Publications by authors named "Santoshkumar D Bhat"

The design of a rare combination of interpenetrated and catenated 3D+2D→3D MOF {[Cd(dim)(dht)(HO)](Sol)} (1), with a unique network and extreme pH stability, has been developed for exceptional ionic conduction across a wide range of temperature and humidity conditions. The bare pore derivative of 1 (1') features remarkable structural flexibility and large pores accessible to encapsulate molecules such as NH, HCl, and KOH, enabling it to function as an efficient conductor for both proton and hydroxide ions. 1' demonstrates substantial thermal-influenced proton conductivity of 4.

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The advancement of zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) has been impeded by issues associated with the aqueous electrolyte, including hydrogen evolution, dendritic growth, and limited electrochemical stability. Additionally, the decomposition of the aqueous electrolytes presents a significant challenge. A viable strategy to address these impediments involves the modification of aqueous electrolytes through the incorporation of antisolvents, which can enhance the charge storage capability and energy density of ZIBs.

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Interfacial ionic transport resistance, caused by sparsely connected water networks in polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) at low relative humidity (RH), limits the performance of hydrogen fuel cells. This challenge is addressed by employing a radical-initiated polymerization of -styrenesulfonate (SS) on graphitic carbon nitride (CN) to enrich sulfonic acid groups covalent grafting which are then incorporated into a short-side chain perfluoro sulfonic acid (SSC PFSA) ionomer matrix. This promotes the formation of interconnected water networks, even at low RH, and reduces the activation energy without negatively impacting the transport-stability trade-off.

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The integration of superacid-like heteropolyacids offers a promising route to develop highly proton-conducting membranes for energy storage and conversion. However, the inherent hydrophilicity of these acids can cause leaching, which undermines the fuel cell performance. In our research, we engineered a proton-conductive membrane with a facile hydrothermal synthesis approach to form stabilized hybrid superacids, namely, phosphotungstic acid (PTA), with graphitic carbon nitride (PCN) and its incorporation in a short-side-chain ionomer, namely, Aquivion.

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Polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) that promote fast and selective ionic transport at low relative humidity (RH) are of high demand for energy conversion devices, particularly in hydrogen fuel cells. Herein, we report a facile and solvent free synthesis of tungsten semi-carbide (WC@NC) and its incorporation onto short side chain (SSC)-based membrane matrix to facilitate water holding and water-assisted humidification generated by the reaction of crossover gas molecules. In the present study, the influence of WC@NC on the membrane matrix is widely investigated through its microstructure, physicochemical properties, proton conductivity, and fuel cell performance.

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Solid anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolytes are an essential commodity considering their importance as separators in alkaline polymer electrolyte fuel cells (APEFC). Mechanical and thermal stability are distinguished by polymer matrix characteristics, whereas anion exchange capacity, transport number, and conductivities are governed by the anionic group. The physico-chemical stability is regulated mostly by the polymer matrix and, to a lesser extent, the cationic head framework.

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Nanocrystalline platinum with different morphologies is synthesized via electrochemical deposition technique. The nucleation mechanism and its structural effect over the electrodeposited Pt on carbon electrodes have been systematically studied. Powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy are employed to study nucleation, oxidation states, and Pt structure growth on a carbon electrode.

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A membrane electrolyte that restricts the methanol cross-over while retaining proton conductivity is essential for better electrochemical selectivity in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Extensive research carried out to explore numerous blends and composites for application as polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) revealed promising electrochemical selectivity in DMFCs of carbon nanomaterial-based polymer composites. The present review covers important literature on different carbon nanomaterial-based PEMs reported during the last decade.

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