Battery Applications Research Articles

Hierarchical Carbon Chain Network ‘Armor’ Escorts Long-term Cycling Stability for Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries

Nowadays, the bottleneck constraining the development of electrode materials for all-vanadium flow batteries lies in their poor performances at high current densities. Pertinently, we propose a high-stability hierarchical N and S co-doped carbon chain network ‘armor’ strategy to achieve long-term stability enhancement for electrodes. It is found that hierarchical carbon chain network can effectively enhance the voltage efficiency, energy efficiency, and long-term cycling stability for all-vanadium flow batteries. The modified electrode presents superior long-term stability over 1900 cycles, and the energy efficiency is maintained at about 80% at 180 mA cm-2. In addition, the energy efficiency can also reach over 70% at 320 mA cm-2, while at 280 mA cm-2 the modified electrode can circulate stably for over 800 turns. It is proved that the bridging effect of polydopamine facilitates the stable carbon chain network, and effectively regulates the N and S co-doping, further constructing the N and S co-doping sites to assemble electrochemical catalytic network. More importantly, the carbon chain network ‘armor’ design can effectively prevent electrode breakage. This work provides a reference way for the design of long-term stable electrodes, which is of great significance for advancing commercial applications of all-vanadium flow batteries.

Incorporating Sodium-Conductive Polymeric Interfacial Adhesive with Inorganic Solid-State Electrolytes for Quasi-Solid-State Sodium Metal Batteries.

Inorganic solid-state electrolytes have attracted enormous attention due to their potential safety, increased energy density, and long cycle-life benefits. However, their application in solid-state batteries is limited by unstable electrode-electrolyte interface, poor point-to-point physical contact, and low utilization of metallic anodes. Herein, interfacial engineering based on sodium (Na)-conductive polymeric solid-state interfacial adhesive is studied to improve interface stability and optimize physical contacts, constructing a robust organic-rich solid electrolyte interphaselayer to prevent dendrite-induced crack propagation and security issues. The interfacial adhesive strategy significantly increases the room-temperature critical current density of inorganic Na-ion conductors from 0.8 to 3.2mAcm-2 and markedly enhances the cycling performance of solid-state batteries up to 500 cycles, respectively. Particularly, the Na3V2(PO4)3-based full solid-state batteries with high cathode loading of 10.16mgcm-2 also deliver an excellent cycling performance, further realizing the stable operation of solid-state laminated pouch cells. The research provides fundamental perspectives into the role of interfacial chemistry and takes the field a step closer to realizing practical solid-state batteries.

Biomimetic Superstructured Interphase for Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries.

The practical application of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) is greatly challenged by rampant dendrites and pestilent side reactions resulting from an unstable Zn-electrolyte interphase. Herein, we report the construction of a reliable superstructured solid electrolyte interphase for stable Zn anodes by using mesoporous polydopamine (2D-mPDA) platelets as building blocks. The interphase shows a biomimetic nacre's "brick-and-mortar" structure and artificial transmembrane channels of hexagonally ordered mesopores in the plane, overcoming the mechanical robustness and ionic conductivity trade-off. Experimental results and simulations reveal that the -OH and -NH groups on the surface of artificial ion channels can promote rapid desolvation kinetics and serve as an ion sieve to homogenize the Zn2+ flux, thus inhibiting side reactions and ensuring uniform Zn deposition without dendrites. The 2D-mPDA@Zn electrode achieves an ultralow nucleation potential of 35 mV and maintains a Coulombic efficiency of 99.8% over 1500 cycles at 5 mA cm-2. Moreover, the symmetric battery exhibits a prolonged lifespan of over 580 h at a high current density of 20 mA cm-2. This biomimetic superstructured interphase also demonstrates the high feasibility in Zn//VO2 full cells and paves a new route for rechargeable aqueous metal-ion batteries.

Advanced Insights on MXenes: Categories, Properties, Synthesis, and Applications in Alkali Metal Ion Batteries.

The development and optimization of promising anode material for next-generation alkali metal ion batteries are significant for clean energy evolution. 2D MXenes have drawn extensive attention in electrochemical energy storage applications, due to their multiple advantages including excellent conductivity, robust mechanical properties, hydrophilicity of its functional terminations, and outstanding electrochemical storage capability. In this review, the categories, properties, and synthesis methods of MXenes are first outlined. Furthermore, the latest research and progress of MXenes and their composites in alkali metal ion storage are also summarized comprehensively. A special emphasis is placed on MXenes and their hybrids, ranging from material design and fabrication to fundamental understanding of the alkali ion storage mechanisms to battery performance optimization strategies. Lastly, the challenges and personal perspectives of the future research of MXenes and their composites for energy storage are presented.

In Situ-Initiated Poly-1,3-dioxolane Gel Electrolyte for High-Voltage Lithium Metal Batteries

To realize high-energy-density Li metal batteries at low temperatures, a new electrolyte is needed to solve the high-voltage compatibility and fast lithium-ion de-solvation process. A gel polymer electrolyte with a small-molecular-weight polymer is widely investigated by combining the merits of a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) and liquid electrolyte (LE). Herein, we present a new gel polymer electrolyte (P-DOL) by the lithium difluoro(oxalate)borate (LiDFOB)-initiated polymerization process using 1,3-dioxolane (DOL) as a monomer solvent. The P-DOL presents excellent ionic conductivity (1.12 × 10−4 S cm−1) at −20 °C, with an oxidation potential of 4.8 V. The Li‖LiCoO2 cell stably cycled at 4.3 V under room temperature, with a discharge capacity of 130 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C and a capacity retention rate of 86.4% after 50 cycles. Moreover, a high-Ni-content LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) cell can steadily run for 120 cycles at −20 °C, with a capacity retention of 88.4%. The underlying mechanism of high-voltage compatibility originates from the dense and robust B- and F-rich cathode interface layer (CEI) formed at the cathode interface. Our report will shed light on the real application of Li metal batteries under all-climate conditions in the future.

Rational design of nitrogen-doping Ti3C2Tx microspheres with enhanced polysulfide catalytic activity for lithium-sulfur batteries

The primary challenges that impede the practical applications of lithium-sulfur batteries are the significant shuttle effect of polysulfides, huge volume expansion, and slow redox kinetics. In this work, three-dimensional nitrogen doping Ti3C2Tx MXenes (3D N-Ti3C2Tx ) were successfully synthesized by spray drying and subsequent annealing, and hydrochloric acid-treated melamine effectively reduces the oxidation of MXenes in these processes. The formation of a unique nanoflower-shaped microsphere endows 3D N-Ti3C2Tx with a significant specific surface area and pore volume. The combination of nitrogen doping and the large specific surface area increased adsorption capacity and catalytic conversion ability for polysulfide intermediates. Consequently, the obtained 3D N-Ti3C2Tx /S cathode exhibited high-capacity retention (578.5 mAh g-1 after 500 cycles at 0.5 C and 462.5 mAh g-1 after 1,000 cycles at 1 C), superior rate performance (651.2 mAh g-1 at 3 C), and excellent long-term cycling performance (capacity fading rate of 0.076% per cycle at 0.5 C and 0.046% per cycle at 1 C). This work expands the potential applications of MXenes for lithium-sulfur batteries.

High-Entropy Metal Oxide-Coated Carbon Cloth as Catalysts for Long-Life Li-S Batteries.

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries with high specific energy density, low cost, and environmental friendliness of sulfur have been regarded as a competitive alternative to replace lithium-ion batteries. However, the shuttle effect and the sluggish conversion rate of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) have seriously limited the practical application of Li-S batteries. Herein, high-entropy oxides grown on the carbon cloth (CC/HEO) are synthesized by a simple and ultrafast solution combustion method for the sulfur cathode. The as-prepared composites possess abundant HEO active sites for strong interaction with LiPSs, which can significantly promote redox kinetics. Besides, the carbon fiber substrate not only ensures high electrical conductivity but also accommodates large volume change, leading to a stable sulfur electrochemistry. Benefiting from the rational design, the Li-S batteries with CC/HEO as cathode skeleton exhibits good cyclability with a capacity decay rate of 0.057% per cycle after 1000 cycles at 2 C. More importantly, the Li-S batteries with 4.3 mg cm-2 high sulfur loading can still retain a high capacity retention of 78.2% after 100 cycles.

A novel layered cobalt oxide Ba2Co9O14 as an efficient and durable bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst for rechargeable zinc-air batteries

In this work, a layered cobalt oxide Ba2Co9O14 (BCO), belongs to a Ban+1ConO3n+3(Co8O8) family composed by alternating CdI2 based layers (Co8O8) with n (111) perovskite blocks (Ban+1ConO3n+3), has been developed as a potential bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst candidate for efficient and durable rechargeable zinc-air battery (ZAB) application. Because of the greatly increased the specific surface area caused by ball-milling, the as-milled BCO material exhibits strongly enhanced bifunctional electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline medium. Moreover, the assembled BCO-based ZAB yields an effectively improved maximum output power density of 166 mW cm−2, a considerable specific capacity of 789 mAh g−1, and excellent charge-discharge cycle stability of over 250 h at 10 mA cm−2 with over 1500 cycles.

Coupling High Hardness and Zn Affinity in Amorphous-Crystalline Diamond for Stable Zn Metal Anodes.

The highly reversible plating/stripping of Zn is plagued by dendrite growth and side reactions on metallic Zn anodes, retarding the commercial application of aqueous Zn-ion batteries. Herein, a distinctive nano dual-phase diamond (NDPD) comprised of an amorphous-crystalline heterostructure is developed to regulate Zn deposition and mechanically block dendrite growth. The rich amorphous-crystalline heterointerfaces in the NDPD endow modified Zn anodes with enhanced Zn affinity and result in homogeneous nucleation. In addition, the unparalleled hardness of the NDPD effectively overcomes the high growth stress of dendrites and mechanically impedes their proliferation. Moreover, the hydrophobic surfaces of the NDPD facilitate the desolvation of hydrate Zn2+ and prevent water-mediated side reactions. Consequently, the Zn@NDPD presents an ultrastable lifespan exceeding 3200 h at 5 mA cm-2 and 1 mAh cm-2. The practical application potential of Zn@NDPD is further demonstrated in full cells. This work exhibits the great significance of a chemical-mechanical synergistic anode modification strategy in constructing high-performance aqueous Zn-ion batteries.

Recent Progress on Dominant Sulfide-Type Solid-State Na Superionic Conductors for Solid-State Sodium Batteries.

Over the past decade, solid-state batteries have garnered significant attentions due to their potentials to deliver high energy density and excellent safety. Considering the abundant sodium (Na) resources in contrast to lithium (Li), the development of sodium-based batteries has become increasingly appealing. Sulfide-based superionic conductors are widely considered as promising solid eletcrolytes (SEs) in solid-state Na batteries due to the features of high ionic conductivity and cold-press densification. In recent years, tremendous efforts have been made to investigate sulfide-based Na-ion conductors on their synthesis, compositions, conductivity, and the feasibility in batteries. However, there are still several challenges to overcome for their practical applications in high performance solid-state Na batteries. This article provides a comprehensive update on the synthesis, structure, and properties of three dominant sulfide-based Na-ion conductors (Na3PS4, Na3SbS4, and Na11Sn2PS12), and their families that have a variety of anion and cation doping. Additionally, the interface stability of these sulfide electrolytes toward the anode is reviewed, as well as the electrochemical performance of solid-state Na batteries based on different types of cathode materials (metal sulfides, oxides, and organics). Finally, the perspective and outlook for the development and practical utilization of sulfide-based SE in solid-state batteries are discussed.

Promoted Reaction Reversibility by Dual-Effect 15-Crown-5 Ether Additive for High-Performance Li-O2 Batteries.

The practical application of lithium-oxygen batteries (LOBs) with ultrahigh theoretical energy density faces the problems of poor kinetics and deficient reversibility. The electrolyte is of vital significance to the electrochemical stability and reaction pathway of LOBs due to the formation of soluble products. Here, a 15-crown-5 ether (15C5) is employed to regulate the solvation structure of Li+ and manipulate the reaction mechanism through regulating the binding ability toward Li+. The promoted dissociation of LiNO3 by 15C5 increases the catalytical active anions in the electrolyte and stabilizes the Li-containing reduced oxygen species to promote the solution pathway of discharge product growth. Besides, 15C5 also facilitates the kinetics of the electrochemical decomposition of Li2O2 and prolongs the cycle life to 178 cycles. This work inspires a novel approach to improve the battery performance through electrolyte component design.

Demonstration of application of redox flow battery for securing demand‐supply reserve power and improvement of grid resiliency

Demonstration of application of redox flow battery for securing demand‐supply reserve power and improvement of grid resiliency

Scalable Surface Micro-Texturing of LLZO Solid Electrolytes for Battery Applications

Scalable Surface Micro-Texturing of LLZO Solid Electrolytes for Battery Applications

Self‐smoothing lithium metal anode based on screen‐printed Cu‐mesh current collector for long‐term safety of lithium metal batteries

AbstractLithium metal is an attractive anode candidate to enable high‐energy lithium battery systems. However, nonideal dendrite growth at the anode/separator interface hinders the safe application of lithium metal batteries (LMBs). Three‐dimensional (3D) current collectors (CCs) with high specific surface area could afford a crucial effect on suppressing dendrites, yet still subject to large thickness/weight and limited scalability for large‐area fabrication. Here, we show an industry‐compatible screen‐printing technique to prepare ultrathin (∼1.5 μm) and ultralight (∼0.54 mg cm−2) Cu mesh on commercial Cu foil to realize a long‐term safety of LMBs. In contrast to conventional laboratory level techniques, the screen‐printed Cu‐mesh CCs (∼8.3 mg cm−2), which are even lighter than the original Cu foil (∼8.84 mg cm−2), show a high compatibility for large‐area fabrication. Meanwhile, the periodic Cu mesh can be also used to regulate the homogeneous distribution of Li‐ion flux and thus, be in favor of realizing self‐smoothing anodes at even deep and fast plating/stripping of lithium. The resulting lithium anodes demonstrate a long‐term cyclic life of ∼840 h at 1 mA cm−2 with a high Coulombic efficiency of 97.5%. LMBs with Cu‐mesh CCs exhibit outstanding capacity retentions of ∼87% after 350 cycles at 1 C and ∼80% after 200 cycles at 5 C, suggesting a significant step of printable 3D CCs toward practical application of high‐energy LMBs.

Highly Ordered Silicon/Carbon Composite Materials Based on Biomass and Their Application in Lithium Batteries

Highly Ordered Silicon/Carbon Composite Materials Based on Biomass and Their Application in Lithium Batteries

Principal Component Analysis of Cognitive Executive Function: A Predictive Model of Academic Performance of Students in Mathematics in Secondary Schools

There is a growing interest from instructional scientists in using parameters of brain executive functions to unfold cognitive disorders, Mathematical Learning Difficulties (MLD), and assessment of learners’ academic performance. Thus, it is imperative to investigates, extracts and classify the major principal components of learners’ cognitive executive functions that predict academic performance of students in Mathematics and science related courses in secondary schools. An ex post facto quasi-experimental design was adopted for the study. Students’ cognitive profile was measured using a validated and reliable cognitive assessment Battery (CAB) application. There were significant positive correlations between cognitive executive functions and academic performance of students in Mathematics. The major components of the executive functions that accounted for substantial effects on academic performance of students in Mathematics include working memory, conceptual memory, short-term memory, inhibition, updating, focus attention, divided attention, auditory perception, and visual perception. Also, processing speed, shifting, planning, hand-eye coordination and response time accounted for moderate effects on academic performance of students in Mathematics. Consequently, instructors should reinforce learners’ cognitive processes using cognitive retraining programmes, personalized learning, differentiated instructional strategies for exceptional students, and offer therapeutic interventions on the identified cognitive parameters that could reduce extraneous cognitive loads. These could facilitate mental internalization of external perception during instructional delivery and learning.

An autotransferable alloy overlayer toward stable sodium metal anodes.

Sodium (Na) metal anodes receive significant attention due to their high theoretical specific energy and cost-effectiveness. However, the high reactivity of Na foil anodes and the irregular surfaces have posed challenges to the operability and reliability of Na metals in battery applications. In the absence of inert environmental protection conditions, constructing a uniform, dense, and sodiophilic Na metal anode surface is crucial for homogenizing Na deposition, but remains less-explored. Herein, we fabricated a Tin (Sn) nanoparticle-assembled film conforming to separator pores, which provided ample space for accommodating volumetric expansion during the Na alloying process. Subsequently, a seamless Na-Sn alloy overlayer was formed and transferred onto the Na foil during Na plating through a separator-assisted technique, thereby overcoming conventional operational limitations of metallic Na. As compared to traditional volumetrically expanded cracked ones, the present autotransferable, highly sodiophilic, ion-conductive, and seamless Na-Sn alloy overlayer serves as uniform nucleation sites, thereby reducing nucleation and diffusion barriers and facilitating the compact deposition of metallic Na. Consequently, the autotransferable alloy layer enables a high average Coulombic efficiency of 99.9% at 3.0mAcm-2 and 3.0 mAh cm-2 in the half cells as well as minimal polarization overpotentials in symmetric cells, both during prolonged cycling 1200h. Furthermore, the assembled Na||Sn-1.0h-PP||Na3V2(PO4)3@C@CNTs full cell delivers high capacity retention of 97.5% after 200 cycles at a high cathodic mass loading.

Influence of carbonisation temperatures on multifunctional properties of carbon fibres for structural battery applications

Carbon fibres are multifunctional materials considered for the realisation of structural battery electrodes. Processing conditions affect the carbonaceous microstructure of carbon fibres. The microstructure dictates the fibre's mechanical properties, i.e. modulus and strength, as well as its electrochemical capacity. Here, carbon fibre processing conditions are investigated to identify the effect of carbonisation temperature on carbon fibre multifunctionality. Different thermal conditions during carbonisation are considered, while keeping the precursor material, applied tension, and oxidation temperature constant. The carbonaceous microstructure of fibres is investigated via wide‐angle x‐ray scattering (WAXS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses to determine the effect of the carbonisation temperature. Mechanical and electrochemical tests are performed to characterise carbon fibre multifunctionality with respect to mechanical and electrochemical performance. A moderate trade‐off between mechanical and electrochemical performance is demonstrated, where the elastic modulus and strength decrease and the electrochemical capacity increase with reduced carbonisation temperature. Here, for the studied temperature interval, the elastic modulus and strength is found to drop up to 7% with a 15% increase in capacity. Thus, fibres customised for targeted multifunctionality within a limited design space can be realised by careful selection of the processing conditions in conventional carbon fibre manufacture.

Design Principle and Development Trends of Silicon-Based Anode Binders for Lithium-ion Batteries: A Mini Review

Abstract: Silicon (Si), recognized as a promising alternative material for the anodes of lithium-ion batteries, boasts a high theoretical specific capacity and abundant natural availability. During the preparation of silicon-based anodes, binders play a pivotal role in ensuring the cohesion of silicon particles, conductive agents, and current collectors. The structure and performance of these binders are critical for the mechanical stability, electrical conductivity, and stress dissipation capacity of the anodes. This review initially outlines the structural characteristics of various binders, including linear, branched, and three-dimensional cross-linked types. It then delves into the relationship between the structure and properties of these binders in the context of their application in high-performance lithium-ion batteries, focusing on their mechanical properties, electrical conductivity, and self-healing capabilities. Particular attention is given to the design strategies for binders that facilitate stress dissipation, with an emphasis on integrating multifunctional polymer binders renowned for their superior conductive and self-healing features. Such binders contribute to the formation of a robust three-dimensional network structure via multiple bonding mechanisms, including chemical, non-covalent, and coordination interactions. This configuration significantly enhances the adhesion between silicon particles, thereby facilitating the efficient dissipation of stress, which is a key aspect for ensuring the long-term cycling stability of lithium-ion batteries. Lastly, the paper explores future development directions for silicon anode binders, advocating for a thorough investigation into the synergy of diverse structural and functional combinations, with the aim of advancing the performance and practical application of silicon-based lithium-ion batteries.

Paper Battery: The Future and Solution for Traditional Battery

Today is the biggest problems are faced by the electronics industry size of batteries gadgets ultra-thin and small day by day.Paper batteries will the replace the li-ion battery and paper battery. Paper-based batteries have emerged as a promising solution for sustainable energy storage owing to their eco-friendly nature, lightweight, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the field of paper-based batteries, focusing on their fabrication techniques, materials selection, and performance optimization strategies. Various types of paper substrates, conductive materials, and electrolytes employed in paper-based batteries are discussed, along with their impact on the overall performance and environmental sustainability. Additionally, this paper highlights the potential applications of paper-based batteries in portable electronics, medical devices, and wearable technologies, emphasizing their role in promoting the development of green energy storage solutions. Finally, challenges and future directions for the research and development of paper-based batteries are outlined, aiming to inspire further innovation and integration of these eco-friendly energy storage devices into real-world applications. This biodegrable and CNT. Electronics device are classified into two types primary and secondary. The paper are shown in SWCNT and MWCNT are the contain in this type. Title: Advancements in Paper-Based Batteries: A Sustainable Approach towards Energy Storage Keywords: CNT (carbon Nano tube), SWCNT (singled walled carbon Nano tube), MWCNT (multi walled carbon Nano tube, Paper Batteries), Flexibility.