Overcoming copper-induced conversion reactions in nickel disulphide anodes for sodium-ion batteries.

Employing copper (Cu) as an anode current collector for metal sulphides is perceived as a general strategy to achieve stable cycle performance in sodium-ion batteries, despite the compatibility of the aluminium current collector with sodium at low voltages. The capacity retention is attributed to the formation of copper sulphide with the slow corrosion of the current collector during cycling which is not ideal. Conventional reports on metal sulphides demonstrate excellent electrochemical performances using excessive carbon coatings/additives, reducing the overall energy density of the cells and making it difficult to understand the underlying side reaction with Cu.

Design of Scalable, Next-Generation Thick Electrodes: Opportunities and Challenges.

Lithium-ion battery electrodes are on course to benefit from current research in structure re-engineering to allow for the implementation of thicker electrodes. Increasing the thickness of a battery electrode enables significant improvements in gravimetric energy density while simultaneously reducing manufacturing costs. Both metrics are critical if the transition to sustainable transport systems is to be fully realized commercially.

H -free Synthesis of Aromatic, Cyclic and Linear Oxygenates from CO.

The synthesis of oxygenate products, including cyclic ketones and phenol, from carbon dioxide and water in the absence of gas-phase hydrogen has been demonstrated. The reaction takes place in subcritical conditions at 300 °C and pressure at room temperature of 25 barg. This is the first observation of the production of cyclic ketones by this route and represents a step towards the synthesis of valuable intermediates and products, including methanol, without relying on fossil sources or hydrogen, which carries a high carbon footprint in its production by conventional methods.

Development of a diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) cell for the in situ analysis of co-electrolysis in a solid oxide cell.

Co-electrolysis of carbon dioxide and steam has been shown to be an efficient way to produce syngas, however further optimisation requires detailed understanding of the complex reactions, transport processes and degradation mechanisms occurring in the solid oxide cell (SOC) during operation. Whilst electrochemical measurements are currently conducted in situ, many analytical techniques can only be used ex situ and may even be destructive to the cell (e.g.