Texas State University

6 ARTICLES PUBLISHED IN JoVE

Engineering

Fabrication of VB₂/Air Cells for Electrochemical Testing

Jessica Stuart¹, Ruben Lopez², Jason Lau¹, Xuguang Li², Mahesh Waje², Matthew Mullings², Christopher Rhodes², Stuart Licht¹

¹Department of Chemistry, The George Washington University, ²Lynntech

A protocol is presented to study multi-electron metal/air battery systems by using previous technology developed for the zinc/air cell. Electrochemical testing is then performed on fabricated batteries to evaluate performance.

Chemistry

Preparation and Use of Carbonyl-decorated Carbenes in the Activation of White Phosphorus

Antonio J. Torres¹, Christopher L. Dorsey¹, Todd W. Hudnall¹

¹Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University

Here, we present a protocol for the synthesis of two carbonyl-decorated carbenes. The protocol makes these interesting compounds readily available to chemists of all skill levels. In addition to the synthesis of these two carbenes, their use in the activation of white phosphorus is also described.

Engineering

Non-aqueous Electrode Processing and Construction of Lithium-ion Coin Cells

Malcolm Stein IV¹, Chien-Fan Chen¹, Daniel J. Robles¹, Christopher Rhodes², Partha P. Mukherjee¹

¹Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, ²Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University

Non-aqueous electrode processing is central to the construction of coin cells and the evaluation of new electrode chemistries for lithium-ion batteries. A step-by-step guide to the basic practices needed as an electrochemical engineer working with batteries in an academic experimental setting is furnished.

Engineering

Electroactive Polymer Nanoparticles Exhibiting Photothermal Properties

Travis Cantu¹, Bradley Rodier², Zachary Iszard², Alissa Kilian², Varun Pattani³, Kyle Walsh², Katharina Weber², James Tunnell³, Tania Betancourt^1,2, Jennifer Irvin^1,2

¹Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization Program, Texas State University, ²Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, ³Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin

A protocol is presented for the synthesis and preparation of nanoparticles consisting of electroactive polymers.

Chemistry

Effect of Microwave Synthesis Conditions on the Structure of Nickel Hydroxide Nanosheets

Samuel W. Kimmel¹, Vivian Kuykendall², Cole Mough², Avery Landry³, Christopher P. Rhodes^1,2

¹Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization Program, Texas State University, ²Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, ³Westlake Highschool

Nickel hydroxide nanosheets are synthesized by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal reaction. This protocol demonstrates that the reaction temperature and time used for microwave synthesis affects the reaction yield, crystal structure, and local coordination environment.

Chemistry

Vapor Phase Deposition of Electroactive Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) onto Electrospun Commodity Polymer Nanofibers

Shuvo Brahma¹, Aidan Gustafson^2,3, Junaid ur Rehman¹, Nicholas R. Lontkowski², Alyssa Libonati³, Marcus Goss⁴, R. Kōnane Bay³, Jennifer A. Irvin^1,2,5, Tania Betancourt^1,2

¹Material Science, Engineering and Commercialization, Texas State University, ²Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, ³Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, ⁴STAR Park, Texas State University, ⁵College of Science and Engineering, University of Houston-Clear Lake

This paper describes a simple technique for coating electrospun PAN nanofibers with electroactive polymers using vapor deposition. The effects of the oxidant FeCl₃ on the deposition of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) coatings on PAN were investigated to understand and optimize polymer growth, fiber diameter, and overall mechanical strength of the nanofiber mats.