Motivated by the high capacity and energy enabled by the two-electron donation of earth-abundant magnesium, we developed a novel, generally applicable screening method to evaluate 1,2-diketone-based redox units as n-type cathode active materials (CAMs) for rechargeable magnesium batteries (RMBs). Preliminary DFT calculations (redox potentials, charge density mapping) and cyclic voltammetry in supporting and magnesium electrolyte solutions were used to screen exemplary diketone classes, eliminating unsuitable candidates and identifying phenanthrenequinone (PNQ) as the most promising redox unit for incorporation into a vinylic polymer. Non-conjugated PNQ-based vinylic polymers were successfully synthesized, characterized, and tested as CAMs at the coin-cell level. Non-optimized Mg-PNQ cells delivered a starting capacity of up to 77mAhg-1, two high-voltage discharge plateaus at 2.2 and 1.7V vs. Mg2 +/Mg, and capacity retentions of 65% after 50 cycles and 50% after 100 cycles, typical for Mg-quinone systems. A novel electrolyte, [Mg2(Ohfip)3][Al(Ohfip)4] in DME, further improved performance to 91mAhg-1 with 72% retention after 50 cycles. These results demonstrate that the presented screening methodology efficiently identifies suitable CAM candidates within broad substance classes and is readily transferable to further materials.

Structural, electronic, and electrochemical properties of PtO2/AlN van der Waals heterostructure as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries: A DFT investigation

Continuous hydrogen-bond networks in Prussian blue analogues enabled by transition metal tuning for efficient Grotthuss proton transport.

Novel sodium titanium phosphite NaTi(HPO3)2 as anode material for lithium-ion batteries: Crystal structure and electrochemical properties

The next frontier in cathode chemistry: A global patent landscape on Lithium Manganese Iron Phosphate (LMFP) blended cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries

Microscopic study on the failure mechanism of trisodium phosphate heat storage materials in thermochemical Carnot battery

Corrigendum to “Double-preintercalated vanadium oxide as a novel cathode material for magnesium-ion batteries” [Mater. Lett. 412 (2026) 140443

Ab-initio evaluation of heavy metal-ion alternatives properties of HMn2O4 (H= Rb, Cs, Sr and Ba) as electrode materials for intercalation batteries

Quantitative scrutiny of biomass-derived battery electrodes: A strategic analysis.

Hard carbon is one of the most promising anode materials for sodium-ion batteries, but its rate performance remains limited by sluggish sodium-storage kinetics. In this work, an electronic/ionic comodulation strategy was developed through N/P codoping to regulate coal-derived hard carbon. Specifically, N doping improves the electronic conductivity of the carbon framework and enhances Na+ adsorption, while P doping enlarges the interlayer spacing and promotes Na+ diffusion. As a result, the codoped hard carbon develops a hierarchical structure with expanded interlayer spacing, abundant defects, and coexisting open and closed pores. Kinetic analyses together with theoretical calculations indicate that N/P codoping modulates the local electronic environment and improves Na+ transport behavior, thereby enhancing the overall sodium-storage kinetics of hard carbon. The optimized anode delivers a reversible capacity of ∼240 mAh g-1 at 30 mA g-1 and retains 126 mAh g-1 over 250 cycles even at 1500 mA g-1. A full cell paired with a NaFe1/3Ni1/3Mn1/3O2 cathode also delivers a stable capacity of ∼65 mAh g-1 at 360 mA g-1. These results indicate that N/P codoping is an effective approach for improving the high-rate sodium-storage performance of coal-derived hard carbon.

Hard carbon is being actively explored as a candidate anode material for next-generation batteries, offering ion storage mechanisms distinct from and potentially advantageous to those of graphite. However, conventional synthesis of hard carbon usually relies on high-temperature pyrolysis and chemical activation, which involve high energy consumption and environmental challenges. Spent coffee grounds (SCGs), generated in large amounts worldwide, represent an abundant biomass resource with high carbon content that is often discarded with limited recycling. In this study, SCGs were directly converted into hard carbon and partially graphitized structures using femtosecond laser direct writing (FsLDW) under solvent-free and non-vacuum conditions. Localized photothermal reactions induced by the ultrashort pulses promoted particle consolidation and structural rearrangement, and by varying the laser parameters, the carbonization pathway could be directed to favor either hard carbon or graphene domains. A copper substrate was deliberately employed to spontaneously generate copper compound nanoparticles, which were subsequently etched to create micro-porous carbon with tunable pore characteristics. This laser-based approach provides a controllable and one-step pathway for transforming SCGs into functional carbon anodes, highlighting the potential to selectively prepare materials suitable for both lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries by adjusting only the laser conditions. While this study focused on lithium-ion battery applications, the tunable control of carbon structure and porosity offers the possibility of extending this strategy to sodium-ion batteries.

The unprecedented mixed-valent metal-organic framework (MOF) [CuI4CuIIIBr5(Et-dtc)2]·CH2Cl2 (CuBrEt-3D; Et-dtc- = diethyldithiocarbamate), which facilitates solvent desorption, was characterized using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. CuBrEt-3D forms a three-dimensional framework featuring a planar CuIII center coordinated by diethyldithiocarbamate ligands, bridged by CuIBr units. This mixed-valent characteristic was confirmed through solid-state adsorption spectra, revealing a broad absorption extending to 2500 nm, attributed to intervalence charge transfer from CuI to CuIII. Remarkably, this compound exhibits significant air stability despite its mixed-valent nature. SQUID measurements verified its diamagnetic properties. CuBrEt-3D incorporates dichloromethane as a crystallization solvent within its pores, yet the solvent can be removed under mild conditions while maintaining porosity. Impedance spectroscopy demonstrated semiconducting behavior, and band-structure calculations clarified the carrier-transport pathways. CuBrEt-3D was employed as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries, delivering capacities comparable to those of commonly used LiCoO2.

Hard carbon is considered one of the most promising anode materials for sodium-ion batteries due to its high structural tunability, low working potential, and stable cycling stability. However, the trade-off relationship between sloping capacity and plateau capacity in the regulation of specific surface area, pore structure, and interlayer spacing limits the improvement of its rate performance and sodium storage capacity. To address this issue, based on a green phenolic resin precursor system, this work introduces polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a "sacrificial pore-forming agent" to regulate the evolution of the surface structure and pores of hard carbon. Research indicates that PVP undergoes vigorous decomposition during high-temperature carbonization, significantly inhibiting the ordered stacking of graphitic microcrystals via an in situ gas-phase etching effect, and inducing the formation of abundant surface defects, open channels, and closed-pore structures. The optimized hard carbon sample, HC-PVP-10%, exhibits a high reversible capacity of 335 mAh g-1 at 0.1 C and maintains competitive rate performance of 235 mAh g-1 at a high rate of 5 C. Structural characterizations such as X-ray diffraction and Raman, electrochemical performance analysis, and density functional theory calculation results collectively confirm that the material follows an "adsorption-intercalation-filling" sodium storage mechanism. This work not only deepens the fundamental understanding of the structure-property relationships of hard carbon materials but also provides insights for the preparation of next-generation high-energy-density and fast-charging sodium-ion battery anodes.

Phosphate-induced surface reconstruction of Li-rich layered cathodes with a spinel lithium phosphate interface.

Open-pore self-healing toward pitch-based hard carbon with optimized closed nanopores for enhanced sodium-ion battery performance.

Sodium vanadium phosphate [Na3V2(PO4)3] stands out as an appealing cathode material for next-generation sodium-ion batteries owing to beneficial properties, such as high operating voltage, fast ion diffusion, and robust structural integrity. Nonetheless, its commercialization is challenged by an inherently poor electronic conductivity. Herein, a europium3+ (Eu3+) doping strategy was employed to synthesize a Na3V1.95Eu0.05(PO4)3@C composite (Eu0.05-NVP@C), aiming to enhance its high-rate capability and cycling durability. Based on electrochemical kinetic studies and theoretical computations, the introduction of Eu3+ into Eu0.05-NVP@C effectively reduces the band gap and activation energy for Na+ migration, which synergistically promotes faster charge transfers. Moreover, the smaller integrated crystal orbital Hamilton population values for the V-O and Eu-O bonds indicate enhanced lattice cohesion. Consequently, the fabricated Eu0.05-NVP@C cathode exhibits a high reversible capacity of 97.63 mAh g-1 at 10C and achieves 93.60% capacity retention after 2000 cycles at 5C. In situ X-ray diffraction analysis further reveals the highly reversible biphasic transition reaction during cycling. This work not only validates Eu3+ doping as an effective approach for optimizing NASICON-type cathodes but also offers strategic guidance for the development of next-generation Na3V2(PO4)3-based electrodes with a superior rate performance and extended cycle life.

Lithium-sulfur batteries are considered a highly promising next-generation energy storage system due to their exceptionally high theoretical specific capacity and energy density. However, their practical application is severely hindered by the shuttle effect of soluble lithium polysulfides and the sluggish kinetics of sulfur redox reactions. To address these challenges, this study designs and constructs a ternary heterostructured material with dual heterointerfaces, MoS2/MoP@Ti3C2Tx, for the functional modification of polypropylene separators. In this architecture, MoS2/MoP is coupled with Ti3C2Txvia Ti-S bonds, establishing a stable dual-heterointerface system. This design significantly promotes interfacial charge transfer, enhances the adsorption capability and catalytic conversion efficiency for polysulfides, and thereby effectively suppresses the shuttle effect. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the introduction of Ti3C2Tx optimizes the electronic structure of Mo sites, inducing an upshift of the d-band center, which increases the adsorption energy for polysulfides and accelerates the reaction kinetics. The battery employing the MoS2/MoP@Ti3C2Tx modified separator exhibits outstanding electrochemical performance, delivering a specific capacity of 831.7 mAh g-1 at 3C, maintaining a reversible capacity of 681.8 mAh g-1 after 500 cycles at 1C, and achieving a high initial areal capacity of 5.1 mAh cm-2 under a high sulfur loading of 5.5 mg cm-2. This study provides an effective strategy for developing high-performance separator materials for lithium-sulfur batteries through heterointerface engineering.

Ether-based electrolytes have been recognized as desirable candidates for enhancing the electrochemical performance of sodium-ion batteries. However, the ion-storage electrochemistry in ether-based electrolytes remains poorly understood for promising amorphous carbon anodes. Herein, by coupling the sulfur-doped soft carbon anodes with three different ether-based electrolytes, the electrolyte-dependent electrochemical behavior is revealed, showing that the accessibility of sodium-ion diffusion from electrode interfaces to internal hosts is greatly enhanced in monoglyme-based electrolytes. It enables a superior rate capability than those with diglyme- and tetraglyme-based electrolytes, delivering specific capacities of 590 and 196 mAh g-1 at 0.1 and 10 A g-1, respectively. This work demonstrates that carbon layers and sulfur dopants in the bulk phase of sulfur-doped carbon anodes are efficiently activated with a suitable cointercalation process of small, weakly solvated Na+ for sodium-ion storage. It provides an insight into the role of ether-based electrolytes in ion-storage dynamics optimization of carbon materials for sodium-ion batteries.

Electrified vehicles can substantially reduce emissions from light-duty vehicles (LDVs), but large-scale deployment remains challenging due to their associated demands for critical materials in batteries. The challenge is further complicated by trade-offs among greenhouse gas emissions, costs, and critical materials. We develop an optimization model to explore the cost and technical feasibility of meeting climate targets for U.S. LDVs under various material supply scenarios. To meet a sectoral target consistent with 2 °C, global lithium supply would need to grow by 35%/yr to 2035 or 50%/yr to 2030, assuming: (1) no recycling, (2) the U.S. can access a share of global supply proportionate to its population, and (3) medium- and heavy-duty vehicles electrify as fast as LDVs. Recycling or greater U.S. material allocation (proportionate to gross domestic product) can reduce the necessary growth rates to 30-45%/yr or 5-10%/yr, respectively. In low material supply scenarios, the 2 °C target is sometimes still attainable with preference to hybrid vehicles in the early years, later transitioning to a mix of fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) from the 2030s onward. To hedge against future material supply uncertainty, PHEVs can act as transitional technologies in the short term and remain an important technology in the long term.

Polymer electrolytes are considered promising materials for next-generation solid-state lithium-ion batteries due to their enhanced safety, flexibility, and electrochemical stability compared to conventional liquid electrolytes. Nevertheless, major bottlenecks including low room-temperature ionic conductivity, poor electrode/electrolyte interfacial stability, and limited flame-retardant properties still hinder their practical applications. In the pursuit of safer and high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), polymer electrolytes with improved ionic conductivity, thermal stability, and flame retardancy are highly desirable. In this study, a novel phosphonate-functionalized polycyclooctene (PPCO) was synthesized and characterized as a solid polymer electrolyte for LIBs. The synthetic route began with a thiol-ene click reaction between cyclooctadiene and mercaptoethanol to afford a hydroxyl-functionalized monomer, which was subsequently reacted with a chlorophosphate reagent to introduce phosphonate groups. Polymerization using Grubbs' third-generation catalyst yielded a polymer bearing pendant phosphonate functionalities, PolyCODphosphonate. Phosphonic acid derivatives, PolyCODphosphonicacid, were further prepared via treatment with trimethylsilyl bromide. These polymers were blended with polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) and lithium bis-(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)-imide (LiTFSI). Thermal analysis confirmed successful functionalization and high thermal stability (>300 °C). Microcone calorimetry revealed that PolyCODphosphonicacid exhibited superior heat release rate (HRR) reduction compared to PolyCODphosphonate. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy demonstrated enhanced lithium-ion conductivity in the presence of LiTFSI, attributed to the strong solvation ability of the phosphonate moieties. A maximum conductivity of 0.63 × 10-3 S cm-1 at ambient temperature was achieved. The incorporation of phosphonate functionalities not only improves ionic transport but also imparts flame-retardant characteristics, establishing these materials as promising candidates for next-generation solid-state LIB electrolytes. Future work will include Li+ transference number determination, extended electrochemical stability analysis, and coin cell testing to evaluate cycling performance and interfacial stability, alongside further optimization of polymer structure for enhanced ionic conductivity.