Electrochemical Storage Technologies Research Articles

Platanus occidentalis L. fruit-derived carbon materials for electrochemical potassium storage

In the post-lithium-ion battery era, potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) have been considered as a promising candidate because of their electrochemical and economic characteristics. However, as an emerging electrochemical storage technology, it is urgent to develop capable anode materials that can be produced at low cost and on a large scale to promote its practical application. Biomass-derived carbon materials as anodes of PIBs exhibit strong competitiveness by their merits of low weight, high stability, non-toxicity, and wide availability. In this work, we employed Platanus occidentalis L. fruits as a precursor to prepare a series of biomass-derived carbon materials by simply adjusting carbonization temperature, and we explored their electrochemical potassium storage capability as anode materials. The optimized sample (annealed at 800 °C) delivered good potassium storage capability (193.3 mAh g-1at 100 mA g-1after 100 cycles), cycling stability (80.4 mAh g-1after 300 cycles at 300 mA g-1), and rate performance (51.2 mAh g-1at 1000 mA g-1). This work demonstrates a feasible way to utilize biomass waste disposal for emerging sustainable energy storage technologies.

A flexible tool for the multi-attribute evaluation of Lithium-ion batteries

A flexible tool for the multi-attribute evaluation of Lithium-ion batteries

Unveiling activity of transition metal single-atom sites on the graphene-like BC2P monolayer for oxygen evolution reaction: A density functional theory study

Unveiling activity of transition metal single-atom sites on the graphene-like BC2P monolayer for oxygen evolution reaction: A density functional theory study

Regulating sodium deposition by specific surface area composite ratio for anode-free Na metal batteries

Regulating sodium deposition by specific surface area composite ratio for anode-free Na metal batteries

A Fully Amorphous, Dynamic Cross-Linked Polymer Electrolyte for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries Operating at Subzero-Temperatures.

Solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries have shown prospects as safe, high-energy electrochemical storage technology for powering regional electrified transportation. Owing to limited ion mobility in crystalline polymer electrolytes, the battery is incapable of operating at subzero temperature. Addition of liquid plasticizer into the polymer electrolyte improves the Li-ion conductivity yet sacrifices the mechanical strength and interfacial stability with both electrodes. In this work, we showed that by introducing a spherical hyperbranched solid polymer plasticizer into a Li+ -conductive linear polymer matrix, an integrated dynamic cross-linked polymer network was built to maintain fully amorphous in a wide temperature range down to subzero. A quasi-solid polymer electrolyte with a solid mass content >90 % was prepared from the cross-linked polymer network, and demonstrated fast Li+ conduction at a low temperature, high mechanical strength, and stable interfacial chemistry. As a result, solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries employing the new electrolyte delivered high reversible capacity and long cycle life at 25 °C, 0 °C and -10 °C to serve energy storage at complex environmental conditions.

A Fully Amorphous, Dynamic Cross‐Linked Polymer Electrolyte for Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries Operating at Subzero‐Temperatures

AbstractSolid‐state lithium‐sulfur batteries have shown prospects as safe, high‐energy electrochemical storage technology for powering regional electrified transportation. Owing to limited ion mobility in crystalline polymer electrolytes, the battery is incapable of operating at subzero temperature. Addition of liquid plasticizer into the polymer electrolyte improves the Li‐ion conductivity yet sacrifices the mechanical strength and interfacial stability with both electrodes. In this work, we showed that by introducing a spherical hyperbranched solid polymer plasticizer into a Li+‐conductive linear polymer matrix, an integrated dynamic cross‐linked polymer network was built to maintain fully amorphous in a wide temperature range down to subzero. A quasi‐solid polymer electrolyte with a solid mass content >90 % was prepared from the cross‐linked polymer network, and demonstrated fast Li+ conduction at a low temperature, high mechanical strength, and stable interfacial chemistry. As a result, solid‐state lithium‐sulfur batteries employing the new electrolyte delivered high reversible capacity and long cycle life at 25 °C, 0 °C and −10 °C to serve energy storage at complex environmental conditions.

(Digital Presentation) Hybrid Membranes Engineered from Sustainable Sources Exhibit Improved Ionic Conductivity

Ion-conducting membranes are crucial in electrochemical storage and energy conversion technologies such as fuel cells, alkaline ion batteries, and redox-flow batteries. The purpose of the membrane is to prevent direct contact between the electrodes while allowing selective ions to pass through. The characteristics of the ion-conducting membranes include excellent mechanical and thermal stability, chemical resistance, high ionic conductivity, and selectivity. Polymers and polymer-based precursors make up the majority of the materials that have been used as ion-conducting membranes. However, most polymer-based membranes have issues related to poor chemical resistance, recyclability, and thermal and mechanical stability. In addition, as more sustainable materials are being sought to create a sustainable society, new environmentally friendly and economically viable materials are in high demand. The clay-based material could be an alternative for ion-conducting applications due to its porous structure, high surface area, tunable interlayer spacing, excellent thermal and mechanical stability, and high ion conductivity. Clay minerals are primarily used in water treatment, pharmaceutics, ceramics, paints, and coating industries. Furthermore, clay minerals have been used as a filler material in energy storage and conversion system to improve the thermal stability and ion conductivity in electrodes, electrolytes, and separators.Herein, we report a novel approach to making non-polymeric hybrid clay membranes using environmentally benign materials such as clay and zwitterion (i.e., sulfobetaine). These membranes with improved ionic conductivity will find immense potential in applications in energy storage and conversion systems. Such membranes have been synthesized by intercalating sulfobetaine molecules into the interlayer spacing of the bentonite clay matrix. Sulfobetaine is a zwitterion composed of quaternary ammonium cations and sulfonate anions. Leveraging the unique structure-property features that exist in zwitterions helps to alter the interlayer spacings in the clay matrix, thereby enabling ion diffusion through the silicate layers. Furthermore, it helps in the formation of a self-supporting membrane. The functionalized membrane's crystal structure and chemical composition were investigated using XRD, XPS, and ATR-FTIR. XRD was used to identify the layered structure of the silicates in clay and the increased interlayer spacing (1.15 nm to 1.8 nm) of the hybrid clay membrane. Data from XPS and ATR-FTIR confirmed the successful functionalization of clay with sulfobetaine. Furthermore, the ionic conductivity of the hybrid clay membrane was characterized using a non-aqueous lithium electrolyte solution, and found a conductivity of . This is one of the first reports showcasing how zwitterions can impart conductivity in clay silicate motifs. It suggests an easy and novel approach to transport lithium-ion through silicate layers, thereby making it suitable for use as membranes in batteries and supercapacitors. The current study demonstrates an easy and versatile approach to developing cost-effective and eco-friendly membranes from sustainable materials such as clay, which, when functionalized, has the potential to be a highly efficient ion-conducting material with applications in energy storage, devices, and technologies.

Recent Advances in the Development of Li‐Air Batteries, Experimental and Predictive Approaches – Prospective, Challenges, and Opportunities

AbstractThe significance of lithium‐air batteries (LABs) has recently increased as they are a highly competitive alternative to lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) for powering electric automobiles. The reason behind this is their excessive theoretical energy density. The advancement, breakthroughs, and drawbacks of LABs are examined. A comprehensive evaluation of various energy storage devices is provided, followed by an evaluation of several electrochemical storage technologies, their advantages, and drawbacks. Also, recent advances in LABs are reviewed and potential machine learning techniques are explored to address the existing obstacles hindering the widespread adoption of LABs.

Theoretical insights on oxygen electrode reactions of YNxC4-x@Gra with hydroxylation effect

Theoretical insights on oxygen electrode reactions of YNxC4-x@Gra with hydroxylation effect

Novel Bismuth Nanoflowers Encapsulated in N-Doped Carbon Frameworks as Superb Composite Anodes for High-Performance Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Bismuth (Bi) has attracted attention as a promising anode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) owing to its suitable potential and high theoretical capacity. However, the large volumetric changes during cycling leads to severe degradation of electrochemical performance and limits its practical application. Herein, Bi nanoflowers are encapsulated in N-doped carbon frameworks to construct a novel Bi@NC composite via a facile solvothermal method and carbonization strategy. The well-designed composite structure endows the Bi@NC with uniformly dispersed Bi nanoflowers to alleviate the attenuation while the N-doped carbon frameworks improve the conductivity and ion transport of the whole electrode. As for sodium-ion half-cell, the electrode exhibits a high specific capacity (384.8mAhg-1 at 0.1Ag-1 ) and excellent rate performance (341.5mAhg-1 at 10Ag-1 ), and the capacityretention rate still remains at 94.9% after 5000 cycles at 10Ag-1 . Furthermore, the assembled full-cell with Na3 V2 (PO4 )3 cathode and Bi@NC anode can deliver a high capacity of 251.5mAhg-1 at 0.1Ag-1 , and its capacity attenuates only 0.009% in each cycle after 2000 times at 5.0Ag-1 . This work offers a convenient, low-cost, and eco-friendliness approach for high-performance electrodes in the field of sodium ion electrochemical storage technology.

Advanced cycling ageing-driven circular economy with E-mobility-based energy sharing and lithium battery cascade utilisation in a district community

Electrochemical storage technologies are essential for transformation towards electrification in both building and transportation sectors. However, the high cost, intensified carbon density and performance ageing of electrochemical batteries prevent its sustainable applications. Many studies have explored the battery circular economy based on reusing retired EV batteries with economic and environmental competitiveness. However, few studies combine battery circular economy with E-mobility-based interactive renewable energy sharing network for sustainability, together with comprehensive considerations on dynamic battery performance and degradation. In this study, a building-vehicle energy interaction model and a battery circular economy model were developed to simulate the process of reusing retired EV batteries. Considering the inconsistency in the carbon intensity of battery operation, manufacturing and recycling phases, a lifecycle battery carbon intensity criterion is proposed to quantify the lifetime carbon of batteries, and assess the decarbonisation capability of different renewable sources, battery reusing and V2B/B2V interaction, respectively. Results show that reusing retired batteries from EVs to buildings can improve the demand coverage ratio (DCR) from 0.48 to 0.504 and the renewable penetration ratio (RPR) from 0.502 to 0.531, respectively. Furthermore, the battery carbon intensity cannot be offset unless both renewables and reused batteries are integrated. The case study demonstrates the decrease of battery carbon intensity from 1284.57 kg CO2,e/kWh to −720.79 kg CO2,e/kWh with renewable and reused batteries. Research results can provide innovative battery circular economy frameworks for electrification transformation, decarbonisation and sustainable development.

Theoretical prediction of LaNxC4-x-doped graphene as potential bifunctional and acidic-alkaline omnipotent electrocatalysts for oxygen electrode reaction

Theoretical prediction of LaNxC4-x-doped graphene as potential bifunctional and acidic-alkaline omnipotent electrocatalysts for oxygen electrode reaction

RELATIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE COST OF RESERVATION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

The generation of electricity by solar and wind power plants depends on natural conditions, and therefore there are problems with their participation in the process of balancing the modes of electric power systems (EPS). It is difficult for them to carry out the forecasted and approved hourly generation schedule for the next day with the specified accuracy. The UES is forced to keep a capacity reserve to compensate for deviations of renewable energy sources (EPS) from the projected generation schedule. Since these deviations can be both larger and smaller than the permissible ones, it is by this criterion that we can choose and form a means to balance the EPS regimes. The paper proposes a method for researching backup measures of renewable energy sources with unstable generation in EPS. The criterion of optimality for comparing RES reservation methods is their relative costs 
 Among the ways of reserving RES, system reserve is generally used (mainly the maneuverable capacities of thermal and hydroelectric power plants), but since it is not enough, it is suggested to use other means of reserving power available today: electrochemical electricity storage, hydrogen and biogas technologies.
 Mathematical models based on the theory of similarity and the criterion method have been developed to analyze the technical and economic efficiency of certain means of reservation. The criterion method is preferred due to the fact that, with minimal available initial information, it provides an opportunity to compare different methods of reserving RES generation and determine the optimal ones. The method makes it possible to assess their proportionality, as well as to determine the sensitivity of costs to the power of reservation methods.
 Criterion models have been formed that make it possible to build the dependence of the costs and reserve means of variable RES generation on the capacity of the reserve means.. Such dependencies make it possible to more reasonably choose certain reservation methods at the first stage in accordance with the characteristics and requirements of the UES. They can be clarified if the price indicators that are valid at the moment and for the near future are known.

Hybrid Energy Storage Systems Based on Redox-Flow Batteries: Recent Developments, Challenges, and Future Perspectives

Recently, the appeal of Hybrid Energy Storage Systems (HESSs) has been growing in multiple application fields, such as charging stations, grid services, and microgrids. HESSs consist of an integration of two or more single Energy Storage Systems (ESSs) to combine the benefits of each ESS and improve the overall system performance, e.g., efficiency and lifespan. Most recent studies on HESS mainly focus on power management and coupling between the different ESSs without a particular interest in a specific type of ESS. Over the last decades, Redox-Flow Batteries (RFBs) have received significant attention due to their attractive features, especially for stationary storage applications, and hybridization can improve certain characteristics with respect to short-term duration and peak power availability. Presented in this paper is a comprehensive overview of the main concepts of HESSs based on RFBs. Starting with a brief description and a specification of the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of common electrochemical storage technologies suitable for hybridization with RFBs, HESS are classified based on battery-oriented and application-oriented KPIs. Furthermore, an optimal coupling architecture of HESS comprising the combination of an RFB and a Supercapacitor (SC) is proposed and evaluated via numerical simulation. Finally, an in-depth study of Energy Management Systems (EMS) is conducted. The general structure of an EMS as well as possible application scenarios are provided to identify commonly used control and optimization parameters. Therefore, the differentiation in system-oriented and application-oriented parameters is applied to literature data. Afterwards, state-of-the-art EMS optimization techniques are discussed. As an optimal EMS is characterized by the prediction of the system’s future behavior and the use of the suitable control technique, a detailed analysis of the previous implemented EMS prediction algorithms and control techniques is carried out. The study summarizes the key aspects and challenges of the electrical hybridization of RFBs and thus gives future perspectives on newly needed optimization and control algorithms for management systems.

Recyclable molten-salt-assisted synthesis of N-doped porous carbon nanosheets from coal tar pitch for high performance sodium batteries

Recyclable molten-salt-assisted synthesis of N-doped porous carbon nanosheets from coal tar pitch for high performance sodium batteries

Mo2 C Nanoparticles Embedded in Carbon Nanowires with Surface Pseudocapacitance Enables High-Energy and High-Power Sodium Ion Capacitors.

Electrochemical sodium-ion storage technologies have become an indispensable part in the field of large-scale energy storage systems owing to the widespread and low-cost sodium resources. Molybdenum carbides with high electron conductivity are regarded as potential sodium storage anode materials, but the comprehensive sodium storage mechanism has not been studied in depth. Herein, Mo2 C nanowires (MC-NWs) in which Mo2 C nanoparticles are embedded in carbon substrate are synthesized. The sodium-ion storage mechanism is further systematically studied by in/ex situ experimental characterizations and diffusion kinetics analysis. Briefly, it is discovered that a faradaic redox reaction occurs in the surface amorphous molybdenum oxides on Mo2 C nanoparticles, while the inner Mo2 C is unreactive. Thus, the as-synthesized MC-NWs with surface pseudocapacitance display excellent rate capability (a high specific capacity of 76.5mAhg-1 at 20Ag-1 ) and long cycling stability (a high specific capacity of 331.2mAhg-1 at 1Ag-1 over 1500 cycles). The assembled original sodium ion capacitor displays remarkable power density and energy density. This work provides a comprehensive understanding of the sodium storage mechanism of Mo2 C materials, and constructing pseudocapacitive materials is an effective way to achieve sodium-ion storage devices with high power and energy density.

Bead‐Like Coal‐Derived Carbon Anodes for High Performance Potassium‐Ion Hybrid Capacitors

AbstractThe pursuit of long life, high rate and low‐cost anode materials is of great significance for potassium‐ion hybrid capacitors (PIHCs). Here, the bead‐like coal‐derived carbon films (BCCFs‐800) for PIHCs were synthesized with low‐cost coal as precursor. Benefiting from the well‐designed composite structure, the wettability on the electrode surface was enhanced and the diffusion of electrolyte ions was also facilitated, thereby improving the electrochemical performance of the electrode. A potassium ion hybrid capacitor was fabricated with BCCFs‐800 as battery‐type anode and active carbon as capacitor‐type cathode, and it delivered promising energy and power densities (119 Wh kg−1 at 186 W kg−1 and 2187 W kg−1 at 52 Wh kg−1). The as‐obtained earth‐abundant and high performance electrodes will promote the green and clean utilization of coal and accelerate the development of potassium ion electrochemical storage technology.

Electrochemical Cells and Storage Technologies to Increase Renewable Energy Share in Cold Climate Conditions—A Critical Assessment

The energy efficiency of a renewable energy system is inextricably linked to the energy storage technologies used in conjunction with it. The most extensively utilized energy storage technology for all purposes is electrochemical storage batteries, which have grown more popular over time because of their extended life, high working voltage, and low self-discharge rate. However, these batteries cannot withstand the very low temperatures encountered in cold regions, even with these very promising technical characteristics. The cold northern temperatures affect the batteries’ electromotive force and thus decrease their storage capacity. In addition, they affect the conductivity of the electrolyte and the kinetics of electrochemical reactions, thus influencing the capacity and speed of electrons in the electrolyte. In this article, which is intended as a literature review, we first describe the technical characteristics of charge–discharge rate of different electrochemical storage techniques and their variations with temperature. Then, new approaches used to adapt these electrochemical storage techniques to cold climates are presented. We also conduct a comparative study between the different electrochemical storage techniques regarding their performance in the harsh climatic conditions of the Canadian North.

Photo-enhanced ionic conductivity across grain boundaries in polycrystalline ceramics.

Grain boundary conductivity limitations are ubiquitous in material science. We show that illumination with above-bandgap light can decrease the grain boundary resistance in solid ionic conductors. Specifically, we demonstrate the increase of the grain boundary conductance of a 3 mol% Gd-doped ceria thin film by a factor of approximately 3.5 at 250 °C and the reduction of its activation energy from 1.12 to 0.68 eV under illumination, while light-induced heating and electronic conductivity could be excluded as potential sources for the observed opto-ionic effect. The presented model predicts that photo-generated electrons decrease the potential barrier heights associated with space charge zones depleted in charge carriers between adjacent grains. The discovered opto-ionic effect could pave the way for the development of new electrochemical storage and conversion technologies operating at lower temperatures and/or higher efficiencies and could be further used for fast and contactless control or diagnosis of ionic conduction in polycrystalline solids.

Co‐optimization of active power curtailment, load shedding and spinning reserve deficits through hybrid approach: Comparison of electrochemical storage technologies

Under the constraints of fossil-fuel reserves depletion and climate change, the expansion of intermittent renewable generation creates a lot of power integration issues which undeniably disturb the overall system stability. Optimally planned, electricity storage systems are capable of managing the variability and uncertainty of renewable energy sources, guaranteeing power balance and ensuring feasible and economical operation. Here, the outcomes derived by a Genetic algorithm-driven priority list approach is provided, which effectively quantifies the impact of intermittent renewable energy sources on total production cost and the benefits of electricity storage. The experimental evaluation on three benchmark scenarios shows that cost improvements exist in terms of thermal generation improvement, lower renewable generation curtailment and load shedding avoidance cost. Zinc-air battery offers the highest net present value at relatively low PV penetration levels. Increased penetration levels favour Li-ion batteries followed by Pb-acid and Vanadium-redox flow batteries. In general, the viability of each storage device depends on the renewable penetration level, promoting the technologies with lower capital costs at limited shares, whereas at higher contribution frameworks systems with higher performance features become preferable.