• Energy Research

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) without and with adsorbed silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), are used to detect acetone vapour. MWCNTs are grown on SiO2/Si substrates and silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) are deposited onto some of these MWCNTs using electron beam evaporation method. The sensitivity of CNT based sensors (with and without NPs) increases with the concentration of acetone vapour (50 ppm to 800 ppm) while a substantial rise in sensitivity is obtained from MWCNTs with Ag NPs. Band diagrams of the MWCNTs, with and without NPs, are analyzed to understand the gas molecules adsorption phenomena. This study is the first to establish that such sensors can operate at 27 °C rather than the 180 °C–450 °C used elsewhere, thus offering significant advantages over existing methods. To investigate the sensors’ dependability, they’re exposed to three cycles of 50 ppm acetone gas. These tests show that the devices’ responses remain unchanged, indicating their reliability. The effects of humidity upon MWCNT acetone sensors within 100 ppm of acetone vapour are also studied and improved performance towards stability and response/recovery is observed for the sensors with Ag-NPs. Furthermore, higher selectivity is observed for the Ag-coated sensors for acetone against various target gases (acetone, ethanol, NO2, ammonia, and acetone with water).

Ionic liquids (ILs) are molten salts that are entirely composed of ions and have melting temperatures below 100 °C. When immobilized in polymeric matrices by sol–gel or chemical polymerization, they generate gels known as ion gels, ionogels, ionic gels, and so on, which may be used for a variety of electrochemical applications. One of the most significant research domains for IL-based gels is the energy industry, notably for energy storage and conversion devices, due to rising demand for clean, sustainable, and greener energy. Due to characteristics such as nonvolatility, high thermal stability, and strong ionic conductivity, IL-based gels appear to meet the stringent demands/criteria of these diverse application domains. This article focuses on the synthesis pathways of IL-based gel polymer electrolytes/organic gel electrolytes and their applications in batteries (Li-ion and beyond), fuel cells, and supercapacitors. Furthermore, the limitations and future possibilities of IL-based gels in the aforementioned application domains are discussed to support the speedy evolution of these materials in the appropriate applicable sectors.