Advance Technologies in Biodegradable Flexible Solid-State Supercapacitors: A Mini Review on Clean and Sustainable Energy.

In the recent times research towards solid state supercapacitors (SSS) have increased drastically due to the promising performance in futuristic technologies particularly in portable and flexible electronics like smart watches, smart fabrics, foldable smartphones and tablets. Also, when compared to supercapacitors using liquid electrolyte, solid electrolyte has several advantages like high energy density, safety, high cycle life, flexible form factor, and less environmental impact. The crucial factor determining the sustainability of a technology is the eco-friendliness since the natural resources are being exploited in a wide scale. Numerous studies have focused on biodegradable materials for supercapacitor electrodes, electrolytes, and other inactive components. Making use of these biodegradable materials to design a SSS enables the technology to sustain for a very long time since biodegradable materials are not only environment friendly but also, they show relatively high performance. This review focuses on recent progress of different biodegradable electrodes, and electrolytes along with their properties, electrochemical performance and biodegradable capabilities for SSS have been analyzed and provides a concise summary enabling readers to understand the importance of biodegradable materials and to narrow down the research in a more rational way.

Recent Developments in Electrodeposition of Transition Metal Chalcogenides-Based Electrode Materials for Advance Supercapacitor Applications: A Review.

High-performance supercapacitive electrode materials have received significant attention from researchers worldwide, thus aiming for comparable performance similar to the extensively used rechargeable batteries. For emerging energy storage technologies like flexible supercapacitors, transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) have been in the spotlight due to their promising electrochemical features compared to other electrode materials. Among the synthesis techniques, electrodeposition-mediated preparation of thin films of TMCs offered an affordable binder-free approach for electrode fabrication that effectively improved the supercapacitor performance. Hence, this review mainly focussed on the electrodeposition-based syntheses of single/ multinary chalcogenides and their composites for supercapacitors applications. Further, the effects of different deposition parameters were discussed for boosting the supercapacitor performance. Finally, this review outlined the existing challenges and future perspectives in this research domain, which will assist the upcoming exploration in the energy storage field.

CZTS (Cu2 ZnSnS4 )-based Nanomaterials in Photocatalytic and Hydrogen Production Applications: A Recent Progress towards Sustainable Environment.

A variety of unique compounds have been examined to accommodate the current demand for useful multi-functional nanomaterials, copper-based quaternary CZTS semiconductors are one of them. Due to their special characteristic features like non-toxicity, cheap, and abundance, they have been recommended in recent literature for various applications. Apart from individual CZTS, different hetero-structures have also been prepared with different compounds which is well discussed and elaborated in this article. Additionally, their preparation methods, properties, and application viability have also been discussed comprehensively. The application of CZTS such as photocatalytic dye degradation and hydrogen evolution reaction has been elaborated on in this article identifying their benefits and challenges to give readers a thorough visualization. Apart from that, challenges reported in studies, a few approaches are also mentioned to possibly counter them.

Post COVID sequelae among COVID-19 survivors: insights from the Indian National Clinical Registry for COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: The effects of COVID-19 infection persist beyond the active phase. Comprehensive description and analysis of the post COVID sequelae in various population groups are critical to minimise the long-term morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19. This analysis was conducted with an objective to estimate the frequency of post COVID sequelae and subsequently, design a framework for holistic management of post COVID morbidities. METHODS: Follow-up data collected as part of a registry-based observational study in 31 hospitals across India since September 2020-October 2022 were used for analysis. All consenting hospitalised patients with COVID-19 are telephonically followed up for up to 1 year post-discharge, using a prestructured form focused on symptom reporting. RESULTS: Dyspnoea, fatigue and mental health issues were reported among 18.6%, 10.5% and 9.3% of the 8042 participants at first follow-up of 30-60 days post-discharge, respectively, which reduced to 11.9%, 6.6% and 9%, respectively, at 1-year follow-up in 2192 participants. Patients who died within 90 days post-discharge were significantly older (adjusted OR (aOR): 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.03), with at least one comorbidity (aOR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.31, 2.35), and a higher proportion had required intensive care unit admission during the initial hospitalisation due to COVID-19 (aOR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.08, 2.06) and were discharged at WHO ordinal scale 6-7 (aOR: 49.13 95% CI: 25.43, 94.92). Anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (at least one dose) was protective against such post-discharge mortality (aOR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.03). CONCLUSION: Hospitalised patients with COVID-19 experience a variety of long-term sequelae after discharge from hospitals which persists although in reduced proportions until 12 months post-discharge. Developing a holistic management framework with engagement of care outreach workers as well as teleconsultation is a way forward in effective management of post COVID morbidities as well as reducing mortality.

Heterojunction assembled CoO/Ni(OH)2/Cu(OH)2 for effective photocatalytic degradation and supercapattery applications.

Mixed multimetallic-based nanocomposites have been considered a promising functional material giving a new dimension to environmental remediation and energy storage applications. On this concept, a hybrid ternary CoO/Ni(OH)2/Cu(OH)2 (CNC) composite showing sea-urchin-like morphology was synthesized via one-pot hydrothermal approach, and its photocatalytic and electrochemical performances were investigated. The photocatalytic performance was explored using Congo red (CR) as a dye pollutant under visible light illumination. The presence of mixed phases of ternary metal ions could minimize the recombination efficacy of photogenerated charge carriers on the basis of the heterojunction mechanism, resulting in 90% degradation of CR dye (40 mg L-1). The effect of scavengers coupled with electrochemical experiments revealed O2-. radical as the predominating species responsible for the degradation of CR. From the electrochemical analysis of CNC, the well-distinguished redox peaks indicated the redox-type nature with a specific capacity of 405 C g-1. For practical applications, an supercapattery (CNC( +)|KOH|AC( -)) was assembled furnishing an energy density of 42 W h kg-1 at a power density of 5160 W kg-1 at 5 A g-1 along with a high capacity retention and coulombic efficiency of 98.83% over 5000 cycles.

Designing High-Performing Symmetric Supercapacitor by Engineering Polyaniline on Steel Mesh Surface via Electrodeposition.

Energy storage is one of the most stimulating requirements to keep civilization on the wheel of progress. Supercapacitors generally exhibit a high-power density, have a maximum life cycle, quick charging time, and are eco-friendly. Polyaniline (PANI), a conductive polymer, is considered an efficacious electrode material for supercapacitors due to its good electroactivity, including pseudocapacitive behavior. Here, we present the fabrication of a symmetric supercapacitor device based on steel mesh electrodeposited with PANI. Due to its effective conductivity, porous nature, and low cost, steel mesh is a good choice as a current collector to fabricate a high-performance supercapacitor at a low cost. The optimum fabricated supercapacitor has a high specific capacitance of ∼353 mF cm-2 . Furthermore, the supercapacitor obtained an energy density of ∼26.4 µW h cm-2 at a power density of ∼400 µW cm-2 . The fabricated supercapacitor shows high stability, as the initial capacitance remained almost the same after 1000 charge/discharge cycles. PANI is a promising candidate for mass production and wide applications due to its low cost and high performance.

Binder-Free Zinc-Iron Oxide as a High-Performance Negative Electrode Material for Pseudocapacitors.

The interaction between cathode and anode materials is critical for developing a high-performance asymmetric supercapacitor (SC). Significant advances have been made for cathode materials, while the anode is comparatively less explored for SC applications. Herein, we proposed a high-performance binder-free anode material composed of two-dimensional ZnFe2O4 nanoflakes supported on carbon cloth (ZFO-NF@CC). The electrochemical performance of ZFO-NF@CC as an anode material for supercapacitor application was examined in a KOH solution via a three-electrode configuration. The ZFO-NF@CC electrode demonstrated a specific capacitance of 509 F g-1 at 1.5 A g-1 and was retained 94.2% after 10,000 GCD cycles. The ZFO-NF@CC electrode showed exceptional charge storage properties by attaining high pseudocapacitive-type storage. Furthermore, an asymmetric SC device was fabricated using ZFO-NF@CC as an anode and activated carbon on CC (AC@CC) as a cathode with a KOH-based aqueous electrolyte (ZFO-NF@CC||AC@CC). The ZFO-NF@CC||AC@CC yielded a high specific capacitance of 122.2 F g-1 at a current density of 2 A g-1, a high energy density of 55.044 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 1801.44 W kg-1, with a remarkable retention rate of 96.5% even after 4000 cycles was attained. Thus, our results showed that the enhanced electrochemical performance of ZFO-NF@CC used as an anode in high-performance SC applications can open new research directions for replacing carbon-based anode materials.

Self-Supported Co3O4@Mo-Co3O4 Needle-like Nanosheet Heterostructured Architectures of Battery-Type Electrodes for High-Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitors.

Herein, this report uses Co3O4 nanoneedles to decorate Mo-Co3O4 nanosheets over Ni foam, which were fabricated by the hydrothermal route, in order to create a supercapacitor material which is compared with its counterparts. The surface morphology of the developed material was investigated through scanning electron microscopy and the structural properties were evaluated using XRD. The charging storage activities of the electrode materials were evaluated mainly by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge investigations. In comparison to binary metal oxides, the specific capacities for the composite Co3O4@Mo-Co3O4 nanosheets and Co3O4 nano-needles were calculated to be 814, and 615 C g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1, respectively. The electrode of the composite Co3O4@Mo-Co3O4 nanosheets displayed superior stability during 4000 cycles, with a capacity of around 90%. The asymmetric Co3O4@Mo-Co3O4//AC device achieved a maximum specific energy of 51.35 Wh Kg-1 and power density of 790 W kg-1. The Co3O4@Mo-Co3O4//AC device capacity decreased by only 12.1% after 4000 long GCD cycles, which is considerably higher than that of similar electrodes. All these results reveal that the Co3O4@Mo-Co3O4 nanocomposite is a very promising electrode material and a stabled supercapacitor.

Role of polyaniline in accomplishing a sustainable environment: recent trends in polyaniline for eradicating hazardous pollutants.

Attaining a sustainable environment has become a prime area of research interest, as it is an utmost necessity for a healthy life. Hence, ample studies have been carried out in adopting different processes and utilizing various materials to attain the goal. Herein, we present an exclusive discussion on one such material, i.e., polyaniline (PANI) and its derivatives. Being an intrinsic conducting type, it has grabbed more attention due to its durability in different doped/un-doped states, promptness in structural alteration, and solution processability. This review presents an exhaustive discussion on published reports showing utilization of PANI and its derivative in various forms like pure and composites, for cleaning the environment through adsorption, photodegradation, etc., and the various methods adopted in order to achieve an optimum operating condition to obtain the maximum outcome. In addition to these merits and demerits, various technical challenges faced with materials have been also presented. Therefore, it is expected that this piece of work, presenting the exhaustive discussion on PANI and; its derivatives would help to develop a better understanding of this excellent conducting polymer PANI and provide a state of art on the role of this material for attaining sustainable surroundings for the living beings.

Polymer Composites with Quantum Dots as Potential Electrode Materials for Supercapacitors Application: A Review.

Owing to the nanometer size range, Quantum Dots (QDs) have exhibited unique physical and chemical properties which are favourable for different applications. Especially, due to their quantum confinement effect, excellent optoelectronic characteristics is been observed. This considerable progress has not only uplifted the singular usage of QDs, but also encouraged to prepare various hybrid materials to achieve superior efficiency by eliminating certain shortcomings. Such issues can be overcome by compositing QDs with polymers. Via employing polymer composite with QDs (PQDs) for supercapacitor applications, adequate conductivity, stability, excellent energy density, and better specific capacitance is been achieved which we have elaborately discussed in this review. Researchers have already explored various types of polymer nanocomposite with different QDs such as carbonaceous QDs, transition metal oxide/sulphide QDs etc. as electrode material for supercapacitor application. Synthesis, application outcome, benefits, and drawbacks of these are explained to portray a better understanding. From the existing studies it is clearly confirmed that with using PQDs electrical conductivity, electrochemical reactivity, and the charge accumulation on the surface have prominently been improved which effected the fabricated supercapacitor device performance. More comprehensive fundamentals and observations are explained in the current review which indicates their promising scopes in upcoming times.

Boosting the Electrochemical Performance of Polyaniline by One-Step Electrochemical Deposition on Nickel Foam for High-Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitor.

Energy generation can be clean and sustainable if it is dependent on renewable resources and it can be prominently utilized if stored efficiently. Recently, biomass-derived carbon and polymers have been focused on developing less hazardous eco-friendly electrodes for energy storage devices. We have focused on boosting the supercapacitor's energy storage ability by engineering efficient electrodes in this context. The well-known conductive polymer, polyaniline (PANI), deposited on nickel foam (NF) is used as a positive electrode, while the activated carbon derived from jute sticks (JAC) deposited on NF is used as a negative electrode. The asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) is fabricated for the electrochemical studies and found that the device has exhibited an energy density of 24 µWh/cm2 at a power density of 3571 µW/cm2. Furthermore, the ASC PANI/NF//KOH//JAC/NF has exhibited good stability with ~86% capacitance retention even after 1000 cycles. Thus, the enhanced electrochemical performances of ASC are congregated by depositing PANI on NF that boosts the electrode's conductivity. Such deposition patterns are assured by faster ions diffusion, higher surface area, and ample electroactive sites for better electrolyte interaction. Besides advancing technology, such work also encourages sustainability.

Novel Dispersion of 1D Nanofiber Fillers for Fast Ion-Conducting Nanocomposite Polymer Blend Quasi-Solid Electrolytes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

Electrospun nanocomposite polymer blend poly(vinylidene difluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) membranes with a novel dispersion of x wt % of one-dimensional (1D) TiO2 nanofiber fillers (x = 0.0-0.8 in steps of 0.2) were developed using the electrospinning technique. The developed nanocomposite polymer membranes were activated using various redox agents such as LiI, NaI, KI, and tetrabutyl ammonium iodide (TBAI). Introduction of the 1D TiO2 nanofiber fillers improves the amorphous nature of the blended polymer membrane, as confirmed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and yielded an electrolyte uptake of over 480% for a 6 wt % TiO2 nanofiber filler-dispersed sample. PVDF-HFP/PMMA-1D 6 wt % TiO2 nanofiber fillers with the LiI-based redox electrolyte provided a high conductivity of 2.80 × 10-2 S cm-1 and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.08% to their fabricated dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The observed better ionic conductivity and efficiency of the fabricated DSSCs could be due to the faster movement of the smaller-ionic-radius (Li) ions entrapped inside the amorphous polymer. This enhanced mobility of ions in the quasi-solid electrolyte leads to faster regeneration of the depleting electrons in the photoanode, resulting in improved efficiency. Further, the achieved high conductivity was analyzed in terms of the dynamics and relaxation mechanisms involved by the ionic charge carriers with complex impedance spectroscopy using a random barrier model and Havriliak-Negami formulation. It was observed that the high-conducting PVDF-HFP/PMMA-1D 6 wt % TiO2 nanofiber fillers with LiI-based redox electrolyte show better ac conductivity parameters such as a σ of 5.82 × 10-2 S cm-1, ωe (12685 rad s-1), τe (0.909 × 10-4 s), and n (0.578). Also, dielectric studies revealed that the high-conducting sample has a higher dielectric constant and subsequently high loss. The J-V characteristics were studied using the equivalent circuit of a single-diode model, and the parameters influencing the photovoltaic performance were determined by Symbiotic Organisms Search (SOS) algorithm. The results suggest that the high-efficient sample possesses a minimum series resistance of 1.33 Ω and a maximum shunt resistance of 997 Ω. Hence, the highest-conducting electrospun-blended polymeric nanocomposite (PVDF-HFP-PMMA-6 wt % TiO2 nanofiber fillers) with LiI-based redox agent and tert-butyl pyridine (TBP) additive as the polymer quasi-solid electrolyte nanofibrous membrane can be a better electrolyte for high-performance dye-sensitized solar cell applications.

Impact of aquatic microplastics and nanoplastics pollution on ecological systems and sustainable remediation strategies of biodegradation and photodegradation.

The extreme degree of microplastics contamination and its negative impact on ecosystems has become a serious and emerging global concern. Microplastics are mainly generated from products that are used primarily in our everyday lives and are also generated from the fragmentation of larger plastic wastes. It easily penetrates the food chain and, when ingested by aquatic animals or humans, can pose serious health problems. Recently, several technologies have been developed to control the unrestricted spread of microplastics and possibly eradicate them; however, still under investigation. In this review, we have illustrated the types of microplastics, their harmful effect on living things, and the progress to degrade them to protect the environment and life on earth. Several promising and eco-friendly technologies including microbial and enzymatic approaches are enticing to eliminate the microplastics. Also, the photodegradation of microplastics contaminations appeals as a more fascinating approach. The metal oxide-assisted photodegradation of microplastics has also been taken into account. This work presented an impact on the comprehensive research for the effective degradation of different microplastic compositions as well as emerging green approaches for a sustainable environment and a healthier life.

Performance of Solid-state Hybrid Energy-storage Device using Reduced Graphene-oxide Anchored Sol-gel Derived Ni/NiO Nanocomposite.

The influence of (nickel nitrate/citric acid) mole ratio on the formation of sol-gel end products was examined. The formed Ni/NiO nanoparticle was anchored on to reduced graphene-oxide (rGO) by means of probe sonication. It was found that the sample obtained from the (1:1) nickel ion: citric acid (Ni2+: CA) mole ratio resulted in a high specific capacity of 158 C/g among all (Ni2+: CA) ratios examined. By anchoring Ni/NiO on to the rGO resulted in enhanced specific capacity of as high as 335 C/g along with improved cycling stability, high rate capability and Coulombic efficiency. The high conductivity and increased surface area seemed responsible for enhanced electrochemical performances of the Ni/NiO@rGO nanocomposite. A solid-state hybrid energy-storage device consisting of the Ni/NiO@rGO (NR2) as a positive electrode and the rGO as negative electrode exhibited enhanced energy and power densities. Lighting of LED was demonstrated by using three proto-type (NR2(+)|| rGO(-)) hybrid devices connected in series.

An unusual foreign body in the vagina producing vesicovaginal fistula.

A case of vasicovaginal fistula occurring in an adolescent unmarried girl following insertion of a matalic glass deep inside the gagine is reported here along with a brief discussion and review of literature.