Rechargeable Research Articles

Advances in Functional Organosulfur-Based Mediators for Regulating Performance of Lithium Metal Batteries.

Rechargeable lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are promising next-generation energy storage systems due to their high theoretical energy density. However, their practical applications are hindered by lithium dendrite growth and various intricate issues associated with the cathodes. These challenges can be mitigated by using organosulfur-based mediators (OSMs), which offer the advantages of abundance, tailorable structures, and unique functional adaptability. These features enable the rational design of targeted functionalities, enhance the interfacial stability of the lithium anode and cathode, and accelerate the redox kinetics of electrodes via alternative reaction pathways, thereby effectively improving the performance of LMBs. Unlike the extensively explored field of organosulfur cathode materials, OSMs have garnered little attention. This review systematically summarizes recent advancements in OSMs for various LMB systems, including lithium-sulfur, lithium-selenium, lithium-oxygen, lithium-intercalation cathode batteries, and other LMB systems. It briefly elucidates the operating principles of these LMB systems, the regulatory mechanisms of the corresponding OSMs, and the fundamentals of OSMs activity. Ultimately, strategic optimizations are proposed for designing novel OSMs, advanced mechanism investigation, expanded applications, and the development of safe battery systems, thereby providing directions to narrow the gap between rational modulation of organosulfur compounds and their practical implementation in batteries.

Na (100)‐Textured Electrode Embedded with Sb‐Doped SnO2 Nanoparticles for Dendrite‐Free Sodium Metal Batteries

AbstractSodium metal batteries (SMBs), the next‐generation advanced secondary batteries, have attracted extensive attention due to their low cost and high energy density. However, the unavoidable interfacial side reactions and uncontrollable dendrite growth severely restrict their practical application. In this work, a Na (100)‐textured composite anode embedded with antimony‐doped tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles (ATO‐12Na) is innovatively designed via an accumulative roll bonding technique. It is observed that the Na (100) texture not only contributes to the formation of anion‐derived inorganic‐rich solid electrolyte interphase layer on the surface of ATO‐12Na composite anode but also efficiently induces the uniform and horizontal Na deposition during the pre‐deposition stage. Profiting from the intrinsic Na affinity of Na (100) texture and the high sodiophilicity of ATO active sites, the integrated composite anode exhibits enhanced interfacial compatibility and excellent Na plating/stripping stability. At 2 mA cm−2, the ATO‐12Na symmetric cell can operate steadily for more than 1400 h. The full cell assembled by ATO‐12Na anode and Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode delivers impressive long‐term cycling stability over 4500 cycles at 500 mA g−1 with a high capacity retention of 80.7%. This study offers a new approach to designing ultra‐stable, dendrite‐free, and high‐performance SMBs.

Integrated insights into the cytological, histochemical, and cell wall composition features of Espinosa nothofagi (Hymenoptera) gall tissues: implications for functionality.

Many insect-induced galls are considered complex structures due to their tissue compartmentalization and multiple roles performed by them. The current study investigates the complex interaction between Nothofagus obliqua host plant and the hymenopteran gall-inducer Espinosa nothofagi, focusing on cell wall properties and cytological features. The E. nothofagi galls present an inner cortex with nutritive and storage tissues, as well as outer cortex with epidermis, chlorenchyma, and water-storing parenchyma. The water-storing parenchyma cells are rich in pectins, heteromannans, and xyloglucans in their walls, and have large vacuoles. Homogalacturonans contribute to water retention, and periplasmic spaces function as additional water reservoirs. Nutritive storage cell walls support nutrient storage, with plasmodesmata facilitating nutrient mobilization crucial for larval nutrition. Their primary and sometimes thick secondary cell walls support structural integrity and act as a carbon reserve. The absent labeling of non-cellulosic epitopes indicates a predominantly cellulosic nature in nutritive cell walls, facilitating larval access to lipid, protein, and reducing sugar-rich contents. The nutritive tissue, with functional chloroplasts and high metabolism-related organelles, displays signs of self-sufficiency, emphasizing its role in larval nutrition and cellular maintenance. Overall, the intricate cell wall composition in E. nothofagi galls showcases adaptations for water storage, nutrient mobilization, and larval nutrition, contributing significantly to our understanding of plant-insect interactions.

Optimal Battery Storage Configuration for High-Proportion Renewable Power Systems Considering Minimum Inertia Requirements

With the continuous development of renewable energy worldwide, the issue of frequency stability in power systems has become increasingly serious. Enhancing the inertia level of power systems by configuring battery storage to provide virtual inertia has garnered significant research attention in academia. However, addressing the non-linear characteristics of frequency stability constraints, which complicate model solving, and managing the uncertainties associated with renewable energy and load, are the main challenges in planning energy storage for high-proportion renewable power systems. In this context, this paper proposes a battery storage configuration model for high-proportion renewable power systems that considers minimum inertia requirements and the uncertainties of wind and solar power. First, frequency stability constraints are transformed into minimum inertia constraints, primarily considering the rate of change of frequency (ROCOF) and nadir frequency (NF) indicators during the transformation process. Second, using historical wind and solar data, a time-series probability scenario set is constructed through clustering methods to model the uncertainties of wind and solar power. A stochastic optimization method is then adopted to establish a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model for the battery storage configuration of high-proportion renewable power systems, considering minimum inertia requirements and wind-solar uncertainties. Finally, through a modified IEEE-39 bus system, it was verified that the proposed method is more economical in addressing frequency stability issues in power systems with a high proportion of renewable energy compared to traditional scheduling methods.

Electrolyte with weakly coordinating solvents for high-performance FeS2 cathode

As the “blood” of batteries, the electrolyte is generally expected to be designed reasonably to meet the demands of stable energy storage in high energy density batteries. This study introduces a rational design for localized high-concentration electrolytes (LHCEs) by incorporating the weakly coordinating diluent 1, 1, 2, 2-tetrafluoro-1-methoxyethane (TFM) to modulate the solvation of Li+ alongside the anion and solvent 1, 2-diethoxyethane (DEE). The resulting LiFSI-DEE/2TFM electrolyte (1 M LiFSI in DEE/TFM at a ratio of 1:2, volume) demonstrates a significant efficacy in suppressing the dissolution of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) while maintaining a good ionic conductivity. Moreover, this electrolyte facilitates the formation of a stable cathode-electrolyte interphase (CEI) and promotes uniform plating/stripping of Li+ at the lithium anode. Consequently, based on this electrolyte, the Li/FeS2 cells exhibit an exceptional specific capacity and a good cycling stability from room temperature to −20°C. Notably, even at −20°C, over 80 % of the room-temperature specific capacity (692.7 mAh g−1@150th) is retained for the cell using LiFSI-DEE/2TFM, showing its robust performance in challenging environments. Furthermore, the Li/FeS2 cell also demonstrates an outstanding durability at high current density (≥ 2 C) under room temperature.

Surface-Engineered Ni2P: An Efficient Oxygen Electrocatalyst for Zinc-Air Battery.

The surface engineering of electrocatalysts is one of the promising strategies to increase the intrinsic activity of electrocatalysts. It generates anion/cation vacancy defects and increases the electrochemically active surface area. We describethe surface engineering of Ni2P to favorably tune the bifunctional oxygen electrocatalytic activity and the development of a rechargeable zinc-air battery (ZAB). Ni2P encapsulated with N and P-dual doped carbon (Ni2P@NPC) is synthesized using a single-source precursor complex tris-(2,2'-bipyridine)nickel(II) bis(hexafluorophosphate). The surface engineering of the as-synthesized Ni2P@NPC is achieved by the controlled acid treatment at room temperature. The surface engineering removes carbon debris and opens the pores, exfoliates the encapsulating carbon layer, increases the P-vacancy in the crystal lattice, and boosts the electrochemically active surface area. Thesurface-engineered catalyst exhibits enhanced bifunctional activity towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The electrocatalytically active sites of engineered catalysts are highly accessible for facilitated electron transfer kinetics. P-vacancy favors the facile formation of defect-rich OER active metal oxyhydroxide species. The rechargeable ZAB based on the engineered catalyst delivers a specific capacity of 770.25 mA h gZn-1, energy density of 692 Wh kgZn-1, and excellent charge-discharge cycling performance with negligible voltaic efficiency loss (0.6 %) after 100 h.

Evaluation of the cytotoxic effects and apoptosis inducing of Cuscuta epithymum extract on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Background. Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common cancer in the world. The antitumor effects of medicinal plants have been shown as a therapeutic strategy to treat esophageal cancer. This study aimed to evaluate in vitro effects of Cuscuta epithymum extract on the survival and apoptosis of esophageal cancer cell line. Material and Methods. Here, the hydroalcoholic Soxhlet extract of C. epithymum plant was prepared. The cell viability of esophageal cancer cell line KYSE-30 was evaluated by MTT assay after 24 h treatment with concentrations of 50, 100, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 μg/ml of the extract. Then, the apoptotic effect of extract was evaluated by flow cytometry using Propidium Iodide (PI) staining and sub-G1 peak analysis, and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining in cells treated with concentrations of 125, 250, 500 and 750 μg/ml as well as morphological change of healthy cells to apoptotic and necrotic form. Results. The hydroalcoholic extract of C. epithymum decreases the viability of KYSE-30 cells in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 of 646 µg/ ml at 24 h. A significant increase was observed in the percentage of sub-G1 phase in cells treated with 500, 750, and 1000 μg/ml of C. epithymum extract for 24 h compared to the control group (p<0.01 and p<0.001). The results also showed a significantly enhanced the percentage of primary and secondary apoptotic cells compared to untreated cells. At concentrations of 250, 500, and 750 µg/ml, approximately 17, 33 and 45 % of cells was apoptotic. The apoptotic and necrotic cells morphology after treatment with 250 and 500 µg/ml of the extract was also confirmed by fluorescence microscopy. Conclusion. The findings showed the apoptotic effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of C. epithymum on KYSE-30 cells in vitro. The effect of this extract on the genes involved in apoptosis as well as the mechanism of action of this extract are recommended.

Anion Chemistry towards On‐Site Construction of Solid‐Electrolyte Interface for Highly Stable Metallic Zn Anode

Reversibility of metallic Zn anode serves as the corner stone for the development of aqueous Zn metal battery, which motivates scrutinizing the electrolyte‐Zn interface. As the representative organic zinc salt, zinc trifluorosulfonate (Zn(OTf)2) facilitates a broad class of aqueous electrolytes, however, the stability issue of Zn anode remains crucial. The great challenge lies in the lack of Zn anode protection by the pristinely formed surface structure in aqueous Zn(OTf)2 electrolytes. Accordingly, an electrochemical route was developed to grow a uniform zinc trifluorosulfonate hydroxide (ZTH) layer on Zn anode as an artificial SEI, via regulation on metal dissolution and strong coordination ability of zinc ions. Co‐precipitation was proposed to be the formation mechanism for the artificial SEI, where the reduction stability of OTf‾ anion and the low‐symmetry layer structure of ZTH was unmasked. This artificial SEI favors interfacial kinetics, depresses side reactions, and well maintains its integrity during cycling, leading to a prolonged lifespan of Zn stripping/plating with a high DOD of ~85%, and an improved cycling stability of ~92% retention rate for V2O5/Zn cell at 1 A g‐1. The unveiled role of anion on Zn anode drives the contemplation on the surface chemistry for the blooming aqueous rechargeable battery.

Anion Chemistry towards On-Site Construction of Solid-Electrolyte Interface for Highly Stable Metallic Zn Anode.

Reversibility of metallic Zn anode serves as the corner stone for the development of aqueous Zn metal battery, which motivates scrutinizing the electrolyte-Zn interface. As the representative organic zinc salt, zinc trifluorosulfonate (Zn(OTf)2) facilitates a broad class of aqueous electrolytes, however, the stability issue of Zn anode remains crucial. The great challenge lies in the lack of Zn anode protection by the pristinely formed surface structure in aqueous Zn(OTf)2 electrolytes. Accordingly, an electrochemical route was developed to grow a uniform zinc trifluorosulfonate hydroxide (ZTH) layer on Zn anode as an artificial SEI, via regulation on metal dissolution and strong coordination ability of zinc ions. Co-precipitation was proposed to be the formation mechanism for the artificial SEI, where the reduction stability of OTf‾ anion and the low-symmetry layer structure of ZTH was unmasked. This artificial SEI favors interfacial kinetics, depresses side reactions, and well maintains its integrity during cycling, leading to a prolonged lifespan of Zn stripping/plating with a high DOD of ~85%, and an improved cycling stability of ~92% retention rate for V2O5/Zn cell at 1 A g-1. The unveiled role of anion on Zn anode drives the contemplation on the surface chemistry for the blooming aqueous rechargeable battery.

Multiple energy planning in the energy hub considering renewable sources, electric vehicles and management in the daily electricity market with wind multi-objective optimization algorithm

This article presents a decision-making framework leveraging randomness to manage short-term intelligent energy hub (EH) within regenerated power systems integrating EH input electricity and natural gas. EH outputs, addressing electricity and heat needs, are managed via battery storage systems (BSS) and electric vehicle (EV) fleets in regulation markets. The energy hub operator optimizes decisions concerning natural gas and energy, minimizing costs in electricity supply and thermal energy carriers across day-ahead (DA) markets and regulations. Emphasizing the benefits of demand-side management planning in cost reduction, the model incorporates a conditional value at risk (CVaR) method to assess and manage uncertainties. Moreover, leveraging electric vehicle battery storage capacity is explored to mitigate wind and solar energy production uncertainties. An energy optimization strategy based on a Multi-Objective Wind-Driven Optimization (MOWDO) is proposed, demonstrating the effectiveness of the model and method across various system conditions and scenarios. Results indicate that increasing the number of EVs from 2000 to 10,000 reduces the expected cost by 1.5 % and the CVaR by 1.5 %. Additionally, optimizing the BSS discharge cost coefficient from $45/MWh to $15/MWh decreases the expected cost by 0.5 % and the CVaR by 0.3 %. The system achieves a 20 % reduction in peak-hour electricity purchases by leveraging the BSS and EV fleet during high price conditions. These findings underscore the positive impact of demand-side management programs in enhancing renewable resource utilization amidst uncertainty.

A review on the development of metals-doped Vanadium oxides for zinc-ion battery

Rechargeable zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are emerging as promising energy storage devices for various applications, including large-scale energy storage, due to their environmental friendliness, enhanced safety, and low cost. A key challenge in ZIB development is creating cathode materials that reduce the solubility of active materials in aqueous electrolytes, increase electrical conductivity, and extend life cycles for high performance. Vanadium-based compounds, with their diverse structures and multiple oxidation states (+2, +3, +4, and +5), have been extensively studied as effective cathodes for ZIBs. This mini review highlights recent research on doping transition metals into vanadium oxide materials to achieve superior electrochemical performance compared to electrodes prepared via solid-phase synthesis and hydrothermal methods. Additionally, it offers guidance for the future development of vanadium-based materials.

One-step in situ doping of Sb achieves enhanced performance of [001]-oriented nano-LiFe0.6Mn0.4PO4/C cathode high-rate materials

The LiFe0.6Mn0.4PO4/C composite has become a cost-effective and reliable material for lithium battery storage in commercial applications, due to its significant safety benefits. However, its industrial application is limited by its suboptimal high-rate capacity and unsatisfactory cycling performance. To address this issue, Li(Fe0.6Mn0.4)1-xSbxPO4 (x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05) materials were synthesized using a one-step solvothermal method in this study, aiming to modulate the microstructure and achieve Sb doping, thereby enhancing the electrochemical performance. The electrochemical test results indicate that LFMP/C doped with Sb (designated as LFMP/C-Sb0.04) displays exceptional electrochemical performance, with remarkable capacities of 166.6 mAh·g−1 and 146.8 mAh·g−1 at 0.2C and 1C, respectively. Notably, it achieves a capacity of 126.1 mAh·g−1 at a high rate (5C) and maintains an impressive capacity retention rate of 93.6 % after 300 cycles, outperforming the original LMFP/C (109.5 mAh·g−1), which retains only 61.5 % of its initial capacity. Further characterization of the samples reveals that in situ Sb doping promotes the growth of the [001] crystal orientation, enhancing the lithium-ion diffusion rate and effectively reducing electrode polarization and charge transfer resistance, thereby contributing to its exceptional rate performance. Moreover, Sb doping increases the M − O binding energy, strengthens the metal-oxygen framework, mitigates the Jahn-Teller effect caused by Mn3+ dissolution, and enhances its cycling stability.

A self-adaptive inorganic in-situ separator by particle crosslinking for nonflammable lithium-ion batteries

All-safe liquid-state lithium-ion batteries (ASLS-LIBs) is of great interest as they can potentially combine the safety of all-solid-state batteries with the high performance and low manufacturing cost of traditional liquid-state LIBs. However, the practical success of ASLS-LIBs is bottlenecked by the lack of advanced separator technology that can simultaneously realize high performances in puncturing-tolerability, fire-resistance, and importantly, wetting-capability with non-flammable liquid-electrolytes. Here, we propose a concept of inorganic in-situ separator (IISS) by hybrid-sol physical crosslinking directly onto the electrode surface to address the above challenges. Particularly, the hybrid-sol is designed with silica nanoparticles as the building block and poly(vinylidene difluoride) nanoparticles as the crosslinking agent. The critical factors for controlling the IISS microstructures and properties have been systematically investigated. The advantages of the IISS have been confirmed by its fast wetting with various fire-resistant liquid-electrolytes, customizable thickness and porous structures, robust interface with planar or three-dimensional (3D)-structured electrodes, and importantly, unexpected self-adaptability against puncturing. Enabled by the above merits, a fire-resistant ASLS-LIB is successfully assembled and demonstrated with stable electrochemical performance. This sol-crosslinked IISS may open an avenue for the studies on the next-generation separator technology, cell assembling, solid electrolyte processing as well as non-flammable secondary batteries.

Conceptual Piezoelectric-Based Energy Harvester from In Vivo Heartbeats' Cyclic Kinetic Motion for Leadless Intracardiac Pacemakers.

This paper studies the development of piezoelectric energy harvesting for self-powered leadless intracardiac pacemakers. The energy harvester fit inside the battery compartment, assuming that the energy harvester would replace the battery with a smaller rechargeable battery capacity. The power output analysis was derived from the three-dimensional finite element analysis and in vivo heart measurements. A Doppler laser at the anterior basal in the right ventricle directly measured the heart's kinetic motion. Piezoceramics in the cantilevered configuration were studied. The heart motion was periodic but not harmonic and shock-based. This study found that energy can be harvested by applying periodic bio-movements (cardiac motion). The results also showed that the energy harvester can generate 1.1 V voltage. The effect of various geometrical parameters on power generation was studied. This approach offers potential for self-powered implantable medical devices, with the harvested energy used to power devices such as pacemakers.

Sulfurized Two-Dimensional Conductive Metal-Organic Framework as a High-Performance Cathode Material for Rechargeable Mg Batteries.

Rechargeable Mg batteries are a promising energy storage technology to overcome the limitations inherent to Li ion batteries. A critical challenge in advancing Mg batteries is the lack of suitable cathode materials. In this work, we report a cathode design that incorporates S functionality into two-dimensional metal-organic-frameworks (2D-MOFs). This new cathode material enables good Mg2+ storage capacity and outstanding cyclability. It was found that upon the initial Mg2+ insertion and disinsertion, there is an apparent structural transformation that crumbles the layered 2D framework, leading to amorphization. The resulting material serves as the active material to host Mg2+ through reduction and/or oxidation of S and, to a limited extent, O. The reversible nature of S and O redox chemistry was confirmed by spectroscopic characterizations and validated by density functional calculations. Importantly, during the Mg2+ insertion and disinsertion process, the 2D nature of the framework was maintained, which plays a key role in enabling the high reversibility of the MOF cathode.

Study of the instability of the fixed points cells temperature of working standards: establish the optimal time intervals between the comparisons

The cells of fixed freezing points of metals are an important component of the working standards of temperature of the 0th category. These standards are intended to reproduce the unit of temperature kelvin in accordance with ITS-90, which is currently the main method in the temperature range from –189 to 1084 °C. The transfer of the temperature unit is carried out by comparing the cells of the working standards of temperature with the cells of the state secondary standard of temperature. In order to develop recommendations for increasing the interval between comparisons and changing the requirements of the State Verification Scheme, one of the most important characteristics of the cells of the working standards of temperature was studied – the instability of the cell temperature in the interval between comparisons. The paper summarizes the results of the study of 26 cells of fixed points of tin, zinc and aluminum, the service life of which was from 2 to 10 years, and the interval between comparisons was from 2 to 5 years. Possible causes of instability of the reproducible temperature are described and the uncertainty of comparisons of working standard cells with secondary standard cells is calculated. The analysis of the results showed that the instability values over a long period of time do not exceed 1.02 mK for tin cells, 1.75 mK for zinc cells and 6.47 mK for aluminum cells. The most probable cause of deviation of the temperature of working standard cells from secondary standard cells is the different purity of the metals used. It is noted that the destruction of the quartz shell of the cell without mechanical action is unlikely, and the effect of pressure on the temperature of the reference point is absent. Based on the results of the comparative analysis, it was concluded that it is possible to increase the interval between comparisons for ampoules of tin and zinc to five years. Such an increase in the interval has a positive economic effect by reducing the cost of operating the state secondary temperature standard and transporting ampoules to the comparison site. For aluminum cells, an individual approach to setting the interval between comparisons is recommended based on the analysis of the results of previous comparisons. The materials published in this paper may be useful to specialists of metrological centers working with working temperature standards, as well as to all scientists studying the processes occurring in cells for measuring the solidification temperature of metals.

Self-Healable, High-Stability Anode for Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries Realized by Graphene-Confined Gallium Metal.

In this work, a self-healable, high-stability anode material for rechargeable magnesium batteries (RMBs) has been developed by introducing a core-shell structure of Ga confined by reduced graphene oxide (Ga@rGO). Via this Ga@rGO anode, a specific capacity of 150 mAh g-1 at a current of 0.5 A g-1 stable up to 1200 cycles at room temperature and a specific capacity of 100 mAh g-1 under an ultrahigh current of 1 A g-1 stable up to 700 cycles at a slightly elevated temperature of 40 °C have been achieved. Additionally, the ultrahigh rate, high-cycling stability, and long-cycle life of the anode are attributed to the stabilized structure; such a low-cost, simple, and environmentally friendly direct drop coating (DDC) method is developed to maximize the original state of the active materials. Remarkably, the self-healing ability of anodes is still presented under the ultrahigh charging current. This anode is promising for the development of high rate and high stability RMBs.

COBRA-LIKE4 Modulates Cellulose Synthase Velocity and Facilitates Cellulose Deposition in the Secondary Cell Wall.

Cellulose is a critical component of secondary cell walls and woody tissues of plants. Cellulose synthase (CESA) complexes (CSCs) produce cellulose as they move within the plasma membrane, extruding glucan chains into the cell wall that coalesce and crystallize into cellulose fibrils. Here we examine COBRA-LIKE4 (COBL4), a GPI-anchored protein on the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane that is required for normal cellulose deposition in secondary cell walls. Characterization of the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) cobl4 mutant alleles called irregular xylem6, irx6-2 and irx6-3, showed reduced ⍺-cellulose content and lower crystallinity, supporting a role for COBL4 in maintaining cellulose quantity and quality. In live-cell imaging, mNeon Green-tagged CESA7 moved in the plasma membrane at higher speeds in the irx6-2 background compared to wild type. To test conservation of COBL4 function between herbaceous and woody plants, poplar (Populus trichocarpa) COBL4 homologs PtCOBL4a and PtCOBL4b were transformed into, and rescued, the Arabidopsis irx6 mutants. Using the Arabidopsis secondary cell wall-inducible VND7-GR system to study poplar COBL4 dynamics, YFP-tagged PtCOBL4a localized to the plasma membrane in regions of high cellulose deposition in secondary cell wall bands. As predicted for a lipid-linked protein, COBL4 was more mobile in the plane of the plasma membrane than CESA7 or a control plasma membrane marker. Following programmed cell death, COBL4 anchored to the secondary cell wall bands. These data support a role for COBL4 as a modulator of cellulose organization in the secondary cell wall, influencing cellulose production and CSC velocity at the plasma membrane.

Reviving Multivalent-Metal Anodes in Simple Salt Electrolytes via Component Modifier Design.

Using combinatory electrolyte blends represents an imperative avenue to achieve good magnesium (Mg)-metal anode compatibility and commercial feasibility in fields of promising rechargeable Mg batteries. However, fundamental challenges of how to manipulate component modifier reactivity on molecule level still remain to be solved. Here, molecular structure design concepts towards seeking bromophenyl complex-based component modifiers has been proposed according to implications of electron-donating and/or electron-withdrawing substituents on Br-C bond dissociation reactivity. Exceptional Mg electro-plating/stripping properties (a stable cycle life of 250 days in Mg//Cu asymmetric cells) have been firstly achieved in a simple salt electrolyte with 1-(3-bromophenyl)-N,N-dimethylmethanamine (BPDMA) as optimal component modifier. Comprehensive analyses disclose the unique electrochemically-active Br-containing ion-pairs formation, such as [(Mg2+)2(TFSI-)Br-]2+ and [(Mg2+)2(TFSI-)(Br-)(G2)2]2+, which results in the much thinner Br- containing and organic-inorganic mixed interphases on Mg-metal anodes. Furthermore, conventional MgSO4-based electrolytes and even calcium (Ca)-ion electrolytes can also be revived by similar strategy, demonstrating its generality and superiority.

Introducing nanodiamond-modified electrolyte to realize high capacity and rate performance of sodium ion batteries

The solid electrolyte interface (SEI) acts as a channel for sodium ions from electrolyte to anode, its structure and chemical properties are crucial to the Coulombic efficiency, cycling stability, and even safety of rechargeable batteries. In this work, using bio-carbon as an anode, and nanodiamond (ND) as electrolyte additive, the relation between ND and SEI properties and sodium storage performance is explored. It is found that ND is transferred to the surface of bio-carbon anode and induces the formation of stable and inorganic-rich SEI (such as NaF and Na2O). Besides, the introduction of ND significantly increases the ionic conductivity. The sodium-ion batteries with ND-electrolyte exhibit a superior reversible capacity of 340 mA g−1 after 400 cycles at 0.5 A g−1, long-term cycling stability (183 mA g−1 over 1000 cycles at 5 A g−1), and remarkable rate performance (157 mA h g−1 at 10 A g−1), which is attributed to the fact that the presence of ND could provide additional storage sites and improve the stability of SEI. This study provides valuable guidance for improving the electrochemical performance of electrode materials by regulating the SEI in the optimal electrolyte.