Rechargeable Research Articles

Foam-like Porous Structured Trimetal Electrocatalysts Exhibiting Superior Performance for Overall Water Splitting and Solid-Liquid Zinc-Air Batteries.

Electrocatalysts through an interconnected porous structure that are highly durable, active, and affordable for industrial scale production are necessary for electricity conversion and storage devices with superior effectiveness. In the present study, we synthesized free-standing tri-metal oxide (FeNiCoO4) on top of an incredibly interconnected foam-like porous structure (FNCO) via a simple method. The enhanced FNCO-600 showed remarkable electrocatalytic activity and outstanding stability to the related half-cell responses with regard to oxygen reduction reaction (ORR = 0.757 V), oxygen evolution reaction (OER = 230 mV), and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER = 211 mV). Additionally, we looked into the overall efficiency of water splitting using the FNCO-600 catalyst, which exhibited exceptional longevity (70 h) and an impressive cell voltage (1.72 V). Furthermore, using FNCO-600 as the cathode, we created rechargeable solid-liquid electrolyte-based Zn-air batteries that demonstrated enhanced power densities of 21.8 mW cm-2 and 167.4 mW cm-2 with noteworthy durability. Finally, we showed how to synthesize and produce free-standing, foam-like porous structure catalysts on an industrial scale that provide excellent energy storage and conversion.

Multi-Component Phase Engineering Strategy Modulates Potassiation Reaction Energy Barrier of Alloying Anode for Stable Potassium Storage.

Red phosphorus (RP) has received much attention in potassium storage because of its inexpensive cost and high theoretical capacity, but faces the issues of volume expansion and poor conductivity. Fortunately, phosphorus-selenium hybridization solves these issues by forming an alloy anode that combines RP's high capacity with Se's high conductivity. But the weak chemical affinity between RP and Se makes it often difficult to form stable and homogeneous mixtures during preparation. To address this, this study introduces hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) as a bridging source to facilitate the close coupling of the RP and Se composite phases. The optimized multi-component anode exhibits high initial coulombic efficiency (ICE reaching 73.0%), good cycling stability (3000 cycles at 1 A g-1), and outstanding rate performance (a discharge specific capacity of 157.3 mAh g⁻¹ even at 2 A g⁻¹). Further investigation reveals that the introduction of h-BN reduces activation energy for interfacial charge transfer and K+ to cross the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). It also decreases the Gibbs free energy change (ΔG) of the potassiation reaction's decisive step. Therefore, the introduction of a third phase enhances the coupling effect of alloy-based composites, providing a method for designing secondary battery electrodes with high capacity.

Designing Crystalline/Amorphous NVNPF/NCK Cathode Toward High-Performance Fully-Printed Flexible Aqueous Rechargeable Sodium-Ion Batteries (ARSIBs).

The flexible ARSIBs have great potential in portable and wearable electronics due to their high cost-effectiveness, safety, and amazing flexibility. Nevertheless, achieving both outstanding flexibility and high energy density remains a challenge. Herein, a battery-supercapacitor composite material Na3V1.95Ni0.05(PO4)2F3/10%NC-KOH (NVNPF/NCK) with coexistence of crystalline and amorphous phases is fabricated by loading nitrogenous carbon (NC) onto Na3V1.95Ni0.05(PO4)2F3 (NVNPF) and etching with KOH. It demonstrates high specific capacity (187.26 mAh g-1), ultrahigh energy density (262.16Wh kg-1), and excellent cycle performance (the capacity retention is 81% at 1 C after 500 cycles). The high performance is achieved by doping Ni2⁺loading NC and etching with KOH, which generates vacancy defects, enhances structural stability, and accelerates ion-diffusion kinetics. Furthermore, the fully-printed ARSIBs (F-NTP//NVNPF/NCK) with high specific capacity (60.37 mAh g-1), amazing energy density (72.44Wh kg-1), and excellent cycle performance, are fabricated using screen-printing technique based on the NVNPF/NCK cathode and NaTi1.7Fe0.3(PO4)3 (F-NTP) anode. To the best of the authors' knowledge, F-NTP//NVNPF/NCK is the highest-performing fully-printed flexible ARSIB to date. In particular, these batteries can achieve tunability in shape and size, integration, and high-throughput manufacturing. Thus, this work can offer greater possibilities for the development of high-performance flexible ARSIBs.

Automated Solar Charging Station: An Instructional Mock-Up

Abstract: The Automated Solar Powered Charging System Device can be charged and located outside of the building and it is environmentally friendly setup. This research developed and designed an automated solar charging station in teaching Elex Tech 111 – Electronic Devices, Instrument and Circuits and the acceptability was evaluated through an instructional mock-up. Quasi-experiment method particularly survey research was employed involving 25 students, 5 instructors of CTU Tuburan Campus, and 10 experts in the said municipality for evaluation. Data were gathered and treated using weighted mean and t-test. From the findings, a conclusion is drawn despite the limitations of the study that included sample size and generalizability. Firstly, the requirements in the construction of the Automated Solar Charging Station included the preparation of the different parts, namely, the right solar panel, charge controller, photovoltaic battery, inverter, electrical load, and solar panel casing safety. These components were assembled following the different processes involved in making electronic products. Secondly, the Effectiveness of the Design and Installation of An Automated Solar Charging Station as an Instructional Mock-up for the respondents was “Moderately Effective” as perceived by the respondent groups. It was a helpful innovation, especially during this time of high electricity rates among the consumers of charging stations. Lastly, the output is very economical and practical. Therefore, it is concluded that it meets the standards and is precise functional in performing each functions to be used in instructions and is recommended to be adopted and produced for the utilization of the campus-wide.

Available Residual Capacity Prediction Model for the Life Cycle of Storage Battery Considering Multiple Disturbances

Available Residual Capacity Prediction Model for the Life Cycle of Storage Battery Considering Multiple Disturbances

Recent Advances in Achieving High Energy/Power Density of Lithium–Sulfur Batteries for Current and Near‐Future Applications

ABSTRACTAlthough lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) are promising next‐generation secondary batteries, their mass commercialization has not yet been achieved primarily owing to critical issues such as the “shuttle effect” of soluble lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and uncontrollable Li dendrite growth. Thus, most reviews on LSBs are focused on strategies for inhibiting shuttle behavior and achieving dendrite‐free LSBs to improve the cycle life and Coulombic efficiency of LSBs. However, LSBs have various promising advantages, including an ultrahigh energy density (2600 Wh kg−1), cost‐effectiveness, environmental friendliness, low weight, and flexible attributes, which suggest the feasibility of their current and near‐future practical applications in fields that require these characteristics, irrespective of their moderate lifespan. Here, for the first time, challenges impeding the current and near‐future applications of LSBs are comprehensively addressed. In particular, the latest progress and novel materials based on their electrochemical characteristics are summarized, with a focus on the gravimetric/volumetric energy density (capacity), loading mass and sulfur content in cathodes, electrolyte‐to‐sulfur ratios, rate capability, and maximization of these advantageous characteristics for applications in specific areas. Additionally, potential areas for practical applications of LSBs are suggested, with insights for improving LSB performances from a different standpoint and facilitating their integration into various application domains.

In-situ electrochemical activation accelerates the magnesium-ion storage

Rechargeable magnesium batteries (RMBs) have emerged as a highly promising post-lithium battery systems owing to their high safety, the abundant Magnesium (Mg) resources, and superior energy density. Nevertheless, the sluggish kinetics has severely limited the performance of RMBs. Here, we propose an in-situ electrochemical activation strategy for improving the Mg-ion storage kinetics. We reveal that the activation strategy can effectively optimize surface composition of cathode that favors Mg-ion transport. Cooperating with lattice modifications, the CuSe | |Mg batteries exhibit a specific capacity around 160 mAh/g after 400 cycles with a capacity retention of over 91% at the specific current of 400 mA/g. Of significant note is the slight decay in specific capacity from 205 to 141 mAh/g has been observed with an increase in specific current from 20 to 1000 mA/g. This strategy provides insights into accelerating Mg-ion storage kinetics, achieving a promising performance of RMBs especially at high specific current.

Optimizing bus charging infrastructure by incorporating private car charging demands and uncertain solar photovoltaic generation

Abstract Integrating solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage (BES) into bus charging infrastructure offers a feasible solution to the challenge of carbon emissions and grid burdens. The deployment costs and uncertain power outputs of solar PV and BES need to be considered by public transportation agencies. This study presents a data-driven approach to optimize bus charging infrastructure and incorporates sharing charging and uncertain solar PV generation using the Latin Hypercube Sampling method. A case study in Yinchuan, China, reveals that integrating solar PV and BES at a single bus depot reduces total costs by 37.35%, carbon emissions by 41.46%, and grid loads by 49.35% over the 10-year lifetime of BES. Sharing this infrastructure with private cars offers further economic benefits. Global analysis shows this approach’s varying economic and environmental advantages. The proposed model offers practical implications for developing cost-effective and environmentally friendly electric bus charging infrastructure to advance sustainable transport.

Antimony nanoparticles encapsulated in three-dimensional porous carbon frameworks for high-performance rechargeable batteries

Antimony nanoparticles encapsulated in three-dimensional porous carbon frameworks for high-performance rechargeable batteries

Achieving Fast Ionic Transport and High Mechanical Properties of Cellulose-Based Solid-State Electrolyte via a Cationic Chain-Extended Effect for Zinc Metal Batteries.

In recent years, rechargeable aqueous zinc metal batteries have ushered in rapid development, but their large-scale industrial application is hindered by zinc anode dendrite formation and hydrogen evolution reaction. Using a solid-state polymer electrolyte is one of the strategies to solve this problem. Herein, by introducing the chain-expanding effect of zinc salts on oxidized bacterial cellulose, cellulose-based polymer electrolytes with excellent strength and ionic conductivity are prepared. According to the thermogravimetric calculations, the bound water content in prepared electrolytes greatly increases, which slows down the occurrence of side reactions. More importantly, the expanding distance between the fiber chains provides more space for the movement of Zn2+. The obtained solid-state electrolyte displays a high ionic conductivity (38.26 mS cm-1) and good mechanical properties (tensile stress is 592 kPa and tensile strain is 381%). Due to the properties of the solid electrolyte itself, its electrochemical window is expanded to 2.58 V. The assembled Zn∥Zn symmetrical battery maintains an ultralong cycle lifespan over 980 h of 0.5 mA cm-2. The Zn∥NH4V10O10 battery provides the specific capacity (363.1 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1) and shows a satisfactory rate performance.

Building Li–S batteries with enhanced temperature adaptability via a redox-active COF-based barrier-trapping electrocatalyst

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are promising materials for mitigating polysulfide shuttling in lithium-sulfur (Li–S) batteries, but enhancing their ability to convert polysulfides across a wide temperature range remains a challenge. Herein, we introduce a redox-active COF (RaCOF) that functions as both a physical barrier and a kinetic enhancer to improve the temperature adaptability of Li–S batteries. The RaCOF constructed from redox-active anthraquinone units accelerates polysulfide conversion kinetics through reversible C=O/C-OLi transformations within a voltage range of 1.7 to 2.8 V (vs. Li+/Li), optimizing sulfur redox reactions in ether-based electrolytes. Unlike conventional COFs, RaCOF provides bidentate trapping of polysulfides, increasing binding energy and facilitating more effective polysulfide management. In-situ XRD and ToF-SIMS analyses confirm that RaCOF enhances polysulfide adsorption and promotes the transformation of lithium sulfide (Li2S), leading to better sulfur cathode reutilization. Consequently, RaCOF-modified Li–S batteries demonstrate low self-discharge (4.0% decay over a 7-day rest), excellent wide-temperature performance (stable from −10 to +60 °C), and high-rate cycling stability (94% capacity retention over 500 cycles at 5.0 C). This work offers valuable insights for designing COF structures aimed at achieving temperature-adaptive performance in rechargeable batteries.

Proposal of Peak Load Suppression Measures for EV Quick Charging using Charge Shift and Storage Battery

Proposal of Peak Load Suppression Measures for EV Quick Charging using Charge Shift and Storage Battery

Experimental characterization of a reversible heat pump – Organic Rankine cycle pilot plant as a thermally integrated Carnot battery

This paper reports a first detailed experimental characterization of a reversible heat pump – Organic Rankine Cycle pilot plant, presenting its potential as a thermally integrated Carnot battery for efficient energy storage. A total of 150 stationary operating points were investigated in both heat pump and ORC modes. The study analyzes and discusses the main trends and interactions on system and component level. As expected, heat pump and ORC operation show an opposing behavior. While heat pump operation yields a maximum COP of 9.5 at a 15 K temperature lift, the peak net ORC efficiency reaches 4.4 % with a 40 K temperature gradient. If additional storage losses are neglected, this leads to a power-to-power (round-trip) efficiency of up to 41.8 % for the Carnot battery. The absence of a liquid receiver in the ORC mode leads to notable subcooling and increased condensation pressures, impacting the expander’s power generation due to excess refrigerant accumulation. Moreover, the experimental results reveal that the reversible screw machine is the critical factor influencing efficiency. The screw machine’s maximum isentropic efficiencies are 78 % and 66 % in compressor and expander operation, respectively. The reliability of the results was verified by means of an energy balance and reference operating points, underlining high reproducibility. Additionally, potential system improvements were derived from the experimental results. Altogether, this paper successfully proofs the concept of reversible heat pump – ORC systems and provides experimental results for ongoing advancements in this field.

Regulating Zn2+ solvation structure in eutectic electrolytes for rechargeable zinc batteries

Regulating Zn2+ solvation structure in eutectic electrolytes for rechargeable zinc batteries

Mechanically rechargeable zinc-air battery for off-grid and remote power applications

Mechanically rechargeable zinc-air battery for off-grid and remote power applications

Interface regulation and electrolyte design strategies for zinc anodes in high-performance zinc metal batteries.

Rechargeable zinc metal batteries (ZMBs) represent a promising solution for large-scale energy storage due to their safety, cost-effectiveness, and high theoretical capacity. However, the development of zinc metal anodes is hindered by challenges such as dendrite formation, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and low Coulombic efficiency stemming from undesirable interfacial processes in aqueous electrolytes. This review explores various strategies to enhance zinc anode performance, focusing on artificial SEI, morphology adjustments, electrolyte regulation, and flowing electrolyte. These approaches aim to suppress dendrite growth, mitigate side reactions, and optimize the electric double layer (EDL) and Zn2+ solvation structures. By addressing these interfacial challenges, the insights presented here pave the way for designing high-performance ZMBs, offering directions for future research into scalable and sustainable battery technologies.

Tunnel-structure MnO2 nanospheres as high-capacity and reversible cathode materials for rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Tunnel-structure MnO2 nanospheres as high-capacity and reversible cathode materials for rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Microenvironment regulation of asymmetric Fe coordination centers through designing p-n junction toward highly efficient oxygen reduction for rechargeable zinc-air batteries

Microenvironment regulation of asymmetric Fe coordination centers through designing p-n junction toward highly efficient oxygen reduction for rechargeable zinc-air batteries

Cobalt phosphorous trisulfide nanoparticles as a multifunctional electrocatalyst for rechargeable zinc-air battery and hydrogen evolution reaction

Cobalt phosphorous trisulfide nanoparticles as a multifunctional electrocatalyst for rechargeable zinc-air battery and hydrogen evolution reaction

A novel high durability ZnCl2-NH4Cl threshold-WIS (water-in-salt) electrolyte for rechargeable zinc-air battery

A novel high durability ZnCl2-NH4Cl threshold-WIS (water-in-salt) electrolyte for rechargeable zinc-air battery