Sonochemical and Sonoelectrochemical Production of Energy Materials

Abstract

Sonoelectrochemistry is the combination of ultrasound and electrochemistry which provides many advantages in electrochemistry, such as fast reaction rates, surface cleaning and activation, and increased mass transport at an electrode. Due to the advantages, some efforts have been made in order to benefit sonoelectrochemistry in the field of energy and environmental engineering. This review paper highlights the developed progress of the application of sonoelectrochemistry in the production of hydrogen, electrocatalyst materials and electrodes for fuel cells and semiconductor photocatalyst materials. This review also provides the experimental methods that are utilized in several sonoelectrochemical techniques, such as different set-ups generally used for the synthesis of energy-related materials. Different key parameters in the operation of sonoelectrochemical synthesis including ultrasonication time, ultrasound frequency and operation current have been also discussed. There are not many research articles on the sonoelectrochemical production of materials for supercapacitors and water electrolyzers which play crucial roles in the renewable energy industry. Therefore, at the end of this review, some articles which have reported the use of ultrasound for the production of electrocatalysts for supercapacitors and electrolyzers have been reviewed. The current review might be helpful for scientists and engineers who are interested in and working on sonoelectrochemistry and electrocatalyst synthesis for energy storage and energy conversion.

The impact of ultrasonic parameters on the exfoliation of NiFe LDH nanosheets as electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline media

“…On the first main step, the weight loss arose at about 220℃, which is ascribed to the removals of the surface and intercalated water molecules. Further weight loss belongs to the decomposition and elimination of interlayer CO 3 2− anions, as well as the dehydroxylation of metal hydroxide layers to metal oxides [34] , [40] , [44] . Furthermore, the Exf NiFe LDH with a short time (10 min) and low amplitude (60A) has shown extra steps around 240-290℃ and around 400℃ that emancipates from the β-Ni(OH) 2 and β-FeOOH indicated in the XRD.…”

“…Recently, the use of sonochemistry for the synthesis of catalysts, especially as energy materials has offered many merits in the light of rapidity, simplicity, efficiency, and environmentally friendliness. [33] , [34] , [35] . In the other hand, the morphology of nanomaterials can be affected greatly by ultrasonication time, power, frequency and as well as the solution volume [36] , [37] , [38] .…”

Ultrasound-assisted membrane technologies for fouling control and performance improvement: A review

“…For instance, ultrasound can improve the adsorption capacity of adsorbents [83] and allivate the impact conencertation polarization on membrane and electrodes [86]. However, ultrasound physical and chemical effects can lead to the destruction of electrodes just as it is the case with posible membrane surface deterioration [87]. The other possible risk with such combinesd systems is that if the adsorbents are immoblised on membrane surface, ultrasound effects could detach them rendering the membrane structure weak and more prone to serious damage.…”

“…RO technology is successfully used for the treatment of seawater and groundwater. Despite the advantages of RO technology in water purification [87,88], it presents some disadvantages, such as sensitivity to pH and ionic strength, high energy consumption, and requirements for pre-treatment and membrane fouling [137]. The RO process requires high pressure (usually 0.2-1.7 MPa) for fresh and brackish water and 4-8.2 MPa for seawater treatment [138,139].…”

Microplasma Synthesis of Antibacterial Active Silver Nanoparticles in Sodium Polyacrylate Solutions

“…Sonochemical and sonoelectrochemical production of nanoparticles [10] and plasma glow discharge [11][12][13] are effective for increasing the rate of processes similar to (1)- (3). Plasma electrolysis is one of the relatively new and promising methods for the synthesis of nanomaterials.…”