Novel Insights into Enhanced Stability of Li-Rich Layered and High-Voltage Olivine Phosphate Cathodes for Advanced Batteries through Surface Modification and Electron Structure Design.

The design of cathode/electrolyte interfaces in high-energy density Li-ion batteries is critical to protect the surface against undesirable oxygen release from the cathodes when batteries are charged to high voltage. However, the involvement of the engineered interface in the cationic and anionic redox reactions associated with (de-)lithiation is often ignored, mostly due to the difficulty to separate these processes from chemical/catalytic reactions at the cathode/electrolyte interface. Here, a new electron energy band diagrams concept is developed that includes the examination of the electrochemical- and ionization- potentials evolution upon batteries cycling.

NMR studies of lithium and sodium battery electrolytes.

This review focuses on the application of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in the study of lithium and sodium battery electrolytes. Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in electronic devices, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems due to their high energy density, long cycle life, and low self-discharge rate. The sodium analog is still in the research phase, but has significant potential for future development.

CF-Substituted Ethylene Carbonates for High-Voltage/High-Energy Rechargeable Lithium Metal-LiNiCoMnO Batteries.

The development of advanced liquid electrolytes for high-voltage/high-energy rechargeable Li metal batteries is an important strategy to attain an effective protective surface film on both the Li metal anode and the high-voltage composite cathode. Herein, we report a study of two CF-substituted ethylene carbonates as components of the electrolyte solutions for Li metal|NCM811 cells. We evaluated trifluoromethyl ethylene carbonate (CF-EC) and trans-ditrifluoromethylethylene carbonate Di-(CF)-EC as cosolvents and additives to the electrolyte solutions.

Fluorinated Co-Solvents Enable Excellent Performances of Practical Cells Comprising LixSiO-Graphite Composite Anodes and LiNiCoMnAlO (NCMA) Cathodes.

Li-ion batteries based on high specific capacity LixSiO-Graphite anodes and LiNiCo MnAlO (NCMA) cathodes may have numerous practical applications owing to high energy density without a necessary compromise on safety. SiO, which is an attractive Li insertion anode material, offers more cycling stability than Si and a higher capacity than graphite. Therefore, a new trend has emerged for developing composite C-Si anodes, possessing the excellent cyclability of graphite coupled with high capacity SiO.

Design of Solid Polycationic Electrolyte to Enable Durable Chloride-Ion Batteries.

The high energy density and cost-effectiveness of chloride-ion batteries (CIBs) make them promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries. However, the development of CIBs is greatly restricted by the lack of compatible electrolytes to support cost-effective anodes. Herein, we present a rationally designed solid polycationic electrolyte (SPE) to enable room-temperature chloride-ion batteries utilizing aluminum (Al) metal as an anode.

Is "Water in Salt" Electrolytes the Ultimate Solution? Achieving High Stability of Organic Anodes in Diluted Electrolyte Solutions Via a Wise Anions Selection.

The introduction of the water-in-salt (WIS) electrolytes concept to prevent water splitting and widen the electrochemical stability window, has spurred extensive research efforts toward development of improved aqueous batteries. The successful implementation of these electrolyte solutions in many electrochemical systems shifts the focus from diluted to WIS electrolyte solutions. Considering the high costs and the tendency of these nearly saturated solutions to crystallize, this trend can be carefully re-evaluated.

Polyimide Compounds For Post-Lithium Energy Storage Applications.

The exploration of cathode and anode materials that enable reversible storage of mono and multivalent cations has driven extensive research on organic compounds. In this regard, polyimide (PI)-based electrodes have emerged as a promising avenue for the development of post-lithium energy storage systems. This review article provides a comprehensive summary of the syntheses, characterizations, and applications of PI compounds as electrode materials capable of hosting a wide range of cations.

Stable High-Capacity Elemental Sulfur Cathodes with Simple Process for Lithium Sulfur Batteries.

Lithium sulfur batteries are suitable for drones due to their high gravimetric energy density (2600 Wh/kg of sulfur). However, on the cathode side, high specific capacity with high sulfur loading (high areal capacity) is challenging due to the poor conductivity of sulfur. Shuttling of Li-sulfide species between the sulfur cathode and lithium anode also limits specific capacity.

Mitigation of Oxygen Evolution and Phase Transition of Li-Rich Mn-Based Layered Oxide Cathodes by Coating with Oxygen-Deficient Perovskite Compounds.

Li-rich Mn-based layered oxide cathodes with a high discharge capacity hold great promise for high energy density lithium-ion batteries. However, application is hampered by voltage and capacity decay and gas evolution during cycling due to interfacial side reactions. Here, we report coating by oxygen-deficient perovskite LaSrCoO using the Pechini process.

Highly Stable 4.6 V LiCoO Cathodes for Rechargeable Li Batteries by Rubidium-Based Surface Modifications.

Among extensively studied Li-ion cathode materials, LiCoO (LCO) remains dominant for portable electronic applications. Although its theoretical capacity (274 mAh g ) cannot be achieved in Li cells, high capacity (≤240 mAh g ) can be obtained by raising the charging voltage up to 4.6 V.

Unique Mechanisms of Ion Storage in Polyaniline Electrodes for Pseudocapacitive Energy Storage Devices Unraveled by EQCM-D Analysis.

The optimal performance of organic electrodes for aqueous batteries requires their full compatibility with selected electrolyte solutions. Electrode materials having 1-3-dimensional structures of variable rigidity possess a confined space in their structure filled with water and electrolyte solutions. Depending on the rigidity and confined space geometry, insertion and extraction of ions into electrode structures are often coupled with incorporation/withdrawal of water molecules.

Stabilizing High-Voltage LiNi Mn O Cathodes for High Energy Rechargeable Li Batteries by Coating With Organic Aromatic Acids and Their Li Salts.

Here, three types of surface coatings based on adsorption of organic aromatic acids or their Li salts are applied as functional coating substrates to engineer the surface properties of high voltage LiNi Mn O (LNMO) spinel cathodes. The materials used as coating include 1,3,5-benzene-tricarboxylic acid (trimesic acid [TMA]), its Li-salt, and 1,4-benzene-dicarboxylic acid (terephthalic acid). The surface coating involves simple ethanol liquid-phase mixing and low-temperature heat treatment under nitrogen flow.

Bridging 1D Inorganic and Organic Synthesis to Fabricate Ultrathin Bismuth-Based Nanotubes with Controllable Size as Anode Materials for Secondary Li Batteries.

The growth of ultrathin 1D inorganic nanomaterials with controlled diameters remains challenging by current synthetic approaches. A polymer chain templated method is developed to synthesize ultrathin Bi O CO nanotubes. This formation of nanotubes is a consequence of registry between the electrostatic absorption of functional groups on polymer template and the growth habit of Bi O CO .

On the Practical Applications of the Magnesium Fluorinated Alkoxyaluminate Electrolyte in Mg Battery Cells.

High-performance electrolytes are at the heart of magnesium battery development. Long-term stability along with the low potential difference between plating and stripping processes are needed to consider them for next-generation battery devices. Within this work, we perform an in-depth characterization of the novel Mg[Al(hfip)] salt in different glyme-based electrolytes.

Combined nanofiltration and advanced oxidation processes with bifunctional carbon nanomembranes.

Wastewater reclamation is becoming a top global interest as population growth and rapid industrialization pose a major challenge that requires development of sustainable cost-effective technologies and strategies for wastewater treatment. Carbon nanomembranes (CNMs)-synthetic 2D carbon sheets-can be tailored chemically with specific surface functions and/or physically with nanopores of well-defined size as a strategy for multifunctional membrane design. Here, we explore a bifunctional design for combined secondary wastewater effluent treatment with dual action of membrane separation and advanced oxidation processes (AOP), exploiting dissolved oxygen.

High Energy Density Rechargeable Batteries Based on Li Metal Anodes. The Role of Unique Surface Chemistry Developed in Solutions Containing Fluorinated Organic Co-solvents.

To date, lithium ion batteries are considered as a leading energy storage and conversion technology, ensuring a combination of high energy and power densities and prolonged cycle life. A critical point for elaboration of high energy density secondary Li batteries is the use of high specific capacity positive and negative electrodes. Among anode materials, Li metal anodes are considerably superior due to having the highest theoretical specific capacity (3860 mAh g) and lowest negative redox potential (-3.

Evaluation of Mg[B(HFIP)]-Based Electrolyte Solutions for Rechargeable Mg Batteries.

One of the greatest challenges toward rechargeable magnesium batteries is the development of noncorrosive electrolyte solutions with high anodic stability that can support reversible Mg deposition/dissolution. In the last few years, magnesium electrolyte solutions based on Cl-free fluorinated alkoxyborates were investigated for Mg batteries due to their high anodic stability and ionic conductivity and the possibility of reversible deposition/dissolution in ethereal solvents. Here, the electrochemical performance of Mg[B(hexafluoroisopropanol)]/dimethoxyethane (Mg[B(HFIP)]/DME) solutions was examined.

Unraveling the Role of Fluorinated Alkyl Carbonate Additives in Improving Cathode Performance in Sodium-Ion Batteries.

A key issue in the development of sustainable Na-ion batteries (NIBs) is the stability of the electrolyte solution and its ability to form effective passivation layers on both cathode and anode. In this regard, the use of fluorine-based additives is considered a promising direction for improving electrode performance. Fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) and -difluoroethylene carbonate (DFEC) were demonstrated as additives or cosolvents that form effective passivating surface films in Li-ion batteries.

Novel Inorganic Integrated Membrane Electrodes for Membrane Capacitive Deionization.

In capacitive deionization (CDI), coion repulsion and Faradaic reactions during charging reduce the charge efficiency (CE), thus limiting the salt adsorption capacity (SAC) and energy efficiency. To overcome these issues, membrane CDI (MCDI) based on the enhanced permselectivity of the anode and cathode is proposed using the ion-exchange polymer as the independent membrane or coating. To develop a novel and cost-effective MCDI system, we fabricated an integrated membrane electrode using a thin layer of the inorganic ion-exchange material coated on the activated carbon (AC) electrode, which effectively improves the ion selectivity.

Can Anions Be Inserted into MXene?

Despite the continuous progress in the research and development of TiCT (MXene) electrodes for high-power batteries and supercapacitor applications, the role of the anions in the electrochemical energy storage and their ability to intercalate between the MXene sheets upon application of positive voltage have not been clarified. A decade after the discovery of MXenes, the information about the possibility of anion insertion into the restacked MXene electrode is still being questioned. Since the positive potential stability range in diluted aqueous electrolytes is severely limited by anodic oxidation of the Ti, the possibility of anion insertion was evaluated in concentrated aqueous electrolyte solutions and aprotic electrolytes as well.

AZ31 Magnesium Alloy Foils as Thin Anodes for Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries.

In recent decades, rechargeable Mg batteries (RMBs) technologies have attracted much attention because the use of thin Mg foil anodes may enable development of high-energy-density batteries. One of the most critical challenges for RMBs is finding suitable electrolyte solutions that enable efficient and reversible Mg cells operation. Most RMB studies concentrate on the development of novel electrolyte systems, while only few studies have focused on the practical feasibility of using pure metallic Mg as the anode material.

Enhancement of Structural, Electrochemical, and Thermal Properties of High-Energy Density Ni-Rich LiNiCoMnO Cathode Materials for Li-Ion Batteries by Niobium Doping.

Ni-rich layered oxide LiNiCoMnO (1 - - > 0.5) materials are favorable cathode materials in advanced Li-ion batteries for electromobility applications because of their high initial discharge capacity. However, they suffer from poor cycling stability because of the formation of cracks in their particles during operation.