Materials For Rechargeable Lithium Batteries Research Articles

Intermolecular cyclic polysulfides as cathode materials for rechargeable lithium batteries

Intermolecular cyclic polysulfides are synthesized and used as cathode materials in rechargeable lithium batteries. Their intriguing redox reactions are revealed.

Uniform β-Na0.33V2O5 nanorod cathode providing superior rate capability for lithium ion batteries

A vanadium bronze nanomaterial, β-Na0.33V2O5, was synthesized using a facile sol-gel method followed by annealing at high temperature. The morphology of the sample was observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a transmission electron microscope (TEM), and the crystal phase was determined by x-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy. The as-prepared sample displays a morphology of nanorods, and has a pure phase with a high crystallinity. When used as the cathode material for rechargeable lithium batteries, the β-Na0.33V2O5 nanorods fired at 400 °C exhibit better electrochemical properties at a 2.0 V cutoff voltage than those at a 1.5 V cutoff voltage. Over the voltage range of 2.0–4.0 V, they can deliver an initial capacity of 221 mAh g−1 at a 0.5 C rate, and retain 212 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles, accounting for a capacity fading of only 0.02% per cycle. At a 5 C rate, the discharge capacity still reaches 146 mAh g−1, displaying an outstanding rate capability. Control of the electrochemical window is proved to be an effective strategy in boosting the cycling stability of the β-Na0.33V2O5 cathode in this work in spite of a discounted capacity. Results suggest the as-prepared β-Na0.33V2O5 nanorods are promising for use as high-performance cathode materials for rechargeable lithium batteries.

Synthesis and electrochemical properties of Li3V2 (PO4)3-V2O3/C as anode material for lithium-ion battery application

The composites of Li3V2(PO4)3/C (noted as LVP/C) and Li3V2(PO4)3-V2O3/C (noted as LVP-V/C) are prepared by a rheological phase reaction (noted as RPR) process for anode material. The synthesized samples are measured by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The content of the carbon in the composite is detected by the thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. The morphologies of powders are observed by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The electrochemical properties of the samples as anode material are tested by the battery testing system. The LVP-V/C composite behaved better electrochemical performances than those of LVP/C as an anode material. The reasons that LVP-V/C behaved outstanding electrochemical properties are discussed also. Based on its electrochemical performances, the LVP-V/C composite may be a potential anode material for rechargeable lithium batteries.

Selenium-Carbon Nanotubes Composite Cathode with Long Cycle Life for Rechargeable Li-Se Batteries

In the past two decades, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been extensively utilized in portable electronic devices as well as electric vehicles (EVs). However, conventional LIBs depending on the lithium intercalation reactions of anode and transitional metal oxide cathode materials have limited capacities and low energy densities, which prevent their broader deployment as power sources for prolonged usage. High energy density and durable electrical energy storage devices are the key factors to meet the crucial demands for high-performance portable electronic devices and EVs. Selenium (Se), as a congener of sulfur in the periodic table, has been proposed as an alternative cathode material for rechargeable lithium batteries. Although Se has lower theoretical capacity (678 mAh g-1) than sulfur, it can provide a high volumetric capacity of 3253 mAh cm-3 because of its high mass density (4.8 g cm-3). In addition, selenium has a much higher electronic conductivity (1×10-3 S m-1), which implies that Se could provide better electrochemical activity. However, Se cathode is still facing similar challenges as sulfur such as poor cycling life and low Coulombic efficiency, which are attributed to the dissolution and shuttle effect of the formed high-order polyselenides as redox intermediates in the ether-based electrolyte. In addition, the significant volume change increases the difficulty for Li-Se batteries to be used in practical applications. During the last decade, lots of effort have been put into developing approaches to address these problems, thereby increasing energy density and cycle life of Li-Se batteries. In this contribution, we synthesized Se nanowires in the presence of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by a facile method. The experimental process for preparing the Se/CNT composite consists of dissolving selenium oxide (SeO2) and beta-cyclodextrin (β-cyclodextrin) and dispersing the CNT bundles in an ethanolic mixture with de-ionized water. The vigorously stirring and ultrasonication procedure in the initial mixture cause fine dispersion of CNTs. In addition, the ethanol extenuates the hydrophobic activity of CNTs, and hence accelerates the dispersion-weave process by ultrasonication. The addition of ascorbic acid solution ensures the product of selenium nanowires. Upon another ultrasonication for selenium nanowires and CNTs to be perfectly woven, and then filtered and dried, the Se/CNT composite electrode was obtained. The filter paper has a diameter of 7 cm, which decides the overall size of the composite electrode. Se nanowires are weaved with CNTs to form a uniform binder-free composite electrode, which has superior electrical conductivity. This synthesis method provides a path for fabricating the Se cathodes with controllable mass loadings and thicknesses. At initial state, Se is in the form of branched nanowires with a diameter of <150 nm and length of 1-2 µm, interweaving with CNTs. By studying the composites electrodes with different mass loadings of active materials and different thicknesses, it is found that the electrode thickness has influence on the accumulation of redox products upon repeated cycling. The structural and morphological changes are analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Finally, the electrochemical phenomena are revealed experimentally, and enhanced cycling performance is achieved. The composite electrode with 23 µm thickness and 60% Se loading shows a high initial capacity of 537 mAh g-1, followed by stable cycling performance with a capacity of 401 mAh g-1 after 500 cycles at 1C rate. This study reports a synthesis strategy to obtain Se/CNT composite cathode with long cycle life for rechargeable Li-Se batteries. Figure 1

Simulated Crystal Growth of Intermediate Phases Formed during Li and O Extraction of Nano-Li2MnO3 Cathode Material

Li2MnO3 is considered as a potential candidate for high capacity (theoretical capacity of 458 mAh/g) lithium ion batteries applicable in electric vehicles owing to its larger number of exploitable Li ions. However, it is vulnerable to degradation originating from complex phenomena such as the oxygen release, phase transformation and Li+ /H+ exchange reaction, but the detailed mechanisms governing these degradation behaviors have not been fully understood yet. In the current work, spontaneous crystal growth of the nano-Li2MnO3 structures via the amorphisation and crystallisation technique is carried out with systematic removal of oxygen and lithium contents in a quest to explore the formation of different intermediate structures/phases. The simulated nano-architectures crystallised into multi-grained (except for Li1.75MnO2.75) and highly defective structures. To study the formation possible phases, the XRD patterns were measured for all intermediate structures and reveal emergence of new Mn3O4 peak at 2Ө~ 29⁰ and strong cubic spinel LiMn2O4 at 2Ө~ 37⁰. Microstructural analysis revealed the formation of layered and spinel-type structures for low lithium and oxygen content nanostructures. These findings shed light towards mechanisms that take place during the cycling of nanostructured high capacity oxide electrodes during lithium and oxygen extraction that will help guide the optimisation of new Li-rich materials for rechargeable lithium batteries.

Organosulfides: An Emerging Class of Cathode Materials for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries have received significant attention over the last decades due to the wide application of portable electronics and increasing deployment of electric vehicles. In order to further increase the energy density of batteries and overcome the capacity limitations (<250 mAh g-1) of inorganic cathode materials, it is imperative to explore new cathode materials for rechargeable lithium batteries. Organic compounds including organic carbonyl, radicals, and organosulfides are promising as they have advantages of high capacities, abundant resources, and tunable structures. In the 1980s, a few organosulfides, in particular organodisulfides, as cathode materials were studied to a certain extent in rechargeable lithium batteries. However, they showed low capacities and poor cycling performance, which made them unappealing then in comparison to transition metal oxide cathode materials. As a result, organosulfides have not been extensively studied like other cathode materials including organic carbonyls and radicals. In recent years, organosulfides with long sulfur chains (e.g., trisulfide, tetrasulfide, pentasulfide, etc.) in the structures have been receiving more attention in conjunction with the development of lithium-sulfur batteries. As a major class of sulfur derivatives, they have versatile structures and unique properties in comparison with elemental sulfur. In this Account, we first generalize the working principles of organosulfides in lithium batteries. We then discuss organosulfide molecules, which have precise lithiation sites and tunable capacities. The organic functional groups can provide additional benefits, such as discharge voltage and energy efficiency enhancement by phenyl groups and cycling stability improvement by N-heterocycles. Furthermore, replacing sulfur by selenium in these compounds can improve their electrochemical properties due to the high electronic conductivity and low bond energy associated with selenium. We list organosulfide polymers consisting of phenyl rings, N-heterocycles, or aliphatic segments. Organosulfides as electrolyte additives or components for forming a solid-electrolyte interphase layer on lithium metal anode are also presented. Carbon materials such as carbon nanotubes and reduced graphene oxide can enhance the battery performance of organosulfide cathodes. We discuss the synthesis methods for polysulfide molecules and polymers. Finally, we show the advantages of organosulfides over sulfur as cathode materials in lithium batteries. This Account provides a summary of recent development, in-depth analysis of structure-performance relationship, and guidance for future development of organosulfides as promising cathode materials for next generation rechargeable lithium batteries.

Lithium Benzenedithiolate Catholytes for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries

AbstractOrganic electrode materials have become a vibrant area of research. Lithium benzenedithiolate (LBDT) consists of two –SLi groups that could donate 2Li+ and 2e− in oxidation reactions, thus being a potential high‐capacity organic cathode material for rechargeable lithium batteries. Herein, 1,2‐, 1,3‐, and 1,4‐LBDTs are investigated to elucidate the relationship of their redox chemistry and effect of lithium thiolate position on their electrochemical behavior experimentally and theoretically. High‐performance liquid chromatography in tandem with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry is used, for the first time, to separate and identify the charge and discharge products of these compounds in lithium batteries. During the charging process, 1,2‐, 1,3‐ and 1,4‐LBDTs are mainly converted to the cyclic dimer, trimer, and tetramer respectively. While in the discharge process, the initial lithiated materials are recovered. The cyclic dimer of 1,2‐LBDT shows the lowest discharge overpotential and fast kinetics, which are related to the easiness of the 2nd lithiation process. It delivers an initial specific capacity of 340 mAh g−1 and retains 84.1% of the initial capacity over 100 cycles at C/2 rate. In addition, it shows much better rate capability than the other two LBDTs. The structure–performance relationship of LBDT in lithium batteries is correlated.

Structural and electrochemical studies of LiNixCo(1-x)VO4 (x = 0.2, 0.8) cathode materials for rechargeable lithium batteries

A family of mixed LiNixCo(1-x)VO4 (x = 0.2, 0.8) cathode materials has been synthesized using the sol–gel method. The thermal behavior of the materials has been examined by thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. The Rietveld refinement of powder X-ray diffraction showed the structure with $$ Fd\overline{3}m $$ (227) space group. Surface analysis was performed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Analysis of Raman spectra reveals the local environment model including VO4 tetrahedra, (Ni,Co)O6, and LiO6 octahedra as vibrational local units. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies on synthesized powder indicate that the oxidation states of nickel, cobalt, and vanadium are + 2, + 3 and + 5, respectively. Charge–discharge cycling tests were carried out to study the performance of the cathode materials.

(Invited) New Insight of NaLiFePO4f As a High Voltage Cathode Material for Lithium-Ion Battery

The lithium-ion battery is one of the most promising electrochemical energy storage system having great potential for a wide range of applications. However, there are certain challenges that need to be addressed such as low practical energy density, short lifetime and high price. Three-dimensional polyanion compounds (XO4)m- (X=P, S) with impressing electrochemical performance and stability are considered as the cathode material for next generation lithium-ion battery[1, 2]. Meanwhile, combining high ionic M-F bond with (XO4)m- (X=P, S) is able to enhance the operating voltage, such as LiVPO4F which has already been reported with good performance[3]. Comparing with other fluorophosphates, NaLiFePO4F has received particular interest due to its high operating voltage and the potential of more than one alkali ion can be activated[4, 5]. Meanwhile, several problems are associated with this material such as low electronic conductivity and limited knowledge about the mechanism of the second lithium-ion activation during the charging and discharging process[6]. In order to solve these problems, first principle simulation based on density functional theory, is employed to investigate the mechanism of lithium-ion extraction of NaLiFePO4F (Li2FePO4F). It is found that not only the transition metal Fe2+ but also O2- will lose electron during the delithiation process by electronic structure analysis. Operating voltages and structural evolution are obtained after the calculation of lithiated phases LixFePO4F (x=2, 1.5, 1, 0.5, and 0). The oxidation potentials for different lithium ion concentration in LixFePO4F compounds are located at ~3.41, 3.51, 4.80, and 5.60V respectively. The lithium-ion activation exhibits in the form of a single phase. The NaLiFePO4F is synthesized by annealing the mixture of LiFePO4 and NaF with molar ratio 1:1 at 650ºC for 1.5h. The Li2FePO4F can be obtained by ion-exchange during electrochemical testing. The electrochemical performance is characterized by galvanostatic charge-discharge test between 2~4.5V at rate 0.1C with an average potential~3.4V vs Li+/Li. A reversible specific capacity ~127mAh g-1 can be obtained. References Padhi, A.K., K.S. Nanjundaswamy, and J.B. Goodenough, Phospho ‐ olivines as Positive ‐ Electrode Materials for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries. Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 1997. 144(4): p. 1188-1194.Nanjundaswamy, K.S., A.K. Padhi, J.B. Goodenough, S. Okada, H.Ohtsuka, H. Arai, and J.Yamaki., Synthesis, redox potential evaluation and electrochemical characteristics of NASICON-related-3D framework compounds. Solid State Ionics, 1996. 92(1): p. 1-10.Barker, J., M.Y. Saidi, and J.L. Swoyer, Electrochemical Insertion Properties of the Novel Lithium Vanadium Fluorophosphate, LiVPO4F Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 2003. 150(10): p. A1394-A1398.Khasanova, N.R., O. A. Drozhzhin, D. A. Storozhilova, C. Delmas, and E. V. Antipov, New Form of Li2FePO4F as Cathode Material for Li-Ion Batteries. Chemistry of Materials, 2012. 24(22): p. 4271-4273. Ben, Y. H., M. Shikano, H. Sakaebe, S. Koike, M. Tabuchi, H. Kobayashi, H. Kawaji, M. Avdeev, W. Miiller, and C.D..Ling, Synthesis and characterization of the crystal structure, the magnetic and the electrochemical properties of the new fluorophosphate LiNaFe[PO4]F. Dalton Trans, 2012. 41(38): p. 11692-9.Antipov, E.V., N.R. Khasanova, and S.S. Fedotov, Perspectives on Li and transition metal fluoride phosphates as cathode materials for a new generation of Li-ion batteries. IUCrJ, 2015. 2(Pt 1): p. 85-94. Figure 1

3D Alumina-Graphene Hybrid Nanofibers as a Binder‐Free Cathode for Rechargeable Li‐S Batteries

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are promising as a next generation energy-storage device because their energy density is higher than that of current Li-ion devices. Alumina nanofibers coated with graphene is electrochemically active material with tunable graphene flakes and surface area. Combination of this material with sulfur leads to an improved initial discharge capacity and cycle stability, probably due to improved electrical and ionic transport during electrochemical reactions. Based on this understanding, the resulting graphene sulfur composite showed high and stable specific capacities up to ∼900 mAh/g after 50 cycles, representing a promising cathode material for rechargeable lithium batteries with high energy density.

High Rate Li-Ion Batteries with Cation-Disordered Cathodes

Summary Cation disordering in electrode materials for Li-ion batteries is deemed as an undesired structural feature for achieving high electrochemical activity owing to sluggish Li diffusion in the structure. Therefore, extensive efforts have been made to develop electrode materials having a well cation-ordered structure. We report a new class of cation-disordered material that can achieve reasonable Li diffusion by controlling the way of the cation distribution rather than the degree of cation disordering itself. The fully cation-disordered LiFeSO4F, activated by changes in the synthesis temperature and the Li/Fe ratio, delivers a substantially improved electrochemical performance. It exhibits a superior rate capability up to 100 C (36-s discharge) with ∼ 60 mAh/g and excellent capacity retention for 2,500 cycles at 5 C charge/20 C discharge rate. These results extend the scope of electrode materials to include cation-disordered materials and provide new opportunities for designing them for high-performance Li-ion batteries.

Core-Shell-Structured Li[Ni0.87Co0.08Al0.05]O2 Cathode Material for Enhanced Electrochemical Performance and Thermal Stability of Lithium-Ion Batteries

LiNi0.95Al0.05O2 cathode materials have attracted much interest as lithium storage materials for rechargeable lithium batteries because of their high capacity and low cost. However, they exhibit poor cycling performance and thermal instability. We synthesized Li[Ni0.87Co0.08Al0.05]O2 as a shell with high structural and thermal stability on the core surface to suppress surface degradation while maintaining high capacity. The capacity retention of the core-shell cathode after 30 cycles was 87%, which was better than that of the bare cathode (73%). Differential scanning calorimetry analysis revealed that the heat generation of the core-shell cathode was 331.4 J·g−1, which was lower than that of the bare cathode (487.5 J·g−1).

Polyphenylene Tetrasulfide as an Inherently Flexible Cathode Material for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries

Li-ion batteries have transformed personal electronics from chunky devices to lightweight, flexible, and even wearable ones. Higher capacity and energy density, along with flexibility is offered by sulfur-based cathode materials. In this work, the condensation reaction of 1,4-benzenedithiol with elemental sulfur has been utilized to synthesize polyphenylene tetrasulfide (PPTS) possessing a theoretical specific capacity of 788 mAh g–1. This elastic material can accommodate a strain of up to 334%, while the carbon nanotube-based cathode can handle strains of 107%. This good flexibility also comes with favorable cycling performance in a lithium battery with a high capacity (633 mAh g–1 at 1 C), good rate performance, high Coulombic efficiency (∼99.4%), and a low capacity decay (under 0.07% per cycle). Therefore, PPTS and its analogues offer promising cathodes for flexible lithium batteries.

Hierarchically structured mesoporous bimetallic oxides as a potential anode material for rechargeable lithium batteries

Transition metal oxides have been considered as a promising class of electrode materials in electrochemical energy storage devices and possess better capacities than mono-metal oxides. For the development of lithium-ion energy storage systems, the architecture of the electrode material plays a vital role. Herein, we have synthesized one-dimensional (1D) mesoporous NiCo2O4 hollow nanofibers (HNFs) with the flaky architecture of its surface using the lab waste filter paper as a template during the hydrothermal process. The NiCo2O4 HNFs show good electrochemical properties such as initial discharge capacity of 1702 mAh g−1 with the coulombic efficiency of 82% at a current density of 100 mA g−1, in comparison to NiCo2O4 nanospheres (NSs) delivering an initial discharge capacity of 1204 mAh g−1 with the coulombic efficiency of 74%. The HNFs with interconnected flaky surface provides a large number of lithium storage sites and also shortens the diffusion path for both the lithium ions and electrons and thereby enhancing the performance of Li-ion batteries.

(Invited) The Advantages of the Nemaska Electrochemical Process to Directly Synthesize High Purity Lithium Hydroxide

Nemaska Lithium has developed an electrochemical process to produce high purity lithium hydroxide directly using a green and low cost hydroelectric power as the main resource. This electrochemical process converts directly the lithium sulfate extracted from spodumene concentrate into lithium hydroxide and sulfuric acid of high purity. In comparison with the conventional chemical process who produce technical grade lithium carbonate and sodium sulfate by-product using soda ash, the Nemaska electrochemical process has significant advantages. The quality of the product is higher, the operational cost is lower and the benefits for the environment are huge. The advantages of the Nemaska process will be discussed in detail. The growing demand for high-purity batteries grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate for the synthesis of cathode materials for rechargeable lithium batteries will also be discussed.

Phenyl Selenosulfides as Cathode Materials for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries

AbstractThe SeSe bond in an organo‐diselenide (RSeSeR, R is an organic group) can break in a 2e− reduction reaction, but it has limited capacity as a cathode material for rechargeable lithium‐ion batteries. To increase its capacity, redox active species (e.g., sulfur) can be added in the middle of the selenium atoms. Herein, phenyl diselenide (PDSe, PhSeSePh) is mixed with sulfur to form two hybrid compounds with 1:1 and 1:2 molar ratios, which almost double and triple the capacity of PDSe, respectively. Theoretical calculations suggest that phenyl selenosulfide (PDSe‐S, PhSe‐S‐SePh) and phenyl selenodisulfide (PDSe‐S2, PhSe‐SS‐SePh) can form via addition reactions, which is supported by mass spectrometry analysis. The hybrid materials exhibit three highly reversible redox plateaus and enhanced cycling stability due to the reduced solubility of the discharge products. PDSe‐S and PDSe‐S2 show initial capacities of 252 and 330 mAh g−1, respectively, followed by stable cycling performance with a capacity retention of &gt;73% after 200 cycles at C/5 rate. In addition, they show steady rate capabilities. This study reports a novel strategy to increase the electrochemical performance of organo‐diselenide by addition of sulfur.

Lithium insertion in α′-NaV2O5: Na-pillaring effect on the structural and electrochemical properties

Electrochemically formed α′-NaV2O5 bronze is investigated here as cathode material for rechargeable lithium batteries. We show that the layered structure of this compound, with Na ions located between the V2O5 layers, allows the reversible insertion of 1 lithium/mole of bronze at an average voltage of 2.1 V vs. Li+/Li. The Li insertion-extraction mechanism in α′-LixNaV2O5 is revealed thanks to ex situ XRD and Raman spectroscopy investigations. A narrow one-phase region occurs in the 0 < x ≤ 0.2 composition range while a two-phase mechanism prevails for 0.2 < x < 1. Also, we show that 0.3 additional Li ions can be inserted according to a second solid solution domain, leading to the fully lithiated α′-Li1.3NaV2O5 material. The structure of the α′-LiNaV2O5 is isomorphic to the pristine material. It is remarkable that only limited structural changes are found in the 0 < x ≤ 1.2 lithium composition range, consisting mainly in a 7% increase in the interlayer c parameter. A high structural reversibility is evidenced, which accounts for the remarkable stable capacities achieved whatever the C rate, near 120 mAh g−1 and 60 mAh g−1 at C/10 and 1C, respectively after 60 cycles. The lithium chemical diffusion coefficient DLi, in the range 10−9 – 10−10 cm2 s−1 in the 0.03 ≤ x ≤ 1.1 composition domain, is little affected by the Li concentration. The high mobility revealed for lithium ions is also supported by BVEL analysis, while a significant activation energy for Na-ions migration ascertains their immobility in the α′-NaV2O5 lattice. These results demonstrate the interest of large interlayer 2D host lattices stabilized by pillaring species such as Na to achieve a stable cycling behavior, a facile guest cation insertion and to promote the ionic diffusion.

LiV3O8/Polydiphenylamine Composites with Significantly Improved Electrochemical Behavior as Cathode Materials for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries.

Although LiV3O8 is regarded as a potential cathode candidate for rechargeable lithium batteries, it has been restricted by its weak dissolution and lattice structure change. Here, polydiphenylamine is successfully introduced to trigger the evolution of LiV3O8 material through an in situ oxidative polymerization method, significantly improving the electrochemical properties and inhibiting the adverse reaction. Expectedly, the 10 wt % LiV3O8/polydiphenylamine composite delivers a high initial specific discharge capacity of 311 mAh g-1, which decreases to 272 mAh g-1 after 50 cycles at the current density of 60 mA g-1. Even at a high current density of 2000 mA g-1, it still exhibited a reversible specific capacity of 125 mAh g-1 after 50 cycles. Quantitative kinetics analysis confirms the fundamental reasons for the enhanced rate capability. The ex situ X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy results suggest that 10 wt % LiV3O8/polydiphenylamine composite possesses an ultrahigh structural stability during cycling.

Advances in Understanding Materials for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries by Atomic Force Microscopy

The development of advanced lithium batteries represents a major technological challenge for the new century. Understanding the fundamental electrode degradation mechanisms is important for battery performance improvements. The complex electrochemical processes inside a working battery are being explored to a limited extent. Various advanced material characterization techniques have been used to monitor dynamic conditions for optimizing battery materials. State‐of‐the‐art atomic force microscopy methods have been applied to energy storage systems, specifically lithium‐ion batteries. Atomic force microscopy is an ideal tool to provide localized morphological, chemical, and physical information at nanoscale for the in‐depth understanding of the electrochemical processes, reaction mechanisms, and degradation of battery materials. Here, we review recent progress in the development and application of atomic force microscopy for high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries. We discuss atomic force microscopy as an analytical tool to help researchers understand graphite, silicon, layered metal oxides, and other representative electrode materials. We summarize the importance of atomic force microscopy technique in studying the next‐generation Li–S and Li–O2 batteries. We also highlight some of the remaining challenges and possible solutions for future development.

Communication—Organic Silane Coupling Agent Si-69: A New Organosulfur Cathode Material for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries

An organosulfur compound—organic silane coupling agent, Si-69, was investigated as a novel cathode material for rechargeable lithium batteries. The initial discharge capacity of the Si-69 could reach 298 mAh·g−1 at the current density of 200 mA·g−1, approaching its theoretical capacity (299 mAh·g−1). After 200 cycles, a high reversible capacity of 160 mAh·g−1 still could be obtained. Such a good electrochemical performance, combining with the low-cost feature, makes it a promising cathode material for rechargeable lithium batteries.