Designing electrocatalysts with optimal activity and selectivity relies on a thorough understanding of the surface structure under reaction conditions. In this study, experimental and computational approaches are combined to elucidate reconstruction processes on low-index Pd surfaces during H-insertion following proton electroreduction. While electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy clearly reveals pronounced surface roughening and morphological changes on Pd(111), Pd(110), and Pd(100) surfaces during cyclic voltammetry, a complementary analysis using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry excludes Pd dissolution as the primary cause of the observed restructuring.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe development of new encapsulating coatings for flexible solar cells (SCs) can help address the complex problem of the short lifespan of these devices, as well as optimize the technological process of their production. In this study, new laminate-type protective composite coatings were prepared using a silicon oxynitride thin-film matrix obtained by curing the pre-ceramic polymer perhydropolysilazane (PHPS) through two low-temperature methods: (i) thermal annealing at 180 °C and (ii) exposure to UV radiation at wavelengths of 185 and 254 nm. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were used as fillers via dry transfer, facilitating their horizontal orientation within the matrix.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFO3-type NaNiMnCoO (NaNMC811) cathode active materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), with a theoretical high specific capacity (∼ 187 mAh g), are in the preliminary exploration stage. This study comprehensively investigates NaNMC811 from multiple perspectives. For the first time, the phase evolution ( - - ) during the solid-state synthesis is systemically investigated, which elucidates in-depth the mechanisms of the thermal sodiation process.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFElectrolyzers operate over a range of temperatures; hence, it is crucial to design electrocatalysts that do not compromise the product distribution unless temperature can promote selectivity. This work reports a synthetic approach based on electrospinning to produce NiO:SnO nanofibers (NFs) for selectively reducing CO to formate above room temperature. The NFs comprise compact but disjoined NiO and SnO nanocrystals identified with STEM.
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