158 reads in the past 30 days
Recent advancement of solid oxide fuel cells towards semiconductor membrane fuel cellsJanuary 2024
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758 Reads
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18 Citations
Published by OAE Publishing Inc.
Online ISSN: 2770-5900
Disciplines: Materials Science, Chemistry
158 reads in the past 30 days
Recent advancement of solid oxide fuel cells towards semiconductor membrane fuel cellsJanuary 2024
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758 Reads
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18 Citations
83 reads in the past 30 days
Understanding of working mechanism of lithium difluoro(oxalato) borate in Li||NCM85 battery with enhanced cyclic stabilityJuly 2023
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396 Reads
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11 Citations
56 reads in the past 30 days
Research advances in earth-abundant-element-based electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction and oxygen reduction reactionJuly 2023
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1,158 Reads
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4 Citations
53 reads in the past 30 days
Influences of deposition conditions on atomic layer deposition films for enhanced performance in perovskite solar cellsMay 2024
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156 Reads
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1 Citation
50 reads in the past 30 days
Fundamentals and perspectives of electrolyte additives for non-aqueous Na-ion batteriesSeptember 2023
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384 Reads
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4 Citations
Energy Materials is an interdisciplinary journal dedicated to communicating recent progresses related to materials science and engineering in the field of energy conversion and storage. The journal publishes Articles, Communications, Mini/Reviews, Research Highlights and Perspectives with original research works focusing on the challenges of sustainable energy for the future.
Energy Materials has a broad scope of energy research spanning fundamental scientific study, technological advancement, insightful materials characterization, instructive theoretical study, and impactful energy-based data analysis. The studies and analysis in terms of developing edge-cutting materials, synthetic methods, and fundamental theories will be given preference. The journal welcomes all scales of works linked to the nexus of energy conversion and storage with attractive readership in the international research community.
Research topics include, but are not limited to: Batteries and supercapacitors; Fuel cells; Solar cells; Solar fuels and thermosolar power; Hydrogen generation and storage; Advanced material characterization techniques; Hydrocarbon conversion and storage; Inorganic and organic photovoltaics; Thermoelectric materials; Nanocomposite dielectrics for energy storage; Bioenergy and biofuels; Regional or global energy analysis.
July 2024
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55 Reads
Catalytic combustion is an effective approach to remove air pollutants from various emission sources. For this purpose, supported noble metal catalysts are preferred in commercial applications due to their outstanding catalytic activity for eliminating CO, hydrocarbon compounds and NOx. In this paper, we employ the flame spray pyrolysis method to prepare a series of Pt-based catalysts with four different supports (TiO2, ZrO2, MgO and ZnO) and variable low Pt loadings for catalytic combustion of CO and CH4. The performance of 0.5 Pt/TiO2 is the best in all samples, in which the T90 temperatures are 107 and 500 °C for 90% conversion of CO and CH4, respectively. To examine its thermal stability, a time-on-stream test at 700 °C for 420 min is carried out, resulting in a decrease of about 5% in the final conversion of CH4. The X-ray diffraction results show that TiO2 support is a mixed phase with a major amount of anatase and a small amount of rutile other than a pure phase of ZrO2, MgO and ZnO. Furthermore, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis and high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy observation show that when the Pt loading is low, the Pt species exist as highly dispersed single atoms on the surface of the TiO2 support. As the Pt loading gradually increases, the state of the Pt species transitions from single atoms to Pt clusters, resulting in a decrease in dispersion. Ultimately, the Pt can successfully accumulate on the surface of the TiO2 nanoparticles, providing abundant active sites for efficient catalytic combustion reactions.
July 2024
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63 Reads
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1 Citation
Among the many approaches to improve the performance of lithium-metal batteries, ternary polyethylene oxide/ionic liquid/lithium salt electrolytes offer several advantages such as low flammability, high conductivity (vs. polyethylene oxide/lithium salt electrolytes) and, to a large extent, limiting the growth of dendrites at moderate currents. However, they suffer from relatively low mechanical strength for lithium metal confinement. Besides, the lithium transport numbers are very low, which is conducive to lithium depletion during plating at high current densities at the lithium/electrolyte interface. Thus, we show here that the combination of a ternary solid polymer electrolyte with a single-ion polymer-based conducting interlayer allows for a significant improvement of the cyclability of the lithium metal anode. This results in a strong improvement of the electrochemical performance of lithium-metal batteries using solid polymer electrolytes at 80 °C, with an 85% capacity retention after 350 cycles(vs. 60% after 62 cycles for the uncoated anode). This is attributed, via focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, to a denser lithium deposit, better contact with the electrolyte and a reduced reactivity of electrolyte species with the interlayer.
July 2024
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21 Reads
The feature of high theoretical capacity, long thermal stability, and low-cost fabrication offers the layered transition metal oxide NaCrO2 as an excellent candidate for sodium-ion batteries. Here, we show an effective method for electronic modulation of NaCrO2 by partial substitution of Cr³⁺ with low-valent Ni²⁺ to produce NaCr0.95Ni0.05O2 as an efficient cathode for these batteries. We found that Ni²⁺ substitution plays a critical role in the ionic character of transition metal-oxygen bonds, which increases the interlayer separation and thus improves sodium-ion diffusion kinetics. Furthermore, Ni²⁺ substitution reduces the deterioration of NaCrO2 throughout charge-discharge processes and thus boosts the cycle performance of the materials. The resultant NaCr0.95Ni0.05O2 cathode displays a remarkable rate performance with specific capacities of 91.2 mAh g⁻¹ at 50 C and a high retention (~80%) of the initial capacity after cycling for 1,000 cycles at 10 C.
July 2024
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33 Reads
In the field of energy storage technology, the organic electrodes, separators, and electrolytes have unique advantages over inorganic materials, such as low cost, environmental friendliness, and a wide range of applications. Due to the advantages of organics such as light elements, abundant reserves, and recyclability, they have become favorable candidate materials for solving the energy storage problems caused by the fossil energy crisis. In recent years, as a high-performance branch of covalent organic frameworks, covalent triazine structures (CTFs) have attracted great interest due to their applications in electrochemical energy storage. CTFs have gradually become excellent organic materials for metal-ion batteries applications due to their large specific surface area, nitrogen richness, customizable structural features, and electron donor-acceptor/conductive parts. However, the relatively poor conductivity of the triazine ring in the main structure and the harsh polycondensation conditions limit its commercial application. To overcome these challenges, many effective strategies have emerged in terms of structural optimization, functional construction, and triazine-based composites. This review summarizes in detail the synthesis methods and applications of CTFs cathodes, electrolytes, and separators in the past decade. It is found that for CTFs, large-scale synthesis methods and performance regulation strategies have reached a bottleneck. It is hoped that the systematic summary of this review will provide strategic screening and prospects for the further expansion of CTFs research in next-generation batteries.
July 2024
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45 Reads
Lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) represent an innovative hybridization in the energy storage field, effectively combining the best features of supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries. However, the theoretical advantage of LICs is impeded by the low reaction efficiency of the negative electrode material and significant volume expansion. Two-dimensional (2D) materials, due to their unique morphology, abundant pores, rich active centers, and adjustable composition, have been widely studied and developed as negative electrodes for LICs. Therefore, it is imperative to provide a timely review of the latest advancements in the field. The review initiates with a detailed exploration of the infrastructure, key performance evaluation parameters, and the underlying energy storage mechanisms that define LICs. Subsequently, the focus shifts towards the cutting-edge research surrounding 2D materials, including graphene, MXene, transition-metal dichalcogenides, and transition-metal oxides. The review further elaborates on the typical applications of these 2D materials within LIC frameworks, highlighting their unique properties and contributions to enhanced energy storage solutions. In conclusion, the discussion addresses the significant challenges these materials encounter within LIC applications, such as scalability, cost, and integration issues, while also projecting future development prospects. It outlines both the current limitations and the potential breakthroughs that could pave the way for more advanced and efficient LIC technologies.
July 2024
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41 Reads
In recent years, multivalent metal-ion batteries (MMIBs) have garnered significant attention and research interest because of their abundant natural reserves, low cost, and high safety. However, in practical applications, owing to the high charge density of multivalent metal ions and the strong interaction between the intercalated metal ion and the cathode, the cathode exhibits low capacity and poor cycle stability. Therefore, it is crucial to explore suitable cathode materials for use in MMIBs. MXenes are novel two-dimensional materials that have developed rapidly in the field of energy storage. The current use of MXenes as cathodes in MMIBs has not yet been systematically summarized. This review summarizes the evolution and achievements of MXene-based cathodes in MMIBs, including MXenes and their derivatives, MXene/transition metal oxide composites, MXene/sulfur-based material composites, MXene/selenium-based material composites, and other MXene composites. Finally, the current challenges and future development of MXenes for advanced cathodes in MMIBs are discussed.
July 2024
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105 Reads
The widespread use of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in recent years has led to a marked increase in the quantity of spent batteries, resulting in critical global technical challenges in terms of resource scarcity and environmental impact. Therefore, efficient and eco-friendly recycling methods for these batteries are needed. The recycling methods for spent LIBs include hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, solid-phase regeneration, and electrochemical methods. Compared to other recycling methods, electrochemical methods offer high ion selectivity and environmental friendliness. Assembling research on the recycling and reutilization of spent LIBs, with a focus on the various electrochemical techniques that can enhance these processes, is essential. A thorough analysis of the characteristics and evolution of these methods remains crucial to advancing the field of electrochemical technology in battery recycling. This review first discussed the necessity of recycling spent LIBs from multiple perspectives and briefly introduced the main pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical recycling technologies, analyzing their advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, we comprehensively summarized the current applications of electrochemical technology in the recycling of spent LIBs, including pretreatment, leaching, element separation, and regeneration. Then, we analyzed the characteristics and advantages of different electrochemical techniques in the LIB recycling process and discussed the obstacles encountered in the application of electrochemical technology and their solutions. Finally, a comparison between electrochemical technology and traditional recycling processes was provided, highlighting the potential advantages of electrochemical technology in reducing recycling costs and minimizing waste emissions.
July 2024
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29 Reads
The electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2RR) offers a promising approach to address the dual challenges of energy scarcity and environmental degradation. This study presents a new, cost-effective, and scalable electrocatalyst: self-supporting carbon paper modified with porous conjugated polyimides. This innovative material facilitates efficient CO2 conversion in aqueous media, eliminating the need for a pyrolysis step. The electrocatalyst’s design utilizes a non-metallic organic polymer with a high density of nitrogen atoms, serving as active sites for catalysis. Its unique mesoporous microsphere structure comprises randomly stacked nanosheets that are generated in situ and aligned along the carbon fibers of carbon paper substrate. This architecture enhances both CO2 adsorption and ensures proper electron transportation, facilitated by the conjugated structure of the polymer. Additionally, the inherent hydrophobicity of conjugated polyimides contributes to its robust catalytic performance in selectively reducing CO2, yielding CO as the primary gaseous product with up to 88.7% Faradaic efficiency and 82.0 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ yield rate. Therefore, the proposed electrocatalyst provides a sustainable solution for electrochemical CO2RR catalyzed by non-metal organic materials, combining high efficiency with the advantages of a simple preparation process and the absence of costly materials or steps. This research contributes to the advancement of CO2RR technologies, potentially leading to more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient solutions.
July 2024
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28 Reads
Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are close to commercialization. Although alloying anodes have potential use in next-generation SIB anodes, their limitations of low capacities and colossal volume expansions must be resolved. Traditional approaches involving structural and compositional tunings have not been able to break these lofty barriers. This review is devoted to recent progress in research on alloy-based SIB anodes comprising Sn, Sb, P, Ge, and Si. The current level of understanding, challenges, modifications, optimizations employed up to date, and shortfalls faced by alloying anodes are also described. A detailed future outlook is proposed, focusing on advanced nanomaterial tailoring methods and component modifications in SIB fabrication. Utilizing the latest state-of-the-art characterization techniques, including ex-situ and operando characterization tools, can help us better understand the (de)sodiation mechanism and accompanying capacity fading pathways to pave the way for next-generation SIBs with alloying anode materials.
July 2024
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38 Reads
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1 Citation
Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have emerged as a focal point in energy catalytic conversion due to their remarkable atomic efficiency and catalytic performance. The challenge lies in efficiently anchoring active sites on a specific substrate to prevent agglomeration, maximizing their effectiveness. Substrate characteristics play a pivotal role in shaping the catalytic performance of SACs, influencing the dispersion and stability of single atoms. In recent years, amorphous materials have gained attention as substrates due to their unique surface structure and abundance of unsaturated coordination sites, offering an ideal platform for capturing and anchoring single atoms effectively, thus enhancing catalytic activity. To clarify the interaction between single atoms and amorphous substrates, this review outlines amorphization methods, the mechanism of single-atom anchoring and the characterization methods of amorphous SACs. Subsequently, it summarizes the physical properties and electrocatalytic mechanisms of amorphous materials. Then, interactions between single atoms and amorphous substrates are categorized and summarized. Finally, the paper consolidates the research progress of amorphous SACs and outlines future development prospects. By exploring the synergistic relationship between single atoms and amorphous substrates, this review aims to deepen the understanding of their interaction mechanisms, thereby propelling advancements in SACs for energy catalytic conversion.
July 2024
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18 Reads
Potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) represent a promising battery technology for energy storage applications. Nevertheless, the progress of PIBs is still hindered by the lack of electrode materials that allow rapid and repeatable accommodation of the large K⁺ ions. Herein, a composite anode material containing interlayered-expanded MoS2 (55.6% larger) nanoroses in carbon nanonets (MoS2/C@CNs) is designed with the assistance of biomass bagasse, of which the dual carbon sources convert into interlayer and skeleton carbon, respectively. The unique structure facilitates electron/ion transport in the entire electrode and offers excellent structural stability, leading to much improved electrochemical performance compared to simple MoS2/C composite and pure MoS2. Furthermore, the role of electrolyte salts (potassium hexafluorophosphate and potassium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide) and the electrolyte concentration on the interfacial properties in PIBs have been explored. The results indicate that the low-concentration potassium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide electrolyte helps to produce optimized organic-inorganic solid electrolyte interface films, contributing to a capacity retention of 90% after 1,000 cycles at 2 A g⁻¹.
June 2024
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43 Reads
Recovery of silicon from end-of-life photovoltaic (PV) modules, purification, conversion to nano silicon (nano-Si), and subsequent application as an anode in lithium-ion batteries is challenging but can significantly influence the circular economy. Currently, a complete technology consisting of cross-contamination-free recovery of silicon wafers from end-of-life PV modules, a low-cost environmentally friendly purification process of the recovered PV silicon, a high yield conversion process of the recovered PV silicon into nano-Si, and its subsequent application in lithium-ion batteries is unavailable. This study provides a complete package including cross-contamination-free recovery, economical purification, reliable conversion to nano-Si, and efficient application of the end-of-life PV nano-Si in lithium-ion batteries. Hydrofluoric acid-free recovery and purification processes are demonstrated which can deliver large quantities of high-purity (≥ 99) silicon. In addition, the subsequent ball milling process produces very distinct nano-Si with different shapes and sizes. This study also creates a very effective nano-Si anode through in-situ crosslinking of water-soluble carboxymethyl cellulose and poly (acrylic acid) precursors. The integration of distinct PV nano-Si and water-soluble carboxymethyl cellulose-poly (acrylic acid) crosslink binder opens distinct possibilities to develop silicon-based practical anode for next generation low-cost lithium-ion batteries to power cell phones to electric vehicles.
June 2024
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52 Reads
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1 Citation
In recent decades, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have emerged as a primary focus in the energy-storage field owing to their superior energy and power densities. However, concerns regarding the depletion of non-abundant lithium resources have prompted the exploration and development of emerging energy-storage technologies, such as sodium- (SIBs) and potassium-ion batteries (PIBs). In addition, all-solid-state LIBs (ASSLIBs) have been developed to address the issues of flammability and explosiveness associated with liquid electrolytes. Among the various alloy-based anodes, antimony (Sb) anodes exhibit high energy densities owing to their high theoretical volumetric capacities that are attributable to their high densities. However, Sb anodes exhibit poor cyclabilities owing to excessive volume changes during cycling. To mitigate this issue, researchers have investigated the use of diverse solutions, including solid electrolyte interface control, structural control, and composite/alloy formation. Herein, we review and summarize Sb-based anode materials for LIBs, SIBs, PIBs, and ASSLIBs developed over the past five years (2018-present), focusing on their reaction mechanisms and multiple approaches used to achieve optimal electrochemical performance. We anticipate that this review will provide a comprehensive database of Sb-based anodes for LIBs, SIBs, PIBs, and ASSLIBs, thereby advancing relevant studies in the energy-storage-systems field.
June 2024
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1 Citation
Carbon-assisted energy storage in Li-ion batteries is a crucial topic in the era of carbon neutrality. This work reports a remarkable synergistic effect between lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4, LFP) nanoparticles and mesoporous carbon (MC) that greatly improves the rate performance and cycle performance. The rapid capacitive effect of MC helps establish a local Li⁺-rich environment for LFP, enhancing the Li intercalation kinetics inside LFP nanoparticles during discharge. This synergistic effect is quantificationally evaluated using a single-particle model to compare the Li intercalation extent of LFP particles under the presence and absence of MC, which is further confirmed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy observation, in-situ X-ray diffraction characterization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy test. In addition, the LFP/MC composite cathode exhibits a nearly 100% capacity retention after 1,000 cycles under 1C charge and 10C discharge. Overall, the addition of MC proves to be a very simple but robust method to increase the capacity, power density and cycle life of LFP-based devices.
June 2024
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27 Reads
The emergence of lithium metal batteries (LMBs) as a promising technology in energy storage devices is attributed to their high energy density. However, the inherent flammability and leakage of the internal liquid organic electrolyte pose serious safety risks when exposed to heat. In response to this challenge, gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) have been developed to mitigate leakage and enhance nonflammability by incorporating flame-retardant groups, thereby improving the safety of LMBs. This review commences with a brief analysis of the thermal runaway mechanism specific to LMBs, emphasizing its distinctions from that of lithium-ion batteries. Following this, the various methods employed to assess the safety of LMBs are discussed, including flammability, thermal stability, and abuse assessment. The following section categorizes recent research on safe GPEs according to different flame retardancy levels providing a concise overview of each category. Finally, the review explores current advancements in developing safety-oriented GPEs and considers potential future research directions.
June 2024
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47 Reads
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1 Citation
Ion migration is one of the prime reasons for the rapid degradation of metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs), and we report on a method for quantifying mobile ion concentration (No) using a transient dark current measurement. We perform both ex-situ and in-situ measurements on PSCs and study the evolution of No in films and devices under a range of temperatures. We also study the effect of device architecture, top electrode chemistry, and metal halide perovskite composition and dimensionality on No. Two-dimensional perovskites are shown to reduce the ion concentration along with inert C electrodes that do not react with halides by ~99% while also improving mechanical reliability by ~250%. We believe this work can provide design guidelines for the development of stable PSCs through the lens of minimizing mobile ions and their evolution over time under operational conditions.
June 2024
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42 Reads
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1 Citation
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Rodrigo Szostak·
Maria Gabriella Detone Guaita·
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Helio C. N. TolentinoMetal halide perovskites (MHP) suffer from photo-structural-chemical instabilities whose intricacy requires state-of-the-art tools to investigate their properties under various conditions. This study addresses the damage caused by focused X-ray beams on MHP through a correlative multi-technique approach. The damage after high-dose irradiation is noticeable in many ways: the loss of iodine and organic components, whose relative amount is reduced; the formation of an excavated area modifying the sample morphology; and an altered optical reflectivity indicating an optically inactive layer. The damage mechanism combines radiolysis and sputtering processes. Interestingly, the bulk underneath the excavated area maintains the initial halide proportion demonstrated by a stable photoluminescence emission energy. We also show that controlling the beam dose and environment is an excellent strategy to mitigate the dose harm. Hence, we combined a controlled X-ray dose with an inert N2 atmosphere to certify the conditions to probe MHP properties while mitigating damage efficiently. Finally, we applied optimized conditions in an X-ray ptychography experiment, reaching a 15-nm spatial resolution, an outcome that has never been attained in this class of materials.
June 2024
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23 Reads
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1 Citation
One crucial problem hindering the commercial application of lithium-sulfur batteries with high theoretical specific energy is the ceaseless shuttle of soluble lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) between cathodes and anodes, which usually leads to rapid capacity fade and serious self-discharge issues. Herein, a unique bilayer coating strategy designed to modify the polypropylene separator was developed in this study, which consisted of a bottom zeolite (SSZ-13) layer serving as a LiPS movement barrier and a top ZnS layer used for accelerating redox processes of LiPSs. Benefiting from the synergetic effect, the bilayer-modified separator offers absolute block capability to LiPS diffusion, moreover, significant catalysis effect on sulfur species conversion, as well as outstanding lithium-ion (Li⁺) conductivity, excellent electrolyte wettability, and desirable mechanical properties. Consequently, the assembled lithium-sulfur cell with the SSZ-13/ZnS@polypropylene separator demonstrates excellent cycle stability and rate capability, showcasing a capacity decay rate of only 0.052% per cycle at 1 C over 500 cycles.
June 2024
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12 Reads
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4 Citations
Ammonia (NH3) plays an irreplaceable role in traditional agriculture and emerging renewable energy. Its preparation in industry mainly relies on the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process, which is associated with high energy consumption and large CO2 emissions. Recently, the nitrate reduction reaction (NO3⁻RR) driven by renewable energy has received extensive attention. This reaction can efficiently synthesize NH3 with water as a hydrogen source and NO3⁻ as a nitrogen source under mild conditions, which is conducive to reducing energy consumption and promoting the carbon cycle. It is well known that the properties of electrocatalysts determine the performance of NO3⁻RR. As an emerging two-dimensional material, MXenes (transition metal carbides/nitrides/carbon nitrides) possess excellent electrical conductivity, large specific surface area and controllable surface functional groups, which shows great application potential in the field of NO3⁻RR. Herein, this review summarized the structure, properties and synthesis strategies of MXenes to elucidate the possibilities from foundation to application. Then, the latest research progress in applying MXene-based electrocatalysts to NO3⁻RR was summarized and the applicability of different NH3 detection methods was analyzed. Finally, the present challenges and future prospects of NO3⁻RR were presented. This review aimed to provide thoughtful insights into the rational design of MXene-based electrocatalysts for sustainable NH3 synthesis.
June 2024
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22 Reads
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1 Citation
Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) that selectively enable lithium ions transport by their abundant sub-nano or nanosized pores and polar skeleton are considered as emerging coating materials for separators of lithium metal batteries. However, the COF-coated separators that combine high ionic conductivity with excellent lithium ions transference number ( ) are still challenging, as the coating layer may increase the transport resistance of ions through the separator due to the elongated pathway. Different from conventional strategies that always focus on developing COFs with distinct structural motifs, this work proposes a crystallinity engineering tactic to improve the ion transport behaviors and thus battery performance. Amorphous (AM-CTF) and highly crystalline covalent triazine frameworks (HC-CTF) were successfully synthesized, and the effect of crystallinity of CTFs on the electrochemical properties of the separators and the battery performance are fully studied. Compared to amorphous covalent triazine framework, HC-CTF features a more regular structure and higher surface area, which further improves the (0.60) and ionic conductivity (0.67 mS cm-1) of the coated separators. The LiFePO4/Li cells assembled with the HC-CTF-coated separator exhibit an ultralong lifespan and extremely high-capacity retention (45.4% at 1 C for 1,000 cycles). This work opens up a new strategy for designing high-performance separators of lithium batteries.
May 2024
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1 Citation
All-inorganic perovskites CsPbX3 (X: halogen ions) have gained significant attention for application in next generation photovoltaic technologies due to their superior thermal stability and excellent optoelectronic properties. Compared with fabrication in N2 glove boxes, ambient air processing could simplify the operation and reduce the fabrication cost, which is favorable for boosting the commercialization of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the moisture in ambient air tends to cause the phase transformation of inorganic perovskite from the photoactive black phase to the photo-inactive yellow one, thus deteriorating the photovoltaic performance. Considering the obstacles from both the intrinsic structure instability and the external atmosphere, tremendous efforts have been made for pursuing high-efficiency and stable all-inorganic PSCs that can be processed in ambient air. In this review, we first analyze the challenges for fabricating CsPbX3 in ambient air from both the intrinsic characters and external atmosphere and then overview the progress of the air-fabricated CsPbX3 films for photovoltaic applications. The recently reported various modification strategies, including the compositional/precursor, solvent, additive, and interface engineering, for achieving high-quality and stable CsPbX3 films are comprehensively summarized. Finally, a brief conclusion and outlook is given to inspire more research interest on air-fabricated CsPbX3 photovoltaics. This review provides significant guidance for further optimizing the air-processible CsPbX3 films to boost the large-scale commercialization of cost-effective PSCs in the future.
May 2024
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32 Reads
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2 Citations
In order to satisfy the rapidly increasing demands for a large variety of applications, there has been a strong desire for low-cost and high-energy lithium-ion batteries and thus for next-generation cathode materials having low cost yet high capacity. In this regard, the research of cobalt (Co)-free and nickel (Ni)-rich (CFNR) layered oxide cathode materials, able to meet the low-cost and high-capacity requirements, has been extensively pursued but remains challenging largely due to the elimination of Co and high content of Ni in these materials. Herein, we systematically review the challenges and recent advances of CFNR cathode materials on these important aspects. Specifically, we first clarify the role of Co in Ni-rich layered oxides and the possibility of its elimination to fabricate CFNR cathode materials. We then discuss the methods developed to synthesize these cathode materials. This is followed by the elucidation about their degradation mechanisms and the research progress of modification strategies achieved in enhancing the properties for these materials. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and future prospects of CFNR cathode materials as the next-generation cathode materials for low-cost and high-energy lithium-ion batteries.
May 2024
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23 Reads
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2 Citations
Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) are considered as the potent candidates for next-generation energy storage systems due to their high theoretical energy density. However, some inherent problems, including sulfur insulation, shuttle effect caused by lithium polysulfides, and lithium dendrites, hinder their practical application. Various materials have been studied to address the aforementioned issues. A class of two-dimensional inorganic compounds (MXenes), such as transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbon nitrides, have recently emerged. In this review, we summarize the characteristics and commonly used preparation methods of MXenes and outline the latest development of MXenes and their composites in LSBs. When utilized as sulfur carriers, modified layers of separators, hosts for lithium metal anodes, and electrolyte additives in LSBs, the diversity of structure, excellent conductivity, and high mechanical strength of MXenes and their composites highlight the competitive advantages. This review provides some ideas for the future development of MXenes in LSBs.
May 2024
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5 Reads
Safety hazards associated with separators in lithium-ion batteries are more pronounced in light of the significant improvement of energy density of batteries, hindering their wide application. In this research, asymmetric poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)-coated polyimide separators with three-dimensionally homogeneous microporous (3DHM API/PVDF) structure are prepared, in which a PVDF layer with a thickness of 6 μm on one side of polyimide. Polyimide, as the base film, has a high heat-resistant temperature which ensures that as-prepared separators will not be shrunk and burned. The coated PVDF layer imparts 3DHM API/PVDF with thermal shutdown function at 175 °C due to the melting of PVDF. The temperature difference between the shutdown and meltdown temperature is over 100 °C, ensuring that the LIB assembled with 3DHM API/PVDF is safe for use. Moreover, the interconnected microporous structure of the separator facilitates the formation of 3D Li⁺ transport pathways and uniformity of lithium deposition, suppressing lithium dendrite growth. The coin cells assembled by 3DHM API/PVDF exhibit similar electrochemical performance to that of a commercial polypropylene separator at room temperature. Therefore, the novel 3DHM API/PVDF separator may be a promising candidate for a significantly safer LIB.
May 2024
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43 Reads
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1 Citation
Increasing the charging cut-off voltage of lithium batteries is a feasible method to enhance the energy density. However, when batteries operate at high voltages (> 4.3 V), the degradation of liquid organic carbonate electrolyte is accelerated and may cause safety hazards. Polymer-based electrolytes with inherently high safety and good electrochemical stability can prevent the electrolyte degradation in high-voltage solid-state lithium batteries. This paper provides a comprehensive and in-depth review of the design strategies, recent developments, and scientific challenges associated with polymer-based electrolytes for high-voltage applications. Emphases are placed on the interfacial compatibility between electrolytes and cathodes, such as mechanical contacts and interface chemical stability, which are critical to the lifespan of high-voltage lithium batteries. Moreover, guidelines for the future development of high-voltage solid-state lithium batteries are also discussed.
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Associate Editor
Nanjing Tech University, China
Associate Editor
South China University of Technology, China