. We also report ionic current modulation in the nanopore by biasing the embedded graphene terminal with respect to the electrodes in the fluid. The high electrochemical specific current density for a graphene nanopore-based device can have many applications in sensitive chemical and biological sensing, and energy storage devices. PMID:23249127

  3. Molten Salt Electrolysis of MgCl2 in a Cell with Rapid Chlorine Removal Feature

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Demirci, Gökhan; Karakaya, İshak

    An experimental electrolytic magnesium production cell was designed to remove chlorine gas from the electrolyte rapidly and demonstrate the beneficial effects of reduced chlorine dissolution into the molten salt electrolyte. The back reaction that is the main cause of current losses in electrolytic magnesium production was reduced as a result of effective separation of electrode products and decreased contact time of chlorine gas with the electrolyte. Moreover, smaller inter electrode distances employed and lower chlorine gas present on the anode surface made it possible to work at low cell voltages. Electrolytic cell was tested at different current densities. Energy consumption of 7.0 kWh kg-1 Mg that is slightly above the theoretical minimum, 6.2 kWh kg-1 Mg, at 0.68 Acm-2 anodic current density was achieved for a MgCl2/NaCl/KCl electrolyte.

  4. Single- and double-ion type cross-linked polysiloxane solid electrolytes for lithium cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tsutsumi, Hiromori; Yamamoto, Masahiro; Morita, Masayuki; Matsuda, Yoshiharu; Nakamura, Takashi; Asai, Hiroyuki

    Polymeric solid electrolytes, that have poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PMS) backbone and cross-linked network, were applied to a rechargeable lithium battery system. Single- (PMS-Li) and double-ion type (PMS-LiClO 4) electrolytes were prepared from the same prepolymers. Lithium electrode in the both electrolytes showed reversible stripping and deposition of lithium. Intercalation and deintercalation processes of lithium ion between lithium-manganese composite oxide (Li xMnO 2) electrode and the electrolytes were also confirmed by cyclic voltammetry, however, peak current decreased with several cycles in both cases. The model cell, Li/PMS-Li/Li xMnO 2 cell had 1.4 mA h g -1 (per 1 g of active material, current density: 3.77 μA cm -2), and the Li/PMS-LiClO 4/Li xMnO 2 cell had 1.6 mA h g -1 (current density: 75.3 μA cm -2).

  5. Design and construction of three-dimensional CuO/polyaniline/rGO ternary hierarchical architectures for high performance supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhu, Sheng; Wu, Mi; Ge, Mei-Hong; Zhang, Hui; Li, Shi-Kuo; Li, Chuan-Hao

    2016-02-01

    Rational design in terms of component and microstructure and fabrication of electrochemical electrodes are crucially important towards superior energy storage device. Herein, we report a novel CuO-PANI-rGO ternary hybrid electrode self-assembled by an in situ polymerization method combined with hydrothermal route for electrochemical capacitor. Well-defined CuO hierarchical architecture is synthesized by the spontaneous oxidization of Cu nanowire. PANI acts as not only binder for anchoring CuO architecture on rGO surface, but also charge transport channels, and high specific capacitance donor to the whole electrode matrix. The typical CuO-PANI-rGO ternary hybrid electrode can be reversibly cycled in a high voltage region up to 1.2 V. And it displays a maximum specific capacitance of 634.4 F g-1 and a high energy density of 126.8 Wh kg-1 with a power density of 114.2 kW kg-1 at a current density of 1.0 A g-1. Furthermore, the ternary hybrid electrode exhibits great cycle life with 97.4% specific capacitance retention after 10000 cycles. Those excellent performances are proposed to derive from the well-defined nanostructure, conductive porous microstructure and homogenously contact. This study might be important for designing the unique structure and component electrode for achieving high performance energy storage device.

  6. Nanocrystalline LaOx/NiO composite as high performance electrodes for supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Du, Guo; Zeng, Zifan; Xiao, Bangqing; Wang, Dengzhi; Yuan, Yuan; Zhu, Xiaohong; Zhu, Jiliang

    2017-12-21

    Nanocrystalline LaO x /NiO composite electrodes were synthesized via two types of facile cathodic electrodeposition methods onto nickel foam followed by thermal annealing without any binders. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy investigation revealed that LaO x nanocrystalline particles with an average diameter of 50 nm are uniformly distributed in the NiO layer or alternately deposited with the NiO layer onto the substrate. It is speculated that LaO x particles can participate in the faradaic reaction directly and offer more redox sites. Besides this, the unique Ni/La layered structure facilitates the diffusion of ions and retards the electrode polarization, thus leading to a better rate capability and cycling stability of NiO. As a result, the obtained electrodes display very competitive electrochemical performance (a specific capacitance of 1238 F g -1 at a current density of 0.5 A g -1 , excellent rate capability of 86% of the original capacitance at 10 A g -1 and excellent cycling stability of 93% capacitance after 10 000 cycles). In addition, asymmetric coin devices were assembled using LaO x /NiO as the positive electrode and active carbon as the negative electrode. The assembled asymmetric devices demonstrate a high energy density of 13.12 W h kg -1 at a power density of 90.72 W kg -1 .

  7. Thin metal electrode for AMTEC

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Williams, Roger M. (Inventor); Wheeler, Bob L. (Inventor); Jefferies-Nakamura, Barbara (Inventor); Lamb, James L. (Inventor); Bankston, C. Perry (Inventor); Cole, Terry (Inventor)

    1989-01-01

    An electrode having higher power output is formed of a thin, porous film (less than 1 micrometer) applied to a beta-alumina solid electrolyte (BASE). The electrode includes an open grid, current collector such as a series of thin, parallel, grid lines applied to the thin film and a plurality of cross-members such as loop of metal wire surrounding the BASE tube. The loops are electrically connected by a bus wire. The overall impedance of the electrode considering both the contributions from the bulk BASE and the porous electrode BASE interface is low, about 0.5 OHM/cm.sup.2 and power densities of over 0.3 watt/cm.sup.2 for extended periods.

  8. Electrode performance parameters for a radioisotope-powered AMTEC for space power applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Underwood, M. L.; O'Connor, D.; Williams, R. M.; Jeffries-Nakamura, B.; Ryan, M. A.; Bankston, C. P.

    1992-01-01

    The alkali metal thermoelastic converter (AMTEC) is a device for the direct conversion of heat to electricity. Recently a design of an AMTEC using a radioisotope heat source was described, but the optimum condenser temperature was hotter than the temperatures used in the laboratory to develop the electrode performance model. Now laboratory experiments have confirmed the dependence of two model parameters over a broader range of condenser and electrode temperatures for two candidate electrode compositions. One parameter, the electrochemical exchange current density at the reaction interface, is independent of the condenser temperature, and depends only upon the collision rate of sodium at the reaction zone. The second parameter, a morphological parameter, which measures the mass transport resistance through the electrode, is independent of condenser and electrode temperatures for molybdenum electrodes. For rhodium-tungsten electrodes, however, this parameter increases for decreasing electrode temperature, indicating an activated mass transport mechanism such as surface diffusion.

  9. Durability of De-Alloyed Platinum-Nickel Cathode Catalyst in Low Platinum Loading Membrane-Electrode Assemblies Subjected to Accelerated Stress Tests

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ahluwalia, R. K.; Wang, X.; Peng, J. -K.

    Here, the durability of de-alloyed platinum-nickel catalysts supported on high-surface area carbon (d-PtNi/C) in optimized electrodes and membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) under an accelerated stress test (AST) protocol is investigated with the objective of developing a quantitative understanding of the degradation mechanisms and their relationship to the electrode structure, pre-conditioning, and operating conditions. It is found that the cell degradation can be mitigated by controlling the voltage cycle, acid washing the MEA to remove Ni contaminants that enter the electrode and membrane during fabrication, and monitoring the operating conditions. For example, the electrochemical surface area (ECSA) loss is <25% aftermore » 30,000 triangle cycles with 0.925 V upper potential limit if the MEA is acid washed and extensive diagnostics are avoided. The parameters that exacerbate the cell degradation also accelerate the rate at which Ni leaches out from the catalyst. A mechanistic model is presented for the degradation in performance of d-PtNi/C electrodes. The model correlates a) the degradation in ORR mass and specific activities with ECSA and Ni losses, b) the decrease in limiting current density ( iL), which is inversely proportional to the O 2 mass transport resistance, with the degradation in catalyst roughness factor, and c) the increase in mass transfer overpotentials with the reduced current density, i/iL .« less

  10. Durability of De-Alloyed Platinum-Nickel Cathode Catalyst in Low Platinum Loading Membrane-Electrode Assemblies Subjected to Accelerated Stress Tests

    DOE PAGES

    Ahluwalia, R. K.; Wang, X.; Peng, J. -K.; ...

    2018-04-25

    Here, the durability of de-alloyed platinum-nickel catalysts supported on high-surface area carbon (d-PtNi/C) in optimized electrodes and membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) under an accelerated stress test (AST) protocol is investigated with the objective of developing a quantitative understanding of the degradation mechanisms and their relationship to the electrode structure, pre-conditioning, and operating conditions. It is found that the cell degradation can be mitigated by controlling the voltage cycle, acid washing the MEA to remove Ni contaminants that enter the electrode and membrane during fabrication, and monitoring the operating conditions. For example, the electrochemical surface area (ECSA) loss is <25% aftermore » 30,000 triangle cycles with 0.925 V upper potential limit if the MEA is acid washed and extensive diagnostics are avoided. The parameters that exacerbate the cell degradation also accelerate the rate at which Ni leaches out from the catalyst. A mechanistic model is presented for the degradation in performance of d-PtNi/C electrodes. The model correlates a) the degradation in ORR mass and specific activities with ECSA and Ni losses, b) the decrease in limiting current density ( iL), which is inversely proportional to the O 2 mass transport resistance, with the degradation in catalyst roughness factor, and c) the increase in mass transfer overpotentials with the reduced current density, i/iL .« less

  11. Dual-protection of a graphene-sulfur composite by a compact graphene skin and an atomic layer deposited oxide coating for a lithium-sulfur battery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yu, Mingpeng; Wang, Aiji; Tian, Fuyang; Song, Hongquan; Wang, Yinshu; Li, Chun; Hong, Jong-Dal; Shi, Gaoquan

    2015-03-01

    A reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-sulfur composite aerogel with a compact self-assembled rGO skin was further modified by an atomic layer deposition (ALD) of ZnO or MgO layer, and used as a free-standing electrode material of a lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery. The rGO skin and ALD-oxide coating worked as natural and artificial barriers to constrain the polysulfides within the cathode region. As a result, the Li-S battery based on this electrode material exhibited superior cycling stability, good rate capability and high coulombic efficiency. Furthermore, ALD-ZnO coating was tested for performance improvement and found to be more effective than ALD-MgO coating. The ZnO modified G-S electrode with 55 wt% sulfur loading delivered a maximum discharge capacity of 998 mA h g-1 at a current density of 0.2 C. A high capacity of 846 mA h g-1 was achieved after charging/discharging for 100 cycles with a coulombic efficiency of over 92%. In the case of using LiNO3 as a shuttle inhibitor, this electrode showed an initial discharge capacity of 796 mA h g-1 and a capacity retention of 81% after 250 cycles at a current density of 1 C with an average coulombic efficiency higher than 99.7%.A reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-sulfur composite aerogel with a compact self-assembled rGO skin was further modified by an atomic layer deposition (ALD) of ZnO or MgO layer, and used as a free-standing electrode material of a lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery. The rGO skin and ALD-oxide coating worked as natural and artificial barriers to constrain the polysulfides within the cathode region. As a result, the Li-S battery based on this electrode material exhibited superior cycling stability, good rate capability and high coulombic efficiency. Furthermore, ALD-ZnO coating was tested for performance improvement and found to be more effective than ALD-MgO coating. The ZnO modified G-S electrode with 55 wt% sulfur loading delivered a maximum discharge capacity of 998 mA h g-1 at a current density of 0.2 C. A high capacity of 846 mA h g-1 was achieved after charging/discharging for 100 cycles with a coulombic efficiency of over 92%. In the case of using LiNO3 as a shuttle inhibitor, this electrode showed an initial discharge capacity of 796 mA h g-1 and a capacity retention of 81% after 250 cycles at a current density of 1 C with an average coulombic efficiency higher than 99.7%. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Procedures of ALD operation, supplementary figures and details of theoretical simulations. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr00166h

  12. Freestanding mesoporous VN/CNT hybrid electrodes for flexible all-solid-state supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Xiao, Xu; Peng, Xiang; Jin, Huanyu; Li, Tianqi; Zhang, Chengcheng; Gao, Biao; Hu, Bin; Huo, Kaifu; Zhou, Jun

    2013-09-25

    High-performance all-solid-state supercapacitors (SCs) are fabricated based on thin, lightweight, and flexible freestanding MVNN/CNT hybrid electrodes. The device shows a high volume capacitance of 7.9 F/cm(3) , volume energy and power density of 0.54 mWh/cm(3) and 0.4 W/cm(3) at a current density of 0.025 A/cm(3) . By being highly flexible, environmentally friendly, and easily connectable in series and parallel, the all-solid-state SCs promise potential applications in portable/wearable electronics. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  13. Origin of hydrogen-inclusion-induced critical current deviation in Nb/AlOx/Al/Nb Josephson junctions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hinode, Kenji; Satoh, Tetsuro; Nagasawa, Shuichi; Hidaka, Mutsuo

    2010-04-01

    We investigated the mechanisms that change the critical current density (Jc) of Nb/AlOx/Al/Nb Josephson junctions due to the inclusion of hydrogen in the Nb electrodes. Our investigations were performed according to three aspects: the superconductivity change, the change in thickness of the barrier layer, and the change in the barrier height due to the electronic effect. The results are as follows: (a) the hydrogen-inclusion-accompanied changes in the superconductivity parameters, such as the junction gap voltage, were much less than those of the critical current density, (b) the effect of hydrogen inclusion on Jc varied depending on the electrodes, i.e., the upper electrode above the barrier layer was the most affected, (c) the junctions with increased Ics due to hydrogen exclusion showed the identical amount of decrease in the junction resistance measured at room temperature, and (d) the hydrogen exclusion from the junction electrodes had no influence on the Nb/Al/AlOx/Al/Nb junctions, which had an extra Al layer. Based on these results we conclude that the Jc change is mainly caused by the change in junction resistance. A one order of magnitude smaller effect is caused by the superconductivity change. We believe the Jc change is caused by a Nb work function increase due to the hydrogen inclusion, resulting in an increase in barrier height.

  14. Influence of the current density on the electrochemical treatment of concentrated 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride solutions on diamond electrodes.

    PubMed

    Marcionilio, Suzana M L de Oliveira; Alves, Gisele M; E Silva, Rachel B Góes; Marques, Pablo J Lima; Maia, Poliana D; Neto, Brenno A D; Linares, José J

    2016-10-01

    This paper focuses on the influence of the current density treatment of a concentrated 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMImCl) solution on an electrochemical reactor with a boron-doped diamond (BDD) anode. The decrease in the total organic carbon (TOC) and the BMImCl concentration demonstrate the capability of BDD in oxidizing ionic liquids (ILs) and further mineralizing (to CO2 and NO3 (-)) more rapidly at higher current densities in spite of the reduced current efficiency of the process. Moreover, the presence of Cl(-) led to the formation of oxychlorinated anions (mostly ClO3 (-) and ClO4 (-)) and, in combination with the ammonia generated in the cathode from the nitrate reduction, chloramines, more intensely at higher current density. Finally, the analysis of the intermediates formed revealed no apparent influence of the current density on the BMImCl degradation mechanism. The current density presents therefore a complex influence on the IL treatment process that is discussed throughout this paper.

  15. Tetra-heteroatom self-doped carbon nanosheets derived from silkworm excrement for high-performance supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lei, Shuijin; Chen, Lianfu; Zhou, Wei; Deng, Peiqin; Liu, Yan; Fei, Linfeng; Lu, Wei; Xiao, Yanhe; Cheng, Baochang

    2018-03-01

    Carbon materials are deemed to be competitive candidate electrode materials for energy storage systems. It is still a great challenge to explore advanced carbon-based electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitors by a facile, economical and efficient method. In this work, N-, P-, S-, O-self-doped carbon nanosheets with high surface area and well-developed porosity are successfully prepared by pyrolysis carbonization and post KOH activation from silkworm excrement, a novel abundant, low-cost and eco-friendly agricultural waste. Thanks to their unique multi-heteroatom doping and porous structure, the obtained carbon materials exhibit high charge storage capacity with a specific capacitance of 401 F g-1 at a current density of 0.5 A g-1 in 6 M KOH and good cycling stability with a capacitance retention of 93.8% over 10000 cycles. A symmetric supercapacitor device using 1 M Na2SO4 aqueous solution as the electrolyte can deliver a specific capacitance of 41.7 F g-1 at a current density of 0.5 A g-1, and a high energy density of 23.17 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 500 W kg-1 with a wide voltage window of 2.0 V. This work develops a new strategy to produce favorable carbon-based electrode materials for supercapacitors with high electrochemical performances.

  16. Removal Efficiency of Electrocoagulation Treatment Using Aluminium Electrode for Stabilized Leachate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mohamad Zailani, L. W.; Amdan, N. S. Mohd; Zin, N. S. M.

    2018-04-01

    This research was conducted to investigate the performance of aluminium electrode in electrocoagulation process removing chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia, turbidity, colour and suspended solid (SS) from Simpang Renggam landfill leachate. Effects of current density, electrolysis duration and pH were observed in this study. From the data obtained, optimum condition at current density was recorded at 200 A/m2with the electrolysis duration of 20-minutes and optimum pH value at 4. The removal recorded at this condition for COD, ammonia, colour, turbidity and suspended solid were 60%, 37%, 94%, 88% and 89% respectively. Electrocoagulation treatment give a better result and can be applied for leachate treatment in future. Thus, electrocoagulation treatment has the potential to be used in treatment of leachate.

  17. Poly(ethylene terephthalate)-based carbons as electrode material in supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Domingo-García, M.; Fernández, J. A.; Almazán-Almazán, M. C.; López-Garzón, F. J.; Stoeckli, F.; Centeno, T. A.

    A systematic study by complementary techniques shows that PET-waste from plastic vessels is a competitive precursor of carbon electrodes for supercapacitors. PET derived-activated carbons follow the general trends observed for highly porous carbons and display specific capacitances at low current density as high as 197 F g -1 in 2 M H 2SO 4 aqueous electrolyte and 98 F g -1 in the aprotic medium 1 M (C 2H 5) 4NBF 4/acetonitrile. Additionally, high performance has also been achieved at high current densities, which confirms the potential of this type of materials for electrical energy storage. A new method based on the basic solvolysis of PET-waste and the subsequent carbonization seems to be an interesting alternative to obtain porous carbons with enhanced properties for supercapacitors.

  18. Preparation and electrochemical capacitance performances of super-hydrophilic conducting polyaniline

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Xingwei; Li, Xiaohan; Dai, Na; Wang, Gengchao; Wang, Zhun

    Super-hydrophilic conducting polyaniline was prepared by surface modification of polyaniline using tetraethyl orthosilicate in water/ethanol solution, whereas its conductivity was 4.16 S cm -1 at 25 °C. And its electrochemical capacitance performances as an electrode material were evaluated by the cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge test in 0.1 M H 2SO 4 aqueous solution. Its initial specific capacitance was 500 F g -1 at a constant current density of 1.5 A g -1, and the capacitance still reached about 400 F g -1 after 5000 consecutive cycles. Moreover, its capacitance retention ratio was circa 70% with the growth of current densities from 1.5 to 20 A g -1, indicating excellent rate capability. It would be a promising electrode material for aqueous redox supercapacitors.

  19. Single element of the matrix source of negative hydrogen ions: Measurements of the extracted currents combined with diagnostics

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yordanov, D., E-mail: yordanov@phys.uni-sofia.bg; Lishev, St.; Shivarova, A.

    2016-02-15

    Combining measurements of the extracted currents with probe and laser-photodetachment diagnostics, the study is an extension of recent tests of factors and gas-discharge conditions stimulating the extraction of volume produced negative ions. The experiment is in a single element of a rf source with the design of a matrix of small-radius inductively driven discharges. The results are for the electron and negative-ion densities, for the plasma potential and for the electronegativity in the vicinity of the plasma electrode as well as for the currents of the extracted negative ions and electrons. The plasma-electrode bias and the rf power have beenmore » varied. Necessity of a high bias to the plasma electrode and stable linear increase of the extracted currents with the rf power are the main conclusions.« less

  20. Density impact on performance of composite Si/graphite electrodes

    DOE PAGES

    Dufek, Eric J.; Picker, Michael; Petkovic, Lucia M.

    2016-01-27

    The ability of alkali-substituted binders for composite Si and graphite negative electrodes to minimize capacity fade for lithium ion batteries is investigated. Polymer films and electrodes are described and characterized by FTIR following immersion in electrolyte (1:2 EC:DMC) for 24 h. FTIR analysis following electrode formation displayed similar alkali-ion dependent shifts in peak location suggesting that changes in the vibrational structure of the binder are maintained after electrode formation. The Si and graphite composite electrodes prepared using the alkali-substituted polyacrylates were also exposed to electrochemical cycling and it has been found that the performance of the Na-substituted binder is superiormore » to a comparable density K-substituted system. However, in comparing performance across many different electrode densities attention needs to be placed on making comparisons at similar densities, as low density electrodes tend to exhibit lower capacity fade over cycling. This is highlighted by a 6% difference between a low density K-substituted electrode and a high density Na-substituted sample. As a result, this low variance between the two systems makes it difficult to quickly make a direct evaluation of binder performance unless electrode density is tightly controlled.« less

  1. First principle study of transport properties of a graphene nano structure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kumar, Naveen; Sharma, Munish; Sharma, Jyoti Dhar; Ahluwalia, P. K.

    2013-06-01

    The first principle quantum transport calculations have been performed for graphene using Tran SIESTA which calculates transport properties using nonequilibrium Green's function method in conjunction with density-functional theory. Transmission functions, electron density of states and current-voltage characteristic have been calculated for a graphene nano structure using graphene electrodes. Transmission function, density of states and projected density of states show a discrete band structure which varies with applied voltage. The value of current is very low for applied voltage between 0.0 V to 5.0 V and lies in the range of pico ampere. In the V-I characteristic current shows non-linear fluctuating pattern with increase in voltage.

  2. Few-layered Ni(OH)2 nanosheets for high-performance supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, Wenping; Rui, Xianhong; Ulaganathan, Mani; Madhavi, Srinivasan; Yan, Qingyu

    2015-11-01

    Few-layered Ni(OH)2 nanosheets (4-5 nm in thickness) are synthesized towards high-performance supercapacitors. The ultrathin Ni(OH)2 nanosheets show high specific capacitance and good rate capability in both three-electrode and asymmetric devices. In the three-electrode device, the Ni(OH)2 nanosheets deliver a high capacitance of 2064 F g-1 at 2 A g-1, and the capacitance still has a retention of 1837 F g-1 at a high current density of 20 A g-1. Such excellent performance is by far one of the best for Ni(OH)2 electrodes. In the two-electrode asymmetric device, the specific capacitance is 248 F g-1 at 1 A g-1, and reaches 113 F g-1 at 20 A g-1. The capacitance of the asymmetric device maintains to be 166 F g-1 during the 4000th cycle at 2 A g-1, suggesting good cycling stability of the device. Besides, the asymmetric device exhibits gravimetric energy density of 22 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 0.8 kW kg-1. The present results demonstrate that the ultrathin Ni(OH)2 nanosheets are highly attractive electrode materials for achieving fast charging/discharging and high-capacity supercapacitors.

  3. Direct conversion of CO 2 to meso/macro-porous frameworks of surface-microporous graphene for efficient asymmetrical supercapacitors

    DOE PAGES

    Chang, Liang; Stacchiola, Dario J.; Hu, Yun Hang

    2017-10-11

    CO 2 conversion to useful materials is the most attractive approach to control its content in the atmosphere. An ideal electrode material for supercapacitors should possess suitable meso/macro-pores as electrolyte reservoirs and rich micro-pores as places for the adsorption of electrolyte ions. In this paper, we designed and synthesized such an ideal material, meso/macro-porous frameworks of surface-microporous graphene (MFSMG), from CO 2via its one-step exothermic reaction with potassium. Furthermore, the MFSMG electrode exhibited a high gravimetric capacitance of 178 F g -1 at 0.2 A g -1 in 2 M KOH and retained 85% capacitance after increasing current density bymore » 50 times. The combination of the MFSMG electrode and the activated carbon (AC) electrode constructed an asymmetrical AC//MFSMG capacitor, leading to a high capacitance of 242.4 F g -1 for MFSMG and 97.4 F g -1 for AC. With the extended potential, the asymmetrical capacitor achieved an improved energy density of 9.43 W h kg -1 and a power density of 3504 W kg -1. Finally, this work provides a novel solution to solve the CO 2 issue and creates an efficient electrode material for supercapacitors.« less

  4. High-Performance Flexible All-Solid-State Asymmetric Supercapacitors Based on Vertically Aligned CuSe@Co(OH) 2 Nanosheet Arrays

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gong, Jiangfeng; Tian, Yazhou; Yang, Ziyuan

    The developments of electrode active materials provide the opportunities for next-generation energy storage devices. The arrangement of electrode materials on the substrate has recently emerged as a promising strategy for preparing high-performance supercapacitors. In this paper, we demonstrate a novel vertically aligned CuSe@Co(OH) 2 nanosheet arrays electrode for supercapacitor application. The materials are thoroughly characterized by structural and spectroscopic techniques. Electrochemical performance of CuSe@Co(OH) 2 nanosheet arrays are investigated in detail, which exhibit a specific capacitance as much as 1180 F g -1 at a current density of 1 A g -1. A flexible asymmetric all-solid-state supercapacitor is fabricated usingmore » CuSe@Co(OH) 2 nanosheet arrays as the positive electrode and activated carbon as the negative electrode. The device delivers a volumetric capacitance of 441.4 mF cm -3 with maximum energy density and maximum power density is 0.17 and 62.1 mW cm -3, as well as robust cycling stability (~80.4% capacitance retention after 10 000 cycles), excellent flexibility, and mechanical stability. Finally, the excellent electrochemical performance can be attributed to its unique vertically aligned configuration.« less

  5. High-Performance Flexible All-Solid-State Asymmetric Supercapacitors Based on Vertically Aligned CuSe@Co(OH) 2 Nanosheet Arrays

    DOE PAGES

    Gong, Jiangfeng; Tian, Yazhou; Yang, Ziyuan; ...

    2018-01-04

    The developments of electrode active materials provide the opportunities for next-generation energy storage devices. The arrangement of electrode materials on the substrate has recently emerged as a promising strategy for preparing high-performance supercapacitors. In this paper, we demonstrate a novel vertically aligned CuSe@Co(OH) 2 nanosheet arrays electrode for supercapacitor application. The materials are thoroughly characterized by structural and spectroscopic techniques. Electrochemical performance of CuSe@Co(OH) 2 nanosheet arrays are investigated in detail, which exhibit a specific capacitance as much as 1180 F g -1 at a current density of 1 A g -1. A flexible asymmetric all-solid-state supercapacitor is fabricated usingmore » CuSe@Co(OH) 2 nanosheet arrays as the positive electrode and activated carbon as the negative electrode. The device delivers a volumetric capacitance of 441.4 mF cm -3 with maximum energy density and maximum power density is 0.17 and 62.1 mW cm -3, as well as robust cycling stability (~80.4% capacitance retention after 10 000 cycles), excellent flexibility, and mechanical stability. Finally, the excellent electrochemical performance can be attributed to its unique vertically aligned configuration.« less

  6. Activated Carbon Fiber Paper Based Electrodes with High Electrocatalytic Activity for Vanadium Flow Batteries with Improved Power Density.

    PubMed

    Liu, Tao; Li, Xianfeng; Xu, Chi; Zhang, Huamin

    2017-02-08

    Vanadium flow batteries (VFBs) have received high attention for large-scale energy storage due to their advantages of flexibility design, long cycle life, high efficiency, and high safety. However, commercial progress of VFBs has so far been limited by its high cost induced by its low power density. Ultrathin carbon paper is believed to be a very promising electrode for VFB because it illustrates super-low ohmic polarization, however, is limited by its low electrocatalytic activity. In this paper, a kind of carbon paper (CP) with super-high electrocatalytic activity was fabricated via a universal and simple CO 2 activation method. The porosity and oxygen functional groups can be easily tuned via this method. The charge transfer resistance (denoting the electrochemical polarization) of a VFB with CP electrode after CO 2 activation decreased dramatically from 970 to 120 mΩcm 2 . Accordingly, the energy efficiency of a VFB with activated carbon paper as the electrode increased by 13% as compared to one without activation and reaches nearly 80% when the current density is 140 mAcm -2 . This paper provides an effective way to prepare high-performance porous carbon electrodes for VFBs and even for other battery systems.

  7. Current-voltage characteristics influenced by the nanochannel diameter and surface charge density in a fluidic field-effect-transistor.

    PubMed

    Singh, Kunwar Pal; Guo, Chunlei

    2017-06-21

    The nanochannel diameter and surface charge density have a significant impact on current-voltage characteristics in a nanofluidic transistor. We have simulated the effect of the channel diameter and surface charge density on current-voltage characteristics of a fluidic nanochannel with positive surface charge on its walls and a gate electrode on its surface. Anion depletion/enrichment leads to a decrease/increase in ion current with gate potential. The ion current tends to increase linearly with gate potential for narrow channels at high surface charge densities and narrow channels are more effective to control the ion current at high surface charge densities. The current-voltage characteristics are highly nonlinear for wide channels at low surface charge densities and they show different regions of current change with gate potential. The ion current decreases with gate potential after attaining a peak value for wide channels at low values of surface charge densities. At low surface charge densities, the ion current can be controlled by a narrow range of gate potentials for wide channels. The current change with source drain voltage shows ohmic, limiting and overlimiting regions.

  8. MoS2/Ni3S4 composite nanosheets on interconnected carbon shells as an excellent supercapacitor electrode architecture for long term cycling at high current densities

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Qin, Shengchun; Yao, Tinghui; Guo, Xin; Chen, Qiang; Liu, Dequan; Liu, Qiming; Li, Yali; Li, Junshuai; He, Deyan

    2018-05-01

    In this paper, we report an electrode architecture of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)/nickel sulfide (Ni3S4) composite nanosheets anchored on interconnected carbon (C) shells (C@MoS2/Ni3S4). Electrochemical measurements indicate that the C@MoS2/Ni3S4 structure possesses excellent supercapacitive properties especially for long term cycling at high current densities. A specific capacitance as high as ∼640.7 F g-1 can still be delivered even after 10,000 cycles at a high current density of 20 A g-1. From comparison of microstructures and electrochemical properties of the related materials/structures, the improved performance of C@MoS2/Ni3S4 can be attributed to the relatively dispersedly distributed nanosheet-shaped MoS2/Ni3S4 that provides efficient contact with electrolyte and effectively buffers the volume change during charge/discharge processes, enhanced cycling stability by MoS2, and reduced equivalent series resistance by the interconnected C shells.

  9. Treatment of highly concentrated tannery wastewater using electrocoagulation: Influence of the quality of aluminium used for the electrode.

    PubMed

    Elabbas, S; Ouazzani, N; Mandi, L; Berrekhis, F; Perdicakis, M; Pontvianne, S; Pons, M-N; Lapicque, F; Leclerc, J-P

    2016-12-05

    This paper deals with the ability of electrocoagulation (EC) to remove simultaneously COD and chromium from a real chrome tanning wastewater in a batch stirred electro-coagulation cell provided with two aluminium-based electrodes (aluminium/copper/magnesium alloy and pure aluminium). Effects of operating time, current density and initial concentration of Cr(III) and COD have been investigated. The concentrations of pollutants have been successfully reduced to environmentally acceptable levels even if the concentrated effluent requires a long time of treatment of around 6h with a 400A/m(2) current density. The aluminium alloy was found to be more efficient than pure aluminium for removal of COD and chromium. Dilution of the waste has been tested for treatment: high abatement levels could be obtained with shorter time of treatment and lower current densities. Energy consumption of the electrocoagulation process was also discussed. The dilution by half of the concentrated waste leads to a higher abatement performance of both COD and chromium with the best energy efficiency. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. MEMBRANE POTENTIAL OF THE SQUID GIANT AXON DURING CURRENT FLOW

    PubMed Central

    Cole, Kenneth S.; Curtis, Howard J.

    1941-01-01

    The squid giant axon was placed in a shallow narrow trough and current was sent in at two electrodes in opposite sides of the trough and out at a third electrode several centimeters away. The potential difference across the membrane was measured between an inside fine capillary electrode with its tip in the axoplasm between the pair of polarizing electrodes, and an outside capillary electrode with its tip flush with the surface of one polarizing electrode. The initial transient was roughly exponential at the anode make and damped oscillatory at the sub-threshold cathode make with the action potential arising from the first maximum when threshold was reached. The constant change of membrane potential, after the initial transient, was measured as a function of the total polarizing current and from these data the membrane potential is obtained as a function of the membrane current density. The absolute value of the resting membrane resistance approached at low polarizing currents is about 23 ohm cm.2. This low value is considered to be a result of the puncture of the axon. The membrane was found to be an excellent rectifier with a ratio of about one hundred between the high resistance at the anode and the low resistance at the cathode for the current range investigated. On the assumption that the membrane conductance is a measure of its ion permeability, these experiments show an increase of ion permeability under a cathode and a decrease under an anode. PMID:19873234

  11. Electrochemical treatment of pharmaceutical wastewater by combining anodic oxidation with ozonation.

    PubMed

    Menapace, Hannes M; Diaz, Nicolas; Weiss, Stefan

    2008-07-01

    Wastewater effluents from sewage treatment plants (STP) are important point sources for residues of pharmaceuticals and complexing agents in the aquatic environment. For this reason a research project, which started in December 2006, was established to eliminate pharmaceutical substances and complexing agents found in wastewater as micropollutants. For the treatment process a combination of anodic oxidation by boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes and ozonation is examined and presented. For the ozone production a non-conventional, separate reactor was used, in which ozone was generated by electrolysis with diamond electrodes For the determination of the achievable remediation rates four complexing agents (e.g., EDTA, NTA) and eight pharmaceutical substances (e.g., diazepam, carbamazepin) were analyzed in several test runs under different conditions (varied flux, varied current density for the diamond electrode and the ozone producing electrode of the ozone generator, different packing materials for the column in the ozone injection system). The flowrates of the treated water samples were varied from 3 L/h up to 26 L/h. For the anodic oxidation the influence of the current density was examined in the range between 22.7 and 45.5 mA/cm(2), for the ozone producing reactor two densities (1.8 a/cm(2) and 2.0 A/cm(2)) were tested. Matrix effects were investigated by test runs with samples from the effluent of an STP and synthetic waste water. Therefore the impact of the organic material in the samples could be determined by the comparison of the redox potential and the achievable elimination rates of the investigated substances. Comparing both technologies anodic oxidation seems to be superior to ozonation in each investigated area. With the used technology of anodic oxidation elimination rates up to 99% were reached for the investigated pharmaceutical substances at a current density of 45.5 mA/cm(2) and a maximum sample flux of 26 L/h.

  12. Measurement of Electron Density and Ion Collision Frequency with Dual Assisted Grounded Electrode DBD in Atmospheric Pressure Helium Plasma Jet

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhou, Qiujiao; Qi, Bing; Huang, Jianjun; Pan, Lizhu; Liu, Ying

    2016-04-01

    The properties of a helium atmospheric-pressure plasma jet (APPJ) are diagnosed with a dual assisted grounded electrode dielectric barrier discharge device. In the glow discharge, we captured the current waveforms at the positions of the three grounded rings. From the current waveforms, the time delay between the adjacent positions of the rings is employed to calculate the plasma bullet velocity of the helium APPJ. Moreover, the electron density is deduced from a model combining with the time delay and current intensity, which is about 1011 cm-3. In addition, The ion-neutral particles collision frequency in the radial direction is calculated from the current phase difference between two rings, which is on the order of 107 Hz. The results are helpful for understanding the basic properties of APPJs. supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 11105093), the Technological Project of Shenzhen, China (No. JC201005280485A), and the Planned S&T Program of Shenzhen, China (No. JC201105170703A)

  13. Constructing Hierarchical Tectorum-like α-Fe2 O3 /PPy Nanoarrays on Carbon Cloth for Solid-State Asymmetric Supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Wang, Libin; Yang, Huiling; Liu, Xiaoxiao; Zeng, Rui; Li, Ming; Huang, Yunhui; Hu, Xianluo

    2017-01-19

    The design of complex heterostructured electrode materials that deliver superior electrochemical performances to their individual counterparts has stimulated intensive research on configuring supercapacitors with high energy and power densities. Herein we fabricate hierarchical tectorum-like α-Fe 2 O 3 /polypyrrole (PPy) nanoarrays (T-Fe 2 O 3 /PPy NAs). The 3D, and interconnected T-Fe 2 O 3 /PPy NAs are successfully grown on conductive carbon cloth through an easy self-sacrificing template and in situ vapor-phase polymerization route under mild conditions. The electrode made of the T-Fe 2 O 3 /PPy NAs exhibits a high areal capacitance of 382.4 mF cm -2 at a current density of 0.5 mA cm -2 and excellent reversibility. The solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor consisting of T-Fe 2 O 3 /PPy NAs and MnO 2 electrodes achieves a high energy density of 0.22 mWh cm -3 at a power density of 165.6 mW cm -3 . © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  14. Current rectification by self-assembled molecular quantum dots from first principles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Larade, Brian; Bratkovsky, Alexander

    2003-03-01

    We present results of first-principles calculations of the current rectification by self-assembled molecular quantum dots. Molecules of that kind should be synthesized with a central conjugated (narrow band-gap) part, and two peripheral saturated (wide band-gap) barrier groups of substantially different lengths L1 and L_2. The peripheral groups must end with chemical Â"anchorÂ" groups, enabling attachment of the molecule to the electrodes. In such molecules, if they are not longer than about 2-3 nm, the electron transport is likely to proceed by resonant tunneling through molecular orbitals (MO) centered on the conjugated part of the molecule (Â"quantum dotÂ") [1,2]. Generally, either LUMO (lowest unoccupied MO) or HOMO (highest occupied MO) will be most transparent to the tunneling electrons because of their different coupling to electrodes. We have studied (i) single benzene ring C6H6 [2] and (ii) naphthalene C10H8, separated from gold electrodes by alkane chains of different lengths with the use of the non-equilibrium Green's function method and self-consistent density-functional theory. The results show significant changes in electron density and potential distribution in the vicinity of molecule-electrode contact. In the case of a naphthalene quantum dot, separated from electrodes by asymmetric alkane groups (CH2)2 and (CH2)6, the I-V curve shows current rectification on the order of ˜ 10^2. [1] A.M. Bratkovsky and P.E. Kornilovitch, Phys. Rev. B (2002), to be published. [2] P. E. Kornilovitch, A.M. Bratkovsky, and R.S. Williams, Phys. Rev. B 66, 165436 (2002).

  15. Effect of electrode manufacturing defects on electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries: Cognizance of the battery failure sources

    DOE PAGES

    Mohanty, D.; Hockaday, E.; Li, J.; ...

    2016-02-21

    During LIB electrode manufacturing, it is difficult to avoid the certain defects that diminish LIB performance and shorten the life span of the batteries. This study provides a systematic investigation correlating the different plausible defects (agglomeration/blisters, pinholes/divots, metal particle contamination, and non-uniform coating) in a LiNi 0.5Mn 0.3Co 0.2O 2 positive electrode with its electrochemical performance. Additionally, an infrared thermography technique was demonstrated as a nondestructive tool to detect these defects. The findings show that cathode agglomerates aggravated cycle efficiency, and resulted in faster capacity fading at high current density. Electrode pinholes showed substantially lower discharge capacities at higher currentmore » densities than baseline NMC 532 electrodes. Metal particle contaminants have an extremely negative effect on performance, at higher C-rates. The electrodes with more coated and uncoated interfaces (non-uniform coatings) showed poor cycle life compared with electrodes with fewer coated and uncoated interfaces. Further, microstructural investigation provided evidence of presence of carbon-rich region in the agglomerated region and uneven electrode coating thickness in the coated and uncoated interfacial regions that may lead to the inferior electrochemical performance. In conclusion, this study provides the importance of monitoring and early detection of the electrode defects during LIB manufacturing processes to minimize the cell rejection rate after fabrication and testing.« less

  16. Synthesis and Characterization of CuFe 2O 4 Nano/Submicron Wire–Carbon Nanotube Composites as Binder-free Anodes for Li-Ion Batteries

    DOE PAGES

    Wang, Lei; Bock, David C.; Li, Jing; ...

    2018-02-20

    Here, a series of one-dimensional CuFe 2O 4 nano/sub-micron wires possessing different diameters, crystal phases, and crystal sizes have been successfully generated using a facile template-assisted co precipitation reaction at room temperature, followed by a short post-annealing process. The diameter and the crystal structure of the resulting CuFe 2O4 (CFO) wires were judiciously tuned by varying the pore size of the template and the post-annealing temperature, respectively. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were incorporated to generate CFO-CNT binder-free anodes, and multiple characterization techniques were employed with the goal of delineating the relationships between electrochemical behavior and the properties of both the CFOmore » wires (crystal phase, wire diameter, crystal size) and the electrode architecture (binder-free vs. conventionally prepared approaches). The study reveals several notable findings. First, the crystal phase (cubic or tetragonal) did not influence the electrochemical behavior in this CFO system. Second, regarding crystallite size and wire diameter, CFO wires with larger crystallite sizes exhibit improved cycling stability, while wires possessing smaller diameters exhibiting higher capacities. Finally, the electrochemical behavior is strongly influenced by the electrode architecture, with CFO-CNT binder-free electrodes demonstrating significantly higher capacities and cycling stability compared to conventionally prepared coatings. The mechanism(s) associated with the high capacities under low current density but limited electrochemical reversibility of CFO electrodes under high current density were probed via x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) mapping with sub-micron spatial resolution for the first time. Results suggest that the capacity of the binder-free electrodes under high rate is limited by the irreversible formation of Cu 0, as well as limited reduction of Fe 3+, to Fe 2+ not Fe 0. The results (1) shed fundamental insight into the reversibility of CuFe 2O 4 materials cycled at high current density and (2) demonstrate that a synergistic effort to control both active material morphology and electrode architecture is an effective strategy for optimizing electrochemical behavior.« less

  17. Synthesis and Characterization of CuFe 2O 4 Nano/Submicron Wire–Carbon Nanotube Composites as Binder-free Anodes for Li-Ion Batteries

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wang, Lei; Bock, David C.; Li, Jing

    Here, a series of one-dimensional CuFe 2O 4 nano/sub-micron wires possessing different diameters, crystal phases, and crystal sizes have been successfully generated using a facile template-assisted co precipitation reaction at room temperature, followed by a short post-annealing process. The diameter and the crystal structure of the resulting CuFe 2O4 (CFO) wires were judiciously tuned by varying the pore size of the template and the post-annealing temperature, respectively. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were incorporated to generate CFO-CNT binder-free anodes, and multiple characterization techniques were employed with the goal of delineating the relationships between electrochemical behavior and the properties of both the CFOmore » wires (crystal phase, wire diameter, crystal size) and the electrode architecture (binder-free vs. conventionally prepared approaches). The study reveals several notable findings. First, the crystal phase (cubic or tetragonal) did not influence the electrochemical behavior in this CFO system. Second, regarding crystallite size and wire diameter, CFO wires with larger crystallite sizes exhibit improved cycling stability, while wires possessing smaller diameters exhibiting higher capacities. Finally, the electrochemical behavior is strongly influenced by the electrode architecture, with CFO-CNT binder-free electrodes demonstrating significantly higher capacities and cycling stability compared to conventionally prepared coatings. The mechanism(s) associated with the high capacities under low current density but limited electrochemical reversibility of CFO electrodes under high current density were probed via x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) mapping with sub-micron spatial resolution for the first time. Results suggest that the capacity of the binder-free electrodes under high rate is limited by the irreversible formation of Cu 0, as well as limited reduction of Fe 3+, to Fe 2+ not Fe 0. The results (1) shed fundamental insight into the reversibility of CuFe 2O 4 materials cycled at high current density and (2) demonstrate that a synergistic effort to control both active material morphology and electrode architecture is an effective strategy for optimizing electrochemical behavior.« less

  18. Tunnel magnetoresistance of ferrocene molecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Matsuura, Yukihito

    2018-01-01

    The spin transport in ferrocene molecules has been examined by using the nonequilibrium Green's function formalism with density functional theory. The ferrocene molecules were sandwiched between the two nickel electrodes in a parallel magnetic configuration, which enhanced the current in comparison with that in an antiparallel spin state and resulting in tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR). The current, having an opposite spin state to that of the ferromagnetic electrode, was the main channel for electron transport. In addition, it became clear that ferrocenylene molecules, having a fulvalene structure with an extended π-conjugation, enhanced the TMR effect.

  19. PEDOT:PSS as multi-functional composite material for enhanced Li-air-battery air electrodes.

    PubMed

    Yoon, Dae Ho; Yoon, Seon Hye; Ryu, Kwang-Sun; Park, Yong Joon

    2016-01-27

    We propose PSS as a multi-functional composite material for an enhanced Li-air-battery air electrode. The PSS layer was coated on the surface of carbon (graphene) using simple method. A electrode containing PSS-coated graphene (PEDOT electrode) could be prepared without binder (such as PVDF) because of high adhesion of PSS. PEDOT electrode presented considerable discharge and charge capacity at all current densities. These results shows that PSS acts as a redox reaction matrix and conducting binder in the air electrode. Moreover, after cycling, the accumulation of reaction products due to side reaction in the electrode was significantly reduced through the use of PSS. This implies that PSS coating layer can suppress the undesirable side reactions between the carbon and electrolyte (and/or Li2O2), which causes enhanced Li-air cell cyclic performance.

  20. Electron transport in doped fullerene molecular junctions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kaur, Milanpreet; Sawhney, Ravinder Singh; Engles, Derick

    The effect of doping on the electron transport of molecular junctions is analyzed in this paper. The doped fullerene molecules are stringed to two semi-infinite gold electrodes and analyzed at equilibrium and nonequilibrium conditions of these device configurations. The contemplation is done using nonequilibrium Green’s function (NEGF)-density functional theory (DFT) to evaluate its density of states (DOS), transmission coefficient, molecular orbitals, electron density, charge transfer, current, and conductance. We conclude from the elucidated results that Au-C16Li4-Au and Au-C16Ne4-Au devices behave as an ordinary p-n junction diode and a Zener diode, respectively. Moreover, these doped fullerene molecules do not lose their metallic nature when sandwiched between the pair of gold electrodes.

  1. An Asymmetric Supercapacitor with Mesoporous NiCo2O4 Nanorod/Graphene Composite and N-Doped Graphene Electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mao, J. W.; He, C. H.; Qi, J. Q.; Zhang, A. B.; Sui, Y. W.; He, Y. Z.; Meng, Q. K.; Wei, F. X.

    2018-01-01

    In the present work, mesoporous NiCo2O4 nanorod/graphene oxide (NiCo2O4/GO) composite was prepared by a facile and cost-effective hydrothermal method and meanwhile, N-doped graphene (N-G) was fabricated also by a hydrothermal synthesis process. NiCo2O4/GO composite and N-G were used as positive and negative electrodes for the supercapacitor, respectively, which all displayed excellent electrochemical performances. The NiCo2O4/GO composite electrode exhibited a high specific capacitance of 709.7 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1 and excellent rate capability as well as good cycling performance with 84.7% capacitance retention at 6 A g-1 after 3000 cycles. A high-voltage asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) was successfully fabricated using NiCo2O4/GO composite and N-G as the positive and negative electrodes, respectively, in 1 M KOH aqueous electrolyte. The ASC delivered a high energy density of 34.4 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 800 W kg-1 and still maintained 28 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 8000 W kg-1. Furthermore, this ASC showed excellent cycling stability with 94.3% specific capacitance retained at 5 A g-1 after 5000 cycles. The impressive results can be ascribed to the positive synergistic effects of the two electrodes. Evidently, our work provides useful information for assembling high-performance supercapacitor devices.

  2. Electron dynamics inside a vacuum tube diode through linear differential equations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    González, Gabriel; Orozco, Fco. Javier González; Orozco

    2014-04-01

    In this paper we analyze the motion of charged particles in a vacuum tube diode by solving linear differential equations. Our analysis is based on expressing the volume charge density as a function of the current density and coordinates only, i.e. ρ=ρ(J,z), while in the usual scheme the volume charge density is expressed as a function of the current density and electrostatic potential, i.e. ρ=ρ(J,V). We show that, in the case of slow varying charge density, the space-charge-limited current is reduced up to 50%. Our approach gives the well-known behavior of the classical current density proportional to the three-halves power of the bias potential and inversely proportional to the square of the gap distance between electrodes, and does not require the solution of the nonlinear differential equation normally associated with the Child-Langmuir formulation.

  3. Zinc electrodeposition from flowing alkaline zincate solutions: Role of hydrogen evolution reaction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dundálek, Jan; Šnajdr, Ivo; Libánský, Ondřej; Vrána, Jiří; Pocedič, Jaromír; Mazúr, Petr; Kosek, Juraj

    2017-12-01

    The hydrogen evolution reaction is known as a parasitic reaction during the zinc electrodeposition from alkaline zincate solutions and is thus responsible for current efficiency losses during the electrolysis. Besides that, the rising hydrogen bubbles may cause an extra convection within a diffusion layer, which leads to an enhanced mass transport of zincate ions to an electrode surface. In this work, the mentioned phenomena were studied experimentally in a flow through electrolyzer and the obtained data were subsequently evaluated by mathematical models. The results prove the indisputable influence of the rising hydrogen bubbles on the additional mixing of the diffusion layer, which partially compensates the drop of the current efficiency of the zinc deposition at higher current flows. Moreover, the results show that the current density ratio (i.e., the ratio of an overall current density to a zinc limiting current density) is not suitable for the description of the zinc deposition, because the hydrogen evolution current density is always involved in the overall current density.

  4. BrainPort Technology Tongue Interface Characterization Tactical Underwater Navigation System (TUNS)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-06-01

    Control board. We currently have 22 boards in house. … … … … … Experiment Control Workstation HDA with 2000 to 20,000 electrodes ●●● TCP/IP...Program Interface DARPA Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency HD High Density HDA High Density Array IRB Internal Review Board Tactor

  5. Lightweight fibrous nickel electrodes for nickel-hydrogen batteries

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Britton, Doris L.

    1989-01-01

    The NASA Lewis Research Center is currently developing nickel electrodes for nickel-hydrogen batteries. These electrodes are lighter in weight and have higher energy densities than the heavier state-of-the-art sintered nickel electrodes. Lightweight fibrous materials or plaques are used as conductive supports for the nickel hydroxide active material. These materials are commercial products that are fabricated into nickel electrodes by electrochemically impregnating them with active material. Evaluation is performed in half cells structured in the bipolar configuration. Initial performance tests include capacity measurements at five discharge levels, C/2, 1.0C, 1.37C, 2.0C, and 2.74C. The electrodes that pass the initial tests are life cycle-tested in a low Earth orbit regime at 80 percent depth of discharge.

  6. Electrode for a lithium cell

    DOEpatents

    Thackeray, Michael M [Naperville, IL; Vaughey, John T [Elmhurst, IL; Dees, Dennis W [Downers Grove, IL

    2008-10-14

    This invention relates to a positive electrode for an electrochemical cell or battery, and to an electrochemical cell or battery; the invention relates more specifically to a positive electrode for a non-aqueous lithium cell or battery when the electrode is used therein. The positive electrode includes a composite metal oxide containing AgV.sub.3O.sub.8 as one component and one or more other components consisting of LiV.sub.3O.sub.8, Ag.sub.2V.sub.4O.sub.11, MnO.sub.2, CF.sub.x, AgF or Ag.sub.2O to increase the energy density of the cell, optionally in the presence of silver powder and/or silver foil to assist in current collection at the electrode and to improve the power capability of the cell or battery.

  7. Transparent, flexible supercapacitors from nano-engineered carbon films.

    PubMed

    Jung, Hyun Young; Karimi, Majid B; Hahm, Myung Gwan; Ajayan, Pulickel M; Jung, Yung Joon

    2012-01-01

    Here we construct mechanically flexible and optically transparent thin film solid state supercapacitors by assembling nano-engineered carbon electrodes, prepared in porous templates, with morphology of interconnected arrays of complex shapes and porosity. The highly textured graphitic films act as electrode and current collector and integrated with solid polymer electrolyte, function as thin film supercapacitors. The nanostructured electrode morphology and the conformal electrolyte packaging provide enough energy and power density for the devices in addition to excellent mechanical flexibility and optical transparency, making it a unique design in various power delivery applications.

  8. Transparent, flexible supercapacitors from nano-engineered carbon films

    PubMed Central

    Jung, Hyun Young; Karimi, Majid B.; Hahm, Myung Gwan; Ajayan, Pulickel M.; Jung, Yung Joon

    2012-01-01

    Here we construct mechanically flexible and optically transparent thin film solid state supercapacitors by assembling nano-engineered carbon electrodes, prepared in porous templates, with morphology of interconnected arrays of complex shapes and porosity. The highly textured graphitic films act as electrode and current collector and integrated with solid polymer electrolyte, function as thin film supercapacitors. The nanostructured electrode morphology and the conformal electrolyte packaging provide enough energy and power density for the devices in addition to excellent mechanical flexibility and optical transparency, making it a unique design in various power delivery applications. PMID:23105970

  9. Transparent, flexible supercapacitors from nano-engineered carbon films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jung, Hyun Young; Karimi, Majid B.; Hahm, Myung Gwan; Ajayan, Pulickel M.; Jung, Yung Joon

    2012-10-01

    Here we construct mechanically flexible and optically transparent thin film solid state supercapacitors by assembling nano-engineered carbon electrodes, prepared in porous templates, with morphology of interconnected arrays of complex shapes and porosity. The highly textured graphitic films act as electrode and current collector and integrated with solid polymer electrolyte, function as thin film supercapacitors. The nanostructured electrode morphology and the conformal electrolyte packaging provide enough energy and power density for the devices in addition to excellent mechanical flexibility and optical transparency, making it a unique design in various power delivery applications.

  10. Optimization of a reusable, DNA pseudoknot-based electrochemical sensor for sequence-specific DNA detection in blood serum.

    PubMed

    Cash, Kevin J; Heeger, Alan J; Plaxco, Kevin W; Xiao, Yi

    2009-01-15

    We describe in detail a new electrochemical DNA (E-DNA) sensing platform based on target-induced conformation changes in an electrode-bound DNA pseudoknot. The pseudoknot, a DNA structure containing two stem-loops in which the first stem's loop forms part of the second stem, is modified with a methylene blue redox tag at its 3' terminus and covalently attached to a gold electrode via the 5' terminus. In the absence of a target, the structure of the pseudoknot probe minimizes collisions between the redox tag and the electrode, thus reducing faradaic current. Target binding disrupts the pseudoknot structure, liberating a flexible, single-stranded element that can strike the electrode and efficiently transfer electrons. In this article we report further characterization and optimization of this new E-DNA architecture. We find that optimal signaling is obtained at an intermediate probe density ( approximately 1.8 x 10(13) molecules/cm(2) apparent density), which presumably represents a balance between steric and electrostatic blocking at high probe densities and increased background currents arising from transfer from the pseudoknot probe at lower densities. We also find that optimal 3' stem length, which appears to be 7 base pairs, represents a balance between pseudoknot structural stability and target affinity. Finally, a 3' loop comprised of poly(A) exhibits better mismatch discrimination than the equivalent poly(T) loop, but at the cost of decreased gain. Optimization over this parameter space significantly improves the signaling of the pseudoknot-based E-DNA architecture, leading to the ability to sensitively and specifically detect DNA targets even when challenged in complex, multicomponent samples such as blood serum.

  11. Optimization of a Reusable, DNA Pseudoknot-Based Electrochemical Sensor for Sequence-Specific DNA Detection in Blood Serum

    PubMed Central

    Cash, Kevin J.; Heeger, Alan J.; Plaxco, Kevin W.; Xiao, Yi

    2010-01-01

    We describe in detail a new electrochemical DNA (E-DNA) sensing platform based on target-induced conformation changes in an electrode-bound DNA pseudoknot. The pseudoknot, a DNA structure containing two stem-loops in which the first stem’s loop forms part of the second stem, is modified with a methylene blue redox tag at its 3′ terminus and covalently attached to a gold electrode via the 5′ terminus. In the absence of a target, the structure of the pseudoknot probe minimizes collisions between the redox tag and the electrode, thus reducing faradaic current. Target binding disrupts the pseudoknot structure, liberating a flexible, single-stranded element that can strike the electrode and efficiently transfer electrons. In this article we report further characterization and optimization of this new E-DNA architecture. We find that optimal signaling is obtained at an intermediate probe density (~1.8 × 1013 molecules/cm2 apparent density), which presumably represents a balance between steric and electrostatic blocking at high probe densities and increased background currents arising from transfer from the pseudoknot probe at lower densities. We also find that optimal 3′ stem length, which appears to be 7 base pairs, represents a balance between pseudoknot structural stability and target affinity. Finally, a 3′ loop comprised of poly(A) exhibits better mismatch discrimination than the equivalent poly(T) loop, but at the cost of decreased gain. Optimization over this parameter space significantly improves the signaling of the pseudoknot-based E-DNA architecture, leading to the ability to sensitively and specifically detect DNA targets even when challenged in complex, multicomponent samples such as blood serum. PMID:19093760

  12. Metal coordination polymer derived mesoporous Co3O4 nanorods with uniform TiO2 coating as advanced anodes for lithium ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Geng, Hongbo; Ang, Huixiang; Ding, Xianguang; Tan, Huiteng; Guo, Guile; Qu, Genlong; Yang, Yonggang; Zheng, Junwei; Yan, Qingyu; Gu, Hongwei

    2016-01-01

    In this work, a one-dimensional Co3O4@TiO2 core-shell electrode material with superior electrochemical performance is fabricated by a convenient and controllable route. The approach involves two main steps: the homogeneous deposition of polydopamine and TiO2 layers in sequence on the cobalt coordination polymer and the thermal decomposition of the polymer matrix. The as-prepared electrode material can achieve excellent electrochemical properties and stability as an anode material for lithium ion batteries, such as a high specific capacity of 1279 mA h g-1, good cycling stability (around 803 mA h g-1 at a current density of 200 mA g-1 after 100 cycles), and stable rate performance (around 520 mA h g-1 at a current density of 1000 mA g-1). This dramatic electrochemical performance is mainly attributed to the excellent structural characteristics, which could improve the electrical conductivity and lithium ion mobility, as well as electrolyte permeability and architectural stability during cycling.In this work, a one-dimensional Co3O4@TiO2 core-shell electrode material with superior electrochemical performance is fabricated by a convenient and controllable route. The approach involves two main steps: the homogeneous deposition of polydopamine and TiO2 layers in sequence on the cobalt coordination polymer and the thermal decomposition of the polymer matrix. The as-prepared electrode material can achieve excellent electrochemical properties and stability as an anode material for lithium ion batteries, such as a high specific capacity of 1279 mA h g-1, good cycling stability (around 803 mA h g-1 at a current density of 200 mA g-1 after 100 cycles), and stable rate performance (around 520 mA h g-1 at a current density of 1000 mA g-1). This dramatic electrochemical performance is mainly attributed to the excellent structural characteristics, which could improve the electrical conductivity and lithium ion mobility, as well as electrolyte permeability and architectural stability during cycling. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr08570e

  13. Symmetric redox supercapacitor based on micro-fabrication with three-dimensional polypyrrole electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, Wei; Zheng, Ruilin; Chen, Xuyuan

    To achieve higher energy density and power density, we have designed and fabricated a symmetric redox supercapacitor based on microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technologies. The supercapacitor consists of a three-dimensional (3D) microstructure on silicon substrate micromachined by high-aspect-ratio deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) method, two sputtered Ti current collectors and two electrochemical polymerized polypyrrole (PPy) films as electrodes. Electrochemical tests, including cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and galvanostatical charge/discharge methods have been carried out on the single PPy electrodes and the symmetric supercapacitor in different electrolytes. The specific capacitance (capacitance per unit footprint area) and specific power (power per unit footprint area) of the PPy electrodes and symmetric supercapacitor can be calculated from the electrochemical test data. It is found that NaCl solution is a good electrolyte for the polymerized PPy electrodes. In NaCl electrolyte, single PPy electrodes exhibit 0.128 F cm -2 specific capacitance and 1.28 mW cm -2 specific power at 20 mV s -1 scan rate. The symmetric supercapacitor presents 0.056 F cm -2 specific capacitance and 0.56 mW cm -2 specific power at 20 mV s -1 scan rate.

  14. Hybrid Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanosheet Supported Mn-Ni-Co Ternary Oxides for Aqueous Asymmetric Supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Wu, Chun; Cai, Junjie; Zhu, Ying; Zhang, Kaili

    2017-06-07

    Hybrid reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanosheet supported Mn-Ni-Co ternary oxides (MNCO) are prepared through a facile coprecipitation reaction with a subsequent calcination process as electrodes for supercapacitors. Electrochemical measurements prove that RGO can significantly improve the supercapacitive behaviors, compared with the pure MNCO electrode. A high specific capacity of 646.1 C g -1 at 1 A g -1 can be achieved and about 89.6% of the capacity can be remained at 30 A g -1 relative to that of the low-current capacity, indicating attractive rate capability of the RGO-MNCO electrode. Moreover, an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device is fabricated with nitrogen-enriched RGO as the negative electrode and the synthesized RGO-MNCO as the positive electrode. Electrochemical performances investigated at different potential range reveal that the ASC device presents excellent capacitive behavior and reversibility. A maximum energy density of 35.6 Wh kg -1 at power density of 699.9 W kg -1 can be delivered. Furthermore, stable cycle capability with 100% Coulombic efficiency and 77.2% the capacitance retention is also achieved after 10000 cycles. The achieved outstanding electrochemical properties indicate that the obtained RGO-MNCO electrode materials are fairly ideal for progressive supercapacitors.

  15. Electrodeposition of nickel sulfide on graphene-covered make-up cotton as a flexible electrode material for high-performance supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Yiju; Ye, Ke; Cheng, Kui; Yin, Jinling; Cao, Dianxue; Wang, Guiling

    2015-01-01

    In this report, graphene nanosheets (GNS)/nickel sulfide (NiS) based material for high-performance supercapacitor is prepared by "dip and dry" and electrodeposition methods. Commercial flexible make-up cottons (MCs) are chose as skeletons to construct homogeneous three-dimensional (3D) interconnected graphene-wrapped macro-networks, which can support structures for high loading of active electrode materials and facilitate the access of electrolytes to active electrode materials. The hybrid GNS/NiS based MCs (denoted as MCs@GNS@NiS) electrode yields relatively high specific capacitance of 775 F g-1 at a charge/discharge specific current of 0.5 A g-1 and good capacitance retention of 88.1% after 1000 cycles at 2 A g-1. Furthermore, the MCs@GNS@NiS electrode delivers a high energy density of 11.2 Wh kg-1 at even a high power density of 1008 W kg-1. Therefore, such low-cost and high-performance energy MCs based on GNS/NiS hierarchical nanostructures offer great promise in large-scale energy storage device applications.

  16. Merging of Kirkendall Growth and Ostwald Ripening: CuO@MnO2 Core-shell Architectures for Asymmetric Supercapacitors

    PubMed Central

    Huang, Ming; Zhang, Yuxin; Li, Fei; Wang, Zhongchang; Alamusi; Hu, Ning; Wen, Zhiyu; Liu, Qing

    2014-01-01

    Fabricating hierarchical core-shell nanostructures is currently the subject of intensive research in the electrochemical field owing to the hopes it raises for making efficient electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors. Here, we develop a simple and cost-effective approach to prepare CuO@MnO2 core-shell nanostructures without any surfactants and report their applications as electrodes for supercapacitors. An asymmetric supercapacitor with CuO@MnO2 core-shell nanostructure as the positive electrode and activated microwave exfoliated graphite oxide (MEGO) as the negative electrode yields an energy density of 22.1 Wh kg−1 and a maximum power density of 85.6 kW kg−1; the device shows a long-term cycling stability which retains 101.5% of its initial capacitance even after 10000 cycles. Such a facile strategy to fabricate the hierarchical CuO@MnO2 core-shell nanostructure with significantly improved functionalities opens up a novel avenue to design electrode materials on demand for high-performance supercapacitor applications. PMID:24682149

  17. Electronic and transport properties of a molecular junction with asymmetric contacts.

    PubMed

    Tsai, M-H; Lu, T-H

    2010-02-10

    Asymmetric molecular junctions have been shown experimentally to exhibit a dual-conductance transport property with a pulse-like current-voltage characteristic, by Reed and co-workers. Using a recently developed first-principles integrated piecewise thermal equilibrium current calculation method and a gold-benzene-1-olate-4-thiolate-gold model molecular junction, this unusual transport property has been reproduced. Analysis of the electrostatics and the electronic structure reveals that the high-current state results from subtle bias induced charge transfer at the electrode-molecule contacts that raises molecular orbital energies and enhances the current-contributing molecular density of states and the probabilities of resonance tunneling of conduction electrons from one electrode to another.

  18. Effect of Sn Grain Orientation on the Cu6Sn5 Formation in a Sn-Based Solder Under Current Stressing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lin, Chih-Fan; Lee, Shang-Hua; Chen, Chih-Ming

    2012-08-01

    A SnAgCu-based solder stripe between two Cu electrodes is current stressed with a density of 5 × 104 A/cm2 at 393 K (120 °C). After current stressing for 24 hours, electromigration induces the Cu dissolution from the cathode-side Cu electrode, leading to the Cu6Sn5 formation in the solder stripe. Very interestingly, the Cu6Sn5 phase is selectively formed within a specific Sn grain. Electron backscattering diffraction analysis indicates the crystallographic orientations of Sn grains play an important role in the selective Cu6Sn5 formation.

  19. Fast optical and electrical diagnostics of pulsed spark discharges in different gap geometries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Höft, Hans; Huiskamp, Tom; Kettlitz, Manfred

    2016-09-01

    Spark discharges in different electrode configurations and with various electrode materials were ignited in air at atmospheric pressure using a custom build pulse charger with 1 μs voltage rise time (up to 28 kV) in single shot operation. Fast voltage and current measurements were combined with iCCD imaging with high spatial resolution (better than 10 μm) on pin-to-pin, pin-to-half-sphere and symmetrical half-sphere tungsten electrodes and symmetrical half-sphere brass electrodes for electrode gaps of 0.1 to 0.7 mm. Breakdown voltages, consumed electrical energies and the discharge emission structures as well as the discharge diameters were obtained. Because of the synchronization of the electrical measurements and the iCCD imaging (i.e. one complete data set for every shot), it was possible to estimate the current density and the change of the discharge pattern, such as single or multiple channels, for all cases. EU funding under Grant No 316216 (PlasmaShape).

  20. Flexible asymmetric supercapacitors with high energy and high power density in aqueous electrolytes.

    PubMed

    Cheng, Yingwen; Zhang, Hongbo; Lu, Songtao; Varanasi, Chakrapani V; Liu, Jie

    2013-02-07

    Supercapacitors with both high energy and high power densities are critical for many practical applications. In this paper, we discuss the design and demonstrate the fabrication of flexible asymmetric supercapacitors based on nanocomposite electrodes of MnO(2), activated carbon, carbon nanotubes and graphene. The combined unique properties of each of these components enable highly flexible and mechanically strong films that can serve as electrodes directly without using any current collectors or binders. Using these flexible electrodes and a roll-up approach, asymmetric supercapacitors with 2 V working voltage were successfully fabricated. The fabricated device showed excellent rate capability, with 78% of the original capacitance retained when the scan rate was increased from 2 mV s(-1) to 500 mV s(-1). Owing to the unique composite structure, these supercapacitors were able to deliver high energy density (24 W h kg(-1)) under high power density (7.8 kW kg(-1)) conditions. These features could enable supercapacitor based energy storage systems to be very attractive for a variety of critical applications, such as the power sources in hybrid electric vehicles and the back-up powers for wind and solar energy, where both high energy density and high power density are required.

  1. Cathodic and anodic biofilms in Single Chamber Microbial Fuel Cells.

    PubMed

    Cristiani, P; Carvalho, M L; Guerrini, E; Daghio, M; Santoro, C; Li, B

    2013-08-01

    The oxygen reduction due to microaerophilic biofilms grown on graphite cathodes (biocathodes) in Single Chamber Microbial Fuel Cells (SCMFCs) is proved and analysed in this paper. Pt-free cathode performances are compared with those of different platinum-loaded cathodes, before and after the biofilm growth. Membraneless SCMFCs were operating in batch-mode, filled with wastewater. A substrate (fuel) of sodium acetate (0.03 M) was periodically added and the experiment lasted more than six months. A maximum of power densities, up to 0.5 W m(-2), were reached when biofilms developed on the electrodes and the cathodic potential decreased (open circuit potential of 50-200 mV vs. SHE). The power output was almost constant with an acetate concentration of 0.01-0.05 M and it fell down when the pH of the media exceeded 9.5, independently of the Pt-free/Pt-loading at the cathodes. Current densities varied in the range of 1-5 Am(-2) (cathode area of 5 cm(2)). Quasi-stationary polarization curves performed with a three-electrode configuration on cathodic and anodic electrodes showed that the anodic overpotential, more than the cathodic one, may limit the current density in the SCMFCs for a long-term operation. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Low temperature formation of electrode having electrically conductive metal oxide surface

    DOEpatents

    Anders, Simone; Anders, Andre; Brown, Ian G.; McLarnon, Frank R.; Kong, Fanping

    1998-01-01

    A low temperature process is disclosed for forming metal suboxides on substrates by cathodic arc deposition by either controlling the pressure of the oxygen present in the deposition chamber, or by controlling the density of the metal flux, or by a combination of such adjustments, to thereby control the ratio of oxide to metal in the deposited metal suboxide coating. The density of the metal flux may, in turn, be adjusted by controlling the discharge current of the arc, by adjusting the pulse length (duration of on cycle) of the arc, and by adjusting the frequency of the arc, or any combination of these parameters. In a preferred embodiment, a low temperature process is disclosed for forming an electrically conductive metal suboxide, such as, for example, an electrically conductive suboxide of titanium, on an electrode surface, such as the surface of a nickel oxide electrode, by such cathodic arc deposition and control of the deposition parameters. In the preferred embodiment, the process results in a titanium suboxide-coated nickel oxide electrode exhibiting reduced parasitic evolution of oxygen during charging of a cell made using such an electrode as the positive electrode, as well as exhibiting high oxygen overpotential, resulting in suppression of oxygen evolution at the electrode at full charge of the cell.

  3. MnO2-deposited lignin-based carbon nanofiber mats for application as electrodes in symmetric pseudocapacitors.

    PubMed

    Youe, Won-Jae; Kim, Seok Ju; Lee, Soo-Min; Chun, Sang-Jin; Kang, Juwon; Kim, Yong Sik

    2018-06-01

    Low-cost, high-performance electrodes are highly attractive for practical supercapacitor applications. MnO 2 -deposited carbon nanofiber mats (MnO 2 -CNFMs) are prepared for use as binder-free supercapacitor electrodes. MnO 2 is deposited on the mats in situ by hydrothermally decomposing aqueous KMnO 4 , leading to the formation of nanocrystals of MnO 2 . The MnO 2 -CNFM electrode produced with 38.0μmol KMnO 4 (this electrode) shows a high specific capacitance of ~171.6F·g -1 at a scan rate of 5mV·s -1 . Moreover, a symmetric supercapacitor with the electrode exhibits a specific capacitance of 67.0F·g -1 , an energy density of 6.0Wh·kg -1 and a power density of 160W·kg -1 at a special current of 0.1A·g -1 . Further, the symmetric supercapacitor displays excellent cycling stability, retains approximately 99% of the capacitance after 1000cycles. The simplicity and ease of preparation of the MnO 2 -CNFMs as well as their suitability for use in coin-type supercapacitor cells make them ideal for application in cost-effective and high-performance electrodes for supercapacitors. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Post-Stroke Upper Extremity Motor Recovery Studies Exhibit a Dose–Response Relationship

    PubMed Central

    Chhatbar, Pratik Y.; Ramakrishnan, Viswanathan; Kautz, Steven; George, Mark S.; Adams, Robert J.; Feng, Wuwei

    2015-01-01

    Background and purpose Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has shown mixed results in post-stroke motor recovery, possibly because of tDCS dose differences. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to explore whether the outcome has a dose–response relationship with various dose-related parameters. Methods The literature was searched for double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trials investigating the role of tDCS (≥5 sessions) in post-stroke motor recovery as measured by the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity (FM-UE) scale. Improvements in FM-UE scores were compared between active and sham groups by calculating standardized mean differences (Hedge’s g) to derive a summary effect size. Inverse-variance-weighted linear meta-regression across individual studies was performed between various tDCS parameters and Hedge’s g to test for dose–response relationships. Results Eight studies with total of 213 stroke subjects were included. Summary Hedge’s g was statistically significant in favor of the active group (Hedge’s g = 0.61, p = 0.02) suggesting moderate effect. Specifically, studies that used bihemispheric tDCS montage (Hedge’s g = 1.30, p = 0.08) or that recruited chronic stroke patients (Hedge’s g = 1.23, p = 0.02) showed large improvements in the active group. A positive dose–response relationship was found with current density (p = 0.017) and charge density (p = 0.004), but not with current amplitude. Moreover, a negative dose–response relationship was found with electrode size (p < 0.001, smaller electrodes were more effective). Conclusions Our meta-analysis and meta-regression results suggest superior motor recovery in the active group when compared to the sham group and dose–response relationships relating to electrode size, charge density and current density. These results need to be confirmed in future dedicated studies. PMID:26433609

  5. High-Potential Metalless Nanocarbon Foam Supercapacitors Operating in Aqueous Electrolyte.

    PubMed

    Liu, Chueh; Li, Changling; Ahmed, Kazi; Mutlu, Zafer; Lee, Ilkeun; Zaera, Francisco; Ozkan, Cengiz S; Ozkan, Mihrimah

    2018-04-01

    Light-weight graphite foam decorated with carbon nanotubes (dia. 20-50 nm) is utilized as an effective electrode without binders, conductive additives, or metallic current collectors for supercapacitors in aqueous electrolyte. Facile nitric acid treatment renders wide operating potentials, high specific capacitances and energy densities, and long lifespan over 10 000 cycles manifested as 164.5 and 111.8 F g -1 , 22.85 and 12.58 Wh kg -1 , 74.6% and 95.6% capacitance retention for 2 and 1.8 V, respectively. Overcharge protection is demonstrated by repetitive cycling between 2 and 2.5 V for 2000 cycles without catastrophic structural demolition or severe capacity fading. Graphite foam without metallic strut possessing low density (≈0.4-0.45 g cm -3 ) further reduces the total weight of the electrode. The thorough investigation of the specific capacitances and coulombic efficiencies versus potential windows and current densities provides insights into the selection of operation conditions for future practical devices. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  6. Facile synthesis of hierarchical Co3O4@MnO2 core-shell arrays on Ni foam for asymmetric supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huang, Ming; Zhang, Yuxin; Li, Fei; Zhang, Lili; Wen, Zhiyu; Liu, Qing

    2014-04-01

    Hierarchical Co3O4@MnO2 core-shell arrays on Ni foam have been fabricated by a facile hydrothermal approach and further investigated as the electrode for high-performance supercapacitors. Owing to the high conductivity of the well-defined mesoporous Co3O4 nanowire arrays in combination with the large surface area provided by the ultrathin MnO2 nanosheets, the unique designed Co3O4@MnO2 core-shell arrays on Ni foam have exhibited a high specific capacitance (560 F g-1 at a current density of 0.2 A g-1), good rate capability, and excellent cycling stability (95% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles). An asymmetric supercapacitor with Co3O4@MnO2 core-shell nanostructure as the positive electrode and activated microwave exfoliated graphite oxide activated graphene (MEGO) as the negative electrode yielded an energy density of 17.7 Wh kg-1 and a maximum power density of 158 kW kg-1. The rational design of the unique core-shell array architectures demonstrated in this work provides a new and facile approach to fabricate high-performance electrode for supercapacitors.

  7. Ion confinement and transport in a toroidal plasma with externally imposed radial electric fields

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Roth, J. R.; Krawczonek, W. M.; Powers, E. J.; Kim, Y. C.; Hong, H. Y.

    1979-01-01

    Strong electric fields were imposed along the minor radius of the toroidal plasma by biasing it with electrodes maintained at kilovolt potentials. Coherent, low-frequency disturbances characteristic of various magnetohydrodynamic instabilities were absent in the high-density, well-confined regime. High, direct-current radial electric fields with magnitudes up to 135 volts per centimeter penetrated inward to at least one-half the plasma radius. When the electric field pointed radially toward, the ion transport was inward against a strong local density gradient; and the plasma density and confinement time were significantly enhanced. The radial transport along the electric field appeared to be consistent with fluctuation-induced transport. With negative electrode polarity the particle confinement was consistent with a balance of two processes: a radial infusion of ions, in those sectors of the plasma not containing electrodes, that resulted from the radially inward fields; and ion losses to the electrodes, each of the which acted as a sink and drew ions out of the plasma. A simple model of particle confinement was proposed in which the particle confinement time is proportional to the plasma volume. The scaling predicted by this model was consistent with experimental measurements.

  8. Electrochemical thermodynamic measurement system

    DOEpatents

    Reynier, Yvan [Meylan, FR; Yazami, Rachid [Los Angeles, CA; Fultz, Brent T [Pasadena, CA

    2009-09-29

    The present invention provides systems and methods for accurately characterizing thermodynamic and materials properties of electrodes and electrochemical energy storage and conversion systems. Systems and methods of the present invention are configured for simultaneously collecting a suite of measurements characterizing a plurality of interconnected electrochemical and thermodynamic parameters relating to the electrode reaction state of advancement, voltage and temperature. Enhanced sensitivity provided by the present methods and systems combined with measurement conditions that reflect thermodynamically stabilized electrode conditions allow very accurate measurement of thermodynamic parameters, including state functions such as the Gibbs free energy, enthalpy and entropy of electrode/electrochemical cell reactions, that enable prediction of important performance attributes of electrode materials and electrochemical systems, such as the energy, power density, current rate and the cycle life of an electrochemical cell.

  9. Improvement on the Repair Effect of Electrochemical Chloride Extraction Using a Modified Electrode Configuration

    PubMed Central

    Feng, Wei; Xu, Jinxia; Jiang, Linhua; Song, Yingbin; Cao, Yalong; Tan, Qiping

    2018-01-01

    To improve the repair effect of electrochemical chloride extraction, a modified electrode configuration is applied in this investigation. In this configuration, two auxiliary electrodes placed in the anodic and cathodic electrolytes were used as the anode and cathode, respectively. Besides this, the steel in the mortar was grounded to protect it from corrosion. By a comparative experiment, the potential evolution, various ions concentrations (Cl−, OH−, Na+, and K+) in different mortar depths, the corrosion potential, and the current density of the steel were measured. The results indicate that compared to electrochemical chloride extraction with the traditional electrode configuration, this electrochemical chloride extraction method with a modified electrode configuration has a similar chloride removal ratio. Besides this, potential of steel is just about 800 mV for a saturated calomel electrode (SCE) during the treatment, which did not reach the hydrogen evolution potential. The phenomenon of the accumulation of OH−, Na+, and K+ did not occur when the modified electrode configuration is applied. Additionally, higher corrosion potentials and lower corrosion current rates were measured after performing electrochemical chloride extraction with the modified electrode configuration. Additionally, it is a short period of time for the steel to go from activation to passivation. On this basis, the modified electrode configuration may overcome the drawbacks of electrochemical chloride extraction. PMID:29389855

  10. Silicon oxycarbide glass-graphene composite paper electrode for long-cycle lithium-ion batteries

    PubMed Central

    David, Lamuel; Bhandavat, Romil; Barrera, Uriel; Singh, Gurpreet

    2016-01-01

    Silicon and graphene are promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries because of their high theoretical capacity; however, low volumetric energy density, poor efficiency and instability in high loading electrodes limit their practical application. Here we report a large area (approximately 15 cm × 2.5 cm) self-standing anode material consisting of molecular precursor-derived silicon oxycarbide glass particles embedded in a chemically-modified reduced graphene oxide matrix. The porous reduced graphene oxide matrix serves as an effective electron conductor and current collector with a stable mechanical structure, and the amorphous silicon oxycarbide particles cycle lithium-ions with high Coulombic efficiency. The paper electrode (mass loading of 2 mg cm−2) delivers a charge capacity of ∼588 mAh g−1electrode (∼393 mAh cm−3electrode) at 1,020th cycle and shows no evidence of mechanical failure. Elimination of inactive ingredients such as metal current collector and polymeric binder reduces the total electrode weight and may provide the means to produce efficient lightweight batteries. PMID:27025781

  11. Effect of segmented electrode length on the performances of Hall thruster

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Duan, Ping; Chen, Long; Liu, Guangrui; Bian, Xingyu; Yin, Yan

    2016-09-01

    The influences of the low-emissive graphite segmented electrode placed near the channel exit on the discharge characteristics of Hall thruster are studied using the particle-in-cell method. A two-dimensional physical model is established according to the Hall thruster discharge channel configuration. The effects of electrode length on potential, ion density, electron temperature, ionization rate and discharge current are investigated. It is found that, with the increasing of segmented electrode length, the equipotential lines bend towards the channel exit, and approximately parallel to the wall at the channel surface, radial velocity and radial flow of ions are increased, and the electron temperature is also enhanced. Due to the conductive characteristic of electrodes, the radial electric field and the axial electron conductivity near the wall are enhanced, and the probability of the electron-atom ionization is reduced, which leads to the degradation of ionization rate in discharge channel. However, the interaction between electrons and the wall enhances the near wall conductivity, therefore the discharge current grows along with the segmented electrode length, and the performance of the thruster is also affected.

  12. Free-standing graphene/vanadium oxide composite as binder-free electrode for asymmetrical supercapacitor.

    PubMed

    Deng, Lingjuan; Gao, Yihong; Ma, Zhanying; Fan, Guang

    2017-11-01

    Preparation of free-standing electrode materials with three-dimensional network architecture has emerged as an effective strategy for acquiring advanced portable and wearable power sources. Herein, graphene/vanadium oxide (GR/V 2 O 5 ) free-standing monolith composite has been prepared via a simple hydrothermal process. Flexible GR sheets acted as binder to connect the belt-like V 2 O 5 for assembling three-dimensional network architecture. The obtained GR/V 2 O 5 composite can be reshaped into GR/V 2 O 5 flexible film which exhibits more compact structure by ultrasonication and vacuum filtration. A high specific capacitance of 358Fg -1 for GR/V 2 O 5 monolith compared with that of GR/V 2 O 5 flexible film (272Fg -1 ) has been achieved in 0.5molL -1 K 2 SO 4 solution when used as binder free electrodes in three-electrode system. An asymmetrical supercapacitor has been assembled using GR/V 2 O 5 monolith as positive electrode and GR monolith as negative electrode, and it can be reversibly charged-discharged at a cell voltage of 1.7V in 0.5molL -1 K 2 SO 4 electrolyte. The asymmetrical capacitor can deliver an energy density of 26.22Whkg -1 at a power density of 425Wkg -1 , much higher than that of the symmetrical supercapacitor based on GR/V 2 O 5 monolith electrode. Moreover, the asymmetrical supercapacitor preserves 90% of its initial capacitance over 1000 cycles at a current density of 5Ag -1 . Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Ultra-high power capabilities in amorphous FePO4 thin films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gandrud, Knut B.; Nilsen, Ola; Fjellvåg, Helmer

    2016-02-01

    Record breaking electrochemical properties of FePO4 have been found through investigation of the thickness dependent electrochemical properties of amorphous thin film electrodes. Atomic layer deposition was used for production of thin films of amorphous FePO4 with highly accurate thickness and topography. Electrochemical characterization of these thin film electrodes revealed that the thinner electrodes behave in a pseudocapacitive manner even at high rates of Li+ de/intercalation, which enabled specific powers above 1 MW kg-1 FePO4 to be obtained with minimal capacity loss. In addition, a self-enhancing kinetic effect was observed during cycling enabling more than 10,000 cycles at current rates approaching that of a supercapacitor (11s charge/discharge). The current findings may open for construction of ultra-high power battery electrodes that combines the energy density of batteries with the power capabilities of supercapacitors.

  14. Facial synthesis of nanostructured ZnCo2O4 on carbon cloth for supercapacitor application

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Patil, Swati J.; Park, Jungsung; Lee, Dong-Weon

    2017-12-01

    In this work, we have synthesized the ZnCo2O4 electrode by a facial one-step hydrothermal method on a carbon cloth for the supercapacitor application. The structural and phase purity of the prepared electrode material was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The surface morphology and elemental stoichiometry were studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The FE-SEM micrograph illustrates that the ZnCo2O4 material is composed of microstrips with a ~0.5 μm width and length in micron uniformly covered the carbon cloth surface. The ZnCo2O4 electrode material further investigated for electrochemical analyses. The cyclic voltammetry results showed that the ZnCo2O4 microstrips electrode exhibited the highest specific capacitance of 1084 F/g at 2 mV/s scan rate. Remarkably, a maximum energy density of 12.5 Wh/kg was attained at a current density of 2 mA/cm2 with the power density of 3.6 kW/kg for the ZnCo2O4 microstrips electrode. Furthermore, the 96.2 % capacitive retention is obtained at a higher scan rate of 100 mV/s after 1000 CV cycles, indicating excellent cycling stability of the ZnCo2O4 microstrips electrode. The frequency-dependent rate capability and an ideal capacitive behaviour of the ZnCo2O4 microstrips electrode were analyzed using impedance analyses; a representing the ion diffusion structure of the material. These results show that the ZnCo2O4 microstrips electrode could be a promising material for supercapacitor application.

  15. Transient current interruption mechanism in a magnetically delayed vacuum switch

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Morris, Gibson, Jr.; Dougal, Roger A.

    1993-01-01

    The capacity of a magnetically delayed vacuum switch to conduct current depends on the density of plasma injected into the switch. Exceeding the current capacity results in the switch entering a lossy mode of operation characterized by a transient interruption of the main current (opening behavior) and a rapid increase of voltage across the vacuum gap. Streak and framing photographs of the discharge indicate that a decrease of luminosity near the middle of the gap preceeds the transition to the opening phase. The zone of low luminosity propagates toward the cathode. This evidence suggests that the mechanism causing the opening phase is erosion of the background plasma in a manner similar to that in a plasma-opening switch. The resulting ion depletion forces a space-charge-limited conduction mode. The switch inductance maintains a high discharge current even during the space-charge-limited conduction phase, thus producing high internal fields. The high accelerating voltage, in turn, produces electron and ion beams that heat the electrode surfaces. As a result of the heating, jets of electrode vapor issue from the electrodes, either cathode or anode, depending on the selection of electrode materials.

  16. Two-dimensional heterostructures for energy storage

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gogotsi, Yury G.; Pomerantseva, Ekaterina

    Two-dimensional (2D) materials provide slit-shaped ion diffusion channels that enable fast movement of lithium and other ions. However, electronic conductivity, the number of intercalation sites, and stability during extended cycling are also crucial for building high-performance energy storage devices. While individual 2D materials, such as graphene, show some of the required properties, none of them can offer all properties needed to maximize energy density, power density, and cycle life. Here we argue that stacking different 2D materials into heterostructured architectures opens an opportunity to construct electrodes that would combine the advantages of the individual building blocks while eliminating the associatedmore » shortcomings. We discuss characteristics of common 2D materials and provide examples of 2D heterostructured electrodes that showed new phenomena leading to superior electrochemical performance. As a result, we also consider electrode fabrication approaches and finally outline future steps to create 2D heterostructured electrodes that could greatly expand current energy storage technologies.« less

  17. Silicon/copper dome-patterned electrodes for high-performance hybrid supercapacitors

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Xuyan; Jung, Hun-Gi; Kim, Sang-Ok; Choi, Ho-Suk; Lee, Sangwha; Moon, Jun Hyuk; Lee, Joong Kee

    2013-01-01

    This study proposes a method for manufacturing high-performance electrode materials in which controlling the shape of the current collector and electrode material for a Li-ion capacitor (LIC). In particular, the proposed LIC manufacturing method maintains the high voltage of a cell by using a microdome-patterned electrode material, allowing for reversible reactions between the Li-ion and the active material for an extended period of time. As a result, the LICs exhibit initial capacities of approximately 42 F g−1, even at 60 A g−1. The LICs also exhibit good cycle performance up to approximately 15,000 cycles. In addition, these advancements allow for a considerably higher energy density than other existing capacitor systems. The energy density of the proposed LICs is approximately nine, two, and 1.5 times higher than those of the electrochemical double layer capacitor (EDLC), AC/LiMn2O4 hybrid capacitor, and intrinsic Si/AC LIC, respectively. PMID:24292725

  18. Finding buried metallic pipes using a non-destructive approach based on 3D time-domain induced polarization data

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shao, Zhenlu; Revil, André; Mao, Deqiang; Wang, Deming

    2018-04-01

    The location of buried utility pipes is often unknown. We use the time-domain induced polarization method to non-intrusively localize metallic pipes. A new approach, based on injecting a primary electrical current between a pair of electrodes and measuring the time-lapse voltage response on a set of potential electrodes after shutting down this primary current is used. The secondary voltage is measured on all the electrodes with respect to a single electrode used as a reference for the electrical potential, in a way similar to a self-potential time lapse survey. This secondary voltage is due to the formation of a secondary current density in the ground associated with the polarization of the metallic pipes. An algorithm is designed to localize the metallic object using the secondary voltage distribution by performing a tomography of the secondary source current density associated with the polarization of the pipes. This algorithm is first benchmarked on a synthetic case. Then, two laboratory sandbox experiments are performed with buried metallic pipes located in a sandbox filled with some clean sand. In Experiment #1, we use a horizontal copper pipe while in Experiment #2 we use an inclined stainless steel pipe. The result shows that the method is effective in localizing these two pipes. At the opposite, electrical resistivity tomography is not effective in localizing the pipes because they may appear resistive at low frequencies. This is due to the polarization of the metallic pipes which blocks the charge carriers at its external boundaries.

  19. Highly Reversible Water Oxidation at Ordered Nanoporous Iridium Electrodes Based on an Original Atomic Layer Deposition.

    PubMed

    Schlicht, Stefanie; Haschke, Sandra; Mikhailovskii, Vladimir; Manshina, Alina; Bachmann, Julien

    2018-05-01

    Nanoporous iridium electrodes are prepared and electrochemically investigated towards the water oxidation (oxygen evolution) reaction. The preparation is based on 'anodic' aluminum oxide templates, which provide straight, cylindrical nanopores. Their walls are coated using atomic layer deposition (ALD) with a newly developed reaction which results in a metallic iridium layer. The ALD film growth is quantified by spectroscopic ellipsometry and X-ray reflectometry. The morphology and composition of the electrodes are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Their catalytic activity is quantified for various pore geometries by cyclic voltammetry, steady-state electrolysis, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. With an optimal pore length of L ≈17-20 μm, we achieve current densities of J =0.28 mA cm -2 at pH 5 and J =2.4 mA cm -2 at pH 1. This platform is particularly competitive for achieving moderate current densities at very low overpotentials, that is, for a high degree of reversibility in energy storage.

  20. Synthesis of three-dimensionally ordered macroporous manganese dioxide-carbon nanocomposites for supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Zhi; Tan, Xiuli; Gao, Xin; Song, Lihong

    2014-12-01

    In this article, we report a composite of MnO2 nanoparticles supported by three-dimensionally ordered macroporous carbon (MnO2/3DOM carbon nanocomposites) fabricated by means of a simple multi-component infiltration of three-dimensional templates. MnO2 nanoparticles of 2 nm-6 nm are observed to be highly dispersed on the 3DOM carbon scaffolds. Cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques are employed to assess the properties of these nanocomposites for use in supercapacitors. The results demonstrate that MnO2 can be effectively utilized with assistance of the 3DOM carbon in the electrode. The specific capacitance of the nanocomposite electrode can reach as high as 347 F g-1 at a current density of 0.5 A g-1. Moreover, the electrode exhibit excellent charge/discharge rate and good cycling stability, retaining over 92% of its initial charge after 5500 cycles at a current density of 2.5 A g-1. Such MnO2/3DOM carbon nanocomposite represents a promising exploring direction for enhancing the device performance of metal oxide-based electrochemical supercapacitors.

  1. Facile synthesis of CoNi2S4/Co9S8 composites as advanced electrode materials for supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao, Fenglin; Huang, Wanxia; Zhang, Hongtao; Zhou, Dengmei

    2017-12-01

    In this paper, a facile chemical bath deposition method was utilized to synthesize three-dimensional nanostructured CoNi2S4/Co9S8 (CNSCS) composites as advanced electrode materials for high performance supercapacitors. CNSCS composites showed remarkable electrochemical performance owing to the high porosity, appropriate pore size distribution, novel architecture and synergistic effect of Ni/Co ions. The electrochemical tests revealed that CNSCS composites exhibited high specific capacitance (1183.3 Fg-1 at the current density of 2 Ag-1), excellent rate performance (74.9% retention with tenfold current density increase) and outstanding cycle life stability. Moreover, the effect of temperature on electrochemical performance of CNSCS composites was investigated and the results indicated the specific capacitance of CoNi2S4/Co9S8 can keep relatively stable in a wide temperature from 0 °C to 50 °C. These results indicated that the synthesized CNSCS composites can be a promising electrode materials candidate for supercapacitors and chemical bath deposition is a promising processing route for CNSCS composites production.

  2. Heat-treated stainless steel felt as scalable anode material for bioelectrochemical systems.

    PubMed

    Guo, Kun; Soeriyadi, Alexander H; Feng, Huajun; Prévoteau, Antonin; Patil, Sunil A; Gooding, J Justin; Rabaey, Korneel

    2015-11-01

    This work reports a simple and scalable method to convert stainless steel (SS) felt into an effective anode for bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) by means of heat treatment. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry elucidated that the heat treatment generated an iron oxide rich layer on the SS felt surface. The iron oxide layer dramatically enhanced the electroactive biofilm formation on SS felt surface in BESs. Consequently, the sustained current densities achieved on the treated electrodes (1 cm(2)) were around 1.5±0.13 mA/cm(2), which was seven times higher than the untreated electrodes (0.22±0.04 mA/cm(2)). To test the scalability of this material, the heat-treated SS felt was scaled up to 150 cm(2) and similar current density (1.5 mA/cm(2)) was achieved on the larger electrode. The low cost, straightforwardness of the treatment, high conductivity and high bioelectrocatalytic performance make heat-treated SS felt a scalable anodic material for BESs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. One-pot electrochemical growth of sponge-like polyaniline-intercalated phosphorous-doped graphene oxide on nickel foam as binder-free electrode material of supercapacitor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bigdeli, Hadise; Moradi, Morteza; Borhani, Saeid; Jafari, Elnaz Abbasi; Hajati, Shaaker; Kiani, Mohammad Ali

    2018-06-01

    In this work, phosphor-doped graphene oxide (PGO) was synthesized by chemical technique. Also, the sponge-like PGO@polyaniline nanocomposite (PGO@PANI) film was coated on the nickel foam by one-step electropolymerization. The active materials were then characterized by Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller technique. When PANI/PGO was used as supercapacitor electrode, under current density of 1 A/g, the specific capacitance of the prepared PGO@PANI was measured as 603 F/g, which is 6.0 times higher than that of pure PANI (102 F/g). Moreover, capacity stability of the PANI/PGO increased significantly as compared to PANI (65% vs. 44%) after increasing the current density from 1 to 15 A/g. The clear electrochemical performance of PANI/PGO was enhanced owing to the synergistic effect of PGO and PANI. Our results demonstrate that PANI/PGO nanosheet arrays are promising candidate for electrode supercapacitor applications.

  4. Oxygen-incorporated MoS2 microspheres with tunable interiors as novel electrode materials for supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, Tianhua; Li, Zhangpeng; Liu, Xiaohong; Ma, Limin; Wang, Jinqing; Yang, Shengrong

    2017-06-01

    In this work, a simple and facile one-step hydrothermal method is developed to synthesize oxygen-incorporated molybdenum disulphide (O-MoS2) microspheres with tunable interiors (solid, yolk-shell and hollow microstructures) by using carbon disulfide (CS2) as soft template and sulfur source simultaneously. The synthesized O-MoS2 microspheres with enlarged interlayer spacing of ca. 9.8 Å show remarkable electrochemical performances as novel electrode materials for supercapacitors (SCs). Specifically, O-MoS2 hollow microsphere exhibits optimal electrochemical performances with a high specific capacitance of 744.2 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1 and a good cycling stability with ca. 77.8% capacitance retention after 10 K continuous charge-discharge cycles at a high current density of 5 A g-1, thus making it a promising electrode material for high-performance SCs. The excellent electrochemical performances are mainly attributed to the enlarged interlayer spacing and the reduced band gap owing to the oxygen incorporation in MoS2 and the hollow microstructure.

  5. Simultaneous removal of arsenite and fluoride via an integrated electro-oxidation and electrocoagulation process.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Xu; Zhang, Baofeng; Liu, Huijuan; Qu, Jiuhui

    2011-04-01

    An integrated electro-oxidation and electrocoagulation system was designed and used to remove As(III) and F(-) ions from water simultaneously. Dimensionally stable anodes (DSA), Fe electrodes, and Al electrodes were combined into an electrochemical system. Two pieces of DSA electrodes were assigned as the outside of the Fe and Al electrodes and were directly connected to the power supply as anode and cathode, respectively. The Fe and Al ions were generated by electro-induced process simultaneously. Subsequently, hydroxides of Fe and Al were formed. Arsenic ions are mainly removed by iron hydroxides and F(-) ions are mainly removed by the Al oxides. At the initial concentration of 1.0 mg L(-1), most of As(III) was transferred into As(V) within 40 min at current density of 4 mA cm(-2), whereas F(-) ions can be efficiently removed simultaneously. The effect of the ratio of Fe and Al plate electrodes and current density on the removal of As(III) and F(-) was investigated. With one piece of Fe plate electrode and three pieces of Al plate electrodes, it is observed that As(III) with concentration of 1 mg L(-1) and F(-) with concentration of 4.5 mg L(-1) can be removed and their final concentrations were below the values of 10 μg L(-1) and 1.0 mg L(-1), respectively within 40 min. Removal efficiency of As(III) increases with the increase of solution pH. However, in the pH range of 6-7, removal efficiency of F(-) is the largest. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Synthesis of Magnetite Nanoparticles and Its Application As Electrode Material for the Electrochemical Oxidation of Methanol

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shah, Muhammad Tariq; Balouch, Aamna; Panah, Pirah; Rajar, Kausar; Mahar, Ali Muhammad; Khan, Abdullah; Jagirani, Muhammad Saqaf; Khan, Humaira

    2018-06-01

    In this study, magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were synthesized by a simple and facile chemical co-precipitation method at ambient laboratory conditions. The synthesized Fe3O4 nanostructures were characterized for their morphology, size, crystalline structure and component analysis using field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and electron dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles showed semi-spherical geometry with an average particle diameter up to 14 nm. The catalytic properties of Fe3O4 nanoparticles were evaluated for electrochemical oxidation of methanol. For this purpose, the magnetite NPs were coated on the surface of an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode and used as a working electrode in the electrochemical oxidation of methanol. The effect of potential scan rate, the concentration of methanol, the volume of electrolyte and catalyst (Fe3O4 NPs) deposition volume was studied to get high peak current densities for methanol oxidation. The stability and selectivity of the fabricated electrode (Fe3O4/ITO) were also assessed during the electrochemical process. This study revealed that the Fe3O4/ITO electrode was highly stable and selective towards methanol electrochemical oxidation in basic (KOH) media. Bare ITO and Fe3O4 NPs modified glassy (Fe3O4/GCE) electrodes were also tested in the electro-oxidation study of methanol, but their peak current density responses were very low as compared to the Fe3O4/ITO electrode, which showed high electrocatalytic activity towards methanol oxidation under similar conditions. We hope that Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) will be an alternative for methanol oxidation as compared to the expensive noble metals (Pt, Au, and Pd) for energy generation processes.

  7. Gold-modified indium tin oxide as a transparent window in optoelectronic diagnostics of electrochemically active biofilms.

    PubMed

    Schmidt, Igor; Gad, Alaaeldin; Scholz, Gregor; Boht, Heidi; Martens, Michael; Schilling, Meinhard; Suryo Wasisto, Hutomo; Waag, Andreas; Schröder, Uwe

    2017-08-15

    Microbial electrochemical technologies (METs) are one of the emerging green bioenergy domains that are utilizing microorganisms for wastewater treatment or electrosynthesis. Real-time monitoring of bioprocess during operation is a prerequisite for understanding and further improving bioenergy harvesting. Optical methods are powerful tools for this, but require transparent, highly conductive and biocompatible electrodes. Whereas indium tin oxide (ITO) is a well-known transparent conductive oxide, it is a non-ideal platform for biofilm growth. Here, a straightforward approach of surface modification of ITO anodes with gold (Au) is demonstrated, to enhance direct microbial biofilm cultivation on their surface and to improve the produced current densities. The trade-off between the electrode transmittance (critical for the underlying integrated sensors) and the enhanced growth of biofilms (crucial for direct monitoring) is studied. Au-modified ITO electrodes show a faster and reproducible biofilm growth with three times higher maximum current densities and about 6.9 times thicker biofilms compared to their unmodified ITO counterparts. The electrochemical analysis confirms the enhanced performance and the reversibility of the ITO/Au electrodes. The catalytic effect of Au on the ITO surface seems to be the key factor of the observed performance improvement since the changes in the electrode conductivity and their surface wettability are relatively small and in the range of ITO. An integrated platform for the ITO/Au transparent electrode with light-emitting diodes was fabricated and its feasibility for optical biofilm thickness monitoring is demonstrated. Such transparent electrodes with embedded catalytic metals can serve as multifunctional windows for biofilm diagnostic microchips. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Relationship between anode material, supporting electrolyte and current density during electrochemical degradation of organic compounds in water.

    PubMed

    Guzmán-Duque, Fernando L; Palma-Goyes, Ricardo E; González, Ignacio; Peñuela, Gustavo; Torres-Palma, Ricardo A

    2014-08-15

    Taking crystal violet (CV) dye as pollutant model, the electrode, electrolyte and current density (i) relationship for electro-degrading organic molecules is discussed. Boron-doped diamond (BDD) or Iridium dioxide (IrO2) used as anode materials were tested with Na2SO4 or NaCl as electrolytes. CV degradation and generated oxidants showed that degradation pathways and efficiency are strongly linked to the current density-electrode-electrolyte interaction. With BDD, the degradation pathway depends on i: If ii(lim), generated oxidants play a major role in the CV elimination. When IrO2 was used, CV removal was not dependent on i, but on the electrolyte. Pollutant degradation in Na2SO4 on IrO2 seems to occur via IrO3; however, in the presence of NaCl, degradation was dependent on the chlorinated oxidative species generated. In terms of efficiency, the Na2SO4 electrolyte showed better results than NaCl when BDD anodes were employed. On the contrary, NaCl was superior when combined with IrO2. Thus, the IrO2/Cl(-) and BDD/SO4(2-) systems were better at removing the pollutant, being the former the most effective. On the other hand, pollutant degradation with the BDD/SO4(2-) and IrO2/Cl(-) systems is favored at low and high current densities, respectively. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Electrical field distribution within the injured cat spinal cord: injury potentials and field distribution.

    PubMed

    Khan, T; Myklebust, J; Swiontek, T; Sayers, S; Dauzvardis, M

    1994-12-01

    This study investigated the spontaneous injury potentials measured after contusion or transection injury to the cat spinal cord. In addition, the distribution of electrical field potentials on the surface and within the spinal cord were measured following applied electrical fields after transection and contusion injuries. After transection of the spinal cord, the injury potentials were -19.8 +/- 2.6 mV; after contusion of the spinal cord, the injury potentials were -9.5 +/- 2.2 mV. These potentials returned to control values within 2.5-4h after injury. The electrical field distribution measured on the dorsal surface, as well as within the spinal cord, after the application of a 10 microA current, showed little difference between contusion and transection injuries. Scalar potential fields were measured using two configurations of stimulating electrodes: dorsal to dorsal (D-D), in which both electrodes were placed epidurally on the dorsal surface of the spinal cord, and ventral to dorsal (V-D), in which one electrode was placed dorsally and one ventrally. As reported in normal uninjured cats, the total current in the midsagittal plane for the D-D configuration was largely confined to the dorsal portion of the spinal cord; with the V-D configuration, the current distribution was uniform throughout the spinal cord. In the injured spinal cord, the equipotential lines midway between the stimulating electrodes have a wider separation than in the uninjured spinal cord. Because the magnitude of the electrical field E is equal to the current density J multiplied by the resistivity r, this suggests that either the current density is reduced or that the resistivity is reduced.

  10. Bendable solid-state supercapacitors with Au nanoparticle-embedded graphene hydrogel films

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Kyungwhan; Cho, Kyoungah; Yoon, Dae Sung; Kim, Sangsig

    2017-01-01

    In this study, we fabricate bendable solid-state supercapacitors with Au nanoparticle (NP)-embedded graphene hydrogel (GH) electrodes and investigate the influence of the Au NP embedment on the internal resistance and capacitive performance. Embedding the Au NPs into the GH electrodes results in a decrease of the internal resistance from 35 to 21 Ω, and a threefold reduction of the IR drop at a current density of 5 A/g when compared with GH electrodes without Au NPs. The Au NP-embedded GH supercapacitors (NP-GH SCs) exhibit excellent capacitive performances, with large specific capacitance (135 F/g) and high energy density (15.2 W·h/kg). Moreover, the NP-GH SCs exhibit comparable areal capacitance (168 mF/cm2) and operate under tensile/compressive bending. PMID:28074865

  11. Membraneless glucose/oxygen enzymatic fuel cells using redox hydrogel films containing carbon nanotubes.

    PubMed

    MacAodha, Domhnall; Ó Conghaile, Peter; Egan, Brenda; Kavanagh, Paul; Leech, Dónal

    2013-07-22

    Co-immobilisation of three separate multiple blue copper oxygenases, a Myceliophthora thermophila laccase, a Streptomyces coelicolor laccase and a Myrothecium verrucaria bilirubin oxidase, with an [Os(2,2'-bipyridine)2 (polyvinylimidazole)10Cl](+/2+) redox polymer in the presence of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on graphite electrodes results in enzyme electrodes that produce current densities above 0.5 mA cm(-2) for oxygen reduction at an applied potential of 0 V versus Ag/AgCl. Fully enzymatic membraneless fuel cells are assembled with the oxygen-reducing enzyme electrodes connected to glucose-oxidising anodes based on co-immobilisation of glucose oxidase or a flavin adenine dinucleotide-dependent glucose dehydrogenase with an [Os(4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine)2(polyvinylimidazole)10Cl](+/2+) redox polymer in the presence of MWCNTs on graphite electrodes. These fuel cells can produce power densities of up to 145 μW cm(-2) on operation in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer solution at 37 °C containing 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM glucose and 0.12 mM O2. The fuel cells based on Myceliophthora thermophila laccase enzyme electrodes produce the highest power density if combined with glucose oxidase-based anodes. Although the maximum power density of a fuel cell of glucose dehydrogenase and Myceliophthora thermophila laccase enzyme electrodes decreases from 110 μW cm(-2) in buffer to 60 μW cm(-2) on testing in artificial plasma, it provides the highest power output reported to date for a fully enzymatic glucose-oxidising, oxygen-reducing fuel cell in artificial plasma. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  12. Ultra High Energy Density Cathodes with Carbon Nanotubes

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-12-10

    a) Carbon nanotube paper coated with NCA cathode composite for testing as positive electrode in Li-ion battery (b) Comparison of NCA specific...received and purified CNT electrodes coated with NCA cathode composite. (b) Discharge capacities as a function of rate and cycle for NCA on Al and...thickness increases. The first approach was to cast SOA NCA cathode composites onto CNT current collectors using an adjustable blade coater. The

  13. Oxygen-Vacancy Abundant Ultrafine Co3O4/Graphene Composites for High-Rate Supercapacitor Electrodes.

    PubMed

    Yang, Shuhua; Liu, Yuanyue; Hao, Yufeng; Yang, Xiaopeng; Goddard, William A; Zhang, Xiao Li; Cao, Bingqiang

    2018-04-01

    The metal oxides/graphene composites are one of the most promising supercapacitors (SCs) electrode materials. However, rational synthesis of such electrode materials with controllable conductivity and electrochemical activity is the topical challenge for high-performance SCs. Here, the Co 3 O 4 /graphene composite is taken as a typical example and develops a novel/universal one-step laser irradiation method that overcomes all these challenges and obtains the oxygen-vacancy abundant ultrafine Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles/graphene (UCNG) composites with high SCs performance. First-principles calculations show that the surface oxygen vacancies can facilitate the electrochemical charge transfer by creating midgap electronic states. The specific capacitance of the UCNG electrode reaches 978.1 F g -1 (135.8 mA h g -1 ) at the current densities of 1 A g -1 and retains a high capacitance retention of 916.5 F g -1 (127.3 mA h g -1 ) even at current density up to 10 A g -1 , showing remarkable rate capability (more than 93.7% capacitance retention). Additionally, 99.3% of the initial capacitance is maintained after consecutive 20 000 cycles, demonstrating enhanced cycling stability. Moreover, this proposed laser-assisted growth strategy is demonstrated to be universal for other metal oxide/graphene composites with tuned electrical conductivity and electrochemical activity.

  14. Interface chemistry engineering for stable cycling of reduced GO/SnO2 nanocomposites for lithium ion battery.

    PubMed

    Wang, Lei; Wang, Dong; Dong, Zhihui; Zhang, Fengxing; Jin, Jian

    2013-04-10

    From the whole anode electrode of view, we report in this work a system-level strategy of fabrication of reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/SnO2 composite-based anode for lithium ion battery (LIB) to enhance the capacity and cyclic performance of SnO2-based electrode materials. RGO/SnO2 composite was first coated by a nanothick polydopamine (PD) layer and the PD-coated RGO/SnO2 composite was then cross-linked with poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) that was used as a binder to accomplish a whole anode electrode. The cross-link reaction between PAA and PD produced a robust network in the anode system to stabilize the whole anode during cycling. As a result, the designed anode exhibits an outstanding energy capacity up to 718 mAh/g at current density of 100 mA/g after 200 cycles and a good rate performance of 811, 700, 641, and 512 mAh/g at current density of 100, 250, 500, and 1000 mA/g, respectively. Fourier transform IR spectra confirm the formation of cross-link reaction and the stability of the robust network after long-term cycling. Our results indicate the importance of designing interfaces in anode system on achieving improved performance of electrode of LIBs.

  15. InGaN light-emitting diodes with highly transparent ZnO:Ga electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, H. Y.; Li, X.; Ni, X.; Avrutin, V.; Izyumskaya, N.; Özgür, Ü.; Morkoç, H.

    2010-03-01

    InGaN light-emitting diodes (LEDs) utilizing ZnO layers heavily doped with Ga (GZO) as transparent p-electrodes were fabricated and their characteristics were demonstrated to be superior to those of LEDs with metal Ni/Au electrodes. Highly conductive and highly transparent GZO films were grown on p-GaN contact layers of the LED structures by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy under metal-rich conditions. The c and a lattice constants of GZO were found to be close to the bulk values, indicating small lattice distortion of GZO. The as-grown GZO films showed resistivities as low as 2.2-2.9×10-4 Ω cm. Upon rapid thermal annealing at the optimum temperature of 675 °C, the resistivity decreased reaching a value of ~1.9×10-4 Ω cm. Unlike the LEDs with Ni/Au contacts, the LEDs with GZO electrodes showed no filamentation and very uniform light emission at high current densities. The peak value of the relative external quantum efficiency for the LEDs with GZO contacts has substantial improvement compared with that for the LEDs with Ni/Au contacts. Under pulsed excitation mode, GZO-LEDs withstood current densities up to 5000 A/cm2.

  16. The TELEC - A plasma type of direct energy converter. [Thermo-Electronic Laser Energy Converter for electric power generation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Britt, E. J.

    1978-01-01

    The Thermo-Electronic Laser Energy Converter (TELEC) is a high-power density plasma device designed to convert a 10.6-micron CO2 laser beam into electric power. Electromagnetic radiation is absorbed in plasma electrons, creating a high-electron temperature. Energetic electrons diffuse from the plasma and strike two electrodes having different areas. The larger electrode collects more electrons and there is a net transport of current. An electromagnetic field is generated in the external circuit. A computer program has been designed to analyze TELEC performance allowing parametric variation for optimization. Values are presented for TELEC performance as a function of cesium pressure and for current density and efficiency as a function of output voltage. Efficiency is shown to increase with pressure, reaching a maximum over 45%.

  17. 3D Graphene Frameworks/Co3 O4 Composites Electrode for High-Performance Supercapacitor and Enzymeless Glucose Detection.

    PubMed

    Bao, Lin; Li, Tao; Chen, Shu; Peng, Chang; Li, Ling; Xu, Qian; Chen, Yashao; Ou, Encai; Xu, Weijian

    2017-02-01

    3D graphene frameworks/Co 3 O 4 composites are produced by the thermal explosion method, in which the generation of Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles, reduction of graphene oxide, and creation of 3D frameworks are simultaneously completed. The process prevents the agglomeration of Co 3 O 4 particles effectively, resulting in monodispersed Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles scattered on the 3D graphene frameworks evenly. The prepared 3D graphene frameworks/Co 3 O 4 composites used as electrodes for supercapacitor display a definite improvement on electrochemical performance with high specific capacitance (≈1765 F g -1 at a current density of 1 A g -1 ), good rate performance (≈1266 F g -1 at a current density of 20 A g -1 ), and excellent stability (≈93% maintenance of specific capacitance at a constant current density of 10 A g -1 after 5000 cycles). In addition, the composites are also employed as nonenzymatic sensors for the electrochemical detection of glucose, which exhibit high sensitivity (122.16 µA mM -1  cm -2 ) and noteworthy lower detection limit (157 × 10 -9 M, S/N = 3). Therefore, the authors expect that the 3D graphene frameworks/Co 3 O 4 composites described here would possess potential applications as the electrode materials in supercapacitors and nonenzymatic detection of glucose. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  18. PEDOT-CNT coated electrodes stimulate retinal neurons at low voltage amplitudes and low charge densities

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Samba, R.; Herrmann, T.; Zeck, G.

    2015-02-01

    Objective. The aim of this study was to compare two different microelectrode materials—the conductive polymer composite poly-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT)-carbon nanotube(CNT) and titanium nitride (TiN)—at activating spikes in retinal ganglion cells in whole mount rat retina through stimulation of the local retinal network. Stimulation efficacy of the microelectrodes was analyzed by comparing voltage, current and transferred charge at stimulation threshold. Approach. Retinal ganglion cell spikes were recorded by a central electrode (30 μm diameter) in the planar grid of an electrode array. Extracellular stimulation (monophasic, cathodic, 0.1-1.0 ms) of the retinal network was performed using constant voltage pulses applied to the eight surrounding electrodes. The stimulation electrodes were equally spaced on the four sides of a square (400 × 400 μm). Threshold voltage was determined as the pulse amplitude required to evoke network-mediated ganglion cell spiking in a defined post stimulus time window in 50% of identical stimulus repetitions. For the two electrode materials threshold voltage, transferred charge at threshold, maximum current and the residual current at the end of the pulse were compared. Main results. Stimulation of retinal interneurons using PEDOT-CNT electrodes is achieved with lower stimulation voltage and requires lower charge transfer as compared to TiN. The key parameter for effective stimulation is a constant current over at least 0.5 ms, which is obtained by PEDOT-CNT electrodes at lower stimulation voltage due to its faradaic charge transfer mechanism. Significance. In neuroprosthetic implants, PEDOT-CNT may allow for smaller electrodes, effective stimulation in a safe voltage regime and lower energy-consumption. Our study also indicates, that the charge transferred at threshold or the charge injection capacity per se does not determine stimulation efficacy.

  19. Flexible Nb2O5 nanowires/graphene film electrode for high-performance hybrid Li-ion supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Song, Hao; Fu, Jijiang; Ding, Kang; Huang, Chao; Wu, Kai; Zhang, Xuming; Gao, Biao; Huo, Kaifu; Peng, Xiang; Chu, Paul K.

    2016-10-01

    The hybrid Li-ion electrochemical supercapacitor (Li-HSC) combining the battery-like anode with capacitive cathode is a promising energy storage device boasting large energy and power densities. Orthorhombic Nb2O5 is a good anode material in Li-HSCs because of its large pseudocapacitive Li-ion intercalation capacity. Herein, we report a high-performance, binder-free and flexible anode consisting of long Nb2O5 nanowires and graphene (L-Nb2O5 NWs/rGO). The paper-like L-Nb2O5 NWs/rGO film electrode has a large mass loading of Nb2O5 of 93.5 wt% as well as short solid-state ion diffusion length, and enhanced conductivity (5.1 S cm-1). The hybrid L-Nb2O5 NWs/rGO paper electrode shows a high reversible specific capacity of 160 mA h g-1 at a current density of 0.2 A g-1, superior rate capability with capacitance retention of 60% when the current density increases from 0.2 to 5 A g-1, as well as excellent cycle stability. The Li-HSC device based on the L-Nb2O5/rGO anode and the cathode of biomass-derived carbon nanosheets delivers an energy density of 106 Wh kg-1 at 580 W kg-1 and 32 Wh kg-1 at a large power density of 14 kW kg-1. Moreover, the Li-HSC device exhibits excellent cycling performance without obvious capacitance decay after 1000 cycles.

  20. Electrochemical incineration of wastes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bhardwaj, R. C.; Sharma, D. K.; Bockris, J. OM.

    1990-01-01

    The novel technology of waste removal in space vehicles by electrochemical methods is presented to convert wastes into chemicals that can be eventually recycled. The important consideration for waste oxidation is to select a right kind of electrode (anode) material that should be stable under anodic conditions and also a poor electrocatalyst for oxygen and chlorine evolution. On the basis of long term electrolysis experiments on seven different electrodes and on the basis of total organic carbon reduced, two best electrodes were identified. The effect of redox ions on the electrolyte was studied. Though most of the experiments were done in mixtures of urine and waste, the experiments with redox couples involved 2.5 M sulfuric acid in order to avoid the precipitation of redox ions by urea. Two methods for long term electrolysis of waste were investigated: (1) the oxidation on Pt and lead dioxide electrodes using the galvanostatic methods; and (2) potentiostatic method on other electrodes. The advantage of the first method is the faster rate of oxidation. The chlorine evolution in the second method is ten times less then in the first. The accomplished research has shown that urine/feces mixtures can be oxidized to carbon dioxide and water, but current densities are low and must be improved. The perovskite and Ti4O7 coated with RuO2 are the best electrode materials found. Recent experiment with the redox agent improves the current density, however, sulphuric acid is required to keep the redox agent in solution to enhance oxidation effectively. It is desirable to reduce the use of acid and/or find substitutes.

  1. Optimization of NiFe2O4/rGO composite electrode for lithium-ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Chen; Wang, Xia; Li, Shandong; Li, Qiang; Xu, Jie; Liu, Xiaomin; Liu, Changkun; Xu, Yuanhong; Liu, Jingquan; Li, Hongliang; Guo, Peizhi; Zhao, Xiu Song

    2017-09-01

    The combination of carbon compositing and the proper choice of binders in one system offer an effective strategy for improving electrode performance for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Here, we focus on the optimization of reduced graphene oxide content in NiFe2O4/reduced graphene oxide (abbreviated to NiFe2O4/rGO) composites and the proper choice of binders to enhance the cycling stability of the NiFe2O4 electrode. The NiFe2O4/rGO composites were fabricated by a hydrothermal-annealing method, in which the mean size of spinel NiFe2O4 nanoparticles was approximately 20 nm. When tested as anode materials for LIBs, the NiFe2O4/rGO electrodes with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) binder exhibited excellent lithium-storage performance including high reversible capacity, good cycling durability and high-rate capability. The capacity could be retained as high as 1105 mAh g-1 at a current density of 100 mA g-1 for over 50 cycles, even cycled at higher current density of 1000 mA g-1, a capacity of 800 mAh g-1can be obtained, whereas the electrode with the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) binder suffered from rapid capacity decay under the same test conditions. As a result, the NiFe2O4/rGO composites with CMC binder electrode in this work are promising as anodes for high-performance LIBs, resulting from the synergistic effect of optimal graphene content and proper choice of binder.

  2. Robust electrodes based on coaxial TiC/C-MnO2 core/shell nanofiber arrays with excellent cycling stability for high-performance supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xuming; Peng, Xiang; Li, Wan; Li, Limin; Gao, Biao; Wu, Guosong; Huo, Kaifu; Chu, Paul K

    2015-04-17

    A coaxial electrode structure composed of manganese oxide-decorated TiC/C core/shell nanofiber arrays is produced hydrothermally in a KMnO4 solution. The pristine TiC/C core/shell structure prepared on the Ti alloy substrate provides the self-sacrificing carbon shell and highly conductive TiC core, thus greatly simplifying the fabrication process without requiring an additional reduction source and conductive additive. The as-prepared electrode exhibits a high specific capacitance of 645 F g(-1) at a discharging current density of 1 A g(-1) attributable to the highly conductive TiC/C and amorphous MnO2 shell with fast ion diffusion. In the charging/discharging cycling test, the as-prepared electrode shows high stability and 99% capacity retention after 5000 cycles. Although the thermal treatment conducted on the as-prepared electrode decreases the initial capacitance, the electrode undergoes capacitance recovery through structural transformation from the crystalline cluster to layered birnessite type MnO2 nanosheets as a result of dissolution and further electrodeposition in the cycling. 96.5% of the initial capacitance is retained after 1000 cycles at high charging/discharging current density of 25 A g(-1). This study demonstrates a novel scaffold to construct MnO2 based SCs with high specific capacitance as well as excellent mechanical and cycling stability boding well for future design of high-performance MnO2-based SCs. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  3. The porous carbon derived from water hyacinth with well-designed hierarchical structure for supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zheng, Kaiwen; Li, Yuanyuan; Zhu, Ming; Yu, Xi; Zhang, Mengyan; Shi, Ling; Cheng, Jue

    2017-10-01

    A hierarchical porous water hyacinth-derived carbon (WHC) is fabricated by pre-carbonization and KOH activation for supercapacitors. The physicochemical properties of WHC are researched by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N2 adsorption-desorption measurements, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results indicate that WHC exhibits hierarchical porous structure and high specific surface area of 2276 m2/g. And the electrochemical properties of WHC are studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests. In a three-electrode test system, WHC shows considerable specific capacitance of 344.9 F/g at a current density of 0.5 A/g, good rate performance with 225.8 F/g even at a current density of 30 A/g, and good cycle stability with 95% of the capacitance retention after 10000 cycles of charge-discharge at a current density of 5 A/g. Moreover, WHC cell delivers an energy density of 23.8 Wh/kg at 0.5 A/g and a power density of 15.7 kW/kg at 10 A/g. Thus, using water hyacinth as carbon source to fabricate supercapacitors electrodes is a promising approach for developing inexpensive, sustainable and high-performance carbon materials. Additionally, this study supports the sustainable development and the control of biological invasion.

  4. B-Site Cation-Ordered Double-Perovskite Oxide as an Outstanding Electrode Material for Supercapacitive Energy Storage Based on the Anion Intercalation Mechanism.

    PubMed

    Xu, Zhenye; Liu, Yu; Zhou, Wei; Tade, Moses O; Shao, Zongping

    2018-03-21

    Perovskite oxides are highly promising electrodes for oxygen-ion-intercalation-type supercapacitors owing to their high oxygen vacancy concentration, oxygen diffusion rate, and tap density. Based on the anion intercalation mechanism, the capacitance is contributed by surface redox reactions and oxygen ion intercalation in the bulk materials. A high concentration of oxygen vacancies is needed because it is the main charge carrier. In this study, we propose a B-site cation-ordered Ba 2 Bi 0.1 Sc 0.2 Co 1.7 O 6-δ as an electrode material with an extremely high oxygen vacancy concentration and oxygen diffusion rate. A maximum capacitance of 1050 F g -1 was achieved, and a high capacitance of 780 F g -1 was maintained even after 3000 charge-discharge cycles at a current density of 1 A g -1 with an aqueous alkaline solution (6 M KOH) electrolyte, indicating an excellent cycling stability. In addition, the specific volumetric capacitance of Ba 2 Bi 0.1 Sc 0.2 Co 1.7 O 6-δ reaches up to 2549.4 F cm -3 based on the dense construction and high tap density (3.2 g cm -3 ). In addition, an asymmetric supercapacitor was constructed using activated carbon as a negative electrode, and it displayed the highest specific energy density of 70 Wh kg -1 at the power density of 787 W kg -1 in this study.

  5. High-Stacking-Density, Superior-Roughness LDH Bridged with Vertically Aligned Graphene for High-Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Guo, Wei; Yu, Chang; Li, Shaofeng; Yang, Juan; Liu, Zhibin; Zhao, Changtai; Huang, Huawei; Zhang, Mengdi; Han, Xiaotong; Niu, Yingying; Qiu, Jieshan

    2017-10-01

    The high-performance electrode materials with tuned surface and interface structure and functionalities are highly demanded for advanced supercapacitors. A novel strategy is presented to conFigure high-stacking-density, superior-roughness nickel manganese layered double hydroxide (LDH) bridged by vertically aligned graphene (VG) with nickel foam (NF) as the conductive collector, yielding the LDH-NF@VG hybrids for asymmetric supercapacitors. The VG nanosheets provide numerous electron transfer channels for quick redox reactions, and well-developed open structure for fast mass transport. Moreover, the high-stacking-density LDH grown and assembled on VG nanosheets result in a superior hydrophilicity derived from the tuned nano/microstructures, especially microroughness. Such a high stacking density with abundant active sites and superior wettability can be easily accessed by aqueous electrolytes. Benefitting from the above features, the LDH-NF@VG can deliver a high capacitance of 2920 F g -1 at a current density of 2 A g -1 , and the asymmetric supercapacitor with the LDH-NF@VG as positive electrode and activated carbon as negative electrode can deliver a high energy density of 56.8 Wh kg -1 at a power density of 260 W kg -1 , with a high specific capacitance retention rate of 87% even after 10 000 cycles. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  6. PEDOT:PSS as multi-functional composite material for enhanced Li-air-battery air electrodes

    PubMed Central

    Yoon, Dae Ho; Yoon, Seon Hye; Ryu, Kwang-Sun; Park, Yong Joon

    2016-01-01

    We propose PEDOT:PSS as a multi-functional composite material for an enhanced Li-air-battery air electrode. The PEDOT:PSS layer was coated on the surface of carbon (graphene) using simple method. A electrode containing PEDOT:PSS-coated graphene (PEDOT electrode) could be prepared without binder (such as PVDF) because of high adhesion of PEDOT:PSS. PEDOT electrode presented considerable discharge and charge capacity at all current densities. These results shows that PEDOT:PSS acts as a redox reaction matrix and conducting binder in the air electrode. Moreover, after cycling, the accumulation of reaction products due to side reaction in the electrode was significantly reduced through the use of PEDOT:PSS. This implies that PEDOT:PSS coating layer can suppress the undesirable side reactions between the carbon and electrolyte (and/or Li2O2), which causes enhanced Li-air cell cyclic performance. PMID:26813852

  7. Methods for calculating the electrode position Jacobian for impedance imaging.

    PubMed

    Boyle, A; Crabb, M G; Jehl, M; Lionheart, W R B; Adler, A

    2017-03-01

    Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) or electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) current and measure voltages at the boundary of a domain through electrodes. The movement or incorrect placement of electrodes may lead to modelling errors that result in significant reconstructed image artifacts. These errors may be accounted for by allowing for electrode position estimates in the model. Movement may be reconstructed through a first-order approximation, the electrode position Jacobian. A reconstruction that incorporates electrode position estimates and conductivity can significantly reduce image artifacts. Conversely, if electrode position is ignored it can be difficult to distinguish true conductivity changes from reconstruction artifacts which may increase the risk of a flawed interpretation. In this work, we aim to determine the fastest, most accurate approach for estimating the electrode position Jacobian. Four methods of calculating the electrode position Jacobian were evaluated on a homogeneous halfspace. Results show that Fréchet derivative and rank-one update methods are competitive in computational efficiency but achieve different solutions for certain values of contact impedance and mesh density.

  8. Electrode performance parameters for a radioisotope-powered AMTEC for space power applications

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Underwood, M.L.; O'Connor, D.; Williams, R.M.

    1992-08-01

    The alkali metal thermoelastic converter (AMTEC) is a device for the direct conversion of heat to electricity. Recently a design of an AMTEC using a radioisotope heat source was described, but the optimum condenser temperature was hotter than the temperatures used in the laboratory to develop the electrode performance model. Now laboratory experiments have confirmed the dependence of two model parameters over a broader range of condenser and electrode temperatures for two candidate electrode compositions. One parameter, the electrochemical exchange current density at the reaction interface, is independent of the condenser temperature, and depends only upon the collision rate ofmore » sodium at the reaction zone. The second parameter, a morphological parameter, which measures the mass transport resistance through the electrode, is independent of condenser and electrode temperatures for molybdenum electrodes. For rhodium-tungsten electrodes, however, this parameter increases for decreasing electrode temperature, indicating an activated mass transport mechanism such as surface diffusion. 21 refs.« less

  9. Ternary Au/ZnO/rGO nanocomposites electrodes for high performance electrochemical storage devices

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chaudhary, Manchal; Doong, Ruey-an; Kumar, Nagesh; Tseng, Tseung Yuen

    2017-10-01

    The combination of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles with reduced graphene oxides (rGO) is an active electrode material for electrochemical storage devices. Herein, we have, for the first time, reported the fabrication of ternary Au/ZnO/rGO nanocomposites by using a rapid and environmentally friendly microwave-assisted hydrothermal method for high performance supercapacitor applications. The ZnO/rGO provides excellent electrical conductivity and good macro/mesopore structures, which can facilitate the rapid electrons and ions transport. The Au nanoparticles with particle sizes of 7-12 nm are homogeneously distributed onto the ZnO/rGO surface to enhance the electrochemical performance by retaining the capacitance at high current density. The Au/ZnO/rGO nanocomposites, prepared with the optimized rGO amount of 100 mg exhibit a high specific capacitance of 875 and 424 F g-1 at current densities of 1 and 20 A g-1, respectively, in 2 M KOH. In addition, the energy and power densities of ternary Au/ZnO/rGO can be up to 17.6-36.5 Wh kg-1 and 0.27-5.42 kW kg-1, respectively. Results obtained in this study clearly demonstrate the excellence of ternary Au/ZnO/rGO nanocomposites as the active electrode materials for electrochemical pseudocapacitor performance and can open an avenue to fabricate metal/metal oxide/rGO nanocomposites for electrochemical storage devices with both high energy and power densities.

  10. Photoactive films of photosystem I on transparent reduced graphene oxide electrodes.

    PubMed

    Darby, Emily; LeBlanc, Gabriel; Gizzie, Evan A; Winter, Kevin M; Jennings, G Kane; Cliffel, David E

    2014-07-29

    Photosystem I (PSI) is a photoactive electron-transport protein found in plants that participates in the process of photosynthesis. Because of PSI's abundance in nature and its efficiency with charge transfer and separation, there is a great interest in applying the protein in photoactive electrodes. Here, we developed a completely organic, transparent, conductive electrode using reduced graphene oxide (RGO) on which a multilayer of PSI could be deposited. The resulting photoactive electrode demonstrated current densities comparable to that of a gold electrode modified with a multilayer film of PSI and significantly higher than that of a graphene electrode modified with a monolayer film of PSI. The relatively large photocurrents produced by integrating PSI with RGO and using an opaque, organic mediator can be applied to the facile production of more economic solar energy conversion devices.

  11. Hierarchical Ni-Co layered double hydroxide nanosheets on functionalized 3D-RGO films for high energy density asymmetric supercapacitor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jiang, Liyang; Sui, Yanwei; Qi, Jiqiu; Chang, Yuan; He, Yezeng; Meng, Qingkun; Wei, Fuxiang; Sun, Zhi; Jin, Yunxue

    2017-12-01

    In this paper, ultrathin reduced graphene oxide films on nickel foam were fabricated via a facile dip-coating method combined with thermal reduction. Hierarchical Ni-Co layered double hydroxide nanosheets with network structure were electrodeposited on the ultrathin reduced graphene oxide films in a simple three-electrode system. The thickness of Ni-Co layered double hydroxide nanosheets can be controlled through adjusting the deposition temperature. The as-prepared electrode exhibited excellent electrochemical performance with specific capacitance of 1454.2 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1. An asymmetric supercapacitor device was designed with the as-prepared composites as positive electrode material and Nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide as negative electrode material. This device could be operated in a working voltage range of 0-1.8 V in 1 M KOH aqueous electrolyte, delivering a high energy density of 56.4 W h kg-1 at a power density of 882.5 W kg-1. One supercapacitor can power two LEDs with rated voltage of 1.8-2.0 V. After 10,000 consecutive charge-discharge tests at 10 A g-1, this asymmetric supercapacitor revealed an excellent cycle life with 98.3% specific capacitance retention. These excellent electrochemical performances make it become one of most promising candidates for high energy supercapacitor device.

  12. Functionalized carbon nanotube based hybrid electrochemical capacitors using neutral bromide redox-active electrolyte for enhancing energy density

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tang, Xiaohui; Lui, Yu Hui; Chen, Bolin; Hu, Shan

    2017-06-01

    A hybrid electrochemical capacitor (EC) with enhanced energy density is realized by integrating functionalized carbon nanotube (FCNT) electrodes with redox-active electrolyte that has a neutral pH value (1 M Na2SO4 and 0.5 M KBr mixed aqueous solution). The negative electrode shows an electric double layer capacitor-type behavior. On the positive electrode, highly reversible Br-/Br3- redox reactions take place, presenting a battery-type behavior, which contributes to increase the capacitance of the hybrid cell. The voltage window of the whole cell is extended up to 1.5 V because of the high over-potentials of oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions in the neutral electrolyte. Compared with raw CNT, the FCNT has better wettability in the aqueous electrolyte and contributes to increase the electric double layer capacitance of the cell. As a result, the maximum energy density of 28.3 Wh kg-1 is obtained from the hybrid EC at 0.5 A g-1 without sacrificing its power density, which is around 4 times larger than that of the electrical double layer capacitor constructed by FCNT electrodes and 1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte. Moreover, the discharge capacity retained 86.3% of its initial performance after 10000 cycles of galvanostatic charge and discharge test (10 A/g), suggesting its long life cycle even at high current loading.

  13. Comparison of neural damage induced by electrical stimulation with faradaic and capacitor electrodes.

    PubMed

    McCreery, D B; Agnew, W F; Yuen, T G; Bullara, L A

    1988-01-01

    Arrays of platinum (faradaic) and anodized, sintered tantalum pentoxide (capacitor) electrodes were implanted bilaterally in the subdural space of the parietal cortex of the cat. Two weeks after implantation both types of electrodes were pulsed for seven hours with identical waveforms consisting of controlled-current, charge-balanced, symmetric, anodic-first pulse pairs, 400 microseconds/phase and a charge density of 80-100 microC/cm2 (microcoulombs per square cm) at 50 pps (pulses per second). One group of animals was sacrificed immediately following stimulation and a second smaller group one week after stimulation. Tissues beneath both types of pulsed electrodes were damaged, but the difference in damage for the two electrode types was not statistically significant. Tissue beneath unpulsed electrodes was normal. At the ultrastructural level, in animals killed immediately after stimulation, shrunken and hyperchromic neurons were intermixed with neurons showing early intracellular edema. Glial cells appeared essentially normal. In animals killed one week after stimulation most of the damaged neurons had recovered, but the presence of shrunken, vacuolated and degenerating neurons showed that some of the cells were damaged irreversibly. It is concluded that most of the neural damage from stimulations of the brain surface at the level used in this study derives from processes associated with passage of the stimulus current through tissue, such as neuronal hyperactivity rather than electrochemical reactions associated with current injection across the electrode-tissue interface, since such reactions occur only with the faradaic electrodes.

  14. Magnetohydrodynamic electrode

    DOEpatents

    Marchant, David D.; Killpatrick, Don H.

    1978-01-01

    An electrode capable of withstanding high temperatures and suitable for use as a current collector in the channel of a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generator consists of a sintered powdered metal base portion, the upper surface of the base being coated with a first layer of nickel aluminide, an intermediate layer of a mixture of nickel aluminide - refractory ceramic on the first layer and a third or outer layer of a refractory ceramic material on the intermediate layer. The sintered powdered metal base resists spalling by the ceramic coatings and permits greater electrode compliance to thermal shock. The density of the powdered metal base can be varied to allow optimization of the thermal conductivity of the electrode and prevent excess heat loss from the channel.

  15. The effect of current reversal on coated titanium electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Elnathan, Francis

    Coated titanium electrodes have applications in the electrochemical industry, including water treatment and swimming pool chlorination. Current/polarity reverse electrolysis is a technique used for "self-cleaning" of the coated titanium anodes employed in water disinfection and treatment. However, the literature holds very little information about the effects of polarity reversal on these anodes. The present work appears to be the first to investigate coated titanium anodes in polarity reversal in a systematic method. Two commercial titanium electrodes (RuTi and IrTa) were studied. Polarity reversal was the main electrochemical technique employing a current density of 1200 A/m 2, except when current density was studied. The effects of NO 3-, SO42-, ClO4 -, HPO42-, CO32-, Mg2+ and Ca2+ on electrode lifetime were examined. Analysis of the electrochemical results showed that plateau time (tau p), for gas evolution, is highly important to the lifetime of the coated titanium anodes. The effects of three electrolysis variables on the coated titanium anode life were examined. Current density was observed to have an inverse relationship with anode life while reversal cycle time had a direct relation with lifetime. NaCl concentration had no discernible effect. In general, the RuTi electrode exhibited longer lifetimes than IrTa except for a few specific conditions. The influence of the concentration of five anions (NO3-, SO42-, ClO 4-, HPO42-, and CO3 2-) was determined. Changing the composition and concentration of anions affected the lifetimes of the two electrodes, especially nitrate, hydrogen phosphate and carbonate. The lifetime of IrTa was highest in nitrate, and increased as a function of nitrate concentration. The service life of RuTi was highest in hydrogen phosphate, and increased with increasing hydrogen phosphate concentration. Lifetime of both anodes decreased with increasing carbonate ions. The effects of Mg2+ and Ca2+ on electrode lifetime were examined with three anions (NO3-, HPO42-, ClO4-) electrolytes. While there were numerous effects and interactions between Mg2+ or Ca2+ and anions on lifetime, these effects were found to mainly affect the amount of time the electrodes spent in the charging and discharging reactions. The times related to gas evolution (which is the plateau time, tau p) were found to be strikingly similar. The charging times (tau C) which are related to adsorption and desorption of species were not also any significantly different. Coating dissolution, substrate and/or coating passivation mechanisms were identified as being responsible for coated titanium anode failure in current reverse and hard water electrolysis. IrTa is believed to have failed predominantly by the dissolution mechanism in nitrate, hydrogen phosphate and perchlorate. RuTi failed predominantly by substrate and/or coating passivation in hydrogen phosphate, nitrate and carbonate. Anode failure is believed to be the result of plateau (taup) and charging (tauC)reactions occurring at the coating/electrolyte and/or substrate/coating interface. The tau p and tauC are useful determinants for the process of anode failure.

  16. Monolithic Parallel Tandem Organic Photovoltaic Cell with Transparent Carbon Nanotube Interlayer

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Tanaka, S.; Mielczarek, K.; Ovalle-Robles, R.; Wang, B.; Hsu, D.; Zakhidov, A. A.

    2009-01-01

    We demonstrate an organic photovoltaic cell with a monolithic tandem structure in parallel connection. Transparent multiwalled carbon nanotube sheets are used as an interlayer anode electrode for this parallel tandem. The characteristics of front and back cells are measured independently. The short circuit current density of the parallel tandem cell is larger than the currents of each individual cell. The wavelength dependence of photocurrent for the parallel tandem cell shows the superposition spectrum of the two spectral sensitivities of the front and back cells. The monolithic three-electrode photovoltaic cell indeed operates as a parallel tandem with improved efficiency.

  17. Dimensionless numbers and correlating equations for the analysis of the membrane-gas diffusion electrode assembly in polymer electrolyte fuel cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gyenge, E. L.

    The Quraishi-Fahidy method [Can. J. Chem. Eng. 59 (1981) 563] was employed to derive characteristic dimensionless numbers for the membrane-electrolyte, cathode catalyst layer and gas diffuser, respectively, based on the model presented by Bernardi and Verbrugge for polymer electrolyte fuel cells [AIChE J. 37 (1991) 1151]. Monomial correlations among dimensionless numbers were developed and tested against experimental and mathematical modeling results. Dimensionless numbers comparing the bulk and surface-convective ionic conductivities, the electric and viscous forces and the current density and the fixed surface charges, were employed to describe the membrane ohmic drop and its non-linear dependence on current density due to membrane dehydration. The analysis of the catalyst layer yielded electrode kinetic equivalents of the second Damköhler number and Thiele modulus, influencing the penetration depth of the oxygen reduction front based on the pseudohomogeneous film model. The correlating equations for the catalyst layer could describe in a general analytical form, all the possible electrode polarization scenarios such as electrode kinetic control coupled or not with ionic and/or oxygen mass transport limitation. For the gas diffusion-backing layer correlations are presented in terms of the Nusselt number for mass transfer in electrochemical systems. The dimensionless number-based correlating equations for the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) could provide a practical approach to quantify single-cell polarization results obtained under a variety of experimental conditions and to implement them in models of the fuel cell stack.

  18. Future materials requirements for the high-energy-intensity production of aluminum

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Welch, B. J.; Hyland, M. M.; James, B. J.

    2001-02-01

    Like all metallurgical industries, aluminum smelting has been under pressure from two fronts—to give maximum return on investment to the shareholders and to comply with environmental regulations by reducing greenhouse emissions. The smelting process has advanced by improving efficiency and productivity while continuing to seek new ways to extend the cell life. Materials selection (particularly the use of more graphitized cathodic electrodes) has enabled lower energy consumption, while optimization of the process and controlling in a narrow band has enabled increases in productivity and operations at higher current densities. These changes have, in turn, severely stressed the materials used for cell construction, and new problems are emerging that are resulting in a reduction of cell life. The target for aluminum electro-winning has been to develop an oxygen-evolving electrode, rather than one that evolves substantial amounts of carbon dioxide. Such an electrode, when combined with suitable wettable cathode material developments, would reduce operating costs by eliminating the need for frequent electrode change and would enable more productive cell designs and reduce plant size. The materials specifications for developing these are, however, an extreme challenge. Those specifications include minimized corrosion rate of any electrode into the electrolyte, maintaining an electronically conducting oxidized surface that is of low electrical resistance, meeting the metal purity targets, and enabling variable operating current densities. Although the materials specifications can readily be written, the processing and production of the materials is the challenge.

  19. Binder-free ZnO@ZnSnO3 quantum dots core-shell nanorod array anodes for lithium-ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tan, Hsiang; Cho, Hsun-Wei; Wu, Jih-Jen

    2018-06-01

    In this work, ZnSnO3 quantum dots (QDs), instead of commonly used conductive carbon, are grown on the ZnO nanorod (NR) array to construct the binder-free ZnO@ZnSnO3 QDs core-shell NR array electrode on carbon cloth for lithium-ion battery. The ZnO@ZnSnO3 QDs core-shell NR array electrode exhibits excellent lithium storage performance with an improved cycling performance and superior rate capability compared to the ZnO NR array electrode. At a current density of 200 mAg-1, 15.8% capacity loss is acquired in the ZnO@ZnSnO3 QDs core-shell NR array electrode after 110 cycles with capacity retention of 1073 mAhg-1. Significant increases in reversible capacities from 340 to 545 mAhg-1 and from 95 to 390 mAhg-1 at current densities of 1000 and 2000 mAg-1, respectively, are achieved as the ZnO NR arrays are coated with the ZnSnO3 QD shells. The remarkably improved electrochemical performances result from that the configuration of binder-free ZnO@ZnSnO3 QDs core-shell NR array electrode not only facilitates the charge transfer through the solid electrolyte interface and the electronic/ionic conduction boundary as well as lithium ion diffusion but also effectively accommodates the volume change during repeated charge/discharge processes.

  20. Modeling the Electrode-Neuron Interface of Cochlear Implants: Effects of Neural Survival, Electrode Placement, and the Partial Tripolar Configuration

    PubMed Central

    Goldwyn, Joshua H.; Bierer, Steven M.; Bierer, Julie A.

    2010-01-01

    The partial tripolar electrode configuration is a relatively novel stimulation strategies that can generate more spatially focused electric fields than the commonly used monopolar configuration. Focused stimulation strategies should improve spectral resolution in cochlear implant users, but may also be more sensitive to local irregularities in the electrode-neuron interface. In this study, we develop a practical computer model of cochlear implant stimulation that can simulate neural activation in a simplified cochlear geometry and we relate the resulting patterns of neural activity to basic psychophysical measures. We examine how two types of local irregularities in the electrode-neuron interface, variations in spiral ganglion nerve density and electrode position within the scala tympani, affect the simulated neural activation patterns and how these patterns change with electrode configuration. The model shows that higher partial tripolar fractions activate more spatially restricted populations of neurons at all current levels and require higher current levels to excite a given number of neurons. We find that threshold levels are more sensitive at high partial tripolar fractions to both types of irregularities, but these effects are not independent. In particular, at close electrode-neuron distances, activation is typically more spatially localized which leads to a greater influence of neural dead regions. PMID:20580801

  1. High-performance Ti/Sb-SnO(2)/Pb(3)O(4) electrodes for chlorine evolution: preparation and characteristics.

    PubMed

    Shao, Dan; Yan, Wei; Cao, Lu; Li, Xiaoliang; Xu, Hao

    2014-02-28

    Chlorine evolution via electrochemical approach has wide application prospects in drinking water disinfection and wastewater treatment fields. Dimensional stable anodes used for chlorine evolution should have high stability and adequate chlorine evolution efficiency. Thus a novel and cost-effective Ti/Sb-SnO(2)/Pb(3)O(4)electrode was developed. The physicochemical and electrochemical properties as well as the chlorine evolution performances of the electrodes were investigated. The electrocatalytic activity and deactivation course of the electrodes were also explored. Results showed that this novel electrode had strong chlorine evolution ability with high current efficiency ranging from 87.3% to 93.4% depending on the operational conditions. The accelerated service life of Ti/Sb-SnO(2)/Pb(3)O(4) electrode could reach 180 h at a current density of 10,000 A m(-2) in 0.5 molL(-1) H(2)SO(4). During the electrolysis process, it was found that the conversion of Pb(3)O(4) into β-PbO(2) happened gradually on the electrode surface, which not only inhibited the leakage of hazardous Pb(2+) ion but also increased the anti-corrosion capacity of the electrode effectively. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Direct current dielectric barrier assistant discharge to get homogeneous plasma in capacitive coupled discharge

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Du, Yinchang, E-mail: ycdu@mail.ustc.edu.cn; Max-Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, D-85748 Garching; Li, Yangfang

    In this paper, we propose a method to get more homogeneous plasma in the geometrically asymmetric capacitive coupled plasma (CCP) discharge. The dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) is used for the auxiliary discharge system to improve the homogeneity of the geometrically asymmetric CCP discharge. The single Langmuir probe measurement shows that the DBD can increase the electron density in the low density volume, where the DBD electrodes are mounted, when the pressure is higher than 5 Pa. By this manner, we are able to improve the homogeneity of the plasma production and increase the overall density in the target volume. At last,more » the finite element simulation results show that the DC bias, applied to the DBD electrodes, can increase the homogeneity of the electron density in the CCP discharge. The simulation results show a good agreement with the experiment results.« less

  3. Raman imaging of carrier distribution in the channel of an ionic liquid-gated transistor fabricated with regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wada, Y.; Enokida, I.; Yamamoto, J.; Furukawa, Y.

    2018-05-01

    Raman images of carriers (positive polarons) at the channel of an ionic liquid-gated transistor (ILGT) fabricated with regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) have been measured with excitation at 785 nm. The observed spectra indicate that carriers generated are positive polarons. The intensities of the 1415 cm-1 band attributed to polarons in the P3HT channel were plotted as Raman images; they showed the carrier density distribution. When the source-drain voltage VD is lower than the source-gate voltage VG (linear region), the carrier density was uniform. When VD is nearly equal to VG (saturation region), a negative carrier density gradient from the source electrode towards the drain electrode was observed. This carrier density distribution is associated with the observed current-voltage characteristics, which is not consistent with the "pinch-off" theory of inorganic semiconductor transistors.

  4. Possible influence of the Kuramoto length in a photo-catalytic water splitting reaction revealed by Poisson-Nernst-Planck equations involving ionization in a weak electrolyte

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Suzuki, Yohichi; Seki, Kazuhiko

    2018-03-01

    We studied ion concentration profiles and the charge density gradient caused by electrode reactions in weak electrolytes by using the Poisson-Nernst-Planck equations without assuming charge neutrality. In weak electrolytes, only a small fraction of molecules is ionized in bulk. Ion concentration profiles depend on not only ion transport but also the ionization of molecules. We considered the ionization of molecules and ion association in weak electrolytes and obtained analytical expressions for ion densities, electrostatic potential profiles, and ion currents. We found the case that the total ion density gradient was given by the Kuramoto length which characterized the distance over which an ion diffuses before association. The charge density gradient is characterized by the Debye length for 1:1 weak electrolytes. We discuss the role of these length scales for efficient water splitting reactions using photo-electrocatalytic electrodes.

  5. Nanofiber-deposited porous platinum enables glucose fuel cell anodes with high current density in body fluids

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Frei, Maxi; Erben, Johannes; Martin, Julian; Zengerle, Roland; Kerzenmacher, Sven

    2017-09-01

    The poisoning of platinum anodes by body-fluid constituents such as amino acids is currently the main hurdle preventing the application of abiotic glucose fuel cells as battery-independent power supply for medical implants. We present a novel anode material that enables continuous operation of glucose oxidation anodes in horse serum for at least 30 days at a current density of (7.2 ± 1.9) μA cm-2. The fabrication process is based on the electro-deposition of highly porous platinum onto a 3-dimensional carbon nanofiber support, leading to approximately 2-fold increased electrode roughness factors (up to 16500 ± 2300). The material's superior performance is not only related to its high specific surface area, but also to an improved catalytic activity and/or poisoning resistance. Presumably, this results from the micro- and nanostructure of the platinum deposits. This represents a major step forward in the development of implantable glucose fuel cells based on long-term stable platinum electrodes.

  6. Magnetic Ignition of Pulsed Gas Discharges in Air of Low Pressure in a Coaxial Plasma Gun

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Thom, Karlheinz; Norwood, Joseph, Jr.

    1961-01-01

    The effect of an axial magnetic field on the breakdown voltage of a coaxial system of electrodes has been investigated by earlier workers. For low values of gas pressure times electrode spacing, the breakdown voltage is decreased by the application of the magnetic field. The electron cyclotron radius now assumes the role held by the mean free path in nonmagnetic discharges and the breakdown voltage becomes a function of the magnetic flux density. In this paper the dependence of the formative time lag as a function of the magnetic flux density is established and the feasibility of using a magnetic field for igniting high-voltage, high-current discharges is shown through theory and experiment. With a 36 microfarad capacitor bank charged to 48,000 volts, a peak current of 1.3 x 10( exp 6) amperes in a coaxial type of plasma gun was achieved with a current rise time of only 2 microseconds.

  7. Organic Bistable Memory Switching Phenomena in Squarylium-Dye Langmuir-Blodgett Films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kushida, Masahito; Inomata, Hisao; Miyata, Hiroshi; Harada, Kieko; Saito, Kyoichi; Sugita, Kazuyuki

    2003-06-01

    We have investigated the relationship between the switching phenomena and H-like aggregates in squarylium-dye Langmuir-Blodgett (SQ LB) films. The current-voltage characteristics of SQ LB films sandwiched between the top gold electrode and the bottom aluminum electrode indicated conductance switching phenomena below the temperature of 100°C but not at 140°C. Current densities suddenly increased at switching voltages between 2 and 4 V. The switching voltage increased as the temperature increased between room temperature and 100°C. Current densities were 50-100 μA/cm2 in a low-impedance state (ON state). A high-impedance state (OFF state) can be recovered by applying a reverse bias, and therefore, these bistable devices are ideal for memory applications. The dependence of conductance switching phenomena and ultraviolet-visible absorption spectra on annealing temperatures was studied. The results revealed that conductance switching phenomena were caused by the presence of H-like aggregates in the SQ LB films.

  8. Emergence of Landauer transport from quantum dynamics: A model Hamiltonian approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pal, Partha Pratim; Ramakrishna, S.; Seideman, Tamar

    2018-04-01

    The Landauer expression for computing current-voltage characteristics in nanoscale devices is efficient but not suited to transient phenomena and a time-dependent current because it is applicable only when the charge carriers transition into a steady flux after an external perturbation. In this article, we construct a very general expression for time-dependent current in an electrode-molecule-electrode arrangement. Utilizing a model Hamiltonian (consisting of the subsystem energy levels and their electronic coupling terms), we propagate the Schrödinger wave function equation to numerically compute the time-dependent population in the individual subsystems. The current in each electrode (defined in terms of the rate of change of the corresponding population) has two components, one due to the charges originating from the same electrode and the other due to the charges initially residing at the other electrode. We derive an analytical expression for the first component and illustrate that it agrees reasonably with its numerical counterpart at early times. Exploiting the unitary evolution of a wavefunction, we construct a more general Landauer style formula and illustrate the emergence of Landauer transport from our simulations without the assumption of time-independent charge flow. Our generalized Landauer formula is valid at all times for models beyond the wide-band limit, non-uniform electrode density of states and for time and energy-dependent electronic coupling between the subsystems. Subsequently, we investigate the ingredients in our model that regulate the onset time scale of this steady state. We compare the performance of our general current expression with the Landauer current for time-dependent electronic coupling. Finally, we comment on the applicability of the Landauer formula to compute hot-electron current arising upon plasmon decoherence.

  9. Emergence of Landauer transport from quantum dynamics: A model Hamiltonian approach.

    PubMed

    Pal, Partha Pratim; Ramakrishna, S; Seideman, Tamar

    2018-04-14

    The Landauer expression for computing current-voltage characteristics in nanoscale devices is efficient but not suited to transient phenomena and a time-dependent current because it is applicable only when the charge carriers transition into a steady flux after an external perturbation. In this article, we construct a very general expression for time-dependent current in an electrode-molecule-electrode arrangement. Utilizing a model Hamiltonian (consisting of the subsystem energy levels and their electronic coupling terms), we propagate the Schrödinger wave function equation to numerically compute the time-dependent population in the individual subsystems. The current in each electrode (defined in terms of the rate of change of the corresponding population) has two components, one due to the charges originating from the same electrode and the other due to the charges initially residing at the other electrode. We derive an analytical expression for the first component and illustrate that it agrees reasonably with its numerical counterpart at early times. Exploiting the unitary evolution of a wavefunction, we construct a more general Landauer style formula and illustrate the emergence of Landauer transport from our simulations without the assumption of time-independent charge flow. Our generalized Landauer formula is valid at all times for models beyond the wide-band limit, non-uniform electrode density of states and for time and energy-dependent electronic coupling between the subsystems. Subsequently, we investigate the ingredients in our model that regulate the onset time scale of this steady state. We compare the performance of our general current expression with the Landauer current for time-dependent electronic coupling. Finally, we comment on the applicability of the Landauer formula to compute hot-electron current arising upon plasmon decoherence.

  10. Lightweight porous plastic plaque. [nickel cadmium batteries

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Reid, M.

    1978-01-01

    The porosity and platability of various materials were investigated to determine a suitable substrate for nickel-plated electrodes. Immersion, ultrasonics, and flow-through plating techniques were tried using nonproprietary formulations, and proprietary phosphide and boride baths. Modifications to the selected material include variations in formulation and treatment, carbon loading to increase conductivity, and the incorporation of a grid. Problems to be solved relate to determining conductivities and porosities as a function of amount of nickel plated on the plastics; loading; charge and discharge curves of electrodes at different current densities; cell performance; and long-term degradation of electrodes.

  11. Static resistivity image of a cubic saline phantom in magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography (MREIT).

    PubMed

    Lee, Byung Il; Oh, Suk Hoon; Woo, Eung Je; Lee, Soo Yeol; Cho, Min Hyeong; Kwon, Ohin; Seo, Jin Keun; Baek, Woon Sik

    2003-05-01

    In magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography (MREIT) we inject currents through electrodes placed on the surface of a subject and try to reconstruct cross-sectional resistivity (or conductivity) images using internal magnetic flux density as well as boundary voltage measurements. In this paper we present a static resistivity image of a cubic saline phantom (50 x 50 x 50 mm3) containing a cylindrical sausage object with an average resistivity value of 123.7 ohms cm. Our current MREIT system is based on an experimental 0.3 T MRI scanner and a current injection apparatus. We captured MR phase images of the phantom while injecting currents of 28 mA through two pairs of surface electrodes. We computed current density images from magnetic flux density images that are proportional to the MR phase images. From the current density images and boundary voltage data we reconstructed a cross-sectional resistivity image within a central region of 38.5 x 38.5 mm2 at the middle of the phantom using the J-substitution algorithm. The spatial resolution of the reconstructed image was 64 x 64 and the reconstructed average resistivity of the sausage was 117.7 ohms cm. Even though the error in the reconstructed average resistivity value was small, the relative L2-error of the reconstructed image was 25.5% due to the noise in measured MR phase images. We expect improvements in the accuracy by utilizing an MRI scanner with higher SNR and increasing the size of voxels scarifying the spatial resolution.

  12. Porous carbon-coated graphite electrodes for energy production from salinity gradient using reverse electrodialysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lee, Su-Yoon; Jeong, Ye-Jin; Chae, So-Ryong; Yeon, Kyeong-Ho; Lee, Yunkyu; Kim, Chan-Soo; Jeong, Nam-Jo; Park, Jin-Soo

    2016-04-01

    Performance of graphite foil electrodes coated by porous carbon black (i.e., Vulcan) was investigated in comparison with metal electrodes for reverse electrodialysis (RED) application. The electrode slurry that was used for fabrication of the porous carbon-coated graphite foil is composed of 7.2 wt% of carbon black (Vulcan X-72), 0.8 wt% of a polymer binder (polyvinylidene fluoride, PVdF), and 92.0 wt% of a mixing solvent (dimethylacetamide, DMAc). Cyclic voltammograms of both the porous carbon (i.e., Vulcan)-coated graphite foil electrode and the graphite foil electrode without Vulcan showed good reversibility in the hexacyanoferrate(III) (i.e., Fe(CN)63-) and hexacyanoferrate(II) (i.e., Fe(CN)64-) redox couple and 1 M Na2SO4 at room temperature. However, anodic and cathodic current of the Vulcan-coated graphite foil electrode was much higher than those of the graphite foil electrode. Using a bench-scale RED stack, the current-voltage polarization curve of the Vulcan-coated graphite electrode was compared to that of metal electrodes such as iridium (Ir) and platinum (Pt). From the results, it was confirmed that resistance of four different electrodes increased with the following order: the Vulcan-coated graphite foil

  13. Novel non-equilibrium modelling of a DC electric arc in argon

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Baeva, M.; Benilov, M. S.; Almeida, N. A.; Uhrlandt, D.

    2016-06-01

    A novel non-equilibrium model has been developed to describe the interplay of heat and mass transfer and electric and magnetic fields in a DC electric arc. A complete diffusion treatment of particle fluxes, a generalized form of Ohm’s law, and numerical matching of the arc plasma with the space-charge sheaths adjacent to the electrodes are applied to analyze in detail the plasma parameters and the phenomena occurring in the plasma column and the near-electrode regions of a DC arc generated in atmospheric pressure argon for current levels from 20 A up to 200 A. Results comprising electric field and potential, current density, heating of the electrodes, and effects of thermal and chemical non-equilibrium are presented and discussed. The current-voltage characteristic obtained is in fair agreement with known experimental data. It indicates a minimum for arc current of about 80 A. For all current levels, a field reversal in front of the anode accompanied by a voltage drop of (0.7-2.6) V is observed. Another field reversal is observed near the cathode for arc currents below 80 A.

  14. A high-capacity carbon prepared from renewable chicken feather biopolymer for supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Qiang; Cao, Qi; Wang, Xianyou; Jing, Bo; Kuang, Hao; Zhou, Ling

    2013-03-01

    Micropopous chicken feather carbon (CFC) severing as electrode materials for the first time is prepared via the activation with KOH agent to different extents. The structure and electrochemical properties of CFC materials are characterized with N2 adsorption/desorption measurements, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The obtained results show that CFC activated by KOH with KOH/CFC weight ratio of 4/1 (CFCA4) possesses the specific surface area of 1839 m2 g-1, average micropore diameter of 1.863 nm, and exhibits the highest initial specific capacitance of 302 F g-1 at current density of 1 A g-1 in 1 M H2SO4, and that even after 5000 cycles, CFCA4 specific capacitance is still as high as 253 F g-1. Furthermore, CFCA4 also delivers specific capacitance of 181 F g-1 at current density of 5 A g-1 and 168 F g-1 at current density of 10 A g-1. Accordingly, the microporous activated carbon material derived from chicken feather provides favorable prospect in electrode materials application in supercapacitors.

  15. Capacitance-level/density monitor for fluidized-bed combustor

    DOEpatents

    Fasching, George E.; Utt, Carroll E.

    1982-01-01

    A multiple segment three-terminal type capacitance probe with segment selection, capacitance detection and compensation circuitry and read-out control for level/density measurements in a fluidized-bed vessel is provided. The probe is driven at a high excitation frequency of up to 50 kHz to sense quadrature (capacitive) current related to probe/vessel capacitance while being relatively insensitive to the resistance current component. Compensation circuitry is provided for generating a negative current of equal magnitude to cancel out only the resistive component current. Clock-operated control circuitry separately selects the probe segments in a predetermined order for detecting and storing this capacitance measurement. The selected segment acts as a guarded electrode and is connected to the read-out circuitry while all unselected segments are connected to the probe body, which together form the probe guard electrode. The selected probe segment capacitance component signal is directed to a corresponding segment channel sample and hold circuit dedicated to that segment to store the signal derived from that segment. This provides parallel outputs for display, computer input, etc., for the detected capacitance values. The rate of segment sampling may be varied to either monitor the dynamic density profile of the bed (high sampling rate) or monitor average bed characteristics (slower sampling rate).

  16. The Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Electrode Size and Current Intensity on Motor Cortical Excitability: Evidence From Single and Repeated Sessions.

    PubMed

    Ho, Kerrie-Anne; Taylor, Janet L; Chew, Taariq; Gálvez, Verònica; Alonzo, Angelo; Bai, Siwei; Dokos, Socrates; Loo, Colleen K

    2016-01-01

    Current density is considered an important factor in determining the outcomes of tDCS, and is determined by the current intensity and electrode size. Previous studies examining the effect of these parameters on motor cortical excitability with small sample sizes reported mixed results. This study examined the effect of current intensity (1 mA, 2 mA) and electrode size (16 cm(2), 35 cm(2)) on motor cortical excitability over single and repeated tDCS sessions. Data from seven studies in 89 healthy participants were pooled for analysis. Single-session data were analyzed using mixed effects models and repeated-session data were analyzed using mixed design analyses of variance. Computational modeling was used to examine the electric field generated. The magnitude of increases in excitability after anodal tDCS was modest. For single-session tDCS, the 35 cm(2) electrodes produced greater increases in cortical excitability compared to the 16 cm(2) electrodes. There were no differences in the magnitude of cortical excitation produced by 1 mA and 2 mA tDCS. The repeated-sessions data also showed that there were greater increases in excitability with the 35 cm(2) electrodes. Further, repeated sessions of tDCS with the 35 cm(2) electrodes resulted in a cumulative increase in cortical excitability. Computational modeling predicted higher electric field at the motor hotspot for the 35 cm(2) electrodes. 2 mA tDCS does not necessarily produce larger effects than 1 mA tDCS in healthy participants. Careful consideration should be given to the exact positioning, size and orientation of tDCS electrodes relative to cortical regions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Direct alcohol fuel cells: toward the power densities of hydrogen-fed proton exchange membrane fuel cells.

    PubMed

    Chen, Yanxin; Bellini, Marco; Bevilacqua, Manuela; Fornasiero, Paolo; Lavacchi, Alessandro; Miller, Hamish A; Wang, Lianqin; Vizza, Francesco

    2015-02-01

    A 2 μm thick layer of TiO2 nanotube arrays was prepared on the surface of the Ti fibers of a nonwoven web electrode. After it was doped with Pd nanoparticles (1.5 mgPd  cm(-2) ), this anode was employed in a direct alcohol fuel cell. Peak power densities of 210, 170, and 160 mW cm(-2) at 80 °C were produced if the cell was fed with 10 wt % aqueous solutions of ethanol, ethylene glycol, and glycerol, respectively, in 2 M aqueous KOH. The Pd loading of the anode was increased to 6 mg cm(-2) by combining four single electrodes to produce a maximum peak power density with ethanol at 80 °C of 335 mW cm(-2) . Such high power densities result from a combination of the open 3 D structure of the anode electrode and the high electrochemically active surface area of the Pd catalyst, which promote very fast kinetics for alcohol electro-oxidation. The peak power and current densities obtained with ethanol at 80 °C approach the output of H2 -fed proton exchange membrane fuel cells. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  18. Electric current focusing efficiency in a graphene electric lens.

    PubMed

    Mu, Weihua; Zhang, Gang; Tang, Yunqing; Wang, Wei; Ou-Yang, Zhongcan

    2011-12-14

    In the present work, we study theoretically the electron wave's focusing phenomenon in a single-layered graphene pn junction (PNJ) and obtain the electric current density distribution of graphene PNJ, which is in good agreement with the qualitative result in previous numerical calculations (Cheianov et al 2007 Science, 315, 1252). In addition, we find that, for a symmetric PNJ, 1/4 of total electric current radiated from the source electrode can be collected by the drain electrode. Furthermore, this ratio reduces to 3/16 in a symmetric graphene npn junction. Our results obtained by the present analytical method provide a general design rule for an electric lens based on negative refractory index systems. © 2011 IOP Publishing Ltd

  19. Self-supporting activated carbon/carbon nanotube/reduced graphene oxide flexible electrode for high performance supercapacitor

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Li, Xing; Tang, Yao; Song, Junhua

    A self-supporting and flexible activated carbon/carbon nanotube/reduced graphene oxide (AC/CNT/RGO) film has been rationally designed for constructing high- performance supercapacitor. The AC/CNT/RGO film is prepared by anchoring the AC particles with a 3D and porous framework built by hierarchically weaving the 1 D CNT and 2D RGO using their intrinsic van der Waals force. The CNT network is beneficial for improving the electronic conductivity of the electrode, while the AC particles could effectively suppress the aggregation of RGO and CNT due to their blocking effect. The synergistic effects among the AC, CNT and RGO validate the AC/CNT/RGO as a promisingmore » electrode for supercapacitor, exhibiting greatly enhanced electrochemical performances in comparison with the pure RGO film, pure CNT film and AC electrode. The AC/CNT/RGO electrode delivers a high specific capacitance of 101 F g-1 at the current density of 0.2 A g-1, offering a maximum energy density of 30.0 W h kg-1 in organic electrolyte at the cut-off voltage range of 0.001~3.0 V. The findings of this work open a new avenue for the design of self-supporting electrodes for the development of flexible and light weight energy storage supercapacitor.« less

  20. Fabrication and characteristics of excellent current spreading GaN-based LED by using transparent electrode-insulator-semiconductor structure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Qi, Chenglin; Huang, Yang; Zhan, Teng; Wang, Qinjin; Yi, Xiaoyan; Liu, Zhiqiang

    2017-08-01

    GaN-based vertical light-emitting-diodes (V-LEDs) with an improved current injection pattern were fabricated and a novel current injection pattern of LEDs which consists of electrode-insulator-semiconductor (EIS) structure was proposed. The EIS structure was achieved by an insulator layer (20-nm Ta2O5) deposited between the p-GaN and the ITO layer. This kind of EIS structure works through a defect-assisted tunneling mechanism to realize current injection and obtains a uniform current distribution on the chip surface, thus greatly improving the current spreading ability of LEDs. The appearance of this novel current injection pattern of V-LEDs will subvert the impression of the conventional LEDs structure, including simplifying the chip manufacture technology and reducing the chip cost. Under a current density of 2, 5, 10, and 25 A/cm2, the luminous uniformity was better than conventional structure LEDs. The standard deviation of power density distribution in light distribution was 0.028, which was much smaller than that of conventional structure LEDs and illustrated a huge advantage on the current spreading ability of EIS-LEDs. Project supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 61306051, 61306050) and the National High Technology Program of China (No. 2014AA032606).

  1. Lignocellulose-derived porous phosphorus-doped carbon as advanced electrode for supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yi, Jianan; Qing, Yan; Wu, ChuTian; Zeng, Yinxiang; Wu, Yiqiang; Lu, Xihong; Tong, Yexiang

    2017-05-01

    Engineering porous heteroatom-doped carbon nanomaterials with remarkable capacitive performance is highly attractive. Herein, a simple and smart method has been developed to synthesize phosphorus (P) doped carbon with hierarchical porous structure derived from lignocellulose. Hierarchically porous P doped carbon is readily obtained by the pyrolysis of lignocellulose immersed in ZnCl2/NaH2PO4 aqueous solution, and exhibits excellent capacitive properties. The as-obtained P doped porous carbon delivers a significant capacitance of 133 F g-1 (146 mF cm-2) at a high current density of 10 A g-1 with outstanding rate performance. Furthermore, the P doped carbon electrode yields a long-term cycling durability with more than 97.9% capacitance retention after 10000 cycles as well. A symmetric supercapacitor with a maximum energy density of 4.7 Wh kg-1 is also demonstrated based on these P doped carbon electrodes.

  2. Transparent and flexible electrodes and supercapacitors using polyaniline/single-walled carbon nanotube composite thin films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ge, Jun; Cheng, Guanghui; Chen, Liwei

    2011-08-01

    Large-scale transparent and flexible electronic devices have been pursued for potential applications such as those in touch sensors and display technologies. These applications require that the power source of these devices must also comply with transparent and flexible features. Here we present transparent and flexible supercapacitors assembled from polyaniline (PANI)/single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) composite thin film electrodes. The ultrathin, optically homogeneous and transparent, electrically conducting films of the PANI/SWNT composite show a large specific capacitance due to combined double-layer capacitance and pseudo-capacitance mechanisms. A supercapacitor assembled using electrodes with a SWNT density of 10.0 µg cm-2 and 59 wt% PANI gives a specific capacitance of 55.0 F g-1 at a current density of 2.6 A g-1, showing its possibility for transparent and flexible energy storage.

  3. Synthesis of nitrogen-doped porous carbon nanofibers as an efficient electrode material for supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Chen, Li-Feng; Zhang, Xu-Dong; Liang, Hai-Wei; Kong, Mingguang; Guan, Qing-Fang; Chen, Ping; Wu, Zhen-Yu; Yu, Shu-Hong

    2012-08-28

    Supercapacitors (also known as ultracapacitors) are considered to be the most promising approach to meet the pressing requirements of energy storage. Supercapacitive electrode materials, which are closely related to the high-efficiency storage of energy, have provoked more interest. Herein, we present a high-capacity supercapacitor material based on the nitrogen-doped porous carbon nanofibers synthesized by carbonization of macroscopic-scale carbonaceous nanofibers (CNFs) coated with polypyrrole (CNFs@polypyrrole) at an appropriate temperature. The composite nanofibers exhibit a reversible specific capacitance of 202.0 F g(-1) at the current density of 1.0 A g(-1) in 6.0 mol L(-1) aqueous KOH electrolyte, meanwhile maintaining a high-class capacitance retention capability and a maximum power density of 89.57 kW kg(-1). This kind of nitrogen-doped carbon nanofiber represents an alternative promising candidate for an efficient electrode material for supercapacitors.

  4. Transparent and flexible electrodes and supercapacitors using polyaniline/single-walled carbon nanotube composite thin films.

    PubMed

    Ge, Jun; Cheng, Guanghui; Chen, Liwei

    2011-08-01

    Large-scale transparent and flexible electronic devices have been pursued for potential applications such as those in touch sensors and display technologies. These applications require that the power source of these devices must also comply with transparent and flexible features. Here we present transparent and flexible supercapacitors assembled from polyaniline (PANI)/single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) composite thin film electrodes. The ultrathin, optically homogeneous and transparent, electrically conducting films of the PANI/SWNT composite show a large specific capacitance due to combined double-layer capacitance and pseudo-capacitance mechanisms. A supercapacitor assembled using electrodes with a SWNT density of 10.0 µg cm(-2) and 59 wt% PANI gives a specific capacitance of 55.0 F g(-1) at a current density of 2.6 A g(-1), showing its possibility for transparent and flexible energy storage. This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2011

  5. The electrochemical generation of useful chemical species from lunar materials

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Tsai, Kan J.; Kuchynka, Daniel J.; Sammells, Anthony F.

    1990-01-01

    Electrochemical cells have been fabricated for the simultaneous generation of oxygen and lithium from a Li2O-containing molten salt (Li2O-LiCl-LiF). The cell utilizes an oxygen vacancy conducting solid electrolyte, yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), to effect separation between oxygen evolving and lithium reduction half-cell reactions. The cell, which operates at 700-850 C, possesses rapid electrode kinetics at the lithium-alloy electrode with exchange current density values being greater than 60 mA/sq cm. When used in the electrolytic mode, lithium produced at the negative electrode would be continuously removed from the cell for later use (under lunar conditions) as an easily storable reducing agent for the chemical refining of lunar ores. Because of the high reversibility of this electrochemical system, it has also formed the basis for the lithium-oxygen secondary battery system which possesses the highest theoretical energy density yet investigated.

  6. The electrochemical generation of useful chemical species from lunar materials

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tsai, Kan J.; Kuchynka, Daniel J.; Sammells, Anthony F.

    Electrochemical cells have been fabricated for the simultaneous generation of oxygen and lithium from a Li2O-containing molten salt (Li2O-LiCl-LiF). The cell utilizes an oxygen vacancy conducting solid electrolyte, yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), to effect separation between oxygen evolving and lithium reduction half-cell reactions. The cell, which operates at 700-850 C, possesses rapid electrode kinetics at the lithium-alloy electrode with exchange current density values being greater than 60 mA/sq cm. When used in the electrolytic mode, lithium produced at the negative electrode would be continuously removed from the cell for later use (under lunar conditions) as an easily storable reducing agent for the chemical refining of lunar ores. Because of the high reversibility of this electrochemical system, it has also formed the basis for the lithium-oxygen secondary battery system which possesses the highest theoretical energy density yet investigated.

  7. Ab initio study of radiation effects on the Li4Ti5O12 electrode used in lithium-ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Samin, Adib; Kurth, Michael; Cao, Lei

    2015-04-01

    Lithium-ion batteries are currently in wide use owing to their high energy density and enhanced capabilities. Li4Ti5O12 is a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries because of its advantageous properties. Lithium-ion batteries could be exposed to radiation occurring in various conditions such as during outer space exploration and nuclear accidents. In this study, we apply density functional theory to explore the effect of radiation damage on this electrode and, ultimately, on the performance of the battery. It was found that radiation could affect the structural stability of the material. Furthermore, the electrode was shown to undergo a transition from insulator to metal, following the defects due to radiation. In addition, the effect of radiation on the intercalation potential was found to be highly dependent on the nature of the defect induced.

  8. Three-Dimensional Expanded Graphene-Metal Oxide Film via Solid-State Microwave Irradiation for Aqueous Asymmetric Supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Yang, MinHo; Lee, Kyoung G; Lee, Seok Jae; Lee, Sang Bok; Han, Young-Kyu; Choi, Bong Gill

    2015-10-14

    Carbon-based electrochemical double-layer capacitors and pseudocapacitors, consisting of a symmetric configuration of electrodes, can deliver much higher power densities than batteries, but they suffer from low energy densities. Herein, we report the development of high energy and power density supercapacitors using an asymmetric configuration of Fe2O3 and MnO2 nanoparticles incorporated into 3D macroporous graphene film electrodes that can be operated in a safe and low-cost aqueous electrolyte. The gap in working potential windows of Fe2O3 and MnO2 enables the stable expansion of the cell voltage up to 1.8 V, which is responsible for the high energy density (41.7 Wh kg(-1)). We employ a household microwave oven to simultaneously create conductivity, porosity, and the deposition of metal oxides on graphene films toward 3D hybrid architectures, which lead to a high power density (13.5 kW kg(-1)). Such high energy and power densities are maintained for over 5000 cycles, even during cycling at a high current density of 16.9 A g(-1).

  9. Highly conductive porous Na-embedded carbon nanowalls for high-performance capacitive deionization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chang, Liang; Hu, Yun Hang

    2018-05-01

    Highly conductive porous Na-embedded carbon nanowalls (Na@C), which were recently invented, have exhibited excellent performance for dye-sensitized solar cells and electric double-layer capacitors. In this work, Na@C was demonstrated as an excellent electrode material for capacitive deionization (CDI). In a three-electrode configuration system, the specific capacity of the Na@C electrodes can achieve 306.4 F/g at current density of 0.2 A/g in 1 M NaCl, which is higher than that (235.2 F/g) of activated carbon (AC) electrodes. Furthermore, a high electrosorption capacity of 8.75 mg g-1 in 100 mg/L NaCl was obtained with the Na@C electrodes in a batch-mode capacitive deionization cell. It exceeds the electrosorption capacity (4.08 mg g-1) of AC electrodes. The Na@C electrode also showed a promising cycle stability. The excellent performance of Na@C electrode for capacitive deionization (CDI) can be attributed to its high electrical conductivity and large accessible surface area.

  10. High-performance lithium-ion battery and symmetric supercapacitors based on FeCo₂O₄ nanoflakes electrodes.

    PubMed

    Mohamed, Saad Gomaa; Chen, Chih-Jung; Chen, Chih Kai; Hu, Shu-Fen; Liu, Ru-Shi

    2014-12-24

    A successive preparation of FeCo2O4 nanoflakes arrays on nickel foam substrates is achieved by a simple hydrothermal synthesis method. After 170 cycles, a high capacity of 905 mAh g(-1) at 200 mA g(-1) current density and very good rate capabilities are obtained for lithium-ion battery because of the 2D porous structures of the nanoflakes arrays. The distinctive structural features provide the battery with excellent electrochemical performance. The symmetric supercapacitor on nonaqueous electrolyte demonstrates high specific capacitance of 433 F g(-1) at 0.1 A g(-1) and 16.7 F g(-1) at high scan rate of 5 V s(-1) and excellent cyclic performance of 2500 cycles of charge-discharge cycling at 2 A g(-1) current density, revealing excellent long-term cyclability of the electrode even under rapid charge-discharge conditions.

  11. Solution-processed parallel tandem polymer solar cells using silver nanowires as intermediate electrode.

    PubMed

    Guo, Fei; Kubis, Peter; Li, Ning; Przybilla, Thomas; Matt, Gebhard; Stubhan, Tobias; Ameri, Tayebeh; Butz, Benjamin; Spiecker, Erdmann; Forberich, Karen; Brabec, Christoph J

    2014-12-23

    Tandem architecture is the most relevant concept to overcome the efficiency limit of single-junction photovoltaic solar cells. Series-connected tandem polymer solar cells (PSCs) have advanced rapidly during the past decade. In contrast, the development of parallel-connected tandem cells is lagging far behind due to the big challenge in establishing an efficient interlayer with high transparency and high in-plane conductivity. Here, we report all-solution fabrication of parallel tandem PSCs using silver nanowires as intermediate charge collecting electrode. Through a rational interface design, a robust interlayer is established, enabling the efficient extraction and transport of electrons from subcells. The resulting parallel tandem cells exhibit high fill factors of ∼60% and enhanced current densities which are identical to the sum of the current densities of the subcells. These results suggest that solution-processed parallel tandem configuration provides an alternative avenue toward high performance photovoltaic devices.

  12. Hierarchical porous carbon microspheres derived from porous starch for use in high-rate electrochemical double-layer capacitors.

    PubMed

    Du, Si-Hong; Wang, Li-Qun; Fu, Xiao-Ting; Chen, Ming-Ming; Wang, Cheng-Yang

    2013-07-01

    Porous starch was used as a precursor for hierarchical porous carbon microspheres. The preparation consisted of stabilisation, carbonisation and KOH activation, and the resultant hierarchical porous carbon microspheres had a large BET surface area of 3251 m(2)g(-1). Due to the large surface area and the hierarchical pore structure, electrodes made of the hierarchical porous carbon microsphere materials had high specific capacitances of 304 Fg(-1) at a current density of 0.05 Ag(-1) and 197 Fg(-1) at a current density of 180 Ag(-1) when used in a symmetric capacitor with 6M KOH as the electrolyte. After 10,000 cycles, the capacitor still exhibited a stable performance with a capacitance retention of 98%. These results indicate that porous starch is an excellent precursor to prepare high performance electrode materials for EDLCs. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped carbon hollow spheres derived from polypyrrole for high-performance supercapacitor electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lv, Bingjie; Li, Peipei; Liu, Yan; Lin, Shanshan; Gao, Bifen; Lin, Bizhou

    2018-04-01

    Nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped carbon hollow spheres (NPCHSs) have been prepared by a carbonization and subsequent chemical activation route using dehydrated polypyrrole hollow spheres as the precursor and KOH as the activating agent. NPCHSs are interconnected into a unique 3D porous network, which endows the as-prepared carbon to exhibit a large specific surface area of 1155 m2 g-1 and a high specific capacitance of 232 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1. The as-obtained NPCHSs present a high-level heteroatom doping with N, O and P contents of 11.4, 6.7 and 3.5 wt%, respectively. The capacitance of NPCHSs has been retained at 89.1% after 5000 charge-discharge cycles at a relatively high current density of 5 A g-1. Such excellent performance suggests that NPCHSs are attractive electrode candidates for electrical double layer capacitors.

  14. Enhanced cycling stability of NiCo2S4@NiO core-shell nanowire arrays for all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Huang, Yuanyuan; Shi, Tielin; Jiang, Shulan; Cheng, Siyi; Tao, Xiangxu; Zhong, Yan; Liao, Guanglan; Tang, Zirong

    2016-12-07

    As a new class of pseudocapacitive material, metal sulfides possess high electrochemical performance. However, their cycling performance as conventional electrodes is rather poor for practical applications. In this article, we report an original composite electrode based on NiCo 2 S 4 @NiO core-shell nanowire arrays (NWAs) with enhanced cycling stability. This three-dimensional electrode also has a high specific capacitance of 12.2 F cm -2 at the current density of 1 mA cm -2 and excellent cycling stability (about 89% retention after 10,000 cycles). Moreover, an all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device has been assembled with NiCo 2 S 4 @NiO NWAs as the positive electrode and active carbon (AC) as the negative electrode, delivering a high energy density of 30.38 W h kg -1 at 0.288 KW kg -1 and good cycling stability (about 109% retention after 5000 cycles). The results show that NiCo 2 S 4 @NiO NWAs are promising for high-performance supercapacitors with stable cycling based on the unique core-shell structure and well-designed combinations.

  15. Enhanced cycling stability of NiCo2S4@NiO core-shell nanowire arrays for all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huang, Yuanyuan; Shi, Tielin; Jiang, Shulan; Cheng, Siyi; Tao, Xiangxu; Zhong, Yan; Liao, Guanglan; Tang, Zirong

    2016-12-01

    As a new class of pseudocapacitive material, metal sulfides possess high electrochemical performance. However, their cycling performance as conventional electrodes is rather poor for practical applications. In this article, we report an original composite electrode based on NiCo2S4@NiO core-shell nanowire arrays (NWAs) with enhanced cycling stability. This three-dimensional electrode also has a high specific capacitance of 12.2 F cm-2 at the current density of 1 mA cm-2 and excellent cycling stability (about 89% retention after 10,000 cycles). Moreover, an all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device has been assembled with NiCo2S4@NiO NWAs as the positive electrode and active carbon (AC) as the negative electrode, delivering a high energy density of 30.38 W h kg-1 at 0.288 KW kg-1 and good cycling stability (about 109% retention after 5000 cycles). The results show that NiCo2S4@NiO NWAs are promising for high-performance supercapacitors with stable cycling based on the unique core-shell structure and well-designed combinations.

  16. Enhanced cycling stability of NiCo2S4@NiO core-shell nanowire arrays for all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors

    PubMed Central

    Huang, Yuanyuan; Shi, Tielin; Jiang, Shulan; Cheng, Siyi; Tao, Xiangxu; Zhong, Yan; Liao, Guanglan; Tang, Zirong

    2016-01-01

    As a new class of pseudocapacitive material, metal sulfides possess high electrochemical performance. However, their cycling performance as conventional electrodes is rather poor for practical applications. In this article, we report an original composite electrode based on NiCo2S4@NiO core-shell nanowire arrays (NWAs) with enhanced cycling stability. This three-dimensional electrode also has a high specific capacitance of 12.2 F cm−2 at the current density of 1 mA cm−2 and excellent cycling stability (about 89% retention after 10,000 cycles). Moreover, an all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device has been assembled with NiCo2S4@NiO NWAs as the positive electrode and active carbon (AC) as the negative electrode, delivering a high energy density of 30.38 W h kg−1 at 0.288 KW kg−1 and good cycling stability (about 109% retention after 5000 cycles). The results show that NiCo2S4@NiO NWAs are promising for high-performance supercapacitors with stable cycling based on the unique core-shell structure and well-designed combinations. PMID:27924927

  17. High-Capacity Cathode Material with High Voltage for Li-Ion Batteries

    DOE PAGES

    Shi, Ji -Lei; Xiao, Dong -Dong; Ge, Mingyuan; ...

    2018-01-15

    Electrochemical energy storage devices with a high energy density are an important technology in modern society, especially for electric vehicles. The most effective approach to improve the energy density of batteries is to search for high-capacity electrode materials. According to the concept of energy quality, a high-voltage battery delivers a highly useful energy, thus providing a new insight to improve energy density. Based on this concept, a novel and successful strategy to increase the energy density and energy quality by increasing the discharge voltage of cathode materials and preserving high capacity is proposed. The proposal is realized in high-capacity Li-richmore » cathode materials. The average discharge voltage is increased from 3.5 to 3.8 V by increasing the nickel content and applying a simple after-treatment, and the specific energy is improved from 912 to 1033 Wh kg-1. The current work provides an insightful universal principle for developing, designing, and screening electrode materials for high energy density and energy quality.« less

  18. Nanostructured Electrode Materials Derived from Metal-Organic Framework Xerogels for High-Energy-Density Asymmetric Supercapacitor.

    PubMed

    Mahmood, Asif; Zou, Ruqiang; Wang, Qingfei; Xia, Wei; Tabassum, Hassina; Qiu, Bin; Zhao, Ruo

    2016-01-27

    This work successfully demonstrates metal-organic framework (MOF) derived strategy to prepare nanoporous carbon (NPC) with or without Fe3O4/Fe nanoparticles by the optimization of calcination temperature as highly active electrode materials for asymmetric supercapacitors (ASC). The nanostructured Fe3O4/Fe/C hybrid shows high specific capacitance of 600 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g and excellent capacitance retention up to 500 F/g at 8 A/g. Furthermore, hierarchically NPC with high surface area also obtained from MOF gels displays excellent electrochemical performance of 272 F/g at 2 mV/s. Considering practical applications, aqueous ASC (aASC) was also assembled, which shows high energy density of 17.496 Wh/kg at the power density of 388.8 W/kg. The high energy density and excellent capacity retention of the developed materials show great promise for the practical utilization of these energy storage devices.

  19. High-Capacity Cathode Material with High Voltage for Li-Ion Batteries

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Shi, Ji -Lei; Xiao, Dong -Dong; Ge, Mingyuan

    Electrochemical energy storage devices with a high energy density are an important technology in modern society, especially for electric vehicles. The most effective approach to improve the energy density of batteries is to search for high-capacity electrode materials. According to the concept of energy quality, a high-voltage battery delivers a highly useful energy, thus providing a new insight to improve energy density. Based on this concept, a novel and successful strategy to increase the energy density and energy quality by increasing the discharge voltage of cathode materials and preserving high capacity is proposed. The proposal is realized in high-capacity Li-richmore » cathode materials. The average discharge voltage is increased from 3.5 to 3.8 V by increasing the nickel content and applying a simple after-treatment, and the specific energy is improved from 912 to 1033 Wh kg-1. The current work provides an insightful universal principle for developing, designing, and screening electrode materials for high energy density and energy quality.« less

  20. Rational construction of three dimensional hybrid Co3O4@NiMoO4 nanosheets array for energy storage application

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hong, Wei; Wang, Jinqing; Gong, Peiwei; Sun, Jinfeng; Niu, Lengyuan; Yang, Zhigang; Wang, Zhaofeng; Yang, Shengrong

    2014-12-01

    Electrodes with rationally designed hybrid nanostructures can offer many opportunities for the enhanced performance in electrochemical energy storage. In this work, the uniform 2D Co3O4-based building blocks have been prepared through a facile chemical etching assistant approach and a following treatment of thermal annealing. The obtained nanosheets array has been directly employed as 2D backbone for the subsequent construction of hybrid nanostructure of Co3O4@NiMoO4 by a simple hydrothermal synthesis. As a binder-free electrode, the constructed 3D hybrid nanostructures exhibit a high specific capacitance of 1526 F g-1 at a current density of 3 mA cm-2 and a capacitance retention of 72% with the increase of current density from 3 mA cm-2 to 30 mA cm-2. Moreover, an asymmetric supercapacitor based on this hybrid Co3O4@NiMoO4 and activated carbon can deliver a maximum energy density of 37.8 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 482 W kg-1. The outstanding electrochemical behaviors presented here suggest that this hybrid nanostructured material has potential applications in energy storage.

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