High-performance Anode Research Articles

In-situ conversion of BiOBr to Br-doped BiOCl nanosheets for "rocking chair" zinc-ion battery.

Developing insertion-type anodes is essential for designing high-performance "rocking chair" zinc-ion batteries. BiOCl shows great potential as an insertion-type anode material for Zn2+ storage due to its high specific capacity and unique layered structure. However, the development of BiOCl has been significantly hampered by its poor stability and kinetics during cycling. In this study, Br-doped and carbon-coated BiOCl ultrathin nanosheets (Br-BiOCl@NC) are synthesized as high-performance anodes. The ultrathin nanosheet morphology facilitates Zn2+/H+ transfer and the Br doping reduces the Zn2+/H+ diffusion barrier. Additionally, the carbon coating enhances the electronic transfer. Furthermore, an insertion-conversion mechanism involving H+ and Zn2+ storage is revealed by ex-situ tests. Therefore, Br-BiOCl@NC exhibits a high discharge capacity of 174mA h/g at 500mA/g without capacity degradation after 1000 cycles. The Br-BiOCl@NC//MnO2 full cell presents a discharge capacity of ≈ 120mA h/g at 200mA/g. This work offers valuable insights for the design of high-performance insertion-type anode materials in zinc-ion batteries.

Partially amorphous vanadium oxysulfide for achieving high-performance Li-ion batteries.

Vanadium-based materials exhibit a high theoretical capacity and diverse valence states, rendering them promising candidate anodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the cycling and rate performance are limited by their weak structural stability and electrical conductivity. Herein, a rational amorphization strategy has been developed to construct dual-anion vanadium oxysulfide nanoflowers (VSO NFs) with partial amorphous components and abundant oxygen vacancies as anode material for LIBs. Both experimental and theoretical calculations results suggest that the introduction of amorphous components and oxygen vacancies significantly improves its electronic conductivity and provides abundant channels and active sites for the movement of Li ions. As expected, the VSO NFs electrode can provide an ultrahigh capacity (672.3mAh/g at 0.1 A/g) and excellent rate performance (433.1mAh/g at 2.0 A/g), as well as remarkable cyclic stability (361.7 mAh/g at 2.0 A/g after 600 cycles). Finally, the assembled VSO NFs//LiFePO4 full battery also shows outstanding rate capability and cycling life. Therefore, this amorphous strategy can serve as a guideline for manufacturing high-performance anode materials in electrochemical energy-storage fields.

Enhanced lithium-ion battery performance with a novel composite anode: S-doped graphene oxide, polypyrrole, and fumed silica

In this work, a novel composite anode material was developed, utilizing S-doped graphene oxide (SGO), polypyrrole (PPy), and fumed silica to enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The chronoamperometric approach was used to produce SGO, while the chemical method was employed to synthesize PPy. A composite of SGO, PPy, and fumed silica was prepared as an anode for a half-cell, using two samples: one with a high PPy ratio (S1) and the other with a low PPy ratio (S2) and compared the results with bare sample (S0). The S1 sample exhibited a good initial discharge capacity (648 mAh g-1), with capacities of 207 and 131 mAh g-1at 5 C and 10 C, respectively. S1 and S2 also demonstrated superior cycling stability at a high current (100 cycles at 10 C), with a retention capacity of 99 and 87%, respectively compared with S0 which retained only 68%. Coin-type full cells with S1 as the anode and LiFePO4(LFP) as the cathode were assembled and compared with commercial graphite anodes. The S1 full cell showed a high reversible capacity (164 mAh g-1at 0.1 C), with a capacity retention of 66% after 100 cycles at 10 C. At the same time, the graphite anode exhibited a reversible capacity of 133 mAh g-1at 0.1 C, with a capacity retention of 58% after 100 cycles at 10 C. The S1 full cell achieved a gravimetric energy density of 164 W h kg-1at 0.1 C and 49 W h kg-1at 10 C, which is 25% greater than that of the graphite full cell(39 W h kg-1) at 10 C. These distinguishing characteristics of S1 make it a viable substitute for graphite as a high-performance anode material in LIBs, opening the possibility for devices with reliable battery systems.

Leveraging Iron in the Electrolyte to Improve Oxygen Evolution Reaction Performance: Fundamentals, Strategies, and Perspectives.

Electrochemical water splitting is a pivotal technology for storing intermittent electricity from renewable sources into hydrogen fuel. However, its overall energy efficiency is impeded by the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode. In the quest to design high-performance anode catalysts for driving the OER under non-acidic conditions, iron (Fe) has emerged as a crucial element. Although the profound impact of adventitious electrolyte Fen+ species on OER catalysis had been reported forty years ago, recent interest in tailoring the electrode-electrolyte interface has spurred studies on the controlled introduction of Fe ions into the electrolyte to improve OER performance. During the catalytic process, scenarios where the rate of Fen+ deposition on a specific host material outruns that of dissolution pave the way for establishing highly efficient and dynamically stable electrochemical interfaces for long-term steady operation. This review systematically summarizes recent endeavors devoted to elucidating the behaviors of in situ Fe(aq.) incorporation, the role of incorporated Fe sites in the OER, and critical factors influencing the interplay between the electrode surface and Fe ions in the electrolyte environment. Finally, unexplored issues related to comprehensively understanding and leveraging the dynamic exchange of Fen+ at the interface for improved OER catalysis are summarized.

Commercial SiO Encapsulated in Hybrid Bilayer Conductive Skeleton as Stable Anode Coupling Chemical Prelithiation for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Although Silicon monoxide (SiO) is regarded as the most promising next-generation anode material, the large volume expansion, poor conductivity, and low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) severely hamper its commercialization application. Designing a multilayer conductive skeleton combined with advanced prelithiation technology is considered an effective approach to address these problems. Herein, a reliable strategy is proposed that utilizes MXene and carbon nanotube (CNT)as dual-conductive skeletons to encapsulate SiO through simple electrostatic interaction for high-performance anodes in LIBs, while also performing chemical prelithiation. Various characterizations and electrochemical measurements indicate that both MXene and CNT, as conductive networks and buffer interfaces, synergistically enhance the electron transport and lithium storage properties of the electrode. Moreover, the chemical prelithiation process effectively improves the ICE and cycling stability. Consequently, the prepared SiO@MXene@CNT anode delivers a high capacity of 1032 mAh g-1 after 200 cycles at 200mA g-1 and an ultrahigh capacity retention rate of 89.5% beyond 1000 cycles at 1000mA g-1. More importantly, the ICE of the SiO@MXene@CNT anode increases from 65.1% to 92.3% after chemical prelithiation. The work opens a new avenue for significantly improving the lithium storage performance of SiO-based anodes and is expected to promote their commercialization progress.

Long-Life Zinc Anodes via Molecular-Layer-Deposited Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Titanicone Thin Films.

Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have consistently faced challenges related to the instability of the zinc anode. Uncontrolled dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and byproduct accumulation on the zinc anode severely affect the cycling life of ZIBs. Herein, inorganic-organic hybrid thin films of titanicones (Ti-based hydroquinone, TiHQ) were fabricated by molecular layer deposition (MLD) technology to modify the zinc metal anode. The MLD-based Zn@TiHQ anode suppresses the dendrite growth on the anode surface, reduces side reactions, and facilitates the desolvation and rapid transport of Zn2+ ions. As a result, it maintains an average Coulombic efficiency (CE) as high as 99.1% over 300 cycles at 0.5 mA cm-2 and 1 mAh cm-2, exhibiting excellent cycling stability for over 2800 h and enhancing the reversible capacity of the Zn@TiHQ||MnO2 full cell. This work demonstrates that the MLD-derived inorganic-organic hybrid TiHQ coating provides a more stable interfacial environment for the zinc anode, opening an avenue for designing high-performance zinc anodes.

Novel NiCo2S4 nanorod arrays grown on carbon nanofibers as high-performance anodes for sodium-ion batteries

Novel NiCo2S4 nanorod arrays grown on carbon nanofibers as high-performance anodes for sodium-ion batteries

Revealed mechanism of 3D-open-microarray boosting exoelectrogens Geobacter enrichment and extracellular electron transfer for high power generation in microbial fuel cells.

Theanode enables raised microbial fuel cells (MFCs) performance via in-situ growth electroactive material. However, the role of fabricated microstructures in electroactive bacteria loading and extracellular electron transfer (EET) has been paid less attention. Here, MoS2 nanosheets are custom grown on carbon cloth to construct anode models with diverse surface microstructures. Surprisingly, the 3D-MoS2/NS-CC anode only 0.85 d enables the MFC to be started and achieves a maximum power density of 3.85W/m2, which is significantly faster and higher than that of 2D-MoS2/NS-CC (3.6 d, 2.75W/m2) and CC (4.46 d, 1.98W/m2). As for the mechanism of 3D-MoS2/NSCCboosting MFC performance, this is attributed to the 3D-open-microarray preventing electroactive bacteria from shedding and facilitating to the establishment of excellent EET channels through the formed hybrid cell-electrode systems and Geobacter enrichment of up to 86.1%. This research provides promising guidance for integrating nanomaterials and architecture to construct high-performance anodes in MFCs.

Strategies for designing high-performance hard carbon anodes with enhanced lithium-ion diffusion and rate capability

The performance of the electrodes is closely related to the structure of the electrode sheet, and the construction of advanced electrodes is crucial for the lithium-ion diffusion process in high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Hard carbon, with its irregular polycrystalline microstructure, is an ideal candidate material for the anode electrode of LIBs. However, its have some drawbacks such as low initial coulombic efficiency (ICE), low capacity and poor rate performance. In this work, two electrode casting approaches are proposed and tested in pouch cells, which are double-layer blade coated electrode and patterned coated electrode. The results show that both coating methods show a combination of high ICE and rate capability, exceeding the performance of conventional single-coated electrodes composed of the same material. The designed coating method improves the dynamics of lithium ion diffusion process in the electrode, and the magnification performance and comprehensive electrochemical performance are improved. The research has a wide application prospect and can provide design guidance for obtaining high-power batteries.

Engineering a dual-porous Li-rich carbon coated Si/SiOx nanosphere as high-performance Li-ion battery anode

Engineering a dual-porous Li-rich carbon coated Si/SiOx nanosphere as high-performance Li-ion battery anode

Internally and externally modified Mn2SnS4@ZnS@NC nanocassettes for high-performance lithium-ion battery anodes

Internally and externally modified Mn2SnS4@ZnS@NC nanocassettes for high-performance lithium-ion battery anodes

Better together: integrating adhesion and ion conductivity in composite binders for high-performance silicon anodes

The composite binder, combining poly(acrylic acid) and a tailored terpolymer (PSUOH), enhances Si anode performance by improving adhesion, stability and ionic conductivity, achieving multifunctionality without trade-offs seen in conventional binders.

Facile synthesis of in situ carbon-coated CoS2 micro/nano-spheres as high-performance anode materials for sodium-ion batteries.

In situ carbon-coated CoS2 micro/nano-spheres were successfully prepared by sulfuric calcination using the solvothermal method with glycerol as the carbon source without introducing extraneous carbon. This method prevents carbon agglomeration and avoids the cumbersome steps of the current technology. The composite demonstrates excellent sodium storage capacity as an anode material for sodium-ion batteries. The initial charge and discharge capacities were 1027 and 1224 mA h g-1 at 50 mA g-1, respectively, with an initial coulombic efficiency of 83.9%. The capacity of CoS2@C at 350 °C was maintained at 937 mA h g-1 after 140 cycles at a current density of 2 A g-1. The outstanding electrochemical performance is mainly attributed to the nanostructure design and the presence of in situ carbon. As revealed by the kinetic analysis, the pseudo-capacitive behaviour also contributed to the excellent electrochemical performance.

Highly graphitized carbon film derived from Al2O3@Talc-polyimide composite and its application as high-performance anode material in lithium-ion battery

Highly graphitized carbon film derived from Al2O3@Talc-polyimide composite and its application as high-performance anode material in lithium-ion battery

Core–shell structured carbon@tin sulfide@hard carbon spheres as high-performance anode for low voltage sodium-ion battery

Core–shell structured carbon@tin sulfide@hard carbon spheres as high-performance anode for low voltage sodium-ion battery

Design of Edge-Modified hard carbon frameworks with embedded silicon as a high-performance anode for Lithium-Ion batteries

Design of Edge-Modified hard carbon frameworks with embedded silicon as a high-performance anode for Lithium-Ion batteries

A mango peel-derived hard carbon as high-performance anode material for sodium-ion batteries

A mango peel-derived hard carbon as high-performance anode material for sodium-ion batteries

Zero-strain high entropy spinel oxide (FeNiCuCrMn)3O4@rGO as high-performance anode for sodium ion battery

High entropy spinel oxides (HEOs), as a new type of anode material with at least five transition metal elements and high theoretical specific capacity, have enormous promise in sodium ion batteries (SIBs). However, the influence of different transition metal elements on the structure and electrochemical performances of HEOs is not clear. In this study, the addition of Mn to HEO can increase the surface oxygen vacancy (Ov) concentration, shorten the band gap, and enhance the electrochemical performance of (FeNiCuCrMn)3O4@rGO. XPS results show (FeNiCuCrMn)3O4@rGO has the highest surface Ov concentration. Ab initio calculations demonstrate that the indirect band gap of (FeNiCuCrMn)3O4@rGO is 0.068 eV. In situ X-ray diffraction and synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy reveal that (FeNiCuCrMn)3O4@rGO exhibits a zero-strain characteristic with an inconsequential unit cell volume change of 0.2 %. Specifically, (FeNiCuCrMn)3O4@rGO as anode materials for SIBs show good cyclic stability (with a capacity retention of 84 % at 500 mA g−1 after 3000 cycles). Overall, this work provides a new direction for optimizing transition metal elements in HEOs.

Adsorption and Diffusion Energies Calculation of Sodium Ion Battery using GeTe Anode : A Density Functional Theory Study

Sodium batteries are the most potential candidates for future and green energies storage systems. However, there are problems with structural instability in the electrodes, which affect battery performance. Therefore, this study investigated the adsorption and diffusion mechanisms at the anode using a phase puckered Germanium Telluride (GeTe) monolayer structure. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that the Na-adsorbed hollow Te-Te structure is the most stable adsorption configuration (-1.25 eV). In the diffusion scheme, Na atoms move through the hollow Te-Te (initial state) followed by the hollow Ge-Ge (transition state), then to the hollow Te-Te (final state). The diffusion mechanism that occurs has lowest energy of 0.09 × 10-4 eV. These results suggest that the phase puckered GeTe monolayer has the potential as a high-performance sodium battery anode.

Accurate prelithiation of lithium ion battery SiOx anodes towards improved initial coulombic efficiency.

We propose an accurate prelithiation method for SiOx anodes using ball-milling with LiF. The formation of a LiF-rich SEI layer reduces active lithium loss, resulting in excellent electrochemical performance. This study provides a new approach for developing high-performance silicon-based anodes for lithium-ion batteries.