01783nas a2200229 4500008004100000245009500041210006900136260000800205300001700213490000800230520100100238100001801239700001701257700002201274700001701296700002201313700002801335700001901363700002401382700002001406856012701426 2018 eng d00aInterlayer hydrogen-bonded covalent organic frameworks as high-performance supercapacitors0 aInterlayer hydrogenbonded covalent organic frameworks as highper cSEP a 10941-109450 v1403 aCovalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as promising electrode materials in supercapacitors (SCs). However, their insoluble powder-like nature, poor capacitive performance in pristine form, integrated with inferior electrochemical stability is a primary concern for their long-term use in electrochemical devices. Keeping this in perspective, herein we report a redox active and hydrogen bonded COF with ultrahigh stability in conc. H2SO4 (18 M), conc. HCl (12 M) and NaOH (9 M). The as-synthesized COF fabricated as thin sheets were efficiently employed as a free-standing supercapacitor electrode material using 3 M aq. H2SO4 as an electrolyte. Moreover, the pristine COF sheet showcased outstanding areal capacitance 1600 mF cm(-2) (gravimetric 169 F g(-1)) and excellent cyclic stability (>100 000) without compromising its capacitive performance or Coulombic efficiency. Moreover, as a proof-of-concept, a solid-state supercapacitor device was also assembled and subsequently tested.1 aHalder, Arjun1 aGhosh, Meena1 aKhayum, Abdul, M.1 aBera, Saibal1 aAddicoat, Matthew1 aSasmal, Himadri, Sekhar1 aKarak, Suvendu1 aKurungot, Sreekumar1 aBanerjee, Rahul uhttps://library.ncl.res.in/content/interlayer-hydrogen-bonded-covalent-organic-frameworks-high-performance-supercapacitors02540nas a2200169 4500008004100000245015500041210006900196260000800265300001400273490000700287520186400294100001702158700002702175700001502202700002402217856012902241 2018 eng d00aRationally designed self-standing V2O5 electrode for high voltage non-aqueous all-solid-state symmetric (2.0 V) and asymmetric (2.8 V) supercapacitors0 aRationally designed selfstanding V2O5 electrode for high voltage cMAY a8741-87510 v103 aThe maximum capacitive potential window of certain pseudocapacitive materials cannot be accessed in aqueous electrolytes owing to the low dissociation potential of 1.2 V possessed by water molecules. However, the inferior pseudocapacitance exhibited by the commonly used electrode materials when integrated with non-aqueous electrolytes still remains a challenge in the development of supercapacitors (SC). Proper selection of materials for the electrode and a rational design process are indeed important to overcome these practical intricacies so that such systems can perform well with non-aqueous electrolytes. We address this challenge by fabricating a prototype all-solid-state device designed with high-capacitive V2O5 as the electrode material along with a Li-ion conducting organic electrolyte. V2O5 is synthesized on a pre-treated carbon-fibre paper by adopting an electrochemical deposition technique that effects an improved contact resistance. A judicious electrode preparation strategy makes it possible to overcome the constraints of the low ionic and electrical conductivities imposed by the electrolyte and electrode material, respectively. The device, assembled in a symmetrical fashion, achieves a high specific capacitance of 406 F g(-1) (at 1 A g(-1)). The profitable aspect of using an organic electrolyte is also demonstrated with an asymmetric configuration by using activated carbon as the positive and V2O5 as the negative electrode materials, respectively. The asymmetric device displays a wide working-voltage window of 2.8 V and delivers a high energy density of 102.68 W h kg(-1) at a power density of 1.49 kW kg(-1). Moreover, the low equivalent series resistance of 9.9 Omega and negligible charge transfer resistance are observed in the impedance spectra, which is a key factor that accounts for such an exemplary performance.1 aGhosh, Meena1 aVijayakumar, Vidyanand1 aSoni, Roby1 aKurungot, Sreekumar uhttps://library.ncl.res.in/content/rationally-designed-self-standing-v2o5-electrode-high-voltage-non-aqueous-all-solid-state02263nas a2200217 4500008004100000022001400041245014400055210006900199260000800268300001600276490000600292520144900298100002701747700001701774700002401791700002801815700002101843700002501864700002401889856013201913 2018 eng d a2168-048500aWater-in-acid gel polymer electrolyte realized through a phosphoric acid-enriched polyelectrolyte matrix toward solid-state supercapacitors0 aWaterinacid gel polymer electrolyte realized through a phosphori cOCT a12630-126400 v63 aA new concept of water-in-acid gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) is introduced. The simple and scalable UV-light-assisted synthesis of a copolymer matrix possessing polyelectrolyte behavior, followed by swelling in minimally diluted H3PO4 (15.1 M/88 wt % aqueous solution), effects formation of a high proton-conducting, self-standing, and mechanically stable polyelectrolyte GPE (PGPE). Retention of high mechanical stability despite the presence of a large amount of liquid species makes it a promising candidate for replacing conventional GPEs. The high proton conductivity (9.8 X 10(-2) S cm(-1)) of the PGPE at an ambient temperature of 303 K is attributed to the high concentration of the conducting species present in the polymer matrix. The PGPE-based polyaniline (PANI) supercapacitor device (PANI-1) with a mass loading of 1 mg cm(-2) exhibits a high specific gravimetric capacitance of 385 F g(-1) at a current density of 0.25 mA cm(-2). At the same current density, the PANI-5 device retains high gravimetric and areal capacitance values of 258 F g(-1) and 1288 mF cm(-2), respectively. The low equivalent series resistance value of 0.78 Omega (for the PANI-5 device) further proves the excellent electrode-electrolyte interface formed by the water-in-acid GPE. A 100% capacitance retention even after 9000 continuous charge-discharge cycles strongly indicates the feasibility of adopting water-in-acid GPEs in future supercapacitors.1 aVijayakumar, Vidyanand1 aGhosh, Meena1 aTorris, Arun, A. T.1 aChandran, Nikhil, M. K.1 aNair, Sanoop, B.1 aBadiger, Manohar, V.1 aKurungot, Sreekumar uhttps://library.ncl.res.in/content/water-acid-gel-polymer-electrolyte-realized-through-phosphoric-acid-enriched-polyelectrolyte04242nas a2200145 4500008004100000245016100041210006900202260000800271490000600279520361100285100001703896700002703913700002403940856013203964 2019 eng d00aDendrite growth suppression by Zn2+-integrated nafion ionomer membranes: beyond porous separators toward aqueous Zn/V2O5 batteries with extended cycle life 0 aDendrite growth suppression by Zn2integrated nafion ionomer memb cSEP0 v73 a

The dendritic/irregular growth of zinc deposits in the anode surface is often considered as a major intricacy limiting the lifespan of aqueous zinc-ion batteries. The effect of separators on the evolution of the surface morphology of the anode/cathode is never thoroughly studied. Herein, for the first time, the efficacy of the Zn2+-integrated Nafion ionomer membrane is demonstrated as a separator to effectively suppress the growth of irregular zinc deposits in the metallic anode of an aqueous Zn/V2O5 battery. The Zn2+-ions coordinated with the SO3- moieties in Nafion result in a high transference number of the Zn2+ cation, all the while facilitating a high ionic conductivity. The Zn2+-integrated Nafion membrane enables the Zn/V2O5 cell to deliver a high specific capacity of 510 mAh g(-1) at a current of 0.25 A g(-1), which is close to the theoretical capacity of anhydrous V2O5 (589 mAh g(-1)). Moreover, the same cell exhibits an excellent cycling stability of 88% retention of the initial capacity even after 1800 charge-discharge cycles, superior to that of the Zn/V2O5 cells comprising conventional porous separators.
 

1 aGhosh, Meena1 aVijayakumar, Vidyanand1 aKurungot, Sreekumar uhttps://library.ncl.res.in/content/dendrite-growth-suppression-zn2-integrated-nafion-ionomer-membranes-beyond-porous-separators06517nas a2200205 4500008004100000245012300041210006900164260000800233490000700241520576600248100002806014700002706042700001806069700001706087700002206104700001906126700002406145700002006169856012206189 2019 eng d00aWeak intermolecular interactions in covalent organic framework-carbon nanofiber based crystalline yet flexible devices0 aWeak intermolecular interactions in covalent organic frameworkca cAUG0 v113 a

The redox-active and porous structural backbone of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) can facilitate high-performance electrochemical energy storage devices. However, the utilities of such 2D materials as supercapacitor electrodes in advanced self-charging power-pack systems have been obstructed due to the poor electrical conductivity and subsequent indigent performance. Herein, we report an effective strategy to enhance the electrical conductivity of COF thin sheets through the in situ solid-state inclusion of carbon nanofibers (CNF) into the COF precursor matrix. The obtained COF-CNF hybrids possess a significant intermolecular π···π interaction between COF and the graphene layers of the CNF. As a result, these COF-CNF hybrids (DqTp-CNF and DqDaTp-CNF) exhibit good electrical conductivity (0.25 × 10–3 S cm–1), as well as high performance in electrochemical energy storage (DqTp-CNF: 464 mF cm–2 at 0.25 mA cm–2). Also, the fabricated, mechanically strong quasi-solid-state supercapacitor (DqDaTp-CNF SC) delivered an ultrahigh device capacitance of 167 mF cm–2 at 0.5 mA cm–2. Furthermore, we integrated a monolithic photovoltaic self-charging power pack by assembling DqDaTp-CNF SC with a perovskite solar cell. The fabricated self-charging power pack delivered excellent performance in the areal capacitance (42 mF cm–2) at 0.25 mA cm–2 after photocharging for 300 s.

1 aMohammed, Abdul, Khayum1 aVijayakumar, Vidyanand1 aHalder, Arjun1 aGhosh, Meena1 aAddicoat, Matthew1 aBansode, Umesh1 aKurungot, Sreekumar1 aBanerjee, Rahul uhttps://library.ncl.res.in/content/weak-intermolecular-interactions-covalent-organic-framework-carbon-nanofiber-based06784nas a2200205 4500008004100000245010500041210006900146260000800215520603400223100002806257700001706285700002706302700001806329700002006347700001806367700002206385700002406407700002006431856012706451 2019 eng d00aZinc ion interactions in a two-dimensional covalent organic framework based aqueous zinc ion battery0 aZinc ion interactions in a twodimensional covalent organic frame cAUG3 a

The two-dimensional structural features of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) can promote the electrochemical storage of cations like H+, Li+, and Na+ through both faradaic and non-faradaic processes. However, the electrochemical storage of cations like Zn2+ ion is still unexplored although it bears a promising divalent charge. Herein, for the first time, we have utilized hydroquinone linked β-ketoenamine COF acting as a Zn2+ anchor in an aqueous rechargeable zinc ion battery. The charge-storage mechanism comprises of an efficient reversible interlayer interaction of Zn2+ ions with the functional moieties in the adjacent layers of COF (−182.0 kcal mol−1). Notably, due to the well-defined nanopores and structural organization, a constructed full cell, displays a discharge capacity as high as 276 mA h g−1 at a current rate of 125 mA g−1.

1 aMohammed, Abdul, Khayum1 aGhosh, Meena1 aVijayakumar, Vidyanand1 aHalder, Arjun1 aNurhuda, Maryam1 aKumar, Sushil1 aAddicoat, Matthew1 aKurungot, Sreekumar1 aBanerjee, Rahul uhttps://library.ncl.res.in/content/zinc-ion-interactions-two-dimensional-covalent-organic-framework-based-aqueous-zinc-ion02416nas a2200301 4500008004100000022001400041245011600055210006900171260000800240300001200248490000700260520140900267653002801676653002501704653002601729653002001755653002501775100002701800700001701827700001801844700001701862700001901879700002101898700001901919700002401938700002401962856012801986 2020 eng d a1613-681000aIn situ cross-linked nonaqueous polymer electrolyte for zinc-metal polymer batteries and hybrid supercapacitors0 aIn situ crosslinked nonaqueous polymer electrolyte for zincmetal cSEP a20025280 v163 a

This work reports the facile synthesis of nonaqueous zinc-ion conducting polymer electrolyte (ZIP) membranes using an ultraviolet (UV)-light-induced photopolymerization technique, with room temperature (RT) ionic conductivity values in the order of 10(-3)S cm(-1). The ZIP membranes demonstrate excellent physicochemical and electrochemical properties, including an electrochemical stability window of >2.4 V versus Zn|Zn(2+)and dendrite-free plating/stripping processes in symmetric Zn||Zn cells. Besides, a UV-polymerization-assisted in situ process is developed to produce ZIP (abbreviated i-ZIP), which is adopted for the first time to fabricate a nonaqueous zinc-metal polymer battery (ZMPB; VOPO4|i-ZIP|Zn) and zinc-metal hybrid polymer supercapacitor (ZMPS; activated carbon|i-ZIP|Zn) cells. The VOPO(4)cathode employed in ZMPB possesses a layered morphology, exhibiting a high average operating voltage of approximate to 1.2 V. As compared to the conventional polymer cell assembling approach using the ex situ process, the in situ process is simple and it enhances the overall electrochemical performance, which enables the widespread intrusion of ZMPBs and ZMPSs into the application domain. Indeed, considering the promising aspects of the proposed ZIP and its easy processability, this work opens up a new direction for the emergence of the zinc-based energy storage technologies.

10anonaqueous electrolytes10apolymer electrolytes10apostlithium batteries10aSupercapacitors10azinc-metal batteries1 aVijayakumar, Vidyanand1 aGhosh, Meena1 aKurian, Maria1 aTorris, Arun1 aDilwale, Swati1 aBadiger, Manohar1 aWinter, Martin1 aNair, Jijeesh, Ravi1 aKurungot, Sreekumar uhttps://library.ncl.res.in/content/situ-cross-linked-nonaqueous-polymer-electrolyte-zinc-metal-polymer-batteries-and-hybrid02159nas a2200265 4500008004100000022001400041245010600055210006900161260000900230300001400239490000600253520124100259653002901500653002201529653002501551653002201576653000901598653002901607653003301636100001701669700002701686700002501713700002401738856013101762 2020 eng d a2168-048500aNafion lonomer-based single component electrolytes for aqueous Zn/MnO2 batteries with long cycle life0 aNafion lonomerbased single component electrolytes for aqueous Zn cAPR  a5040-50490 v83 a

Recently, aqueous rechargeable Zn/MnO2 batteries are emerging as promising energy storage aids owing to their improved safety, low cost of fabrication, and high energy density. However, the rapid decay of capacity during extended charge- discharge cycles hinders the prospect of this technology beyond lab-scale. In the conventional Zn/MnO2 cell, additives such as Mn2+ have been used to tackle the stability issue. Here, we demonstrate that cycling performance of the Zn/MnO2 cell can be improved substantially by using Nafion ionomer as the separator in combination with zinc-ion conducting electrolytes. The Nafion ionomer-based Zn/MnO2 cells do not require any Mn' additive in the electrolyte and hence termed as ``single component'' electrolytes. The postmortem study of the post-cycled electrodes reveals that the structural evolution of both the anode and cathode in various electrolytes (1 M Zn(CF3SO3)(2), 1 M ZnSO4 center dot 7H(2)O, and 3 M ZnSO4 center dot 7H(2)O) during prolonged cycling significantly influences the cycle life of the respective cells. Optimizing the Nafion ionomer membrane with a suitable electrolyte could render the desired combination of high capacity and high cycle life for a Zn/MnO2 cell.

10aaqueous Zn-ion batteries10aCycling stability10adendrite suppression10aElectrodeposition10aMnO210aNafion ionomer separator10asingle component electrolyte1 aGhosh, Meena1 aVijayakumar, Vidyanand1 aAnothumakkool, Bihag1 aKurungot, Sreekumar uhttps://library.ncl.res.in/content/nafion-lonomer-based-single-component-electrolytes-aqueous-znmno2-batteries-long-cycle-life02149nas a2200241 4500008004100000022001400041245011900055210006900174260000900243300001600252490000700268520127900275653002301554653003201577653002801609653002501637653003001662100001701692700001901709700002701728700002401755856012801779 2020 eng d a1944-824400aScalable synthesis of manganese-doped hydrated vanadium oxide as a cathode material for aqueous zinc-metal battery0 aScalable synthesis of manganesedoped hydrated vanadium oxide as  cOCT  a48542-485520 v123 a

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-metal batteries (ZMBs) are considered as potential energy storage devices for stationary applications. Despite the significant developments in recent years, the performance of ZMBs is still limited due to the lack of advanced cathode materials delivering high capacity and long cycle life. In this work, we report a low-temperature and scalable synthesis method following a surfactant-assisted route for preparing manganese-doped hydrated vanadium oxide (MnHVO-30) and its application as the cathode material for ZMB. The as-prepared material possesses a porous architecture and expanded interlayer spacing. Therefore, the MnHVO-30 cathode offers fast and reversible insertion of Zn2+ ions during the charge/discharge process and delivers 341 mAh g(-1) capacity at 0.1 A g(-1). Moreover, the MnHVO-30 parallel to Zn cell retains 82% of its initial capacity over 1200 stability cycles, which is higher compared to that of the undoped system. Besides, a quasi-solid-state home-made pouch cell with an area of 3.3 x 1.6 cm(2) and 3.6 mg cm(-2) loading is assembled, achieving 115 mAh g(-1) capacity over 100 stability cycles. Therefore, this work provides an easy and attractive way for preparing efficient cathode materials for aqueous ZMBs.

10aanionic surfactant10ahydrated vanadium pentoxide10aNafion ionomer membrane10apost-lithium battery10aquasi-solid-state battery1 aGhosh, Meena1 aDilwale, Swati1 aVijayakumar, Vidyanand1 aKurungot, Sreekumar uhttps://library.ncl.res.in/content/scalable-synthesis-manganese-doped-hydrated-vanadium-oxide-cathode-material-aqueous-zinc02005nas a2200253 4500008004100000022001400041245016400055210006900219260000800288300001100296490000700307520111200314653001201426653002001438653002001458653002301478653001901501100001701520700001701537700002201554700002401576700002201600856012901622 2021 eng d a2352-152X00aBiomass-derived activated carbon material from native European deciduous trees as an inexpensive and sustainable energy material for supercapacitor application0 aBiomassderived activated carbon material from native European de cFEB a1021780 v343 a

Activated carbons are one of the possible electrode materials for supercapacitors (SCs), which are widely used in commercial applications. Herein, we reported the synthesis of a novel activated carbon derived through a cavitation process from the mixture of native European deciduous trees, Birch, Fagaceae, and Carpinus betulus (commonly known as European hornbeam), which was employed as the electrode material in SC. From the morphological and structural characterization, we observed that the prepared sample is a desirable carbon with good porosity and high specific surface area of about 614 m(2) g(-1). The electrochemical properties of the synthesized material were evaluated with a three-electrode configuration in 1.0 M H2SO4 electrolyte. It was found that in device mode, the carbon material delivers a specific capacitance of 24 F g(-1) at 0.25 A g(-1) with excellent cycling stability of over 10000 consecutive charge/discharge cycles. Thus, our studies demonstrate the facile synthesis of biomass-derived carbon and its application as a versatile electrode material for SC applications.

10aBiomass10aCarbon material10aDeciduous trees10aElectrode material10asupercapacitor1 aJain, Amrita1 aGhosh, Meena1 aKrajewski, Marcin1 aKurungot, Sreekumar1 aMichalska, Monika uhttps://library.ncl.res.in/content/biomass-derived-activated-carbon-material-native-european-deciduous-trees-inexpensive-and01912nas a2200193 4500008004100000022001400041245012200055210006900177260000800246300001600254490000700270520120800277100003401485700001701519700002001536700002401556700001701580856012101597 2021 eng d a2040-336400aHigh-voltage non-aqueous hybrid supercapacitor based on the N2200 polymer supported over multiwalled carbon nanotubes0 aHighvoltage nonaqueous hybrid supercapacitor based on the N2200  cJUL a12314-123260 v133 aP(NDI2OD-T2), also known as Polyera ActivInk N2200, is a widely accepted non-fullerene acceptor polymer that is used prominently in the energy harvesting application due to its ease of synthesis, high electron mobility, and other desirable semiconducting properties. With its recent foray into energy storage applications, there is tremendous potential for developing composites of N2200 with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to improve its electrical properties and extend its applicability. Here we report a facile synthesis of an N2200 composite with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) following an in situ approach to include MWCNTs into the polymer matrix, improving its electrochemical performance in an organic electrolyte (1 M LiClO4/propylene carbonate). The composite material with an optimum MWCNT content exhibits prominent redox behavior delivering a specific capacity of 80 mA h g((polymer))(-1) in a standard three-electrode cell. Moreover, the N2200/MWCNT composite material showing a battery-type electrochemical signature could perform as an efficient negative electrode in a high-voltage (2.4 V) hybrid supercapacitor device comprising capacitive activated carbon as the positive electrode.1 aWavhal, Bhaiyyasaheb, Anurath1 aGhosh, Meena1 aSharma, Sandeep1 aKurungot, Sreekumar1 aAsha, S., K. uhttps://library.ncl.res.in/content/high-voltage-non-aqueous-hybrid-supercapacitor-based-n2200-polymer-supported-over02136nas a2200193 4500008004100000022001400041245009500055210006900150260000900219300001400228490000700242520146600249100001701715700002701732700001801759700001901777700002401796856012201820 2021 eng d a1477-922600aNaphthalene dianhydride organic anode for a `rocking-chair' zinc-proton hybrid ion battery0 aNaphthalene dianhydride organic anode for a rockingchair zincpro cMAR  a4237-42430 v503 a

Rechargeable batteries consisting of a Zn metal anode and a suitable cathode coupled with a Zn2+ ion-conducting electrolyte are recently emerging as promising energy storage devices for stationary applications. However, the formation of high surface area Zn (HSAZ) architectures on the metallic Zn anode deteriorates their performance upon prolonged cycling. In this work, we demonstrate the application of 1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (NTCDA), an organic compound, as a replacement for the Zn-metal anode enabling the design of a `rocking-chair' zinc-proton hybrid ion battery. The NTCDA electrode material displays a multi-plateau redox behaviour, delivering a specific discharge capacity of 143 mA h g(-1) in the potential window of 1.4 V to 0.3 V vs. Zn|Zn2+. The detailed electrochemical characterization of NTCDA in various electrolytes (an aqueous solution of 1 M ZnOTF, an aqueous solution of 0.01 M H2SO4, and an organic electrolyte of 0.5 M ZnOTF/acetonitrile) reveals that the redox processes leading to charge storage involve a contribution from both H+ and Zn2+. The performance of NTCDA as an anode is further demonstrated by pairing it with a MnO2 cathode, and the resulting MnO2||NTCDA full-cell (zinc-proton hybrid ion battery) delivers a specific discharge capacity of 41 mA h g(total)(-1) (normalized with the total mass-loading of both anode and cathode active materials) with an average operating voltage of 0.80 V.

1 aGhosh, Meena1 aVijayakumar, Vidyanand1 aKurian, Maria1 aDilwale, Swati1 aKurungot, Sreekumar uhttps://library.ncl.res.in/content/naphthalene-dianhydride-organic-anode-rocking-chair-zinc-proton-hybrid-ion-battery02085nas a2200229 4500008004100000022001400041245013800055210006900193260000800262300001400270490000600284520125800290100002701548700001701575700001801592700002401610700001701634700002301651700002501674700002401699856013201723 2021 eng d a2398-490200aSulfonated polyvinyl alcohol ionomer membrane favoring smooth electrodeposition of zinc for aqueous rechargeable zinc metal batteries0 aSulfonated polyvinyl alcohol ionomer membrane favoring smooth el cOCT a5557-55640 v53 aOne of the failure mechanisms of aqueous rechargeable zinc metal batteries (AZMBs) involves high surface area zinc (HSAZ)/dendrite-like deposits over the Zn-metal anode during long-term cycling. Negatively charged (anionic) polymeric ionomer electrolyte membranes and separators are known for suppressing the dendrite-/HSAZ-induced failure of AZMBs. However, the preparation of cost-effective and non-fluorinated ionomers from cheap and environmentally friendly polymers is essential to leverage the feasibility of AZMBs. The current work demonstrates the potential of an ionomer electrolyte membrane (P-AS-C-Zn) made by the crystallization-induced physical cross-linking of sulfonated poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVS) and poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as a dendrite-/HSAZ-inhibiting separator for AZMBs. The P-AS-C-Zn membranes exhibited excellent Zn plating/stripping behavior with a stable voltage vs. time profile beyond 1100 h, compared to their neutral PVA-C-Zn counterpart without any ionomer character (cell failure at close to 280 h). Applying the optimized P-AS-C-Zn membrane in a MnO2||Zn full cell helps retain about 50% of the initial capacity close to 600 cycles in the absence of extra manganese salt in the electrolyte, which is indeed promising.1 aVijayakumar, Vidyanand1 aTorris, Arun1 aKurian, Maria1 aMathew, Megha, Mary1 aGhosh, Meena1 aKhairnar, Ajay, B.1 aBadiger, Manohar, V.1 aKurungot, Sreekumar uhttps://library.ncl.res.in/content/sulfonated-polyvinyl-alcohol-ionomer-membrane-favoring-smooth-electrodeposition-zinc-aqueous02440nas a2200181 4500008004100000022001400041245014900055210006900204260000900273300001400282490000700296520173700303100001902040700001702059700002702076700002402103856013102127 2022 eng d a0887-062400aElectrodeposited layered sodium vanadyl phosphate (NaxVOPO4 center dot nH(2)O) as cathode material for aqueous rechargeable zinc metal batteries0 aElectrodeposited layered sodium vanadyl phosphate NaxVOPO4 cente cJUN  a6520-65310 v363 a

Aqueous rechargeable zinc metal batteries (ARZMBs) present a safer and cost-effective solution for energy storage in stationary applications. However, a major challenge is the lack of suitable cathode materials simultaneously exhibiting high operating voltage and long cycling stability. Herein, we report the polyanionic sodium-intercalated layered vanadyl phosphate [NaxVOPO4 center dot nH(2)O (NVP)] as a suitable high-voltage and stable cathode for ARZMBs. This work employs a simpler electrochemical route (electrodeposition) for the synthesis of NVP over functionalized carbon fiber substrates and its application as a binder-free cathode in ARZMBs. The electrodeposited NVP possesses a morphology of vertically aligned well-separated nanosheet bundles resembling a flower. When used as the ARZMB cathode, the NVP electrode delivers a specific discharge capacity of 100 mA h g(-1) at 0.033 A g(-1) and high cycling stability (98% retention of the initial capacity over 1100 cycles at 0.333 A g(-1)) in a mild aqueous electrolyte with moderate zinc salt concentration. The observed electrochemical performance of NVP is credited to the synergistic effect of unique nanoflower morphology, the pillaring effect offered by the intercalated Na, and the intimate contact of the active material with the carbon fiber network. These factors are favorable for enhancing the transport of the electrolyte ions and electrons and maintaining the structural stability of the electrode during long-term cycling. The NVP electrode could also deliver appreciable performance (a discharge capacity of 73 mA h g(-) 1 and a current density of 0.033 A g(-1)) in quasi-solidstate ARZMB cells employing PVA/Zn(CF3SO3)(2) gel electrolyte.

1 aDilwale, Swati1 aGhosh, Meena1 aVijayakumar, Vidyanand1 aKurungot, Sreekumar uhttps://library.ncl.res.in/content/electrodeposited-layered-sodium-vanadyl-phosphate-naxvopo4-center-dot-nh2o-cathode-material02327nas a2200229 4500008004100000022001400041245016800055210006900223260000800292490000700300520143400307653003201741653003001773653002301803100001801826700001701844700002701861700004001888700001701928700002401945856012801969 2022 eng d a2194-428800aInfluence of ice templating on oxygen reduction catalytic activity of metal-free heteroatom-doped mesoporous carbon derived from polypyrrole for zinc-air batteries0 aInfluence of ice templating on oxygen reduction catalytic activi cDEC0 v103 a

The development of highly active, cost-effective, and durable, noble metal-free oxygen reduction electrocatalysts is inevitable for the full-fledged implementation of fuel cells and zinc-air batteries. This work reports the synthesis of heteroatom (N, P, S)-doped metal-free mesoporous carbon-based electrocatalyst derived from polypyrrole by combining the ice templating, freeze-drying, and carbonization processes. The correlation between the structure and electrochemical activity of the polypyrrole-derived carbon-based electrocatalyst in the presence and absence of ice templating is investigated. The optimized electrocatalyst, aided by the ice-templating and freeze-drying step, shows an onset and half-wave potential (E-1/2) of 0.94 and 0.78 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode, respectively, in an alkaline electrolyte (0.1 m KOH). Later, the application of the optimized electrocatalyst is demonstrated in a primary zinc-air battery (ZAB) cell. The results prove that the ZAB device performance based on the homemade catalyst is on par with that of the state-of-the-art Pt/C cathode. The catalyst performance is correlated with the heteroatom doping and the enhanced porosity of the sample benefitted from ice templating. Ultimately, this work depicts a facile and rational synthesis of a truly metal-free electrocatalyst for the primary ZABs that can be a potential replacement for state-of-the-art systems.

10ametal-free electrocatalysts10aoxygen reduction reaction10azinc-air batteries1 aKurian, Maria1 aGhosh, Meena1 aVijayakumar, Vidyanand1 aPuthiyaveetil, Priyanka, Pandinhare1 aTorris, Arun1 aKurungot, Sreekumar uhttps://library.ncl.res.in/content/influence-ice-templating-oxygen-reduction-catalytic-activity-metal-free-heteroatom-doped02153nas a2200253 4500008004100000022001400041245013200055210006900187260000800256300001500264490000600279520124500285653003001530653002101560653002601581653003201607653003001639100001701669700002201686700001401708700002401722700002301746856013001769 2022 eng d a2365-654900aSingle-step synthesis of exfoliated Ti3C2Tx MXene through NaBF4/HCl etching as electrode material for asymmetric supercapacitor0 aSinglestep synthesis of exfoliated Ti3C2Tx MXene through NaBF4HC cMAY ae2022011660 v73 a

Two-dimensional Ti3C2Tx MXene, derived from the parent Ti3AlC2 phase, is considered a promising electrode material for electrochemical energy storage applications. Ti3C2Tx MXene synthesis methods often employ concentrated hydrofluoric acid (HF), which is harsh, corrosive, and hazardous to the environment. Herein, we report the preparation of Ti3C2Tx MXene following a new synthetic route under a mild reaction condition comprising an aqueous solution of NaBF4 and HCl. This etching environment at a moderate temperature of 130 degrees C effectively removes the Al layer of the Ti3AlC2 precursor, assisted by the in situ formed HF in the reaction medium. Electron microscopy images of the as-prepared Ti3C2Tx (MX-130) reveal a partially exfoliated nanosheet-like morphology. The material displays a specific capacitance of 262 F g(-1) (three-electrode assembly, 1 A g(-1), -0.85 to -0.25 V vs. Hg/Hg2SO4) in 1 M H2SO4 electrolyte. The achieved specific capacitance is superior to that of Ti3C2Tx prepared via the common HF-treatment (25 F g(-1)). Additionally, the potential application of the optimized MXene as a negative electrode material is demonstrated in a quasi-solid-state RuO2|MX-130 asymmetric supercapacitor device.

10aasymmetric supercapacitor10aElectrochemistry10aFluoride salt etchant10aLayered electrode materials10aTransition metal carbides1 aGhosh, Meena1 aSzunerits, Sabine1 aCao, Ning1 aKurungot, Sreekumar1 aBoukherroub, Rabah uhttps://library.ncl.res.in/content/single-step-synthesis-exfoliated-ti3c2tx-mxene-through-nabf4hcl-etching-electrode-material02419nas a2200313 4500008004100000022001400041245009600055210006900151260000800220490000700228520138200235653001701617653001801634653003201652653002901684653001001713653003401723653002601757100002701783700001701810700001801827700003001845700002401875700002101899700002101920700001901941700002401960856012101984 2023 eng d a1614-683200a2D layered nanomaterials as fillers in polymer composite electrolytes for lithium batteries0 a2D layered nanomaterials as fillers in polymer composite electro cAPR0 v133 a

Polymer composite electrolytes (PCEs), i.e., materials combining the disciplines of polymer chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and electrochemistry, have received tremendous attention within academia and industry for lithium-based battery applications. While PCEs often comprise 3D micro- or nanoparticles, this review thoroughly summarizes the prospects of 2D layered inorganic, organic, and hybrid nanomaterials as active (ion conductive) or passive (nonion conductive) fillers in PCEs. The synthetic inorganic nanofillers covered here include graphene oxide, boron nitride, transition metal chalcogenides, phosphorene, and MXenes. Furthermore, the use of naturally occurring 2D layered clay minerals, such as layered double hydroxides and silicates, in PCEs is also thoroughly detailed considering their impact on battery cell performance. Despite the dominance of 2D layered inorganic materials, their organic and hybrid counterparts, such as 2D covalent organic frameworks and 2D metal-organic frameworks are also identified as tuneable nanofillers for use in PCE. Hence, this review gives an overview of the plethora of options available for the selective development of both the 2D layered nanofillers and resulting PCEs, which can revolutionize the field of polymer-based solid-state electrolytes and their implementation in lithium and post-lithium batteries.

10a2D materials10aclay minerals10acovalent organic frameworks10ametal-organic frameworks10aMXene10apolymer composite electrolyte10asolid-state batteries1 aVijayakumar, Vidyanand1 aGhosh, Meena1 aAsokan, Kiran1 aSukumaran, Santhosh, Babu1 aKurungot, Sreekumar1 aMindemark, Jonas1 aBrandell, Daniel1 aWinter, Martin1 aNair, Jijeesh, Ravi uhttps://library.ncl.res.in/content/2d-layered-nanomaterials-fillers-polymer-composite-electrolytes-lithium-batteries02282nas a2200253 4500008004100000022001400041245009700055210006900152260000800221490000600229520140600235653002501641653002301666653001801689653002901707653003301736100001901769700001701788700004001805700001801845700001701863700002401880856012401904 2023 eng d a2366-748600aBinder-free and flexible VOPO4/CNT film as cathode for aqueous rechargeable Zn-metal battery0 aBinderfree and flexible VOPO4CNT film as cathode for aqueous rec cSEP0 v73 a

Aqueous rechargeable Zn-metal batteries (AZMBs) are promising energy storage aids due to their inherent safety, low cost, and competent performance, with prospects in stationary and portable applications. In this regard, one of the critical requirements is developing electrodes that can adapt to mechanical deformation without compromising the charge storage performance. The current work demonstrates the development of a binder-free and mechanically flexible composite cathode film (VP/fCNT-F, where `F' stands for the film) based on VOPO4 (VP) and functionalized carbon nanotubes (fCNTs). The VP/fCNT-F film processing involves simple vacuum filtration of the composite obtained from the in-situ reaction of the fCNTs and the VP precursor in an aqueous medium. The functionalization of carbon nanotube (CNT) is important for the homogenous dispersion of VP and fCNT. The VP/fCNT-F electrode is used as a monolithic electrode in AZMB cells in combination with both liquid and quasi-solid-state gel polymer electrolytes. Besides, the utility of the VP/fCNT-F electrode in a flexible battery configuration is also demonstrated. Interestingly, in both the coin-cell and flexible configurations, the VP/fCNT-F electrode delivers a comparable discharge capacity of 90 and 78 mAh g(-1), respectively (at 0.1 A g(-1)), validating the advantage of the binder-free VP/fCNT-F electrode for AZMBs.

10abinder-free cathodes10aflexible batteries10alayered VOPO410apolymer gel electrolytes10aself-standing flexible films1 aDilwale, Swati1 aBabu, Athira1 aPuthiyaveetil, Priyanka, Pandinhare1 aKurian, Maria1 aGhosh, Meena1 aKurungot, Sreekumar uhttps://library.ncl.res.in/content/binder-free-and-flexible-vopo4cnt-film-cathode-aqueous-rechargeable-zn-metal-battery02736nas a2200229 4500008004100000022001400041245010700055210006900162260000900231300001400240490000700254520195100261100002702212700001702239700001702256700001402273700002002287700001702307700002402324700002802348856013002376 2024 eng d a2050-748800aWater-chain mediated proton conductivity in mechanically flexible redox-active organic single crystals0 aWaterchain mediated proton conductivity in mechanically flexible cMAR  a5866-58740 v123 a

Investigating electrochemical features of proton-conducting organic crystalline materials is relevant in developing efficient energy storage and conversion devices. However, the poor structural flexibility of the crystalline materials at the molecular level often impedes hydrogen bond reorganization of the proton carriers during proton migration, ultimately leading to low ionic conductivity. Here, we report crystals of azobenzene, functionalized with dipicolylamine at both ends (Azo-DPA), which contain an extended hydrogen-bonding network with water molecules in its structure. Interestingly, the crystals display remarkable mechanical flexibility explicitly probed by the nanoindentation technique. The mechanically flexible neutral organic crystals devoid of any acidic moieties (-COOH, -PO3H2, etc.) within the system, exhibit promising proton conductivity (1.63 x 10-4 S cm-1 at 30 degrees C under 95% relative humidity) which is almost 100 times better compared to the neutral organic systems reported to date. Mechanically flexible redox-active crystalline organic material (Azo-DPA) capable of impressive proton conduction was employed as an electrode material for the first time in an aqueous battery containing Zn2+ ions. The experimental and theoretical studies on the charge storage mechanism revealed the redox activity of the azo (-N 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 11111111 00000000 11111111 00000000 00000000 00000000 N-) centers involving reversible insertion/extraction of protons and Zn2+ ions. Ultimately, the electrode displayed a specific capacity similar to 49 mA h g-1 with almost 100% retention after 1400 cycles, encouraging the scope of redox-active organic crystalline materials for energy storage applications. Investigating the electrochemical features of proton-conducting flexible organic crystalline materials is crucial for the development of efficient energy storage and conversion devices.

1 aHossain, Munshi, Sahid1 aGhosh, Meena1 aMondal, Amit1 aAjmal, P.1 aSaha, Monochura1 aReddy, Malla1 aKurungot, Sreekumar1 aBandyopadhyay, Subhajit uhttps://library.ncl.res.in/content/water-chain-mediated-proton-conductivity-mechanically-flexible-redox-active-organic-single