Publications by authors named "Yihan Zhen"

Article Synopsis
  • Efficient conduction of hydroxide ions (OH) in anion exchange membranes (AEMs) is crucial for improving sustainable technologies like water electrolysis and fuel cells.
  • Researchers developed innovative AEMs with rigid, heteroatom-free micropores engineered for fast and stable ionic transport, resulting in a significant increase in conductivity and durability.
  • These new membranes not only improve energy efficiency and lifespan, but also allow for the use of less expensive catalysts, making them promising for future advancements in electrochemical applications.
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Fabrication of ion-conducting membranes with continuous sub-nanometer channels holds fundamental importance for flow batteries in achieving safe integration of renewable energy into grids. Self-standing covalent organic polymer (COP) membranes provide feasibility due to their rapid and selective ion transport. However, the development of a scale-up possible, mechanically robust and chemically stable membranes remains a significant challenge.

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Developing a high-efficiency and stable anode catalyst layer (CL) is crucial for promoting the practical applications of anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolyzers. Herein, a hierarchical nanosheet array composed of oxygen vacancy-enriched CoCrO nanosheets and dispersed FeNi layered double hydroxide (LDH) is proposed to regulate the electronic structure and increase the electrical conductivity for improving the intrinsic activity of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The CoCrO/NiFe LDH electrodes require an overpotential of 205 mV to achieve a current density of 100 mA cm, and they exhibit long-term stability at 1000 mA cm over 7000 h.

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Nonaqueous redox flow batteries (NARFBs) have promise for large-scale energy storage with high energy density. Developing advanced active materials is of paramount importance to achieve high stability and energy density. Herein, we adopt the molecular engineering strategy by coupling tetraalkylammonium and an ethylene glycol ether side chain to design anthraquinone-based ionic active species.

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Nonaqueous redox flow batteries (NARFBs) are a potential candidate for high-energy-density storage systems because of their wider electrochemical windows than that of the aqueous systems. However, their further development is hindered by the low solubility of organic redox-active materials and poor high-current operations. Herein, we report a liquid anolyte material, 3-nitrotoluene (3-NT), which demonstrates high chemical stability and mass- and charge-transfer kinetics.

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