Enhanced Li-Ion Diffusion and Cycling Stability of Ni-Free High-Entropy Spinel Oxide Anodes with High-Concentration Oxygen Vacancies

High-entropy oxide (HEO) is an emerging type of anode material for lithium-ion batteries with excellent properties, where high-concentration oxygen vacancies can effectively enhance the diffusion coefficient of lithium ions. In this study, Ni-free spinel-type HEOs ((FeCoCrMnZn)₃O₄ and (FeCoCrMnMg)₃O₄) were prepared via ball milling, and the effects of zinc and magnesium on the concentration of oxygen vacancy (O_V), lithium-ion diffusion coefficient (D_Li⁺), and electrochemical performance of HEOs were investigated. Ab initio calculations show that the addition of zinc narrows down the band gap and thus improves the electrical conductivity. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results show that (FeCoCrMnZn)₃O₄ (42.7%) and (FeCoCrMnMg)₃O₄ (42.5%) have high O_V concentration. During charge/discharge, the O_V concentration of (FeCoCrMnZn)₃O₄ is higher than that of (FeCoCrMnMg)₃O₄. The galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) results show that the D_Li⁺ value of (FeCoCrMnZn)₃O₄ is higher than that of (FeCoCrMnMg)₃O₄ during charge and discharge. All of that can improve its specific discharge capacity and enhance its cycle stability. (FeCoCrMnZn)₃O₄ achieved a discharge capacity of 828.6 mAh g^-1 at 2.0 A g^-1 after 2000 cycles. This work provides a deep understanding of the structure and performance of HEO.

Siloxane-modified MnOx catalyst for oxidation of coal-related o-xylene in presence of water vapor

In coal-combustion energy production, presence of water vapor in flue gas causes catalyst deactivation and leads to the release of large quantities of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In this study, design of a low-temperature, hydrophobic catalyst for flue gas purification was achieved by modifying support material with inorganic siloxane. Introduction of 5% water vapor into simulated flue gas at 300 °C reduced oxidation efficiency for o-xylene removal by 26% with unmodified MnO_x/γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst, whereas with modified catalyst MnO_x-Si_0.9/γ-Al₂O₃ oxidation efficiency was reduced by only 5%. MnOx-Si_0.9/γ-Al₂O₃ exhibited stable catalytic efficiency for o-xylene gas oxidation containing water vapor for over 200 min. Water-resistance of the catalyst was effective for removal of multi-coal combustion pollutants (Hg⁰ and NO) and moreover, hydrophobicity of the catalyst led to a reduction in surface sulfate deposition, thereby lowering toxicity of SO₂ from simulated flue gas. DRIFTS analysis showed that the hydrophobic catalyst surface not only reduces water adsorption, but also promotes water volatilization. Based on molecular adsorption energies, catalyst support modification with siloxane inhibits water adsorption and promotes organic adsorption and thus provides a new strategy for preparing water-resistant catalysts for flue gas purification.

Manganese oxide nanorod catalysts for low-temperature selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3

MnO_x nanorod catalysts were successfully synthesized by two different preparation methods using porous SiO₂ nanorods as the template and investigated for the low-temperature selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO with NH₃. The catalysts were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and NH₃ temperature-programmed desorption. The results show that the obtained MnO_x-P nanorod catalyst prepared by redox precipitation method exhibits higher NO removal activity than that prepared by the solvent evaporation method in the low temperature range of 100–180 °C, where about 98% NO conversion is achieved over MnO_x(0.36)-P nanorods. The reason is mainly attributed to MnO_x(0.36)-P nanorods possessing unique flower-like morphology and mesoporous structures with high pore volume, which facilitates the exposure of more active sites of MnO_x and the adsorption of reactant gas molecules. Furthermore, there is a lower crystallinity of MnO_x, higher percentage of Mn⁴⁺ species and a large amount of strong acid sites on the surface. These factors contribute to the excellent low-temperature SCR activity of MnO_x(0.36)-P nanorods.

Compared with MnO_x(0.36)-E nanorods, MnO_x(0.36)-P nanorods possess unique flower-like morphology and mesoporous structures with high pore volume, contributing to the excellent low-temperature SCR activity of MnO_x(0.36)-P nanorods.

Ternary Nanohybrid of Ni3S2/CoMoS4/MnO2 on Nickel Foam for Aqueous and Solid-State High-Performance Supercapacitors

To overcome the issues related to supercapacitor (SC) electrodes, such as high cost, low specific capacitance (C_s), low energy density (ED), requirements for expensive binder, etc., binderless electrodes are highly desirable. Here, a new ternary nanohybrid is presented as a binder-free SC electrode based on Ni₃S₂, CoMoS₄, and MnO₂. A facile two-step hydrothermal route, followed by a short thermal annealing process, is developed to grow amorphous polyhedral structured CoMoS₄ and further wrap MnO₂ nanowires on Ni foam. This rationally designed binder-free electrode exhibited the highest C_s of 2021 F g⁻¹ (specific capacity of 883.8 C g⁻¹ or 245.5 mAh g⁻¹) at a current density of 1 A g⁻¹ in 1 M KOH electrolyte with a highly porous surface morphology. This electrode material exhibited excellent cycling stability (90% capacitance retention after 4000 cycles) due to the synergistic contribution of individual components and advanced surface properties. Furthermore, an aqueous binder-free asymmetric SC based on this ternary composite exhibited an ED of 20.7 Wh kg⁻¹, whereas a solid-state asymmetric SC achieved an ED of 13.8 Wh kg⁻¹. This nanohybrid can be considered a promising binder-free electrode for both aqueous and solid-state asymmetric SCs with these remarkable electrochemical properties.

A screen printed methodology optimized by molecular dynamics simulation and Lean Six Sigma for the determination of xylometazoline in the presence of benzalkonium chloride in nasal drops

A new chemically disposable screen-printed modified electrode with yttrium doped manganese oxide (Mn2O3/Y2O3) nanocomposite at screen printed electrode was mainly constructed to quantify xylometazoline hydrochloride (XMZ). The crystallographic parameters were estimated from the XRD spectrum, suggesting that Mn₂O₃ of cubic phase with average grain size ∼ 77 nm. The SEM images revealed that Y³⁺ dopants had improved the surface topology. The findings indicate that morphological features play a vital role in improving the electronic properties of the fabricated electrode. Augmentation of Six Sigma (SS) with molecular dynamics simulation (MD) as a theoretical study was widely adopted to improve the current process as a quality management methodology by measuring the process capability to determine if the process meets the desired specification limits. Process capability is determined through measuring the variability in the process output and comparing these variations with the desired specifications. Also, it assures a robust method specification at a high level of targeted performance and statistical confidence. A greenness assessment procedure utilizing the eco-scale algorism was conducted to prove the greenness of the proposed methodology. Additionally, the proposed sensor presented a high sensitivity over the concentration range (1x10^-6-1x10^-2 mol L^-1) of a detection limit 3.93 × 10^-7 mol L^-1 with the Nernstian cationic slope of 58.18 ± 0.76 mV decade^-1 at 25 ± 1 °C.

Biomimetic Light-Driven Aerogel Passive Pump for Volatile Organic Pollutant Removal

Inspired by the solar-light-driven oxygen transportation in aquatic plants, a biomimetic sustainable light-driven aerogel pump with a surface layer containing black manganese oxide (MnO₂ ) as an optical absorber is developed. The flow intensity of the pumped air is controlled by the pore structure of nanofilbrillated cellulose, urea-modified chitosan, or polymethylsilsesquioxane (PMSQ) aerogels. The MnO₂ -induced photothermal conversion drives both the passive gas flow and the catalytic degradation of volatile organic pollutants. All investigated aerogels demonstrate superior pumping compared to benchmarked Knudsen pump systems, but the inorganic PMSQ aerogels provide the highest flexibility in terms of the input power and photothermal degradation activity. Aerogel light-driven multifunctional gas pumps offer a broad future application potential for gas-sensing devices, air-quality mapping, and air quality control systems.

Reverse Micelle Strategy for the Synthesis of MnO x -TiO2 Active Catalysts for NH3-Selective Catalytic Reduction of NO x at Both Low Temperature and Low Mn Content

MnO _x -TiO₂ catalysts (0, 1, 5, and 10 wt % Mn nominal content) for NH₃-SCR (selective catalytic reduction) of NO _x have been synthesized by the reverse micelle-assisted sol-gel procedure, with the aim of improving the dispersion of the active phase, usually poor when obtained by other synthesis methods (e.g., impregnation) and thereby lowering its amount. For comparison, a sample at nominal 10 wt % Mn was obtained by impregnation of the (undoped) TiO₂ sample. The catalysts were characterized by using an integrated multitechnique approach, encompassing X-ray diffraction followed by Rietveld refinement, micro-Raman spectroscopy, N₂ isotherm measurement at -196 °C, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, diffuse reflectance UV-vis spectroscopy, temperature-programmed reduction technique, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The obtained results prove that the reverse micelle sol-gel approach allowed for enhancing the catalytic activity, in that the catalysts were active in a broad temperature range at a substantially low Mn loading, as compared to the impregnated catalyst. Particularly, the 5 wt % Mn catalyst showed the best NH₃-SCR activity in terms of both NO _x conversion (ca. 90%) and the amount of produced N₂O (ca. 50 ppm) in the 200-250 °C temperature range.

Graphitic Carbon Nitride Doped Copper-Manganese Alloy as High-Performance Electrode Material in Supercapacitor for Energy Storage

Here, we report the synthesis of copper-manganese alloy (CuMnO₂) using graphitic carbon nitride (gCN) as a novel support material. The successful formation of CuMnO₂-gCN was confirmed through spectroscopic, optical, and other characterization techniques. We have applied this catalyst as the energy storage material in the alkaline media and it has shown good catalytic behavior in supercapacitor applications. The CuMnO₂-gCN demonstrates outstanding electrocapacitive performance, having high capacitance (817.85 A·g^-1) and well-cycling stability (1000 cycles) when used as a working electrode material for supercapacitor applications. For comparison, we have also used the gCN and Cu₂O-gCN for supercapacitor applications. This study proposes a simple path for the extensive construction of self-attaining double metal alloy with control size and uniformity in high-performance energy-storing materials.

Carbon nanotubes-based PdM bimetallic catalysts through N4-system for efficient ethanol oxidation and hydrogen evolution reaction

Transitional metal-nitrogen-carbon system is a promising candidate to replace the Pt-based electrocatalyst due to its superior activity, durability and cost effectiveness. In this study, we have designed a simple strategy to fabricate carbon nanotubes-supported binary-nitrogen-carbon catalyst via wet-chemical method. Palladium and transitional metals (M, i.e. manganese cobalt and copper) nanoparticles are anchored through four-nitrogen system onto carbon nanotubes (denoted as PdM-N4/CNTs). This material has been used as bifunctional electrocatalyst for electrochemical ethanol oxidation reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction for the first time. The N4-linked nanoparticles onto carbon nanotubes plays a crucial role in intrinsic catalytic activity for both reactions in 1 M KOH electrolyte. Among three PdM-N4/CNTs catalysts, the PdMn-N4/CNTs catalyst exhibits higher catalytic activity in terms of current density, mass activity and stability compared to the benchmark Pt/C. The robust electrocatalysis are inherited from the better attachment of PdMn through N4-system onto carbon nanotubes, comparatively smaller particles formation with better dispersion and higher electrical conductivity.

One-pot achievement of MnO2/Fe2O3 nanocomposites for the oxygen reduction reaction with enhanced catalytic activity

MnO₂/Fe₂O₃ nanocomposites were achieved in one-pot followed by high-temperature treatment, which presented excellent electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction.

Core–shell microspheres for the ultrafast degradation of estrogen hormone at neutral pH

In the past few years there has been growing concern about human exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals. This kind of pollutants can bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms and lead to serious health problems, especially affecting child development. Many efforts have been devoted to achieving the efficient removal of such refractory organics. In this regard, a novel catalyst based on the combination of α-FeOOH and MnO₂@MnCO₃ catalysts has been developed by up-scalable techniques from cheap precursors and tested in the photo-Fenton-like degradation of an endocrine disruptor. Almost total degradation of 17α-ethynylestradiol hormone was achieved after only 2 min of simulated solar irradiation at neutral pH. The outstanding performance of FeOOH@MnO₂@MnCO₃ microspheres was mainly attributed to a larger generation of hydroxyl radicals, which are the primary mediators of the total oxidation for this hormone. This work contributes to the development of more cost-effective systems for the rapid and efficient removal of persistent organic pollutants present in sewage plant effluents under direct solar light.

Ultrafast photo-Fenton degradation of 17α-ethynylestradiol under simulated solar irradiation.

Nanowire Morphology of Mono- and Bidoped α-MnO2 Catalysts for Remarkable Enhancement in Soot Oxidation

In the present work, nanowire morphologies of α-MnO₂, cobalt monodoped α-MnO₂, Cu and Co bidoped α-MnO₂, and Ni and Co bidoped α-MnO₂ samples were prepared by a facile hydrothermal synthesis. The structural, morphological, surface, and redox properties of all the as-prepared samples were investigated by various characterization techniques, namely, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission and high resolution electron microscopy (TEM and HR-TEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), N₂ sorption surface area measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), hydrogen-temperature-programmed reduction (H₂-TPR), and oxygen-temperature-programmed desorption (O₂-TPD). The soot oxidation performance was found to be significantly improved via metal mono- and bidoping. In particular, Cu and Co bidoped α-MnO₂ nanowires showed a remarkable improvement in soot oxidation performance, with its T₅₀ (50% soot conversion) values of 279 and 431 °C under tight and loose contact conditions, respectively. The soot combustion activation energy for the Cu and Co bidoped MnO₂ nanowires is 121 kJ/mol. The increased oxygen vacancies, greater number of active sites, facile redox behavior, and strong synergistic interaction were the key factors for the excellent catalytic activity. The longevity of Cu and Co bidoped α-MnO₂ nanowires was analyzed, and it was found that the Cu/Co bidoped α-MnO₂ nanowires were highly stable after five successive cycles and showed an insignificant decrease in soot oxidation activity. Furthermore, the HR-TEM analysis of a spent catalyst after five cycles indicated that the (310) crystal plane of α-MnO₂ interacts with the soot particles; therefore, we can assume that more-reactive exposed surfaces positively affect the reaction of soot oxidation. Thus, the Cu and Co bidoped α-MnO₂ nanowires provide promise as a highly effective alternative to precious metal based automotive catalysts.

Novel nanoporous MnOx (x=∼1.75) sorbent for the removal of SO2 and NH3 made from MnC2O4·2H2O

In this work, nanoporous manganese oxides (MnOx) were prepared by thermal decomposition of MnC2O4·2H2O at 225°C for 6h in air. The manganese oxalate dihydrate precipitate was made from manganese sulfate and ammonium oxalate during ultrasonication and stirring. The physical properties of the oxalate precursors and the resulting MnOx samples were characterized with SEM, TGA-DSC, FTIR and powder XRD. The specific surface areas and porosity of MnOx were studied by single-point BET and multi-point N2 adsorption-desorption measurements. The amorphous MnOx from oxalate prepared by sonication showed a specific surface area as large as 499.7m(2)/g. Dynamic SO2 and NH3 flow tests indicated that the adsorption capacity of MnOx, especially for SO2, can be increased by increased surface area. Compared to the best Mn3O4-impregnated activated carbon adsorbent, nanoporous MnOx could remove approximately three times as much SO2 and a comparable amount of NH3 per gram of adsorbent. This could lead to respirators of lower weight and smaller size which will be attractive to users.

Modifying porous carbon nanofibers with MnOx–CeO2–Al2O3 mixed oxides for NO catalytic oxidation at room temperature

MnO_x–CeO₂–Al₂O₃ mixed oxides dispersed in CNFs to form a composite which displays remarkable activity for NO oxidation at room temperature.

Formation of mesoporous calcium sulfate microspheres through phase conversion in controlled calcination

Mesoporous calcium sulfate microspheres with uniform size distribution and suitable loading capacity were prepared by controlled phase conversion for drug loading.