Fabrication of a flexible and conductive lyocell fabric decorated with graphene nanosheets as a stable electrode material

Mengal, N.,Sahito, I.A.,Arbab, A.A.,Sun, K.C.,Qadir, M.B.,Memon, A.A.,Jeong, S.H. Applied Science Publishers ; Elsevier Science Ltd 2016 Carbohydrate polymers Vol.152 No.-

Textile electrodes are highly desirable for wearable electronics as they offer light-weight, flexibility, cost effectiveness and ease of fabrication. Here, we propose the use of lyocell fabric as a flexible textile electrode because of its inherently super hydrophilic characteristics and increased moisture uptake. A highly concentrated colloidal solution of graphene oxide nanosheets (GONs) was coated on to lyocell fabric and was then reduced in to graphene nanosheets (GNs) using facile chemical reduction method. The proposed textile electrode has a very high surface conductivity with a very low value of surface resistance of only 40Ωsq<SUP>-1</SUP>, importantly without use of any binding or adhesive material in the processing step. Atomic force spectroscopy (AFM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were conducted to study the topographical properties and sheet exfoliation of prepared GONs. The surface morphology, structural characterization and thermal stability of the fabricated textile electrode were studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X ray photon spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, Wide angle X ray diffraction spectroscopy (WAXD) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) respectively. These results suggest that the GONs is effectively adhered on to the lyocell fabric and the conversion of GONs in to GNs by chemical reduction has no adverse effect on the crystalline structure of textile substrate. The prepared graphene coated conductive lyocell fabric was found stable in water and electrolyte solution and it maintained nearly same surface electrical conductivity at various bending angles. The electrical resistance results suggest that this lyocell based textile electrode (L-GNs) is a promising candidate for flexible and wearable electronics and energy harvesting devices.

An electrocatalytic active lyocell fabric cathode based on cationically functionalized and charcoal decorated graphite composite for quasi-solid state dye sensitized solar cell

Mengal, Naveed,Arbab, Alvira Ayoub,Sahito, Iftikhar Ali,Memon, Anam Ali,Sun, Kyung Chul,Jeong, Sung Hoon Elsevier 2017 SOLAR ENERGY -PHOENIX ARIZONA THEN NEW YORK- Vol.155 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The state of the art of conductive functional textile woven fabrics have given rise to a demand for textile integrated electrodes. Herein, we report a highly conductive and flexible woven fabric electrode using highly absorbent lyocell fabric as the substrate and cationically functionalized and activated charcoal decorated graphite composite (AC-GC) as the coating film. This (AC-GC) coated lyocell fabric is used as a cathode for quasi-solid state dye sensitized solar cell (Q-DSSCs). Our suggested fabric based cathode shows sufficiently high conductivity and electrocatalytic activity (ECA) compared to platinum (Pt) based reference counter electrode (CE). This efficient CE demonstrates extremely low charge transfer resistance (R<SUB>CT</SUB>) of 1.56Ωcm<SUP>2</SUP> with polyethylene oxide based quasi-solid electrolyte. The cationic charged enriched charcoal decorated graphite planner structure provide more availability of active sites for the reduction of negatively charged tri-iodide ( I 3 - ) ions present in polymeric gel electrolyte. The formation of porous charcoal voids and conductive graphite channels entrap large amounts of gel electrolyte and provide fast diffusion of iodide/tri-iodide ( <SUP> I - </SUP> / I 3 - ) ions. Our organic system of AC-GC coated lyocell fabric based DSSCs assembly demonstrated 7.09% power conversion efficiency (PCE) when fabricated with quasi-solid electrolyte. This AC-GC coated fabric CE is also highly stable in water and electrolyte solution. The adequate electrocatalytic activity and cyclic stability demonstrate that this AC-GC coated fabric can be used to replace expensive Pt CE and can be used in flexible solar cells in future.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Various composites of activated charcoal and enzyme functionalized graphite (AC-GC) were prepared by a facile route. </LI> <LI> Highly porous and electrocatalytic AC-GC coatings were applied on lyocell fabric for preparation of flexible electrode. </LI> <LI> The flexible electrodes showed high stability in water and lithium iodide based electrolyte. </LI> <LI> DSSC based on optimized flexible electrode demonstrated maximum power conversion efficiency of 7.09%. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>Cationic functionalized and activated charcoal decorated graphite coated lyocell fabric cathode is Q-DSSCs, displayed 7.1% efficiency.</P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Paper : Influence of Angle Ply Orientation on the Flexural Strength of Basalt and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Hybrid Composites

( Ali Nawaz Mengal ),( Saravanan Karuppanan ) 한국복합재료학회 2015 Composites research Vol.28 No.1

In this paper the influence of fiber orientation of basalt and carbon inter-ply fabrics on the flexural properties of hybrid composite laminates was experimentally investigated. Four types of basalt/carbon/epoxy inter-ply hybrid composite laminates with varying angle ply orientation of reinforced basalt fiber and fixed orientation of carbon fiber were fabricated using hand lay-up technique. Three point bending test was performed according to ASTM 7264. The fracture surface analysis was carried out by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results obtained from the four laminates were compared. Lay-up pattern of [0B/+30B/-30B/0C]S exhibits the best properties in terms of flexural strength and flexural modulus. Scanning electron microscopy results on the fracture surface showed that the interfacial de-bonding between the fibers and epoxy resin is a dominant fracture mode for all fiber lay-up schemes.

An organic route for the synthesis of cationic porous graphite nanomaterial used as photocatalyst and electrocatalyst for dye-sensitized solar cell

Arbab, Alvira Ayoub,Mengal, Naveed,Sahito, Iftikhar Ali,Memon, Anam Ali,Jeong, Sung Hoon Elsevier 2018 ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA Vol.266 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>An organic synthesis route is proposed to fabricate cationized porous graphite (cpG) for photocatalyst and electrocatalyst nanomaterial. High crystalline structure of graphite possesses few defects and porous channels. In the proposed research, cpG is fabricated by sonicating graphite in cationized enzyme media followed by exfoliating in the activated charcoal filler. The cationic lipase solution distributed positive surface charges over a bare graphitic sheet, and sonication with activated charcoal filler divulges porous channels along graphite exfoliated matrix structure. The charcoal doping in graphite was modified with the different charcoal content percentage ranging from 0 to 100%. The cationized porous graphite (cpG) material possess high surface area, pore volume and conductivity leads to high photoresponse and electrocatalytic reaction. As photocatalyst, the proposed graphite provide fast degradation of methylene blue dye observed by UV–Vis spectrophotometer. As cathode for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSCs), cpG provides high electrocatalytic activity with low charge transfer resistance (R<SUB>CT</SUB> = 0.95Ω) and high photovoltaic performance with 9.59% efficiency. The positive charge distribution over graphite sheet attracts plenty of negative iodide ions present in the electrolyte, provide fast reduction-oxidation reaction. Furthermore, porous charcoal filler doping accepts a large amount of gel electrolyte, and fasten interfacial reaction between electrolyte and CE. This cost-effective cationized porous graphite (cpG) nanomaterial can provide new ways towards sustainable energy resources.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> An organic route for the synthesis of cationized porous graphite (cpG) nanomaterial is proposed. </LI> <LI> cpG used as photo catalyst and electro catalyst for DSSCs. </LI> <LI> cpG shows excellent degradation of methylene blue dye at very low time interval. </LI> <LI> cpG demonstrated low R<SUB>CT</SUB> of 0.95Ω with high photovoltaic performance. </LI> <LI> cpG cathode outperform Pt. electrode and exhibit 9.59% PCE of DSSCs. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

CuS thin film grown using the one pot, solution-process method for dye-sensitized solar cell applications

Patil, Supriya A.,Mengal, Naveed,Memon, Anam Ali,Jeong, Sung Hoon,Kim, Hak-Sung ELSEVIER SCIENCE 2017 JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS Vol.708 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The counter electrode has a great influence on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this work, efforts have been made to develop a platinum (Pt)-free, low-cost, copper sulfide (CuS) counter electrode for application in DSSCs. CuS thin film was successfully grown on a conducting and non-conducting substrate using a low temperature, one pot, solution-process method. The as-synthesized CuS thin film was utilized in the DSSCs as a counter electrode (CE). The CE demonstrated good electrocatalytic properties and a photoconversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.03% when used in DSSCs. It was also comparable with devices made using platinum counter electrodes. Synthesized CuS thin film with excellent electrocatalytic properties could serve as an alternative counter electrode in DSSC fabrication.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> CuS thin film shows excellent architecture, and unique half-sheet shape like morphology. </LI> <LI> Solution process synthesized CuS thin film shows high crystallinity at room temperature without external heat treatments. </LI> <LI> The CuS thin film shows good electrocatalytic properties and the resultant used as counter electrode in DSSCs. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Facile and cost-effective methodology to fabricate MoS₂ counter electrode for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells

Vikraman, Dhanasekaran,Patil, Supriya A.,Hussain, Sajjad,Mengal, Naveed,Kim, Hyun-Seok,Jeong, Sung Hoon,Jung, Jongwan,Kim, Hak-Sung,Park, Hui Joon Elsevier 2018 Dyes and pigments Vol.151 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Interests in the development of economical and high-efficiency counter electrodes (CEs) of dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) to replace the excessively cost and scarce platinum (Pt) CEs have been increased. In this report, we demonstrate a facile chemical bath deposition (CBD) route to prepare layered MoS<SUB>2</SUB>/fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) films that directly act as the CEs of DSSCs. A DSSC containing the CBD-synthesized MoS<SUB>2</SUB>/FTO CE (prepared at 0.03 M Mo source concentration, 90 °C bath temperature and 30 min deposition time) exhibits high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.14%, which is approaching that of DSSC with Pt/FTO CE (8.73%). The electrocatalytic activity of the MoS<SUB>2</SUB>/FTO and Pt/FTO CEs are discussed in detail with their cyclic voltammetry (CV), Tafel polarization curves, and electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS). The observed results indicate that our low-cost CE has a high electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of triiodide to iodide and a low charge transfer resistance at the electrolyte–electrode interface with a comparable state to that of a Pt/FTO CE.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Crystalline MoS<SUB>2</SUB> thin layers are grown on FTO using chemical bath deposition (CBD) method. </LI> <LI> The structural and optical properties of the synthesized MoS<SUB>2</SUB> layers are systematically investigated. </LI> <LI> The electrocatalytic activity of the CBD-synthesized MoS<SUB>2</SUB>/FTO is discussed with their CV, Tafel and EIS curves. </LI> <LI> A DSSC containing the MoS<SUB>2</SUB>/FTO CE exhibits high power conversion efficiency of 7.14%. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Study of Consumer Perception for Clothing Comfort and Garment Attributes

Sobh Thebo,Samander Ali Malik,Naveed Mengal,Raja Fahad Ashraf,정성훈 한국섬유공학회 2021 한국섬유공학회지 Vol.58 No.2

This research aims to determine consumer perceptions on clothing comfort and the importance of clothing attributes. A questionnaire survey was conducted to evaluate consumers’ perceptions toward clothing comfort. Multivariate statistical tools, namely principal component analysis and analysis of variance, were used to analyze the data. The findings of the study indicate that most consumers prefer thermophysiological comfort. According to the consumers, the most significant clothing attributes are comfortable feel, fabric quality, fabric softness, fit, and color. The results of this study can therefore be used as a guideline to ensure the comfort needs of consumers and to make effective decisions for product development and marketing of ready-to-wear garments.

Synthesis of solution processed f-CNT@Bi₂S₃ hybrid film coated linen fabric as a free-standing textile structured photo catalyst

Memon, Anam Ali,Arbab, Alvira Ayoub,Patil, Supriya A.,Mengal, Naveed,Sun, Kyung Chul,Sahito, Iftikhar Ali,Jeong, Sung Hoon,Kim, Hak Sung Elsevier 2018 Applied catalysis. A, General Vol.566 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>A unique metallic carbon hybrid film, synthesized with synchronized distribution of bismuth sulfide (Bi<SUB>2</SUB>S<SUB>3</SUB>) and exfoliated multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), has been proposed for use as freestanding textile electrodes in photo catalysts. The defect-rich morphology of Bi<SUB>2</SUB>S<SUB>3</SUB> nanowire decorated MWCNT hybrid enhances the photocatalytic activity, electronic properties, cyclic stability, and electron pathways. The proposed f-CNT@Bi<SUB>2</SUB>S<SUB>3</SUB>-hybrid linen fabric electrode demonstrated a defect-rich morphology synchronized with high electrical conductivity. These properties greatly enhanced the photocatalytic activity and electron transfer. The high photocatalytic activity is attributed to the synergistic effect of the high electron affinity of MWCNTs and the structural distortion caused by Bi<SUB>2</SUB>S<SUB>3</SUB> nanowires. Degradation of methylene blue dye was accelerated owing to the elevated activity of Bi<SUB>2</SUB>S<SUB>3</SUB> nanowires, which provides fast absorption of contaminants and reduction of oxidative species. Our proposed system of metallic carbon freestanding textile electrode opens the broad applications of textile-based photochemical devices.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> A flexible and highly conductive linen fabric is fabricated. </LI> <LI> The fabric is coated with carbon metallic films by doctor blade technique. </LI> <LI> The electrode is durable and highly photocatalytic active. </LI> <LI> The electrode is stable at various bending positions, against water and electrolyte. </LI> <LI> The surface resistance of the carbon metallic films coated fabric is only 19 Ω sq<SUP>−1</SUP>. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Synthesis of highly photo-catalytic and electro-catalytic active textile structured carbon electrode and its application in DSSCs

Memon, Anam Ali,Arbab, Alvira Ayoub,Sahito, Iftikhar Ali,Sun, Kyung Chul,Mengal, Naveed,Jeong, Sung Hoon Elsevier 2017 SOLAR ENERGY -PHOENIX ARIZONA THEN NEW YORK- Vol.150 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Due to the growing need of portable smart devices, textile based solar cells have gained widespread attention in the field of wearable electronics. Here, we have demonstrated facile fabrication of metal free DSSCs by printing cotton, polyester and linen fabric counter electrodes with highly photo catalytic and electro catalytic active mesoporous carbon composite composed of highly conductive acid functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes decorated with mesoporous activated charcoal. Different mesoporous carbon structures were formulated by varying the concentration of activated charcoal intercalated in the acid functionalized MWCNT matrix. The mesoporous carbon composite with high level of porosity and oxygen rich surface exhibits low charge transfer resistance and excellent electro-catalytic activity for the reduction of tri-iodide ions. The mesoporous carbon composite exhibited 52% higher photo catalytic activity than the acid modified MWCNT. Besides that, in-depth comparison was carried out in between different kinds of textile fabrics coated with the carbon composite. The slight variation in the microporous structures and surface characteristics of cotton, polyester and linen fabrics led to marginal difference in the electrochemical and photovoltaic performance of DSSCs. High mobility of gel electrolyte within the porous structure of mesoporous carbon and textile fabrics assembly demonstrated low R<SUB>CT</SUB> of 0.82Ω, 0.77Ω and 1.37Ω for cotton, polyester and linen respectively. The obtained photovoltaic conversion efficiency of cotton, polyester and linen based DSSCs using gel electrolyte were 6.06%, 6.26% and 5.80% respectively. The suggested TCO and Pt free DSSC assemblies paved a way to the facile fabrication of textile based DSSC.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Photocatalytic and conductive textile counter electrodes (CEs) were synthesized. </LI> <LI> Cotton, Polyester and Linen fabrics were used as CEs substrate. </LI> <LI> CEs were coated with mesoporous Activated Charcoal intercalated carbon composites. </LI> <LI> Flexible CEs showed a very low charge transfer resistance of 0.77Ω. </LI> <LI> Flexible CEs exhibited a highest conversion efficiency of 6.26%. </LI> </UL> </P>

Facile fabrication of activated charcoal decorated functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube electro-catalyst for high performance quasi-solid state dye-sensitized solar cells

Memon, A.A.,Arbab, A.A.,Sahito, I.A.,Mengal, N.,Sun, K.C.,Qadir, M.B.,Choi, Y.S.,Jeong, S.H. Pergamon Press 2017 ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA Vol.234 No.-

<P>The proposed research presents significant progress in the photovoltaic performance of quasi-solid state dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) by synthesizing a highly electro-catalytic active activated charcoal decorated functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composite electro-catalyst as a counter electrode (CE). The proposed carbon composite structure was synthesize by facile acid functionalization of MWCNTs followed by the addition of mesoporous activated charcoal, decorating the tubular graphitic structure of the CNTs. The carbon composite paste deposited on FTO glass by a sequential process of doctor blade coating under an air-drying technique. The porous functionalized mesoporous carbon (f-MC) with a dominant oxygen rich surface displays greatly enhanced electrocatalytic activity, low charge transfer resistance (RCT), and exceptional cyclic stability as compared with pristine CNTs. The DSSC fabricated with f-MC CE demonstrated efficient electrochemical characteristics and photovoltaic performance when fabricated with a high-viscosity quasi-solid electrolyte. The highly conductive and porous carbon structure locates manifold sites for tri-iodide reduction reaction. High mobility of the quasi-solid electrolyte within defect rich (f-MC) surface confirmed a low RCT of (0.60 Omega. cm(2)), and exhibited superior electrocatalytic activity compared to a conventional platinum (Pt) reference CE. The f-MC CE based DSSCs showed high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.42%, exceeding the Pt reference CE of 8.11%. Based on the facile synthesis of f-MC composites and fabrication of CE, the proposed DSSCs stand out as efficient next generation solar cells. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.</P>