Long Cycle Life Research Articles

Enhanced cyclability of O3-NaNi0.33Fe0.31Mn0.36O2 by Mg and Cu synergistic doping with strengthened Mn[sbnd]O bonds

Among some practical O3-type layered oxide cathodes, NaNi1/3Fe1/3Mn1/3O2 (NFM) features a high specific capacity and moderate cyclability. However, sluggish Na+ transfer kinetics, low structural stability, and rapid capacity loss during long-term cycling, are still posing a challenge to commercial applications of this material. In this work, we propose a Mg and Cu co-doped O3-type NaMg0.02Cu0.02Ni0.33Fe0.27Mn0.36O2 (MC-NFM) with a stable structure and good cycling stability. It was found that the MnO bonds in MC-NFM are obviously reinforced by synergistic doping with small amounts of Mg and Cu, leading to enhanced structural robustness, decreased Na+ migration barrier, and delayed O3-P3 phase transition. As a result, longer cycle life and enhanced rate performance are achieved. MC-NFM can yield a specific capacity of 142.1 mAh g−1 at 0.1C and 116.0 mAh g−1 at 5C, and maintain 83.6 % of its initial capacity after 400 cycles at 1C. This work provides a promising design of O3-type cathode for sodium-ion batteries.

Nanofluid channels mitigated Zn2+ concentration polarization prolonged over 30 times lifespan for reversible zinc anodes

Despite interfacial engineering protects zinc anode from electrolyte corrosion, the suppressed kinetics process on the anode surface/interface circumscribes their cyclic stability, especially dendritic growth induced by ion concentration gradients. Here, the zinophilic nanofluid channels (ZNC) protective layer on zinc surface are designed for the rapid Zn2+ transport kinetic in the reversible cycling process. The ZNC demonstrates high separation pressure between ions and the channel surface due to the capillary effect, allowing Zn2+ to quickly migrate along the channel wall (Zn2+ transference numbers up to 0.72). Therefore, the unique channel modules alleviate concentration polarization from rapid Zn2+ consumption and maintain uniform deposition of Zn ions. Consequently, The ZNC protective layer anode exhibits significantly improved cycle life by more than 30 times (over 4000 h at 1 mA cm−2) that of bare Zn. The full battery exhibits stable cycling performance with excellent capacity retention (∼100%) after 5000 cycles. Our work provides innovative insights into the role of nanofluids in improving the stability of zinc anodes, offering enlightening perspectives for long-cycle life zinc-based batteries.

Earth-abundant, low-cost raw micro-silicon enabled by mechanically strengthened binder for high-capacity and long-life battery electrode

Nano-structured silicon materials with high capacity, are currently being gradually commercialized and composited with graphite in high-energy batteries, although their fabrication cost is rather high. However, the low-cost micro-silicon materials are always criticized and discarded in batteries due to the severe particle-to-electrode crack and huge volume change. Herein, inspired by the human ligament, a cross-linked binder with greatly enhanced mechanical properties is designed and fabricated to stabilize micro-silicon anodes. This biomimetic polymer can not only act as flexible “fibrils” in ligament, to adapt the high-volume change of silicon anode; but also act as “proteoglycan” in ligament to firmly hold these flexible fibrils and proactively constrain stress concentration of silicon anode. The combination of “soft to hard” hierarchical structure would endow binders with excellent elasticity and toughness. The pure micro-Si (5∼10 μm) electrodes with PSB binder exhibit high initial coulombic efficiency (ICE) of 93.3 % and favorable reversible capacity of ∼1500 mAh g−1 at 4000 mA g−1 after 600 cycles. Furthermore, the PSB binder also enables the μSi/GR//NCM811 full cell with 91.4 % capacity retention over 200 cycles. This functional PSB binders provide inspiration for constructing μSi anodes with high-ICE, high reversible capacity, and long-cycling life.

Mechanical properties and global warming potential predictions for high-performance concrete through machine learning models integrated with meta-heuristic algorithms

Recent developments in high-performance concrete (HPC) have made it a high-tech material with enhanced durability and properties, and it is a more ecological material with a longer life cycle. Conventional approaches to assessing HPC properties and environmental effects may lack precision in predicting the effects of additional cementitious materials. Adaptive Boosting Algorithm (ADA) and Stochastic Gradient Boosting (SGB) have emerged as promising approaches for predicting HPC properties and environmental effects, offering more accurate and efficient alternative methods. In this study, the ADA and SBG models have been employed to predict the two essential HPC mechanical properties, including compressive and tensile strengths (CS and TS) and Global Warming Potential (GWP) by coupling with meta-heuristic algorithms, namely Stadium Spectators Optimizer (SSO), Golden Jackal Algorithm (GJA), Brown-bear Optimization Algorithm (BOA), and Golf Optimization Algorithm (GOA)‎ for developing hybrid and ensemble prediction approaches. The study assessed the effectiveness of different models for predicting HPC properties and GWP by employing various metrics. The SGSBGG framework showcased remarkable precision and performance compared to other models in the prediction of CS, TS, and GWP. It outshone its counterparts by achieving the highest prediction accuracy, securing R2 values of 0.994, 0.994, and 0.995 for CS, TS, and GWP predictions, respectively. Additionally, it demonstrated unparalleled accuracy with the lowest modeling errors, registering an RMSE of 1.306 for CS, 0.097 for TS, and 4.469 for GWP. Despite the clear superiority of the SGSBGG model, it is noteworthy that the SGSO, as a hybrid model, delivered notably compatible results.

Interdecadal Springtime Aerosol Increase in the North Indian Ocean Observed From the Satellite AVHRR Instrument

AbstractA 38‐year aerosol optical thickness (AOT) satellite product from the Advanced Very High‐Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) is used to investigate the aerosol variabilities in the North Indian Ocean (NIO). A dipolar mode with a notable meridional contrast between the equatorial and northern NIO is revealed by the second mode of Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis with a sharp rise over the Arabian Sea (AS) and Bay of Bengal (BoB) since 2002. Our results show that the aerosol dipolar variation is primarily modulated by an El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) during 1983–2001 (ID1) and by a warm phase of Atlantic Multi‐decadal Oscillation (AMO) during 2002–2020 (ID2), leading to a dry‐and‐warming condition spanning the coasts of East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula (AP), and South Asia (SA) that favors increasing aerosol emission and a longer life cycle in the upstream regions. A warm phase of the AMO tends to excite an anomalous cyclone in western Siberia and reinforces anticyclonic circulation in the Tibetan Plateau. Correlation analyses between the second EOF mode time series and other parameters in ID1 and ID2 show that an interannual dry‐and‐warming condition over the AP–SA is associated with a noticeable north‐south contrast of convection between the equatorial NIO and AP–SA in ID1. But in ID2, a zonal contrast of anomalous convective activities between the AP–SA and the BoB‐South China Sea is dominant, partially due to the warming AMO, which aids the development of anticyclonic cells over the TP and the strengthened subtropical westerly jet streams.

Determination of Optimum Nitrogen Level for Maximizing Yield of Two HYV Boro Rice Varieties in Bogura Region, Bangladesh

Application of N fertilizer is very crucial for rice, but both excessive and mild reduced productivity. A field experiment was conducted during the Boro 2021-2022 season to find out the optimum dose of N fertilizer for higher yield. The trial was conducted in a factorial RCBD design with three replications. Factor A: Two varieties of rice viz. BRRI dhan89 and BRRI dhan100 and B: Five Nitrogen levels i.e., 0, 90, 120, 150, and 180 Kg ha−1. Yield and yield-contributing traits varied significantly with N levels. BRRI dhan89 outyielded BRRI dhan100 due to its varietal potential and longer life cycle. The highest tiller number hill−1, panicle number hill−1, panicle length, filled grain panicle−1, grain yield, biological yield and harvest index and lowest spikelet sterility were obtained from 120 kg N ha−1 irrespective of variety. The result revealed that the combination of both varieties with 120 kg N ha−1 followed by 90 Kg N ha−1 in maximizing rice productivity while avoiding excess use of N fertilizer. Bangladesh Agron. J. 2024, 26(2): 41-48

An organic cathode integrating carbonyl and imino groups for high-performance aqueous zinc-ion battery with air self-charging ability

Air-self-charging aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are a promising system applied in some special occasions, where no external power source can be provided to recharge the battery. Here, a new π-conjugated aromatic compound 2,7,12-tri(4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-1H-pyrrolo [3,4-b]pyrrolo[3′,4′:5,6]pyrazino[2,3f]pyrrolo[3′,4′:5,6]pyrazi-no[2,3−h]quinoxaline-1,3,6,8,11,13(2H,7H,12H)-hexaone (THQH) is reported. Because THQH contains multiple redox-active groups (CN and CO) and its insolubility in 2 M ZnSO4, as the cathode material of flexible/coin-type AZIBs, it owns outstanding discharge specific capacity, higher-rate performance and longer cycle life. Various ex-situ experiments and theoretical calculation revealed H+ and Zn2+ participated in the THQH cathode reaction. Notably, as the discharged flexible Zn//THQH battery is exposed to air, it can be self-recharged via the redox reaction between oxygen in air and the discharged THQH cathode, along with H+ ions removal. The flexible Zn//THQH battery can deliver a discharge capacity of up to 566 mA h g−1 at 0.5 A g−1, a higher-rate capability and an excellent self-charging cycle stability (31 cycles) after exposed to air for 28 h, displaying an excellent reusability. This work paves a way for the development of high-performance flexible air self-charging AZIBs.

Rationalizing the catalytic surface area of oxygen vacancy‐enriched layered perovskite LaSrCrO4 nanowires on oxygen electrocatalyst for enhanced performance of Li–O2 batteries

AbstractEfficient electrocatalysis at the cathode is crucial to addressing the limited stability and low rate capability of Li−O2 batteries. This study examines the kinetic behavior of Li−O2 batteries utilizing layered perovskite LaSrCrO4 nanowires (NWs) composed of lower oxidation states. Layered perovskite LaSrCrO4 NWs exhibited improved rate capability over a wide range of current densities and longer cycle life in Li−O2 batteries than V‐based layered perovskite (LaSrVO4) and simple perovskite (La0.8Sr0.2CrO3) NWs. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical surface area analyses showed that the observed performance variations primarily stemmed from active sites such as oxygen vacancies. In situ Raman analysis showed that these active sites significantly modulate the kinetics of oxygen reduction and evolution, which are related to LiO2 intermediate adsorption. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed that the active sites in layered perovskite LaSrCrO4 NWs contributed to their high charge transfer capability and reduced polarization. This study presents an appealing method for the precise fabrication and analysis of Cr‐based layered perovskites, aimed at achieving highly efficient and stable bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysis.

Self-Healable, High-Stability Anode for Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries Realized by Graphene-Confined Gallium Metal.

In this work, a self-healable, high-stability anode material for rechargeable magnesium batteries (RMBs) has been developed by introducing a core-shell structure of Ga confined by reduced graphene oxide (Ga@rGO). Via this Ga@rGO anode, a specific capacity of 150 mAh g-1 at a current of 0.5 A g-1 stable up to 1200 cycles at room temperature and a specific capacity of 100 mAh g-1 under an ultrahigh current of 1 A g-1 stable up to 700 cycles at a slightly elevated temperature of 40 °C have been achieved. Additionally, the ultrahigh rate, high-cycling stability, and long-cycle life of the anode are attributed to the stabilized structure; such a low-cost, simple, and environmentally friendly direct drop coating (DDC) method is developed to maximize the original state of the active materials. Remarkably, the self-healing ability of anodes is still presented under the ultrahigh charging current. This anode is promising for the development of high rate and high stability RMBs.

Fabrication of aqueous asymmetric supercapacitor device by using spinel type (FeCoNiCuZn)3O4 high entropy oxide and green carbon derived from plastic wastes

As the world shifts towards renewable energy and more efficient energy storage systems, the demand for advanced materials that can support these technologies has increased. One such promising material class is High Entropy Alloys (HEAs). Unlike conventional alloys, which are typically composed of one or two principal elements, HEAs consist of multiple principal elements in near-equiatomic proportions. Their unique atomic structure, characterized by high configurational entropy, endows them with enhanced stability, tunability, and a high specific surface area—qualities that are highly desirable in supercapacitor applications. HEAs offer significant advantages as supercapacitor electrodes, including increased energy storage capacity, superior electrochemical stability, and the potential for synergistic effects that improve overall performance such as higher energy density, longer cycle life, and greater reliability. FeCoNiCuZn)3O4 has been synthesized by utilizing multiple induction melting process in a quartz tube at 1100 °C, followed by ball milling in order to transform the small pieces into nanostructured powder. The highest specific capacitance obtained is 245.7 F g−1 at 1.5 A g−1 in three electrode measurement system. In addition, plastic biochar was prepared using pyrolysis techniques from plastic wastage. Moreover, it is utilized for supercapacitor application, which shows a maximum specific capacitance of 180 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 for three electrode system. The combing above two electrode materials, the fabricated asymmetric device shows a maximum specific capacitance of 58 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 for 3M KOH electrolyte with maximum specific energy of 23.44 Wh kg−1 at specific power of 1700 W kg−1.

Supercapacitors and rechargeable batteries, a tale of two technologies: Past, present and beyond

Supercapacitors and rechargeable batteries are energy storage devices where the performance strengths of one are traditionally the weaknesses of the other. Batteries benefit from superior energy storage capacity while supercapacitors possess higher power rates and longer cycle life. The rapid adoption of these devices in electric vehicles and grid energy storage applications is driving their further development and production. Accumulating and comprehending the current knowledge of both device technologies shall serve as a foundation for the progress in future research and development within these two distinct fields that share common goals. Therefore, in this review, we aggregate the supercapacitor and battery energy-power performance trends from over the last 18 years, to construct a projection of where the technologies could be heading in the coming decade. We specifically discuss the influence of each of these technologies in the energy storage landscape and their effect on hybridization research. Projections of the trends suggest that by 2040 the best-performing asymmetric and hybrid supercapacitors could be comparable to commercial battery technologies that are currently under development, in terms of energy density (ED). In terms of power density (PD), battery technology can achieve performance comparable to certain electrical double layer (EDL)-based supercapacitors. For some applications, we foresee that the two devices will continue to hybridize to fill the energy-power gap in a way that the penalty to PD for enhanced ED becomes insignificant. This expected improvement may eventually reach a saturation point, suggesting that once a certain level of ED is achieved, any further enhancements of the metric only lead to severe trade-offs with PD, and vice versa. The saturation observed in these technologies has also prompted an exploration of new pathways, with a notable emphasis on sustainability, to achieve high performance using renewable materials and methods.

Community structure of macrozoobenthos as a water quality indicator at Margagiri-Grenyang coastal waters, Banten Bay

Abstract Macrozoobenthos live sedentary at the bottom of the waters with slow movements and a relatively long-life cycle, and they are able to respond continuously to changes in water conditions. The aim of this study is to analyze macrozoobenthic ecology as an indicator of water quality at Margagiri-Grenyang coastal waters, Banten Bay. The study was carried out for 5 months from July-November 2022 with six stations. Macrozoobenthos samples were taken using Petersen Grab, and water quality was measured in situ and ex situ. Data analysis was conducted to estimate abundance, biological indices, PCA, similarity index, and AMBI and M-AMBI. The macrozoobenthos at the study site were composed of six phyla (Molusca, Annelida, Echinodermata, Arthropoda, Hoplonemertea, and Nemertea). The highest density of the marozoobenthos was found in July (3178 ind/m2), with moderate diversity (H′) (2.535–2.758), medium-high evenness (E) (0.742–0.833), and low dominance (C) indices (0.157–0.241). Based on PCA, the distribution of macrozoobenthos is influenced by turbidity and TSS parameters. AMBI and M-AMBI analysis showed that macrozoobenthos undisturbed and indicated by good-high water quality.

Strain Measurement for Composite Materials During Mechanical Testing Based on Fiber Bragg Grating Monitoring

Composite materials are widely used as repair materials in the oil and gas sector, particularly for vessels, piping, and pipelines. Inspection and monitoring of these composite repairs is a critical aspect of ensuring their integrity and long-term performance. The reason being that failure of composite repairs may lead to loss of production and incur additional costs for re-repair or equipment replacement. Conventionally, a visual inspection is generally performed to observe any irregularities on the external surface of the composite repairs. This will usually be followed by a series of Non-destructive Tests (NDT) to identify the extent of the damage. However, these NDT methods, merely allowing off-line testing in a local manner with complicated and heavy equipment, require extensive and time-consuming labour. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) based on Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) that utilizes strain-based signals is one of the best options for monitoring the damage mechanism in composite due to its unique advantages of light weight, high stability and reliability, a long-life cycle, and the ability to capture the online reading. In this paper, the application of the FBG monitoring approach was used to examine the strain characteristics of composite materials based on mechanical tests (tensile and flexural). Three types of samples were prepared to simulate the type of damage mechanism: healthy, delamination, and disbondment. Based on the results, it was shown that the FBG sensor has potential for detecting and distinguishing the types of failure mechanisms in composites, including cracks, delamination, and disbondment. Hence, it was suggested that the FBG sensor technology could be used for site deployment in industry.

Probing the layer-dependent behavior of electronic properties and quantum capacitance in 2H MoS2: A computational analysis with emphasis on mechanical stability

The quest for clean, sustainable energy sources was prompted by the fast depletion of fossil fuels and the world's expanding energy requirements. To store renewable energy, it is important that effective energy storage devices such as supercapacitor (SCs) be manufactured. SCs offer a promising avenue for fast-charging, energy storage, and long-life cycles but maximizing their energy density remains a problem. This study theoretically explores the intrinsic Quantum capacitance (Cq) of MoS2 in the 2H phase with a few number of layers and how factors like electronic structure and density of states influence its capacitance behavior. In the present work, the first principles analysis utilizing computational modelling with Density Functional Theory (DFT) has been employed to investigate the Cq and surface charge density (σ) of MoS2. By explaining the connection between MoS2's electrical and structural properties with its Cq, valuable insights for optimizing it's SC performance were obtained. Both the density of states (DOS) and the Cq increase with the number of layers. Among the observed structures the highest value of Cq is observed for the three layered structure of 2H–MoS2 (2H3L-MoS2) at +1 V which is 1615.14 μF cm−2. Investigating the mechanical stability of optimized structure (2H3L-MoS2), a high Young's modulus of 180.46 GPa is observed for 2H3L structure. Hence, 2H-phase of MoS2 can be used as an excellent anode material for asymmetric SCs and flexible electronic devices.

Anti-perovskite nitrides as chemically stable lithiophilic materials for highly reversible Li plating/stripping

Constructing structured anodes with lithiophilic materials has emerged as an essential strategy to stabilize Li deposition and accomplish highly reversible Li metal batteries (LMBs). Nevertheless, a lithiophilic material, which meets the requirements of low cost, excellent electronic conductivity and especially chemical stability, is still absent. Herein, we report the discovery of a new class of lithiophilic anti-perovskite nitrides MNNi3 (M=Zn, Cu, In) that not only are cost-effective and highly conductive, but also possess excellent stability against Li metal. More specifically, electrochemical tests in combination with density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the lithiophilicity of MNNi3 arises from unique chemical/physical adsorption rather than the previously proposed alloying or conversion reaction mechanisms. The MNNi3@CC enabled symmetric cells exhibit better rate capability and longer cycle life than the cells with pure carbon cloth and Ni3N@CC. More importantly, the excellent electrochemical performances of MNNi3 anodes are also verified by ZnNNi3@CC in a LiFePO4 coupled full cell with minimal capacity degradation of 28% in 1500 cycles under the charge/discharge current of 1C. Beyond offering a new type of non-reactive lithiophilic materials to outstanding achieve battery performance, this study deepens the understanding of the lithiophilic nature of different metal nitrides, which paves a way for developing highly reversible lithium metal anode.

Synergistic effect of adsorption and electrocatalysis of ZnO@MnO2 PCNFs for high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries

Catalytic conversion is a new strategy to mitigate the shuttle effects of lithium-sulfur batteries, but the catalyst must play an effective role in both oxidation and reduction processes. In this paper, a lotus root-like ZnO@MnO2 PCNFs with a built-in electric field are proposed as cathodes for lithium-sulfur batteries. Due to the synergistic effect of both components, ZnO@MnO2 PCNFs demonstrated outstanding bidirectional catalytic performance, with ZnO primarily enhancing catalysis and MnO2 regulating adsorption. The ZnO@MnO2 PCNFs exhibit higher initial capacity (1582 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C), and longer cycle life (2000 cycles with 0.023 % decay per period at 2 C). Even under high S loading of 8.32 mg cm−2 and a low electrolyte to sulfur ratio is about 4.8 μL mg−1, the cell with ZnO@MnO2 PCNFs shows a discharge capacity of 688.6 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C, and maintained at 420.9 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles. This approach has shown promise in improving the efficiency and cycling stability of Li-S batteries, making them more viable for practical applications.

CoO nanoparticles anchored on porous pinecone-derived activated carbon as anodes for high-performance lithium and sodium-ion batteries

In this work, a new nanocomposite system based on CoO nanoparticles (NPs) anchored on pinecone-derived activated carbon (PAC), denoted as CoO(x)@PAC, is synthesized by facile ball-milling and sonication processes followed by annealing. H3PO4 is employed as an activation agent to activate the porous carbon derived from pinecone. The loading amount of CoO is varied to obtain the optimum electrochemical performances. Among the nanocomposites, the CoO(20)@PAC delivers a discharge capacity of 886 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g−1 when employed as an anode in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). At higher current rate of 1000 mA g−1, the anode provides an enhanced discharge capacity of 456.6 mA h g−1 after 200 cycles with 99 % capacity retention compared to the 4th cycle capacity. In sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), the CoO(20)@PAC anode delivers a discharge capacity of 290 mA h g−1 at 50 mA g−1. The same nanocomposite anode provides a discharge capacity of 120 mA h g−1 after 900 cycles at a current density of 500 mA g−1. The CoO(20)@PAC nanocomposite shows a great potential as an anode for both LIBs and SIBs, due to its higher capacity, exceptional rate capability, longer cycle life, and a Coulombic efficiency exceeding 99 %.

MIL-125 (Ti) and porous dielectric polymer substrate introducing composite gel polymer electrolyte with enhanced mechanical property, thermal stability and electrochemical property

Lithium metal batteries have potentially high energy density, but severe uncontrolled lithium dendrites and unstable side reactions prevent large-scale applications. Serial three-dimensional porous poly (vinylidene fluoride) and copolymer membrane-based composite gel electrolytes are designed by introducing MIL-125 (Ti) and ethylene carbonate. Abundant lithium-ion transportation channels and homogeneous ion transport microregion are provided the new type porous fluoropolymer substrate. We also find that crystalline phase and dielectric properties of serial polymer membrane have significant impact on electrochemical performance for composite gel electrolytes. The mechanical and dielectric property of composite electrolyte enhanced by incorporating uniform and well distribution MIL-125 (Ti), which improve the electrolyte/electrode interface charge distribution and promote uniform lithium deposition, leading to lithium dendrite suppression. MIL-125 (Ti)/P(VDF-TrFE-CTFE) composite membrane shows the enhanced maximum strain of 181 %, thermal stability (188 °C) and corresponding composite gel electrolyte reflects higher ionic conductivity of 1.7 × 10–3 S cm-1 and wider electrochemical window at room temperature than PVDF and PVDF-HFP composite electrolytes. Expectedly, quasi-solid state lithium metal battery of MIL-125 (Ti)/P(VDF-TrFE-CTFE) composite gel electrolyte exhibits higher discharge capacity (152.8 mAh g-1) at 240th cycle and 1 C, longer cycling life and better rate performance under large current density than PVDF and PVDF-HFP composite electrolytes.

Tuning Zn-ion de-solvation chemistry with trace amount of additive towards stable Aqueous Zn anodes

Aqueous Zn-ion batteries (AZIBs) have attracted widespread attention due to their intrinsic safety, cost-effectiveness. However, active H2O in the solvated ions [Zn(H2O)6]2+ continuously migrate to the Zn surface to trigger hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and accelerate Zn corrosion. Herein, Zn dendrites and the related by-products have been successfully inhibited by using trace amounts of Nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA). Theoretical research indicates that two carboxyl groups of NTA molecule strongly anchored on the Zn surface and exposed another carboxyl group outside. Due to the violent interaction of carboxyl groups of NTA with H2O, the de-solvation energy barrier of solvated Zn2+ ([Zn(H2O)6]2+) on the Zn surface was obviously decreased, inhibit the active water splitting. Meanwhile, the preferential adsorption of NTA on the Zn surface increases the thickness of electric double layer EDL and provides a buffer layer to hinder the dendrite growth. Using 0.04 M NTA as additives in 2.0 M ZnSO4 electrolyte, the cycling lifespan of both Zn||Zn symmetric and Zn||MnO2 full cells is markedly prolonged. This study provides certain perspectives for trace amounts of electrolyte additives to satisfy the demand of long-cycle life AZIBs.

On the role of ultrathin lithium metal anodes produced by thermal evaporation

Lithium metal anodes (LMAs) are the preferred option for the next generation of lithium batteries, where high energy density and longer cycle life are required. A new battery design eliminating the LMA in the discharged state provides the highest achievable energy density with reduced safety hazards, though irreversible Li losses impede the practical application of the anode-free concept. In this work, by using an ultrathin layer (<5 μm) of lithium, which is deposited by thermal evaporation on copper current collectors, a reduction on the energy barrier of lithium nucleation during the plating process is demonstrated. Furthermore, the metallic lithium deposited over the charge step provides a homogeneous layer, fairly reducing the dendritic growth and the generation of dead lithium. Finally, a functional solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) with Li2O and LiOH as predominant species, gives greater protection to the anode/electrolyte interface, leading to a more stable cycling of the battery. These insights provide a solid starting point for future studies that may lead to practical design changes to improve stability and extend the battery life of lithium metal batteries.