Superior Electrochemical Performance Research Articles

Pollution Monitoring via Potentiometric Membrane Sensors for the Determination of Chlorpromazine Hydrochloride in the Presence of Its Main Photo-Degradation Products in River Water

The utilization of membrane sensors for the monitoring and determination of pharmaceutical environmental pollutants has emerged as a crucial objective in recent years. Given the extensive use of chlorpromazine hydrochloride (CPZ) in medicine, its presence in the environment, particularly in surface water such as rivers, is highly probable. Prolonged exposure of river water to sunlight and the photo-degradability of CPZ may enhance its photo-degradation. For the purpose of measuring CPZ in the presence of its primary photo-degradants, two sensitive and selective membrane electrodes were developed. These were synthesized utilizing two ion-pairing agents: sodium tetraphenylborate (TPB) and phosphotungstic acid (PTA). The electrodes exhibited a linear range that extended from 1 × 10−6 M to 1 × 10−2 M. The membrane electrodes of CPZ-TPB and CPZ-PTA exhibited slopes of 59.90 ± 0.60 mV/decade and 58.90 ± 0.80 mV/decade, respectively. The sensors mentioned above showed acceptable performance in a pH range of 2.0 to 6.0. All test parameters were optimized to provide superior electrochemical performance. The fabricated membranes were effectively employed to sensitively quantify CPZ in the presence of its principal photodegradants. The developed sensors were successfully employed to quantify CPZ in river water samples without necessitating pre-treatment procedures.

Na3.5(MnVFeTi)0.5(PO4)3: A Multi‐Transition‐Metal‐Ion‐Engineered NASICON‐Type Cathodes for Sodium Ion Batteries

AbstractElectrochemically active Na‐superionic conductor (NASICON)‐type cathodes have the structural flexibility to include various transition elements, thus enabling high power outputs benefited by multi‐electron redox reactions. This study amalgamated multiple transition metal ions to construct a new NASICON‐type cathode i. e., carbon coated Na3.5(MnVFeTi)0.5(PO4)3 (NMVFTP/C) for Na‐ion batteries (NIBs). The NMVFTP/C cathode engineered in this study demonstrated stable Na+‐storage capacity, including long‐term cycling stability up to 4000 cycles at 3000 mA g−1 with 96 % capacity retention and a high‐rate output capacity of 85.16 mAh g−1 at 2500 mA g−1. To elucidate the ion transport process within the cathode, density functional theory modeling was employed. The low energy barrier for the diffusion of Na+ in the NMVFTP/C materials was proved to be a key factor supporting our material's superior electrochemical performances.

Na Ions Doped Fe2VO4 Cathode for High Performance Aqueous Zinc-ion Batteries.

Aqueous zinc ion batteries are thought to be a new generation of secondary batteries that will replace lithium-ion batteries due to their great safety and inexpensive cost. In the cathode materials of aqueous zinc ion batteries with long life and high capacity, abundant active sites and crystal structure stability play an important role. In the present work, the strategy of Na+ intercalation of Fe2VO4 (FVO) is proposed, aiming at the insertion of Na+, which not only enriches the active sites, but also sodium and iron ions act as guest species with the negatively charged VOx lattice to provide strong electrostatic attraction to stabilize the lamellar structure. In terms of electrochemical performance, the discharge specific capacity is 370 mAh g-1 at a current density of 0.1 A g-1, and when the current density is arising 5 A g-1, the specific capacity also reaches 200 mAh g-1 after cycling 2000 with a capacity retention of 99 %, which is better than the electrochemical performance of Fe2VO4 (FVO) alone at 50 mAh g-1. The superior electrochemical performance proves that FVO-Na is an ideal cathode material for zinc ion batteries.

Revealing the Dual Role of Ammonia in the Hydroxide Co-precipitation Synthesis of Cobalt-free Nickel-rich LiNi0.9Mn0.05Al0.05O2 (NMA955) Cathode Materials for Lithium-ion Batteries.

Nickel-rich cobalt-free LiNi0.9Mn0.05Al0.05O2 (NMA955) is considered a promising cathode material to address the scarcity and soaring cost of cobalt. Particle size and elemental composition significantly impact the electrochemical performance of NMA955 cathodes. However, differences in precipitation rates among metal ions coveys a challenge in obtaining cathode materials with the desired particle size and composition via hydroxide co-precipitation synthesis. Utilizing complexing agents like ammonia offers an effective strategy to tackle these issues. Here, we investigate the optimal ammonia concentration to achieve moderate particle size and precise material composition. Although ammonia only forms complex coordination with transition metals, its concentration also affects the final product's precipitation and composition, including aluminum. This study shows that ammonia serves a dual function in NMA synthesis via hydroxide co-precipitation, i.e., regulating particle size and adjusting elemental composition. It was found that an ammonia concentration of 1.2 M achieved optimal particle size and composition, resulting in superior electrochemical performance. NMA955 synthesized in 1.2 M ammonia demonstrated a high specific capacity of 188.12 mAh g-1 at 0.1C, retained 71.16% of its capacity after 200 cycles at 0.2C, and delivered 110.30 mAh g-1 at 5C. These results suggest tuning ammonia concentration is crucial for producing high-performance cathode materials.

Synergistic Long-Term Protection of Inorganic and Polymer Hybrid Coatings for Free-Dendrite Zinc Anodes.

Constructing an artificial solid electrolyte interface protective layer on the surface of the zinc anode is an effective strategy for addressing dendrite growth, passivation, and the hydrogen evolution reaction in aqueous zinc-ion batteries. This study introduces a robust interlayer composed of a polyvinyl butyral matrix decorated with SiO2 particles (PS). Adsorption of water by Si-OH on the surface of SiO2 leads to excellent hydrophilicity and accelerates the desolvation of ions. A highly stable and hydrophilic PS coating enhances ion migration and possesses ultralong protection ability, ensuring uniform ion deposition and a lower nucleation barrier. Anodes protected by the PS coating achieve long-term cycling stability of >4000 h at 2 mA cm-2 in symmetric cells. The assembled PS-Zn//NH4V4O10 full cells exhibit superior electrochemical performance, demonstrating their potential for practical applications in rechargeable zinc batteries.

Dual Redox Reactions of Silver Hexacyanoferrate Prussian Blue Analogue Enable Superior Electrochemical Performance for Zinc‐ion Storage**

AbstractPrussian blue analogues (PBAs) have been employed as host materials of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs), however, they suffer from low capacity and poor cycling stability due to limited electron transfer and the presence of interstitial water in PBAs. Herein, a vacancy and water‐free silver hexacyanoferrate K0.95Ag3.05Fe(CN)6 (AgHCF‐3) was synthesized by adjusting the ratio of K and Ag in the framework. It offers nearly four electrons involving two sequential redox reactions, namely, Fe3+/Fe2+ and Ag+/Ag0, to deliver a large capacity of 179.6 mAh g−1 at 20 mA g−1 with Coulomb efficiency of ~100 %. The Zn//AgHCF‐3 cell delivers an estimated energy density of 200 Wh kg−1, surpassing reported PBAs‐based ZIBs. The formation of Ag0 in the cycling process merits favorable rate performance of AgHCF‐3 (156.4 mAh g−1 at 200 mA g−1 with 80.3 % capacity retention after 100 cycles). This investigation paves new pathways for high‐capacity PBA cathodes.

Iodine Boosted Fluoro-Organic Borate Electrolytes Enabling Fluent Ion-conductive Solid Electrolyte Interphase for High-Performance Magnesium Metal Batteries.

Rechargeable magnesium batteries are regarded as a promising multi-valent battery system for low-cost and sustainable energy storage applications. Boron-based magnesium salts with terminal substituent fluorinated anions (Mg[B(ORF)4]2, RF = fluorinated alkyl) have exhibited impressive electrochemical stability. Nevertheless, their deployment is hindered by the complicated synthesis routes and the surface passivation of Mganode. Herein, we report the design of an advanced electrolyte formulation comprised of B(HFIP)3and I2in 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME), which eventually convert into a Mg[B(HFIP)4]2/DME-MgI2 electrolyte system upon interacting with Mg anode. The Mg anode reacts with I2 and the electron-accepting B(HFIP)3, leading to the in-situ formation of a solid-electrolyte interphase layer composed of MgF2 and MgI2 species that can facilitate fast and stable Mg plating/stripping. Compared with the pristine Mg[B(HFIP)4]2/DME electrolyte, the Mg[B(HFIP)4]2/DME-MgI2 electrolyte exhibited superior electrochemical performance including an ultra-low overpotential (~80 mV), high Coulombic efficiency and a long-cycling period over 1500 h. In result, the rechargeable magnesium batteries with Mg[B(HFIP)4]2/DME-MgI2 electrolyte and Mo6S8 cathode show outstanding compatibility, rapid kinetics, and stable cyclability for over 1200 cycles, surpassing all previously reported boron-based electrolytes. This work introduces a promising halogen-enhancement strategy for boron-based Mg-ion electrolytes and is pivotal for the advancement and optimization of multi-valent secondary batteries.

Iodine Boosted Fluoro‐Organic Borate Electrolytes Enabling Fluent Ion‐conductive Solid Electrolyte Interphase for High‐Performance Magnesium Metal Batteries

Rechargeable magnesium batteries are regarded as a promising multi‐valent battery system for low‐cost and sustainable energy storage applications. Boron‐based magnesium salts with terminal substituent fluorinated anions (Mg[B(ORF)4]2, RF = fluorinated alkyl) have exhibited impressive electrochemical stability. Nevertheless, their deployment is hindered by the complicated synthesis routes and the surface passivation of Mg anode. Herein, we report the design of an advanced electrolyte formulation comprised of B(HFIP)3 and I2 in 1,2‐dimethoxyethane (DME), which eventually convert into a Mg[B(HFIP)4]2/DME‐MgI2 electrolyte system upon interacting with Mg anode. The Mg anode reacts with I2 and the electron‐accepting B(HFIP)3, leading to the in‐situ formation of a solid‐electrolyte interphase layer composed of MgF2 and MgI2 species that can facilitate fast and stable Mg plating/stripping. Compared with the pristine Mg[B(HFIP)4]2/DME electrolyte, the Mg[B(HFIP)4]2/DME‐MgI2 electrolyte exhibited superior electrochemical performance including an ultra‐low overpotential (~80 mV), high Coulombic efficiency and a long‐cycling period over 1500 h. In result, the rechargeable magnesium batteries with Mg[B(HFIP)4]2/DME‐MgI2 electrolyte and Mo6S8 cathode show outstanding compatibility, rapid kinetics, and stable cyclability for over 1200 cycles, surpassing all previously reported boron‐based electrolytes. This work introduces a promising halogen‐enhancement strategy for boron‐based Mg‐ion electrolytes and is pivotal for the advancement and optimization of multi‐valent secondary batteries.

Co@NC Chainmail Nanowires for Thermo- and Electrocatalytic Oxidation of 2,5-Bis(hydroxymethyl)furan to 2,5-Furandicarboxylic Acid.

2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) has emerged as an important bio-based furanic compound, which has broad application prospects in renewable energy and materials, especially in the preparation of polyethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate (PEF). While the conventional synthesis of FDCA involves oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) as a substitute, the thermal and chemical instability of HMF due to its aldehyde group poses challenges. A more favorable alternative is the utilization of 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF), a non-aldehyde and more stable precursor. This study pioneeringly reports nitrogen-doped-carbon encapsulated cobalt (Co@NC) chainmail nanowires for the thermal and electrocatalytic oxidation of BHMF to FDCA. The Co@NC/NF achieved a 97.9 % conversion of BHMF with a 93.3 % yield of FDCA at 1.475 V vs. RHE, whereas thermal catalysis only obtained 14.9 % FDCA yield after 10 hours. Kinetic studies indicated that the large electrochemically active surface area and excellent kinetic parameters contribute its superior electrochemical performance. Mechanistic analysis revealed that the migration of inner electrons to the exterior modified the electronic properties of the carbon layer, thereby facilitating the oxidation of BHMF. Furthermore, the in-situ generation of high-valent cobalt species markedly accelerated the BHMF oxidation. This research underscores the potential of carbon-encapsulated metal chainmail catalysts in thermal and electrochemical biomass conversion.

Sodium‐Difluoro(oxalato)Borate‐Based Electrolytes for Long‐Term Cycle Life and Enhanced Low‐Temperature Sodium‐Ion Batteries

AbstractSodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are emerging as a promising alternative for next‐generation energy storage solutions, driven by the economic and environmental benefits of abundant sodium resources. A pivotal aspect of SIB advancement is the development of advanced electrolytes, which remains a formidable challenge. Herein, a facile and scalable synthesis method for low‐cost sodium‐difluoro(oxalato)borate (NaDFOB) is reported and explored its application as a standalone electrolyte salt for SIBs. The NaDFOB‐based ether electrolyte demonstrates exceptional electrochemical stability, solvent compatibility, and the unique capacity to form a dense, robust solid‐electrolyte interphase layer on electrode surfaces. As a result, the Na4Fe3(PO4)2P2O7 (NFPP) cathode with NaDFOB‐based electrolyte exhibits ultrahigh cycling stability with a remarkable capacity retention of 98.7% after 1000 cycles. Furthermore, an Ah‐level hard carbon (HC)//NFPP pouch cell using NaDFOB‐based ether electrolyte shows an impressive cycle life of 500 cycles, coupled with an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.9%. The pouch cells also maintain superior electrochemical performance across a broad temperature range from −40 to 60 °C, showcasing the electrolyte's versatility. This work contributes significant insights into the strategic design and application of innovative salts, paving the way for longer‐lasting SIBs with enhanced electrochemical performance.

Enhanced Na-Ion Electrochemical Performance through Cu Doping-Mediated Sb2Se3 Phase Transformation into CuSbSe2 with Improved Kinetics.

This work investigates the influence of structural and electronic modification on the electrochemical performance of conversion and alloying materials. The CuSbSe2, a promising 2D layered conversion-and-alloying material is being investigated with references to parent pristine Sb2Se3 and a doped version of later Sn0.2Sb1.8Se3 for their sodium-ion battery performance. The CuSbSe2 with layered structure is well known to accommodate lattice distortions via inter-layer movement, potentially mitigating distortions brought about by the Alkali ion (Na in this case) insertion. In contrast, the parent conversion-cum-alloying material Sb2Se3 with its one-dimensional crystal structure leads to structural disintegration during battery operation. The Sn-doped analog, Sn0.2Sb1.8Se3, comparatively exhibits enhanced kinetics owing to the reduced long-range order. The 2D layered, CuSbSe2 despite exhibiting2D long-range order exhibits superior electrochemical performance owing to the favorable electronic and structural features. The CuSbSe2 exhibits a reversible capacity of 881 mAh g-1 compared to 516 mAh g-1 for Sn0.2Sb1.8Se3 and 429 mAh g-1 for Sb2Se3, with an improved Coulombic efficiency as well. The transient electrochemical investigations of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Galvanostatic intermittent titration techniques (GITT) reveal that better performance exhibited by CuSbSe2 may well be attributed to kinetics owing to enhanced diffusion coefficients in the intercalation and conversion regime.

Transition Metal-Doped Layered Iron Vanadate (FeV3-xMxO9.2.6H2O, M = Co, Mn, Ni, and Zn) for Enhanced Energy Storage Properties.

With its distinctive multiple electrochemical reaction, iron vanadate (FeV3O9.2.6H2O) is considered as a promising electrode material for energy storage. However, it has a relatively low practical specific capacitance. Therefore, using the low temperature sol-gel synthesis process, transition metal doping was used to enhance the electrochemical performance of layered structured FeV3O9.2.6H2O (FVO). According to this study, FVO doped with transition metals with larger interlayer spacing exhibited superior electrochemical performance than undoped FVO. The Mn-doped FVO electrode showed the highest specific capacitance and retention of 143 Fg-1 and 87%, respectively, while the undoped FVO showed 78 Fg-1 and 54%.

Microwave aided synthesis of samarium hafnate pyrochlore-sulphur doped reduced graphene oxide for electrochemical detection of bendiocarb

The current study reports the synthesis of pyrochlore type Sm2Hf2O7 (SHO) and its nanocomposite with sulfur-doped reduced graphene oxide (SR). SHO/SR nanocomposite was synthesized using a simple hydrothermal method followed by a microwave-aided synthetic method. Morphological investigations indicate that long SHO particles are well-aggregated in the wrinkled two-dimensional SR. Modified the glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) using SHO, SR and SHO/SR and evaluated for the electrochemical detection of an insecticide, bendiocarb (BDC). Enhanced electrochemical performance was observed in SHO/SR@GCE compared to SHO and SR. Superior electrochemical performance in SHO/SR could be attributed to enhanced conductivity, surface area and stability. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique showed good sensitivity, and the observed range is 0.05 to 300 μM with a 0.671 μM limit of detection (LOD). In addition, DPV technique is used for the detection of BDC in tomatoes and cabbage, finding a good percentage recovery (97.12 to 99.47 %) with less than 2.65 % relative standard deviation (RSD). The stability of the SHO/SR@GCE was good, and the current response retention was found to be 88.6 ± 1.93 % even after twenty days. SHO/SR's versatile structure, stability, conductivity, and surface area make it an ideal material for developing pyrochlore-based materials for electrochemical and energy applications.

Simultaneous modification of Na+-rich and Mn2+-doping on Na3V2(PO4)3 for superior electrochemical performance: Experimental and theoretical study

Recently, the weak intrinsic conductivity limits the application of Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP). Herein, a simultaneous optimized scheme is proposed to comprehensively improve the kinetic properties and modify the electronic structure of NVP. Significantly, bivalent Mn2+ is introduced to occupy V3+ site, resulting in favorable p-type substitution effects to produce more hole carriers thus accelerating electronic conductivity. Moreover, Mn2+ possesses a larger ionic radius than V3+ (0.067nm vs. 0.064nm), thus Mn2+ behaves efficient pillar effect to enhance the skeleton steadiness and broaden the migration pathway of Na+, indicating notably improved structure stability and ionic transport rate. Moreover, for the electronic equilibrium of the system, more Na+ will be introduced into the NVP bulk system after Mn2+ doping and Na-rich Na3+xV2-xMnx(PO4)3 compounds are designed, supplying more active carriers to participate the de-intercalation process and generating more reversible capacity. In addition, the optimized electronic construction of Mn2+ doped NVP is deeply investigated by DFT calculations, demonstrating the reduced band gap and declined energy barrier for Na+ transportation. Meanwhile, moderate CNTs are introduced together with coated carbon layers to construct an effective three-dimensional conductive network, significantly elevating the electron transfer property. The enwrapped CNTs also restrain the overgrowth and reunion of powders, thereby reducing the grain size and cutting down the transportation ways of Na+. Finally, the modified Na3.04V1.96Mn0.04(PO4)3@CNTs reveals superior electrochemical performance. It releases 120.8 mAh g-1 at 0.1C. It maintains remarkable retention value of 89.8% at 10C after 1000 cycles, suggesting a relatively low attenuation rate of 0.011% per cycle. Even at 50C, it still delivers a capacity of 63.6 mAh g-1 and keeps 68.2% after 4000 cycles.

Breaking boundaries in O3-type NaNi1/3Fe1/3Mn1/3O2 cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries: An industrially scalable reheating strategy for superior electrochemical performance

To address the challenges of air stability and slurry processability in layered transition metal oxide O3-type NaNi1/3Fe1/3Mn1/3O2 (NFM) for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), we have designed an innovative 500 °C reheating strategy. This method improves the surface properties of NFM without the need for additional coating layers, making it more efficient and suitable for large-scale applications. Pristine NFM (NFM-P) was first synthesized through a high-temperature solid-state method and then modified using this reheating approach (NFM-HT). This strategy significantly enhances air stability and electrochemical performance, yielding an initial discharge specific capacity of 151.46 mAh/g at 0.1 C, with a remarkable capacity retention of 95.04% after 100 cycles at 0.5 C. Additionally, a 1.7 Ah NFM||HC (hard carbon) pouch cell demonstrates excellent long-term cycling stability (94.64% retention after 500 cycles at 1 C), superior rate capability (86.48% retention at 9 C), and strong low-temperature performance (77% retention at −25 °C, continuing power supply at −40 °C). Notably, even when overcharged to 8.29 V, the pouch cell remained safe without combustion or explosion. This reheating strategy, which eliminates the need for a coating layer, offers a simpler, more scalable solution for industrial production while maintaining outstanding electrochemical performance. These results pave the way for broader commercial adoption of NFM materials.

Cu2SnS3/rGO nanocomposites with optimized pore structure for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

Developing advanced anode materials is essential for enhancing the rate performance and stability of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), which is critical for meeting the demands for next-generation energy storage solutions. In this research, Cu2SnS3/rGO nanocomposites were synthesized via a rapid microwave-assisted one-step method, followed by post-synthetic annealing. The incorporation of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) not only significantly improves its electrical conductivity, but also effectively inhibits the agglomeration of CTS nanoparticles. The nanocrystal size in the CTS/rGO nanocomposites has been dramatically downsized, transitioning from the pristine CTS dimensions of 0.9–1.5 μm to a mere 100 nm. This downsizing is a critical advancement in the electrode, as it enhances the surface area and reactivity of the composite. The subsequent high-temperature annealing process shrinks the pore size in the CTS/rGO nanocomposite, decreasing from an average of 42.13 nm to a more confined range of 7.81 to 8.77 nm, depending on the annealing temperatures. Electrochemical testing reveals that the CTS/rGO-A nanocomposite annealed at 300 °C exhibits superior electrochemical performance to the unmodified CTS and non-annealed CTS/rGO composite. The performance is evidenced by an initial capacity of 1856.97 mAh g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 and retains a capacity of 1250.32 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms governing the lithium ion diffusion kinetics, capacitance and diffusion behavior of the CTS/rGO-A electrode, advanced techniques such as galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) and rate cyclic voltammetry (CV) were utilized. These analyses revealed that the synergistic effect of an increased Li+ diffusion coefficient (DLi+), coupled with a notable capacitive contribution, is demonstrated to the enhanced electrochemical performance observed. Furthermore, the COMSOL Multiphysics simulation also indicates improved structural stability of CTS/rGO-A, attributed to minimized stress from volume expansion during discharge. The CTS/rGO-A nanocomposites, featuring enhanced electrochemical performance, coupled with a straightforward and efficient fabrication method, emerge as a promising material for scalable and practical energy storage solutions.

Praseodymium-Cerium Oxide-Infiltrated Perovskite Cathode with Superior Electrochemical Performance for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells.

This study presents a high-performance solid oxide fuel cell employing a perovskite cathode, strontium iron molybdenum oxide [Sr2Fe1.5Mo0.5O6-δ (SFM)], infiltrated with praseodymium-cerium oxide [Pr0.2Ce0.8O2-δ (PCO)], a fluorite. This infiltration notably enhances the oxygen reduction reaction kinetics and long-term stability. Evidence of enhanced stability is seen through minimized impedance degradation over 50 h. Furthermore, PCO infiltration improves the cathode's resistance to chromium poisoning by suppressing strontium degradation. Compared to the bare SFM cathode, the PCO-infiltrated SFM composite cathode doubles the cell's power density at 800 °C.

Fluorine-Free Cycloaliphatic Epoxy-Based Siloxane Nanohybrid Binder with High Polar Hydroxyl Group Content Enabling LiFePO4-Type Battery with High Electrochemical Performance and Stability.

LiFePO4-type (LFP) batteries have attracted significant attention in most battery manufacturing industries due to their long lifespan, high-temperature safety, and low cost of raw materials. However, as an active material, LFP still suffers from several intrinsic drawbacks, including poor conductivity, a low Li+ diffusion coefficient, low capacity, and a lack of electrochemical stability, primarily due to conventional fluorine-based binders. Here, we report a simple yet effective approach to developing a fluorine-free binder based on a robust cycloaliphatic epoxy-based siloxane nanohybrid material (CES) to achieve high electrochemical stability in LFP batteries. The high content of silanol moieties in CES induces a strong affinity for the active material and conductive agent, significantly improving rheological (thixotropy) and mechanical (adhesion and cohesion) properties, which enable the formation of a uniformly coated electrode. As a result, we achieved superior electrochemical performance and stability in CES-applied electrodes compared to those with conventional fluorine-based binders. We investigate the reasons behind the contribution of CES to the electrochemical stability of LFP batteries through various analyses. The high thermal and oxidation stability of CES effectively prevents degradation of LFP-based active materials. Our binder development strategy offers a significant breakthrough in replacing conventional fluorine-based binders, advancing the development of high-performance and stable secondary batteries.

Innovative integrated carbon paper supported Bi/rGO/MnO2 cathode with dual redox reactions for aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Developing cathode materials with dual redox reactions is an effective strategy to improve the electrochemical performance of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs), and rational selection of the two electroactive components is the key to achieving this target. Herein, an integrated carbon paper supported Bi/rGO/MnO2 cathode is prepared via a two-step in situ growth process, in which metallic bismuth (Bi) and manganese dioxide (MnO2) are served as two types of electroactive components to realize dual redox reactions. The introduction of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) mitigates the interfacial mismatch of Bi and MnO2, meanwhile further increasing the electrochemical activity by reducing the size of Bi and preventing its self-aggregation. Featuring nanostructured Bi and MnO2, the integrated cathode enables dual redox reactions with enhanced reaction kinetics. This structural and compositional refinement of the Zn//Bi/rGO/MnO2 battery leads to superior electrochemical performance, evidenced by a significant specific capacity (388.3 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1), high energy density (464.6 Wh kg−1) and great rate performance. This work underscores the potential of using MnO2 and Bi as dual electroactive components for AZIBs cathode, providing a pathway towards high performance energy storage systems.

Scalable synthesis of Robust, high-loading nitrogen-infused intermetallic FePt@Pt (core@shell) catalyst for proton exchange membrane fuel cells

In this study, we propose PtFeIMN@Pt/C, featuring a Pt shell on a nitrogen-infused PtFe intermetallic core structure, and attempt large-scale synthesis of catalysts with high metal content (>50 wt%). Using the ultrasound-assisted polyol synthesis method, we synthesize core@shell structured PtFe@Pt/C catalysts with approximately 60 wt% metal content at a 10 g scale in a single step. Post-treatments, including annealing, acid treatment, and nitriding in high-pressure NH3 gas, follow to synthesize the target catalysts. Optimizing the annealing temperature reveals a trade-off relationship affecting catalyst activity and durability. The PtFeIMN@Pt/C_600 °C, synthesized under optimized conditions, exhibits superior electrochemical performance and durability compared to commercial Pt/C catalysts. The accelerated stability test (AST) further shows significantly enhanced durability when nitrogen is included in the core. In the single cell tests, PtFeIMN@Pt/C_600 °C demonstrates approximately four times higher mass activity than commercial Pt/C catalysts and a 29.9 mV voltage drop at 0.8 A cm−2 after AST, meeting the U.S. Department of Energy's targets.