Mo Li

Bio: Mo Li is an academic researcher from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne. The author has contributed to research in topics: Catalysis & Materials science. The author has an hindex of 11, co-authored 20 publications receiving 690 citations. Previous affiliations of Mo Li include Dalian University of Technology & Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology.

Electrodeposition of high-capacitance 3D CoS/graphene nanosheets on nickel foam for high-performance aqueous asymmetric supercapacitors

Abstract: Electrochemical energy storage devices that encompass the capability of offering both excellent capacitance and rate performance have always be in high demand. Herein, we present a simple and green two-step electrodeposition process to fabricate a high-performance 3D CoS/graphene hybrid network with a nanosheet structure on Ni foam. The nanosheet-like CoS is tightly wrapped and anchored by the graphene layer and the two different material species are nicely integrated together, leading to increased conductivity and enlarged electroactive surface area of the electrode materials. The CoS/graphene composites exhibit an impressive specific capacitance of 3785 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1, a favorable rate capability with 82% retention at 20 A g−1. A CoS/graphene‖activated carbon asymmetric supercapacitor fabricated in 2 M KOH solution exhibits a maximum energy density of 29 Wh kg−1 at the power density of 800 W kg−1, and a power density of 40.0 kW kg−1 (at the energy density of 11.0 Wh kg−1). Furthermore, 70% capacitance retention was obtained after 10 000 cycles within the potential window of 0–1.6 V. The excellent performance of the CoS/graphene composites demonstrated in this work has revealed the promising potential of adopting the CoS/graphene hybrid network for high performance supercapacitors.

Boosting CO Production in Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction on Highly Porous Zn Catalysts

Abstract: Earth-abundant electrocatalysts are desirable for the efficient and selective reduction of CO2 to value-added chemicals. Here, a low-cost porous Zn electrocatalyst is synthesized using a facile electrodeposition method to boost the performance of CO2 electrocatalytic reaction (CO2RR). In an H-cell reactor, the porous Zn catalyst can convert CO2 to CO at a remarkably high faradaic efficiency (FE, ∼95%) and current density (27 mA cm–2) at −0.95 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode. Detailed electrokinetic studies demonstrate that instead of the enhanced intrinsic activity, the dramatically increased active sites play a decisive role in improving the catalytic activity. In addition, the high local pH induced by the highly porous structure of Zn results in enhanced CO selectivity because of the suppressed H2 evolution. Furthermore, we present a straightforward strategy to transform the porous Zn electrode into a gas diffusion electrode. This way, the CO2RR current density can be boosted to 200 mA cm–2 w...

3D hierarchical porous indium catalyst for highly efficient electroreduction of CO2

Abstract: The electrochemical reduction of CO2 requires highly active, selective as well as stable electrocatalysts. Herein, we report a three-dimensional hierarchical porous indium catalyst for the electroreduction of CO2 to formate. In aqueous bicarbonate solution, the catalyst exhibits a high faradaic efficiency for formate (∼90%) in the potential range of −1.0 to −1.2 V (vs. reversible hydrogen electrode) and reaches an unprecedented formate production rate of 1.14 mmol cm−2 h−1 at −1.2 V. Additionally, the catalyst also displays a long-term stability (24 h). Density functional theory calculations reveal the catalytically selective nature of In for formate production. Independent of the crystal facet, In surfaces stabilise *OCHO, a key intermediate for the formate pathway, much more effectively than the *H (for the H2 pathway) and *COOH (for the CO pathway) intermediates. Experimental results demonstrate that the improved CO2 reduction selectivity on the porous In catalyst originates from the reduced evolution of H2, which is induced by the high local pH in the vicinity of the electrode. Furthermore, the porous In can also serve as a template to synthesise a porous Pd–In catalyst for tuning the selectivity of formate and CO, demonstrating its promising potential for CO2 electroreduction.

Band-bending induced passivation: high performance and stable perovskite solar cells using a perhydropoly(silazane) precursor

Abstract: Surface passivation of the perovskite photo absorber is a key factor to improve the photovoltaic performance. So far robust passivation strategies have not yet been revealed. Here, we demonstrate a successful passivation strategy which controls the Fermi-level of the perovskite surface by improving the surface states. Such Fermi-level control caused band-bending between the surface and bulk of the perovskite, which enhanced the hole-extraction from the absorber bulk to the HTM side. As an added benefit, the inorganic passivation layer improved the device light stability. By depositing a thick protection layer on the complete device, a remarkable waterproofing effect was obtained. As a result, an enhancement of VOC and the conversion efficiency from 20.5% to 22.1% was achieved. We revealed these passivation mechanisms and used perhydropoly(silazane) (PHPS) derived silica to control the perovskite surface states.

Complex Hydrides for Hydrogen Storage

Abstract: Note: Times Cited: 875 Reference EPFL-ARTICLE-206025doi:10.1021/cr0501846View record in Web of Science URL: ://WOS:000249839900009 Record created on 2015-03-03, modified on 2017-05-12

Applications of hierarchically structured porous materials from energy storage and conversion, catalysis, photocatalysis, adsorption, separation, and sensing to biomedicine

Abstract: Over the last decade, significant effort has been devoted to the applications of hierarchically structured porous materials owing to their outstanding properties such as high surface area, excellent accessibility to active sites, and enhanced mass transport and diffusion. The hierarchy of porosity, structural, morphological and component levels in these materials is key for their high performance in all kinds of applications. The introduction of hierarchical porosity into materials has led to a significant improvement in the performance of materials. Herein, recent progress in the applications of hierarchically structured porous materials from energy conversion and storage, catalysis, photocatalysis, adsorption, separation, and sensing to biomedicine is reviewed. Their potential future applications are also highlighted. We particularly dwell on the relationship between hierarchically porous structures and properties, with examples of each type of hierarchically structured porous material according to its chemical composition and physical characteristics. The present review aims to open up a new avenue to guide the readers to quickly obtain in-depth knowledge of applications of hierarchically porous materials and to have a good idea about selecting and designing suitable hierarchically porous materials for a specific application. In addition to focusing on the applications of hierarchically porous materials, this comprehensive review could stimulate researchers to synthesize new advanced hierarchically porous solids.

Ionic-Liquid-Based CO2 Capture Systems: Structure, Interaction and Process

Abstract: The inherent structure tunability, good affinity with CO2, and nonvolatility of ionic liquids (ILs) drive their exploration and exploitation in CO2 separation field, and has attracted remarkable interest from both industries and academia. The aim of this Review is to give a detailed overview on the recent advances on IL-based materials, including pure ILs, IL-based solvents, and IL-based membranes for CO2 capture and separation from the viewpoint of molecule to engineering. The effects of anions, cations and functional groups on CO2 solubility and selectivity of ILs, as well as the studies on degradability of ILs are reviewed, and the recent developments on functionalized ILs, IL-based solvents, and IL-based membranes are also discussed. CO2 separation mechanism with IL-based solvents and IL-based membranes are explained by combining molecular simulation and experimental characterization. Taking into consideration of the applications and industrialization, the recent achievements and developments on the t...

Industrial carbon dioxide capture and utilization: state of the art and future challenges

Abstract: Dramatically increased CO2 concentration from several point sources is perceived to cause severe greenhouse effect towards the serious ongoing global warming with associated climate destabilization, inducing undesirable natural calamities, melting of glaciers, and extreme weather patterns. CO2 capture and utilization (CCU) has received tremendous attention due to its significant role in intensifying global warming. Considering the lack of a timely review on the state-of-the-art progress of promising CCU techniques, developing an appropriate and prompt summary of such advanced techniques with a comprehensive understanding is necessary. Thus, it is imperative to provide a timely review, given the fast growth of sophisticated CO2 capture and utilization materials and their implementation. In this work, we critically summarized and comprehensively reviewed the characteristics and performance of both liquid and solid CO2 adsorbents with possible schemes for the improvement of their CO2 capture ability and advances in CO2 utilization. Their industrial applications in pre- and post-combustion CO2 capture as well as utilization were systematically discussed and compared. With our great effort, this review would be of significant importance for academic researchers for obtaining an overall understanding of the current developments and future trends of CCU. This work is bound to benefit researchers in fields relating to CCU and facilitate the progress of significant breakthroughs in both fundamental research and commercial applications to deliver perspective views for future scientific and industrial advances in CCU.

Unique Cobalt Sulfide/Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite as an Anode for Sodium-Ion Batteries with Superior Rate Capability and Long Cycling Stability.

Abstract: Exploitation of high-performance anode materials is essential but challenging to the development of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Among all proposed anode materials for SIBs, sulfides have been proved promising candidates due to their unique chemical and physical properties. In this work, a facile solvothermal method to in situ decorate cobalt sulfide (CoS) nanoplates on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) to build CoS@rGO composite is described. When evaluated as anode for SIBs, an impressive high specific capacity (540 mAh g(-1) at 1 A g(-1) ), excellent rate capability (636 mAh g(-1) at 0.1 A g(-1) and 306 mAh g(-1) at 10 A g(-1)), and extraordinarily cycle stability (420 mAh g(-1) at 1 A g(-1) after 1000 cycles) have been demonstrated by CoS@rGO composite for sodium storage. The synergetic effect between the CoS nanoplates and rGO matrix contributes to the enhanced electrochemical performance of the hybrid composite. The results provide a facile approach to fabricate promising anode materials for high-performance SIBs.