Flexible Hybrid Supercapacitor Achieving 2.2 V with NiCo2S4/Polyaniline/MnO2 and N, S-Co-Doped Carbon Nanofibers for Ultra-High Energy Density.

Flexible all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors (FAASC) represent a highly promising power sources for wearable electronics. However, their energy density is relatively less as compared to the conventional batteries. Herein, a novel ultra-high energy density FAASC is developed using nickel-cobalt sulfide (NiCo2S4)/polyaniline (PANI)/manganese dioxide (MnO2) ternary composite on carbon fiber felt (CF) as positive and N, S-co-doped carbon nanofibers (CNF)/CF as negative electrode, respectively. Initially, porous δ-MnO2 nanoworm-like network is decorated on CF using potentiodynamic method. Subsequently, interconnected PANI nanostructures is grown on the MnO2 via a facile in situ chemical polymerization, followed by the electrodeposition of highly porous NiCo2S4 nanowalls. Benefiting from 3D porous structure of conductive CF and redox active properties of NiCo2S4, PANI and MnO2, FAASC achieved a superior energy storage capacity. Later, high-performance N, S-co-doped CNF/CF negative electrode is synthesized using electropolymerization of PANI nanofibers on CF, followed by the carbonization process. The assembled FAASC exhibits a wide voltage window of 2.2 V and remarkable specific capacitance of 143 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1. The cell further delivers a superb energy density of 71.6 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 492.7 W kg-1, supreme cycle life and remarkable electrochemical stability under mechanical bending.

Design and Advanced Manufacturing of NU-1000 Metal-Organic Frameworks with Future Perspectives for Environmental and Renewable Energy Applications.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) represent a relatively new family of materials that attract lots of attention thanks to their unique features such as hierarchical porosity, active metal centers, versatility of linkers/metal nodes, and large surface area. Among the extended list of MOFs, Zr-based-MOFs demonstrate comparably superior chemical and thermal stabilities, making them ideal candidates for energy and environmental applications. As a Zr-MOF, NU-1000 is first synthesized at Northwestern University. A comprehensive review of various approaches to the synthesis of NU-1000 MOFs for obtaining unique surface properties (e.g., diverse surface morphologies, large surface area, and particular pore size distribution) and their applications in the catalysis (electro-, and photo-catalysis), CO2 reduction, batteries, hydrogen storage, gas storage/separation, and other environmental fields are presented. The review further outlines the current challenges in the development of NU-1000 MOFs and their derivatives in practical applications, revealing areas for future investigation.

Graphene-Based Metal-Organic Framework Hybrids for Applications in Catalysis, Environmental, and Energy Technologies.

Current energy and environmental challenges demand the development and design of multifunctional porous materials with tunable properties for catalysis, water purification, and energy conversion and storage. Because of their amenability to de novo reticular chemistry, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have become key materials in this area. However, their usefulness is often limited by low chemical stability, conductivity and inappropriate pore sizes. Conductive two-dimensional (2D) materials with robust structural skeletons and/or functionalized surfaces can form stabilizing interactions with MOF components, enabling the fabrication of MOF nanocomposites with tunable pore characteristics. Graphene and its functional derivatives are the largest class of 2D materials and possess remarkable compositional versatility, structural diversity, and controllable surface chemistry. Here, we critically review current knowledge concerning the growth, structure, and properties of graphene derivatives, MOFs, and their graphene@MOF composites as well as the associated structure-property-performance relationships. Synthetic strategies for preparing graphene@MOF composites and tuning their properties are also comprehensively reviewed together with their applications in gas storage/separation, water purification, catalysis (organo-, electro-, and photocatalysis), and electrochemical energy storage and conversion. Current challenges in the development of graphene@MOF hybrids and their practical applications are addressed, revealing areas for future investigation. We hope that this review will inspire further exploration of new graphene@MOF hybrids for energy, electronic, biomedical, and photocatalysis applications as well as studies on previously unreported properties of known hybrids to reveal potential "diamonds in the rough".

Water-Stable Fluorous Metal-Organic Frameworks with Open Metal Sites and Amine Groups for Efficient Urea Electrocatalytic Oxidation.

Urea oxidation reaction (UOR) is one of the promising alternative anodic reactions to water oxidation that has attracted extensive attention in green hydrogen production. The application of specifically designed electrocatalysts capable of declining energy consumption and environmental consequences is one of the major challenges in this field. Therefore, the goal is to achieve a resistant, low-cost, and environmentally friendly electrocatalyst. Herein, a water-stable fluorinated Cu(II) metalorganic framework (MOF) {[Cu2 (L)(H2 O)2 ]·(5DMF)(4H2 O)}n (Cu-FMOF-NH2 ; H4 L = 3,5-bis(2,4-dicarboxylic acid)-4-(trifluoromethyl)aniline) is developed utilizing an angular tetracarboxylic acid ligand that incorporates both trifluoromethyl (-CF3 ) and amine (-NH2 ) groups. The tailored structure of Cu-FMOF-NH2 where linkers are connected by fluoride bridges and surrounded by dicopper nodes reveals a 4,24T1 topology. When employed as electrocatalyst, Cu-FMOF-NH2 requires only 1.31 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) to deliver 10 mA cm-2 current density in 1.0 m KOH with 0.33 m urea electrolyte and delivered an even higher current density (50 mA cm-2 ) at 1.47 V versus RHE. This performance is superior to several reported catalysts including commercial RuO2 catalyst with overpotential of 1.52 V versus RHE. This investigation opens new opportunities to develop and utilize pristine MOFs as a potential electrocatalyst for various catalytic reactions.

Reconfiguring the Electronic Structure of Heteroatom Doped Carbon Supported Bimetallic Oxide@Metal Sulfide Core-Shell Heterostructure via In Situ Nb Incorporation toward Extrinsic Pseudocapacitor.

High-energy-density battery-type materials have sparked considerable interest as supercapacitors electrode; however, their sluggish charge kinetics limits utilization of redox-active sites, resulting in poor electrochemical performance. Here, the unique core-shell architecture of metal organic framework derived N-S codoped carbon@Cox Sy micropetals decorated with Nb-incorporated cobalt molybdate nanosheets (Nb-CMO4 @Cx Sy NC) is demonstrated. Coordination bonding across interfaces and π-π stacking interactions between CMO4 @Cx Sy and N and, S-C can prevent volume expansion during cycling. Density functional theory analysis reveals that the excellent interlayer and the interparticle conductivity imparted by Nb doping in heteroatoms synergistically alter the electronic states and offer more accessible species, leading to increased electrical conductivity with lower band gaps. Consequently, the optimized electrode has a high specific capacity of 276.3 mAh g-1 at 1 A g-1 and retains 98.7% of its capacity after 10 000 charge-discharge cycles. A flexible quasi-solid-state SC with a layer-by-layer deposited reduced graphene oxide /Ti3 C2 TX anode achieves a specific energy of 75.5 Wh kg-1 (volumetric energy of 1.58 mWh cm-3 ) at a specific power of 1.875 kWh kg-1 with 96.2% capacity retention over 10 000 charge-discharge cycles.

Electronic Structure Engineered Heteroatom Doped All Transition Metal Sulfide Carbon Confined Heterostructure for Extrinsic Pseudocapacitor.

Ultra-high energy density battery-type materials are promising candidates for supercapacitors (SCs); however, slow ion kinetics and significant volume expansion remain major barriers to their practical applications. To address these issues, hierarchical lattice distorted α-/γ-MnS@Cox Sy core-shell heterostructure constrained in the sulphur (S), nitrogen (N) co-doped carbon (C) metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) derived nanosheets (α-/γ-MnS@Cox Sy @N, SC) have been developed. The coordination bonding among Cox Sy , and α-/γ-MnS nanoparticles at the interfaces and the π-π stacking interactions developed across α-/γ-MnS@Cox Sy and N, SC restrict volume expansion during cycling. Furthermore, the porous lattice distorted heteroatom-enriched nanosheets contain a sufficient number of active sites to allow for efficient electron transportation. Density functional theory (DFT) confirms the significant change in electronic states caused by heteroatom doping and the formation of core-shell structures, which provide more accessible species with excellent interlayer and interparticle conductivity, resulting in increased electrical conductivity. . The α-/γ-MnS@Cox Sy @N, SC electrode exhibits an excellent specific capacity of 277 mA hg-1 and cycling stability over 23 600 cycles. A quasi-solid-state flexible extrinsic pseudocapacitor (QFEPs) assembled using layer-by-layer deposited multi-walled carbon nanotube/Ti3 C2 TX nanocomposite negative electrode. QFEPs deliver specific energy of 64.8 Wh kg-1 (1.62 mWh cm-3 ) at a power of 933 W kg-1 and 92% capacitance retention over 5000 cycles.

Hierarchical porous metal-organic gels and derived materials: from fundamentals to potential applications.

Metal-organic gels (MOGs) emerged as a novel class of functional soft materials in which the scaffolding framework is fabricated by metal-ligand coordination in combination with other supramolecular interactions (for example, hydrogen bonding or π-π stacking). Through the combination of organic and inorganic (metal/metal-oxo clusters) building blocks, significant steps forward have been made in the development of new electrochemical sensors, superhydrophobic materials and ion storage devices, among others. These leaps forward are to some extend induced by the intrinsic hierarchical microporous/mesoporous pore structure of these metal-organic materials. Within this review we give an overview of recent developments of this growing field. First, we shed light onto the parallels to the well-established field of conventional gels and outline similarities and differences. Afterwards, we classify different types of MOGs according to their architectural/structural nature: (1) pristine MOGs, (2) hybrid MOGs, (3) crosslinking-based MOGs and (4) MOG-derived materials. Furthermore, we look at the different properties of MOGs and the requirements for the preparation of spatially patterned macro-structured MOGs by emerging additive manufacturing technologies. Moreover, different potential fields of application for MOGs and MOG derived materials are critically evaluated and potential improvements and pitfalls in comparison to traditional gel-based materials are given. Finally, a comprehensive outlook into future directions for the development of MOGs is provided.

Emergence of Ni-Based Chalcogenides (S and Se) for Clean Energy Conversion and Storage.

Nickel chalcogenide (S and Se) based nanostructures intrigued scientists for some time as materials for energy conversion and storage systems. Interest in these materials is due to their good electrochemical stability, eco-friendly nature, and low cost. The present review compiles recent progress in the area of nickel-(S and Se)-based materials by providing a comprehensive summary of their structural and chemical features and performance. Improving properties of the materials, such as electrical conductivity and surface characteristics (surface area and morphology), through strategies like nano-structuring and hybridization, are systematically discussed. The interaction of the materials with electrolytes, other electro-active materials, and inactive components are analyzed to understand their effects on the performance of energy conversion and storage devices. Finally, outstanding challenges and possible solutions are briefly presented with some perspectives toward the future development of these materials for energy-oriented devices with high performance.

Organic field-effect transistor-based flexible sensors.

Flexible electronic devices have attracted a great deal of attention in recent years due to their flexibility, reduced complexity and lightweight. Such devices can conformably attach themselves to any bendable surface and can possess diverse transduction mechanisms. Consequently, with continued emphasis on innovation and development, major technological breakthroughs have been achieved in this area. This review focuses on the advancements of using organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) in flexible electronic applications in the past 10 years. In addition, to the above mentioned features, OFETs have multiple advantages such as low-cost, readout integration, large-area coverage, and power efficiency, which yield synergy. To begin with, we have introduced organic semiconductors (OSCs), followed by their applications in various device configurations and their mechanisms. Later, the use of OFETs in flexible sensor applications is detailed with multiple examples. Special attention is paid to discussing the effects induced on physical parameters of OFETs with respect to variations in external stimuli. The final section provides an outlook on the mechanical aspects of OSCs, activation and revival processes of sensory layers, small area analysis, and pattern recognition techniques for electronic devices.

Impact of Annealing Temperature on the Morphological, Optical and Photoelectrochemical Properties of Cauliflower-like CdSe0.6Te0.4 Photoelectrodes; Enhanced Solar Cell Performance.

We are reporting on the impact of air annealing temperatures on the physicochemical properties of electrochemically synthesized cadmium selenium telluride (CdSe0.6Te0.4) samples for their application in a photoelectrochemical (PEC) solar cell. The CdSe0.6Te0.4 samples were characterized with several sophisticated techniques to understand their characteristic properties. The XRD results presented the pure phase formation of the ternary CdSe0.6Te0.4 nanocompound with a hexagonal crystal structure, indicating that the annealing temperature influences the XRD peak intensity. The XPS study confirmed the existence of Cd, Se, and Te elements, indicating the formation of ternary CdSe0.6Te0.4 compounds. The FE-SEM results showed that the morphological engineering of the CdSe0.6Te0.4 samples can be achieved simply by changing the annealing temperatures from 300 to 400 °C with intervals of 50 °C. The efficiencies (ƞ) of the CdSe0.6Te0.4 photoelectrodes were found to be 2.0% for the non-annealed and 3.1, 3.6, and 2.5% for the annealed at 300, 350, and 400 °C, respectively. Most interestingly, the PEC cell analysis indicated that the annealing temperatures played an important role in boosting the performance of the photoelectrochemical properties of the solar cells.

Metal Halide Perovskite@Metal-Organic Framework Hybrids: Synthesis, Design, Properties, and Applications.

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have excellent optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications because of their cost-effectiveness, tunable emission, high photoluminescence quantum yields, and excellent charge carrier properties. However, the potential applications of the entire MHP family are facing a major challenge arising from its weak resistance to moisture, polar solvents, temperature, and light exposure. A viable strategy to enhance the stability of MHPs could lie in their incorporation into a porous template. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have outstanding properties, with a unique network of ordered/functional pores, which render them promising for functioning as such a template, accommodating a wide range of MHPs to the nanosized region, alongside minimizing particle aggregation and enhancing the stability of the entrapped species. This review highlights recent advances in design strategies, synthesis, characterization, and properties of various hybrids of MOFs with MHPs. Particular attention is paid to a critical review of the emergence of MHP@MOF for comprehensive studies of next-generation materials for various technological applications including sensors, photocatalysis, encryption/decryption, light-emitting diodes, and solar cells. Finally, by summarizing the state-of-the-art, some promising future applications of reported hybrids are proposed. Considering the inherent correlation and synergic functionalities of MHPs and MOFs, further advancement; new functional materials; and applications can be achieved through designing MHP@MOF hybrids.

True Meaning of Pseudocapacitors and Their Performance Metrics: Asymmetric versus Hybrid Supercapacitors.

The development of pseudocapacitive materials for energy-oriented applications has stimulated considerable interest in recent years due to their high energy-storing capacity with high power outputs. Nevertheless, the utilization of nanosized active materials in batteries leads to fast redox kinetics due to the improved surface area and short diffusion pathways, which shifts their electrochemical signatures from battery-like to the pseudocapacitive-like behavior. As a result, it becomes challenging to distinguish "pseudocapacitive" and "battery" materials. Such misconceptions have further impacted on the final device configurations. This Review is an earnest effort to clarify the confusion between the battery and pseudocapacitive materials by providing their true meanings and correct performance metrics. A method to distinguish battery-type and pseudocapacitive materials using the electrochemical signatures and quantitative kinetics analysis is outlined. Taking solid-state supercapacitors (SSCs, only polymer gel electrolytes) as an example, the distinction between asymmetric and hybrid supercapacitors is discussed. The state-of-the-art progress in the engineering of active materials is summarized, which will guide for the development of real-pseudocapacitive energy storage systems.

Self-Assembled Nickel Pyrophosphate-Decorated Amorphous Bimetal Hydroxides 2D-on-2D Nanostructure for High-Energy Solid-State Asymmetric Supercapacitor.

To obtain a supercapacitor with a remarkable specific capacitance and rate performance, a cogent design and synthesis of the electrode material containing abundant active sites is necessary. In present work, a scalable strategy is developed for preparing 2D-on-2D nanostructures for high-energy solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs). The self-assembled vertically aligned microsheet-structured 2D nickel pyrophosphate (Ni2 P2 O7 ) is decorated with amorphous bimetallic nickel cobalt hydroxide (NiCo-OH) to form a 2D-on-2D nanostructure arrays electrode. The resulting Ni2 P2 O7 /NiCo-OH 2D-on-2D array electrode exhibits peak specific capacity of 281 mA hg-1 (4.3 F cm-2 ), excellent rate capacity, and cycling stability over 10 000 charge-discharge cycles in the positive potential range. The excellent electrochemical features can be attributed to the high electrical conductivity and 2D layered structure of Ni2 P2 O7 along with the Faradic capacitance of the amorphous NiCo-OH nanosheets. The constructed Ni2 P2 O7 /NiCo-OH//activated carbon based solid-state ASC cell operates in a high voltage window of 1.8 V with an energy density of 78 Wh kg-1 (1.065 mWh cm-3 ) and extraordinary cyclic stability over 10 000 charge-discharge cycles with excellent energy efficiency (75%-80%) over all current densities. The excellent electrochemical performance of the prepared electrode and solid-state ASC device offers a favorable and scalable pathway for developing advanced electrodes.

Tungsten Nitride Nanodots Embedded Phosphorous Modified Carbon Fabric as Flexible and Robust Electrode for Asymmetric Pseudocapacitor.

Owing to the excellent physical properties of metal nitrides such as metallic conductivity and pseudocapacitance, they have recently attracted much attention as competitive materials for high-performance supercapacitors (SCs). However, the voltage window for metal nitride-based symmetric SCs is limited (0.6-0.8 V) in aqueous electrolyte due to the oxidation at high negative potentials. In this respect, ultra-small tungsten nitride particles onto the phosphorous modified carbon fabric (W2 N@P-CF) are engineered as a promising hybrid electrode for pseudocapacitors. Additionally, the fact that the W2 N@P-CF electrode can operate in the negative potential region is exploited to design asymmetric pseudocapacitors by coupling with a polypyrrole on carbon fabric (PPy@CF) as the positive electrode. Remarkably, the W2 N@P-CF//PPy@CF asymmetric cell can be cycled in a wide voltage window of 1.6 V that is almost two times higher than that of metal nitrides symmetric SCs. The pseudocapacitive behavior with matching different potential regions of W2 N@P-CF and PPy@CF, considerably enhance performance of asymmetric device. The device delivers high volumetric capacity (7.1 F cm-3 ), high energy (2.54 mWh cm-3 ), power densities, and good cycling stability (88%) over 20 000 cycles. Thus, pseudocapacitive metal nitride-based devices hold a great promise to provide high voltage and improved energy density in aqueous electrolyte.

Towards flexible solid-state supercapacitors for smart and wearable electronics.

Flexible solid-state supercapacitors (FSSCs) are frontrunners in energy storage device technology and have attracted extensive attention owing to recent significant breakthroughs in modern wearable electronics. In this study, we review the state-of-the-art advancements in FSSCs to provide new insights on mechanisms, emerging electrode materials, flexible gel electrolytes and novel cell designs. The review begins with a brief introduction on the fundamental understanding of charge storage mechanisms based on the structural properties of electrode materials. The next sections briefly summarise the latest progress in flexible electrodes (i.e., freestanding and substrate-supported, including textile, paper, metal foil/wire and polymer-based substrates) and flexible gel electrolytes (i.e., aqueous, organic, ionic liquids and redox-active gels). Subsequently, a comprehensive summary of FSSC cell designs introduces some emerging electrode materials, including MXenes, metal nitrides, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), polyoxometalates (POMs) and black phosphorus. Some potential practical applications, such as the development of piezoelectric, photo-, shape-memory, self-healing, electrochromic and integrated sensor-supercapacitors are also discussed. The final section highlights current challenges and future perspectives on research in this thriving field.

Hybrid Graphene-Polyoxometalates Nanofluids as Liquid Electrodes for Dual Energy Storage in Novel Flow Cells.

Solid Hybrid materials abound. But flowing versions of them are new actors in the materials science landscape and in particular for energy applications. This paper presents a new way to deliver nanostructured hybrid materials for energy storage, namely, in the form of nanofluids. We present here the first example of a hybrid electroactive nanofluid (HENFs) combining capacitive and faradaic energy storage mechanisms in a single fluid material. This liquid electrode is composed of reduced graphene oxide and polyoxometalates (rGO-POMs) forming a stable nanocomposite for electrochemical energy storage in novel Nanofluid Flow Cells. Two graphene based hybrid materials (rGO-phosphomolybdate, rGO-PMo12 and rGO-phosphotungstate, rGO-PW12 ) were synthesized and dispersed with the aid of a surfactant in 1 M H2 SO4 aqueous electrolyte to yield highly stable hybrid electroactive nanofluids (HENFs) of low viscosity which were tested in a home-made flow cell under static and continuous flowing conditions. Remarkably, even low concentration rGO-POMs HENFs (0.025 wt%) exhibited high specific capacitances of 273 F/g(rGO-PW12 ) and 305 F/g(rGO-PMo12 ) with high specific energy and specific power. Moreover, rGO-POM HENFs show excellent cycling stability (∼95 %) as well as Coulombic efficiency (∼77-79 %) after 2000 cycles. Thus, rGO-POM HENFs effectively behave as real liquid electrodes with excellent properties, demonstrating the possible future application of HENFs for dual energy storage in a new generation of Nanofluid Flow Cells.

The Macromolecular Design of Poly(styrene-isoprene-styrene) (SIS) Copolymers Defines their Performance in Flexible Electrothermal Composite Heaters.

Electric cars are desirable for their environmental and economic benefits yet face limitations in range in cold weather due to the increased energy demands for cabin heating. To provide efficient heating for vehicles, flexible composite electrothermal heaters offer a viable solution owing to their lightweight design, efficiency, and adaptability for use within and beyond vehicle interiors. The current study aims to improve electrothermal heater stability and performance by understanding the impact of the polymer structure on composite properties. We explore how the presence and molecular structure of olefinic bonds within the polyisoprene block of styrenic triblock copolymers affect thermal stability and performance. Composite electrothermal heaters were fabricated by dispersing carbon black (CB) as the heating material in three triblock copolymer matrices, poly(styrene-1,4-isoprene-styrene) (1,4-SIS), poly(styrene-3,4-isoprene-styrene) (3,4-SIS), and its hydrogenated version poly(styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene) (SEPS). The chemical structure and thermal properties of each copolymer were linked to electrothermal performance measurements of composite heaters to establish structure-function relationships. Notably, 3,4-SIS with 28 wt % CB demonstrated the highest thermal and electrical conductivity, resulting in uniform heat distribution. The outcomes unambiguously demonstrate that the olefinic structure of SIS copolymers enhances the electric and thermal conductivity, leading to enhanced electrothermal performance of prototype heaters compared to that of the hydrogenated copolymer.

Extrinsic Pseudocapacitive NiSe/rGO/g-C3N4 Nanocomposite for High-Performance Hybrid Supercapacitors.

Battery-type materials with ultrahigh energy density show great potential for hybrid supercapacitors (HSCs). In this work, we have developed a nickel selenide (NiSe)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) ternary composite as a promising positive electrode for hybrid supercapacitors (HSCs). The extended π-conjugated planar layers of g-C3N4 promote strong interconnectivity with rGO, which further enhances surface area, surface free energy, and efficient electron/ionic path. Additionally, it establishes clear ion diffusion pathways, serving as ion reservoirs during charge and discharge and facilitating efficient redox reactions. As a result, the NiSe/g-C3N4/rGO nanocomposite electrode displayed a specific capacity of 412.6 mA h g-1 at 1 A g-1. Later, the HSC device was assembled using the nanocomposite as the positive electrode and activated carbon as the negative electrode, which delivered an energy density of 65.2 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 750 W kg-1. Notably, the HSC device maintained excellent cyclic stability, preserving 93.3% of its initial performance and Coulombic efficiency of 86.6% for 10,000 charge-discharge cycles at 5 A g-1. These findings underscore the potential utility of NiSe/g-C3N4/rGO as a versatile and effective electrode material for the strategic development of HSC devices.

Understanding the Solid-Electrolyte-Interface (SEI) Formation in Glyme Electrolyte Using Time-Of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS).

Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used for energy storage due to their long lifespan and high energy density, but the use of unsafe electrolytes poses significant health and safety concerns. An alternative source is necessary to maintain electrochemical efficacy. This research demonstrates new safe glyme-based electrolytes for silica/carbon (SiOx/C) nanocomposite derived from Australian rice husk (RH). The quality of SiOx/C was preserved by using deep eutectic solvent-based pre-treatment and single-step carbonization, which was confirmed through the X-ray analysis of the crystalline phase of silica. The electrochemical assessment of SiOx/C anode using various glyme-based electrolytes for LIBs was carried out. Among them, the resultant half cells based on diglyme electrolyte is superior to others with the first discharge capacity at 1274 mAh/g and a reversible discharge capacity of 759.7 mAh/g. Ex-situ SEM and Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF- SIMS) analysis of the electrode indicated that diglyme not only improves the capacity but also sustains the electrode architecture for longer cycle life with more LiF-based components and also showed the absence of HF components. Importantly, the addition of fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) additive enhanced the cycling stability. These results provide a new perspective on developing advanced SiOx/C anode using glyme electrolytes for Li-ion batteries.

Ag/AgCl@MIL-88A(Fe) heterojunction ternary composites: towards the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants.

The efficient utilization of solar energy has received tremendous interest due to the increasing environmental and energy concerns. The present paper discusses the efficient integration of a plasmonic photocatalyst (Ag/AgCl) with an iron-based metal-organic framework (MIL-88A(Fe)) for boosting the visible light photoreactivity of MIL-88A(Fe). Two composites of Ag/AgCl@MIL-88A(Fe), namely MAG-1 and MAG-2 (stoichiometric ratio of Fe to Ag is 5 : 1 and 2 : 1), were successfully synthesized via facile in situ hydrothermal methods followed by UV reduction. The synthesized composite materials are characterized by FTIR, PXRD, UVDRS, PL, FESEM/EDX, TEM and BET analyses. The Ag/AgCl@MIL-88A(Fe) (MAG-2) hybrid system shows excellent photocatalytic activity for the degradation of p-nitrophenol (PNP), rhodamine B (RhB), and methylene blue (MB) under sunlight. We found that 91% degradation of PNP in 80 min, 99% degradation of RhB in 70 min and 94% degradation of MB in 70 min have taken place by using MAG-2 as a catalyst under sunlight. The superior activity of Ag/AgCl@MIL-88A(Fe) (MAG-2) is attributed to the synergistic effects from the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of Ag NPs and the electron transfer from MIL-88A(Fe) to Ag nanoparticles for effective separation of electron-hole pairs. Furthermore, the mechanism of degradation of PNP, RhB and MB is proposed by analyzing the electron transfer pathway in Ag/AgCl@MIL-88A(Fe).