Energy Storage Options Research Articles

Unlocking the Ultrafast Deposition Kinetics within Bi‐Tailored Core‐Shell Structured Carbon Nanofibers for Highly Efficient and Ultrastable Sodium Metal Batteries

Sodium metal anodes (SMA), featuring high energy content, low electrochemical potential and easy availability, are a compelling option for sustainable energy storage. However, notorious sodium dendrite and unstable solid‐electrolyte interface (SEI) have largely retarded their widespread implantation. Herein, porous amorphous carbon fiber embedded with Bi nanoparticles in nanopores (Bi@NC) was rationally designed as a 3D host for SMA. In‐situ and ex‐situ characterizations, along with theoretical simulations unlock that the in‐situ formed Na‐Bi alloy significantly accelerates sodium metal nucleation and sodium ion diffusion kinetics, enabling uniform sodium plating within the void spaces and a stable SEI outside the carbon fiber. Particularly, the Bi@NC electrode achieved a high Coulombic efficiency of 99.99% at 3 mA cm‐2 and 3 mAh cm‐2 in half‐cell tests, a cycle life of 1000 hours at 5 mA cm‐2 and 10 mAh cm‐2, and sustained performance over 600 cycles under harsh conditions under 30 mA cm‐2 and 3 mAh cm‐2 within symmetrical cells. The full battery assembled with a Na3V2(PO4)3@C cathode and Bi@NC anode delivered long‐term cyclability over 800 cycles, demonstrating its potential for flexible application of sodium‐based energy storage systems. This work highlights the Bi@NC electrode as a promising candidate for high‐performance and flexible sodium metal batteries.

Unlocking the Ultrafast Deposition Kinetics within Bi-Tailored Core-Shell Structured Carbon Nanofibers for Highly Efficient and Ultrastable Sodium Metal Batteries.

Sodium metal anodes (SMA), featuring high energy content, low electrochemical potential and easy availability, are a compelling option for sustainable energy storage. However, notorious sodium dendrite and unstable solid-electrolyte interface (SEI) have largely retarded their widespread implantation. Herein, porous amorphous carbon fiber embedded with Bi nanoparticles in nanopores (Bi@NC) was rationally designed as a 3D host for SMA. In-situ and ex-situ characterizations, along with theoretical simulations unlock that the in-situ formed Na-Bi alloy significantly accelerates sodium metal nucleation and sodium ion diffusion kinetics, enabling uniform sodium plating within the void spaces and a stable SEI outside the carbon fiber. Particularly, the Bi@NC electrode achieved a high Coulombic efficiency of 99.99% at 3 mA cm-2 and 3 mAh cm-2 in half-cell tests, a cycle life of 1000 hours at 5 mA cm-2 and 10 mAh cm-2, and sustained performance over 600 cycles under harsh conditions under 30 mA cm-2 and 3 mAh cm-2 within symmetrical cells. The full battery assembled with a Na3V2(PO4)3@C cathode and Bi@NC anode delivered long-term cyclability over 800 cycles, demonstrating its potential for flexible application of sodium-based energy storage systems. This work highlights the Bi@NC electrode as a promising candidate for high-performance and flexible sodium metal batteries.

The Integration of Thermal Energy Storage Within Metal Hydride Systems: A Comprehensive Review

Hydrogen storage technologies are key enablers for the development of low-emission, sustainable energy supply chains, primarily due to the versatility of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier. Hydrogen can be utilized in both stationary and mobile power applications, and as a low-environmental-impact energy source for various industrial sectors, provided it is produced from renewable resources. However, efficient hydrogen storage remains a significant technical challenge. Conventional storage methods, such as compressed and liquefied hydrogen, suffer from energy losses and limited gravimetric and volumetric energy densities, highlighting the need for innovative storage solutions. One promising approach is hydrogen storage in metal hydrides, which offers advantages such as high storage capacities and flexibility in the temperature and pressure conditions required for hydrogen uptake and release, depending on the chosen material. However, these systems necessitate the careful management of the heat generated and absorbed during hydrogen absorption and desorption processes. Thermal energy storage (TES) systems provide a means to enhance the energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness of metal hydride-based storage by effectively coupling thermal management with hydrogen storage processes. This review introduces metal hydride materials for hydrogen storage, focusing on their thermophysical, thermodynamic, and kinetic properties. Additionally, it explores TES materials, including sensible, latent, and thermochemical energy storage options, with emphasis on those that operate at temperatures compatible with widely studied hydride systems. A detailed analysis of notable metal hydride–TES coupled systems from the literature is provided. Finally, the review assesses potential future developments in the field, offering guidance for researchers and engineers in advancing innovative and efficient hydrogen energy systems.

Sustainable supercapacitors using advanced hydrated amino acid ionic liquids: A novel approach to biodegradable energy storage

In this work, we explore the concepts of molecular dynamics (MD) to investigate the energy storage capacity of supercapacitors (SCs) composed of amino acid-based ionic liquids (AAILs) as pure and hydrated electrolytes, and graphene electrodes. The choice to use AAILs is motivated by environmental concerns, as these compounds are biodegradable. We focused our efforts on models composed of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium (emim) combined with alanine (ala), valine (val), leucine (leu), and isoleucine (ile). Furthermore, we aimed to optimize the biodegradable properties by considering different hydration levels of the electrolyte. We analyzed the models subjected to hydration in proportions of 10 %, 20 %, 30 %, 40 %, and 90 %. This research addresses the lack of detailed studies on the effect of hydration on AAIL electrolytes in supercapacitors, evaluating their impact on energy storage and electric double layer (EDL) formation, and highlights the potential of AAILs as electrolytes for supercapacitors, offering a biodegradable option for energy storage without a loss of efficiency. The results obtained showed capacitances between 2.29 and 2.71 µF/cm2, and gravimetric energy densities ranging from 4.4 to 4.8 J/g for electrolytes with high ion concentrations, and from 6.5 to 6.8 J/g for devices with low ion concentration electrolytes. These values indicate excellent potential for application in the context of energy storage, reinforcing the viability of AAILs as an environmentally friendly and efficient solution for supercapacitors.

Photo-rechargeable zinc ion capacitors using MoS2/NaTaO3/CF dual-acting electrodes prepared by photodeposition method.

This study presents an innovative approach to integrated energy systems by combining solar energy harvesting and electrochemical charge storage in a single modular platform. By strategically incorporating a MoS2/NaTaO3 heterostructure material, we have developed a photo-rechargeable zinc-ion capacitor (PR-ZIC) that utilises the synergistic benefits of this unique configuration. The photoactive MoS2/NaTaO3 cathode effectively absorbs light and charges the capacitor, enabling continuous light-driven operation. Experimental studies show that the MoS2/NaTaO3-based photo-rechargeable zinc-ion capacitor (PR-ZIC) exhibits a significant increase in capacitance when irradiated with light, with a 2.76-fold increase (93.94 mF cm-2) compared to dark conditions (33.95 mF cm-2) at a 10 mV s-1 scan rate. In addition, these capacitors show a photocharge voltage response of about 860 mV and excellent cyclability, retaining about 96% of their capacity over 4000 charge-discharge cycles. The results of this study highlight the potential of the MoS2/NaTaO3 heterostructure as a high-performance photoactive material for advanced photo-rechargeable zinc-ion energy storage devices. This integrated approach offers innovative off-grid energy solutions by optimizing device footprint, minimizing energy transfer losses and providing sustainable energy storage options.

External Field‐Assisted Metal–Air Batteries: Mechanisms, Progress, and Prospects

ABSTRACTMetal–air batteries are an appealing option for energy storage, boasting a high energy density and environmental sustainability. Researchers focus on the catalyst design to solve the problem of sluggish cathode reaction kinetic. However, in some cases, where thermodynamic regulation is required, the role of catalysts is limited. Based on catalysts changing reaction kinetics, external fields can change the thermodynamic parameters of the reaction, further reduce overpotential, and accelerate the reaction rate. By selecting appropriate external fields and adjusting controllable variables, greater flexibility and potential are provided for reaction control. This paper reviews the basic principles by which several external fields influence metal–air batteries. Additionally, some design strategies of photoelectrode materials, the similarities and differences of different magnetic field effects, and some research progress of the ultrasonic field, stress field, and microwave field are systematically summarized. Multifield coupling can also interact and produce additive effects. Furthermore, introducing external fields will also bring about the problem of aggravated side reactions. This paper proposes some research methods to explore the specific reaction mechanism of external field assistance in more depth. The primary objective is to furnish theoretical direction for enhancing the performance of external field‐supported metal–air batteries, thereby advancing their development.

The role of long-term hydrogen storage in decarbonizing remote communities in Canada: An optimization framework with economic, environmental and social objectives

Many small Canadian communities lack access to electricity grids, relying instead on costly and polluting diesel generators, despite the local availability of renewable energies like solar and wind. The intermittent nature of these sources limits reliable power supply; thus, hydrogen is proposed as a cost-effective and eco-friendly long-term energy storage solution. However, it remains uncertain whether hydrogen storage can significantly contribute to a 100% renewable energy system (100RES), given the diverse characteristics of these communities. Additionally, the potential for fully renewable infrastructure to reduce costs, mitigate adverse environmental impacts, and enhance social impact is still unclear. A multi-period optimization model that balances economic, environmental, and social objectives to determine the optimal configuration of 100RESs for isolated communities is introduced and utilized to evaluate hydrogen as an energy storage solution to seasonal fluctuations. By identifying the best combinations of technologies tailored to local conditions and priorities, this study offers valuable insights for policymakers, supporting the transition to sustainable energy and achieving national climate goals. The results demonstrate that hydrogen could serve as an excellent long-term energy storage option to address energy shortages during the winter. Different combinations and sizes of energy generation and storage technologies are selected based on the characteristics of each community. For instance, a community in the northern territories with high wind speeds, low solar radiation, extremely low temperatures, and limited biomass resources should optimally rely on wind turbines to meet 80.7% of its total energy demand, resulting in a 62.0% cost reduction and a 49.5% decrease in environmental impact compared to the existing diesel-based system. By 2050, all communities are projected to reduce energy costs per capita, with northern territories achieving 33% and coastal areas achieving 55% cost reductions, eventually leading to the utilization of hydrogen as the main energy storage medium.

Synergistic Regulation of Bidirectional Conversion of LiPSs and Li2S Using Anthraquinone as a Redox Mediator.

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are strong contenders as energy storage options in the next-generation, primarily because of their potential for delivering high energy densities. Nonetheless, their widespread commercialization faces several obstacles, including sluggish sulfur redox kinetics, the insulating properties of the Li2S discharge product, and significant reaction energy barriers. In this work, anthraquinone (AQ) was introduced as a redox mediator and incorporated onto Co-doped carbon materials through π-π interactions. The results showed that synergistic effect between AQ and Co atoms facilitated the bidirectional conversion of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and Li2S. During charging, AQ lowered the reaction energy barrier for Li2S oxidation and thereby enhanced the reversibility of sulfur redox reactions. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations showed that AQ-Li2Sx exhibits a lower energy for the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) and a higher energy for the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO). Experimental results demonstrated that an impressive initial discharge specific capacity of 1290 mAh g-1 was achieved by the fabricated S@AQ/Co-N-C electrode at 0.1 C. After 600 cycles at 1 C, it retained 64% of this capacity and exhibited a minimal 0.06% capacity decay rate per cycle.

From Lithium-Ion to Sodium-Ion Batteries for Sustainable Energy Storage: A Comprehensive Review on Recent Research Advancements and Perspectives.

A significant turning point in the search for environmentally friendly energy storage options is the switch from lithium-ion to sodium-ion batteries. This review highlights the potential of sodium-ion battery (NIB) technology to address the environmental and financial issues related to lithium-ion systems by thoroughly examining recent developments in NIB technology. It is noted that sodium is more abundant and less expensive than lithium, NIBs have several benefits that could drastically lower the total cost of energy storage systems. In addition, this study examines new findings in important fields including electrolyte compositions, electrode materials, and battery performances of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and NIBs. The article highlights advancements in anode and cathode materials, with a focus on improving energy density, cycle stability, and rate capability of both LIBs and NIBs. The review also covers the advances made in comprehending the electrochemical mechanisms and special difficulties associated with NIBs, such as material degradation and sodium ion diffusion. Future research directions are discussed, with an emphasis on enhancing the scalability and commercial viability of sodium-ion technology over lithium on Electric Grid. Considering sustainability objectives and the integration of renewable energy sources, the review's assessment of sodium-ion batteries' possible effects on the future state of energy storage is included in its conclusion.

Advances in the Application of Graphene in Lithium-ion Batteries

The search for effective energy storage options has escalated due to the rising global energy demands and environmental concerns. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) emerge as a key technology. However, the performance of traditional LIBs still needs to be improved. Therefore, choosing new nanomaterials for the modification of LIBs has become an effective solution. Graphene, as a nanomaterial, is an excellent candidate material for modification. This paper delves into the application of graphene in enhancing the performance of LIBs. Graphene, with its superior electrical conductivity and substantial specific surface area, offers the potential to enhance the performance of both anode and cathode materials in LIBs. This can lead to significant improvements in the overall cycle life, energy density, and power density of these batteries. This work emphasizes the application of graphene in cathode and anode materials. In cathode materials, the layered structure of graphene enables lithium-ion with high theoretical capacity. Meanwhile, graphene helps improve the electron and lithium ion mobility of anode materials. Despite the promising developments, challenges such as lithium loading capacity and coulombic efficiency still remain. The continued exploration of graphene applications is expected to drive LIBs to unprecedented performance metrics. This is in line with the global quest for sustainable and efficient energy storage technologies.

Progress and prospect of flexible MXene‐based energy storage

AbstractThe growing need for flexible and wearable electronics, such as smartwatches and foldable displays, highlights the shortcomings of traditional energy storage methods. In response, scientists are developing compact, flexible, and foldable energy devices to overcome these challenges. MXenes—a family of two‐dimensional nanomaterials—are a promising solution because of their unique properties, including a large surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, numerous functional groups, and distinctive layered structures. These attributes make MXenes attractive options for flexible energy storage. This paper reviews recent advances in using flexible MXene‐based materials for flexible Li−S batteries, metal‐ion batteries (Zn and Na), and supercapacitors. The development of MXene‐based composites is explored, with a detailed electrochemical performance analysis of various flexible devices. The review addresses significant challenges and outlines strategic objectives for advancing robust and flexible MXene‐based energy storage devices.

An Investigation into the Viability of Cell-Level Temperature Control in Lithium-Ion Battery Packs

Abstract This article focuses on the thermal management and temperature balancing of lithium-ion battery packs. As society transitions to relying more heavily on renewable energy, the need for energy storage rises considerably, as storage facilitates power regulation between these sources and the grid. Lithium-ion batteries are leading the market for energy storage options, but their properties are temperature sensitive, with thermal abuse resulting in shortened pack lifetime and possible safety issues. Current battery thermal management systems (BTMS) are implemented in a number of ways to ensure consistent and reliable operation. However, they are typically limited in architecture and restricted in ability to attend to temperature gradients. This work proposes a BTMS topology that permits control of the individual cooling received by a cell in a pack. First, an analysis is done using timescale separation to confirm that cell-level temperature control is capable of extending the lifetime of a pack as compared to pack-level control. The analysis is used to guide the gain tuning of a state feedback controller, which directs more cooling effort to cells of higher temperatures. Validation of the BTMS topology and control is performed through the simulation of a battery pack, with variations in total cooling power and resistance heterogeneity. The outcome of the validation studies indicates that the proposed BTMS configuration is better equipped to reduce temperature differences and extend pack life. This benefit increases as total input power increases, giving the controller more freedom to cool unhealthy cells while remaining within power constraints.

Optimal Integration of Renewable Energy, Energy Storage, and Indonesia’s Super Grid

This paper examines the optimal integration of renewable energy (RE) sources, energy storage technologies, and linking Indonesia’s islands with a high-capacity transmission “super grid”, utilizing the PLEXOS 10 R.02 simulation tool to achieve the country’s goal of 100% RE by 2060. Through detailed scenario analysis, the research demonstrates that by 2050, Indonesia could be on track to meet this target, with 62% of its energy generated from RE sources. Solar PV could play a dominant role, contributing 363 GW, or 72.3% of the total installed capacity out of over 500 GW. The study highlights that lithium-ion batteries, particularly with 4 h of storage, were identified as the most suitable energy storage option across various scenarios, supporting over 1000 GWh of storage capacity. The introduction of a super grid is shown to reduce the average energy generation cost to around USD 91/MWh from the current USD 98/MWh. These findings underscore the potential of a strategic combination of RE, optimized energy storage, and grid enhancements to significantly lower costs and enhance energy security, offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders for Indonesia’s transition to a sustainable energy future.

Electrical Conductivity of Binary, Ternary, Quaternary and Quinary Molten Salt Mixtures Based on NaCl-CaCl2

As intermittent energy sources like solar energy and wind power emerge, the need for energy storage becomes important, energy availability needs to be ensured also when the Sun is not shining, and the wind is not blowing. Energy storage can also be used for peak shaving purposes during periods of high demand. Energy storage solutions need to be inexpensive and reliable. Novel all-liquid batteries are considered one option for stationary energy storage and the Na-Zn battery is currently being investigated. During charging Na metal is formed on the negative electrode from a NaCl containing electrolyte and ZnCl2 is formed from a Zn pool on the positive electrode. The electrical conductivity of the molten salt is an important factor in the ohmic loss through the electrolyte. The composition of the electrolyte decides the electrical conductivity, and this conductivity also changes during the charge/discharge cycles of the battery as the electrolyte composition changes accordingly. Electrical conductivity has been measured on different compositions of NaCl-CaCl2, NaCl-CaCl2-LiCl, NaCl-CaCl2-BaCl2, NaCl-CaCl2-ZnCl2, NaCl-CaCl2-BaCl2-SrCl2, NaCl-CaCl2-BaCl2-ZnCl2 and NaCl-CaCl2-BaCl2-SrCl2-ZnCl2 molten salts in an in-house built apparatus. The smaller ions (Li and Na) give higher electrical conductivity, while the larger ions (Ba, Sr, and Zn) reduce the electrical conductivity.

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.

Emerging Zinc‐Ion Capacitor Science: Compatible Principle, Design Paradigm, and Frontier Applications

AbstractThe development of high energy/power density and long lifespan device is always the frontier direction and attracts great research attention in the energy storage fields. Zinc‐ion capacitors (ZICs), as an integration of zinc‐ion batteries and supercapacitors, have been widely regarded as one of the viable future options for energy storage, owing to their variable system assembly method and potential performance improvement. However, the research of ZICs still locate at initial stage until now, and how to construct the suitable systems for different condition is still challenging. Herein, the recent advance in the rational design of ZICs is reviewed in order to construct related theory including compatible principle and design paradigm. It starts with a systematically summary of the fundamental theory as well as the motivation. Then, the electrode materials are classified into capacitor‐type and battery‐type based on the storage mechanism, and the design strategies and progress of these two‐type candidates are comprehensively discussed, aiming to reveal the inherent relationship between the performance of devices and the component as well as architecture of electrode materials. Beyond that, the future perspectives in this emerging field are also given, expecting to guide the construction of high‐performance ZICs for practical applications and boost its development.

Experimental study on the heat storage characteristics of rock bed heat storage system with different packing structure

Establishing energy storage systems can provide an effective solution to the challenges posed by the variability and intermittency of renewable energy sources. Among the available options for energy storage, rock-packed bed thermal energy storage systems are widely favored for their performance, cost-effectiveness, and reliability. The more compact the rock packing, the more adequate the heat exchange of the system; however, poorer permeability increases fluid friction losses and pressure drop, which is detrimental to heat transport within the system. The permeability and heat exchange of the system jointly determines its thermal energy storage performance. This study proposes a composite packing scheme utilizing intact rock slabs and broken rock to enhance the thermal energy storage performance of the packed bed. This approach aims to augment heat exchange efficiency and elevate energy storage density while maintaining the bed's commendable permeability. Heat injection and heat extraction experiments of rock beds were conducted to study the heat storage characteristics of the rock-packed bed thermal storage system under different packing structure. In addition, this study investigates the effect of different injection pressures on the storage and release of heat in the system. The results show that the volume of the pore space of the filled bed, serving as the primary domain for gas flow and gas-rock heat exchange, is a decisive factor affecting the packed bed's permeability and heat exchange performance. When the porosity of the packed bed increased from 5.5 % to 9.9 %, its permeability increased from 1.42 × 10−13 m2 to 3.20 × 10−13 m2, yet the thermal exchange efficiency declined from 67.2 % to 65.3 %. Reasonably arranging intact rock slabs and broken rock fill can alter the path of heat transfer within the packed bed, thereby effectively enhancing its heat storage and release performance. For the same pore volume conditions, the heat exchange efficiency of the packed bed is increased by about 10 % by increasing the number of layers of broken rock fill. Additionally, high gas injection pressures can facilitate heat storage and release processes, but it does not mean that this is more efficient. The research findings can guide the selection of packing and injection schemes in packed bed thermal energy storage systems.

Insights of oxygen vacancies engineered structural, morphological, and electrochemical attributes of Cr-doped Co3O4 nanoparticles as redox active battery-type electrodes for hybrid supercapacitors

The global warming issue is spurring the development of renewable energy solutions, where supercapacitors are emerging as promising options for energy storage. Despite advancements in battery-type materials, doping is a practical approach to enhancing electrochemical performance. In this study, using the solution combustion method, we synthesized spinel Co3O4 nanoparticles doped with chromium (Cr) at 2.5 % and 5 % concentrations. The addition of Cr significantly modifies the structural, morphological, surface, and electrochemical properties of Co3O4 nanoparticles. Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirm that this doping method effectively regulates the oxygen vacancy defect level. Moreover, Cr dopants and oxygen vacancies modify electronic states, facilitating more accessible contact to active sites, improving electrical conductivity and more intricate redox chemistry. Notably, the 2.5 % Cr-doped Co3O4 configuration demonstrates substantially enhanced specific capacity (334.64 C g−1/92.95 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1) and rate performance (59 %), surpassing those of 5 % Cr-doped Co3O4 and undoped Co3O4. Furthermore, the as-fabricated 2.5 % Cr-doped Co3O4//activated carbon (AC) hybrid supercapacitor (HSC) device exhibits a noteworthy energy density of 42.5 Wh kg−1 at 1295.73 W kg−1, withstanding 33.54 Wh kg−1 even at a power density of 5720.46 W kg−1. The HSC device showcases outstanding cyclic performance with 100 % capacity retention after 5000 cycles. Therefore, our work offers a viable way to improve the efficiency of hybrid supercapacitors by providing essential insights into the design of defect-engineered battery-type electrode materials.

Application of a simple organic acid as a green alternative for the recovery of cathode metals from lithium-ion battery cathode materials

Industrialization, technology, and population growth have on one hand resulted in the rapid rise for energy demand and on the other hand led to the pursuit for alternative carbon neutral energy sources to satisfy demand, address climate change and promote sustainable development. The transition to renewable energy sources has resulted in the rapid rise in energy storage options with battery technologies at the forefront. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have emerged as a leading battery energy storage option. The rise in LIB technology demand has resulted in a proportional increase in the demand for the various materials used in their manufacture. Primary sources of several of the LIB component materials largely consist of mining activities, however, recycling has emerged as a promising secondary material source. In this work, we evaluate the application of a green, organic acid treatment approach utilizing propionic acid in the recovery of key metals from LIB cathode materials. The study delved into exploring the application of both commercially sourced virgin LIB cathode powder (VCP) and recovered spent LIB cathode powder (SCP) and investigating the system leaching characteristics. The highest metal recoveries were obtained on leaching the SCP, with metal recoveries determined as 92.9%, 87.4%, 92.7% and 94.0% for Co, Li, Mn and Ni respectively. The difference in the recoveries on leaching metals from the VCP and SCP was under 5% for each metal. Further, the leaching model was determined as chemical reaction-controlled on using the SCP, and the activation energies were evaluated as 60.37 kJ/mol, 53.38 kJ/mol, 63.98 kJ/mol and 60.20 kJ/mol for Co, Li, Mn and Ni respectively, agreeing with the deduced chemical reaction-controlled leaching mechanism. By application of a simple organic acid, propionic acid, for organic acid leaching operations we contribute to the diversification of the lixiviant options for LIB waste treatment.

ULPING-Based Titanium Oxide as a New Cathode Material for Zn-Ion Batteries

The need for alternative energy storage options beyond lithium-ion batteries is critical due to their high costs, resource scarcity, and environmental concerns. Zinc-ion batteries offer a promising solution, given zinc’s abundance, cost effectiveness, and safety, particularly its compatibility with non-flammable aqueous electrolytes. In this study, the potential of laser-ablation-based titanium oxide as a novel cathode material for zinc-ion batteries was investigated. The ultra-short laser pulses for in situ nanostructure generation (ULPING) technique was employed to generate nanostructured titanium oxide. This laser ablation process produced highly porous nanostructures, enhancing the electrochemical performance of the electrodes. Zinc and titanium oxide samples were evaluated using two-electrode and three-electrode setups, with cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) techniques. Optimal cathode materials were identified in the Ti-5W (laser ablated twice) and Ti-10W (laser ablated ten times) samples, which demonstrated excellent charge capacity and energy density. The Ti-10W sample exhibited superior long-term performance due to its highly porous nanostructures, improving ion diffusion and electron transport. The potential of laser-ablated titanium oxide as a high-performance cathode material for zinc-ion batteries was highlighted, emphasizing the importance of further research to optimize laser parameters and enhance the stability and scalability of these electrodes.