research Article
Schoetz, T., Ponce De Leon, C., Ueda, M. and Bund, A. (2017)
Fist published: Journal of the Electrochemical Society, 164 (14), A3499-A3502. (doi:10.1149/2.0311714jes). November 2017
Nov 14
Perspective—State of the Art of Rechargeable Aluminum Batteries in Non-Aqueous Systems
Perspective—State of the Art of Rechargeable Aluminum Batteries in Non-Aqueous Systems
T. Schoetz5,1, C. Ponce de Leon1, M. Ueda4,2 and A. Bund4,3
Published 14 November 2017
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https://doi.org/10.1149/2.0311714jes
The main challenges to implement sustainable energy storage technologies are the utilization of earth-abundant recyclable materials, low costs, safe cell reactions and high performance, all in a single system. Aluminum batteries seem to cover these requirements. However, their practical performance is still not comparable with the state of the art high performance batteries. A key aspect to further development could be the combination of aluminum with charge storage materials like conductive polymers in non-aqueous electrolytes taking advantage of the properties of each material. This review presents the approaches and perspectives for rechargeable aluminum-based batteries as sustainable high-performance energy storage devices.
Sep 10
Thick film sensors for soil measurements
Gerardo Espindola Garcia, Prof John Atkinson and Dr Joel Smethurst
Conference
Proceedings of the Eighth International Conference on Sensor Device Technologies and Applications SENSORDEVICES 2017
ISBN 978-1-61208-581-4
First published 10.09.2017
Abstract
Water content has considerable influence on soil
pore water pressure and shear strength, potentially leading to
failure in earthworks. This research aims to develop novel
sensors (employing Thick-Film electrodes) intended to detect
changes in soil parameters such as conductivity, porosity and
water content and determine if these are indicative of
earthworks instability (potential slope failure). Using Thick
Film electrodes to measure parameters could be a cost effective
method for condition monitoring. The conductivity output of
the sensors and how it relates to the soil water content needs to
be understood, and a framework of working conditions for this
sensing technology needs to be documented. In this study, the
behaviour of the TF cell developed by the University of
Southampton was tested for a particular soil particle size by
simulating heavy rainfall and rising of the water table within a
soil column.
Sep 02
Bournemouth Airshow
The Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Infrastructure Systems attended the Bournemouth Airshow on the 31st August-1st September 2017. Two of our iPhD researchers, Helen Currie and Gerardo Espindola Garcia, attended the event to showcase the CDT’s research into fish passage, fish migration, hydroelectric power and the reintroduction of the European or Eurasian Beaver into the UK ecosystem.
Aug 31
Understanding the formation of woody debris jams at bridge piers
Conference paper
Panici, D. & de Almeida, G. A. M., Water and Environmental Engineering Group
Published online: 31 August 2017,
Proceedings of the 37th IAHR World Congress: Managing Water for Sustainable Development, learning from the Past for the Future. Ghani, A. A. (ed.). IAHR, p. 1404-1411
Abstract
Woody debris accumulations at bridge piers can significantly increase the risk of flooding and bridge failure because of increased afflux upstream of bridges, additional structural loads and exacerbated scour. Despite the importance of this problem, limited research has been conducted on the topic. In this study we experimentally analyse the process of accumulations of woody debris (modelled with twigs and natural sticks) at single piers exposed to flow and a continuous supply of debris. Results show that these debris jams follow a three-phase growth: unstable (where growth occurs rapidly but debris are easily disengaged); stable (growth assumes a less pronounced trend and debris are less likely to be escaped); critical (the accumulation begins to oscillate about the pier and ultimately drifts away, i.e. fails). The dimensions of the accumulation at failure were observed to plot as well-defined functions of the flow and debris characteristics, and provide a worst-case scenario that can be useful for engineering design. In particular, while the cross-sectional and longitudinal dimensions of the accumulations were observed to decrease with increasing flow, the vertical component displays an opposite trend.
Aug 07
BBC Countryfile Live 2017
The Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Infrastructure Systems attended BBC Countryfile Live 2017 as part of the University of Southampton’s Roadshow team, continuing our presence at the event from the beginning (BBC Countryfile live is only in its second year). The event this year was held from the 3rd August to the 6th August 2017.
Jun 30
Glastonbury Festival 2017
Jun 17
Preparation and characterization of a rechargeable battery based on poly-(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and aluminum in ionic liquids
Preparation and characterization of a rechargeable battery based on poly-(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and aluminum in ionic liquids
Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry volume 21, pages3237–3246 (2017)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10008-017-3658-4
Abstract
This paper presents a feasibility study of a non-aqueous rechargeable battery based on aluminum and poly-(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) conductive polymer in a chloroaluminate ionic liquid. The polymer was electrodeposited on a vitreous carbon working electrode in a chloride aqueous solution and the structure was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The doping/de-doping mechanism of chloride ions into the polymer structure was studied using a quartz crystal microbalance and cyclic voltammetry. The deposition/dissolution of the aluminum negative electrode were investigated by electrochemical and microscopic methods. Performance data were obtained with a laboratory-scale aluminum-conductive polymer battery at constant current showing an average cell discharge voltage of 1 V and specific energies of at least 84 Wh kg−1 referred to the mass of the polymer and aluminum. The system is novel and the paper outlines further research to improve the cell performance.
Jun 17
Preparation and characterization of a rechargeable battery based on poly-(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and aluminum in ionic liquids
Research Article
T. Schoetz, M. Ueda, A. Bund & C. Ponce de Leon
First published in Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry volume 21, pages 3237–3246( 17 June 2017)
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10008-017-3658-4
Abstract
May 08
The South Downs Green Fair 2017
| On 7th May 2017, the Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Infrastructure Systems took part in the South Downs Green Fair, at the Sustainability Centre in Petersfield.
The South Downs Green Fair showcases sustainable living and alternative solutions to manufacturing and industrial processes. A big part of the festival is promoting environmentally friendly existence. The CDT felt very much at home during this event! At the Fair the CDT was promoting our research on Water and the Environment, showcasing our varied research on the reintroduction of the Beaver in the UK, fish pass systems, fish migration and the effects of hydroelectric power on river ecosystems. We had many interested and thoughtful visitors to our exhibit who were fascinated by the students presenting their research and the positive impact our research is having on Infrastructure and the Environment. The Fair was also the first outreach event the CDT has attended where our newly built Marble Run has made an appearance. In its first stage currently, the Run was a massive hit with kids and adults and promoted our research and educated in exactly the way intended. Look out for the two further stages to the Marble Run at science fairs and events near you soon!
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