Topic Review
Polymer Electrolytes
Lithium-based electrolytes are, at least from a thermodynamic standpoint, the most suitable ion-transport materials for energy storage systems. However, lithium-based ionic conductors suffer from safety concerns, and the limited availability of lithium in the Earth’s crust is at the root of the need to consider alternative metal ions. Notably, sodium stands out as the sixth most-prevalent element; therefore, when considering mineral reserves, it as a very attractive candidate as an alternative to the status quo. Even if the specific energy and energy density of sodium are indeed inferior with respect to those of lithium, there is substantial economic appeal in promoting the use of the former metal in stationary energy storage applications. 
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  • 12 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Silicon, Organic and Perovskite Solar Cells
The journey of photovoltaic (PV) cell technology is a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. From the early days of solar energy exploration to the sophisticated systems of today, the evolution of PV cells has been marked by groundbreaking advancements in materials and manufacturing processes. The initial phase of solar cell development was characterized by the use of crystalline silicon, a material that has maintained its prominence due to its proven efficiency and durability. The progression from the initial 15% efficiency in the 1950s to the current levels nearing 28% epitomizes the significant strides that have been made in enhancing solar cell performance. This evolution is a clear indicator of how material advancements have been instrumental in propelling the solar industry forward.
  • 191
  • 12 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Polysaccharide Sequence Determination
NMR analysis combined with statistical modeling offers a useful approach to investigate the microstructures of biobased polymers. In particular, this approach may be used to study the microstructures of polysaccharides. If the polysaccharides are composed of two or three monosaccharide units, and the NMR spectral features are sensitive to the different sequence placements of these units, then a detailed analysis of a polysaccharide (or its fractions) can be made by NMR with the help of statistical modeling.   
  • 83
  • 12 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Applications of Magnet Integrated Fabric Phase Sorptive Extraction
In 2014, Kabir and Furton invented fabric phase sorptive extraction (FPSE), which was considered as a new breakthrough in microextraction technologies at that time, while two years later, the same research group introduced an advantageous innovative configuration of FPSE that combines stirring and extraction mechanism into a single sample preparation device, keeping all benefits originally offered by FPSE. Magnet integrated fabric phase sorptive extraction (MI-FPSE) was eventually emerged as a new, advantageous implementation of FPSE.
  • 50
  • 12 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Applications of Hydrogels as Wound Dressings
Hydrogels are polymeric materials that possess a set of characteristics meeting various requirements of an ideal wound dressing, making them promising for wound care. These features include, among others, the ability to absorb and retain large amounts of water and the capacity to closely mimic native structures, such as the extracellular matrix, facilitating various cellular processes like proliferation and differentiation. The polymers used in hydrogel formulations exhibit a broad spectrum of properties, allowing them to be classified into two main categories: natural polymers like collagen and chitosan, and synthetic polymers such as polyurethane and polyethylene glycol. 
  • 80
  • 12 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Polyurea in Impact Penetration Resistance and Blast Mitigation
Polyurea has gained significant attention in recent years as a functional polymer material, specifically regarding blast and impact protection. The molecular structure of polyurea is characterized by the rapid reaction between isocyanate and the terminal amine component, and forms an elastomeric copolymer that enhances substrate protection against blast impact and fragmentation penetration. At the nanoscale, a phase-separated microstructure emerges, with dispersed hard segment microregions within a continuous matrix of soft segments. This unique microstructure contributes to the remarkable mechanical properties of polyurea. 
  • 173
  • 11 Mar 2024
Topic Review
COF-Based Photocatalysts for Enhanced Synthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide
Photocatalytic synthesis of H2O2 has emerged as a compelling alternative, offering the prospect of harnessing solar energy directly to drive chemical reactions, thereby circumventing the need for energy-intensive processes and deleterious chemicals.
  • 90
  • 11 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Covalent Organic Frameworks for Cathode Materials
Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are constructed from small organic molecules through reversible covalent bonds, and are therefore considered a special type of polymer. Small organic molecules are divided into nodes and connectors based on their roles in the COF’s structure. The connector generally forms reversible covalent bonds with the node through two reactive end groups. The adjustment of the length of the connector facilitates the adjustment of pore size. Due to the diversity of organic small molecules and reversible covalent bonds, COFs have formed a large family since their synthesis in 2005. Among them, a type of COF containing redox active groups such as –C=O–, –C=N–, and –N=N– has received widespread attention in the field of energy storage. The ordered crystal structure of COFs ensures the ordered arrangement and consistent size of pores, which is conducive to the formation of unobstructed ion channels, giving these COFs a high-rate performance and a long cycle life. The voltage and specific capacity jointly determine the energy density of cathode materials.
  • 60
  • 08 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Protonic Ceramic Electrolysis Cells Design for NH3 Synthesis
The application of protonic ceramic electrolysis cells (PCECs) for ammonia (NH3) synthesis has been evaluated over the past 14 years. While nitrogen (N2) is the conventional fuel on the cathode side, various fuels such as methane (CH4), hydrogen (H2), and steam (H2O) have been investigated for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) on the anode side. Because H2 is predominantly produced through CO2-emitting methane reforming, H2O has been the conventional carbon-free option thus far. Although the potential of utilizing H2O and N2 as fuels is considerable, studies exploring this specific combination remain limited. 
  • 103
  • 07 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Development Progress of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have the potential to tackle major challenges associated with fossil fuel-sourced energy consumption. Nafion, a perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membrane that has high proton conductivity and good chemical stability, is a standard proton exchange membrane (PEM) used in PEMFCs. However, PEM degradation is one of the significant issues in the long-term operation of PEMFCs. Membrane degradation can lead to a decrease in the performance and the lifespan of PEMFCs. The membrane can degrade through chemical, mechanical, and thermal pathways.
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  • 07 Mar 2024
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