Work

Comparative photoelectrochemical study of oligomeric s-heptazines nanomaterials derived from partial thermal decompositions of urea & thiourea precursors

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Thermal polymerization of urea and thiourea under closed conditions at 370oC have been independently carried out and the derived samples were subjected to detail characterization techniques that showed varied chemical composition as well as distribution of functional groups despite same C/N atomic ratio. The detailed optical, physicochemical and morphological characterization from FTIR, RAMAN, XRD, EDX, XPS, solid state UV-visible absorption, PL, BET, FESEM, revealed that urea derived U370 sample with 2D flakes-like morphology closely resembles melem-cyanuric acid complex/ adduct while thiourea derived T370 sample having flat ribbon-like structure can be intimately related with oligomeric melem hydrate respectively. Solution state UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, Zeta potential and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) assisted size distribution studies were also conducted in aqueous media with varying pH to comprehend their nature of chemical functionality and nature of prevailing interactions in acid, neutral and alkaline electrolytes which were further be correlated with their electrochemical responses. Their comparative electrochemical studies were conducted in aid with CV, GCD and EIS studies both under dark as well as in presence of different and wide range light sources in acid, neutral and basic media correspondingly. Results revealed that T370 sample showed better photoelectrochemical performances in terms of higher normalized areal capacitance, better rate capacity as well as improved cyclic stability than U370 sample in aqueous alkaline electrolyte. Thus, this communication opens up a novel approach for significantly upgrading the supercapacitive responses of materials using the simple aid of electromagnetic radiation.

Source: Materials Today Catalysis

DOI: 10.1016/j.mtcata.2025.100112

Authors: Anupam Chowdhury, Dipanwita Majumdar, Moisilee Dutta, Swapan Kumar Bhattacharya

Institutions: Jadavpur University, Chandernagore College

Language: English

Topic: Supercapacitor Materials and Fabrication

Subfield: Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,080