Potential For Energy Storage Systems Research Articles

Aqueous cerium ion battery: A novel aqueous rechargeable battery

Aqueous rechargeable batteries (ARBs) are a potential energy storage system with lowcost aqueous electrolyte and high safety. Multivalent host carriers in electrolyte can offer a wider variety of valence states and redox properties leading to high capacity. In this work, an aqueous cerium ion aqueous (ACIBs) battery has been reported with a satisfactory electrochemical performance for the first time. By utilizing the advantages of stable structure and three-dimensional (3D) open framework of Prussian blue analogues (PBAs), the problem of cerium ions insertion/de-insertion into host materials due to high charge and large size can been successfully solved. Herein, the copper hexacyanoferrate (CuPBA) is prepared through a facile coprecipitation strategy as cathode material of ACIBs. The CuPBA cathode deliver a satisfactory capacity (79 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1) and an excellent cycling stability after long-time cycles (86.8 % capacity retention after 5000 cycles at 1000 mA g−1). As a result, the cathode material in ACIBs system displays excellent rate capability and cycling performance. The successful assemble of the full battery also verifies the feasibility of ACIBs. In addition, the energy storage mechanism of Ce3+ ion insertion/de-insertion process is explained by ex situ X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. This work opens up a new direction and provides a foundation for development of novel ARBs.

High-Rate and Ultra-Stable aqueous Zinc-Ion batteries enabled by Potassium-Infused ammonium vanadate nanosheets

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs), defined by low expenses, superior safety, and plentiful reserves, demonstrate tremendous development potential in energy storage systems at the grid scale. Whereas the cathode instability and the limited diffusion of Zn2+ have impeded the development of AZIBs. Herein, a high-performance K-NH4V4O10 (K-NVO) cathode with K+ doping synthesized successfully through one-step hydrothermal approach. Experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that K-NVO has Zn2+ diffusion pathways with lower barriers for smoother transport, and lower formation energy. The combination of the rapid Zn2+ diffusion and the stable structure results in outstanding electrochemical performance of K-NVO as demonstrated in tests. K-NVO cathode achieves a specific capacity of 406 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1, maintains satisfactory cyclic stability with 81.6 % capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 5 A g−1, and possesses a high energy density of 350.9 Wh kg−1. Furthermore, confirmation of the zinc storage mechanism in K-NVO was carried out through Ex situ tests, such as XRD and XPS. This research contributes a unique perspective to the formulation of high-performance cathode materials for AZIBs.

A Multifaceted Competitive Zn–Cu Battery Unleashed by Optimizing Charge Protocols

AbstractRechargeable alkaline Zn–Cu batteries show great potential for energy storage systems due to their high capacity, cost‐effectiveness, and environmental‐friendliness. However, restricted by the severe dissolution upon charging, rapid capacity decline occurs throughout the cycle. Herein, the charging protocol is adjusted to bypass the dissolution stage of high‐valent states, thereby preserving the optimal reaction section of Zn–Cu batteries and greatly improving cycling stability. Additionally, a self‐activation process in the initial stage led to the spontaneous transformation of the original electroplated Cu particles on nickel foam from 10 to 4 mm, enhancing both conductivity and mass transfer, ultimately increasing the utilization of active materials. The battery achieved a discharge capacity of 349.5 mAh g−1, an ultra‐flat charge–discharge voltage platform, over 92% energy efficiency, a low cost of only $43.25 per kWh, and an exceptionally stable cyclic performance with no noticeable decay over 400 cycles. These 5D improvements position the Cu electrode as a robust candidate for the positive electrode material in the next generation of commercial Zn batteries.

Impacts, Barriers, and Future Prospective of Metal Hydride‐Based Thermochemical Energy Storage System for High‐Temperature Applications: A Comprehensive Review

This article summarizes various thermochemical energy storage (TCES) systems based on their thermochemical properties, operating temperature, and storage density. Metal hydride (MH)‐based TCES is a potential energy storage system due to its higher energy storage density (>100 kWh m−3), higher operating temperature (>500 °C), relatively better reaction kinetics, and minimal or no energy losses (theoretically). MHs operate at various temperature ranges, and based on temperature, they are classified as low‐temperature MH and high‐temperature MH. This article highlights potential metal alloys operating above 300 °C, with an energy storage density of more than 100 kWh m−3, suitable for concentrated solar thermal power generation and industrial process heating applications. Magnesium (Mg) alloy‐based hydrides have shown good cyclic stability (up to 1500 cycles) at a temperature above 400 °C. The lower cost of material, higher energy storage capacity, better reversibility, and higher thermal stability of Mg‐based alloys have been explored in several small‐scale experimental investigations. The thermal energy storage (TES) efficiency of MH‐based TCES systems is reported ≈ 90%, which is significantly higher than sensible and latent TES systems. Challenges associated with MH‐based TES systems, such as heat transfer enhancement, cost reduction, and chemical and thermal stability, have been discussed in detail.

Chemical‐Stabilized Aldehyde‐Tuned Hydrogen‐Bonded Organic Frameworks for Long‐Cycle and High‐Rate Sodium‐Ion Organic Batteries

AbstractHydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) are considered as potential choice for future energy storage systems due to their adjustable chemistry, environment friendliness, and cost‐effectiveness. In this study, structurally stabilized and aldehyde‐tuned hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs‐8) are designed and prepared to contain arrayed electronegative sites for sodium‐ion storage. Benefitting from the flexible hydrogen bond and unique structural symmetry, HOFs‐8 can achieve efficient utilization of the active sites and fast transport of sodium ions and electrons. The HOFs‐8 electrode exhibits an impressive lifespan of 5000 cycles at 3.66 A g−1 (20 C). In situ Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (in situ FT‐IR) and ex situ X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (ex situ XPS) analyses are performed to illustrate the mechanism of sodium‐ion storage involving aldehyde‐tuned C═O. Additionally, flexible hydrogen bonds in HOFs materials with unique structural symmetries are investigated to elucidate the mechanism of hydrogen bonding for improving their electrochemical properties. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations verified that HOFs‐8 has excellent Na+ diffusion kinetics, enabling it to demonstrate outstanding rate capability. This work offers insight into the design of new electrodes and improved HOFs, which are expected to have tremendous potential in energy storage systems.

Multipurpose Optimization Method for Energy Storage System Specification Using Measurement Data of DC Traction Substations

The peak demand for railway power occurs when trains operate at full capacity, which calls for the need of facilities that can handle such peaks. These expansive railway power facilities, which cover vast areas, result in increased maintenance and management costs while affecting the power supply to traction substations (TSs). Herein, we investigated the load leveling of TSs using energy storage systems (ESSs). Most of the studies that have been conducted on the use of ESSs in electric railways have focused on high‐speed railways and urban lines. The application of ESSs to local lines is expected to be highly effective in reducing the capacity of power facilities using the load leveling of TSs. However, the introduction of ESSs to such local lines has not yet been discussed in detail. Hence, we focused on the relationship between ESS specifications (battery capacity, kWh) and load peak reduction (kW) and proposed a method to determine the ESS specifications by simultaneous optimization using linear programming. Numerical calculations were performed based on measured data from a real line, and the proposed method was verified in terms of battery capacity, load peak reduction, and ESS operation ratio. The numerical results indicate that the maximum load of the TS can be reduced by 98.7% and 91.1% using 380 kWh and 65.42 kWh ESS, respectively, considering its cooling time. This highlights the potential of Energy Storage Systems (ESSs) to balance TS (Time‐of‐Use) loads and consequently reduce power facility requirements. © 2024 The Authors. IEEJ Transactions on Electrical and Electronic Engineering published by Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.

High-performance flexible solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor with NiCo2S4 as a cathode and a MXene-reduced graphene oxide sponge as an anode

Ti3C2 MXenes have revealed immense potential in energy storage systems.

Synergistic design of a semi-hollow core-shell structure and a metal-organic framework-derived Co/Zn selenide coated with MXene for high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries.

Lithium-sulfur batteries have garnered significant interest as potential energy storage systems for the future, owing to their remarkable theoretical specific capacity (1675 mA h g-1) and energy density (2600 W h kg-1). However, their development has been severely impeded by several challenges, including the low intrinsic conductivity of sulfur, volume expansion issues, and the polysulfide shuttle effect. To address these issues, polar metal compounds with nanostructures featuring hollow shells and catalytic functions have emerged as promising materials for designing advanced lithium-sulfur batteries. In this study, bimetallic selenides with varying degrees of hollowness are synthesized using a tannic acid etching and selenization strategy. By comparing the electrochemical characteristics of composite electrodes with different degrees of hollowness, an optimal semi-hollow core-shell structure is identified, implying that reasonable structural designing of metal compounds carries immense importance in improving electrochemical reactions. Moreover, the appropriate degree of hollowness effectively mitigates volume expansion issues associated with the sulfur cathode. Consequently, bimetallic selenides with a hollow core-shell structure coated with conductive MXene material exhibit superior electrochemical performance. The synergistic effect achieved through the judicious design of the hollow core-shell structure and the utilization of polar metal compounds has proved instrumental in enhancing the redox kinetics of lithium-sulfur batteries. As such, this research presents a novel avenue for the development of high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries.

Boundary‐Free Metal–Organic Framework Glasses Enable Highly Stable All‐Solid‐State Lithium–Oxygen Battery

AbstractRechargeable lithium–oxygen batteries (LOBs) are considered to be one of the most promising energy storage systems. However, the use of reactive lithium (Li) metal and the formation of Li dendrites during battery operation would lead to serious safety concerns, especially when flammable liquid electrolytes are utilized. Herein, superior metal–organic framework (MOF) glass‐based solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) is developed for stable all‐solid‐state LOBs (SSLOBs). These non‐flammable and boundary‐free MOF glass SSEs are capable of suppressing the dendrite growth and exhibiting long‐term Li stripping/plating stability, contributing to superior Li+ conductivity (5 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 20 °C), high Li+ transference number (0.86), and good electrochemical stability. It is discovered that discharge product deposition behavior in the solid‐solid interface can be well regulated by the ion/electron mixed conducted cathode fabricated with MOF glass SSEs and electronic conductive polymers. As a result, the SSLOBs can be stably recharged for 400 cycles with a low polarization gap and deliver a high capacity of 13552 mAh g−1. The development of this proposed MOF glass displays great application potential in energy storage systems with good safety and high energy density.

Facile synthesis of MoS2 confined in yolk-shell hollow mesoporous carbon spheres with enhanced polysulfide binding for high-rate Li-S batteries

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are one of the most potential energy storage systems because of their high theoretical density, environmental friendliness. However, the practical application of Li-S batteries is currently hampered by several intrinsic problems including the shuttle effects of polysulfides and sluggish electrode reaction kinetics. Herein, a flower-like MoS2 nanosheets confined and in situ grown inside yolk-shell hollow mesoporous carbon spheres (abbreviated as MoS2 @YHMCs) was fabricated as advanced sulfur immobilizer, which can effectively inhibit shuttle effect and conversion of polysulfides. The yolk-shell hollow mesoporous carbon spheres can restrain the volume variation during lithiation-delithiation processes, expose abundant active interfaces and furnish a shortened ion/electron transmission route for facilitated redox reactions. Furthermore, the few layered MoS2 nanosheets have strong LiPS adsorption and catalyzation, thereby achieving rapid redox conversion and enhanced reaction kinetics. Owing to these structural advantages, the delicately-designed MoS2 @S@YHMCs cathode shows good Li-S battery performance, i.e., high initial discharge capacity (1145 mAh g−1), desirable rate capability (770 mAh g−1 at 4 C), and superior cycling performance (583 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 1 C), suggesting great application prospects in the development of Li-S batteries.

Activated carbon derived from Satureja seed biomass for improving the capacitive performance of composite based on Aprepitant functionalized graphene oxide and ionic liquid

In this work, three chemicals, including Aprepitant functionalized graphene oxide (APR-FGO), PhenmimCl ionic liquid (IL), and activated carbon derived from Satureja seed (AC-SS), were synthesized and used in a supercapacitor system as electrode materials. After the structural description of the synthesized materials, the electrochemical performance of APR-FGO, APR-FGO/AC-SS, and APR-FGO/AC-SS/IL electrodes was investigated in a three-electrode system. Based on the comparison of electrochemical results, the APR-FGO/AC-SS/IL electrode was able to provide the best performance compared to the other two electrodes. It was observed that the APR-FGO/AC-SS/IL electrode presented the specific capacitance (Cs) of 493.24 F g−1 at 1 A g−1. Also, the Cs retention value of the APR-FGO/AC-SS/IL electrode was 95.2 % at 8 A g−1 over 10,000 charge-discharge cycles. Furthermore, in a two-electrode system, the APR-FGO/AC-SS/IL electrode obtained a Cs of 214 F g−1, an energy density of 32.22 Wh kg−1, and a power density of 850 W kg−1 at 1 A g−1. These findings prove the ideal electrochemical performance of this composite as a supercapacitor electrode. The superior performance of the APR-FGO/AC-SS/IL electrode can be attributed to the presence of groups containing nitrogen and fluorine in the Aprepitant functionalized graphene oxide structure, the essential role of AC-SS as a substrate for performing electrochemical reactions, and the high conductivity of the PhenmimCl ionic liquid. Therefore, the proper synergy of these three materials shows that the APR-FGO/AC-SS/IL electrode has a high potential for energy storage systems.

KI-Assisted Formation of Spindle-like Prussian White Nanoparticles for High-Performance Potassium-Ion Battery Cathodes.

Prussian white (PW) is considered as a promising cathode material for potassium-ion batteries (KIBs) due to its low cost and high theoretical capacity. However, the high water content and structural defects and the strict synthesis conditions of PW lead to its unsatisfactory cycling performance and low specific capacity, hindering its practical applications. Herein, a template-engaged reduction method is proposed, using MIL-88B(Fe) as a self-template and KI as the reducing agent to prepare K-rich PW with low defects and water content. Furthermore, the hierarchical porous spindle-like morphology can be inherited from the precursor, furnishing sufficient active sites and reducing the ion diffusion path. Consequently, when applied as a KIB cathode material, spindle-like PW (K1.72Fe[Fe(CN)6]0.96·0.342H2O) manifested remarkable potassium storage properties. Notably, a full cell assembled by the spindle-like PW cathode and graphite anode exhibited a large energy density of ∼216.7 Wh kg-1, demonstrating its huge potential for energy storage systems.

Explore the feasibility of Janus 2H-VSeTe monolayer as anode material for Li ion battery

Two-dimensional (2D) materials as potential energy storage systems have received extensive attention due to their high energy density and rate performance. Here, the electronic properties and feasibility of Janus 2H-VSeTe monolayer as LIBs anode material are systematically investigated using the first-principles calculations. No imaginary frequency in the phonon spectrum and the absence of obvious deformation simulated by AIMD simulations at 300 K prove the dynamic and thermal stability of Janus 2H-VSeTe monolayer, respectively. The pure Janus 2H-VSeTe monolayer exhibits a small direct band gap semiconductor character. The Li atom adsorption can result in the increase of electronic states near Ef and a transform of metallic behavior, ensuring good conductivity for the Janus 2H-VSeTe monolayer. On the other hand, the adsorbed Li atoms are fully ionized to ensure the charge and discharge process by the Bader analysis. Through the climbing-image nudged elastic band method, two possible migration paths are considered on the Se and Te surfaces, respectively. The lowest potential barriers are 0.159 eV and 0.188 eV, respectively, which proves that there is a high ion migration rate during charge and discharge process. The OCV and multi-layer Li atoms adsorption suggest that the corresponding specific capacity is 416 mA h g−1 for the Janus 2H-VSeTe monolayer, which reveals that Janus 2H-VSeTe monolayer is one of the feasible candidates for LIBs anode materials.

(Invited) Corannulene-Based Molecular Nanographenes: Synthesis, Reduction, Supramolecular Complexation and Photophysical Properties

The outstanding electronic properties of graphene-based materials make them one of the most promising assets for application in the electronics industry of the XXI century. Encouraged by these properties, a great number of materials scientists are currently engaged in the development of the emergent field of 2D materials. In the last decade, the reduction of the dimensionality to 1D (nanoribbons) and 0D (nanographenes NGs, or graphene quantum dots, GQDs) have become an important research topic by their singular properties. In this regard, the quantum confinement of the electrons and the edge effects of these graphene derived structures makes possible the bandgap opening and, therefore, the appearance of a semiconductor behavior.The bottom-up preparation of these new structures, specifically employing stepwise organic synthesis, lead to monodisperse molecular nanographenes with atomically controlled morphology and, therefore, to the control of photophysical properties at will. An example of this synthetic management is the insertion of non-hexagonal rings in the honeycomb pattern of NGs, endowing Gaussian curvature to these structures and making molecules with bowl or saddle shapes.Our research group has described the wet synthesis of curved corannulene-based nanographenes by a stepwise Sonogashira–[4+2]–Scholl strategy.[1] Using bromocorannulene 1 as starting material, and depending on the temperature and the oxidant agent used in the Scholl reaction, a [6]helicene corannulene-based nanographene 2 or a positively-negatively curved nanographene 3 were prepared. These molecular curved NGs present interesting photophysical properties such as thermal activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) or dual emission.[2] Additionally, the multi-electron acceptor nature of molecular NGs allows the reduction with alkali metals that normally remains hosted in the pockets of curved nanographenes leading to potential energy storage systems. Within a collaborative work, the reduction of nanographene 2 with Na metal has recently been performed.[3] The formation of a “naked” dianion C76H64 2– (2 2–) solvent separated from the two cationic moieties was observed affording unprecedented selectively reduced species. DFT calculations revealed significant changes in the electron density and the inversion of the ring current aromaticity.Finally, concave–convex interactions between curved nanographenes and fullerenes are known to lead to supramolecular complexes with special interest as photoinduced electron transfer systems, mimicking the photosynthetic process. In a collaborative work,[4] the supramolecular complexation of nanographene 3 with C60 was experimentally monitored by H NMR spectroscopy and studied by DFT calculations.The formation of complexes with stoichiometries 2:1, 1:1 and 1:2 is possible. Furthermore, when the complex was irradiated at 460nm, the formation of the C60 radical anion is observed in an amazing photoinduced electron transfer process. References 1 J. M Fernández-García, P. Evans, S. Medina Ribero, I. Fernández, D. García-Fresnadillo, J. Perles, J. Casado, N. Martín, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2018, 140, 17188.2 Manuscript in preparation.3 Z. Zhou, Y, Zhu, J. M. Fernández-García, Z. Wei, I. Fernández, M. Petrukhina, N. Martín et al., Chem. Commun. 2022, 58, 5574.4 S. Zank, J. M. Fernández-García, A. J. Stasyuk, A. A. Voityuk, M. Krug, M. Solà, D. Guldi and N. Martín, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2022, 61, e202112834 Figure 1

Methylene blue functionalized 3D MXene aerogel: Self-assembly by interfacial electrostatic interaction for asymmetric supercapacitors

2D MXene materials show great potential in energy storage systems. However, 2D layered materials always face challenges of stacking and collapsing, inhibiting its application. Herein, an efficient and facile strategy has been employed to induce self-assembly of MXene nanosheets by introducing Methylene blue (MB) molecule, forming a 3D porous MXene/MB (MX/MB) composite. The unique structure suppresses stacking and oxidation of MXene flakes, ensures sufficient electrochemical active sites as well as shortens ion transport length. At the mass ratio of MXene/MB is 3/1, MX/MB-3 exhibits optimal specific capacitance of 327 F g − 1 at 2 A g − 1 and retains its initial capacitance without attenuation (10,000 cycles at 10 A g − 1). Furthermore, the as-assembled TH/N-rGO//MX/MB-3 asymmetric device not only possesses high energy density of 23.3 Wh kg−1 at power density of 780.2 W kg−1, but also demonstrates excellent cycling stability (94.4% capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles). This device design demonstrates that the preparation of high-performance MXene-based electrodes is an effective strategy to facilitate the development of energy storage device.

Micro-grid with Vehicle-to-Grid Technology and DC Quick Charging Architecture

Abstract: Batteries from electric vehicles (EVs) can be used as potential energy storage systems in micro-grids. By storing energy when there is an excess (grid-to-vehicle) and supplying energy back to the grid (vehicle-to-grid), they can aid in micro-grid energy management. It is necessary to establish appropriate infrastructure and control mechanisms in order to implement this idea. This study presents an architecture for level-3 EV quick charging in a Vehicle to Grid-Grid to Vehicle system on a microgrid. A DC rapid charging station is modelled as part of a test micro-grid system for connecting EVs. Vehicle to Grid-Grid to Vehicle power transfer is demonstrated through simulation research. According to test results, EV batteries actively regulate power in the micro-grid using Grid to Vehicle and Vehicle to Grid operating modes. The controller provides good dynamic performance in terms of dc bus voltage stability, and the charging station design ensures minimal harmonic distortion of gridinjected current.

Net Zero Energy Buildings in Bangladesh: An Investigation of Solar Panel Feasibility and Potential

This research aims to investigate the feasibility and potential of using solar panels to achieve net zero energy consumption in buildings in Bangladesh. The study will focus on the technical, economic and environmental factors that influence the implementation of solar panel systems in residential buildings in Bangladesh. The findings of this research will provide valuable insights for architects, engineers, building owners and policy makers in Bangladesh, in their efforts to reduce the use of fossil fuels and carbon footprint of buildings and promote energy sustainability. The research will also contribute to the ongoing efforts to develop cost-effective, reliable and sustainable energy solutions for buildings in Bangladesh. This study will include a proposed design of a building that has been integrated with solar panels to achieve net zero energy consumption. This model design will provide a detailed analysis of the installation, cost calculation, performance and maintenance of the solar panel system. Additionally, the research will also examine the potential of energy storage systems, such as batteries and thermal storage, in enhancing the performance of the solar panel systems and achieving net zero energy consumption.

Economic scheduling of virtual power plant in day-ahead and real-time markets considering uncertainties in electrical parameters

The virtual power plant (VPP) concept, which offers energy efficiency, benefits significantly from the tremendous potential of integrating distributed energy resources (DERs). This work proposes optimal economic dispatch of virtual power plant (VPP), and the problem is formulated in a novel way considering the potential of energy storage systems (ESS) of electric vehicles (EVs) and data center (DC) in a data center facility test model using optimized energy management system (EMS). The problem is evaluated for maximizing the revenue for VPP considering market prices and the uncertainties in the distributed energy resources. To this purpose, a techno-economic analysis of the proposed test system of VPP is evaluated using mixed-integer linear programming (MILP). Renewable generation, electricity price, load demand, and real-time EV behavior uncertainty analysis are forecasted using Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) along with DC battery degradation analysis which constitutes the optimization model. The results showed that the VPP EMS can perform optimal power scheduling with the day ahead and real-time electricity price scenarios. Moreover, further analysis including battery degradation cost of DC UPS ESS proved the capability of the proposed framework by up to 2064.4 $/h revenue for day-ahead price and 562 $/h revenue for the real-time price compared to revenue without battery degradation cost. A simulation scenario is also carried out where the constant load demand and the battery storage powers are varied between 50% and 150%. It can be concluded that the 500 kW and 750 kW ESS (100% and 150%) are better choices as compared to 250 kW (50%) during increased load demand for investors due to their higher revenue. Hence it is concluded that this research highlights the importance of revenue benefits from deploying VPP with the collaborative operation of DERs.

Heterointerface construction of carbon coated cobalt-iron phosphide space-confined in hollow porous carbon balls to promote internal/external sodium storage kinetics

Metal phosphides exhibit enormous potential in energy storage systems owing to their diversified species, suitable redox potential, and high theoretical capacities. Herein, heterostructured CoP/FeP coated with carbon layer and confined in hollow porous carbon balls (HPCBs) to construct a ball in ball architecture with interior voids is synthesized through a room temperature wet-chemistry method and a phosphatization route with Prussian blue analogues as the precursor. The composite exhibits enhanced energy storage properties when utilized for sodium-ion batteries. The excellent property of the composite can be ascribed to the delicately design of the metal phosphide heterostructure and the coating and confinement effect of carbonaceous materials synchronously. Experimental and theoretical calculation results demonstrate the heterostructure is constructed to acquire charge redistribution and lattice distortion to boost internal reaction kinetics. And the combination of the dual carbonaceous materials, possessing the ability of prevent the aggregation of active substances, the exceptional mechanics buffer capability of interior voids provided by HPCBs, and the excellent electrical characteristics of carbon layers and HPCBs to promote external energy storage kinetics and intergranular charge transfer. The research provides an effective strategy for the melioration of internal/external reaction kinetics to deliver ions durably and efficiently in energy storage regions.

Preliminary analysis of the cellulose-based battery separator

The worldwide energy demand is increasing due to the development of advanced technologies in various industries. Therefore, alternative and safe energy sources should be implemented in order to keep the environment clean and sustainable. Aluminum-air batteries have been recognized as a potential energy storage system candidate for the post lithium era. Unfortunately, serious corrosion of the anode in the aqueous aluminum-air battery will reduce the energy density. In this work, a novel idea of using cellulose-based separators for the Al-air battery is proposed to achieve a greener and cheaper battery. It was constructed by applying aluminum plate as an anode, activated carbon as an air–cathode, manganese oxide as electrocatalyst and sea water as the electrolyte. The performance of the self-fabricated water hyacinth cellulose nanofibrils separator is compared with the filter paper. The results showed that the performance of the water hyacinth cellulose nanofibrils separator with polyethylene glycol 400 binder in the ratio of 85 wt%:15 wt% is better than that of the commercial filter paper. The total discharge time is about 307.85 min using 10 mA of discharge current. The cellulose separator can be optimized to make a better aluminum-air battery.