Institute of Fundamental Technological Research

Solid-state batteries are commonly acknowledged as the forthcoming evolution
in energy storage technologies. Recent development progress for these rechargeable
batteries has notably accelerated their trajectory toward achieving commercial
feasibility. In particular, all-solid-state lithium–sulfur batteries (ASSLSBs) that rely
on lithium–sulfur reversible redox processes exhibit immense potential as an energy
storage system, surpassing conventional lithium-ion batteries. This can be attributed
predominantly to their exceptional energy density, extended operational lifespan, and
heightened safety attributes. Despite these advantages, the adoption of ASSLSBs in the
commercial sector has been sluggish. To expedite research and development in this particular
area, this article provides a thorough review of the current state of ASSLSBs. We
delve into an in-depth analysis of the rationale behind transitioning to ASSLSBs, explore
the fundamental scientific principles involved, and provide a comprehensive evaluation
of the main challenges faced by ASSLSBs. We suggest that future research in this field
should prioritize plummeting the presence of inactive substances, adopting electrodes with optimum performance, minimizing interfacial
resistance, and designing a scalable fabrication approach to facilitate the commercialization of ASSLSBs

The major hindrance to efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen generation from water electrolysis is the sluggish kinetics with corresponding large overvoltage of oxygen evolution reaction. Herein, we report a defective 2D NiCoMoS@Ni(CN)2 core-shell heterostructure derived from Hofmann-type MOF as an efficient and durable high-performance noble metal-free electrocatalyst for hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR) in alkaline media. The sluggish oxygen evolution reaction was replaced with a more thermodynamically favourable HzOR, enabling energy-saving electrochemical hydrogen production with 2D NiCoMoS@Ni(CN)2 acting as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for anodic HzOR and cathodic hydrogen generation. Operating at room temperature, the two-electrode electrolyzer delivers 100 mA cm−2 from a cell voltage of just 257 mV, with strong long-term electrochemical durability and nearly 100% Faradaic efficiency for hydrogen evolution in 1.0 M KOH aqueous solution with 0.5 M hydrazine. The density functional theory (DFT) was employed to investigate the origin of catalytic performance and showed that high vacancy creation within the heterointerface endowed NiCoMoS@Ni(CN)2 with favourable functionalities for excellent catalytic performance.

Defect engineering, Core-shell, Electrocatalyst, Hydrazine oxidation, Heterostructure

Molybdenum sulfide–oxide (MoS2, MS) emerges as the prime electrocatalyst candidate demonstrating hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity comparable to platinum (Pt). This study presents a facile electrochemical approach for fabricating a hybrid copper (Cu)/MoS2 (CMS) nanos- tructure thin-film electrocatalyst directly onto nickel foam (NF) without a binder or template. The synthesized CMS nanostructures were characterized utilizing energy-ispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electrochemical methods. The XRD result revealed that the Cu metal coating on MS results in the creation of an extremely crys-talline CMS nanostructure with a well-defined interface. The hybrid nanostructures demonstrated
higher hydrogen production, attributed to the synergistic interplay of morphology and electron dis-tribution at the interface. The nanostructures displayed a significantly low overpotential of −149 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 117 mV dec−1, indicating enhanced catalytic activity compared to pristine MoS2.This research underscores the significant enhancement of the HER performance and
conductivity achieved by CMS, showcasing its potential applications in renewable energy.

electrodeposition, hydrogen evolution reactions, catalytic activity, Cu/MoS2 nanostructures

Oxygen vacancy (Vo) is ubiquitous, playing a critical role in tuning the electronic configuration and optimizing the adsorption of adsorbates in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) process. However, fine control over the density and stabilization of Vo is a big challenge in the highly oxidizing environment of OER. Herein, we have fabricated bulk NiFeCo (layered double hydroxide) LDHs via the hydrothermal method and exfoliated them into thin sheets rich with Vo using high-energy Ar-plasma. We doped fluoride to simultaneously modulate the charge distribution of surrounding atoms and stabilize Vo by taking advantage of the extremely high electronegativity and similar ion diameter to oxygen of fluoride. The material exhibited OER activity with a low overpotential of 200 mV at 10 mA cm–2 and a Tafel slope of 34.6 mV dec–1. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations support the claim that Vo and fluoride substantially increase NiFeCo LDH OER activity by modifying the electronic structures of the catalytically active sites.

Electrocatalyst, Double layered hydroxide, oxygen evolution reaction, oxygen vacancy, stabilization

A feasible nanoscale framework of heterogeneous plasmonic materials and
proper surface engineering can enhance photoelectrochemical (PEC)
water-splitting performance owing to increased light absorbance, efficient
bulk carrier transport, and interfacial charge transfer. This article introduces a
new magnetoplasmonic (MagPlas) Ni-doped Au@FexOy nanorods (NRs)
based material as a novel photoanode for PEC water-splitting. A two stage
procedure produces core–shell Ni/Au@FexOy MagPlas NRs. The first-step is
a one-pot solvothermal synthesis of Au@FexOy. The hollow FexOy nanotubes
(NTs) are a hybrid of Fe2O3 and Fe3O4, and the second-step is a sequential
hydrothermal treatment for Ni doping. Then, a transverse magnetic
field-induced assembly is adopted to decorate Ni/Au@FexOy on FTO glass to
be an artificially roughened morphologic surface called a rugged forest,
allowing more light absorption and active electrochemical sites. Then, to
characterize its optical and surface properties, COMSOL Multiphysics
simulations are carried out. The core–shell Ni/Au@FexOy MagPlas NRs
increase photoanode interface charge transfer to 2.73 mAcm−2 at 1.23 V RHE.
This improvement is made possible by the rugged morphology of the NRs,
which provide more active sites and oxygen vacancies as the hole transfer
medium. The recent finding may provide light on plasmonic photocatalytic
hybrids and surface morphology for effective PEC photoanodes.

The integration of different precursor components to form single nanostructures via one-step synthesis process is mostly restricted by the compatibility and complexity of components. Herein, a highly uniform, spherical, hollowed, and hierarchical iron oxide-wrapped Mo–polydopamine is synthesized using a one-pot liquid-phase reaction at room temperature. Mo2C is doped with Fe3O4 to harness the rich electrons in Fe dopants for effective lowering of the unoccupied d-orbitals in Mo. The surface conductivity of the as-prepared nanostructures is enhanced by decorating them with gold nanoparticles utilizing strong interaction of Au and amine. The nanocomposites are converted into carbidic hollowed structures via an annealing process without any distortion in morphology. The well-organized structure and nanosize of the particles provide efficient catalytic performance for hydrogen evolution reaction in acidic media. MoFe–C@Au exhibits a very positive onset potential of 2 mV, low Tafel slope of 50.1 mV dec^-1, and remarkable long- term stability.

electrocatalysts,hierarchical syntheses,hydrogen evolution,molybdenum,polydopamine

Hydrogen produced by electrochemical water splitting is considered to be a sustainable fuel source, an
ideal way to solve the energy problem and its environmental challenges. However, industrial production
of hydrogen from water splitting is mainly hindered by sluggish kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction
(OER) at the anode and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at the cathode in an alkaline solution due
to the difficulty in forming binding protons. Thus, the construction of a highly active and cost-effective
catalyst with abundant oxygen vacancies is critical for enhancing the reaction efficiency and decreasing
the required overpotential. Due to earth-abundance and electrocatalytic activities, Ni-based ultrathin
nanostructures (Ni-utNSs) have attracted immense attention for overall water splitting. Herein, we have
presented a complete summary of recent advancements in Ni-utNSs for overall electrochemical water
splitting. After discussing unique advances in Ni-utNSs, we discussed their properties and crystal
structures. The HER, OER, and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) mechanisms were briefly discussed. We
also discussed several Ni-utNS manufacturing techniques, as well as in situ and ex situ characterization
and computer modeling. Furthermore, the electrochemical water splitting of Ni-utNSs is addressed. This
review can help readers understand the recent progress of Ni-utNS catalysts and gain insight into the
rational design of Ni-utNS catalysts with high electrocatalytic activity.

Vacancy engineering offers an attractive approach to improving the surface properties and electronic
structure of transition metal nanomaterials. However, simple and cost-effective methods for introducing
defects into nanomaterials still face great challenges. Herein, we propose a facile room temperature
two-step technique that utilizes Fe as the dopant to enhance S vacancies in cobalt-based metal–organic
frameworks (MOFs). The Fe–Co-MOF was converted into a hollow Fe–Co3S4 confined in CoMo2S4 to
form Fe–Co3S4@CoMo2S4 nanosheets. The as-prepared material showed enhanced charge storage
kinetics and excellent properties as an electrode material for supercapacitors. The obtained
nanostructure displayed a high specific capacitance (980.3 F g−1 at 1 A g−1) and excellent cycling stability
(capacity retention of 96.5% after 6000 cycles at 10 A g−1). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations
show that introducing defects into the nanostructures leads to more electrons appearing near the Fermi
level, which is beneficial for electron transfer during electrochemical processes. Thus, this work provides
a rational cost-effective strategy for introducing defects into transition metal sulfides and may serve as
a potential means to prepare electrode materials for energy storage.