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Rechargeable batteries are playing an increasingly prominent role in our lives due to the ongoing transition from fossil energy sources to green energy. The purpose of this study was to investigate variables that impact the effectiveness of rechargeable batteries. Alkaline (non-rechargeable) and rechargeable batteries share common features that are critical for the operation of a battery. The positive and negative electrodes, also known as the cathode and anode, are where the energy of the battery is stored. The electrolyte is what facilitates the transfer of cations and anions in a battery to generate electricity. Due to the importance of these components, we felt that a systematic investigation examining the surface area of the cathode and anode as well the impact of electrolytes with different properties on battery performance was justified. Utilizing a copper cathode and aluminum anode coupled with a water in salt electrolyte, a model rechargeable battery system was developed to test two hypotheses: a) increasing the contact area between the electrodes and electrolyte would improve battery capacity, and b) more soluble salt-based electrolytes would improve battery capacity. After soaking in an electrolyte solution, the battery was charged and the capacity, starting voltage, and ending voltage of each battery were measured. The results of this study supported our hypothesis that larger anode/cathodes surface areas and more ionic electrolytes such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride and potassium sulfate resulted in superior battery capacity. Incorporating these findings can help maximize the efficiency of commercial rechargeable batteries.

The authors looked at how molarity impacts the degree to which ionic compounds dissociate in solution. They found that lower molarities led to decreased conductivity of solutions in a manner that did not follow the theoretical predictions.

Here, seeking to develop more efficient solar cells, the authors investigated photo-electrochemical (PEC) solar cells, specifically molybdenum diselenide (MoSe₂) based on its high resistance to corrosion. They found that the percentage efficiency of these PEC solar cells was proportional to light intensity^–0.9 and that performance was positively influenced by increasing the electrolyte volume. They suggest that studies such as these can lead to new insight into reaction-based solar cells.

In this study, the authors determine optimal pH levels for maximizing isopropanol degradation in water. This has important applications for cleaning up polluted wastewater in the environment.

Lithium-ion batteries, a breakthrough in chemistry that enabled the electronic revolution we live today have become an essential part of our day-to-day life. A phone battery running out after a heavy day of use with limited opportunities for recharging is a well-known and resented experience by almost everyone. How then can we make batteries more efficient? This paper proposes the use of a different type of separator, that improves the charging and discharging capacities of lithium ions compared to the classical separator. This and similar attempts to improve Lithium-ion battery function could facilitate the development of higher-performance batteries that work longer and withstand harsher use.

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) use dye as the photoactive material, which capture the incoming photon of light and use the energy to excite electrons. Research in DSSCs has centered around improving the efficacy of photosensitive dyes. A fruit's color is defined by a unique set of molecules, known as a pigment profile, which changes as a fruit progresses from ripe to rotten. This project investigates the use of fresh and rotten fruit extracts as the photoactive dye in a DSSC.

The authors looked at the effect of microconvection on displacing bubbles during electrolysis. They found that microconvection does have a role in bubble displacement in water electrolysis which can be applied in the production of hydrogen.

Here seeking to identify a method to remove harmful microplastics from water, the authors investigated the viability of using electrolysis to degrade microplastics in tap water. Compared to control samples, they found electrolysis treatment to significantly the number of net microplastics, suggesting that this treatment could potentially implemented into homes or drinking water treatment facilities.

In this study, the authors were interested in developing a hydrophobic surface that will extend the lifespan of metals by reducing water exposure and other damage. The used a zinc coating on steel to pursue this effort.

Growing climate concerns have intensified research into zero-emission transportation fuels, notably hydrogen. Hydrogen is considered a clean fuel because its only major by-product is water. This project analyzes how hydrogen compares to kerosene as a commercial aircraft fuel with respect to cost, CO2 emissions, and flight range.