Operating Temperature Range Research Articles

Replenish the Electron‐Deficient State of Carbonyl Carbon Atoms to Achieve Stable Li–S Battery

AbstractCarbonate‐based electrolytes are widely used in Li‐ion batteries (LIBs) due to their safe, stable properties and wide operating temperature range. However, the nucleophilic attack at carbonyl carbon atoms by polysulfide anions and the low solubility of lithium nitrate (LiNO3<0.1 m) in carbonate‐based electrolytes seriously hinder the application of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries in carbonate‐based electrolytes. Herein, the electrophilicity of carbonyl carbon atoms is gradually reduced through solvent molecules redesign, eliminated the attack of polysulfide anions on carbonyl carbon atoms, and also changed the intermolecular interactions in the electrolyte, improving the solubility of LiNO3 (>1.0 m) and forming stable LiNxOy‐containing SEI on the surface of the lithium metal. The assembled Li–S battery with these designed solvent molecules delivers an initial discharge capacity of 1251.7 mAh g−1 at 0.1C. In addition, the lithium–sulfur battery assembled with the designed solvent molecule has a discharge capacity of 631 mAh g−1 after 420 cycles at 0.2 C, with a capacity retention of ≈60%. Moreover, the Li||Li symmetrical cell shows stable cycle performance over 1200 h at 0.5 mA cm−2 and 0.5 mAh cm−2.

Enhancing Open-Space Gas Detection Limit: A Novel Environmentally Adaptive Infrared Temperature Prediction Method for Uncooled Spectroscopy

Gas cloud imaging with uncooled infrared spectroscopy is influenced by ambient temperature, complicating the quantitative detection of gas concentrations in open environments. To solve the aforementioned challenges, the paper analyzes the main factors influencing detection errors in uncooled infrared spectroscopy gas cloud imaging and proposes a temperature correction method to address them. Firstly, to mitigate the environmental effects on the radiative temperature output of uncooled infrared detectors, a snapshot-based, multi-band infrared temperature compensation algorithm incorporating environmental awareness was developed. This algorithm enables precise infrared radiation prediction across a wide operating temperature range. Validation tests conducted over the full temperature range of 0 °C to 80 °C demonstrated that the prediction error was maintained within ±0.96 °C. Subsequently, temperature compensation techniques were integrated, resulting in the development of a comprehensive uncooled infrared spectroscopy gas cloud imaging detection method. Ultimately, the detection limits for SF6, ethylene, cyclohexane, and ammonia were enhanced by 50%, 33%, 25%, and 67%, respectively.

Delay drift compensation of an optoelectronic oscillator over a large temperature range through continuous tuning

Phase noise reduces target sensitivity in radar and increases bit error rate in telecommunications systems. Optoelectronic oscillators are known for using optical fibre technology to realise the large delay required to attain superior phase noise performance compared to conventional microwave source technology. However, the long fibre is vulnerable to environmentally induced phase perturbations, while conventional phase shifters have insufficient range to compensate for the phase drift over the operational temperature range without the use of a temperature-controlled enclosure. Here we introduce a vector modulator controlled by a Stuart-Landau integrator, as a solution to non-efficient tuning for the phase shift. The concept is verified by simulation and experimentally demonstrated using an optoelectronic oscillator phase-locked to a system reference. Phase lock is maintained over four free spectral ranges equivalent to a tuning phase range of 1440° when the optoelectronic oscillator is cycled over a 10 °C to 85 °C temperature range. These demonstrations highlight the practical potential of our continuous tuning method.

Expanded graphite encapsulation of nitrates for enhanced thermal transport: Mechanism insight and component screening

The efficient improvement of the heat transfer capability of high-temperature molten salts and the accurate measurement within the operating temperature range is vital for improving the efficiency of concentrating solar power devices. Through theoretical investigation, this paper explores different thermal properties including thermal conductivity, phase transition properties and interfacial interactions using a range of expanded graphite/nitrates (EG/nitrates). Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the EG/eutectic salt (ES) exhibits optimal comprehensive properties. Experimentally prepared EG/ES composite phase change materials (PCMs), coupled with theoretical predictions, demonstrate exceptional thermal conductivity (2.2 W m−1 K−1) and a significant latent heat of phase change (>80 J g−1). The calculation results of the interaction energy between the host-guest indicate that the strong interaction of the EG to ES restricts the molecule movement, leading to a weak temperature dependence of the thermal conductivity of the EG/ES composite PCM. This contrasts with the conventional understanding of PCM thermal conductivity, which typically exhibits a sharp change during the phase transition from solid state to liquid state. Additionally, the thermal response of 15 wt% EG/ES is increased by 27.2 % compared to pure ES, which effectively helps alleviate local overheating in practical applications. The progress made so far sheds light on the mechanism behind the improved heat transfer and storage performance of nitrate from a microscopic view, offering valuable theoretical insight for developing high-efficient nitrate PCMs in solar thermal power generation systems.

Tailored PEO/PEG-PPG Polymer Electrolyte for Solid-State Lithium-Ion Battery

Abstract Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) offer a promising avenue for advancing the performance and safety of all-solid-state batteries. In this study, we investigated the effects of blending poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) with amorphous poly(propylene glycol) (PPG) or poly(ethylene glycol-ran-propylene glycol) (PEG-PPG) to engineer SPEs with enhanced electrochemical properties. By blending PEO with PEG-PPG or PPG, we effectively lowered the crystallinity of PEO, facilitating the diffusion of lithium ions through the SPE and broadening its operational temperature range. This optimization strategy enhanced ionic conductivity and significantly reduced the interfacial resistance between the electrolyte and electrode, thus improving electrochemical stability. The solid-state lithium/lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP) with PEO blended with 7% PEG-PPG showed excellent charge/discharge cycling stability, with maximal discharge capacities of 165 mAh g-1 and 162 mAh g-1 at a current rate of 0.2 C at 60 and 125°C, respectively. The PEG-PPG-based SPE outperformed the PPG polymer-based SPE in terms of better electrochemical performance and a wider temperature range due to its longer polymer chain. This combination offered improved ionic conductivity, interface stability, and electrolyte compatibility with electrodes, making it highly suitable for high-demand applications of lithium-ion batteries.

FEATURES OF THE FORMATION OF THE PHASE COMPOSITION AND PROPERTIES OF HIGH ALLOY STEEL 03Х17Н3Г9МБДЮЧ

Purpose. Evaluation of the influence of alloying elements of corrosion-resistant steel 03Х17Н3Г9МБДЮч on the phase composition and indicators of high-temperature corrosion. Research methods. In order to check the effect of the chemical composition on the structure of steel 03Х17Н3Г9МБДЮч, laboratory steels were made. The production of these steels was carried out in an induction furnace with a main lining with a capacity of 50 kg. The resulting castings were forged into blanks 40 ´ 80 ´100 mm in size, with subsequent hot rolling into samples 25, 20, and 15 mm thick. Determination of the yield strength of steels was carried out after exposure at a temperature of 850 °С for 10,000 hours. The corrosion resistance of the test samples was determined by the gravimetric method after the samples were completely immersed in molten magnesium. Results. The choice of the main alloying elements was justified and their influence on durability in the aggressive environment of the recovery process of spongy titanium production was determined. A thermodynamic calculation of the changed Gibbs energy in the operating temperature range was performed. The required phase ratio of 03Х17Н3Г9МБДЮч steel was considered and selected based on Scheffler de Long and Potak-Sahalevich diagrams. Scientific novelty. The effect of changing the chemical composition of steel 03Х17Н3Г9МБДЮч within technical conditions on the creep limit and durability in the aggressive environment of the recovery process of the production of spongy titanium was determined. Practical value. It is shown that the alloying complex of corrosion-resistant steel is capable of significantly improving the physical, mechanical and technological properties, and expanding the functional application (purpose).

Optimizing Syngas Production from Municipal Solid Waste Gasification: A Dual Reactor Fluidized Bed Study with Steam and CO2 as Gasification Agents

The escalating production of municipal solid waste (MSW) poses significant environmental and health hazards due to air, water, and soil pollution. Utilizing MSW as an energy source through gasification offers a promising solution to mitigate these impacts. This study investigates the gasification of MSW using a Dual Reactor Fluidized Bed, a thermal technology that converts solid substrates into usable gaseous fuels. The primary objective is to optimize the quality of the produced syngas by employing specific gasification agents, namely steam and CO2, and their mixtures. The research examines the effect of these agents on H2/CO ratios across a wide range of low operating temperatures, from 400°C to 700°C, using silica sand as a heat conduction medium between interconnected combustion and gasification reactors. The results demonstrate that the composition of syngas is strongly influenced by gasification temperature fluctuations. Increasing temperatures from 400°C to 700°C correlate with higher concentrations of CO and H2 in the syngas. The use of steam as a gasification agent yields H2 concentrations up to 25%, while transitioning from steam to CO2 leads to a substantial increase in CO composition, reaching 22.73%. Further analysis reveals that the H2/CO ratio decreases from 1,78 with steam and 0.64 with CO2, highlighting the crucial role of gasification agents in syngas quality. This study underscores the potential for optimizing syngas production from MSW by manipulating gasification temperatures and transitioning between different agents (steam, CO2, and their mixtures), resulting in an overall increase in the calorific value of the produced gas. These findings emphasize the opportunity to transform substantial environmental challenges associated with MSW into promising sustainable energy solutions through advanced gasification technologies.

Large Room-Temperature Electrocaloric Effect in Lead-Free Relaxor Ferroelectric Ceramics with Wide Operation Temperature Range

In order to obtain large room-temperature electrocaloric effect (ECE) and wide operation temperature range simultaneously in lead-free ceramics, we proposed designing a relaxor ferroelectric with a Tm (the temperature at which the maximum dielectric permittivity is achieved) near-room temperature and glass addition. Based on this strategy, we designed and fabricated lead-free 0.76NaNbO3–0.24BaTiO3 (NN-24BT) ceramics with 1wt.% BaO–B2O3–SiO2 glass addition, which showed distinct relaxor ferroelectric characteristics with strongly diffused phase transition and a Tm near-room temperature. Based on a direct measurement method, a large ΔT (adiabatic temperature change) of 1.3 K was obtained at room temperature under a high field of 11.0 kV mm−1. Additionally, large ECE can be maintained (>0.6 K@6.1 kV mm−1) over a broad temperature range from 23 °C to 69 °C. Moreover, the ECE displayed excellent cyclic stability with a variation in ΔT below ±7% within 100 test cycles. The comprehensive ECE performance is significantly better than other lead-free ceramics. Our work provides a general and effective approach to designing lead-free, high-performance ECE ceramics, and the approach possesses the potential to be utilized to improve the ECE performance of other lead-free ferroelectric ceramic systems.

Reconfigurable, zero-energy, and wide-temperature loss-assisted thermal nonreciprocal metamaterials

Thermal nonreciprocity plays a vital role in chip heat dissipation, energy-saving design, and high-temperature hyperthermia, typically realized through the use of advanced metamaterials with nonlinear, advective, spatiotemporal, or gradient properties. However, challenges such as fixed structural designs with limited adjustability, high energy consumption, and a narrow operational temperature range remain prevalent. Here, a systematic framework is introduced to achieve reconfigurable, zero-energy, and wide-temperature thermal nonreciprocity by transforming wasteful heat loss into a valuable regulatory tool. Vertical slabs composed of natural bulk materials enable asymmetric heat loss through natural convection, disrupting the inversion symmetry of thermal conduction. The reconfigurability of this system stems from the ability to modify heat loss by adjusting thermal conductivity, size, placement, and quantity of the slabs. Moreover, this structure allows for precise control of zero-energy thermal nonreciprocity across a broad temperature spectrum, utilizing solely environmental temperature gradients without additional energy consumption. This research presents a different approach to achieving nonreciprocity, broadening the potential for nonreciprocal devices such as thermal diodes and topological edge states, and inspiring further exploration of nonreciprocity in other loss-based systems.

Electrolyte Reconfiguration by Cation/Anion Cross-coordination for Highly Reversible and Facile Sodium Storage.

Hard carbon (HC) materials are promising anodes for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) owing to low cost, high specific capacity and low working potential. However, the poor compatibility of the electrolyte with HC leads to low initial coulombic efficiency (ICE) and sluggish Na+ transport kinetics. Here, we propose an electrolyte reconfiguration strategy based on the hard and soft acid and base (HSAB) theory by introducing methyltriphenylphosphonium bromide (MTPPB). MTPPB can realize a spontaneous cross-coordination solvation structure with NaPF6 by selective affinity, synchronously optimizing the interfacial chemistry and sodium storage process. The advantages of the chemical π-π bridging of MTPP+-HC and interaction of MTPP+-PF6- contribute to preferential and oriented reduction of PF6-, forming a low-resistance supramolecular SEI. Additionally, Na+-Br- coordination weakens the Na+-solvent interactions, facilitating Na+ de-solvation kinetics. Consequently, the HC||Na cell achieves a superior ICE of 96.6%, desirable rate capability under 25 °C and invisible capacity decay after 500 cycles at 1 C under -20 °C. The Na4Fe3(PO4)2P2O7||HC pouch battery displays a high ICE of 90.3% and a 15% increment of energy density under 25 °C. This work provides a guidance through electrolyte reconfiguration engineering for designing practical HC-based SIBs with high energy/power density and long-life span in the extended operating-temperature range.

Summary, Future, and Challenges of Fluoride‐Ion Batteries

Due to the limitations of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), there is an urgent need to explore alternative energy storage technologies. However, the high‐energy density of fluoride‐ion batteries (FIBs) has attracted widespread attention as a potential successor to LIBs. FIBs are emerging as a low‐cost, safe, and versatile energy storage solution, with a broad operating temperature range. With continuous efforts from researchers, significant progress has been made in the field of FIBs. Nevertheless, compared to traditional batteries, research on FIBs remains limited, and many challenges and unexplored avenues persist. This article elucidates the principles of FIBs, summarizes the materials for both cathodes and anodes, discusses electrolytes, and addresses existing issues. It also outlines future directions and potential applications of FIBs. As it is continued to innovate and explore, FIBs hold promise for revolutionizing energy storage technology, offering enhanced performance, safety, and sustainability.

Construction of CuCoCe ternary catalyst via a porous organic polymer template approach for efficient CO-PROX with wide operating temperature window

Preferential CO oxidation (CO-PROX) is a promising approach for removing trace CO from hydrogen-rich streams, effectively preventing Pt anode poisoning in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). To effectively eliminate CO within the PEMFC operating temperature range, catalysts must exhibit high CO conversion and O2 selectivity. Expanding the operating temperature window of these catalysts is crucial. This study presents the synthesis of a CuCoCe ternary catalyst (CuCo/Ce-P) using an imidazole-functionalized porous organic polymer as a sacrificial template. Compared to the CuCoCe ternary catalyst prepared without a template (CuCo/Ce), CuCo/Ce-P exhibits significantly enhanced catalytic activity, with a T50 reduction from 85 °C to 55 °C and an expanded operating temperature window of approximately 40 ℃. Characterization results indicate that the imidazole-functionalized porous organic polymer facilitates improved dispersion of active species by anchoring metal ions through electron-rich groups, enhances intermetallic interactions, promotes electron transfer, and significantly improves the oxygen-deficient capacity of the CuCoCe ternary catalyst. Consequently, the catalyst exhibits a greater number of active interfaces, leading to enhanced catalytic activity and a wider operating temperature window.

Fabrication of carbon nanotube neuromorphic thin film transistor arrays and their applications for flexible olfactory-visual multisensory synergy recognition

Abstract Artificial multisensory devices play a key role for the human-computer interaction in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). In this work, we have designed and constructed a novel olfactory-visual bimodal neuromorphic carbon nanotube thin film transistor (TFT) arrays for artificial olfactory-visual multisensory synergy recognition with the ultralow single-pulse power consumption of 25 aJ, employing semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (sc-SWCNTs) as channel materials and gas sensitive materials, and poly[[4,8-bis[5-(2-ethylhexyl)-2-thienyl]benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b0]dithiophene-2,6-diyl]-2,5-thiophenediyl-[5,7-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-4,8-dioxo-4H,8H-benzo[1,2-c:4,5-c0]dithio-phene-1,3-diyl]] (PBDB-T) as the photosensitive material. It is noted that it is the first time to realize the simulation of olfactory and visual senses (from 280 nm to 650 nm) with the wide operating temperature range (0-150 °C) in a single SWCNT TFT device and successfully simulate the recovery of olfactory senses after COVID-19 by olfactory-visual synergy. Furthermore, our SWCNT neuromorphic TFT devices with high Ion/Ioff ratio (up to 106) at a low operating voltage (-2-0.5 V) can mimic not only the basic biological synaptic functions of olfaction and vision (such as paired-pulse facilitation, short-term plasticity, and long-term plasticity), but also optical wireless communication by Morse code. The proposed multisensory, broadband light-responsive, low-power synaptic devices provide great potential for developing AI robots to face complex external environments.

Green Hydrogen Synthesis from Human Urine as Sustainable Bioenergy Resources

With the earths cry for help as pollution rate increases, researchers are faced with a common task of tackling pollution resulting from dependence on fossil fuel as well as delivering sustainable energy. Renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, hydro to mention a few are currently finding applications within the world energy mix but some limitations which range from meteorology of locations to expected maximum energy output attainable. Hydrogen, the most abundant element in the world stand chance of abating this problem. However conventional method of its producing, poses severe treat to the atmospheric environment with the release of oxides of carbon hence, referred as blue hydrogen. Contrarily, green hydrogen from human urine stands a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy resource. This study was aimed to empirically model the synthesis of green hydrogen from urea in human urine by an electrolytic process. The synthesized hydrogen was characterized on physiochemical properties of conductivity, turbidity, pH, specific gravity and colour, while the precursor urine characterized on gender, exposure duration and storage temperature. The synthesis process was modelled using Microsoft excel solver for the overall cell energy or polarization curve model, the Faraday’s efficiency model and gas purity model at electrolyte concentrations of 25 wt./wt., 30 wt./wt. and 35 wt./wt. of potassium oxide (buffer} to urea over a five-temperature interval range of 45 to 85 oC. Findings revealed that the gas produced was 99.88% hydrogen at the cathode. Also, hydrogen produced increased with increase in electrolyte concentration and moderate temperature with optimal conditions at 35 w/w electrolyte concentration and 65 oC. However, the minimum cell voltage was 2.06 V at 85 oC and 35 w/w electrolyte concentration. With an exception of the Faraday’s efficiency model at 30 wt./wt. electrolyte concentration across the system’s operating temperature range yielding an R2 value of 0.711, all the models yielded coefficient of determination values in the range of 0.96 and 0.99, indicating good fit for the alkaline urine electrolysis for green hydrogen synthesis from human urine.

Self-attention network-based state of charge estimation for lithium-ion batteries with gapped temperature data

The accurate estimation of the state of charge (SOC), a critical indicator of the energy stored in lithium-ion batteries, is essential for ensuring reliable and safe battery management. The influence of temperature on the battery characteristics substantially affects the SOC estimation accuracy. Owing to the broad operational temperature range of batteries, it is vital to address the various temperature conditions. This study proposes a model structure for data-driven SOC estimation to enhance accuracy under diverse temperature conditions. The model leverages the analysis of the SOC characteristics derived from the measured data. The proposed structure incorporates parallel-connected self-attention and long-short-term memory modules, thus providing an innovative approach for effectively capturing intricate features in SOC estimation. This study primarily focused on evaluating the capability of the proposed model to achieve satisfactory SOC estimation for untrained temperature conditions when trained with gapped temperature data, thus emphasizing its practicality. To assess the feasibility of the proposed method, experiments were performed under a broad range of fixed and varying temperature conditions, including seasonal and daily changes. The experimental results demonstrated that the root-mean-square errors of the estimated SOC were 0.4101% and 1.5611% at fixed and time-varying temperatures, respectively, including the subzero ranges. These results highlight the robustness of the proposed model under various temperature conditions and its applicability to real-world battery operational temperatures.

Realizing In-Memory Computing using Reliable Differential 8T SRAM for Improved Latency

Traditional von Neumann computing architectures suffer from high energy and lower speed as compared to the requirements of modern applications like those required in neural network accelerators. A modified differential eight transistor (8 + T) static random access memory (SRAM)-based in-memory computing (IMC) structure was presented for realizing bit-wise Boolean logic operations. The 8 + T SRAM-IMC is designed at the 32 nm technology node with throughput of 2.1849, 2.4815, 2.5795, 2.6240, 2.6495, 2.6619, 2.6690, 2.6732, and 2.6749 giga outputs per second for 0.5 to 1.3 V supply voltage range, respectively. The differential 8T cell used to implement logic operations supports NAND and NOR operations with minimal overhead while also performing the standard storage operation with added stability over the conventional 6T and 8T SRAM cells. The SRAM-IMC offers reliable Boolean logic operations by using asymmetric sensing strategy for all process corners, TT, SS, SF, FS, and FF for an operating temperature range of 220 K to 400 K. Monte Carlo simulation considering global threshold voltage deviation of 50 mV was performed for various operating conditions to study the impact of variations on design parameters such as latency.

Controlled creep resistance and melt-flow properties of vitrimers in a facile dual-catalytic system

Interest in vitrimers has increased due to the growing importance of recyclable thermosets. Controlling the flow properties of vitrimers to enhance creep resistance and processability presents challenges, particularly in extending the operating temperature range. Herein, a facile approach using a dual-catalytic system with varied activation energies (Ea) was applied to control the creep and flow properties of vitrimers. We employed an asymmetric dual-catalytic system, where a catalyst with a lower Ea facilitated the formation of a highly cross-linked structure, ensuring high creep resistance at low temperatures, while a catalyst with a higher Ea increased the deformation rate at elevated temperatures. The temperature range with distinct stress-relaxation behaviors were observed when the proper asymmetric dual-catalytic system was applied, where creep was effectively suppressed at lower temperatures, and a dormant catalyst with a higher Ea significantly accelerated the exchange reaction upon activation at higher temperatures. These findings and characterization offer valuable insights into the potential for vitrimer properties control, and vitrimer recycling using diverse catalytic systems.

Humidity-independent NO2 gas sensors based on ZnO-NiOFx nanocomposites and the synergistic humidity-immune effect of fluorine doped NiO

Clean, alternative energy sources, especially fuel cells, are gradually attracting global attentions while the produced toxic nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a greatly hazardous chemical impacting their energy efficiencies. Metal oxide semiconductors (MOS) hold significant promise as NO2 sensors. However, intensive humidity interaction intensifies signal drifts and reliable response inhibitions under variable humidity conditions. In this study, we present a novel approach to address this issue by engineering in-situ F-doped NiO nanocomposites (NiOFx) decorated on ZnO snowflakes achieved through decomposition modulation of ZnOHF precursors. The optimized NO2 sensor demonstrates unparalleled humidity-independence across a wide operating temperature range with prime sensitivity, low detection limit and rapid response/recovery. Matrix algorithm is also implemented in highly precise NO2 identification under complicated atmospheric and humid conditions. Mechanism studies based on temperature programmed desorption (TPD), quasi in-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (Quasi in-situ XPS) reveal that F− dopants facilitate interfacial electron transferring and inhibit oxygen activity. In-situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (In-situ DRIFTS) demonstrates that hygroscopic NiO and electronegative F− synergistically obstruct hydroxyl adsorptions on sensing materials. The innovative approach offers a promising solution for enhancing moisture resistance of MOS sensors for real-time NO2 concentration monitoring in fuel cells and provides valuable insights into anti-humidity mechanisms.

Healable adhesive paste development for thick adhesive joints

A new adhesive formulation is developed, enabling assisted self-healing for wind turbine rotor blade (WTRB) applications. The properties of this epoxy based formulation are compared to those of a state-of-the-art toughened epoxy adhesive (Sikapower®-830). An optimal content of 20 wt% poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) microparticles and 4 wt% fumed silica (NS) in a baseline epoxy fulfilled most requirements, such as sufficient rheological yield stress, adequate mechanical properties, glass transition temperature (Tg) higher than the operation temperature range and good adhesion, although the elastic modulus remained about 85 % of the desired value. In addition, 60 % healing efficiency was achieved in fractured samples after moderate heating. This approach provides new perspectives to control damage in thick bonded joints.

Operando Fabricated Quasi-Solid-State Electrolyte Hinders Polysulfide Shuttles in an Advanced Li-S Battery

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are a promising option for energy storage due to their theoretical high energy density and the use of abundant, low-cost sulfur cathodes. Nevertheless, several obstacles remain, including the dissolution of lithium polysulfides (LiPS) into the electrolyte and a restricted operational temperature range. This manuscript presents a promising approach to addressing these challenges. The manuscript describes a straightforward and scalable in situ thermal polymerization method for synthesizing a quasi-solid-state electrolyte (QSE) by gelling pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (PETEA), azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN), and a dual salt lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) and lithium nitrate (LiNO3)-based liquid electrolyte. The resulting freestanding quasi-solid-state electrolyte (QSE) effectively inhibits the polysulfide shuttle effect across a wider temperature range of −25 °C to 45 °C. The electrolyte’s ability to prevent LiPS migration and cluster formation has been corroborated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy analyses. The optimized QSE composition appears to act as a physical barrier, thereby significantly improving battery performance. Notably, the capacity retention has been demonstrated to reach 95% after 100 cycles at a 2C rate. Furthermore, the simple and scalable synthesis process paves the way for the potential commercialization of this technology.