Practical Capacity Research Articles

Significantly improved electrical conductivity and cycling stability of manganese dioxide by poly (3,4-ethylene-dioxythiophene) coating

Abstract Manganese dioxide (MnO2) is widely acknowledged as a prospective pseudocapacitive material aimed at alleviating the issue of low energy density in supercapacitors. Nevertheless, hampered by its intrinsic low conductivity and poor structural stability, MnO2-based energy storage materials often exhibit lower practical capacity in practical applications. During this investigation, the synthesis of MnO2@PEDOT (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)) composite materials involved an in-situ oxidative polymerization approach, whereby PEDOT nanowires were integrated onto the MnO2 nanoparticle surface. Notably, the internal configuration of the MnO2@PEDOT composite material demonstrated a high surface area morphology, while the externally entwined PEDOT nanowire layer further expanded the material’s specific surface area. As a result, the MnO2@PEDOT composite material demonstrated a specific capacitance reaching 214 F g-1, a 91% improvement compared to unmodified MnO2. Furthermore, the winding of PEDOT nanowires effectively suppressed the structural disintegration of MnO2. The MnO2@PEDOT composite material exhibited a remarkable improvement in cycling stability, maintaining 81% of its initial capacity after 5000 cycles. The electron-rich PEDOT not only improved the conductivity of the inner MnO2 through electron migration but also prevented MnO2 structural degradation by tightly enveloping it. The outcomes of our study propose a method for constructing MnO2 featuring a structurally stable configuration and a prolonged cycling lifespan, offering valuable insights for designing electrode materials with high cycling stability in supercapacitors.

Intermolecular interaction promoted polymer cathode for ultrahigh capacity utilization and ultrafast ion diffusion of sodium metal battery

Although polymerization is an effective method to limit the dissolution of organic electrode materials, it is still a challenge to fully release their theory capacity because of less exposure of the active site due to the severe aggregation. Herein, a high capacity-utilization-rate polymer (poly-(tetraminobenzoquinone-alt-2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone, PBQ) with strong intermolecular interactions is designed and synthesized. The theoretical calculations and experimental characterizations confirm that the intermolecular interactions including N-H···O hydrogen bonds and π–π interaction, endowing the PBQ with a regularly arranged plane structure. The fully exposed active site (C=O and C=N) enables PBQ cathode to achieve 99.8 % theoretical discharging capacity at 0.1 A g−1 (252.2 mAh g−1 for real capacity vs. 256.2 mAh g−1 for theoretical capacity). Additionally, PBQ cathodes display high cycling stability (98.6 % at 1 A g−1 after 400 cycles), a high discharge specific capacity of 236.1 mAh g−1 at -20 ℃, and a high ion diffusion coefficient around 1.9 × 10−8 cm2 s−1. This strategy realizes a breakthrough in maximizing the discharge specific capacity and provides new insights into ultrahigh practical capacity polymer designing.

Coupling of ion-conducting interphase with lithiophilic-solid-oxide-electrolyte interlayer toward fast-charging lithium metal batteries

The uncontrollable dendritic Li growth and limited Coulombic efficiency have long impeded the implementation of fast-charging lithium metal batteries. Contrary to the widely accepted attempt of using a sintering dense ceramic electrolyte to realize dendrite-free deposition, we report a coupling architecture of ion-conducting-Li3PO4-Li3N interphase with lithiophilic-solid-oxide-electrolyte interlayer for Li-metal anode using a reactive lithiophilic solid oxide electrolyte (RLSE) rather than dense ceramics. The synergistic interphase and protection layer can facilitate the Li-ion transport and enhance the lithiophilicity. As a result, an ultrahigh Li plating/stripping current density of 10 mA cm−2 and areal capacity of 10 mAh cm−2 for over 1000 h, and a remarkable Coulombic efficiency of 99.8 % are achieved simultaneously. Moreover, the use of interphase-interlayer synergistic protection enables a stable long-term 3000-cycling of Li||Li4Ti5O12 cell at 2C rate. More importantly, high-current–density (e.g. 1.8 mA cm−2) cycling of Li||LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 batteries with a practical area capacity of 3.6 mAh cm−2 is achieved in both carbonate and quasi-solid electrolytes. This study demonstrates an alternative approach of solid oxide electrolytes to stabilize Li-metal anode and enable fast-charging lithium metal batteries.

Toward High Specific Energy and Long Cycle Life Li/Mn‐Rich Layered Oxide || Graphite Lithium‐Ion Batteries via Optimization of Voltage Window

Li/Mn‐rich layered oxide (LMR) cathode active materials promise exceptionally high practical specific discharge capacity (>250 mAh g−1) as a result of both conventional cationic and anionic oxygen redox. The latter requires electrochemical activation at high cathode potential (>4.5 V vs Li|Li+), though it is accompanied by capacity and voltage fade in the course of continuous release of lattice oxygen, layered‐to‐spinel phase transformation, redox couple shift, as well as transition metal dissolution, whereas the latter is particularly detrimental for graphite‐based anodes due to electrode crosstalk. Herein, the degradation is investigated in LMR || graphite full cells by systematically varying the voltage windows, analyzing electrochemical data and changes at the anode surface. Based on this, the optimal operational voltage window, i.e., upper and lower cutoff voltage (UCV and LCV), is elaborated to finally solve the dilemma of decent cycle life (at high UCVs) and insufficient LMR activation/capacity (at low UCV) and is shown to be superior via distinguishing between formation and postformation cycles of 4.5 and 4.3 V, respectively.

Homogenization and Upcycling of Hetero Spent LiCoO2 Cathodes: Rational Introduction of Li/Co Anti‐Sites Toward Enhanced High‐Voltage Stability

AbstractCaptured by relatively low energy consumption and harmful gas‐emission, direct regeneration has captured numerous attention, but still suffers from different particle sizes and diverse doping hetero‐elements, hardly meeting the market demand. Herein, assisted by the crush‐sinter regeneration from element to grain further to particle, homogenized recovery of hetero spent LiCoO2 is successfully carried out. More interestingly, after tailoring Li/Co anti‐sites ratio, the redox activity of Co‐ions is remarkably enhanced, effectively inhibiting the irreversible escape of O‐atoms under high voltage, bringing about the fascinating electrochemical performance and structural stability. As anticipated, the regenerated LiCoO2 delivered a considerable capacity of 175.2 mAh g−1 at 1.0 C, whilst its capacity retention can remain at 88.86% even after 500 cycles at 5.0 C, better than that of commercial materials. Assembling regenerated materials versus. graphite pouch cell, their considerable practical capacity retention can be kept at ≈91.4% even after 500 cycles. Supported by in situ XRD, electronic structure analysis, and detailed DFT calculations, the excellent high voltage stability of optimized samples mainly comes from the alleviating of phase conversion and oxygen redox. This work is expected to shed light on the potential value of homogenized regenerations, and offer effective strategies of upcycling about spent LCO.

In-situ construction of epitaxial phase for boosting zinc nucleation on three-dimensional interface

Interface modification of zinc (Zn) metal anode with conductive three-dimensional (3D) structure is widely utilized in zinc ion batteries. However, the uniformity of zinc nucleation on surface microstructure is rarely investigated which exacerbates the tip effect and raises unstable risk. Herein, a strategy via the initial copper (Cu) alloying and following sulfurization treatment is reported to accomplish boosted uniform nucleation of zinc on the modified layer with dense microstructures. This epitaxial sulfide phase not only improves the wetting area to revitalize the microstructural surface, but also forms a bifunctional zincophilic Cu2S/CuZn alloy interface layer, which combines the merits of guided local ions diffusion and improved zinc nucleation environment. As a result, a homogeneous growth of zinc on the 3D structural substrate can be realized, and cycling stability of the achieved Cu2S/CuZn electrode with a practical capacity of 1 ​mAh cm−2 under 1 ​mA ​cm−2 or amplified current density of 10 ​mA ​cm−2 is significantly enhanced. This work provides an epitaxial strategy in constructing a bifunctional zincophilic interface layer for boosting zinc nucleation, and offers a new perspective on the modification of 3D surface structure for stabilization of zinc anode.

Regulating intramolecular hydrogen bonds of p-phenylenediimidazole-based small-molecule compounds towards the enhanced lithium storage capacity

The use of redox-active organic electrode materials in energy storage is restricted due to their inferior solvent resistance, abysmal conductivity, and the resultant low practical capacity. To address these issues, a class of bipolar p-phenylenediimidazole-based small-molecule compounds are designed and fabricated. The π-conjugated backbone of these small molecules allows for electron delocalization on a big conjugation plane, endowing them with good conductivity and reaction reversibility. Furthermore, when the para-positions of phenylene are occupied by hydroxyl groups, as-formed intramolecular hydrogen bonds (N–H…O) between phenolic hydroxyl groups and the –NH groups of imidazole rings further enhance the structural planarity, resulting in higher π-conjugation degree and better conductivity, and thus higher utilization of active sites and electrode capacity, proved by both experimental results and theoretical calculations. The optimized composite electrode DBNQ@rGO-45 shows a high specific capacity (∼308 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1) and a long cycling stability (112.9 mA h g−1 after 6000 cycles at 2000 mA g−1). The significantly better electrochemical properties for hydroxyl group-containing compounds than those without hydroxyl groups attributed to intramolecular hydrogen bond-induced conjugation enhancement will inspire the structure design of organic electrodes for better energy storage.

Synergy of structural engineering and VO2 self-transformation enables ultra-high areal capacity cathodes for zinc-ion batteries

The development of cathodes with high areal capacities is a prerequisite for realizing the practical application of zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). However, the slow ion (de)intercalation kinetics and the highly tortuous ion transport channels in the traditionally blade-coated electrodes limit the practical areal capacities of the ZIB cathodes below 3 mAh cm−2. In this work, multi-stage pore structures, including through-holes perpendicular to the electrode and submicron-scale channels along the radial direction of the printed filaments, are obtained through polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) phase separation assisted 3D printing procedure. In this novel electrode material, the porous network enables fast electron/ion transport and improves the accessibility of active materials for thick electrodes with high active material loadings. More importantly, a phase self-transformation of VO2 to a high oxidation state of V5O12∙6H2O is achieved by regulating the charging voltage, which significantly enhances the zinc storage capacity and provides smoother channels for fast ion (de)intercalation. With these unique features, the 3D printed VO2 cathode with a mass loading of 8.9 mg cm−2 demonstrates a high specific capacity of 478.1 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 and a stable life cycle for 1000 cycles at 4 A g−1. When the mass loading is increased to 29.6 mg cm−2, the electrode is still able to deliver an ultra-high areal capacity of 16.8 mAh cm−2. The strategies adopted in this work greatly boost up the performance of VO2 cathodes, especially the high areal capacity, by combining structural engineering and material activity regulation.

Generative AIs, more-than-human authorship, and Husserl’s phenomenological ‘horizons’

In recent years, developments in Artificial Intelligence have produced Large Language Models (LLMs) leading to a form of generative AIs (GAIs) trained on vast corpora of texts, capable of producing convincing predictive synthetic texts such as essays, reports, or other texts instantaneously. This development has profound implications for human entanglements with technologies in terms of how these AIs might constitute new forms of subjectivities, texts, and knowledge practices. This development has particular significance for higher education in terms of academic writing, assessment, and research. In terms of higher education, specific concerns have been raised about the implications for assessment, study practices, and the status of knowledge and learning in the context of these ‘writing machines’. Universities and government bodies have reacted in various ways, with some commentators calling for the sector to ‘embrace’ these generative AIs (GAIs) as merely the latest ‘tools’ available for study and research, while others seek to outlaw their use. The current academic research surrounding this phenomenon is underdeveloped with relatively few studies having been conducted, due to the rapid recent acceleration of the technology. It is also under-theorised; early research has reacted to the fast-changing landscape of GAIs by focusing on the technical and practical capacities. Meanwhile, supranational private providers such as OpenAI are influencing higher education internationally, with a complex range of effects which are as-yet unknown. This paper reviews the current state of the art in related bodies of research literature and proposes that the field could benefit from a wider variety of critical and theoretical perspectives. Drawing on the concept of the sociotechnical imaginary from science and technology studies, it considers how discourses and practices surrounding GAIs are evolving in society and education. It then considers the effects of authorship and the writing subject, with reference to the concept of more-than-human authorship. It then draws on recent work in the philosophy of technology, proposing Husserl’s outer and inner ‘horizons’ as a potential framework with which to consider the complex entanglements of human and nonhuman agency, as enrolled in more-than-human authorship and entangled with the presence of GAIs in the ‘lifeworld’ of contemporary higher education. It concludes by proposing future directions for work in this area, in order to gain better theoretical purchase on the phenomenon at the various levels set out above.

Neurosurgical Practice, Training, and Research Capacity Assessment in Nigeria: A Methodological Approach

There has been a progressive growth of neurosurgery in Nigeria over the past 6 nulldecades. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the state of neurosurgical practice, training, and research in the country. We used a mixed-methods approach that combined a survey of neurosurgery providers and a systematic review of the neurosurgical literature in Nigeria. The 83-question online survey had 3 core sections for assessing capacity, training, and gender issues. The systematic review involved a search of 4 global databases and gray literature over a 60-year period. One hundred and forty-nine respondents (95% male) completed the survey (65.4%). Their age ranged from 20 to 68years, with a mean of 41.8 (±6.9) years. Majority were from institutions in the nation's South-West region; 82 (55.0%) had completed neurosurgery residency training, with 76 (51%) employed as consultants; 64 (43%) identified as residents in training, 56 (37.6%) being senior residents, and 15 (10.1%) each held academic appointments as lecturers or senior lecturers. The literature review involved 1,023 peer-reviewed journal publications: 254 articles yielding data on 45,763 neurotrauma patients, 196 on 12,295 pediatric neurosurgery patients, and 127 on 8,425 spinal neurosurgery patients. Additionally, 147 papers provided data on 5,760 neuro-oncology patients, and 56 on 3,203 patients with neuro-vascular lesions. Our mixed-methods approach provided significant insights into the historical, contemporary, and future trends of neurosurgery in Nigeria. The results could form the foundation for policy improvement; health-system strengthening; better resource-planning, prioritization, and allocation; and more purposive collaborative engagement in Nigeria and other low- and middle-income countries.

Dual-type confinement strategy: Improving the stability of organic composite cathodes for Lithium-ion batteries with longer lifespan

Inclusive reports on organic cathodes are the key evidence of their superior performance for Lithium-ion batteries. However, it is still promising to simultaneously achieve a higher practical specific capacity and longer cycling life, owing to the crucial concern of the dissolution of active molecules in organic electrolytes. The introduction of porous carbon confinement and coating which can impart discharge capacity and cycling stability, is highly beneficial. Herein, we designed and prepared a novel composite cathode (designated as HKUST-1-C@DHAQ@TiO2) with small molecules (DHAQ) in porous carbon skeleton (HKUST-1-C) as core and TiO2 as shell. The unique dual-type confinement strategy offers short Li+/e- diffusion directions for redox reactions and superior structural stability during cycling without dissolution or decomposition of the components, resulting in excellent electrochemical performance. The HKUST-1-C@DHAQ@TiO2 cathode delivers significant specific capacity (209 mAh g−1, 0.1 A g−1), markable Coulombic efficiency (nearly 100 %), notable cycling stability (86 % retention for provided 200 cycles) and excellent rate capacity (138 mAh g−1 at 1.0 A g−1). The presented findings offer the deep understanding of redox reactions and organic cathode evolution mechanisms for the progress of smarter energy storage batteries.

Climate change effects on aquaculture production and its sustainable management through climate-resilient adaptation strategies: a review.

Aquaculture witnessed a remarkable growth as one of the fastest-expanding sector in the food production industry; however, it faces serious threat from the unavoidable impacts of climate change. Understanding this threat, the present review explores the consequences of climate change on aquaculture production and provides need based strategies for its sustainable management, with a particular emphasis on climate-resilient approaches. The study examines the multi-dimensional impacts of climate change on aquaculture which includes the shifts in water temperature, sea-level rise, ocean acidification, harmful algal blooms, extreme weather events, and alterations in ecological dynamics. The review subsequently investigates innovative scientific interventions and climate-resilient aquaculture strategies aimed at strengthening the adaptive capacity of aquaculture practices. Some widely established solutions include selective breeding, species diversification, incorporation of ecosystem-based management practices, and the implementation of sustainable and advanced aquaculture systems (aquaponics and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). These strategies work towards fortifying aquaculture systems against climate-induced disturbances, thereby mitigating risks and ensuring sustained production. This review provides a detailed insight to the ongoing discourse on climate-resilient aquaculture, emphasizing an immediate need for prudent measures to secure the future sustainability of fish food production sector.

Interface-Targeting Carrier-Catalytic Integrated Design Contributing to Lithium Dihalide-Rich SEI toward High Interface Stability for Long-Life Solid-State Lithium-Metal Batteries.

The generation of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) largely determines the comprehensive performance of all-solid-state batteries. Herein, a novel "carrier-catalytic" integrated design is strategically exploited to in situ construct a stable LiF-LiBr rich SEI by improving the electron transfer kinetics to accelerate the bond-breaking dynamics. Specifically, the high electron transport capacity of Br-TPOM skeleton increases the polarity of C-Br, thus promoting the generation of LiBr. Then, the enhancement of electron transfer kinetics further promotes the fracture of C-F from TFSI- to form LiF. Finally, the stable and homogeneous artificial-SEI with enriched lithium dihalide is constructed through the in situ co-growth mechanism of LiF and LiBr, which facilitatse the Li-ion transport kinetics and regulates the lithium deposition behavior. Impressively, the PEO-Br-TPOM paired with LiFePO4 delivers ultra-long cycling stability over 1000 cycles with 81 % capacity retention at 1 C while the pouch cells possess 88 % superior capacity retention after 550 cycles with initial discharge capacity of 145 mAh g-1at 0.2 C in the absence of external pressure. Even under stringent conditions, the practical pouch cells possess the practical capacity with stable electric quantities plateau in 30 cycles demonstrates its application potential in energy storage field.

Interface‐Targeting Carrier‐Catalytic Integrated Design Contributing to Lithium Dihalide‐Rich SEI toward High Interface Stability for Long‐Life Solid‐State Lithium‐Metal Batteries

AbstractThe generation of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) largely determines the comprehensive performance of all‐solid‐state batteries. Herein, a novel “carrier‐catalytic” integrated design is strategically exploited to in situ construct a stable LiF‐LiBr rich SEI by improving the electron transfer kinetics to accelerate the bond‐breaking dynamics. Specifically, the high electron transport capacity of Br‐TPOM skeleton increases the polarity of C−Br, thus promoting the generation of LiBr. Then, the enhancement of electron transfer kinetics further promotes the fracture of C−F from TFSI− to form LiF. Finally, the stable and homogeneous artificial‐SEI with enriched lithium dihalide is constructed through the in situ co‐growth mechanism of LiF and LiBr, which facilitatse the Li‐ion transport kinetics and regulates the lithium deposition behavior. Impressively, the PEO‐Br‐TPOM paired with LiFePO4 delivers ultra‐long cycling stability over 1000 cycles with 81 % capacity retention at 1 C while the pouch cells possess 88 % superior capacity retention after 550 cycles with initial discharge capacity of 145 mAh g−1at 0.2 C in the absence of external pressure. Even under stringent conditions, the practical pouch cells possess the practical capacity with stable electric quantities plateau in 30 cycles demonstrates its application potential in energy storage field.

Cathode nanoarchitectonics with Na3VFe0.5Ti0.5(PO4)3: Overcoming the energy barriers of multielectron reactions for sodium‐ion batteries

AbstractHigh electrochemical stability and safety make Na+ superionic conductor (NASICON)‐class cathodes highly desirable for Na‐ion batteries (SIBs). However, their practical capacity is limited, leading to low specific energy. Furthermore, the low electrical conductivity combined with a decline in capacity upon prolonged cycling (>1000 cycles) related to the loss of active material‐carbon conducting contact regions contributes to moderate rate performance and cycling stability. The need for high specific energy cathodes that meet practical electrochemical requirements has prompted a search for new materials. Herein, we introduce a new carbon‐coated Na3VFe0.5Ti0.5(PO4)3 (NVFTP/C) material as a promising candidate in the NASICON family of cathodes for SIBs. With a high specific energy of ∼457 Wh kg−1 and a high Na+ insertion voltage of 3.0 V versus Na+/Na, this cathode can undergo a reversible single‐phase solid‐solution and two‐phase (de)sodiation evolution at 28 C (1 C = 174.7 mAh g−1) for up to 10,000 cycles. This study highlights the potential of utilizing low‐cost and highly efficient cathodes made from Earth‐abundant and harmless materials (Fe and Ti) with enriched Na+‐storage properties in practical SIBs.

Barriers to and Facilitators of Pediatric Vaccination Reporting in Four US States, 2023.

In a 2023 sequential explanatory mixed-methods study in four US states, we identified barriers and facilitators experienced by Vaccines for Children (VFC) program providers in reporting vaccination data to state immunization information systems (IISs). We found the following: VFC providers value accurate, robust, and widely used IISs. IIS reporting is easier with but does not require an electronic health record. Negative interactions with IISs and VFC officials and limited practice capacity are barriers to reporting. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for a nationwide vaccination database. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(6):569-574. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307638).

Capacitive-Controlled Prussian White with a Nickel Iron Hexacyanoferrate Composite Cathode for Rapid Sodium Diffusion.

Prussian blue analogues receive tremendous attention owing to their spacious three-dimensional skeleton, high theoretical specific capacity, facile synthesis procedure, and high cost-effectiveness as among the most promising candidates for cathode materials in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Nonetheless, the practical specific capacity, especially under high current, is particularly frail due to the sluggish ion diffusion. In this study, the strategy of Ni substitution and formation of water-coordinated Fe is applied to lower the crystal field energy and elevate the active low-spin (LS) Fe content, which leads to a capacitive sodium storage mechanism, resulting in a substantial specific capacity under high current density. The delivered specific capacity of PW-325@2NiFe-55 is 95 mAh g-1 at 50 C, which is 72.5% capacity retention of the one at 0.5 C. Also, it maintains 80.2% of its initial specific capacity after 500 cycles at 5 C. Furthermore, a hypothesis of a joint diffusion-controlled and capacitive mechanism for high-spin (HS) Fe and a mere capacitive mechanism for LS Fe is put forward and verified through potentiastatic tests, operando 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, and ex situ XRD, which provides a new horizon to enhance the electrochemical performance for SIBs.

A Monte Carlo approach for capacity and delay analyses of multiple interacting airports in Istanbul metroplex

AbstractThe Istanbul metroplex airspace, home to Atatürk (LTBA), Sabiha Gökçen (LTFJ), and Istanbul (LTFM) international airports, is a critical hub for international travel, trade and commerce between Europe and Asia. The high air traffic volume and the proximity of multiple airports make air traffic management (ATM) a significant challenge. To better manage this complex air traffic, it is necessary to conduct detailed analyses of the capacities of these airports and surrounding airspace. In this study, Monte Carlo simulation is used to determine the ultimate and practical capacities of the airport and surrounding airspace and compare them to identify any differences or limitations. The traffic mix, runway occupancy time and traffic distribution at airspace entry points are randomised variables that directly impact airport and airspace capacities and delays. The study aims to determine the current capacities of the runways and routes in the metroplex airspace and project the future capacities with the addition of new facilities. The results demonstrated that the actual bottleneck could be experienced in airspace, rather than runways, which was the focus of the previous literature. Thus, this study will provide valuable insights for stakeholders in the aviation industry to effectively manage air traffic in the metroplex airspace and meet the growing demand.

Large Organic Polar Molecules Tailored Electrode Interfaces for Stable Lithium Metal Battery.

Lithium (Li) metal batteries (LMBs) are deemed as ones of the most promising energy storage devices for next electrification applications. However, the uneven Li electroplating process caused by the diffusion-limited Li+ transportation at the Li metal surface inherently promotes the formation of dendritic morphology and instable Li interphase, while the sluggish Li+ transfer kinetic can also cause lithiation-induced stress on the cathode materials suffering from serious structural stability. Herein, a novel electrolyte designing strategy is proposed to accelerate the Li+ transfer by introducing a trace of large organic polar molecules of lithium phytate (LP) without significantly altering the electrolyte structure. The LP molecules can afford a competitive solvent attraction mechanism against the solvated Li+, enhancing both the bulk and interfacial Li+ transfer kinetic, and creating better anode/cathode interfaces to suppress the side reactions, resulting in much improved cycling efficiency of LMBs. Using LP-based electrolyte, the performance of LMB pouch cell with a practical capacity of ~1.5 Ah can be improved greatly. This strategy opens up a novel electrolyte designing route for reliable LMBs.

Large Organic Polar Molecules Tailored Electrode Interfaces for Stable Lithium Metal Battery

AbstractLithium (Li) metal batteries (LMBs) are deemed as ones of the most promising energy storage devices for next electrification applications. However, the uneven Li electroplating process caused by the diffusion‐limited Li+ transportation at the Li metal surface inherently promotes the formation of dendritic morphology and instable Li interphase, while the sluggish Li+ transfer kinetic can also cause lithiation‐induced stress on the cathode materials suffering from serious structural stability. Herein, a novel electrolyte designing strategy is proposed to accelerate the Li+ transfer by introducing a trace of large organic polar molecules of lithium phytate (LP) without significantly altering the electrolyte structure. The LP molecules can afford a competitive solvent attraction mechanism against the solvated Li+, enhancing both the bulk and interfacial Li+ transfer kinetic, and creating better anode/cathode interfaces to suppress the side reactions, resulting in much improved cycling efficiency of LMBs. Using LP‐based electrolyte, the performance of LMB pouch cell with a practical capacity of ~1.5 Ah can be improved greatly. This strategy opens up a novel electrolyte designing route for reliable LMBs.