Ion Batteries Research Articles

Vehicle-cycle and life-cycle analysis of medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks in the United States

Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles account for a substantial portion (25 %) of transport-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the United States. Efforts to reduce these emissions focus primarily on diesel hybrids, hydrogen fuel cells, and battery electric vehicles. However, these efforts ignore the high energy intensity of producing lithium (Li)-ion batteries and the carbon fiber used in fuel-cell vehicles. Here, we conduct a life-cycle analysis to compare the impacts of the vehicle manufacturing cycle for Class 6 (pickup-and-delivery, PnD) and Class 8 (day- and sleeper-cab) trucks with diesel, electric, fuel-cell, and hybrid powertrains. We assume that all trucks were manufactured in the US in 2020 and operated over 2021–2035, and we developed a comprehensive materials inventory for all trucks. Our analysis reveals that common systems (trailer/van/box, truck body, chassis, and lift-gates) dominate the vehicle-cycle GHG emissions (64–83 % share) of diesel, hybrid, and fuel-cell powertrains. Conversely, propulsion systems (lithium-ion batteries and fuel-cell systems) contribute substantially to these emissions for electric (43–77 %) and fuel-cell powertrains (16–27 %). These vehicle-cycle contributions arise from the extensive use of steel and aluminum, the high energy/GHG intensity of producing lithium-ion batteries and carbon fiber, and the assumed battery replacement schedule for Class 8 electric trucks. A switch from the conventional diesel powertrain to alternative electric and fuel-cell powertrains causes an increase in vehicle-cycle GHG emissions (by 60–287 % and 13–29 %, respectively) but leads to substantial GHG reductions when considering the combined vehicle- and fuel-cycles (Class 6: 33–61 %, Class 8: 2–32 %), highlighting the benefits of this shift in powertrains and energy supply chain. Finally, payload variation significantly influences the relative life-cycle performance of different powertrains, while LIB cathode chemistry has a negligible effect on BET life-cycle GHGs.

Architecture design of yolk-shell heterostructured bimetallic selenide confined in polydopamine for high efficiency sodium/potassium ion storage

Benefiting from the enriched resources and satisfactory electrochemical performance, sodium/potassium ion batteries (SIBs/PIBs) are attracting significant attention and promising to be an ideal energy storage alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Transition metal selenides are regarded as ideal anodes on account of their high theoretical capacity. Yet the weak reaction kinetics and the volume expansion still hinder its further development. Reasonable structural design and surface optimization are commonly used to address this challenge. Herein, a yolk-shell heterostructured bimetallic selenide derived from metal-organic framework (MOF) and confined in polydopamine plastic layer (ZnSe/CoSe2@PDA) is successfully synthesized. The unique structure and the polydopamine layer can release internal stress during the cycling process and effectively relieve the volume expansion. The construction of heterostructure can bring abundant active energy storage sites for Na+/K+ while shortening the diffusion paths of ions/electrons, thereby accelerating the reaction kinetics. Consequently, the ZnSe/CoSe2@PDA electrode exhibits an extremely high capacity of 914 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 in SIBs. Furthermore, it also possesses 182 mA h g−11 at 1 A g−1 after 250 cycles in PIBs. This strategy significantly increases the energy density of the anodes. Providing a new way for metal selenide anodes toward high-performance SIBs/PIBs.

Photoionic Effect Imposed by Photoresponsive Local Field in a Tellurate Glass with Lanthanide Ions and Ag Nanoparticles.

Understanding the photoionic mechanism in optoelectronic materials offers significant potential for various applications in the fields of laser, data/energy storage, signal processing, and ionic batteries. However, the research on such light-matter interaction using photons of sub-bandgap energy is scarce, especially for those transparent materials with photoactive centers that would generate a local field upon photoillumination. This research investigates the photoionic effect in Yb3+/Er3+ doped tellurate glass with Ag nanoparticles (NPs) embedded. It is found that the photogenerated electric dipole of Yb3+/Er3+ ions and local field of Ag NPs could block the Ag+ migration in an external electric field. The blocking phenomenon of Ag NPs is the so-called Coulomb blocking effect (ascribed to its quantum confinement effect), which would be further enhanced by the additional photoinduced localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect. Interestingly, the photoresponsive electric dipole of lanthanide ions could cause plasmon oscillation of Ag NPs, resulting in a partial release of the blockade of lanthanide ions and enhanced blockade via quantum confinement of Ag NPs. A model device is proposed according to the photoresistive behavior. The research gives another perspective on the photoionic effect via the photoresponsive local field generated by photoactive centers in optofunctional materials.

Carbon Nitride Pillared Vanadate Via Chemical Pre-Intercalation Towards High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries.

Vanadium based compounds are promising cathode materials for aqueous zinc (Zn)-ion batteries (AZIBs) due to their high specific capacity. However, the narrow interlayer spacing, low intrinsic conductivity and the vanadium dissolution still restrict their further application. Herein, we present an oxygen-deficient vanadate pillared by carbon nitride (C3 N4 ) as the cathode for AZIBs through a facile self-engaged hydrothermal strategy. Of note, C3 N4 nanosheets can act as both the nitrogen source and pre-intercalation species to transform the orthorhombic V2 O5 into layered NH4 V4 O10 with expanded interlayer spacing. Owing to the pillared structure and abundant oxygen vacancies, both the Zn2+ ion (de)intercalation kinetics and the ionic conductivity in the NH4 V4 O10 cathode are promoted. As a result, the NH4 V4 O10 cathode delivers exceptional Zn-ion storage ability with a high specific capacity of about 370 mAh g-1 at 0.5 A g-1 , a high-rate capability of 194.7 mAh g-1 at 20 A g-1 and a stable cycling performance of 10 000 cycles.

Carbon Nitride Pillared Vanadate Via Chemical Pre‐Intercalation Towards High‐Performance Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries

AbstractVanadium based compounds are promising cathode materials for aqueous zinc (Zn)‐ion batteries (AZIBs) due to their high specific capacity. However, the narrow interlayer spacing, low intrinsic conductivity and the vanadium dissolution still restrict their further application. Herein, we present an oxygen‐deficient vanadate pillared by carbon nitride (C3N4) as the cathode for AZIBs through a facile self‐engaged hydrothermal strategy. Of note, C3N4 nanosheets can act as both the nitrogen source and pre‐intercalation species to transform the orthorhombic V2O5 into layered NH4V4O10 with expanded interlayer spacing. Owing to the pillared structure and abundant oxygen vacancies, both the Zn2+ ion (de)intercalation kinetics and the ionic conductivity in the NH4V4O10 cathode are promoted. As a result, the NH4V4O10 cathode delivers exceptional Zn‐ion storage ability with a high specific capacity of about 370 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1, a high‐rate capability of 194.7 mAh g−1 at 20 A g−1 and a stable cycling performance of 10 000 cycles.

Rational synthesis of high-performance Ni-rich layered oxide cathode enabled via probing solid-state lithiation evolution

Lithium (Li)-ion batteries using nickel (Ni)-rich layered oxide cathode have been pursued with interest due to high practical energy density. A fundamental understanding of the reaction pathways and structural evolution of the solid-phase synthesis of these materials is crucial for their rational design and process development for mass production. In this work, structural evolution during solid-state synthesis was traced via in situ technique, with a particular emphasis on the lithiation reaction and migration of transition metal (TM) ions. The sintering process is governed by the competitive relationship of decomposition and lithiation reactions, which can be regulated through temperature windows. Controlling the melting point of the Li sources, as well as their affinity to cathode precursors, is highly desired to maintain the layered ordering of TM ions throughout the whole synthesis process, which simplifies the manufacturing process and improves the quality of the manufactured cathode material.

Theoretical Design of Defects as a Driving Force for Ion Transport in Li3OBr Solid Electrolyte

Due to ever‐increasing concerns about safety issues in using Li ionic batteries, solid electrolytes have extensively explored. The Li‐rich anti‐perovskite Li3OBr has been considered as a promising solid electrolyte candidate, but it still suffers challenges to achieve a high ionic conductivity owing to the high intrinsic symmetry of the crystal lattice. Herein, we presented a design strategy that introduces various point defects and grain boundaries to break the high lattice symmetry of Li3OBr crystal, and their effect and microscopic mechanism of promoting the migration of Li‐ion were explored theoretically. It has been found that are the dominant defects responsible for the fast Li‐ion diffusion in bulk Li3OBr and its surface, but they are easily trapped by the grain boundaries, leading to the annihilating of the Frenkel defect pair and thus limits the diffusion at the grain boundaries. The defect near the grain boundaries can effectively drive across the grain boundary, thereby converting the carrier of Li+ migration from in the bulk and surface to at the grain boundary, and thus improving the ionic conductivity in the whole Li3OBr crystal. This work provides a comprehensive insight into the Li+ transport and conduction mechanism in the Li3OBr electrolyte. It opens a new way of improving the conductivity for all‐solid‐state Li electrolyte material through the defect design.

Magnetic CoFe2O4 and NiFe2O4 Induced Self-Assembled Graphene Nanoribbon Framework with Excellent Properties for Li-Ion Battery.

A magnetically induced self-assembled graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) method is reported to synthesize MFe2O4/GNRs (M = Co,Ni). It is found that MFe2O4 compounds not only locate on the surface of GNRs but anchor on the interlayers of GNRs in the diameter of less than 5 nm as well. The in situ growth of MFe2O4 and magnetic aggregation at the joints of GNRs act as crosslinking agents to solder GNRs to build a nest structure. Additionally, combining GNRs with MFe2O4 helps to improve the magnetism of the MFe2O4. As an anode material for Li+ ion batteries, MFe2O4/GNRs can provide high reversible capacity and cyclic stability (1432 mAh g-1 for CoFe2O4/GNRs and 1058 mAh g-1 for NiFe2O4 at 0.1 A g-1 over 80 cycles).

Van der Waals Forces between S and P Ions at the CoP‐C@MoS2/C Heterointerface with Enhanced Lithium/Sodium Storage

AbstractMetal–organic framework‐derived metal phosphides with high capacity, facile synthesis, and morphology‐controlled are considered as potential anodes for lithium/sodium‐ion batteries. However, the severe volume expansion during cycling can cause the electrode material to collapse and reduce the cycle life. Here, novel CoP‐C@MoS2/C nanocube composites are synthesized by vapor‐phase phosphating and hydrothermal process. As the anode of LIBs, CoP‐C@MoS2/C exhibits outstanding long‐cycle performance of 369 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1 after 2000 cycles. In SIBs, the composite also displays excellent rate capability of 234 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1 and an ultra‐high the capacity retention rate of 90.16% at 1 A g−1 after 1000 cycles. Through density functional theory, it is found that the S ions and P ions at the interface formed by CoP and MoS2 can serve as Na+/Li+ diffusion channels with an action of van der Waals force, have attractive characteristics such as high ion adsorption energy, low expansion rate and fast diffusion kinetics compared with MoS2. This study provides enlightenment for the reasonable design and development of lithium/sodium storage anode materials composited with MOF‐derived metal phosphides and metal sulfides.

Electric domestic aviation. Is the Danish case feasible?

The aim of this work is to clarify whether electric-powered aviation can comply with requirements from the Danish government for a zero-emission carbon dioxide footprint by 2030 on domestic flight routes. The battery types are presented, in an attempt to determine whether electric air transportation can become commercially viable. The gap in evaluating the feasibility of moving by electric aircraft by 2030 is met through this research, by analysing the feasibility, through current developments, of delivering enough energy in terms of Wh/kg as compared to conventional fuel for a combustion-driven aircraft. The calculations, based on lithium (Li)-ion batteries with an energy density of 260 Wh/kg, showed that the goals will be met only with the development of new battery technology. The results indicate that there will be a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 17%. According to aircraft manufacturers, it will be possible to accommodate up to 186 passengers in a fully electric-driven aircraft, which can meet the demand for domestic flights in Denmark. Other types of batteries, such as lithium–sulfur (Li–S) and lithium–oxygen (Li–O2) are relevant to investigate because of their higher energy density and usage of natural minerals other than just lithium.

Stabilization of the Nano-Sized 1T Phase through Rhenium Doping in the Metal-Organic CVD MoS2 Films.

Heterogeneous nanostructures composed of metastable tetragonal 1T-MoS2 and stable hexagonal 2H-MoS2 phases are highly promising for a wide range of applications, including catalysis and ion batteries, due to the high electrical conductivity and catalytic activity of the 1T phase. However, a controllable synthesis of stabilized 1T-MoS2 films over the wafer-scale area is challenging. In this work, a metal-organic chemical vapor deposition process allowing us to obtain ultrathin MoS2 films containing both 1T and 2H phases and control their ratio through rhenium doping was suggested. As a result, Mo1-xRexS2 films with a 1T-MoS2 fraction up to ≈30% were obtained, which were relatively stable under normal conditions for a long time. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy also indicated that the 1T-MoS2 phase fraction increased with rhenium concentration increase saturating at Re concentrations above 5 at. %. Also, its concentration was found to significantly affect the film resistivity. Thus, the resistivity of the film containing approximately 30% of the 1T phase was about 130 times lower than that of the film without the 1T phase.

A review on applications of carbon nanotubes-based metal-sulfide composite anode materials (CNTs/MS) for sodium (Na)-ion batteries

A review on applications of carbon nanotubes-based metal-sulfide composite anode materials (CNTs/MS) for sodium (Na)-ion batteries

Simulation of the Adsorption and Diffusion of Lithium Atoms on Defective Graphene for a Li-Ion Battery

Based on the density functional theory (DFT) with allowance for spin polarization or the local spin density approximation (LSDA), we calculate the adsorption and diffusion properties of a lithium atom on a graphene ( ) monolayer with monovacancy ( ) as the anode material for an -ion battery. The DFT LSDA calculations are performed in relaxed 5 × 5 and 6 × 6 supercells and based on graphene with the monovacancy + lithium adatom complex . Based on the calculated values of the adsorption energy of the lithium atom , the energetically stable location of the lithium adatom is determined on a monolayer of supercells in and . The calculation results show that the adatom energetically prefers to be adsorbed in the pit position (H-site) rather than adsorbed from above (T-site) of the carbon atom in the monolayer. The DFT LSDA calculated electronic band structure and local total and partial magnetic moment of supercell atoms are consistent with the calculations performed by the generalized gradient approximation (GGA)-PBE functional for the H-, B-, and T-sites of graphene. Taking into account the experimentally obtained diffusion coefficients of lithium in two-layer graphene in the struc-tural packing of an AB package and the temperature (263–333 K) dependence of Li diffusion in two-layer graphene, which is described by the Arrhenius law, the diffusion activation energy of is calculated at con-centrations of = 0.06–0.51 in LixC12 graphene in the AB packaging.

Empowering higher energy sodium‐ion battery cathode by oxygen chemistry

AbstractSodium (Na) ion batteries (SIBs) promise low‐cost energy storage systems but are still restricted by insufficient energy density. Introducing oxygen (O) redox into the design of the Na‐storage cathode is presently considered an effective avenue to generate extra capacity in solving the energy density bottleneck. The succeeding issues are how to overcome the irreversible electrochemical behavior accompanied by O release. Meanwhile, the O redox chemistry and subsequent structural evolution remain ambiguous so far. Here, we deliberate on the O redox mechanism in Na‐storage transition metal oxides. Challenges associated with the reaction irreversibility and structural collapse are summarized by virtue of the advanced characterization techniques. Beyond that, strategies that potentially enhance the electrochemical properties of O redox and future research perspectives on exploring useable O redox cathode materials are outlined.

A theoretical study of high-performance β-In2Se3 monolayer as the anode material for alkali-metal (Li/Na/K)-ion batteries

A theoretical study of high-performance β-In2Se3 monolayer as the anode material for alkali-metal (Li/Na/K)-ion batteries

Structure-Controlled Carbon Hosts for Dendrite-Free Aqueous Zinc Batteries.

The surging demand for environmental-friendly and safe electrochemical energy storage systems has driven the development of aqueous zinc (Zn)-ion batteries (ZIBs). However, metallic Zn anodes suffer from severe dendrite growth and large volume change, resulting in a limited lifetime for aqueous ZIB applications. Here, it is shown that 3D mesoporous carbon (MC) with controlled carbon and defect configurations can function as a highly reversible and dendrite-free Zn host, enabling the stable operation of aqueous ZIBs. The MC host has a structure-controlled architecture that contains optimal sp2 -carbon and defect sites, which results in an improved initial nucleation energy barrier and promotes uniform Zn deposition. As a consequence, the MC host shows outstanding Zn plating/stripping performance over 1000 cycles at 2mAcm-2 and over 250 cycles at 6mAcm-2 in asymmetric cells. Density functional theory calculations further reveal the role of the defective sp2 -carbon surface in Zn adsorption energy. Moreover, a full cell based on Zn@MC900 anode and V2 O5 cathode exhibits remarkable rate performance and cycling stability over 3500 cycles. These results establish a structure-mechanism-performance relationship of the carbon host as a highly reversible Zn anode for the reliable operation of ZIBs.

Thin and Uniform Mesoporous TiO2-Wrapped MoO2 Submicrospheres as Anode Materials for Enhanced Electrochemical Performances

MoO2 has great potential for applications in rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors, and catalysis. However, its application for a long duration remains a challenge. Here, an effective strategy is presented to enhance its structural and chemical stability by wrapping a thin layer of porous oxide on MoO2 particles. Mesoporous TiO2-coated MoO2 (MoO2@mTiO2) submicrospheres are thus designed and controllably fabricated via kinetics-controlled coating and thermal treatment. The composite submicrosphere is built of a spherical MoO2 core and a thin amorphous mesoporous TiO2 shell with a tunable thickness, showing the enhanced structural and chemical stability. Their formation is attributed to the NH4+-mediated tiny TiO2 nanoparticle deposition mechanism. Importantly, the MoO2@mTiO2-based electrode for lithium-ion batteries can maintain a high reversible capacity of up to ∼970 mAh g–1 at 1 A g–1 even after 380 cycles, which is much higher than that of the bare MoO2 microsphere-based electrode, exhibiting excellent cycling performance. Further experiments have revealed that there exists an optimal TiO2 shell thickness (about 12 nm), and overly thin or thick TiO2 shells are unfavorable to a long cycling performance with high capacity. In addition, this MoO2@mTiO2 electrode can always maintain a high reversible capacity of above 200 mAh g–1 at 1 A g–1 even after 1000 cycles for sodium-ion batteries, showing a good practical prospect. This study provides not only a facile route for the fabrication of MoO2@mTiO2 submicrospheres but also a potential electrode material with enhanced structural and chemical stability for lithium (or sodium)-ion batteries.

Voltage Hysteresis in Transition Metal Oxide Cathodes for Li/Na‐Ion Batteries

AbstractThe pursuit of rechargeable batteries with high energy density has triggered enormous efforts in developing cathode materials for lithium/sodium (Li/Na)‐ion batteries considering their extremely high specific capacity. Many materials are being researched for battery applications, and transition metal oxide materials with remarkable electrochemical performance stand out among numerous cathode candidates for next‐generation battery. Notwithstanding the merits, daunting challenges persist in the quest for further battery developments targeting lower cost, longer lifespan, improved energy density and enhanced safety. This is, in part, because the voltage hysteresis between the charge and discharge cycles, is historically avoided in intercalation electrodes because of its association with structural disorder and electrochemical irreversibility. Given the great potential of these materials for next‐generation batteries, a review of the recent understanding of voltage hysteresis is timely. This review presents the origin of their undesirable behaviors and materials design criteria to mitigate them by integrating various schools of thought. A large amount of progressive characterization techniques related to voltage hysteresis are summarized from the literature, along with the corresponding measurable range used in their determination. Finally, promising design trends with eliminated voltage hysteresis are tentatively proposed to revive these important cathode materials toward practical applications.

Surface species of the nematic mixture E7 obtained by electrochemical insertion of Li+ ions.

We studied here the influence of Li+ ions on the benzene rings of nematic mixture E7, which is electrochemically adsorbed onto gold electrode surface, to highlight the ability of this mixture for the applications in the field of the rechargeable Li+-ion batteries. Raman spectra support the changes observed in electrochemical analyses while contact angle measurements show that wetting properties of E7 layer were modified after deposition of this mixture onto gold support and the doping with Li+ ions. Contact angle of acetonitrile drops and Raman spectrum of the film of E7 nematic mixture are two main properties which show deep modifications into the film by electro chemical deposition.

STUDY OF LITHIUM ION CHARGING AND DISCHARGING CHARACTERISTICS

Lithium –Ion batteries are now popular in majority of electronic portable devices like Mobile phone, Laptop, Digital Camera, etc. due to their long lasting power efficiency. These are the most popular rechargeable batteries with advantages like best energy density, negligible charge loss and no memory effect. Li-Ion battery uses Lithium ions as the charge carriers which move from the negative electrode to the positive electrode during discharge and back when charging. During charging, the external current from the charger applies an over voltage than that in the battery. This forces the current to pass in the reverse direction from the positive to the negative electrode where the lithium ions get embedded in the porous electrode material through a process called Intercalation. The Li- Ions pass through the non-aqueous electrolyte and a separator diaphragm. The electrode material is intercalated lithium compound. The negative electrode of the Li-Ion battery is made up of carbon and the positive electrode is a metal oxide. The most commonly used material in the negative electrode is Graphite while that in the positive electrode may be Lithium cobalt oxide, Lithium ion phosphate or Lithium manganese oxide. Lithium salt in an organic solvent is used as the electrolyte. The electrolyte is typically a mixture of organic carbonates like Ethylene carbonate or Diethyl carbonate containing lithium ions. The electrolyte uses anion salts like Lithium hexa fluoro phosphate, Lithium hexa fluoro arsenate monohydrate, Lithium per chlorate, Lithium hexa fluoro borate etc. Depending upon the salt used, the voltage, capacity and life of the battery varies. Pure lithium reacts with water vigorously to form lithium hydroxide and hydrogen ions. So the electrolyte used is non aqueous organic solvent. The electrochemical role of the electrodes charge between anode and cathode depends on the direction of current flow.