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Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Electrochemistry

Oscar Enrique Catalan-Montiel

,

Ana Karen Galvez-Larios

,

Isai Rosales-Cadena

,

América María Ramirez-Arteaga

,

Roy Lopez Sesenes

,

Jesus Porcayo Calderon

,

José Gonzalo Gonzalez-Rodriguez

Abstract: In the present research work, the corrosion behaviour of pure Al in methyl esters with different degree of unsaturation and chain length, present in biodiesel, has been investigated by using electrochemical techniques. Evaluated methyl esters included methyl acrylate (C4H6O2) and methyl linoleate (C19H34O2) which were added to methyl propionate, (C4H8O2) and methyl oleate (C19H36O2 ) respectively. Electrochemical techniques involved electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and electrochemical noise, and were supplemented by detailed studies of scanning electronic microscopy. Results have shown that the corrosion rate and the susceptibility to localized type of corrosion such as pitting increased with an increase in the number of unsaturations and in the chain length. Corrosion process was under charge transfer and was not affected neither by an increase in the number of unsaturations nor in the chain length. The charge transfer resistance value decreased by an increase in the number of unsaturations nor in the chain length.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Electrochemistry

Songjie Li

,

Yuxin Li

,

Renzhe Jin

,

Jiajiao Wei

,

Peng Zhu

,

Jianmeng Wu

,

Xiaomei Yu

,

Jinyou Zheng

Abstract:

Efficient and low-cost electrocatalysts play a crucial role in hydrogen production through electrolysis of water. Molybdenum (Mo) carbide with a similar electronic structure to Pt was selected, both α-MoC1−x and α-MoC1−x/β-Mo2C electrocatalysts were successfully fabricated for electrochemical hydrogen evolution. A continuous optimization of the hydrothermal and carbonization conditions was carried out for the preparation of α-MoC1−x. The biphasic molybdenum carbide catalysts were further achieved via vanadium doping with a phase transition of molybdenum carbide from α to β, which increases the specific surface area of the electrocatalyst. It was found that the V-MoxC catalyst obtained at a Mo/V molar ratio of 100:5 exhibited the best hydrogen production performance, with a β to α phase ratio of 0.827. The overpotential of V-MoxC at η10 decreased to 99 mV, and the Tafel slope reached 65.1 mV dec−1, indicating a significant improvement in performance compared to undoped samples. Excellent stability was obtained of the as-prepared electrocatalyst for water splitting over 100 h at a current density of 10 mA cm−2.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Electrochemistry

Manal A. El Sayed

,

Ibrahim H. Elshamy

,

Sami M Alharbi

,

Magdy A. M. Ibrahim

Abstract: The corrosion behavior and passive-film stability of a β-TiZrNbTa (β-TZNT) alloy were thoroughly examined in artificial seawater (ASW), with a focus on the effects of pH, temperature, immersion time, fluoride ion concentration, and potential scan rate. In addi-tion to electrochemical methods such as open-circuit potential (OCP), potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning elec-tron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used for surface characteriza-tion. The establishment of a stable and efficient passive layer enriched with Zr-, Nb-, and Ta-oxides was responsible for the β-TZNT alloy's superior corrosion resistance in fluo-ride-free ASW when compared to commercially pure titanium. Reduced passive-film re-sistance resulted from corrosion kinetics being greatly accelerated by decreasing the pH and increasing the temperature. Due to the chemical dissolution of TiO₂ through soluble fluoride complexes, the presence of fluoride ions significantly reduced passivity and in-creased corrosion current densities by more than an order of magnitude. A bilayer pas-sive structure with a compact inner barrier layer and a porous outer layer was identified by EIS analysis. The integrity of this structure gradually decreased as the fluoride con-centration and acidity increased. Over time, passive film degradation predominated in fluoride-free seawater, whereas prolonged immersion encouraged partial re-passivation in fluoride-containing media. Overall, the findings highlight the potential and constraints of β-TZNT alloy for advanced marine and offshore applications by offering new mecha-nistic insights into the synergistic effects of fluoride ions and environmental parameters on corrosion performance.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Electrochemistry

Donald A. Tryk

Abstract: It has long been recognized that the oxygen reduction reaction occurs more readily on Pt(111) surfaces that include steps, both (111) and (100), than on near-perfect Pt(111). Theoretical models were developed involving the water structure in the electric double layer and its interactions with adsorbed OH, with the actual O2 reduction occurring on the (111) terraces adjacent to the steps. However, the present density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirms that O2 adsorbs strongly at the steps and can undergo dissociation aided by adjacent water molecules to produce adsorbed OH. OH produced at the steps can move to the (111) terraces, where it can be more readily reduced to H2O and desorbed. This model avoids the scaling relation, which predicts that all oxygen-containing reactants and intermediates are proportional to each other on any given surface. Efforts to develop new O2 reduction catalysts have been hampered by this assumption, which supposes that the reaction rate can be increased by decreasing OH adsorption strength, even though decreased OH adsorption strength is accompanied by decreased O2 adsorption strength. This proposed model can explain the experimental results on stepped surfaces and may also be important for the development of Pt nanoparticle catalysts.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Electrochemistry

Kaili Liu

,

Chengqiang Li

,

Yuchen Cai

,

Nortoji A. Khujamshukurov

,

Jiashuai Sun

,

Peisen Li

,

Yemin Guo

,

Xia Sun

Abstract: Lycium barbarum L. is widely used medicinal and edible Chinese medicinal materials. However, with consumers' heightened concern for health and food safety, pesticide residues have become one of the major challenges affecting its’ quality and safety. cyhalothrin is a pyrethroid insecticide, and is a typical type of pesticide with excessive pesticide residues in Lycium barbarum L. Rapid detection of pesticide residues is an effective way to ensure the quality and safety of traditional Chinese medicinal materials. In this work, a molecularly imprinted polymer electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor based on AuNPs@Ru-ZIF8 was constructed for cyhalothrin residues rapid detection. The prepared cyhalothrin molecularly imprinted polymer (MIPs) was used as a recognition element and modified onto the surface of GCE by electrochemical polymerization method. Gold nanoparticle (AuNPs) were utilized to promote the excitation of Ru(bpy)32+ and TPrA in the ECL system, which improved the observability of the light signal. The glassy carbon electrode(GCE) modified with the Metal Organic Frameworks ZIF8 was utilized to increase the specific surface area and thus improve the sensitivity of the sensor. In addition, the luminescent reagent Ru(bpy)32+ was introduced into the synthesis process of ZIF8, which caused Ru(bpy)32+ to be tightly bound around it and enhanced the stability of the sensor. Under optimal conditions, the linear detection range of the sensor is 1 × 10-1~1 × 104 nM, with a minimum detection limit (LOD) of 10 pM. The accuracy of the ECL MIPs sensor has been verified through spiked recovery experiments and actual sample testing. This study has opened up a new approach for rapid detection of pesticide residues in traditional medicinal herbs used for both food and medicine.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Electrochemistry

Umberto Calice

,

Francesco Zimbardi

,

Nadia Cerone

,

Vito Valerio

Abstract: In this study, an electrochemical valorization strategy on liquid byproducts from hazel-nut shell gasification was developed to couple waste remediation with energy-efficient hydrogen production. The aqueous phase, rich in organic compounds, is processed in an anion exchange membrane (AEM) cell, where pure hydrogen evolved at the cathode while organic pollutants are oxidized at the anode. First, the feedstock is thoroughly charac-terized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), identifying a complex matrix of water-soluble aromatic compounds such as phenols, catechols, and other aro-matics compounds, with concentrations reaching up to 2.9 g/kg for catechols. Then, the electro-reforming process is optimized using Nickel oxide-hydroxide (Ni(O)OH) elec-trodes with a loading of 0.75 mg/cm2. This methodology relies on the favorable thermo-dynamics of organic oxidation, which requires a lower onset potential (0.4 V) compared to the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) observed in the alkaline control (0.52 V), and the low overpotential of the Nickel oxide-hydroxide electrode towards the oxidized species. Consequently, the organic load undergoes progressive oxidation into hydrophilic and less bioaccumulating species and carbon dioxide, allowing for the simultaneous genera-tion of pure hydrogen at the cathode at a reduced cell voltage. Elevated stability was observed, with a substantial abatement of organic compounds achieved over 80 hours at a fixed cell voltage of 0.5 V. This represents a step forward in the development of tech-nologies that reduces the energy intensity of hydrogen generation while valorizing bio-mass gasification residues.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Electrochemistry

Silvia da C. Oliveira

,

José J. Linares

,

Paulo A. Z. Suarez

,

Carla M. C. da Costa

,

Evelyn C. G. Alexandre

,

Myller S. Tonhá

,

Daniel Ballesteros-Plata

,

Enrique Rodríguez-Castellón

,

Marcos J. Prauchner

Abstract: Nine activated carbons (ACs) with hierarchical micro- and mesoporous textural structures and varied chemical compositions were evaluated as metal-free electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) under alkaline conditions. The base material was a commercial biomass-based carbon chemically activated with H3PO4, which possesses a hierarchical micro- and mesoporous structure. This material was modified by: oxidative treatment with HNO3 to increase the content of acidic oxygenated functional groups (OFGs); and by heat treatment in an inert atmosphere up to 800 °C to remove most of the acidic OFGs. Furthermore, the original and modified ACs were subjected to ammonization up to 400 or 800 °C to incorporate nitrogen. The results showed that there exists a synergistic effect among at least three critical factors that enhance the ORR performance of the materials: a high specific surface area (SSA); a high electrical conductivity (achieved by means of a well-developed carbon basal plane structure); and the presence of functional groups containing heteroatoms, mainly aromatic nitrogens. Notably, the ACs exhibited high tolerance to methanol crossover. Finally, as a proof-of-concept, a selected AC was tested in a single-cell Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC), yielding excellent performance. The results demonstrate the high potential of N-doped ACs as electrocatalysts, inexpensive and versatile materials that can replace costly Pt-based electrodes.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Electrochemistry

Chunyang Li

,

Changsheng An

,

Guojun Li

Abstract: Porous NiCo2O4 nanomaterials were prepared by using in-situ synthesized polyacrylamide as template, and cobalt nitrate, nickel nitrate and urea as raw materials. XRD and FESEM results show the spinel type NiCo2O4 electrode materials with 3D macroporous/mesoporous structure and an average grain size of about 8.1 nm had been synthesized by calcining the amorphous precursor at 300 °C. The electrochemical results of as-calcined NiCo2O4 showed that the specific capacitance at 10 A g-1 is equivalent to 88.9% of 1 A g-1, indicating good rate characteristics. After 3000 cycles, the specific capacity gradually increases from 275.2 F g-1 to 678.4 F g-1, and the capacitance retention rate is up to 246.5%, suggesting excellent cycling stability and capacity retention rate.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Electrochemistry

Mehmet Firat Baran

,

Elchin Huseynov

,

Aziz Eftekhari

,

Abdulkadir Levent

,

Erdal Ertaş

,

Taras Kavetskyy

,

Ondrej Šauša

,

Evgeny Katz

,

Oleh Smutok

Abstract: The structural and electrochemical properties of gold nanoparticles biosynthesized from Rhus coriaria L. (Rc@AuNPs) were comprehensively investigated and characterized. R. co-riaria (sumac) served as a natural gold reducing and capping agent due to its rich poly-phenolic and phytochemical composition, enabling a sustainable, low-cost, and environ-mentally friendly synthesis of Rc@AuNPs. The electrochemical behavior of the hybrid material was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Rc@AuNPs exhibited specific capacitances of 129.48 F/g, 156.32 F/g, and 280.37 F/g in H₂SO₄, Na₂SO₄, and KOH electro-lytes, respectively, indicating strong potential for supercapacitor and energy-storage ap-plications. GCD analysis further showed Csp values of 107.69 F/g (H₂SO₄), 133.23 F/g (Na₂SO₄), and 348.34 F/g (KOH), confirming the highest charge-storage performance in basic media. EIS measurements supported these results, yielding ESR values of 67.96 Ω in H₂SO₄, 64.42 Ω in Na₂SO₄, and a notably lower 24.43 Ω in KOH, consistent with its higher ionic conductivity and more efficient charge transfer. Overall, the superior Csp and low ESR observed in KOH demonstrate the excellent capacitive behavior of Rc@AuNPs. These biosynthesized gold nanoparticles represent a promising and sustainable electrode mate-rial for high-performance energy-storage technologies.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Electrochemistry

Marjorie Montero-Jiménez

,

Jael R. Neyra Recky

,

Omar Azzaroni

,

Juliana Scotto

,

Waldemar A. Marmisollé

Abstract: We present a methodology that enhances the analytical performance of organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) by continuously cycling the devices through gate-potential sweeps during sensing experiments. This continuous cycling method (CCM) enables real-time acquisition of full transfer curves, allowing simultaneous monitoring of multiple characteristic parameters. We show that the simultaneous temporal evolution of several OECT response parameters (VTH, VG,gmax, and gmax) provides highly sensitive descriptors for detecting pH changes and macromolecule adsorption on OECTs based on PANI and PEDOT channels. Moreover, the method allows reconstruction of IDS–time profiles at any selected gate potential, enabling the identification of optimal VG values for maximizing sensitivity. This represents a substantial improvement over traditional measurements at fixed VG, which may suffer from reduced sensitivity and parasitic reactions associated with gate polarization. Moreover, the expanded set of parameters obtained with the CCM provides deeper insight into the physicochemical processes occurring at both gate and channel electrodes. We demonstrate its applicability to monitoring polyelectrolyte and enzyme adsorption as well as detecting urea and glucose through enzyme-mediated reactions. Owing to its versatility and the richness of the information it provides, the CCM constitutes a significant advance for the development and optimization of OECT-based sensing platforms.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Electrochemistry

Yusra Bahar Cakir

,

Nahid Keshtiban

,

Fatih Can Sarı

,

Ali Gelir

,

Kerem Kaya

Abstract: The synthesis of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) a benchmark conducting polymer frequently researched for energy storage, conventionally relies on corrosive and toxic reagents leading to significant hazardous waste, conflicting with the principles of green and sustainable chemistry. This report introduces a fully photochemical, metal-free, and sustainable method that employs a single organic photoinitiator, phenacyl bromide (PAB), to achieve the in-situ polymerization of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) and sodium 4-styrenesulfonate (NaSS) monomers. The reaction occurs at room temperature in a benign ethanol/water solvent system. A major environmental advantage is the elimination of hazardous metal waste, replaced instead by acetophenone, a non-toxic byproduct readily removed via simple precipitation. Structural analysis confirmed the formation of the doped polymer with a PEDOT:PSS molar ratio of approximately 1:3, consistent with both Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) bulk and surface measurements, respectively. As a proof-of-concept for its application in energy storage, the resulting PEDOT:PSS/Activated Carbon composite was fabricated into a symmetric supercapacitor device demonstrating an exceptional operational durability, retaining 97% of its initial capacitance after 2000 charge–discharge cycles. Moreover, this light-driven synthesis can enable spatiotemporal control, opening new pathways for sustainable advanced manufacturing, such as 3D printing of PEDOT:PSS, in line with SDG 9 goals.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Electrochemistry

Mohamed Fadel Anass Ma-El-Ainine

,

Rachid Boukhili

,

Oumarou Savadogo

Abstract: Bipolar Polymer Membranes (BPMs) enable the creation of large, stable pH gradients by drivingwater dissociation (WD) at the cation/anion junction under reverse bias, a process central to electrodialysis, CO₂ capture, and emerging acid–alkaline water electrolysis. Yet, despite decades of study, the mechanism by which intense interfacial electric fields accelerate WD remains debated and is often modeled with ad hoc assumptions. Here, we outline key limitations of existing models of field-enhanced WD in BPMs and we present a power-dissipation model and its formalism that address them. In this new framework, we emphasize that minority ions from water autoprotolysis act as carriers that continuously dissipate field-supplied power in the hydrated nanometric junction. This dissipative input raises the local probability of heterolytic O–H bond cleavage and leads analytically to the dissociation rate’s quadratic dependence on the field. Without adjustable parameters, the model reproduces the required orders of magnitude for the enhancement ratio kd(E)/kd(0), where kd(E) is the field-enhanced water-dissociation rate constant and kd(0) its zero-field value, across typical BPM fields and yields a quadratic current–voltage junction law. A proof-of-principle measurement on a commercial Fumasep® FBM confirms the quadratic current–voltage​ trend, supporting a power dissipation field-driven WD and providing a concise, falsifiable baseline for future studies.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Electrochemistry

Vyacheslav S. Protsenko

,

Denys A. Shaiderov

,

Oleksandr D. Sukhatskyi

Abstract:

This work reports the electrochemical behavior of a nickel hydroxide electrode, electrodeposited in a deep eutectic solvent (DES), in alkaline solutions of varying composition, aiming to elucidate the influence of the cation (Na+ vs. K+), urea, and carbonate ions on the mechanism and kinetics of anodic processes. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were employed to analyze the electrochemical responses of electrode processes in alkaline water electrolysis systems. For the urea oxidation reaction (UOR), the frequency-dependent characteristics were thoroughly characterized, and the impedance response was simulated according to the Armstrong–Henderson equivalent circuit. It was found that the addition of urea significantly transforms the impedance structure, sharply reducing the polarization resistance and increasing the pseudo-capacitive component of the constant phase element at low frequencies, indicating activation of the slow steps of urea oxidation via a direct mechanism and the formation of an extended adsorptive surface. It was demonstrated that, unlike conventional alkaline electrolysis where KOH-based systems are generally more effective, urea-assisted systems exhibit superior performance in NaOH-based electrolytes, which provides more favorable kinetics for the electrocatalytic urea oxidation process. Furthermore, the accumulation of carbonate ions was shown to negatively affect UOR kinetics by increasing polarization resistance and partially blocking surface sites, highlighting the necessity of controlling electrolyte composition in practical systems. These findings open new opportunities for the rational design of efficient urea-assisted electrolyzers for green hydrogen generation.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Electrochemistry

Muhamad Abdulkadir Martoprawiro

,

Maman Budiman

,

W. Hidajatullah-Maksoed

Abstract:

The nuclear fusion reaction can be catalyzed in a suitable fusion fuel by muons (heavy electrons).“For the fractal relations, ranging from DNA knots to solar neutrino flux signals”, ever derived of scale-invariant properties distinguished between classical invariant theory & quantum invariant theory subfactors. Accompanying isomorphicity & Connes FusionTensor Product retrieved to μ-catalyzed fusion where surroundings of room temperature fusion driven by the balance in mtDNA fusion & fission. On behalf of nanometer dimension of radius of heavy electron & wavelength of UV-light,it assumed that muons can be produced by oxidation-like decay when UV-light impinging water, indicated by a magnetic field induced perhaps by a ring South-North poled element.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Electrochemistry

Hassan Oriyomi Shoyiga

,

Msimelelo Siswana

Abstract: Magnesium-sulfur (Mg-S) batteries present a compelling energy storage solution, characterised by their remarkable theoretical energy density and economic viability. Nonetheless, challenges arise, including swift capacity degradation and suboptimal polysulfide (acting as an electronic and ionic insulator) utilisation, mainly due to a phenomenon known as the polysulfide "shuttle effect". This effect also leads to a decline in battery performance. The B3LYP functional and 6-311G (d, p) basis set were used to examine the optoelectronic and charge-transfer properties of a polyaniline-pyrrole (PANIPyr) composite, emphasising interatomic and electronic interactions that enhance charge transport and oxidation of MgS₂. The findings demonstrate the presence of coordination bonding between hydrogen in pyrrole and the N- ion in quinonediimine of polyaniline, significantly enhancing the electrical properties of PANI. The PANIPyr_P1 configuration exhibits the lowest Ɛgap and the highest charge-transfer capacity, thereby improving reactivity towards polysulfides in comparison to pure PANI. Significant electrical interactions at this site establish accessible electrophilic and nucleophilic regions that stabilise the ionic sides of the polysulfides, reduce the shuttle effect, and improve charge transport at the interface. PANIPyr_P1 demonstrates viability for minimising polysulfide migration and enhancing cathodic efficiency in Mg-S batteries, thereby laying a foundation for future investigations into polymer-based cathode modifiers.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Electrochemistry

Xiaojing Jia

,

Jiangsan Wang

,

Jing Dang

Abstract: Integrating nanostructured carbon materials with flexible substrates to form binder-free electrode architectures is a promising strategy for enhancing the capacitive performance and rate capability of supercapacitors, yet it remains a significant challenge. In this study, we report a facile method for the direct synthesis of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) on knitted carbon fabric (CF) via chemical vapor deposition (CVD), enabling their use as electrodes in all-solid-state flexible supercapacitors. The resulting CNFs exhibit two typical average diameters—approximately 25 nm and 50 nm—depending on the growth temperature, with both displaying highly graphitized structures. The electrochemical performance of CNFs/CF electrodes was evaluated in 1 M H2SO4 aqueous electrolyte using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge/discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), confirming electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) behavior. Notably, the 25 nm-CNFs/CF electrode achieves a high specific capacitance of 87.5 F/g, significantly outperforming the 50 nm-CNFs/CF electrode, which reaches 50.2 F/g. Compared to previously reported carbon nanotube (CNT)/CF electrodes, the 25 nm-CNFs/CF electrode exhibits superior capacitance and lower resistance. These results underscore its strong potential for application in flexible and wearable electronic devices. Furthermore, the structure-performance relationship revealed in this study provides valuable insights for the rational design of next-generation carbon-based energy storage systems.

Review
Chemistry and Materials Science
Electrochemistry

Nadir Naimi

Abstract: Chemical machining serves essential applications throughout the electronics industry in the manufacture of diverse metallic components. Etchants of transition metal salts are especially favored for their ability to be regenerated by simple oxidizing agents, including atmospheric oxygen, allowing steady-state processing. Despite their relevance, elementary steps in the reaction mechanisms of copper chemical machining have not yet been fully characterized. This review draws from supporting literature to assert hypotheses of intermediate coordination states in the heterogeneous electron transfer mechanism of the surface dissolution reaction by each of three common etchants of transition metal salts: ferric chloride, acidic cupric chloride, and alkaline cupric ammine chloride. Primary evidence is evaluated as well for mechanisms asserted of their aerobic regeneration pathways. Additionally, the reader is directed to relevant mathematical models cited throughout the article, and areas for further research are identified in each section.

Review
Chemistry and Materials Science
Electrochemistry

Hassan O. Shoyiga

,

Msimelelo Siswana

Abstract: Magnesium-sulfur (Mg-S) batteries constitute a novel category of multivalent energy storage systems, including enhanced theoretical energy density, material availability, and ecological compatibility. Notwithstanding these benefits, practical implementa-tion continues to be hindered by ongoing issues such as polysulfide shuttle effects, slow Mg²⁺ transport, and significant interfacial instability. This study emphasises recent progress in utilising transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) as cathode materials and modifiers to overcome these challenges. We assess the structural, electrical, and cat-alytic characteristics of TMCs such as MoS₂, CoSe₂, WS₂, and TiS₂, highlighting their contributions to improving redox kinetics, retaining polysulfides, and enabling re-versible Mg²⁺ intercalation. The review synthesises results from experimental and theoretical studies to offer a thorough comprehension of structure-function interac-tions. Particular emphasis is placed on morphological engineering, modulation of electronic conductivity, and techniques for surface functionalisation. Furthermore, we examine insights from density functional theory (DFT) simulations that corroborate the observed enhancements in electrochemical performance and offer predictive di-rection for material optimisation. This paper delineates nascent opportunities in AI-enhanced materials discovery and hybrid system design, proposing future trajecto-ries to realise the potential of TMC-based Mg-S battery systems fully.

Communication
Chemistry and Materials Science
Electrochemistry

Tihana Mudrinić

,

Alexandra Guboova

,

Ivan Shepa

,

Erika Mudra

,

Ondrej Milkovic

,

Magdalena Streckova

Abstract: Hydrogen has the potential to become a key component of the global economy by reducing reliance on fossil fuel imports, enhancing energy independence, and mitigating climate change. Its future role depends on factors such as availability, cost competitiveness, supportive legislation, public-private collaboration, and advancements in catalyst development for electrolyzers and fuel cells. In this study, carbon-supported multimetallic MoFeNiP catalysts were developed as cost-effective, platinum-free electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), via polymer-metal gel precursors and subsequent pyrolysis at different temperatures. The catalysts were evaluated in both acidic (0.5 M H₂SO₄) and alkaline (1 M KOH) media, revealing that C-MoFeNiP-1200 performed best in alkaline conditions, while C-MoFeNiP-1000 showed superior activity in acidic media. Electrochemical analyses confirmed favorable kinetics, efficient charge transfer, and good long-term stability. These results demonstrate that tuning pyrolysis temperature allows precise control over catalyst structure, surface properties, and performance, offering a sustainable and practical approach for designing efficient HER electrocatalysis.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Electrochemistry

Joost Veerman

Abstract: In this paper, we focus on the performance of reverse electrodialysis stacks and suggest new designs to improve power density and fuel efficiency by using fractal concepts. Two methods are discussed, namely membrane profiling and the assembly of stacks from a number of smaller stacks.

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