Capability Cycle Research Articles

Defect-Rich CoFe-Alloy with Engineered Carbon Support for High-Performance Rechargeable Zn-Air Batteries.

Defect-rich CoFe-alloy with engineered carbon support is synthesized as a bifunctional cathode, coupled with a modified electrode fabrication technique, for rechargeable zinc-air batteries (RZABs). The CoFe(2:1)/N-rGCNT-catalyst is synthesized by annealing graphene oxide (GO), cobalt and iron acetate, and melamine, leading to the in situ formation of CoFe alloy-encapsulated CNTs. This resulted in a unique layer-separated Fe-rich skin@CoFe alloy decorated nitrogen-doped graphene (NGr) with CoFe-encapsulated CNTs. The interplay of line defects, enhanced conductivity, and electronic modulation underpins electrocatalyst's performance. Electrochemical analysis revealed an onset potential of 955 mV vs RHE, a half-wave potential of 835 mV vs RHE for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and an overpotential of 340 mV for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), yielding a ΔE of 0.73 V, comparable to the reported catalysts. The 3D X-ray microtomography simulations suggest improved air permeability of CoFe(2:1)/N-rGCNT facilitates easier gas diffusion, contributing in better device performance. The RZAB with CoFe(2:1)/N-rGCNT-cathode exhibited a peak power density of 171.3 mW cm⁻2, surpassing 140.8 mW cm⁻2 obtained from a cell based on Pt/C-cathode. The Co/N-rGCNT-based battery achieved a stable discharge profile at 10 mA cm⁻2 with a specific capacity of 650 mAh g⁻¹Zn, and in rechargeable mode, achieved 140 h of high-rate charge-discharge cycling capability.

Effects of Cultivation Modes on Soil Protistan Communities and Its Associations with Production Quality in Lemon Farmlands

Citrus is one of the most widely consumed fruits in the world, and its cultivation industry continues to develop rapidly. However, the roles of soil protistan communities during citrus growth are not yet fully understood, despite the potential significance of these communities to the health and quality of citrus. In this study, we examined the soil properties and protistan communities in Eureka lemon farmlands located in Chongqing, China, during the flowering and fruiting stages of cultivation, both in greenhouse and open-field settings. In general, the majority of the measured soil properties (including nutrients and enzyme activities) exhibited higher values in open-field farmlands in comparison to those observed in greenhouse counterparts. According to the results of high-throughput sequencing based on the V9 region of eukaryotic 18S rRNA gene, the diversity of soil protistan communities was also higher in open-field farmlands, and both lemon growth stage and cultivation modes showed significant effects on soil protistan compositions. The transition from traditional agricultural practices to greenhouse farming resulted in a significant transformation of the soil protistan community. This transformation manifested as a shift towards a state characterized by diminished nutrient cycling capabilities. This decline was evidenced by an increase in phototrophs (Archaeplastida) and a concomitant decrease in consumers (Stramenopiles and Alveolata). Community assembly analysis revealed deterministic processes that controlled the succession of soil protistan communities in lemon farmlands. It has been established that environmental associations have the capacity to recognize nitrogen in soils, thereby providing a deterministic selection process for protistan community assembly. Furthermore, a production index was calculated based on 12 quality parameters of lemons, and the results indicated that lemons from greenhouse farms exhibited a lower quality compared to those from open fields. The structure equation model revealed a direct correlation between the quality of lemons and the cultivation methods employed, as well as the composition of soil protists. The present study offers insights into the mechanisms underlying the correlations between the soil protistan community and lemon quality in response to changes in the cultivation modes.

Anion‐Anchoring and Interphase Manipulation for Enhanced All‐Climate Sodium Storage in Hard Carbon Anodes

Abstract Despite its promise as an anode material for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), hard carbon (HC) still suffers from unsatisfactory cycle and rate capability due to poor charge transport dynamics and severe interfacial side reactions, which may stem from the intricacies of electrolyte solvation sheath variations. Herein, an anion‐anchoring and interphase manipulation strategy is proposed to regulate electrolyte microstructure dominated by ether solvents aiming to develop SIBs with high energy density and temperature adaptability. Multiple in situ characterizations and theoretical calculations synergistically demonstrate that triflate (OTF−)‐anchored ether‐based electrolytes facilitate bulk and interfacial charge transport, which is attributed to the anion‐anchored solvation sheath and the derived inorganic solid electrolyte layer rich in NaF and Na2O. Therefore, the HC|Na cell with NaOTF‐based electrolyte exhibits an exceptional initial Coulombic efficiency of up to 93.74%. The specific capacity reaches 137.0 mAh g−1 at 5 C with a remarkable capacity retention of 96.57% after 2000 cycles, even under −20 °C. Additionally, its wide temperature adaptability, ranging from −40 to 60 °C, underscores its potential for application in extreme conditions and provides promising insights for the development of all‐climate sodium energy storage based on HC anode.

Asymmetrical Coordination of Cobalt Single-Atom Catalyzed Interfacial Chemistry in Hard Carbon Anodes for Fast and Reversible Potassium Storage.

Potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) has triggered intense attention as promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries for grid-level large-scale applications. However, sluggish potassium storage kinetics due to the large ionic radius of K+ always results in poor rate and unsatisfactory cycling capability. Herein, we propose an asymmetrical cobalt single-atom coordination strategy to modulate the interfacial chemistry of hard carbon. The unique asymmetrical configuration of Co single atom effectively reduces K+ diffusion barriers and improves charge transfer kinetics, due to the enhanced electron delocalization, an upshift of d-band center, and the decreased KFSI dissociation barrier. Consequently, the obtained Co-NPC anode exhibits a high reversible capacity of 245.1 mAh g-1 at 0.2 A g-1, an excellent rate capability of 179.0 mAh g-1 at 1 A g-1, and a remarkable cycling stability. When paired with commercial activated carbon, the resulting potassium-ion hybrid capacitors exhibit a notable energy density of 147.3 Wh kg-1 and a power density of 392.2 W kg-1, manifesting their promising potential for practical energy storage applications. This work offers a novel pathway for achieving efficient and reversible potassium storage in hard carbon anodes for high-performance PIBs.

Roll‐To‐Roll Coating to Processing Large‐Area Zinc Anodes toward Fast and Dendrite‐Free Deposition

Abstract Surface modification has emerged as a promising approach for manipulating uniform Zn deposition and long‐life aqueous Zn batteries. However, challenges related to the complicated fabrication processes and high cost hinder the scale‐up deployment of zinc anodes. Herein, a versatile low‐cost roll‐to‐roll coating methodology is demonstrated for expeditiously processing large‐area Zn anode. Through a simple liquid‐air interfacial deposition and Lewis acid‐base coordination, a functional nanofilm can be in situ anchored to the Zn anode to enable planar Zn deposition by providing rich ion migration pathways, homogeneous electric field distribution, and enhanced ion diffusion kinetics. In addition, the water‐related side reactions are simultaneously inhibited due to the desolvation effect of the nanofilm. The as‐modified Zn anode manifests high Coulombic efficiency up to 99.9% for 1500 cycles, a long lifetime over 2700 h, and a high cumulative capacity of 6.25 Ah cm−2. Furthermore, the practical feasibility is verified by the remarkable cycling capability in Zn||MnO2 pouch cells. This study presents a cost‐effective and scalable roll‐to‐roll strategy to fabricating large‐area Zn anodes for boosting the practical application of aqueous Zn batteries.

Color Dosing Modelling of Injection Molding Polymeric Products Polcom 2024

Abstract The industrial landscape is rapidly transforming, driven by the concept of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the concept of smart factories. In this new era, also called Industry 4.0, industrial manufacturing devices are interconnected through advanced communication protocols, allowing for real‐time data exchange and better interoperability. The ability of these devices to communicate and work together harmoniously is essential in achieving the best results in terms of quality and productivity This article presents an at‐a‐glance analysis of cycle time stability and capability, along with the probability of critical deviations occurrence. The study focuses on a color dosing device connected to an injection molding machine and linked to a data acquisition system via the Modbus TCP/IP communication protocol.

Constructing VN-V2O3 Heterogeneous Interface to Improve Wide Temperature Zinc Storage Performance.

Vanadium-based cathode materials deliver high specific capacity and multivalent property for zinc storage, but face challenges including dissolution, capacity decay, and slow ion transport at low temperatures, hindering their widespread application. Herein, a porous vanadium nitride-vanadium oxide (VN-V2O3) heterostructure is fabricated by a facile solvothermal and pyrolysis method, which enables the construction of the built-in electric field at the VN-V2O3 heterointerface and provides multi-channel active sites. During electrochemical activation, V2O3 in the VN-V2O3 heterojunction undergoes an insertion reaction, while crystal structure of VN alters with the amorphous transformation, thereby promoting Zn2+ storage and diffusion. The VN-V2O3 electrode exhibits a high reversible capacity of 335 mAh g-1 and ultra-long cycling capability up to 6000 cycles at 10 A g-1. It is noteworthy that the VN-V2O3 cathode demonstrates excellent zinc storage performance with Zn(CF3SO3)2-based gel electrolyte over wide temperature range (-35 to 60 °C). This work provides a new reference for the construction of vanadium-based heterostructures, constituting a feasible strategy for achieving long cycle stability and wide temperature range adaptability in cathode materials for aqueous ZIBs application.

Synergistic Adsorption‐Diffusion‐Catalytic Effect Boosting Polysulfides Conversion by Rational Isotype Heterojunction Design for Highly Reversible Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Abstract Sluggish reaction kinetics and ceaseless shuttle effect greatly restrict the actual performance of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. Herein, a rationally designed WO3/SnO2 isotype heterojunction is proposed as the surface modification on commercial separator to catalyze the redox conversion of the polysulfides. Experimental investigation, theoretical calculation, and in situ analysis cooperatively reveal that the “sesame ball”‐like WO3/SnO2 spontaneously generates an internal electric field across the heterointerface, which offers moderate adsorption but rapid diffusion and accelerated conversion towards polysulfides. Meanwhile, the rich heterointerface acting as profitable nucleation sites guides the 3D growth of sulfide and thus impedes the inactivation of catalytic surface. As a consequence, the polysulfides shuttling is greatly restrained and highly reversible Li–S chemistry is constructed. Impressively, the unique heterojunction design endows a long‐term cycling capability up to 1000 cycles at 2C, illustrating its highly efficient and long‐lived catalysis capability.

Anchoring Side Chains to Carbonate Groups for Reviving Stable Polycarbonate-Based Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries.

Polycarbonate-based electrolytes are ideal electrolytes for solid-state lithium metal batteries (LMBs) due to their wider electrochemical windows and considerable ionic conductivities compared with conventional solid polymer electrolytes. However, polycarbonates encounter severe interfacial side reactions with lithium metal, leading to the interfacial degradation of polymers. Herein, a spontaneously formed restricted conformation is designed via the in situ anchoring of side chains to suppress the interfacial degradation of polycarbonate-based electrolytes. The restricted conformation enables the side chains to shield and protect the degradable ester bonds of cyclic carbonates, suppressing contact and interfacial degradation between polycarbonates and lithium metal anodes. As a proof of concept, the protected polycarbonate-based electrolyte demonstrates a stable cycling capability of the Li/Li cell beyond 1000 h at a current density of 0.5 mA cm-2, and the assembled LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2/Li pouch cell also achieves similar improvement in cycling performance. This work indicates that the strategy of constructing restricted conformations via anchoring side chains is a feasible avenue for fabricating highly stable polycarbonate-based solid-state LMBs.

High-entropy sulfoselenide as negative electrodes with fast kinetics and high stability for sodium-ion batteries

Conversion electrodes offer higher reversible capacity and lower cost than conventional intercalation chemistry electrodes, but suffer from kinetic limitation and large volume expansion. Despite significant efforts, developing conversion electrodes with fast charging capability and extended lifespan remains challenging. Here, by leveraging the advantages of high-entropy doping and morphology tailoring, we develop a high-entropy hierarchical micro/nanostructured sulfoselenide Cu0.88Sn0.02Sb0.02Bi0.02Mn0.02S0.9Se0.1 electrode with entropy-driven fast-charging capability. When used as a negative electrode material for sodium-ion batteries, it achieves a stable cycle life of 10,000 cycles at 30 A g−1 and a high reversible capacity of 365.7 mAh g−1 under fast charging in 13 seconds at 100 A g−1. Moreover, high-entropy sulfoselenide also demonstrates stable cycling and good rate capability as a positive electrode material for lithium metal batteries, achieving a fast-charging capability of 37 seconds that is comparable with state-of-the-art layered cathodes. High-entropy sulfoselenide is characterized by its robust crystal structure, low ion diffusion barrier, and effective suppression of side reactions with electrolytes during cycling. Importantly, transmission X-ray microscopy affirms the chemical stability of HESSe, which underpins its fast-charging performance.

High Performance Capacitive Deionization Cathode of Nickel Hexacyanoferrate Doped with Trace Molybdenum: Breaking the Capacity-Stability Trade-Off.

Nickel hexacyanoferrate (NiHCF) is considered one of the most promising electrode materials for capacitive deionization (CDI) because of its excellent cycling stability and other advantages. However, the poor desalination ability and low adsorption capacity caused by a single reaction site seriously restrict its practical application. Here, a high-valence transition metal element Mo-doped strategy is proposed to utilize traces of Mo6+ to activate the inert-sites within NiHCF. The Mo-doped NiHCF electrodes (NiMox-HCF) with multiple pairs of redox active sites and long cycling capability were designed, breaking the trade-off between high adsorption capacity and cycling stability. The results show that the preferred NiMo0.3-HCF not only retains the excellent cycling stability (91% after 200 cycles), but also possesses a high adsorption capacity of 90.92mg g-1 at 1.2V, which is much better than those of NiHCF under the same conditions. In addition, it has good practical application in simulated brackish water and circulating cooling water. Structural characterization and theoretical calculations indicate that the Mo doping strategy enhanced electronic conductivity while maintaining structural stability. This research proposes a new method to activate inert sites using high-valence elements, thus effectively balancing the adsorption capacity and cycling stability of the electrode.

High Performance Capacitive Deionization Cathode of Nickel Hexacyanoferrate Doped with Trace Molybdenum: Breaking the Capacity‐Stability Trade‐Off

Abstract Nickel hexacyanoferrate (NiHCF) is considered one of the most promising electrode materials for capacitive deionization (CDI) because of its excellent cycling stability and other advantages. However, the poor desalination ability and low adsorption capacity caused by a single reaction site seriously restrict its practical application. Here, a high‐valence transition metal element Mo‐doped strategy is proposed to utilize traces of Mo6+ to activate the inert‐sites within NiHCF. The Mo‐doped NiHCF electrodes (NiMox‐HCF) with multiple pairs of redox active sites and long cycling capability were designed, breaking the trade‐off between high adsorption capacity and cycling stability. The results show that the preferred NiMo0.3‐HCF not only retains the excellent cycling stability (91% after 200 cycles), but also possesses a high adsorption capacity of 90.92 mg g−1 at 1.2 V, which is much better than those of NiHCF under the same conditions. In addition, it has good practical application in simulated brackish water and circulating cooling water. Structural characterization and theoretical calculations indicate that the Mo doping strategy enhanced electronic conductivity while maintaining structural stability. This research proposes a new method to activate inert sites using high‐valence elements, thus effectively balancing the adsorption capacity and cycling stability of the electrode.

Achieving a Highly Reversible Four-Electron Redox of S/Cu2S for Aqueous Zn/S─Cu Battery.

The combination of sulfur (S) cathode with Cu2+/Cu+ redox carriers has been considered as a promising cathode for the next-generation aqueous energy storage device due to the high specific capacity (two-step four-electron conversion), intrinsic safety, and low cost. Nevertheless, the unsatisfactory cycling stability of a sulfur-copper (S-Cu) cathode hinders its practical application. Herein, the two-step four-electron conversions are first decoupled in our study, identifying the inferior conversion reversibility between the intermedia CuS and the final product S as the primary cause for deteriorating cycling capability. Concerning the different hydrated dimensions of the Cu(H2O)6 2+ and Cu(H2O)2 +, the strategy of "spatial confinement" is proposed to alter the oxidation path of Cu2S and prevent the formation of the intermedia CuS. To ensure efficient S incorporation into the spatially confined carbon matrix, selenium (Se) is employed to "cut" the S8 into short-chain molecules. Consequently, the well-designed S-Cu cathode achieves a one-step four-electron reaction and exhibits superior electrochemical stability with an average capacity attenuation of 0.034% during 700 cycles. Our study provides an in-depth understanding of the conversion mechanism for the S-Cu cathode within the spatial-confinement environment and renders valuable insights for developing advanced conversion-type cathodes in aqueous energy-storage device.

Achieving a Highly Reversible Four‐Electron Redox of S/Cu2S for Aqueous Zn/S─Cu Battery

Abstract The combination of sulfur (S) cathode with Cu2+/Cu+ redox carriers has been considered as a promising cathode for the next‐generation aqueous energy storage device due to the high specific capacity (two‐step four‐electron conversion), intrinsic safety, and low cost. Nevertheless, the unsatisfactory cycling stability of a sulfur–copper (S–Cu) cathode hinders its practical application. Herein, the two‐step four‐electron conversions are first decoupled in our study, identifying the inferior conversion reversibility between the intermedia CuS and the final product S as the primary cause for deteriorating cycling capability. Concerning the different hydrated dimensions of the Cu(H2O)62+ and Cu(H2O)2+, the strategy of “spatial confinement” is proposed to alter the oxidation path of Cu2S and prevent the formation of the intermedia CuS. To ensure efficient S incorporation into the spatially confined carbon matrix, selenium (Se) is employed to “cut” the S8 into short‐chain molecules. Consequently, the well‐designed S–Cu cathode achieves a one‐step four‐electron reaction and exhibits superior electrochemical stability with an average capacity attenuation of 0.034% during 700 cycles. Our study provides an in‐depth understanding of the conversion mechanism for the S–Cu cathode within the spatial‐confinement environment and renders valuable insights for developing advanced conversion‐type cathodes in aqueous energy‐storage device.

Progress and Perspectives of Garnet-Based Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries: Toward Low Resistance, High Energy Density and Improved Cycling Capability

Progress and Perspectives of Garnet-Based Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries: Toward Low Resistance, High Energy Density and Improved Cycling Capability

MXene-Derived Potassium-Preintercalated Bilayered Vanadium Oxide Nanostructures for Cathodes in Nonaqueous K-Ion Batteries.

Bilayered vanadium oxides (BVOs) are promising cathode materials for beyond-Li-ion batteries due to their tunable chemistries and high theoretical capacities. However, the large size of beyond-Li+ ions limits electrochemical cycling and rate capability of BVO electrodes. Recent reports of MXene-derived BVOs with nanoscale flower-like morphology have shown improved electrochemical stability at high rates up to 5C in nonaqueous lithium-ion batteries. Here, we report how morphological stabilization can lead to improved rate capability in potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) through the synthesis and electrochemical characterization of MXene-derived K-preintercalated BVOs (MD-KVOs), which were derived from two V2CT x precursor materials prepared using two different etching protocols. We show that the etching conditions affect the surface chemistry of the MXene, which plays a role in the MXene-to-oxide transformation process. MXene derived from a milder etchant transformed into a nanoflower MD-KVO with two-dimensional (2D) nanosheet petals (KVO-DMAE) while a more aggressive etchant produced a MXene that transformed into a MD-KVO with one-dimensional (1D) nanorod morphology (KVO-CMAE). Electrochemical cycling of the produced MD-KVOs after drying at 200 °C under vacuum (KVO-DMAE-200 and KVO-CMAE-200) in PIBs showed that electrochemical stability of MD-KVO at high rates improved through the morphological stabilization of 2D particles combined with the control of interlayer water and K+ ion content. Structure refinement of KVO-DMAE-200 further corroborates the behavior observed during K+ ion cycling, connecting structural and compositional characteristics to the improved rate capability. This work demonstrates how proper synthetic methodology can cause downstream effects in the control of structure, chemical composition, and morphology of nanostructured layered oxide materials, which is necessary for development of future materials for beyond-Li-ion battery technologies.

The impact of mold compound on power cycling capability of SiC MOSFETs in double sided cooled modules

The impact of mold compound on power cycling capability of SiC MOSFETs in double sided cooled modules

Enhancing high-rate cycling capability of sodium-ion batteries at high temperatures through cathode structural design and modulation

Enhancing high-rate cycling capability of sodium-ion batteries at high temperatures through cathode structural design and modulation

Dual Dynamic Network Polymer Reinforced Carbon Nanotube Foam With Rapid Self‐Healing and Reversible Cycling Capabilities

ABSTRACTThe structural damage of carbon–polymer composites is a significant factor limiting their development and stable application. To solve this problem, polymers with fast self‐healing and recyclability were first obtained by introducing dynamic polymer chain segments in different proportions. When the molar ratio of H‐linked 2‐[[(butylamine)carbonyl]oxy]ethyl ester (PBC) and boric acid ester–linked poly(4‐hydroxymethyl) phenylboronic acid (PBA) is 2:1, the highest mechanical strength (2.9 ± 0.2 MPa) and elongation (700%) of the PBC2‐PBA1 were achieved. Subsequently, the hydroxylated modified carbon nanotube foams (CNTF) were used as templates, which were filled with PBC2‐PBA1 via a physical impregnation process to prepare CNTF polymer composites (PBC2‐PBA1/CNTF). When the CNTF content is 13.4 wt%, the composite exhibits high tensile strength of 5.5 MPa, 189% higher than the mechanical strength of PBC2–PBA1. Furthermore, it exhibits the self‐healing properties were by the recovery of tensile strength (100%), thermal conductivity (98.7%), and electrical conductivity (100%) at −20°C~100°C. In addition, the composite materials can be recycled and the reassembled material can restore 100% of its original mechanical properties. Therefore, optimization of molecular structure and modification of phase interfaces are the strategies to produce carbon‐polymer composites with excellent self‐healing and recycling functions.

Promoting Robust and Rapid Na‐Ion Storage of Molybdenum‐Based Sulfide via Rational Hetero and Hollow Structure Design

Abstract Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), characterized by its two‐dimensional structure and high theoretical specific capacity, is considered a prospective anode of Na‐ion battery. However, the cycling and rate capabilities are hampered by its sluggish charge transfer kinetics and poor structural stability. To overcome the issues, most efforts have been focused on optimizing the structure of MoS2. Nevertheless, rationally designing a structure that can present rapid and durable Na‐ion storage while ensuring large charge storage remains challenges. Herein, a MoS2/MnS heterostructure featuring a sphere‐like hollow morphology is rationally designed according to Ostwald ripening process and Kirkendall effect. This construction can effectively establish an interfacial built‐in electric field activated by MnS and MoS2, which exhibit P‐type and N‐type semiconductor characteristics, respectively, thereby promoting electrochemical kinetics. Moreover, excellent structural stability of MoS2/MnS after repeated (de)sodiation processes is remarkably achieved thanks to the robust morphology design, significantly achieving outstanding tolerance to structural changes. Consequently, the MoS2/MnS anode delivers high specific capacity (594.8 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1), superior rate performance (up to 100 A g−1), and ultrastable cycling capability (30 000 cycles with ≈81.4% retention). The work affords an effective structural optimization tactic to rationally develop high‐performance conversion‐type electrodes for alkali‐ion batteries.