Abstract: A battery is provided with an associated method for transporting metal-ions in the battery using a low temperature molten salt (LTMS). The battery comprises an anode, a cathode formed from a LTMS having a liquid phase at a temperature of less than 150° C., a current collector submerged in the LTMS, and a metal-ion permeable separator interposed between the LTMS and the anode. The method transports metal-ions from the separator to the current collector in response to the LTMS acting simultaneously as a cathode and an electrolyte. More explicitly, metal-ions are transported from the separator to the current collector by creating a liquid flow of LTMS interacting with the current collector and separator.

Abstract: A method is provided for synthesizing sodium iron(II)-hexacyanoferrate(II). A Fe(CN)6 material is mixed with the first solution and either an anti-oxidant or a reducing agent. The Fe(CN)6 material may be either ferrocyanide ([Fe(CN)6]4?) or ferricyanide ([Fe(CN)6]3?). As a result, sodium iron(II)-hexacyanoferrate(II) (Na1+XFe[Fe(CN)6]Z.MH2O is formed, where X is less than or equal to 1, and where M is in a range between 0 and 7. In one aspect, the first solution including includes A ions, such as alkali metal ions, alkaline earth metal ions, or combinations thereof, resulting in the formation of Na1+XAYFe[Fe(CN)6]Z.MH2O, where Y is less than or equal to 1. Also provided are a Na1+XFe[Fe(CN)6]Z.MH2O battery and Na1+XFe[Fe(CN)6]Z.MH2O battery electrode.

Abstract: A method is provided for synthesizing sodium iron(II)-hexacyanoferrate(II). A Fe(CN)6 material is mixed with the first solution and either an antioxidant or a reducing agent. The Fe(CN)6 material may be either ferrocyanide ([Fe(CN)6]4?) or ferricyanide ([Fe(CN)6]3?). As a result, sodium iron(II)-hexacyanoferrate(II) (Na1+XFe[Fe(CN)6]Z.MH2O is formed, where X is less than or equal to 1, and where M is in a range between 0 and 7. In one aspect, the first solution including includes A ions, such as alkali metal ions, alkaline earth metal ions, or combinations thereof, resulting in the formation of Na1+XAYFe[Fe(CN)6]Z.MH2O, where Y is less than or equal to 1. Also provided are a Na1+XFe[Fe(CN)6]Z.MH2O battery and Na1+XFe[Fe(CN)6]Z.MH2O battery electrode.

Abstract: A method is provided for synthesizing sodium iron(II)-hexacyanoferrate(II). A Fe(CN)6 material is mixed with the first solution and either an anti-oxidant or a reducing agent. The Fe(CN)6 material may be either ferrocyanide ([Fe(CN)6]4?) or ferricyanide ([Fe(CN)6]3?). As a result, sodium iron(II)-hexacyanoferrate(II) (Na1+XFe[Fe(CN)6]Z.MH2O is formed, where X is less than or equal to 1, and where M is in a range between 0 and 7. In one aspect, the first solution including includes A ions, such as alkali metal ions, alkaline earth metal ions, or combinations thereof, resulting in the formation of Na1+XAYFe[Fe(CN)6]Z.MH2O, where Y is less than or equal to 1. Also provided are a Na1+XFe[Fe(CN)6]Z.MH2O battery and Na1+XFe[Fe(CN)6]Z.MH2O battery electrode.

Abstract: A supercapacitor is provided with a method for fabricating the supercapacitor. The method provides dried hexacyanometallate particles having a chemical formula AmM1xM2y(CN)6.pH2O with a Prussian Blue hexacyanometallate, crystal structure, where A is an alkali or alkaline-earth cation, and M1 and M2 are metals with 2+ or 3+ valance positions. The variable m is in the range of 0.5 to 2, x is in the range of 0.5 to 1.5, y is in the range of 0.5 to 1.5, and p is in the range of 0 to 6. The hexacyanometallate particles are mixed with a binder and electronic conductor powder, to form a cathode comprising AmM1xM2y(CN)6.pH2O. The method also forms an activated carbon anode and a membrane separating the cathode from the anode, permeable to A and A? cations. Finally, an electrolyte is added with a metal salt including A? cations. The electrolyte may be aqueous.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a metalloporphyrin polymer on a substrate. The method creates a functionalized substrate by attaching an anchor group of a linker, including a terminal alkyne group, to a substrate surface. The functionalized substrate is then exposed to metalloporphyrin monomers, where each metalloporphyrin monomer includes at least two terminal alkyne groups. A plurality of metalloporphyrin monomers (e.g., zinc porphyrin monomers) are thus linked via the metalloporphyrin monomer terminal alkyne groups, forming a metalloporphyrin polymer attached to the substrate. In one aspect, linking the plurality of metalloporphyrin monomers via the metalloporphyrin monomer terminal alkyne groups includes forming butadiyne groups between adjacent metalloporphyrins. Then, forming the metalloporphyrin polymer attached to the substrate includes attaching the metalloporphyrin polymer, via a metalloporphyrin monomer terminal alkyne group, to the terminal alkyne group of an associated linker.

Abstract: A transition metal hexacyanometallate (TMHCM)-conductive polymer (CP) composite electrode is provided. The battery electrode is made up of a current collector and a transition metal hexacyanometallate-conductive polymer composite overlying the current collector. The transition metal hexacyanometallate-conductive polymer includes a AXM1YM2Z(CN)N.MH2O material, where A may be alkali metal ions, alkaline earth metal ions, ammonium ions, or combinations thereof, and M1 and M2 are transition metal ions. The transition metal hexacyanometallate-conductive polymer composite also includes a conductive polymer material. In one aspect, the conductive polymer material is polyaniline (PANI) or polypyrrole (Ppy). Also presented herein are methods for the fabrication of a TMHCM-CP composite.

Abstract: An ultraviolet treatment method is provided for a metal oxide electrode. A metal oxide electrode is exposed to an ultraviolet (UV) light source in a humid environment. The metal oxide electrode is then treated with a moiety having at least one anchor group, where the anchor group is a chemical group capable of promoting communication between the moiety and the metal oxide electrode. As a result, the moiety is bound to the metal oxide electrode. In one aspect the metal oxide electrode is treated with a photoactive moiety. Exposing the metal oxide electrode to the UV light source in the humid environment induces surface defects in the metal oxide electrode in the form of oxygen vacancies. In response to the humidity, atmospheric water competes favorably with oxygen for dissociative adsorption on the metal oxide electrode surface, and hydroxylation of the metal oxide electrode surface is induced.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a metalloporphyrin polymer on a substrate. The method creates a functionalized substrate by attaching an anchor group of a linker, including a terminal alkyne group, to a substrate surface. The functionalized substrate is then exposed to metalloporphyrin monomers, where each metalloporphyrin monomer includes at least two terminal alkyne groups. A plurality of metalloporphyrin monomers (e.g., zinc porphyrin monomers) are thus linked via the metalloporphyrin monomer terminal alkyne groups, forming a metalloporphyrin polymer attached to the substrate. In one aspect, linking the plurality of metalloporphyrin monomers via the metalloporphyrin monomer terminal alkyne groups includes forming butadiyne groups between adjacent metalloporphyrins. Then, forming the metalloporphyrin polymer attached to the substrate includes attaching the metalloporphyrin polymer, via a metalloporphyrin monomer terminal alkyne group, to the terminal alkyne group of an associated linker.

Abstract: A long wavelength absorbing porphyrin/metalloporphyrin molecule is provided, made up of a porphyrin macrocycle and an anchor group for attachment to a substrate. A molecular linking element is interposed between the porphyrin macrocycle and the anchor group. The porphyrin/metalloporphyrin molecule also includes an (aminophenyl)amine group, either N,N-(4-aminophenyl)amine or N-phenyl-N-(4-aminophenyl)amine, where an amino moiety of the 4-aminophenyl group is derivatized by an element such as hydrogen, haloalkanes, aromatic hydrocarbons, halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, heteroarenes, halogenated heteroarenes, or combinations of the above-mentioned elements.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a carbon-sulfur (C—S) battery cathode. The method forms a C—S nanocomposite material overlying metal current collector. A dielectric is formed overlying the C—S material that is permeable to lithium (Li) ions and electrolyte, but impermeable to polysulfides. Typically, the C—S nanocomposite material is porous and the dielectric forms a uniform coating of dielectric inside C—S nanocomposite pores. The dielectric includes a metal (M) oxide with an oxy bridge formation (M-O-M). The metal (M) may, for example, be Mg, Al, Si, Ti, Zn, In, Sn, Mn, Ni, or Cu. A C—S battery cathode, and a battery with a C—S are also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a solution-processed metal and mixed-metal selenide semiconductor using selenium (Se) nanoparticles (NPs). The method forms a first solution including SeNPs dispersed in a solvent. Added to the first solution is a second solution including a first material set of metal salts, metal complexes, or combinations thereof, which are dissolved in a solvent, forming a third solution. The third solution is deposited on a conductive substrate, forming a first intermediate film comprising metal precursors, from corresponding members of the first material set, and embedded SeNPs. As a result of thermally annealing, the metal precursors are transformed and the first intermediate film is selenized, forming a first metal selenide-containing semiconductor. In one aspect, the first solution further comprises ligands for the stabilization of SeNPs, which are liberated during thermal annealing.

Abstract: A method is provided for the electrochemical synthesis of selenium (Se) nanoparticles (NPs). The method forms a first solution including a Se containing material and a stabilizing first ligand, dissolved in a first solvent. The first solution is exposed to an electric field, and in response to the electric field, a second solution is formed with dispersed SeNPs. The Se containing material has either a nonzero or positive oxidation state. In one particular aspect, the first solution is formed by dissolving Se dioxide (SeO2) in water to form selenosis acid (H2SeO3).

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a solution-processed metal and mixed-metal selenide semiconductor using selenium (Se) nanoparticles (NPs). The method forms a first solution including SeNPs dispersed in a solvent. Added to the first solution is a second solution including a first material set of metal salts, metal complexes, or combinations thereof, which are dissolved in a solvent, forming a third solution. The third solution is deposited on a conductive substrate, forming a first intermediate film comprising metal precursors, from corresponding members of the first material set, and embedded SeNPs. As a result of thermally annealing, the metal precursors are transformed and the first intermediate film is selenized, forming a first metal selenide-containing semiconductor. In one aspect, the first solution further comprises ligands for the stabilization of SeNPs, which are liberated during thermal annealing.

Abstract: Methods are provided for fabricating a solution-processed metal and mixed-metal selenide semiconductor using a selenium (Se) film layer. One aspect provides a conductive substrate and deposits a first Se film layer over the conductive substrate. A first solution, including a first material set of metal salts, metal complexes, or combinations thereof, is dissolved in a solvent and deposited on the first Se film layer. A first intermediate film comprising metal precursors is formed from corresponding members of the first material set. In one aspect, a plurality of intermediate films is formed using metal precursors from the first material set or a different material set. In another aspect, a second Se film layer is formed overlying the intermediate film(s). Thermal annealing is performed in an environment including hydrogen (H2), hydrogen selenide (H2Se), or Se/H2. The metal precursors are transformed in the intermediate film(s), and a metal selenide-containing semiconductor is formed.

Abstract: A solid-state hole transport composite material (ssHTM) is provided. The ssHTM is made from a neutral charge first p-type organic semiconductor, and a chemically oxidized first p-type semiconductor, where the dopants are silver(I) containing materials. A reduced form of the silver(I) containing material is also retained as functional component in the ssHTM. In one aspect, the silver(I) containing material is silver bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (TFSI). In another aspect, the first p-type organic semiconductor is 2,2?,7,7?-tetrakis(N,N-di-p-methoxyphenylamine)-9,9?-spirobifluorene (Spiro-OMeTAD). In one variation, the ssHTM additionally includes a first p-type organic semiconductor doped with an ionic dopant such as lithium (Li+), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), or combinations of the above-mentioned materials. Also provided are a method for synthesizing the above-described ssHTM, and a solid-state dye solar cell (ssDSC) fabricated from the ssHTM.

Abstract: A method is provided for synthesizing sodium iron(II)-hexacyanoferrate(II). A Fe(CN)6 material is mixed with the first solution and either an anti-oxidant or a reducing agent. The Fe(CN)6 material may be either ferrocyanide ([Fe(CN)6]4?) or ferricyanide ([Fe(CN)6]3?). As a result, sodium iron(II)-hexacyanoferrate(II) (Na1+XFe[Fe(CN)6]Z.MH2O is formed, where X is less than or equal to 1, and where M is in a range between 0 and 7. In one aspect, the first solution including includes A ions, such as alkali metal ions, alkaline earth metal ions, or combinations thereof, resulting in the formation of Na1+XAYFe[Fe(CN)6]Z.MH2O, where Y is less than or equal to 1. Also provided are a Na1+XFe[Fe(CN)6]Z.MH2O battery and Na1+XFe[Fe(CN)6]Z.MH2O battery electrode.

Abstract: A transition metal hexacyanometallate (TMHCM)-conductive polymer (CP) composite electrode is provided. The battery electrode is made up of a current collector and a transition metal hexacyanometallate-conductive polymer composite overlying the current collector. The transition metal hexacyanometallate-conductive polymer includes a AXM1YM2Z(CN)N.MH2O material, where A may be alkali metal ions, alkaline earth metal ions, ammonium ions, or combinations thereof, and M1 and M2 are transition metal ions. The transition metal hexacyanometallate-conductive polymer composite also includes a conductive polymer material. In one aspect, the conductive polymer material is polyaniline (PANI) or polypyrrole (Ppy). Also presented herein are methods for the fabrication of a TMHCM-CP composite.

Abstract: A battery is provided with an associated method for transporting metal-ions in the battery using a low temperature molten salt (LTMS). The battery comprises an anode, a cathode formed from a LTMS having a liquid phase at a temperature of less than 150° C., a current collector submerged in the LTMS, and a metal-ion permeable separator interposed between the LTMS and the anode. The method transports metal-ions from the separator to the current collector in response to the LTMS acting simultaneously as a cathode and an electrolyte. More explicitly, metal-ions are transported from the separator to the current collector by creating a liquid flow of LTMS interacting with the current collector and separator.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC) is provided, made from an anode layer of tin oxide (SnO2) coated titanium oxide (TiO2) nanostructures that overlie a substrate top surface. A dye overlies the anode layer, and a cathode overlies the dye. The cathode may be a hole conducting layer having a solid state phase or a redox electrolyte, with a counter electrode. The TiO2 nanostructures may be TiO2 nanoparticles, TiO2 nanowires, or TiO2 nanotubes. In the case of TiO2 nanowires or TiO2 nanotubes, their center axes are perpendicular to the substrate top surface. Regardless of the TiO2 nanostructure morphology, the SnO2 coating thickness is in the range of 2 to 10 nanometers (nm). In one aspect, the SnO2 coated TiO2 nanostructures have a dielectric layer shell, which may have a thickness in the range of 0.3 to 2 nm.