Mina Seović

This study addresses the crucial role of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in enhancing the performance of fuel cells and metal-air batteries, vital to the advancement of green energy technologies. The primary challenge with ORR lies in its inherently slow kinetics, which necessitates the development of efficient and stable electrocatalysts. Our research introduces a novel, low-cost bifunctional carbon-based electrocatalyst, dual-doped with selenium (Se) and vanadium (V), synthesized through a straightforward direct carbonization mixtures of 1-butyl-3- methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide with Se and V. This method proves effective in reducing overpotential and enhancing ORR kinetics, demonstrating significant promise for improving the efficacy of renewable energy technologies.

This paper explores the feasibility and efficacy of employing whole CPU (Central Processing Unit) recycling as a sustainable source of metals for catalyst coatings in the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER). With the escalating global issue of electronic waste (e-waste), repurposing discarded CPUs offers a promising avenue for metal recovery and utilization. Through systematic experimentation, CPU preparation technique was evaluated for formation of electrode catalytic layer and the kinetics of HER in alkaline media. The resulting electrodeposited cathode was assessed for electrocatalytic efficiency. Our findings highlight the potential of utilizing e-waste-derived metals, particularly gold and copper, as effective catalyst coatings for HER, thus contributing to sustainable metal recovery and utilization strategies.

This study explores the production of activated carbon (AC) from lemon peel, an agricultural waste, using phosphoric acid activation, presenting a sustainable alternative to conventional AC derived from fossil fuels. The processed lemon peel AC exhibited promising electrochemical properties suitable for supercapacitors, including high specific capacitance of 138.9 F/g at a scan rate of 20 mV/s and excellent stability in an alkaline environment. These findings demonstrate the potential of bio-waste as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly precursor for AC production. This approach not only supports waste minimization but also contributes to sustainable resource utilization in the field of energy storage.