Double-layer phenomena in electrochemistry: Controversial views on some fundamental notions related to electrified interfaces

Some remarks to the derivation of the “generalized Lippmann equation”

In the present communication, an attempt is made to demonstrate (once again) some of the problems with the derivation of the “generalized Lippmann equation” considered to be valid by many researchers for solid electrodes and to address the problems in the framework of the Gibbs model of the interface by using only the basic principles of thermodynamics. By surveying the relevant literature, it has been shown that during the derivation of the equation, it was completely ignored that the Gibbs-Duhem equation (i.e., the electrocapillary equation) is a mathematical consequence which follows directly from the homogeneous degree one property of the corresponding thermodynamic potential function; consequently, the resulting expression cannot be correct. Some alternative approaches have also been considered. The adequacy of the open system and the partly closed system approach has been critically discussed, together with the possibility of introducing new thermodynamic potential functions.

Some Questionable Approaches in Interfacial Electrochemistry—The Charged State of Adsorbed Species and Their Involvement in Redox Processes

On the basis of a survey on the relevant literature it can be stated that some views and approaches concerning the charged state of adsorbed species and the charge transfer processes occurring with them are far from being unambiguous even in some respect they contradict fundamental physical and physicochemical principles. The meaning of the electrosorption valency, the misleading formulation of the Gibbs adsorption equation, and the interpretation of redox processes occurring with adsorbed species, is discussed in detail. It has been concluded that although the electrosorption valency of an adsorbed species as usually defined is an extra-thermodynamic and self-contradictory concept, experimental determined formal partial charge numbers can be a useful tool for scientists investigating adsorption phenomena, since the observed deviation between its value and the charge number of the same species in the solution phase unequivocally indicates a non-simple mechanism of the adsorption process, which should be taken into account in theoretical interpretation of the experimental data. It has been emphasized that the evaluation of voltammetric curves obtained in the presence of adsorbed redox partners requires a cautious analysis of the accompanying chemical transformations. In the framework of a critical analysis it is demonstrated that probably one of the most important sources of the misinterpretations and misunderstandings is the inadequate approach to the concept of electrode charge. The possibility of a general and straightforward presentation of the Gibbs adsorption equation has also been discussed.

Electrospun carbon nanofibers reinforced 3D porous carbon polyhedra network derived from metal-organic frameworks for capacitive deionization

Carbon nanofibers reinforced 3D porous carbon polyhedra network (e-CNF-PCP) was prepared through electrospinning and subsequent thermal treatment. The morphology, structure and electrochemical performance of the e-CNF-PCP were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectra, nitrogen adsorption-desorption, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and their electrosorption performance in NaCl solution was studied. The results show that the e-CNF-PCP exhibits a high electrosorption capacity of 16.98 mg g⁻¹ at 1.2 V in 500 mg l⁻¹ NaCl solution, which shows great improvement compared with those of electrospun carbon nanofibers and porous carbon polyhedra. The e-CNF-PCP should be a very promising candidate as electrode material for CDI applications.

Novel nitrogen doped graphene sponge with ultrahigh capacitive deionization performance

As water shortage has become a serious global problem, capacitive deionization (CDI) with high energy efficiency and low cost, is considered as a promising desalination technique to solve this problem. To date, CDI electrodes are mainly made up of porous carbon materials. However, the electrosorption performance obtained by now still cannot meet the demand of practical application. Therefore, a rationally designed structure of electrode materials has been an urgent need for CDI application. Here, a novel nitrogen-doped graphene sponge (NGS), with high specific surface area and rationally designed structure was fabricated, and used as CDI electrodes for the first time. The results show that NGS exhibits an ultrahigh electrosorption capacity of 21.0 mg g(-1) in ∼ 500 mg L(-1) NaCl solution, and to our knowledge, it is the highest value reported for carbon electrodes in similar experimental conditions by now. NGS in this work is expected to be a promising candidate as CDI electrode material.

Enhanced capacitive deionization performance of graphene by nitrogen doping

Nitrogen-doped graphene (NG) was fabricated via a simple thermal treatment of graphene oxide in an ammonia atmosphere. The morphology, structure and electrochemical performance of NG were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrosorption performance of NG in NaCl solution was studied and compared with pristine graphene (PG). The results show that due to its high specific surface area, increased specific capacitance and low charge transfer resistance, NG exhibits high electrosorption capacity of 4.81 mg g(-1) when the initial solution conductivity is 100 μS cm(-1), which are much higher than those of PG (3.85 mg g(-1)).

Metal–organic framework-derived porous carbon polyhedra for highly efficient capacitive deionization

Porous carbon polyhedra were synthesized through direct carbonization of metal–organic frameworks and used as an electrode material for capacitive deionization.

Modeling selected emulsions and double emulsions as memristive systems

The recent development in basic and applied science and engineering of finely dispersed systems is presented in general, but more attention has been paid to the liquid-liquid finely dispersed systems or to the particular emulsions and double emulsions. The selected systems for theoretical and experimental research were emulsions and double emulsions that appeared in the pilot plant for extraction of uranium from wet phosphoric acid. The objective of this research was to try to provide a new or different approach to elaborate the complex phenomena that occur at developed liquid-liquid interfaces. New concepts were introduced, the first is a concept of an entity, and the corresponding classification of finely dispersed systems and the second concept consider the introduction of an almost forgotten basic electrodynamics element memristor, and the corresponding memristive systems. Based on these concepts a theory of electroviscoelasticity was proposed and experimentally corroborated using the selected representative liquid-liquid system. Also, it is shown that the droplet, and/or droplet-film structure, that is, selected emulsion and/or double emulsion may be considered as the particular example of memristive systems.