Storage Applications Research Articles

Ultrahigh Energy Density in All‐Organic Composites Synergistically Tailored by PMMA and Molecular Semiconductor

AbstractThe inherent limitations (particularly low discharged energy density, Ud ≈2 J∙cm−3) of commercially available biaxially‐oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film capacitors significantly restrict their broader application in advanced energy storage systems. This study presents a novel approach to overcome this limitation through the development of all‐organic dielectric composite films. A ternary polymer blend matrix, comprising poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), and poly(vinylidene fluoride‐hexafluoropropylene) (P(VDF‐HFP)), is employed, with the incorporation of 1,4,5,8‐naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (NTCDA) molecular semiconductors as nanofillers. Systematic investigation reveals that controlled modulation of the PMMA content within the blend matrix effectively suppresss leakage current by reducing crystallinity, minimizing crystallite size, and stabilizing the γ‐phase in the ferroelectric polymer matrix. Simultaneously, the introduction of NTCDA nanofillers create a high density of deep electron traps, thereby impeding charge injection and enhancing charge carrier trapping within the composite film. The optimized composite film, incorporating 0.5 vol.% NTCDA and 40 wt.% PMMA within the PVDF/P(VDF‐HFP) matrix, demonstrates a substantial enhancement in both breakdown strength (Eb) of 1054 MV∙m−1 and Ud of 28.10 J∙cm−3, representing a considerable improvement over conventional BOPP‐based capacitor. These findings offer a promising strategy for the design and fabrication of high‐performance all‐organic dielectric composite films for next‐generation energy storage applications.

Anode-Free Zinc-Bromine Batteries Enabled by a Simple Prenucleation Strategy.

The design of anode-free zinc (Zn) batteries with high reversibility at high areal capacity has received significant attention recently, which is quietly challenging yet. Here, a Zn alloyed interface through electroplating is introduced, providing homogeneous Zn prenucleation sites to stabilize subsequent Zn nucleation and plating. By employing Zn-Cu alloy as a module, the complementary simulations and characterizations confirm that the prenucleation alloyed interfaces achieve a homogeneous electric field distribution and greatly enhance the stability of the Zn anode. Accordingly, the Zn//Zn-Cu@Cu half-cells show a long cycle life of over 900h and an average Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 99.8% at an areal capacity of10 mAh cm-2. The assembled anode-free zinc-bromine (Zn-Br2) battery exhibits an attractive stable cycling of 11 000 cycles at 1 mAh cm-2, while over 1000 cycles at the higher areal capacity of 10 mAh cm-2. Excitingly, the Zn-Br2 pouch cell with a capacity of 1000 mAh operates stably over 50 cycles, and achieves successful integration with photovoltaic systems. This anode-free Zn-Br2 batteries constructed through a prenucleation strategy offer new insights into the potential for large-scale energy storage applications.

Peening Techniques for Mitigating Chlorine-Induced Stress Corrosion Cracking of Dry Storage Canisters for Nuclear Applications.

Fusion-welded austenitic stainless steel (ASS) was predominantly employed to manufacture dry storage canisters (DSCs) for the storage applications of spent nuclear fuel (SNF). However, the ASS weld joints are prone to chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking (CISCC), a critical safety issue in the nuclear industry. DSCs were exposed to a chloride-rich environment during storage, creating CISCC precursors. The CISCC failure leads to nuclear radiation leakage. Therefore, there is a critical need to enhance the CISCC resistance of DSC weld joints using promising repair techniques. This review article encapsulates the current state-of-the-art of peening techniques for mitigating the CISCC in DSCs. More specifically, conventional shot peening (CSP), ultrasonic impact peening (UIP), and laser shock peening (LSP) were elucidated with a focus on CISCC mitigation. The underlying mechanism of CISCC mitigation in each process was summarized. Finally, this review provides recent advances in surface modification techniques, repair techniques, and developments in welding techniques for CISCC mitigation in DSCs.

Unraveling the role of Ta in the phase transition of Pb(Ta1+xSe2)2 using temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy.

Phase engineering strategies in two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D-TMDs) have garnered significant attention due to their potential applications in electronics, optoelectronics, and energy storage. Various methods, including direct synthesis, pressure control, and chemical doping, have been employed to manipulate structural transitions in 2D-TMDs. Metal intercalation emerges as an effective technique to modulate phase transition dynamics by inserting external atoms or ions between the layers of 2D-TMDs, altering their electronic structure and physical properties. Here, we investigate the significant structural phase transitions in Pb(Ta1+xSe2)2 single crystals induced by Ta intercalation using a combination of Raman spectroscopy and first-principles calculations. The results highlight the pivotal role of Ta atoms in driving these transitions and elucidate the interplay between intercalation, phase transitions, and resulting electronic and vibrational properties in 2D-TMDs. By focusing on Pb(Ta1+xSe2)2 as an ideal case study and investigating like metal intercalation, this study advances understanding in the field and paves the way for the development of novel applications for 2D-TMDs, offering insights into the potential of these materials for future technological advancements.

Manganese Intercalation Enabling High-Performance Aqueous Fe-VO2 Batteries.

The aqueous iron ion batteries (AIIBs) are an attractive option for large-scale energy storage applications. However, the inadequate plating and stripping of Fe2+ ions underscore the need to explore more suitable cathode materials. Herein, we optimize the structure of tunnel-like VO2 nanosheets by introducing Mn2+ ion intercalation as a cathode material to enhance their performance in AIIBs. Mn2+ serves as a stabilizing pillar for VO2, which brings some oxygen vacancies to provide extra electrochemically active sites, and accelerates the reversible (de)insertion of Fe2+ ions. In addition, the density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that the introduction of Mn2+ reduces the band gap of VO2 and also decreases the electrostatic interaction between Fe2+ and VO2. Consequently, the VO2 with interlayer Mn2+ pillars (5% MVO) electrodes exhibit a remarkable capacity of 284.32 mAh g-1 at a current density of 0.1 A g-1 and demonstrate excellent cycle life, maintaining 81.7% of their capacity at 1.0 A g-1 after 600 cycles. Therefore, these results offer a promising choice for the cathode material to achieve outstanding electrochemical performance in AIIBs.

Long Persistent Luminescence in Cu2+-Doped SrGa2Ge2O8 for Information Storage and Encryption.

Information storage and encryption are the key technologies for modern information transmission. However, most optical information storage technologies based on long persistent luminescent (PersL) only have one fixed response mode, which is easy to imitate, limiting their security in advanced information storage and encryption applications. Besides, the cost of rare earth-doped PersL materials restricts their wide application. Therefore, exploring non-rare earth-doped multimode PersL phosphors is an urgent and important topic. In this work, a novel SrGa2Ge2O8:Cu2+ (SGGO:Cu2+) phosphor with yellow-green PersL at 535 nm and near-infrared emission excited by ultraviolet light is designed. Furthermore, the two luminescence peaks of SGGO:0.007Cu2+ exhibit discriminable thermal quenching characteristics. Prominently, an outstanding photochromic performance from white to gray within 60 s under 254 nm light is found. The phosphor also has good bleaching and recovery ability under the irradiation of 450 nm blue light or heating treatment. Finally, the yellow-green PersL combined with thermochromism and reversible white-to-gray photochromism provides a promising multimode luminescent material, demonstrating the potential for multimode optical information storage and encryption applications.

Recent advances in nanoporous organic polymers (NPOPs) for hydrogen storage applications.

Nanoporous organic polymers (NPOPs) have emerged as versatile materials with robust thermal stability, large surface area (up to 2500 m2 g-1), and customizable porosity, making them ideal candidates for advanced hydrogen (H2) storage applications. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of various NPOPs, including covalent organic frameworks (COFs), hypercrosslinked polymers (HCLPs), conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs), and porous aromatic frameworks (POAFs). Notably, these materials demonstrate superior H2 storage capacities, achieving up to 10 wt% at cryogenic temperatures, which is essential for applying H2 as a clean energy carrier. The review also highlights recent advancements, such as integrating metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) into NPOPs, further enhancing storage capacities by up to 30%. Their multifaceted properties underpin various applications, from fuel storage and gas separation to water treatment and optical devices. This review explores the significance and versatility of NPOPs in H2 storage due to their unique properties and enhanced storage capacities. Additionally, recent advancements in utilizing NPOPs for H2 storage are highlighted with a detailed discussion of emerging trends and the synthesis of innovative NPOPs. The review concludes with a discussion of the advantages, applications, challenges, research, and future directions for research in this area.

Interfacial Water Orientation in Neutral Oxygen Catalysis for Reversible Ampere-Scale Zinc-Air Batteries.

The neutral oxygen catalysis is an electrochemical reaction of the utmost importance in energy generation, storage application, and chemical synthesis. However, the restricted availability of protons poses a challenge to achieving kinetically favorable oxygen catalytic reactions. Here, we alter the interfacial water orientation by adjusting the Brønsted acidity at the catalyst surface, to break the proton transfer limitation of neutral oxygen electrocatalysis. An unexpected role of water molecules in improving the activity of neutral oxygen catalysis is revealed, namely, increasing the H-down configuration water in electric double layers rather than merely affecting the energy barriers for reaction limiting steps. The proposed porous nanofibers with atomically dispersed MnN3 exhibit record-breaking activity (EORR@1/2/EOER@10 mA = 0.85/1.65 V vs. RHE) and reversibility (2500 h), outperforming all previously reported neutral catalysts and rivaling conventional alkaline systems. In particular, practical ampere-scale zinc-air batteries (ZABs) stack are constructed with a capacity of 5.93 Ah and can stably operate under 1.0 A and 1.0 Ah conditions, demonstrating broad application prospects. This work provides a novel and feasible perspective for designing neutral oxygen electrocatalysts and reveals the future commercial potential in mobile power supply and large-scale energy storage.

Interfacial Water Orientation in Neutral Oxygen Catalysis for Reversible Ampere‐scale Zinc‐air Batteries

The neutral oxygen catalysis is an electrochemical reaction of the utmost importance in energy generation, storage application, and chemical synthesis. However, the restricted availability of protons poses a challenge to achieving kinetically favorable oxygen catalytic reactions. Here, we alter the interfacial water orientation by adjusting the Brønsted acidity at the catalyst surface, to break the proton transfer limitation of neutral oxygen electrocatalysis. An unexpected role of water molecules in improving the activity of neutral oxygen catalysis is revealed, namely, increasing the H‐down configuration water in electric double layers rather than merely affecting the energy barriers for reaction limiting steps. The proposed porous nanofibers with atomically dispersed MnN3 exhibit record‐breaking activity (EORR@1/2/EOER@10 mA = 0.85/1.65 V vs. RHE) and reversibility (2500 h), outperforming all previously reported neutral catalysts and rivaling conventional alkaline systems. In particular, practical ampere‐scale zinc‐air batteries (ZABs) stack are constructed with a capacity of 5.93 Ah and can stably operate under 1.0 A and 1.0 Ah conditions, demonstrating broad application prospects. This work provides a novel and feasible perspective for designing neutral oxygen electrocatalysts and reveals the future commercial potential in mobile power supply and large‐scale energy storage.

Generation of generalized perfect vortex beam based on dielectric spin-multiplexed metasurface

Abstract The perfect vortex beam (PVB) possesses an annular intensity profile diameter independent of topological charge, which has attracted much attention owing to the ability of improving optical fiber transmission efficiency. The composite perfect vortex beam (CPVB) is mainly based on the superposed multiple Laguerre-Gaussian beams with specific polarization states, which possesses topological charge-relevant spot shaped intensity pattern and the topological charge-irrelevant profile diameter. A series of spin-multiplexed metasurfaces have been designed to generate different PVB and CPVB under different spin light. The CPVB can also be modulated in scaling and rotating manner, which can broaden the dimensions of information. A spin-multiplexed metasurface has also been designed to generate CPVB array with different rotation angles and spot number under different spin light, and the encoding process has also been demonstrated. The uniqueness of these metasurfaces makes this design philosophy very attractive for applications in spin photonics, information encryption, optical communication, and optical information storage.

Three-dimensional direct lithography of stable quantum dots in hybrid glass

Abstract Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), as high-performance materials, play an essential role in contemporary industry, mainly due to their high photoluminescent quantum yield, wide absorption characteristics, and size-dependent light emission. It’s essential to construct well-defined micro-/nano- structures using QDs as building blocks for micro-optics applications. However, the fabrication of stable QDs with designed functional structures has long been challenging. Here, we propose a strategy for three-dimensional direct lithography of desired QDs within a hybrid medium with specific protection properties. The acrylate-functionalized hybrid precursors enable local crosslinking through ultrafast laser-induced multiphoton absorption, achieving sub-100 nm resolution surpassing the diffraction limit. The printed micro-/nano- structures possess thermal stability up to 600°C, which can be transformed to inorganic architectures with a volume shrinkage. Due to the encapsulated QDs within the densely silicon-oxygen molecular networks, the functional structures demonstrate good stability against ultraviolet irradiation, corrosive solutions, and elevated temperatures. Based on hybrid 3D nanolithography, bicolor multilayer micro-/nano- structures are manufactured for applications in 3D data storage and optical information encryption. This research presents an effective strategy for the fabrication of desired QD micro-/nano- structures, supporting the development of stable functional device applications.

Liquid crystal-based image holography with broadband response and polarization insensitivity.

We propose and experimentally demonstrate liquid crystal-based computer-generated image holography enabled by the Pancharatnam-Berry phase modulation. Such a device exhibits distinctive properties, such as natural light illumination, polarization insensitivity, broadband optical response, high polarization conversion efficiency, and direct visibility to the naked eye. These unique attributes make this type of image holography a promising avenue for applications in optical information storage, anti-counterfeiting, and advanced information displays.

Synthesis and Characterization of PVC/(Co3O4/CNT)@Au Semiconductor Nanocomposite for Enhanced Medium-Voltage Cable Insulation

Abstract This study presents the synthesis, characterization, and application of a novel PVC/(Co3O4/CNT)@Au nanocomposite for enhanced medium-voltage cable insulation. The nanocomposite was developed by incorporating Co3O4 octahedron nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and gold nanoparticles (Au) into a polyvinyl chloride matrix. Compared to standard PVC insulation, the nanocomposite exhibited a 3% improvement in relative permittivity (increased from 2.34 to 2.41) and significantly enhanced field uniformity, as evidenced by simulation studies. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and electron microscopy confirmed the successful integration of nanofillers and highlighted their contributions to the composite’s properties. Optical characterization revealed a direct bandgap of 4.60 eV and an Urbach energy of 0.3674 eV, indicating a wide-bandgap semiconductor with moderate structural disorder. AC conductivity measurements demonstrated frequency-dependent behavior, while dielectric constant and loss analyses suggested the material’s potential for energy storage and insulation applications. The choice of Co3O4 and CNTs was guided by their synergistic impact on charge trapping, field grading, and thermal management, while Au nanoparticles enhanced charge transfer and local electric field distribution. These findings demonstrate the nanocomposite’s promise in addressing the limitations of traditional PVC insulation, offering improved dielectric performance, reliability, and durability for power transmission and distribution systems.

Bifunctional NiCo-CuO Nanostructures: A Promising Catalyst for Energy Conversion and Storage.

This investigation explores the potential of co-incorporating nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co)into copper oxide (CuO)nanostructures for bifunctional electrochemical charge storage and oxygen evolution reactions (OER). A facile wet chemical synthesis method is employed to co-incorporate Ni and Co into CuO, yielding diverse nanostructured morphologies, including rods, spheres, and flake. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman analyses confirmed the formation of NiCo-CuO nanostructure, with minor phases of nickel oxide (NiO)and cobalt tetraoxide (Co3O4). High-resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM) also confirms the diverse morphologies and the minor phases of oxides. Synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy revealed higher charge states of Cu, Ni, and Co in the NiCo-CuO nanostructure, enhancing its charge storage and OER. Site-selective X-ray absorption near edge structure analysis elucidated the spatial distribution of Cu, Ni, and Co in the nanostructure. Furthermore, extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy provided insights into the local atomic structures, revealing increased coordination numbers and interatomic distances in the NiCo-CuO nanostructure. In situ Raman analysis discloses the transformation of Co3O4 into cobalt hydroxide (Co(OH)2) and cobalt oxide (CoO) into cobalt oxyhydroxide (CoOOH) The NiCo-CuO nanostructures exhibited superior specific capacitance, favorable Tafel behavior, and low overpotential positioning as promising bifunctional materials for energy storage and conversion applications. This work contributes to the development of efficient CuO nanocatalysts.

A Scenario-Based Simulation Study for Economic Viability and Widespread Impact Analysis of Consumption-Side Energy Storage Systems

This study investigates energy storage within the contexts of production-side and consumption-side energy storage concepts. The theoretical advantages of consumption-side energy storage over production-side systems are initially explored. The analysis is supported by a scenario-based simulation, with results presented to assess the feasibility and applicability of consumption-side energy storage under varying conditions. The simulation examines multiple scenarios, incorporating economic assessments to evaluate the viability of such systems. Additionally, the study explores the broader impact of consumption-side energy storage when adopted by 5 million, 10 million, 20 million, and 40 million residential consumers across separate scenarios. The analysis emphasizes the potential for shifting peak-period energy consumption to nighttime usage and assesses the corresponding reduction in energy generation requirements and transmission line loads, alongside the economic benefits derived from postponing energy infrastructure investments. The study focuses exclusively on residential consumers, with the energy storage systems referred to as residential energy storage systems (RESS). These systems are assumed to be organized and managed by energy provider companies rather than individual consumers. The research also considers the potential costs associated with implementing RESS. The simulation-based findings reveal significant benefits, including reduced reliance on new power plants, decreased risk of transmission line overload, increased utilization of renewable energy resources, financial advantages for both energy providers and consumers, and positive environmental impacts. These results provide valuable insights with implications for shaping future energy policies, particularly in the United States.

Quantifying Magnetic Anisotropy of Series of Five-Coordinate CoII Ions: Experimental and Theoretical Insights.

Stabilizing large easy-axis type magnetic anisotropy in molecular complexes is a challenging task, yet it is crucial for the development of information storage devices and applications in molecular spintronics. Achieving this requires a deep understanding of electronic structure and the relationships between structure and properties to develop magneto-structural correlations that are currently unexplored in the literature. Herein, a series of five-coordinate distorted square pyramidal CoII complexes [Co(L)(X2)].CHCl3 (where X = Cl (1), Br (2), or I (3)) is reported, all exhibiting easy-axis magnetic anicotropy. The size of the zero field splitting axial parameter (D) is quantitatively determined (1 = -72; 2 = -67 and 3 = -25 cm-1) using a cantilever torque magnetometry which is further firmly supported by magnetic susceptibility, and EPR measurements. The study of the magnetization relaxation dynamics reveals field-induced slow relaxation of magnetization due to the predominant Raman relaxation process. Theoretical calculations on 1-3 and optimized model complexes of 1 reveal insights into the electronic structure and highlight the impact of steric and electronic effects on modulating the D values. Overall, the studies reported pave the way for designing a new generation of CoII complexes with enhanced axiality and a lower rhombicity.

A review on MXene (Ti3C2Tx) composites with varied sizes of carbon for supercapacitor applications

MXenes belongs to a family of two‐dimensional (2D) layered transition metal carbides or nitrides which shows outstanding potential for various energy storage applications because of their high‐specific surface area, phenomenal electrical conductivity, outstanding hydrophilicity, and variable terminations. Of these different types of MXenes, the most widely studied member is Ti3C2Tx especially in supercapacitors (SCs). However, due to the problem of stacking and oxidation in MXene sheets, significant loss of electrochemically active sites happens. To overcome these issues, incorporation of carbon materials is carried out into MXenes for enhancing its electrochemical performance. This review aims to introduce various common strategies employed in synthesizing Ti3C2Tx, followed by a brief overview of latest developments in fabricating Ti3C2Tx/carbon electrode materials for SCs. The composition of Ti3C2Tx/carbon are summarized based on different dimensions of carbons, such as 0D carbon dots, 1D carbon nanotubes and fibers, 2D graphene, and 3D carbon materials (activated carbon, polymer‐derived carbon, etc.). Further, this review also aims in highlighting several insights on fabrication of novel MXenes/carbon composites as electrodes for application in SCs.

Research on the Performance Optimization of Molybdenum Disulfide for Multifunctional Applications

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), as a typical transition metal chalcogenide compound, has emerged as a research hotspot in nanomaterials due to its excellent electrochemical properties and catalytic activity. However, conventional MoS2 exhibits certain limitations in terms of its catalytic performance, electrical conductivity, and cycling stability. To address these issues, this paper aims to explore the improvement of the multifunctional performance of MoS2 via different performance optimisation strategies, such as heteroatom doping, semiconductor composites, as well as metallic and non-metallic loading. By reviewing and analyzing the relevant literature on the performance enhancement of MoS2 in recent years, this paper summarizes the specific applications and effects of these optimization strategies, highlighting that they significantly improve the performance of MoS2 in fields such as optics, electrochemical catalysis, lithium batteries, and supercapacitors, particularly in terms of catalytic activity, electrical conductivity, and cycling stability. The results indicate that the optimisation of MoS2 performance provides an important theoretical basis and practical guidance for its application in energy storage and catalytic hydrogen evolution.

Computational Simulations of Metal-Organic Framework Structures Based on Second Building Units

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline porous materials composed of metal clusters and organic linkers with tunable structures and large surface areas, making them ideal for gas storage, separation, and catalytic applications. The development of new MOFs and the screening of MOFs after synthesis are usually experimental, but the cost and time required for experiments are very large. Interestingly, computational simulations have become a powerful tool to accelerate the discovery of new MOFs structures. This study focuses on the computational design of MOFs based on secondary building units (SBUs) and explores the effects of different linkers on their geometry and properties. Using techniques such as density functional theory (DFT) and machine learning (ML), MOFs can be screened for great gas adsorption and storage properties. The results show that computational methods have the potential to predict and optimize MOFs structures, but they are still limited in accurately simulating dynamic environmental conditions and complex chemical reactions. These findings help advance the design of MOFs with tailored properties for specific industrial applications.

Investigation on coupling between ferro-orderings and energy harvesting properties of nickel ferrite and strontium modified barium titanate composites

Environment-friendly, low power-consuming magnetoelectric composites possess the interesting coupling between various ferro-order parameters and find applications in magnetic sensors, waveguides, transducers, spintronics, four-state memory devices, etc. The particulate composites (x)NiFe2O4–(1 − x)Ba0.9Sr0.1TiO3 were prepared using the hybrid sol-gel method using the conventional ceramic double-sintering method. The ferromagnetic nickel ferrite crystallized into a cubic crystal structure whose x-ray diffraction (XRD) peaks could be indexed to Fd3¯m space group. The ferroelectric strontium-substituted barium titanate crystallized to a tetragonal crystal structure with P4mm space group. Presence of both crystal symmetries and elemental compositions as per the proposed stoichimetry were observed from experimental results (XRD and electron microscopy techniques). Koop's phenomenological theory could be employed to explain the impedance spectra in the range of 1 kHz to 1 MHz. The effect of Maxwell–Wagner polarization and space charge polarization on the dielectric properties of composites have been observed. The Arrott plot technique successfully explains the suitability of composites for high-energy storage applications. The coupling between both ferro-orderings has been revealed from the magneto-dielectric curves and its dependency on the microstructure has been observed. The magnetocapacitance increased with the increase in NiFe2O4 composition in the (x)NiFe2O4–(1 − x)Ba0.9Sr0.1TiO3 composite. The 30% NiFe2O4 in (x)NiFe2O4–(1 − x)Ba0.9Sr0.1TiO3 composite exhibited overall better energy harvesting (η = 62.9%) and magnetodielectric properties (MC = 1.4%, MI = 20% at 1 kHz).