Pyrophosphate NaCoPO Polymorphs as Efficient Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysts for Zinc-Air Batteries.

Developing earth-abundant low-cost bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts is a key approach to realizing efficient energy storage and conversion. By exploring Co-based sodium battery materials, here we have unveiled nanostructured pyrophosphate NaCoPO polymorphs displaying efficient bifunctional electrocatalytic activity. While the orthorhombic polymorph (-NCPy) has superior oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity, the triclinic polymorph (-NCPy) delivers better oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity.

Implications of Anion Structure on Physicochemical Properties of DBU-Based Protic Ionic Liquids.

Protic ionic liquids (PILs) are potential candidates as electrolyte components in energy storage devices. When replacing flammable and volatile organic solvents, PILs are expected to improve the safety and performance of electrochemical devices. Considering their technical application, a challenging task is the understanding of the key factors governing their intermolecular interactions and physicochemical properties.

Lithium Atom Surface Diffusion and Delocalized Deposition Propelled by Atomic Metal Catalyst toward Ultrahigh-Capacity Dendrite-Free Lithium Anode.

Lithium metal anode possesses overwhelming capacity and low potential but suffers from dendrite growth and pulverization, causing short lifespan and low utilization. Here, a fundamental novel insight of using single-atomic catalyst (SAC) activators to boost lithium atom diffusion is proposed to realize delocalized deposition. By combining electronic microscopies, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, theoretical simulations, and electrochemical analyses, we have unambiguously depicted that the SACs serve as kinetic activators in propelling the surface spreading and lateral redistribution of the lithium atoms for achieving dendrite-free plating morphology.

Determinants of Spike infectivity, processing, and neutralization in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants BA.1 and BA.2.

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron rapidly outcompeted other variants and currently dominates the COVID-19 pandemic. Its enhanced transmission and immune evasion are thought to be driven by numerous mutations in the Omicron Spike protein. Here, we systematically introduced BA.

Enhanced Electrochemical Capacity of Spherical Co-Free Li Mn Ni O Particles after a Water and Acid Treatment and its Influence on the Initial Gas Evolution Behavior.

Li-rich layered oxides (LRLO) with specific energies beyond 900 Wh kg are one promising class of high-energy cathode materials. Their high Mn-content allows reducing both costs and the environmental footprint. In this work, Co-free Li Mn Ni O was investigated.

Influence of Polymer Backbone Fluorination on the Electrochemical Behavior of Single-Ion Conducting Multiblock Copolymer Electrolytes.

The presence of fluorine, especially in the electrolyte, frequently has a beneficial effect on the performance of lithium batteries owing to, for instance, the stabilization of the interfaces and interphases with the positive and negative electrodes. However, the presence of fluorine is also associated with reduced recyclability and low biodegradability. Herein, we present a single-ion conducting multiblock copolymer electrolyte comprising a fluorine-free backbone and compare it with the fluorinated analogue reported earlier.

Zinc-Ion Hybrid Supercapacitors Employing Acetate-Based Water-in-Salt Electrolytes.

Halide-free, water-in-salt electrolytes (WiSEs) composed of potassium acetate (KAc) and zinc acetate (ZnAc ) are investigated as electrolytes in zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitors (ZHSs). Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate that water molecules are mostly non-interacting with each other in the highly concentrated WiSEs, while "bulk-like water" regions are present in the dilute electrolyte. Among the various concentrated electrolytes investigated, the 30 m KAc and 1 m ZnAc electrolyte (30K1Zn) grants the best performance in terms of reversibility and stability of Zn plating/stripping while the less concentrated electrolyte cannot suppress corrosion of Zn and hydrogen evolution.

Facile synthesis and phase stability of Cu-based NaCu(SO)·HO ( = 0-2) sulfate minerals as conversion type battery electrodes.

Mineral exploration forms a key approach for unveiling functional battery electrode materials. The synthetic preparation of naturally found minerals and their derivatives can aid in designing of new electrodes. Herein, saranchinaite NaCu(SO) and its hydrated derivative kröhnkite NaCu(SO)·2HO bisulfate minerals have been prepared using a facile spray drying route for the first time.

Calcium-tin alloys as anodes for rechargeable non-aqueous calcium-ion batteries at room temperature.

Rechargeable calcium batteries possess attractive features for sustainable energy-storage solutions owing to their high theoretical energy densities, safety aspects and abundant natural resources. However, divalent Ca-ions and reactive Ca metal strongly interact with cathode materials and non-aqueous electrolyte solutions, leading to high charge-transfer barriers at the electrode-electrolyte interface and consequently low electrochemical performance. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility and elucidate the electrochemical properties of calcium-tin (Ca-Sn) alloy anodes for Ca-ion chemistries.

A multipurpose laboratory diffractometer for powder X-ray diffraction investigations of energy materials.

Laboratory X-ray diffractometers are among the most widespread instruments in research laboratories around the world and are commercially available in different configurations and setups from various manufacturers. Advances in detector technology and X-ray sources push the data quality of in-house diffractometers and enable the collection of time-resolved scattering data during experiments. Here, the design and installation of a custom-built multipurpose laboratory diffractometer for the crystallographic characterization of battery materials are reported.

Transition between growth of dense and porous films: theory of dual-layer SEI.

The formation of passivating films is a common aging phenomenon, for example in weathering of rocks, silicon, and metals. In many cases, a dual-layer structure with a dense inner and a porous outer layer emerges. However, the origin of this dual-layer growth is so far not fully understood.

Concentrated Electrolytes Enabling Stable Aqueous Ammonium-Ion Batteries.

Rechargeable aqueous batteries are promising devices for large-scale energy-storage applications because of their low-cost, inherent safety, and environmental friendliness. Among them, aqueous ammonium-ion (NH ) batteries (AAIB) are currently emerging owing to the fast diffusion kinetics of NH . Nevertheless, it is still a challenge to obtain stable AAIB with relatively high output potential, considering the instability of many electrode materials in an aqueous environment.

Tuning 4f-Center Electron Structure by Schottky Defects for Catalyzing Li Diffusion to Achieve Long-Term Dendrite-Free Lithium Metal Battery.

Lithium metal is considered as the most prospective electrode for next-generation energy storage systems due to high capacity and the lowest potential. However, uncontrollable spatial growth of lithium dendrites and the crack of solid electrolyte interphase still hinder its application. Herein, Schottky defects are motivated to tune the 4f-center electronic structures of catalysts to provide active sites to accelerate Li transport kinetics.

Influence of Chloride Ion Substitution on Lithium-Ion Conductivity and Electrochemical Stability in a Dual-Halogen Solid-State Electrolyte.

Li conducting halide solid-state electrolytes (SEs) are developing as an alternative to contemporary oxide and sulfide SEs for all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) due to their high ionic conductivity, excellent chemical and electrochemical oxidation stability, and good deformability. However, the instability of halide SEs against the Li anode is still one of the key challenges that need to be addressed. Among halides, fluorides have shown a wider electrochemical stability window due to fluoride's high electronegativity and smaller ionic radius.

An increase in surface hydrophobicity mediates chaperone activity in N-chlorinated RidA.

Under physiological conditions, Escherichia coli RidA is an enamine/imine deaminase, which promotes the release of ammonia from reactive enamine/imine intermediates. However, when modified by hypochlorous acid (HOCl), it turns into a potent chaperone-like holdase that can effectively protect E. coli's proteome during oxidative stress.

Micron-sized single-crystal cathodes for sodium-ion batteries.

Confining the particle-electrolyte interactions to the particle surface in electrode materials is vital to develop sustainable and safe batteries. Micron-sized single-crystal particles offer such opportunities. Owing to the reduced surface area and grain boundary-free core, particle-electrolyte interactions in micron-sized single-crystal particles will be confined to the particle surface.

Investigation of a Fluorine-Free Phosphonium-Based Ionic Liquid Electrolyte and Its Compatibility with Lithium Metal.

A novel fluorine-free ionic liquid electrolyte comprising lithium dicyanamide (LiDCA) and trimethyl(isobutyl)phosphonium tricyanomethanide (PTCM) in a 1:9 molar ratio is studied as an electrolyte for lithium metal batteries. At room temperature, it demonstrates high ionic conductivity and viscosity of about 4.5 mS cm and 64.

Garnet to hydrogarnet: effect of post synthesis treatment on cation substituted LLZO solid electrolyte and its effect on Li ion conductivity.

We investigated why commercial LiLaZrO (LLZO) with Nb- and Ta substitution shows very low mobility on a local scale, as observed with temperature-dependent NMR techniques, compared to Al and W substituted samples, although impedance spectroscopy on sintered pellets suggests something else: conductivity values do not show a strong dependence on the type of substituting cation. We observed that mechanical treatment of these materials causes a symmetry reduction from garnet to hydrogarnet structure. To understand the impact of this lower symmetric structure in detail and its effect on the Li ion conductivity, neutron powder diffraction and Li NMR were utilized.

FAIR data enabling new horizons for materials research.

The prosperity and lifestyle of our society are very much governed by achievements in condensed matter physics, chemistry and materials science, because new products for sectors such as energy, the environment, health, mobility and information technology (IT) rely largely on improved or even new materials. Examples include solid-state lighting, touchscreens, batteries, implants, drug delivery and many more. The enormous amount of research data produced every day in these fields represents a gold mine of the twenty-first century.

Elucidating the Role of Microstructure in Thiophosphate Electrolytes - a Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study of β-Li PS.

Solid-state batteries (SSBs) are promising candidates to significantly exceed the energy densities of today's state-of-the-art technology, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). To enable this advancement, optimizing the solid electrolyte (SE) is the key. β-Li PS (β-LPS) is the most studied member of the Li S-P S family, offering promising properties for implementation in electric vehicles.

Application of a transition metal oxide/carbon-based nanocomposite for designing a molecularly imprinted poly (l-cysteine) electrochemical sensor for curcumin.

In this study an electrochemical sensor was fabricated for detection of curcumin, as a functional herbal food, using molecularly imprinted polymer and highly conductive transition metal oxide/carbon-based nanocomposite. In this way, CuCoO/nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes/phosphorus-doped graphene oxide nanocomposite was dropped on the electrode. This nanocomposite synergically possesses conductivity features of copper and phosphorus-doping sites, specific surface area of carbon nanotubes, and carbons Fermi level of graphene oxide.

Molecular Iron Oxide Clusters Boost the Oxygen Reduction Reaction of Platinum Electrocatalysts at Near-Neutral pH.

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a key energy conversion process, which is critical for the efficient operation of fuel cells and metal-air batteries. Here, we report the significant enhancement of the ORR-performance of commercial platinum-on-carbon electrocatalysts when operated in aqueous electrolyte solutions (pH 5.6), containing the polyoxoanion [Fe (μ -O) (L-(-)-tart) (CH COO) ] .

The Role of Energy Scales for the Structure of Ionic Liquids at Electrified Interfaces: A Theory-Based Approach.

Ionic liquids offer unique bulk and interfacial characteristics as battery electrolytes. Our continuum approach naturally describes the electrolyte on a macroscale. An integral formulation for the molecular repulsion, which can be quantitatively determined by both experimental and theoretical methods, models the electrolyte on the nanoscale.

First-Principles Studies on the Atomistic Properties of Metallic Magnesium as Anode Material in Magnesium-Ion Batteries.

Rechargeable magnesium-ion batteries (MIBs) are a promising alternative to commercial lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). They are safer to handle, environmentally more friendly, and provide a five-time higher volumetric capacity (3832 mAh cm ) than commercialized LIBs. However, the formation of a passivation layer on metallic Mg electrodes is still a major challenge towards their commercialization.