Boosting Kinetics of Ce³⁺/Ce⁴⁺ Redox Reaction by Constructing TiC/TiO₂ Heterojunction for Cerium‐Based Flow Batteries

Abstract

Cerium, a unique rare earth element, possesses a relatively high abundance, low cost, and high redox voltage, making it an attractive candidate for redox flow batteries. However, the sluggish kinetics and corrosion nature of the Ce3+/Ce4+ electrolyte result in overpotential and degradation of carbon felt (CF) electrodes, which hinders the development of cerium‐based flow batteries. Therefore, it is essential to develop an electrode with high catalytic activity and corrosion resistance to the Ce3+/Ce4+ electrolyte. Herein, a TiC/TiO2 coated carbon felt (TiC/TiO2‐CF) electrode is proposed. Remarkably, the TiC/TiO2 coating effectively minimizes the exposure of the CF to the highly corrosive cerium electrolyte, consequently enhancing the electrode's corrosion resistance. Additionally, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy characterizations reveal the formation of a heterojunction between TiC and TiO2, which significantly enhances the redox reaction kinetics of the Ce3+/Ce4+ redox couple. Eventually, the practical application of TiC/TiO2‐CF catalytic electrode in a Ce–Fe flow battery is demonstrated. This study sheds light on the synthesis conditions of the TiC/TiO2‐CF electrode, elucidates its heterojunction structure, and presents a novel Ce–Fe flow battery system.

Proceeding of catalytic water splitting on Cu/Ce@g-C3N4 photocatalysts: an exceptional approach for sunlight-driven hydrogen generation

“…The combined utilization of SPR mediated by Cu and the electron scavenging ability of the Ce 3+ /Ce 4+ redox couple manifest as a synergistic effect. 90,91 The Cu and Ce co-catalysts work synergistically to facilitate the transfer of electron–hole pairs of g-C 3 N 4 for enhancing the H 2 generation performances of g-C 3 N 4 . This synergistic effect is pivotal in affirming the substantial enhancement of the photocatalytic activity of dual metal loaded Cu/Ce@g-C 3 N 4 catalysts.…”