Materials Science Forum Vol. 1127

Abstract: In this study, novel organic/inorganic composites were fabricated by blending anthraquinone (AQ) with SBA-15 molecular sieve in varying ratios via ultrasonication, characterized structurally using XRD, SEM, and BET methods, and analyzed electrochemically as cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries via galvanostatic discharge/charge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The composite with a 2:1 ratio of AQ and SBA-15 achieved a specific discharge capacity of 144.5 mAh/g at 0.2 C, which decreased to 63.3 mAh/g after 50 cycles, 8% higher than that of the pure AQ. The initial discharge platform of the composite was 2.28 V, which decreased to 2.10 V after 50 cycles, 50 mV higher than that of the pure AQ. This is because the loading of anthraquinone particles by the SBA-15 pore size structure facilitated the stabilization of the active materials, hindered the solubility of AQ in the electrolyte, and enhanced the cycling stability of the battery.

Abstract: Lithium-rich layered oxide cathode materials have the advantages of a high voltage and a high specific capacity. Their commercial applications have however been impeded by some disadvantages such as low initial coulombic efficiency and low cycle life. To overcome these issues, rare earth ion-doped lithium-rich layered oxide cathode materials are investigated in this work. The irreversible release of O^2- in Li₂MnO₃ is suppressed by rare earth ions doping, which enhanced the initial coulombic efficiency of the materials. Meanwhile, the rare-earth ion radius used for doping is larger than the Mn⁴⁺ radius, which enlarges the (003)-crystalline plane spacing, resulting in a significant enhancement of the rate performance of the material.

Abstract: To investigate the effect of mono-halogenation on the performance of anthraquinone cathode in lithium-ion batteries, the structures and electrochemical properties of AQ derivatives functionalized with single chlorine and bromine were studied. The microstructure and morphology were characterized by XRD and SEM, and the electrochemical properties were conducted using galvanostatic charge/discharge, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. 1-BrAQ, 2-BrAQ, and 2-ClAQ showed improved cyclic stability and higher platform voltage than the AQ cathode, and the capacity retention rates of 2-ClAQ and 2-BrAQ after 50 discharge cycles are 64.6% and 77.8%, respectively, which are twice the capacity retention rate of the AQ positive electrode under the same conditions.

Abstract: The Poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly (styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) hole transport layer was treated with ethanol to optimize the performance of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT): [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) based organic polymer solar cells. Washing out of the insulating PSS from the PEDOT:PSS film by ethanol promoted the formation of a conducting PEDOT chain network so that both the conductivity of PEDOT:PSS film and the properties of P3HT: PCBM-based solar cells were improved significantly.

Abstract: In the search for environmentally acceptable and sustainable energy storage solutions, biomass-derived biochar materials are becoming popular in supercapacitor applications. Rice straw is regularly disposed of as agricultural waste, but it is an intriguing biomass precursor for synthesizing activated biochar suitable for supercapacitor electrodes. This study exhibited the utilization of activated biochar synthesized from rice straw through pyrolysis and potassium hydroxide (KOH) activation for supercapacitor applications. Structural examination, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nitrogen (N₂) adsorption and desorption, showed the activated rice straw-derived biochar‘s distinct crystal structure, morphological structure, pore structure, and surface area. Rice straw-derived biochar revealed an amorphous structure, nanosheet-like or multilayered morphology, and hierarchical pore structure. Electrochemical characterization showed that the activated rice straw-derived biochar has high specific capacitances of 116.48 F/g at 1 A/g and 84.58 F/g at 5 A/g, respectively. The amorphous character, hierarchical pore structure, and nanosheet-like morphology of the rice straw-derived biochar provided favorable properties for effective ion transfer for high electrochemical performance. These findings exhibited the prospects of rice straw as a sustainable and economical biomass precursor to produce excellent electrode material in supercapacitor applications.

Abstract: Climate change makes the comparison of strategies to mitigate environmental impacts in the production of catalyzed biodiesel derived from animal fat waste a necessity. Transesterification of Bovine Kidney Fat (BKF) into biodiesel is feasible, but the utilized inputs can incur a substantial environmental cost, such as Carbon Footprint (CF). The utilization of Ethanol as a reagent for the transesterification of BKF presents a viable alternative that could influence the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Biodiesel and reduce its CF. This study compares the CF for the LCA of producing 1 kg of Biodiesel for a 1-6 Methanol-BKF and 1-9 Ethanol-BKF ratio, catalyzed by Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) and Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) at 0.35% at 60°C. The LCA was initially defined following ISO 14067:2018 standards, and subsequently, the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emission Inventory was conducted for each stage of Biodiesel manufacturing. Ultimately, CF was calculated using CCalC2 software for the two examined conditions. Five processes were identified in the manufacturing of Biodiesel from BKF in the LCA stages. The CF for Biodiesel derived from BKF with Methanol is 4.36 kg CO2eq/FU, whereas the CF for Biodiesel derived from BKF with Ethanol + 5mol H2O is 0.246 kg CO2eq/FU. Enhanced environmental performance was evidenced using Ethanol + 5mol H2O for the LCA in BKF Biodiesel manufacturing, exhibiting a 1772.35% improvement over Methanol.

Abstract: Abrasives play a crucial role in surface blasting, especially in cold climates, where snow and ice significantly challenge transportation infrastructure and road safety. The main purpose of this research is to address the critical need for effective and sustainable winter maintenance techniques. This study examined the possibilities of Basic Oxygen Furnace Slag (BOFS) as a substitute (an abrasive substance) for conventional aggregates in ice-melting applications. Thus, this research assessed the physical properties of BOFS, such as absorption capacity, tested at -5°C, and aggregate angularity test, and designed for evaluation of the surface texture, friction, and percentage of fractured faces in uncompacted voids (SSD%) of the aggregates. Moreover, the potential use of a blend of BOFS with de-icing salts, specifically sodium chloride (NaCl) and calcium chloride (CaCl₂), was investigated as an effective ice-melting agent. For this purpose, three tests were carried out: the petri dish test according to SHRP H-205.1, the polishing ice melting test using a modified ASTM C 944 (rotational cutter), and the surface temperature measurement test. By assessing the performance of BOFS, our goal was to justify its efficacy, offering a practical alternative for regions experiencing severe winter conditions. Eventually, the findings from this study assert that BOFS can be used for surface blasting, indicating its potential as a substitute for traditional abrasives.

Abstract: Experimental study of the damage energy is a reproduction of the GFRP vessels’ slamming in the sea. The investigation was carried out to the laboratories by the construction of two types of GFRP panels: viscoelastic and non- viscoelastic modified. Through a bending test, the data collection was developed to get the measurement of the variables in key points. The obtained results showed an expected behavior because the modified specimens were able to spread the force induced from the center to the edges. Besides, the damage energy in the modified panels return in bigger amounts than the unmodified. Flexibility demonstrated a higher rate of increase in the unmodified panels, indicating that the viscoelastic layer contributed to the stiffness increment in the modified panel. In conclusion, viscoelastic materials help to dissipate the energy absorbed by the structure, elongating the lifetime. Also, this study expands the basic knowledge of viscoelastic materials’ behavior in the GFRP planing hull vessels.

Abstract: This work involved fabrication of an efficient thin film heater from 100 μm thick polyimide (PI) sheet by scribing it using a carbon dioxide lasing machine through optimizing laser power (P), scanning speed (SS), and pulses per inch (PPI). A 15 mm × 15 mm square pattern was designed using CorelDRAW software and scribed in a rastering mode on top of PI with the help of Universal Control Panel (UCP) software of the laser machine. Laser power of 8 %, SS of 4 % and PPI of 1000 were obtained as optimal parameters for producing laser induced graphene (LIG). This LIG exhibited a low sheet resistance of approximately 16.64 Ω/sq and was thermally stable on the PI substrate even after 30 cycles of repeated heating and cooling. The LIG was found to be highly porous with the aid of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and its structure was crystalline from XRD patterns. FTIR was conducted and showed disappearance of functional groups in PI after treatment with the laser beam. Our developed LIG heater showed great electrothermal performance with maximum temperature of approximately 288.7 °C, rate of temperature rise of 107.06 °Cs^-1, and time of 1.85 s to reach 63 % of temperature difference at a low input voltage of 6 V with homogeneous temperature distribution seen in the thermal images taken using FLIR camera. This LIG heating element can be placed in confined spaces because of its flexibility, thinness, and lightness. Additionally, its efficient joule heating effect attracts many applications such as seat warmers, anti-fogging equipment, food shelf displays, etc.