Journal of Applied Electrochemistry (J APPL ELECTROCHEM)

Publications in this journal

• Article: Structure reactivity relationships. The oxidation of aliphatic diols on a gold electrode

  T.Łuczak, M. Bełtowska-Brzezinska, R. Holze
  Journal of Applied Electrochemistry 02/2013; 1993(23):1039-1044.
• Article: Mesoporous carbons supported non-noble metal Fe-Nx electrocatalysts for PEM Fuel Cell oxygen reduction reaction

  Alessandro H.A. Monteverde Videla, Lei Zhang, Jenny Kim, Juqin Zeng, Carlotta Francia, Jiujun Zhang, Stefania Specchia
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  ABSTRACT: Three types of iron–nitrogen-containing nonnoble metal catalysts, supported on an ultrasonic spray pyrolysis mesoporous carbon (USPMC), a hollow core mesoporous shell carbon (HCMSC), and a standard carbon (Ketjen Black CJ600, KB), respectively, are synthesized using a wet-impregnation method. The morphologies and structure as well as composition of the synthesized carbon supports and their corresponding supported Fe–NX catalysts (namely Fe–NX/USPMC, Fe–NX/HCMSC, nd Fe–NX/KB, respectively) are physically characterized using EDX, SEM, FESEM, and BET analysis, respectively. The catalytic activities of these three electrocatalysts toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are measured using rotating disk electrode technique in O2-saturated 0.5 M H2SO4 solution. The catalyzed ORR exchange current densities are also obtained using the Tafel method based on the measured data. Among these three electrocatalysts, Fe–NX/HCMSC can give the best ORR performance, which is correlated to its higher nitrogen, mesopore, and micropore contents, compared to the other electrocatalysts. It is rationalized that the performance improvement of these electrocatalysts may be chieved as long as an optimal relationship among mesopores, micropores, and even macropores for increasing both ORR kinetics and reactant gases accessibility to the active sites can be found.
  Journal of Applied Electrochemistry 02/2013; 43(2):159-169.
• Article: Emission spectra and transient photovoltage in dye-sensitized solar cells under stress tests

  M. Giustini, D. Angelone, M. Parente, D. Dini, F. Decker, A. Lanuti, A. Reale, T. Brown, A. di Carlo
  Journal of Applied Electrochemistry 01/2013; 43:209.
• Article: PEMFCs and AEMFCs directly fed with ethanol: a comparative review

  A. Brouzgou • A. Podias • P. Tsiakaras
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  ABSTRACT: The last decade’s research on the performance of proton-exchange membrane direct ethanol fuel cells (PEM-DEFCs) and anion exchange membrane direct ethanol fuel cells (AEM-DEFCs) is included in the present review. Future research challenges are identified along with potential strategies to overcome them. Pt-containing or Pt-free PEM-DEFCs that use acid proton-exchange membranes (typically Nafion type) exhibit relatively low performance (i.e., the state-of-the-art peak power density is 110 mW cm−2 at 145 °C over 4 mg of total Pt loading), while Pt-containing or Pt-free AEM-DEFCs that use low-cost anion-exchange membranes have recently exhibited better performance values (i.e., the state-of-the-art peak power density is about 185 mW cm−2 at 80 °C over Au-modified Pd catalysts supported on carbon nanotubes). The required faster kinetics of the ethanol oxidation and especially for the oxygen reduction reaction seem to be satisfied from one side by the AEM-DEFCs and from the other by PEM-DEFCs only if working at intermediate temperature values (>150 °C). Moreover, new possibilities of using less expensive metal catalysts (as silver, nickel, and palladium) are opening mainly for AEM-DEFCs and the last years for PEM-DEFCs too. Finally, it is worth to be noticed that the best value ever reported (peak power density is 360 mW cm−2 at 60 °C) has been obtained in a very promising alkaline-acid direct ethanol fuel cell (AA-DEFC).
  Journal of Applied Electrochemistry 11/2012;
• Article: A novel experimental method for obtaining multilayered TiO2 nanotubes through electrochemical anodizing

  D.V. Portan, G.C. Papanicolaou, G. Jiga, M. Caposi
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  ABSTRACT: In this study, a new parameter having influence on the TiO2 nanotubes formation process is reported. Except of previously mentioned and well-known anodizing parameters such as voltage, time of anodizing, type of electrolyte, temperature, etc., samples’ configuration in the electrochemical cell represents an important factor in the anodizing procedure. The electrochemical anodization is a group of interconnected processes and factors, each one of them having its specific weight on the final result. It was observed that the very short distance in between two titanium plates connected to the anodic terminal of the electrochemical cell is the decisive factor for creating superimposed TiO2 nanotube layers. More precisely, it was found that the configuration of two parallel Ti plates being in close contact to each other, mounted to the anodic terminal and in parallel with the graphite cathode, favors the formation through electrolysis of multi-layered TiO2 nanotubes. The microscopic observation of multi-layered TiO2 nanotubes was performed through the removal of the upper layer of nanotubes using sonication. This peculiar result was interpreted using existed theories such as First Fick’s law and Nerst diffusion layer in combination with recently published research findings related to the effect of inter-electrode distance.
  Journal of Applied Electrochemistry 08/2012;
• Article: Au/C catalyst prepared by polyvinyl alcohol protection method for direct alcohol alkaline exchange membrane fuel cell application

  Sarayut Yongprapat, Apichai Therdthianwong, Supaporn Therdthianwong
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  ABSTRACT: An Au/C catalyst was prepared by means of the polyvinyl alcohol-protected Au sol method. Highly dispersed Au nanoparticles with an average particle size of around 3.7 nm were obtained as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The cyclic voltammogram of Au/C was similar to that of a bulk Au electrode, but a small shift of Au oxide reduction and oxidation potential peaks were observed. The electrooxidation of methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, and glycerol on the Au/C catalyst in an alkaline solution was analyzed. Using a cyclic voltammogram, the maximum current density toward alcohol electrooxidation was found to decrease in the order of glycerol > ethylene glycol > ethanol, while methanol was not oxidized. Compared with PtRu/C, the maximum current densities obtained from the Au/C catalyst for ethylene glycol and glycerol electrooxidation were increased by 1.6 and 3.3 times, respectively. The reaction heavily progressed through a C-C bond dissociation path. It was found that main product of glycerol electrooxidation was formic acid, which accounted for more than 60 % of the total product. Using chronoamperometry, the Au/C catalyst showed much better stability than that of PtRu/C for the reaction without C-C bond dissociation and better stability for the reaction with C-C bond dissociation.
  Journal of Applied Electrochemistry 05/2012;
• Article: Preparation of Ni/Mn compounds/ordered mesoporous carbon composite for use in an electrochemical supercapacitor

  Jicheng Feng, Bohejin Tang, Jiachang Zhao, Ping Liu, Jingli Xu
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  ABSTRACT: The electrochemical behavior of a series of composites synthesized by a combination of incipient wetness impregnation and hydrothermal method for the first time is systematically compared (using cyclic voltammetric and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic analyses). Structural and morphological characterizations of the composites were undertaken using power X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results indicated that the binary nickel/manganese compounds of the Ni–Mn/ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) composite had a synergistic effect of both components. KeywordsSynergistic effect–Incipient wetness impregnation–Hydrothermal–Composite
  Journal of Applied Electrochemistry 05/2012; 41(8):901-907.
• Article: Pulse current electrodeposition and corrosion properties of Ni–W alloy coatings

  M. Zemanová, M. Krivosudská, M. Chovancová, V. Jorík
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  ABSTRACT: Ni–W alloy coatings were prepared on a mild steel substrate by means of pulse current (PC) and compared to the coatings electrodeposited by direct current (DC). In particular the study dealt with the influence of the frequency using pulse current on the surface morphology while maintaining a constant duty cycle. A constant charge for DC and PC electrodeposition of Ni–W alloy coatings was used. The morphology of the coatings was explored by scanning electron microscopy and the composition of the coatings was analysed by X-ray powder diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Corrosion resistance of Ni–W alloy coatings was investigated by potentiodynamic polarization in a chloride medium. The corrosion products were analysed by Raman spectroscopy. It was found that the temperature of the electrolysis affects current efficiency of the DC and PC electrodeposition. The frequency of pulse electrodeposition alters the morphology of the Ni–W alloy coatings. There was evidence of the positive influence of increased tungstate concentration in the electrolyte on corrosion resistance of the Ni–W alloy coatings. KeywordsNi–W alloy–Pulse plating–Electrodeposition–Morphology–Corrosion resistance
  Journal of Applied Electrochemistry 05/2012; 41(9):1077-1085.
• Article: Reducing the energy cost of protective anodizing

  M. Curioni, P. Skeldon, J. Ferguson, G. E. Thompson
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  ABSTRACT: Minimizing the carbon footprint of electrochemical processes is an emerging challenge for electrochemists and engineers. Here, a knowledge-based methodology for development of protective anodizing cycles for aluminium alloys, enabling simultaneous tuning of electrolyte concentration, composition, temperature and process time for reduced energy consumption is presented. In order to achieve the anticorrosion properties, the morphology of the porous anodic oxides is optimized by applying advanced potential-time regimes and additions of environmentally, friendly corrosion inhibitors to the anodizing electrolyte to provide additional active protection. The anticorrosion performance of the porous anodic oxides is assessed rapidly by electrochemical noise analysis, with the electrochemical data validated by optical and electron-optical observations. KeywordsAluminium alloy–Anodic films–Oxide coatings–Corrosion protection
  Journal of Applied Electrochemistry 05/2012; 41(7):773-785.
• Article: An interesting and efficient green corrosion inhibitor for aluminium from extracts of Chlomolaena odorata L. in acidic solution

  I. B. Obot, N. O. Obi-Egbedi
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  ABSTRACT: The leaf extracts of Chromolaena odorata L. (LECO) has been studied as a possible source of green inhibitor for corrosion of aluminium in 2M HCl using gasometric and thermometric techniques at 30 and 60°C. Results obtained showed that the LECO functioned as an excellent corrosion inhibitor for aluminium in the acidic environment. Inhibition efficiency increased with extract concentration but decreased with temperature. The adsorption of LECO on Al surface is in accord with Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Both kinetic and thermodynamic parameters governing the adsorption process were calculated and discussed. From the experimental results obtained, it can be concluded that LECO which are biodegradable, environmentally benign, and are obtained from a renewable resource with minimal health and safety concerns have the potential to be a cost effective alternative to synthetic corrosion inhibitors. This present study provides new information on the inhibiting characteristics of LECO extract under specified conditions. The environmentally friendly inhibitor could find possible applications in metal surface anodizing and surface coating in industries. Keywords Chromolaena odorata L.-Aluminium-Hydrochloric acid-Langmuir isotherm-Plant extracts-Corrosion inhibition
  Journal of Applied Electrochemistry 05/2012; 40(11):1977-1984.
• Article: A simplified model to predict the current–voltage relationship of an electro-chlorination cell

  A. Mukherjee, J. Raut, R. Venkataraghavan
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  ABSTRACT: A simplified model is described to predict the Current–Voltage (I–V) relationship of a parallel plate electro-chlorination cell containing aqueous NaCl solution as electrolyte. The simplifications allowed obtaining an analytical solution without recourse to computationally intensive numerical solutions like finite element method. The anodic and cathodic exchange current densities and symmetry factors for the model were obtained using linear sweep voltammetry experiments for two different electrodes, viz. graphite and mixed metal oxide coated titanium. Using them, anodic and cathodic overpotential values (for a particular device current I) were predicted using the Butler–Volmer equation. The solution potential drop for the same device current was determined using a modified Nernst–Plank equation. The predicted device voltage (for the device current I), which is the sum of equilibrium electrode potentials, electrode overpotentials and solution potential drop, was compared with experimental (I–V) data for the two electrochemical cells as mentioned above. Results showed that the simplified model could predict the I–V data well, when the electrode surface area was assumed to be twice the superficial area. KeywordsElectro-chlorination-Voltammetry-Exchange current density-Overpotential-Butler–Volmer equation-Nernst–Plank equation
  Journal of Applied Electrochemistry 05/2012; 40(9):1659-1663.
• Article: Electrokinetic restoration of saline agricultural lands

  Jung-Min Cho, Seon-Young Park, Kitae Baek
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  ABSTRACT: Salinization of greenhouse soils has become a serious problem in Korea because of the extensive use of chemical fertilizers to improve crop yield. This study investigated the feasibility of electrokinetic (EK) treatment for reclamation of saline soil. Experiments were conducted using voltage gradients of 1, 2, and 3V/cm applied for 48 and 96h. Anions such as chloride, sulfate, and nitrate were transported toward the anode and accumulated there, whereas cations were transferred toward the cathode by electromigration. Among the various ions, the highest removal efficiency was achieved for nitrate: >80% at 48h and >99% at 96h. Chloride removal after 96h was substantially higher than that after 48h because the longer period of time allowed more electrical transport via electromigration and electro-osmosis. However, the removal efficiency for sulfate and calcium did not change significantly between 48 and 96h. Soil EC was lower than the initial value in all soil sections at 96h. The lowest value, 1.8dS/m, was seen in the experiment employing a gradient of 3V/cm for 48h. This study demonstrated that nitrate can be readily removed from soil by electromigration. Further, other ions can also be removed by EK treatment; therefore, it could be successfully used for reclamation of saline soils. KeywordsElectrokinetic remediation-Voltage gradient-Electric conductivity-Saline soil-Salts
  Journal of Applied Electrochemistry 05/2012; 40(6):1085-1093.
• Article: Supercapacitive behaviors of worm-like mesoporous carbon in non-aqueous electrolyte

  Nannan Xia, Tianxiang Zhou, Shanshan Mo, Shuangli Zhou, Wujun Zou, Dingsheng Yuan
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  ABSTRACT: This paper discusses the electrochemical behaviors of worm-like mesoporous carbon obtained in 1.0molL−1 LiClO4/ethylene carbonate+dimethyl carbonate solution. The capacitance for nanoporous carbon system advances up to 147 Fg−1 and a wide voltage window (2.5V) for three electrode system was achieved. The specific energy and specific power reach as high as 127.6Whkg−1 and 5.0kWkg−1. These results show that worm-like mesoporous carbon can be used for high energy density and power density non-aqueous electrolyte supercapacitors. KeywordsWorm-like mesoporous–Non-aqueous electrolyte–Energy density–Power density
  Journal of Applied Electrochemistry 05/2012; 41(1):71-75.
• Article: Electrodeposition of Cu–Zn alloy coatings from citrate baths containing benzotriazole and cysteine as additives

  F. L. G. Silva, D. C. B. do Lago, E. D’Elia, L. F. Senna
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  ABSTRACT: Alternative electrolytes, such as citrate baths, are now studied, aiming to reduce the toxicity and the cost of the electroplating process while maintaining the decorative qualities and anticorrosive properties of the coatings. For this purpose, brightening and/or leveling compounds are usually added to the base citrate bath. In this work, Cu–Zn alloys were electroplated on mild steel substrates from electrolytes containing sodium citrate and additives (benzotriazole and cysteine) at constant stirring speed. The results showed that coatings produced from baths containing additives were brighter than those obtained from the base citrate bath. Additionally, the presence of benzotriazole directly influenced the coating composition and the properties of the deposited alloy: the amount of zinc in this coating increased excessively, and the coating/substrate corrosion presented a poor anticorrosive performance. KeywordsElectrodeposition-Citrate bath-Additives-Cu–Zn alloys
  Journal of Applied Electrochemistry 05/2012; 40(11):2013-2022.
• Article: Electrokinetic desalination of glazed ceramic tiles

  Lisbeth M. Ottosen, Célia M. D. Ferreira, Iben V. Christensen
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  ABSTRACT: Electrokinetic desalination is a method where an applied electric DC field is the driving force for removal of salts from porous building materials. In the present paper, the method is tested in laboratory scale for desalination of single ceramic tiles. In a model system, where a tile was contaminated with NaCl during submersion and subsequently desalinated by the method, the desalination was completed in that the high and problematic initial Cl− concentration was reduced to an unproblematic concentration. Further conductivity measurements showed a very low conductivity in the tile after treatment, indicating that supply of ions from the poultice at the electrodes into the tile was limited. Electroosmotic transport of water was seen when low ionic content was reached. Experiments were also conducted with XVIII-century tiles, which had been removed from Palacio Centeno (Lisbon) during renovation due to damage of the glazing from the presence of salts. These tiles were severely contaminated with both chlorides and nitrates, and one of the tiles also contained sulphates though at a low concentration. The charge transfer was too low in the experiments to obtain full desalination, but promising results were obtained as significant decreases (>81% Cl−, ~59% NO3 − and ~22% SO4 2−) were seen. KeywordsDesalination-Salt decay-Azulejo tile-Electrokinetics-Electroosmosis
  Journal of Applied Electrochemistry 05/2012; 40(6):1161-1171.
• Article: Electrocoagulation of fermentation wastewater by low carbon steel (Fe) and 5005 aluminium (Al) electrodes

  Andrew Gadd, Dan Ryan, John Kavanagh, Anne-Laure Beaurain, Simon Luxem, Geoff Barton
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  ABSTRACT: Successful application of electrocoagulation technology requires a thorough evaluation of electrode behaviour. This study is concerned with the treatment of fermentation wastewater, generated by molasses-fed biorefineries in large volumes and containing high concentrations of biorecalcitrant, coloured organic melanoidins that form a highly dispersed colloid. The polarisation behaviour, surface morphology and current efficiency of both hot rolled coil steel and 5005 aluminium electrodes were investigated. The steel electrodes were found to be susceptible to aggressive anodic pitting which is attributed to the high chloride content of the wastewater, while the aluminium exhibited anomalous corrosion of the anode and cathode. The redox potential of the wastewater has a significant effect on Fe2+/Fe3+ speciation with steel electrodes and thus on the decolourising efficiency of electrocoagulation. The practical implications of the corrosion characteristics are discussed. KeywordsElectrocoagulation-Current efficiency-Cyclic voltammetry-Iron speciation-Fermentation wastewater
  Journal of Applied Electrochemistry 05/2012; 40(8):1511-1517.
• Article: Codeposition of copper and tin from acid sulphate solutions containing polyether sintanol DS-10 and benzaldehyde

  A. Survila, Z. Mockus, S. Kanapeckaitė, V. Jasulaitienė, R. Juškėnas
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  ABSTRACT: Cu(II) and Sn(II) reduction in acid sulphate solutions containing polyether laprol DS-10 and benzaldehyde (BA) was studied by means of impedance, voltammetric, XPS and XRD techniques. Both additives demonstrate weak surface activity on copper substrate in Cu(II) solutions in the absence of halide impurities. In contrast, their effect is overwhelmingly higher in the Sn|Sn(II) system. The additives induce a significant increase in Sn-electrode impedance and simultaneous strong inhibition of Sn(II) reduction over a wide range of cathodic polarizations. The effects of sintanol and BA in mixed Cu(II) and Sn(II) solutions demonstrate a kind of synergism. Underpotential deposition of tin on foreign (copper) substrate is observed at potentials more positive than the equilibrium potential of the Sn|Sn2+ system. Incorporation of tin into the Cu crystalline lattice results in the formation of multiphase material containing pure copper, α-CuSn phase, and intermediate hexagonal hcp phase. Formation of the pure tin phase occurs at more negative potentials and results in a strong inhibitive adsorption that manifests itself in the development of a deep voltammetric minimum. The tin content in the coatings depends on BA concentration and, particularly, on the electrode potential.
  Journal of Applied Electrochemistry 05/2012; 39(10):2021-2026.
• Article: Comparison of anodic dissolution, surface brightness and surface roughness of nanocrystalline nickel coatings with conventional decorative chromium coatings

  P. Najafi Sayar, M. E. Bahrololoom
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  ABSTRACT: The effects of saccharin concentration and pulsating peak current density on corrosion behaviour, surface brightness and surface roughness of nanocrystalline nickel coatings were investigated and the results were compared with those of the conventional decorative chromium coatings. The average grain size of nanocrystalline nickel coatings was determined using X-ray diffraction patterns. Corrosion behaviour was evaluated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in a 0.6M sodium chloride solution. A gloss meter and a Suftest device were used to evaluate surface brightness and roughness. Corrosion resistance and brightness of the nanocrystalline nickel coatings increased with increasing the saccharin concentration in the bath. Moreover, brighter nanocrystalline nickel coatings were obtained with increasing the peak current density. In addition, all nanocrystalline nickel coatings were more corrosion resistant than chromium coatings. Those nanocrystalline nickel coatings with average grain sizes of less than 38nm were brighter and had smoother surfaces than conventional decorative chromium coatings.
  Journal of Applied Electrochemistry 05/2012; 39(12):2489-2496.
• Article: Preparation and electrochemical properties of spherical LiFePO4 and LiFe0.9Mg0.1PO4 cathode materials for lithium rechargeable batteries

  Zhaolin Liu, Xinhui Zhang, Liang Hong
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  ABSTRACT: The spherical LiFePO4/C and LiFe0.9Mg0.1PO4/C powders were successfully prepared from spherical FePO4 via a simple uniform-phase precipitation method at normal pressure, using FeCl3 and H3PO4 as the reactants. The FePO4, LiFePO4/C, and LiFe0.9Mg0.1PO4/C powders were characterized by scanning electron microscopies (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), and tap-density testing. The uniform spherical particles produced are amorphous, but they were crystallized to FePO4 after calcining above 400°C. Due to the homogeneity of the basic FePO4, the final products, LiFePO4/C and LiFe0.9Mg0.1PO4/C, are also significantly uniform and the particle size is of about 1μm in diameter. The tap-density of the spherical LiFePO4/C and LiFe0.9Mg0.1PO4/C are 1.75 and 1.77gcm−3, respectively, which are remarkably higher than the non-spherical LiFePO4 powders (the tap-density is 1.0–1.3gcm−3). The excellent specific capacities of 148 and 157mAh g−1 with a rate of 0.1 C are achieved for the LiFePO4/C and LiFe0.9Mg0.1PO4/C, respectively. Comparison of the cyclic voltammograms of LiFePO4/C and LiFe0.9Mg0.1PO4/C shows enhanced redox current and reversibility for the sample substituting Mg on the Fe site. LiFe0.9Mg0.1PO4/C exhibits better high-rate and cycle performances than the un-substituted LiFePO4/C.
  Journal of Applied Electrochemistry 05/2012; 39(12):2433-2438.