Rechargeable Research Articles

Recent Advances and Prospects of Chalcogenide Cathodes for Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries

Recent Advances and Prospects of Chalcogenide Cathodes for Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries

Jointly Improving Anionic-Cationic Redox Reversibility of Lithium-Rich Manganese-Based Cathode Materials by N Surface Doping.

The lithium-rich manganese-based layer oxide (LRMO) with high specific capacity (∼300 mAh g-1) and economic feasibility is accepted as the cathode material for high energy density rechargeable batteries. Accompanied by the additional anionic redox reactions during the initial charging process, LRMO presents oxygen release, sluggish Li+ diffusion, and irreversible transition metal ion (TM) migration, which is responsible for its severe structural deterioration and rapid capacity/voltage decay. Here, the N doping strategy is proposed via feasible treatment of oxygen-vacancy-containing Li1.16Ni0.21Mn0.63O2-δ (LNMO) particles. The as obtained LNMO-N samples demonstrate doping N, partially reduced Mn/Ni cations, and oxygen vacancies on the surface. The DFT calculations and experimental results demonstrate that N replacing the crystal oxygen sites on the surface reduces the energy barrier for diffusion, thereby enhancing the kinetics of Li+ diffusion and improving the reversibility of transition metal migration. Furthermore, N doping induces stacking faults and a more flexible structure. Therefore, LNMO-N exhibits a significantly improved anionic-cationic redox reaction reversibility with a high discharge specific capacity of 296.6 mAh g-1 at 20 mA g-1 within the range of 2.0 to 4.8 V and an impressive initial Coulombic efficiency of 85.9%. Moreover, the rate capability is obviously improved with a remarkable capacity of 215.1 mAh g-1 at 200 mA g-1 in 200 cycles with a capacity retention of 72.52% and exceptional performance of 141.4 mAh g-1 even at a higher current density of 1000 mA g-1.

A modified invasive weed optimization for MPPT of PV based water pumping system driven by induction motor

A novel approach called Modified Invasive Weed Optimization (MIWO) technique has been developed and combined with the Perturb and Observes (P&O) algorithm to enhance the extraction of maximum power from photovoltaic (PV) panels in the presence of partial shading conditions. The conventional P&O algorithm falls short in extracting the maximum power from PV systems under partial shading conditions due to the existence of multiple maximum points. In such scenarios, optimization techniques can be employed to search for the global maximum point. The proposed MIWO-based P&O algorithm updates the reference voltage to ensure that the PV system operates at the Maximum Power Point (MPP) based on the prevailing weather conditions. This MIWO based PV system is further fed to water pumping system. A PV-based water pumping system is utilized for both irrigation and domestic purposes. Additionally, a sensorless vector control-based induction motor is employed in this study to drive the pump. The objective of this research is to demonstrate the achievement of an efficient PV-based water pumping system without the need for battery storage. Various results based on MIWO are compared with PSO and GWO. The results are presented based on various water pumping applications and the availability of solar irradiance during rapid climate changes. MATLAB/Simulink simulations, along with hardware-based experiments, are provided to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method under both transient and steady-state conditions.

Amphicarpic development in Cardamine chenopodiifolia.

Amphicarpy is an unusual trait where two fruit types develop on the same plant: one above and the other belowground. This trait is not found in conventional model species. Therefore, its development and molecular genetics remain under-studied. Here, we establish the allooctoploid Cardamine chenopodiifolia as an emerging experimental system to study amphicarpy. We characterized C. chenopodiifolia development, focusing on differences in morphology and cell wall histochemistry between above- and belowground fruit. We generated a reference transcriptome with PacBio full-length transcript sequencing and analysed differential gene expression between above- and belowground fruit valves. Cardamine chenopodiifolia has two contrasting modes of seed dispersal. The main shoot fails to bolt and initiates floral primordia that grow underground where they self-pollinate and set seed. By contrast, axillary shoots bolt and develop exploding seed pods aboveground. Morphological differences between aerial explosive fruit and subterranean nonexplosive fruit were reflected in a large number of differentially regulated genes involved in photosynthesis, secondary cell wall formation and defence responses. Tools established in C. chenopodiifolia, such as a reference transcriptome, draft genome assembly and stable plant transformation, pave the way to study amphicarpy and trait evolution via allopolyploidy.

Progress and Challenges of Vanadium Oxide Cathodes for Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries

Among the challenges related to rechargeable magnesium batteries (RMBs) still not resolved are positive electrode materials with sufficient charge storage and rate capability as well as stability and raw material resources. Out of the materials proposed and studied so far, vanadium oxides stand out for these requirements, but significant further improvements are expected and required. They will be based on new materials and an improved understanding of their mode of operation. This report provides a critical review focused on this material, which is embedded in a brief overview on the general subject. It starts with the main strategic ways to design layered vanadium oxides cathodes for RMBs. Taking these examples in more detail, the typical issues and challenges often missed in broader overviews and reviews are discussed. In particular, issues related to the electrochemistry of intercalation processes in layered vanadium oxides; advantageous strategies for the development of vanadium oxide composite cathodes; their mechanism in aqueous, “wet”, and dry non-aqueous aprotic systems; and the possibility of co-intercalation processes involving protons and magnesium ions are considered. The perspectives for future development of vanadium oxide-based cathode materials are finally discussed and summarized.

Sulfurized Two‐Dimensional Conductive Metal‐Organic Framework as a High‐Performance Cathode Material for Rechargeable Mg Batteries

Rechargeable Mg batteries are a promising energy storage technology to overcome the limitations inherent to Li ion batteries. A critical challenge in advancing Mg batteries is the lack of suitable cathode materials. In this work, we report a cathode design that incorporates S functionality into two‐dimensional metal‐organic‐frameworks (2D‐MOFs). This new cathode material enables good Mg2+ storage capacity and outstanding cyclability. It was found that upon the initial Mg2+ insertion and disinsertion, there is an apparent structural transformation that crumbles the layered 2D framework, leading to amorphization. The resulting material serves as the active material to host Mg2+ through reduction and/or oxidation of S and, to a limited extent, O. The reversible nature of S and O redox chemistry was confirmed by spectroscopic characterizations and validated by density functional calculations. Importantly, during the Mg2+ insertion and disinsertion process, the 2D nature of the framework was maintained, which plays a key role in enabling the high reversibility of the MOF cathode.

Sulfurized Two-Dimensional Conductive Metal-Organic Framework as a High-Performance Cathode Material for Rechargeable Mg Batteries.

Rechargeable Mg batteries are a promising energy storage technology to overcome the limitations inherent to Li ion batteries. A critical challenge in advancing Mg batteries is the lack of suitable cathode materials. In this work, we report a cathode design that incorporates S functionality into two-dimensional metal-organic-frameworks (2D-MOFs). This new cathode material enables good Mg2+ storage capacity and outstanding cyclability. It was found that upon the initial Mg2+ insertion and disinsertion, there is an apparent structural transformation that crumbles the layered 2D framework, leading to amorphization. The resulting material serves as the active material to host Mg2+ through reduction and/or oxidation of S and, to a limited extent, O. The reversible nature of S and O redox chemistry was confirmed by spectroscopic characterizations and validated by density functional calculations. Importantly, during the Mg2+ insertion and disinsertion process, the 2D nature of the framework was maintained, which plays a key role in enabling the high reversibility of the MOF cathode.

Shear Thickening Fluid and Sponge-Hybrid Triboelectric Nanogenerator for a Motion Sensor Array-Based Lying State Detection System

Issues of size and power consumption in IoT devices can be addressed through triboelectricity-driven energy harvesting technology, which generates electrical signals without external power sources or batteries. This technology significantly reduces the complexity of devices, enhances installation flexibility, and minimizes power consumption. By utilizing shear thickening fluid (STF), which exhibits variable viscosity upon external impact, the sensitivity of triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG)-based sensors can be adjusted. For this study, the highest electrical outputs of STF and sponge-hybrid TENG (SSH-TENG) devices under various input forces and frequencies were generated with an open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 98 V and a short-circuit current (ISC) of 4.5 µA. The maximum power density was confirmed to be 0.853 mW/m2 at a load resistance of 30 MΩ. Additionally, a lying state detection system for use in medical settings was implemented using SSH-TENG as a hybrid triboelectric motion sensor (HTMS). Each unit of a 3 × 2 HTMS array, connected to a half-wave rectifier and 1 MΩ parallel resistor, was interfaced with an MCU. Real-time detection of the patient’s condition through the HTMS array could enable the early identification of hazardous situations and alerts. The proposed HTMS continuously monitors the patient’s movements, promptly identifying areas prone to pressure ulcers, thus effectively contributing to pressure ulcer prevention.

Water-in-Salt Gel Biopolymer Electrolytes for Flexible and Wearable Zn/Alkali Metal Dual-Ion Batteries.

Zn/alkali metal dual-ion batteries (ZM DIBs) with highly concentrated water-in-salt (WiS) electrolytes are promising next-generation energy storage systems. This enhanced design of Zn-ion rechargeable batteries offers intrinsic safety, high operating voltage, satisfactory capacity, and outstanding cyclic stability. Herein, taking the concept of highly concentrated electrolytes one step further, we introduce water-in-salt gel biopolymer electrolytes (WiS-GBEs) by encapsulating Zn/Li or Zn/Na bisalt compositions in a cellulose membrane. WiS-GBEs inherit the electrochemical merits of highly concentrated electrolytes (i.e., wide voltage window, high ionic conductivity, etc.) and excellent durability of gel biopolymer structures. Both types of WiS-GBEs apply to coin- and pouch-cell compartments of ZM DIBs, offering a high plateau voltage (>1.8 V vs. Zn2+/Zn), good and reversible capacity (118 and 57 mAh g-1 for Zn/Li and Zn/Na cells, respectively), and outstanding cycling stability (more than 90% after 1,000 cycles). Essentially, the pouch cells with WiS-GBEs present superior durability, flexibility, and capacity endurance under various bending stress conditions (90% capacity retention under 0-180° bending modes), indicating their potential capability to power wearable electronics. The practical powering ability of Li- and Na-based pouch systems is demonstrated by the example of a wearable digital timer.

Taking Advantage of Potential Coincidence Region: Insights into Gas Production Behavior in Advanced Self-Activated Hydrazine-Assisted Alkaline Seawater Electrolysis.

Water electrolysis assisted by hydrazine has emerged as a prospective energy conversion method for achieving efficient hydrogen generation. Due to the potential coincidence region (PCR) between the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the electro-oxidation of hydrazine, the hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR) offers distinct advantages in terms of strategy amalgamation, device architecture, and the broadening of application horizons. Herein, we report a bifunctional electrocatalyst of interfacial heterogeneous Fe2P/Co2P microspheres supported on Ni foam (FeCoP/NF). Benefiting from the strong interfacial coupling effect between Fe2P and Co2P and the three-dimensional microsphere structure, FeCoP/NF exhibits outstanding bifunctional electrocatalytic performance, achieving 10 mA cm-2 with low overpotentials of 10 and 203 mV for HER and HzOR, respectively. Utilizing FeCoP/NF for both electrodes in HzOR-assisted water electrolysis results in significantly reduced potentials of 820 mV for 1 A cm-2 in contrast to the electro-oxidation of alternative chemical substrates. The presence of a potential coincidence region makes the application of self-activated seawater electrolysis realistic. The gas production behavior at different current densities in this interesting hydrogen production system is discussed, and some rules that are distinguished from conventional water electrolysis are summarized. Furthermore, a new self-powered hydrogen production system with a direct hydrazine fuel cell, rechargeable Zn-hydrazine battery, and hydrazine-assisted seawater electrolysis is proposed, emphasizing the distinct benefits of HzOR and its potential role in electrochemical energy conversion technologies powered by renewable sources.

Boron Carbon Nitride (BCN): An Emerging Two-Dimensional Material for Rechargeable Batteries

Boron Carbon Nitride (BCN): An Emerging Two-Dimensional Material for Rechargeable Batteries

Optimal scheduling and management of grid‐connected distributed resources using improved decomposition‐based many‐objective evolutionary algorithm

AbstractThis paper emphasizes the integration of wind and photovoltaic (PV) generation with battery energy storage systems (BESS) in distribution networks (DNs) to enhance grid sustainability, reliability, and flexibility. A novel multi‐objective optimization framework is introduced in this study to minimize energy supply costs, emissions, and energy losses while improving voltage deviation (VD) and voltage stability index (VSI). The proposed framework comprising normal boundary intersection (NBI) and decomposition‐based evolutionary algorithms (DBEA) determines the optimal siting and sizing of renewable‐based distributed resources, considering load demand variations and the intermittency of wind and solar outputs. The comparative analysis establishes that the proposed strategy performs better than many contemporary algorithms, specifically when all the objective functions are optimized simultaneously. The validation of the proposed framework was carried out on the standard IEEE‐33 bus test network, which demonstrates significant percentage savings in energy supply costs (49.6%), emission rate (62.2%), and energy loss (92.3%), along with enormous improvements in VSI (91.9%) and VD (99.8953%). The obtained results categorically underline the efficiency, reliability, and robustness of the proposed approach when employed on any complex distribution network comprising multiple renewable energy sources and battery storage systems.

Battery Scheduling Optimization and Potential Revenue for Residential Storage Price Arbitrage

Residential energy storage systems offer significant potential for price arbitrage by capitalizing on fluctuations in electricity prices throughout the day. This study investigates the potential revenue from optimal battery scheduling for residential storage in different north-western European electricity price zones during 2023. Using Nord Pool day-ahead prices, we applied an optimization model to determine the revenue for two types of batteries: 5 kW/10 kWh and 10 kW/10 kWh. The analysis considered battery capacity, charging and discharging efficiency, and maximum charge/discharge rates. Our results show notable variations in potential revenue across different regions, with the Baltic states demonstrating the highest revenue potential. The findings indicate that while 10 kW batteries can generate higher total revenue, 5 kW batteries are more efficient in terms of revenue per cycle. These regional disparities underscore the need for targeted incentives and policies to enhance the economic viability of residential energy storage. The research results provide valuable insights into optimizing residential battery storage for price arbitrage, offering guidance for consumers, policymakers, and energy providers to maximize economic benefits in various electricity markets.

Simulation analysis and optimization of containerized energy storage battery thermal management system

The air-cooling system is of great significance in the battery thermal management system because of its simple structure and low cost. This study analyses the thermal performance and optimizes the thermal management system of a 1540 kWh containerized energy storage battery system using CFD techniques. The study first explores the effects of different air supply angles on the heat transfer characteristics. Second, the evaluation indexes of heat removal efficiency, air exchange efficiency, temperature and velocity uniformity coefficient are used to select the optimal air supply angle by the Topsis method. Then, the return air vent position is optimized based on the optimal air supply angle, and the optimal solution is obtained. Research indicates that increasing the air supply angle enhances air mixing within the container and simultaneously decreases the battery pack surface temperature. With a 90° air supply angle, the maximum temperature reduces to 33.58 °C, a 19.52 % reduction compared to 30°. The temperature difference across each battery surface also drops by 16.02 % to 3.46 °C. Adjusting the position of the return air vent further improves temperature uniformity and air flow distribution within the battery compartment. When the air supply angle is 90° and the return air vent evenly distributed at Z = 0.85 m next to the fire door, an optimal uniform temperature distribution is achieved. This reduces the maximum surface temperature by 16.47 %, from 36.67 °C to 30.63 °C and decreases the average temperature difference to 3.0 °C, 21.4 % lower. Thus, the present method effectively enhances the performance of the containerized energy storage battery thermal management system.

Rechargeable alkali metal-chlorine batteries: advances, challenges, and future perspectives.

The emergence of Li-SOCl2 batteries in the 1970s as a high-energy-density battery system sparked considerable interest among researchers. However, limitations in the primary cell characteristics have restricted their potential for widespread adoption in today's sustainable society. Encouragingly, recent developments in alkali/alkaline-earth metal-Cl2 (AM-Cl2) batteries have shown impressive reversibility with high specific capacity and cycle performance, revitalizing the potential of SOCl2 batteries and becoming a promising technology surpassing current lithium-ion batteries. In this review, the emerging AM-Cl2 batteries are comprehensively summarized for the first time. The development history and advantages of Li-SOCl2 batteries are traced, followed by the critical working mechanisms for achieving high rechargeability. The design concepts of electrodes and electrolytes for AM-Cl2 batteries as well as key characterization techniques are also demonstrated. Furthermore, the current challenges and corresponding strategies, as well as future directions regarding the battery are systematically discussed. This review aims to deepen the understanding of the state-of-the-art AM-Cl2 battery technology and accelerate the development of practical AM-Cl2 batteries for next-generation high-energy storage systems.

Molecular-docking electrolytes enable high-voltage lithium battery chemistries.

Ideal rechargeable lithium battery electrolytes should promote the Faradaic reaction near the electrode surface while mitigating undesired side reactions. Yet, conventional electrolytes usually show sluggish kinetics and severe degradation due to their high desolvation energy and poor compatibility. Here we propose an electrolyte design strategy that overcomes the limitations associated with Li salt dissociation in non-coordinating solvents to enable fast, stable Li chemistries. The non-coordinating solvents are activated through favourable hydrogen bond interactions, specifically Fδ--Hδ+ or Hδ+-Oδ-, when blended with fluorinated benzenes or halide alkane compounds. These intermolecular interactions enable a dynamic Li+-solvent coordination process, thereby promoting the fast Li+ reaction kinetics and suppressing electrode side reactions. Utilizing this molecular-docking electrolyte design strategy, we have developed 25 electrolytes that demonstrate high Li plating/stripping Coulombic efficiencies and promising capacity retentions in both full cells and pouch cells. This work supports the use of the molecular-docking solvation mechanism for designing electrolytes with fast Li+ kinetics for high-voltage Li batteries.

Anchor chains—A simple low‐cost device to assist passage of small‐bodied mass fish

AbstractAttention has been placed on a variety of barriers that hinder fish passage in modern times. The most prevalent fish barriers were culverts which have negatively impacted waterway connectivity and fish habitats. For small‐bodied mass fish, high barrel velocities and turbulence have reduced fish swimming performance because of their weak swimming capabilities. In the present study, physical testing was conducted under controlled flow conditions to assess the extent and magnitude of turbulence characteristics, secondary flow and low‐velocity zones in a 0.5‐m‐wide box culvert barrel. Two cases were investigated; a reference case consisting of a smooth rectangular channel and a low‐cost design solution to improve upstream fish migration consisting of a single galvanized anchor chain fitted within a smooth rectangular channel. The single anchor chain was positioned towards one corner of the channel to induce asymmetric flow, reducing overall energy losses and enhancing the existing low‐velocity zone in the adjacent channel corner. The anchor chain induced a strong turbulent flow motion away from the anchor chain, characterized by higher Reynolds stress and turbulent kinetic energy, along with a distinct channel flow asymmetry. Conversely, the low‐velocity zone, between the anchor chain and the bottom channel corner, was significantly expanded with reduced longitudinal mean velocities and turbulent scales. Whilst the anchor chain link contributed to some complex localized wake flow, the anchor chain also influenced the distributions of normal turbulent stresses (v'z2 – v'y2), which in turn influenced the location of secondary flow cells. This secondary flow redirected low momentum fluid into the low‐velocity zones, setting the conditions for the favorable upstream passage of small‐bodied mass fish species.

Advances in the Design of Renewable Energy Power Supply for Rural Health Clinics, Case Studies, and Future Directions

Globally, effective and efficient healthcare is critical to the wellbeing and standard of living of any society. Unfortunately, several distant communities far from the national grid do not have access to reliable power supply, owing to economic, environmental, and technical challenges. Furthermore, unreliable, unavailable, and uneconomical power supply to these communities contributes significantly to the delivery of substandard or absence of qualitative healthcare services, resulting in higher mortality rates and associated difficulty in attracting qualified healthcare workers to the affected communities. Given these circumstances, this paper aims to conduct a comprehensive review of the status of renewable energy available to rural healthcare clinics around the globe, emphasizing its potential, analysis, procedures, modeling techniques, and case studies. In this light, several renewable energy modeling techniques were reviewed to examine the optimum power supply to the referenced healthcare centers in remote communities. To this end, analytical techniques and standard indices for reliable power supply to the isolated healthcare centers are suggested. Specifically, different battery storage systems that are suitable for rural healthcare systems are examined, and the most economical and realistic procedure for the maintenance of microgrid power systems for sustainable healthcare delivery is defined. Finally, this paper will serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and experts in rural power supply to remote healthcare centers globally.

Electrolyte Design Enables Rechargeable LiFePO4/Graphite Batteries from -80°C to 80°C.

Lithium iron phosphate (LFP)/graphite batteries have long dominated the energy storage battery market and are anticipated to become the dominant technology in the global power battery market. However, the poor fast-charging capability and low-temperature performance of LFP/graphite batteries seriously hinder their further spread. These limitations are strongly associated with the interfacial Li-ion transport. Here we report a wide-temperature-range ester-based electrolyte that exhibits high ionic conductivity, fast interfacial kinetics and excellent film-forming ability by regulating the anion chemistry of Li salt. The interfacial barrier of the battery is quantitatively unraveled by employing three-electrode system and distribution of relaxation time technique. The superior role of the proposed electrolyte in preventing Li0 plating and sustaining homogeneous and stable interphases are also systematically investigated. The LFP/graphite cells exhibit rechargeability in an ultrawide temperature range of -80°C to 80°C and outstanding fast-charging capability without compromising lifespan. Specially, the practical LFP/graphite pouch cells achieve 80.2% capacity retention after 1200 cycles (2 C) and 10-min charge to 89% (5 C) at 25°C and provides reliable power even at -80°C.

Electrolyte Design Enables Rechargeable LiFePO4/Graphite Batteries from −80°C to 80°C

Lithium iron phosphate (LFP)/graphite batteries have long dominated the energy storage battery market and are anticipated to become the dominant technology in the global power battery market. However, the poor fast‐charging capability and low‐temperature performance of LFP/graphite batteries seriously hinder their further spread. These limitations are strongly associated with the interfacial Li‐ion transport. Here we report a wide‐temperature‐range ester‐based electrolyte that exhibits high ionic conductivity, fast interfacial kinetics and excellent film‐forming ability by regulating the anion chemistry of Li salt. The interfacial barrier of the battery is quantitatively unraveled by employing three‐electrode system and distribution of relaxation time technique. The superior role of the proposed electrolyte in preventing Li0 plating and sustaining homogeneous and stable interphases are also systematically investigated. The LFP/graphite cells exhibit rechargeability in an ultrawide temperature range of −80°C to 80°C and outstanding fast‐charging capability without compromising lifespan. Specially, the practical LFP/graphite pouch cells achieve 80.2% capacity retention after 1200 cycles (2 C) and 10‐min charge to 89% (5 C) at 25°C and provides reliable power even at −80°C.