Interface Issues Research Articles

Ultra‐Tough Dynamic Supramolecular Ion‐Conducting Elastomer Induced Uniform Li+ Transport and Stabilizes Interphase Ensures Dendrite‐Free Lithium Metal Anodes

AbstractArtificial polymer solid electrolyte interphases (SEIs) with microphase‐separated structures provide promising solutions to the inhomogeneity and cracking issues of natural SEIs in lithium metal batteries (LMBs). However, achieving homogeneous ionic conductivity, excellent mechanical properties, and superior interfacial stability remains challenging due to interference from hard‐phase domains in ion transport and solid‐solid interface issues with lithium metal. Herein, we present a dynamic supramolecular ion‐conducting poly (urethane‐urea) interphase (DSIPI) that achieves these three properties through modulating the hard‐phase domains and constructing a composite SEI in situ. The soft‐phase polytetrahydrofuran backbone, featuring loose Li+−O coordinating interactions, ensures uniform Li+ transport. Concurrently, sextuple hydrogen bonds in the hard phase dissipate strain energy through sequential bond cleavage, thereby imparting exceptional mechanical properties. Moreover, enriched bis (trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide anion (TFSI−) in DSIPI promotes the in situ formation of a stable polymer‐inorganic composite SEI during cycling. Consequently, the DSIPI‐protected lithium anode (DSIPI@Li) enables symmetric cells with exceptional cyclability exceeding 4,000 hours at an ultra‐high current density of 20 mA cm−2, thereby demonstrating excellent cycling stability. Furthermore, DSIPI@Li facilitates stable operation of the pouch cells under the constraints of a high‐loading LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathode and low negative/positive capacity (N/P) ratio. This work presents a powerful strategy for designing artificial SEIs and high‐performance LMBs.

Ultra-Tough Dynamic Supramolecular Ion-Conducting Elastomer Induced Uniform Li+ Transport and Stabilizes Interphase Ensures Dendrite-Free Lithium Metal Anodes.

Artificial polymer solid electrolyte interphases (SEIs) with microphase-separated structures provide promising solutions to the inhomogeneity and cracking issues of natural SEIs in lithium metal batteries (LMBs). However, achieving homogeneous ionic conductivity, excellent mechanical properties, and superior interfacial stability remains challenging due to interference from hard-phase domains in ion transport and solid-solid interface issues with lithium metal. Herein, we present a dynamic supramolecular ion-conducting poly (urethane-urea) interphase (DSIPI) that achieves these three properties through modulating the hard-phase domains and constructing a composite SEI in situ. The soft-phase polytetrahydrofuran backbone, featuring loose Li+-O coordinating interactions, ensures uniform Li+ transport. Concurrently, sextuple hydrogen bonds in the hard phase dissipate strain energy through sequential bond cleavage, thereby imparting exceptional mechanical properties. Moreover, enriched bis (trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide anion (TFSI-) in DSIPI promotes the in situ formation of a stable polymer-inorganic composite SEI during cycling. Consequently, the DSIPI-protected lithium anode (DSIPI@Li) enables symmetric cells with exceptional cyclability exceeding 4,000 hours at an ultra-high current density of 20 mA cm-2, thereby demonstrating excellent cycling stability. Furthermore, DSIPI@Li facilitates stable operation of the pouch cells under the constraints of a high-loading LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathode and low negative/positive capacity (N/P) ratio. This work presents a powerful strategy for designing artificial SEIs and high-performance LMBs.

High Antimicrobial Electrotherapy and Wound Monitoring Hydrogel with Bimetal Phenolic Networks for Smart Healthcare

AbstractThe design and fabrication of novel soft bioelectronic materials for rapid wound healing and real‐time monitoring are critical for smart healthcare. However, developing such integrated multifunctional materials devices remains challenging due to fabrication dynamics and sensing interface issues. Herein, a novel strategy is presented for accelerating the kinetics of hydrogels integrating antimicrobial, electrotherapeutic, and wound monitoring functions via bimetallic phenolic networks. The Al3+ catalyzes the radical copolymerization reaction of acrylic acid, resulting in the gelation of the system within 10 s, and also catalyzes the redox reaction between silver and lignin, inducing the sustained release of catechol, which significantly enhances the hydrogel's antimicrobial activity and shortened the wound healing process. Meanwhile, the abundant non‐covalent interactions enhance the hydrogel's tissue adhesion, and mechanical properties (tensile strength 1.558 MPa and elongation 1563%). In addition, the bimetallic ions endow the hydrogels with excellent sensing properties. Under the synergy of electrical stimulation, the wound healing rate is accelerated. Notably, wound assessment can be performed by monitoring changes in electrical signals over the wound, which can assist physicians and patients in achieving intelligent wound management. This work provides new insights into the design and application of multifunctional smart bioelectronic materials.

New paradigms of 2D layered material self-driven photodetectors.

By virtue of the high carrier mobility, diverse electronic band structures, excellent electrostatic tunability, easy integration, and strong light-harvesting capability, 2D layered materials (2DLMs) have emerged as compelling contenders in the realm of photodetection and ushered in a new era of optoelectronic industry. In contrast to powered devices, self-driven photodetectors boast a wealth of advantages, notably low dark current, superior signal-to-noise ratio, low energy consumption, and exceptional compactness. Nevertheless, the construction of self-driven 2DLM photodetectors based on traditional p-n, homo-type, or Schottky heterojunctions, predominantly adopting a vertical configuration, confronts insurmountable dilemmas such as intricate fabrication procedures, sophisticated equipment, and formidable interface issues. In recent years, worldwide researchers have been devoted to pursuing exceptional strategies aimed at achieving the self-driven characteristics. This comprehensive review offers a methodical survey of the emergent paradigms toward self-driven photodetectors constructed from 2DLMs. Firstly, the burgeoning approaches employed to realize diverse self-driven 2DLM photodetectors are compiled, encompassing strategies such as strain modulation, thickness tailoring, structural engineering, asymmetric ferroelectric gating, asymmetric contacts (including work function, contact length, and contact area), ferroelectricity-enabled bulk photovoltaic effect, asymmetric optical antennas, among others, with a keen eye on the fundamental physical mechanisms that underpin them. Subsequently, the prevalent challenges within this research landscape are outlined, and the corresponding potential approaches for overcoming these obstacles are proposed. On the whole, this review highlights new device engineering avenues for the implementation of bias-free, high-performance, and highly integrated 2DLM optoelectronic devices.

Formulating Self-Repairing Solid Electrolyte Interface via Dynamic Electric Double Layer for Practical Zinc Ion Batteries.

Zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) encounter interface issues stemming from the water-rich electrical double layer (EDL) and unstable solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI). Herein, we propose the dynamic EDL and self-repairing hybrid SEI for practical ZIBs via incorporating the horizontally-oriented dual-site additive. The rearrangement of distribution and molecular configuration of additive constructs the robust dynamic EDL under different interface charges. And, a self-repairing organic-inorganic hybrid SEI is constructed via the electrochemical decomposition of additive. The dynamic EDL and self-repairing SEI accelerate interfacial kinetics, regulate deposition and suppress side reactions in the both stripping and plating during long-term cycles, which affords high reversibility for 500 h at 42.7 % depth of discharge or 50 mA ⋅ cm-1. Remarkably, Zn//NVO full cells deliver the impressive cycling stability for 10000 cycles with 100 % capacity retention at 3 A ⋅ g-1 and for over 3000 cycles even at lean electrolyte (7.5 μL ⋅ mAh-1) and high loading (15.26 mg ⋅ cm-2). Moreover, effectiveness of this strategy is further demonstrated in the low-temperature full cell (-30 °C).

Tailored Engineering on the Interface Between Lithium Metal Anode and Solid‐State Electrolytes

The replacement of non‐aqueous organic electrolytes with solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) in solid‐state lithium metal batteries (SLMBs) is considered a promising strategy to address the constraints of lithium‐ion batteries, especially in terms of energy density and reliability. Nevertheless, few SLMBs can deliver the required cycling performance and long‐term stability for practical use, primarily due to suboptimal interface properties. Given the diverse solidification pathways leading to different interface characteristics, it is crucial to pinpoint the source of interface deterioration and develop appropriate remedies. This review focuses on Li|SSE interface issues between lithium metal anode and SSE, discussing recent advancements in the understanding of (electro)chemistry, the impact of defects, and interface evolutions that vary among different SSE species. The state‐of‐the‐art strategies concerning modified SEI, artificial interlayer, surface architecture, and composite structure are summarized and delved into the internal relationships between interface characteristics and performance enhancements. The current challenges and opportunities in characterizing and modifying the Li|SSE interface are suggested as potential directions for achieving practical SLMBs.

A combined multilevel computational and experimental approach for interfacial screening and mechanical reinforcement of basalt fiber/polyamide 66 composites

Silane coupling agents (SCAs) can improve fiber-resin interface issues, yet selecting an appropriate SCA experimentally is resource-intensive. Herein, a multi-level screening method combining simulation and experiments is proposed to identify SCA-enhancing bonding between SCAs and polyamide 66 (PA66) and the basalt fiber (BF) −PA66 interface. SCAs with organic groups composed of N and O exhibited superior interaction with PA66 due to the more pronounced negative and positive electrostatic potential (ESP) distributions. In SCAs-grafted BF-PA66 models, SCAs not only altered BF surface nanostructure but also changed the arrangement of PA66 main chains from parallel to interpenetrating BF surface atoms. Besides, (3-ureapropyl)trimethoxysilane (SCA6) significantly improved BF-PA66 bonding, which was experimentally validated by enhanced interlaminar shear and mechanical properties. O atoms on SCA6 and PA66 are more electronically bound and have the smallest ESP extremum, providing strong polar interaction sites. Additionally, both simulations and experiments demonstrated a transformation from adhesive to cohesive failure.

Composite electrolytes and interface designs for progressive solid‐state sodium batteries

AbstractSolid‐state sodium batteries (SSSBs) are poised to replace lithium‐ion batteries as viable alternatives for energy storage systems owing to their high safety and reliability, abundance of raw material, and low costs. However, as the core constituent of SSSBs, solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) with low ionic conductivities at room temperature (RT) and unstable interfaces with electrodes hinder the development of SSSBs. Recently, composite SSEs (CSSEs), which inherit the desirable properties of two phases, high RT ionic conductivity, and high interfacial stability, have emerged as viable alternatives; however, their governing mechanism remains unclear. In this review, we summarize the recent research progress of CSSEs, classified into inorganic–inorganic, polymer–polymer, and inorganic–polymer types, and discuss their structure–property relationship in detail. Moreover, the CSSE–electrode interface issues and effective strategies to promote intimate and stable interfaces are summarized. Finally, the trends in the design of CSSEs and CSSE–electrode interfaces are presented, along with the future development prospects of high‐performance SSSBs.

Interface-Centric Strategies in Kesterite Solar Cells: Addressing Challenges, solutions, and Future Directions for Efficient Solar-Harvesting Technologies.

As reserves of non-renewable energy sources decline, the search for sustainable alternatives becomes increasingly critical. Next-generation energy materials play a key role in this quest by enabling the manipulation of properties for effective energy solutions and understanding interfaces to enhance energy yield. Studying these interfaces is essential for managing charge transport in optoelectronic devices, yet it presents significant challenges. This review emphasizes the critical role of interfaces in kesterite solar cells (KSCs), focusing on interfacial architecture, carrier losses, and non-radiative recombination. This review highlights the importance of addressing interface issues and utilizing advanced characterization tools to reveal interface properties. Current interface problems are addressed, recent advancements in interface engineering are summarized, and perspectives on future challenges and prospects are offered. The goal is to illuminate the nature of interfaces and tackle interface losses, which are crucial for improving device design and performance. Despite their pivotal role in device operation, comprehensive reviews on interfaces are lacking, underscoring the relevance of the work for researchers in material interfaces and device engineering. It is hoped that this article will spark interest and inspire further research into interface studies and the mitigation of interface losses.

Interface engineering via non-thermal atmospheric plasma for highly tensile insulating epoxy-impregnated aramid composite paper

Epoxy-impregnated aramid composites, notable for their excellent mechanical and insulation qualities, are pivotal in electrical engineering and electronics. However, their performance is severely restrained by interface issues. This research proposes an effective modification strategy for improving interface property by employing non-thermal atmospheric plasma to introduce active functional groups onto aramid paper. The modified composites demonstrated a 26 % increase in tensile strength and a 20 % enhancement in breakdown strength at best, alongside inhibited charge transport properties and reduced partial discharge under operational electric fields. Molecular simulation suggests that plasma treatment bolsters interface hydrogen bonding, restricting the chain mobility of the resin molecular, and thus augmenting inter-phase compatibility. This study offers a factual perspective on improving resin-impregnated composites, laying a theoretical foundation for advancing high-performance materials in power industries.

Studies on 3D printing of Na3Zr2Si2PO12 ceramic solid electrolyte through Fused Filament Fabrication

Solid-state batteries are considered being the next step in battery technology to achieve higher energy densities and potentially safer batteries. As there is no organic liquid, the risk of flammability is drastically reduced. Nevertheless, there are numerous challenges associated with the realization of all-solid-state batteries, such as improving slow kinetics, contact interface issues between battery components and cell integration among others. 3D printing holds the potential to address these issues as it allows to improve kinetics by structuring the battery components and the possibility of a customized cell integration. A structured surface of the electrolyte can in principle also enhance interface effects with the metal electrode. To contribute in this regard, composite filaments with Na3Zr2Si2PO12 were fabricated and 3D printed. Subsequent sintering of the printed parts after removal of the polymer components led to the required densification of the fully ceramic electrolyte. The parts were microstructurally and electrochemically characterized and showed a reasonable performance with an ionic conductivity of (3.02 ± 0.14) · 10−4 S·cm−1 at 20 °C. Critical current density testing revealed stable cycling up to 200 mA·cm−2, with cell failure occurring at a current density of 750 mA·cm−2, demonstrating the application potential of 3D printed full ceramic solid electrolytes.

Fusing Science with Industry: Perovskite Photovoltaics Moving Rapidly into Industrialization.

The organic-inorganic lead halide per materials have emerged as highly promising contenders in the field of photovoltaic technology, offering exceptional efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The commercialization of perovskite photovoltaics hinges on successfully transitioning from lab-scale perovskite solar cells to large-scale perovskite solar modules (PSMs). However, the efficiency of PSMs significantly diminishes with increasing device area, impeding commercial viability. Central to achieving high-efficiency PSMs is fabricating uniform functional films and optimizing interfaces to minimize energy loss. This review sheds light on the path toward large-scale PSMs, emphasizing the pivotal role of integrating cutting-edge scientific research with industrial technology. By exploring scalable deposition techniques and optimization strategies, the advancements and challenges in fabricating large-area perovskite films are revealed. Subsequently, the architecture and contact materials of PSMs are delved while addressing pertinent interface issues. Crucially, efficiency loss during scale-up and stability risks encountered by PSMs is analyzed. Furthermore, the advancements in industrial efforts toward perovskite commercialization are highlighted, emphasizing the perspective of PSMs in revolutionizing renewable energy. By highlighting the scientific and technical challenges in developing PSMs, the importance of combining science and industry to drive their industrialization and pave the way for future advancements is stressed.

Regulating interfacial behavior via reintegration the Helmholtz layer structure towards ultra-stable and wide-temperature-range aqueous zinc ion batteries

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries are recognized as a potential candidate in large-scale energy storage devices. However, parasitic reactions on interfaces have severely limited their further development due to sticky de-solvation process of Zn(H2O)62+. Acetylacetone (Hacac) is proposed as a tri-functional additive by altering the solvation structure to address detrimental interface issues. Specifically, the acetyl groups induced by decomposition of Hacac inhibit dendrite growth, by-product aggregation on anode via guiding ordered deposition of zinc ions and suppressing water decomposition in internal Helmholtz plane (IHP). Meanwhile, the acetyl groups remarkably alleviate by-product aggregation and maintain the cathode structure by accelerating zinc ion transfer and inhibiting disintegration of water in IHP. With the addition of 0.5 wt% Hacac, Zn metal maintains a high coulombic efficiency of 99.9 % after 2000 cycles at 10 mA cm−2 and 1 mAh cm−2, with superior longevity of 5200 h at 1 mA cm−2 with 0.5 mAh cm−2 for Zn|Zn cells. As expected, the assembled Zn|NH4V4O10 batteries exhibit an outstanding capacity retention of 90 % up to 22,000 cycles at 10 A/g. As a highly efficient strategy, the reframing of Helmholtz layer structure via electrolyte additive could be broadened to address general interfacial issues in advanced energy storage systems.

Tailoring Interfacial Structures to Regulate Carrier Transport in Solid-State Batteries.

Solid-state lithium-ion batteries (SSLIBs) have been considered as the priority candidate for next-generation energy storage system, due to their advantages in safety and energy density compare with conventional liquid electrolyte systems. However, the introduction of numerous solid-solid interfaces results in a series of issues, hindering the further development of SSLIBs. Therefore, a thorough understanding on the interfacial issues is essential to promote the practical applications for SSLIBs. In this review, the interface issues are discussed from the perspective of transportation mechanism of electrons and lithium ions, including internal interfaces within cathode/anode composites and solid electrolytes (SEs), as well as the apparent electrode/SEs interfaces. The corresponding interface modification strategies, such as passivation layer design, conductive binders, and thermal sintering methods, are comprehensively summarized. Through establishing the correlation between carrier transport network and corresponding battery electrochemical performance, the design principles for achieving a selective carrier transport network are systematically elucidated. Additionally, the future challenges are speculated and research directions in tailoring interfacial structure for SSLIBs. By providing the insightful review and outlook on interfacial charge transfer, the industrialization of SSLIBs are aimed to promoted.

Advances in electrolyte–anode interface engineering of solid‐state lithium metal batteries

AbstractSolid‐state lithium metal batteries are considered to be the next generation of energy storage systems due to the high energy density brought by the use of metal lithium anode and the safety features brought by the use of solid electrolytes (SEs). Unfortunately, besides the safety features, using SEs brings issues of interfacial contact of lithium anode and electrolytes. Recently, to realize the application of solid‐state lithium metal batteries, significant achievements have been made in the interface engineering of solid‐state batteries, and various new strategies have been proposed. In this review, from the interface failure perspective of solid‐state lithium metal batteries, we summarize failure mechanisms in terms of poor physical contact, weak chemical/electrochemical stability, continuing contact degradation, and uncontrollable lithium deposition. We then focused on the latest strategies for solving interface issues, including advancing in improving the physical solid–solid contact, increasing the electrochemical/chemical stability, restraining continuing contact degradation, and controlling homogeneous lithium deposition. The ultimate and paramount future developing directions of solid‐state lithium metal battery interface engineering are proposed.

Formulating Self‐repairing Solid Electrolyte Interface via Dynamic Electric Double Layer for Practical Zinc ion Batteries

Zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) encounter interface issues stemming from the water‐rich electrical double layer (EDL) and unstable solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI). Herein, we propose the dynamic EDL and self‐repairing hybrid SEI for practical ZIBs via incorporating the horizontally‐oriented dual‐site additive. The rearrangement of distribution and molecular configuration of additive constructs the robust dynamic EDL under different interface charges. And, a self‐repairing organic‐inorganic hybrid SEI is constructed via the electrochemical decomposition of additive. The dynamic EDL and self‐repairing SEI accelerate interfacial kinetics, regulate deposition and suppress side reactions in the both stripping and plating during long‐term cycles, which affords high reversibility for 500 h at 42.7% depth of discharge or 50 mA·cm‐1. Remarkably, Zn//NVO full cells deliver the impressive cycling stability for 10000 cycles with 100% capacity retention at 3 A·g‐1 and for over 3000 cycles even at lean electrolyte (7.5 μL·mAh‐1) and high loading (15.26 mg·cm‐2). Moreover, effectiveness of this strategy is further demonstrated in the low‐temperature full cell (‐30 oC).

Exploring the Factors in the Discontinuation of a Talent Pool Information System: A Case Study of an EduTech Startup in Indonesia

This research was conducted to determine the reasons behind users’ discontinuation of talent pool information system use. A qualitative approach was chosen to explore these factors in depth. Respondents were selected using purposive sampling techniques, and the data collection process was carried out through semi-structured interviews. The thematic analysis method was then applied to the transcripts of the interviews with the users. Based on the qualitative methodology employed, we found seven factors behind users’ discontinuation of the use of the studied information system. The seven factors were grouped based on two dimensions, namely, experiential factors and external factors. Poor system quality, informational issues, interface issues, and unfamiliarity with the system influenced the experiential factors. On the other hand, the external factors were influenced by workforce needs, talent mismatches, and a lack of socialization. This research offers a novel, in-depth analysis of the factors that cause users to stop using information systems based on direct experience from users. In addition, the results of this study will be used as feedback companies can use to improve their systems.

SiO with ZSM-5 to regulate interfacial stability for fast-charging lithium-ion batteries

Silicon monoxide (SiO) anodes hold great promise for the high-energy advanced battery systems. However, their rate and cycling behavior confront rapid capacity degradation due to the sluggish charge transfer kinetic and serious volume expansion. Though different tactics mitigate this degradation, the effective strategy is still needed to further improve the charge diffusion and mass shift. Here, it is suggested that the stable and fast ion transfer channels are established and dominated by the ZSM-5, combining with PEO, which depresses the volume expansion and leads to the enhanced tolerance during cycling for the SiO anodes. The different molar ratio of ZSM-5/PEO solid state electrolyte impacts greatly the battery performance. This study conducts the interface issues and proposes the integration of ZSM-5 molecular sieve to improve the contact between the solid electrolyte PEO and electrode active material SiO. This resulted in the enhanced ion conductivity and superior hardness in comparison to the pure SiO anodes, correspondingly, an increase in the diffusion coefficient and the electronic conductivity of the fabricated SiO electrode is realized. The optimized anodes, achieves 5.0 A/g rate property with 300 cycles stable cycling and a capacity retention ratio of 82%. This study offers valuable insights into the rational design of cost-effective and high specific energy SiO-based solid-state lithium-ion batteries.

Design of Ultrathin Asymmetric Composite Electrolytes for Interfacial Stable Solid-State Lithium-Metal Batteries.

Ultrathin composite electrolytes hold great promise for high energy density solid-state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs). However, finding an electrolyte that can simultaneously balance the interfacial stability of the lithium anode and high-voltage cathode is challenging. The present study utilized the both-side tape casting technique to fabricate ultrathin asymmetric composite electrolytes reinforced with polyimide (PI) fiber membrane, with a thickness of 26.8 μm. The implementation of this asymmetric structural design enables SSLMBs to attain favorable interfacial characteristics, such as exceptional resistance to lithium dendrite puncture and compatibility with high voltages. The suppression of lithium dendrite growth and the extension of the cycle life of lithium symmetric batteries by 4000 h are both experimental and theoretically demonstrated under the dual confinement of PI fiber membrane and Li7La3Zr2O12 ceramic fibers. Furthermore, the integration of multicomponent solid electrolyte interphase and cathode electrolyte interface interfacial layers into the lithium anode and high-voltage cathode enhance theirs cycling stability. With a gravimetric/volumetric energy density of 333.1 Wh kg-1/713.2 Wh L-1, the assembled LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 pouch cell demonstrates exceptional safety. The extensive application of this design concept to SSLMBs enables the resolution of electrode/electrolyte interface issues.

Cesium Modulation in Cu(In, Ga)(S, Se)2 Solar Cells: Comprehensive Analysis on Interface, Surface, and Grain Boundary.

Cesium (Cs) incorporation and sulfurization on copper indium gallium selenide solar cells are the keys to improving the device quality. In this study, we explore the impact of Cs modulation on sulfur-containing Cu(In, Ga)(S, Se)2 (CIGSSe) absorbers, resulting in a performance increase of over 2%, reaching 18.11%. The improvement stems from a widened surface bandgap, grain boundary (GB) passivation, and a moderate injection blocking layer. The surface bandgap widens from 1.44 to 2.63 eV after Cs incorporation, confirmed by ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) and low-energy inverse photoemission spectroscopy (LEIPS) analysis. Cs presence and S depletion in GBs suggest a new phase that might mitigate carrier recombination. Heightened Cs incorporation introduces interface issues, including an augmented injection blocking layer and interface defects. Our study offers insights into interface challenges and GB engineering strategies in Cs-treated CIGSSe solar cells, illuminating the multifaceted impact of heavy alkali metal ion Cs in CIGS-based photovoltaics.