Poly(p-phenylene)-based membranes with cerium for chemically durable polymer electrolyte fuel cell membranes.

A poly(p-phenylene)-based multiblock polymer is developed with an oligomeric chain extender and cerium (CE-sPP-PPES + Ce) to realize better performance and durability in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The membrane performance is evaluated in single cells at 80 °C and at 100% and 50% relative humidity (RH). The accelerated stability test is conducted 90 °C and 30% RH, during which linear sweep voltammetry and hydrogen permeation detection are monitored periodically.

Facile synthesis of one-dimensional iron-oxide/carbon hybrid nanostructures as electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline media.

One-dimensional iron-oxide/carbon hybrid nano tubular structures were synthesized via anodic aluminium oxide (AAO) template method. Highly unform iron oxide nanoparticles and carbon structures were formed simultaneously on the wall surface of the AAO template from an iron-oleate precursor by solventless thermal decomposition method. The 1D iron-oxide/carbon nanostructures were obtained after removing the AAO template.

A self-reducible and alcohol-soluble copper-based metal-organic decomposition ink for printed electronics.

We report a novel method for the synthesis of a self-reducible (thermally reducible without a reducing atmosphere) and alcohol-soluble copper-based metal-organic decomposition (MOD) ink for printed electronics. Alcohol-solvent-based conductive inks are necessary for commercial printing processes such as reverse offset printing. We selected copper(II) formate as a precursor and alkanolamine (2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol) as a ligand to make an alcohol-solvent-based conductive ink and to assist in the reduction reaction of copper(II) formate.

A simple L-cysteine-assisted method for the growth of MoS2 nanosheets on carbon nanotubes for high-performance lithium ion batteries.

We introduce a simple process to synthesize few-layered MoS(2) nanosheets supported on coaxial carbon nanotubes through an L-cysteine-assisted hydrothermal route, in which L-cysteine, a cheap and ordinary amino acid, plays a fundamental role in controlling the morphology of the hybrid material and the binder to help the growth of MoS(2) nanosheets on the surface of the carbon nanotubes. It is also demonstrated that the polypeptide formed by L-cysteine can be transformed into amorphous carbon by heat treatment under an inert atmosphere. The materials exhibit high capacity and excellent cycling performance when used as anode materials for lithium ion batteries.