Atomic-Scale Cryo-TEM Studies of the Electrochemistry of Redox Mediator in Li-O Batteries.

Rechargeable aprotic lithium (Li)-oxygen battery (LOB) is a potential next-generation energy storage technology because of its high theoretical specific energy. However, the role of redox mediator on the oxide electrochemistry remains unclear. This is partly due to the intrinsic complexity of the battery chemistry and the lack of in-depth studies of oxygen electrodes at the atomic level by reliable techniques.

Enabling Long Cycle Life and High Rate Iron Difluoride Based Lithium Batteries by In Situ Cathode Surface Modification.

Metals fluorides (MFs) are potential conversion cathodes to replace commercial intercalation cathodes. However, the application of MFs is impeded by their poor electronic/ionic conductivity and severe decomposition of electrolyte. Here, a composite cathode of FeF and polymer-derived carbon (FeF @PDC) with excellent cycling performance is reported.

Size-Dependent Chemomechanical Failure of Sulfide Solid Electrolyte Particles during Electrochemical Reaction with Lithium.

The very high ionic conductivity of LiGePS (LGPS) solid electrolyte (SE) makes it a promising candidate SE for solid-state batteries in electrical vehicles. However, chemomechanical failure, whose mechanism remains unclear, has plagued its widespread applications. Here, we report imaging lithiation-induced failure of LGPS SE.

In Situ Measurements of the Mechanical Properties of Electrochemically Deposited LiCO and LiO Nanorods.

Solid-electrolyte interface (SEI) is "the most important but least understood (component) in rechargeable Li-ion batteries". The ideal SEI requires high elastic strength and can resist the penetration of a Li dendrite mechanically, which is vital for inhibiting the dendrite growth in lithium batteries. Even though LiCO and LiO are identified as the major components of SEI, their mechanical properties are not well understood.

Visualization of Lithium Penetration through Solid Electrolyte and Dead Lithium Dynamics in Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries.

The two biggest promises of solid-state lithium (Li) metal batteries (SSLMBs) are the suppression of Li dendrites by solid-state electrolyte (SSE) and the realization of a high-energy-density Li anode. However, LMBs have not met their expectations due to Li dendrite growth causing short-circuiting. In fact, Li dendrites grow even more easily in SSE than in liquid electrolyte, but the reason for this remains unclear.

Ultrastable Anode/Electrolyte Interface in Solid-State Lithium-Metal Batteries Using LiCu Nanowire Network Host.

High interfacial resistance and uncontrollable lithium (Li) dendrite are major challenges in solid-state Li-metal batteries (SSLMBs), as they lead to premature short-circuiting and failure of SSLMBs. Here, we report the synthesis of a composite anode comprising a three-dimensional LiCu nanowire network host infiltrated with Li (Li* anode) with low interfacial impedance and superior electrochemical performance. The Li* anode is fabricated by dissolving Cu foil into molten Li followed by solidification.

Clear Representation of Surface Pathway Reactions at Ag Nanowire Cathodes in All-Solid Li-O Batteries.

All-solid Li-O batteries have been constructed with Ag nanowire (AgNW) cathodes coated on Au-buffered garnet ceramic electrolytes and Li anodes on the other sides. Benefiting from the clean contacts of Li, e, and O on the AgNWs, the surface pathway reactions are demonstrated. Upon discharge, two types of LiO morphologies appear.

Lithium Deposition-Induced Fracture of Carbon Nanotubes and Its Implication to Solid-State Batteries.

The increasing demand for safe and dense energy storage has shifted research focus from liquid electrolyte-based Li-ion batteries toward solid-state batteries (SSBs). However, the application of SSBs is impeded by uncontrollable Li dendrite growth and short circuiting, the mechanism of which remains elusive. Herein, we conceptualize a scheme to visualize Li deposition in the confined space inside carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to mimic Li deposition dynamics inside solid electrolyte (SE) cracks, where the high-strength CNT walls mimic the mechanically strong SEs.

A High-Performance Carbonate-Free Lithium|Garnet Interface Enabled by a Trace Amount of Sodium.

Garnet-type solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) are promising for the realization of next-generation high-energy-density Li metal batteries. However, a critical issue associated with the garnet electrolytes is the poor physical contact between the Li anode and the garnet SSE and the resultant high interfacial resistance. Here, it is reported that the Li|garnet interface challenge can be addressed by using Li metal doped with 0.

Lithium whisker growth and stress generation in an in situ atomic force microscope-environmental transmission electron microscope set-up.

Lithium metal is considered the ultimate anode material for future rechargeable batteries, but the development of Li metal-based rechargeable batteries has achieved only limited success due to uncontrollable Li dendrite growth. In a broad class of all-solid-state Li batteries, one approach to suppress Li dendrite growth has been the use of mechanically stiff solid electrolytes. However, Li dendrites still grow through them.

Genetic linkage analyses and Cx50 mutation detection in a large multiplex Chinese family with hereditary nuclear cataract.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to characterize the underlying mutation in a large multiplex Chinese family with hereditary nuclear cataract.

Methods: A 6-generation Chinese family having hereditary nuclear cataract was recruited and clinically verified. Blood DNA samples were obtained from 53 available family members.