Alkaline polymer electrolyte (APE) is the core component of modern alkaline hydrogen and oxygen fuel cells, and its single ion conductor nature makes the "electrode/APE" interfaces different from the conventional "electrode/solution" interfaces in terms of ion distribution, electrical double layer structure and polarization behavior. Due to the complexity of the APE and the associated solid-solid interfaces, fundamental investigations are challenging and deeper understanding of the structures and properties of such interfaces is in the infant stage. In this work, we aim to investigate the double layer structure from the aspects of differential capacitance curve and potential of zero charge (PZC) at the electrode/QAPPT (quaternary ammonia poly(Nmethyl-piperidine-co-p-terphenyl) interface. Cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and microelectrode-based immersion techniques were employed. The differential capacitance curves of Pt/QAPPT interfaces exhibited an asymmetric U-shaped feature with a minimum at the potential which is consistent with the PZTC measured by the immersion method. The capacitance raised less quickly on the negative than the positive sides of the PZTC. These results reflect the characteristics of the single ion conductor and role of alkaline polyelectrolytes in modifying the double layer structure of the electrode/APE interfaces.
As a promising 2D material, graphene exhibits excellent physical properties including single-atom-scale thickness and remarkably high charge carrier mobility. However, its semi-metallic nature with a zero bandgap poses challenges for its application in high-performance field-effect transistors (FETs). In order to overcome these limitations, various approaches have been explored to modulate graphene's bandgap, including nanoscale confinement, external field induction, doping, and chemical micropatterning. Nevertheless, the stability and controllability still need to be improved. In this study, we propose a feasible method that combines electrochemical bromination and photolithography to precisely tune the electron transport properties of single layer graphene (SLG). Through this method, we successfully fabricated various brominated SLG (SLGBr) micropatterns with high accuracy. Futher investigation revealed that the electron transport properties of SLG can be conveniently tuned by controlling the degree of bromination. The SLGBr exhibited a resistance, and have a decreasing conductance with the bromination degree increasing. When the bromination degree increased to a critical value, the SLGBr demonstrated semiconducting characteristics. This research offers a prospective route for the fabrication of graphene-based devices, providing potential applications in the realm of microelectronics.
Ammonia (NH3) is an essential chemical in modern society. It is currently produced in industry by the Haber-Bosch process using H2 and N2 as reactants in the presence of iron-based catalysts at high-temperature (400-600 oC) and extremely highpressure (20-40 MPa) conditions. However, its efficiency is limited to 10% to 15%. At the same time, a large amount of energy is consumed, and CO2 emission is inevitably. The development of a sustainable, clean, and environmentally friendly energy system represents a key strategy to address energy crisis and environmental pollution, ultimately aiming to achieve carbon neutrality. Within this framework, semiconductor photocatalytic nitrogen fixation leverages green and pollution-free solar energy to produce NH3 — an essential chemical raw material. This innovative process offers a sustainable alternative to the conventional chemical NH3 production method that involves tremendous energy consumption and environmental pollution. Herein, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the photo(electroc)catalytic nitrogen fixation reaction, covering influencing factor, experimental equipment of photocatalysis, electrocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis, characteristics, and reaction mechanism. Particularly, recent advances in semiconductor photocatalyst, photo(electro)catalytic nitrogen fixation system, and photo(electro)catalytic nitrogen fixation mechanism are discussed. Future research directions in solar photo(electro)catalytic nitrogen fixation technology are also outlined.