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| Open AccessRoom temperature all-solid-state lithium batteries based on a soluble organic cage ionic conductor
While solid-state batteries offer higher energy densities than liquid-based batteries, such devices require effective ion conduction pathways. Here, authors prepare porous organic cages as solution-processable catholytes that are enable excellent performances from various cathode active materials.
- Jing Li
- , Jizhen Qi
- & Liwei Chen
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Article
| Open AccessPerylenetetracarboxylic acid nanosheets with internal electric fields and anisotropic charge migration for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
While organic semiconductors provide a highly tailorable set of systems for solar-to-fuel conversion, such materials often show worse activities than inorganic materials. Here, authors prepare perylene-based nanosheets that demonstrate excellent performances for photocatalytic H2 evolution.
- Yan Guo
- , Qixin Zhou
- & Yongfa Zhu
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Article
| Open AccessLow energy carbon capture via electrochemically induced pH swing with electrochemical rebalancing
This work demonstrates a safe and scalable electrochemical CO2 separation method that allows promisingly low (62 kJ/molCO2) energetic cost at a high current density, and it can be used for direct air capture when a suitable molecule is used.
- Shijian Jin
- , Min Wu
- & Michael J. Aziz
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Article
| Open AccessPromoting favorable interfacial properties in lithium-based batteries using chlorine-rich sulfide inorganic solid-state electrolytes
The interfacial stability of lithium metal is a crucial aspect for all-solid-state battery development. Here, authors report argyrodite solid electrolytes containing LiCl framework, where the Cl ions construct a LiCl-rich interphase capable of improving battery performances.
- Dewu Zeng
- , Jingming Yao
- & Lin Wang
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Article
| Open AccessEnabling fast-charging selenium-based aqueous batteries via conversion reaction with copper ions
Aqueous battery Se-based cathodes are based on a two-electron transfer electrochemical reaction and generally show inadequate rate capability behaviour. Here, the authors propose a four-electron Se chemistry with copper ions as charge carriers to enable fast-charging battery cycling.
- Chunlong Dai
- , Linyu Hu
- & Liangti Qu
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Article
| Open AccessHigh-energy and durable lithium metal batteries using garnet-type solid electrolytes with tailored lithium-metal compatibility
Lithium-metal batteries (LMBs) have attracted intense interest but the instability issues limit its practical deployment. Here, the authors report a durable LMB with high energy density using a garnet-type solid electrolyte with a tailored Li-metal compatibility.
- Sewon Kim
- , Ju-Sik Kim
- & Kisuk Kang
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Article
| Open AccessHollow-core optical fibre sensors for operando Raman spectroscopy investigation of Li-ion battery liquid electrolytes
New analytical tools are needed to identify chemical degradation and failure mechanisms in Li-ion batteries. Here, the authors report an operando Raman spectroscopy method, based on hollow-core optical fibres, that enables monitoring the chemistry of liquid electrolytes during battery cycling.
- Ermanno Miele
- , Wesley M. Dose
- & Tijmen G. Euser
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Article
| Open AccessHigh-speed 4D neutron computed tomography for quantifying water dynamics in polymer electrolyte fuel cells
Characterisation of water dynamics in polymer electrolyte fuel cells is important for technology development. Here, the authors demonstrate a 4D neutron imaging technique, enabling quantitative analysis of the local water evolution, and identify performance parameters for water management.
- Ralf F. Ziesche
- , Jennifer Hack
- & Paul R. Shearing
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Article
| Open AccessEpitaxial growth of an atom-thin layer on a LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathode for stable Li-ion battery cycling
Transition metal dissolution from cathode materials limits the cycle life of Li-ion batteries. Here, the authors report an atomic-thin protecting layer on the surface of a high-voltage cathode material, enabling long-term Li-ion battery cycling.
- Xiaobo Zhu
- , Tobias U. Schülli
- & Lianzhou Wang
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Comment
| Open AccessMetrics and methods for moving from research to innovation in energy storage
Research activities are crucial for the advancement of energy storage technologies. However, not all the research lead to practical innovation. Here the author, focusing on supercapacitor devices, discusses the most challenging aspects to be considered to deliver practical innovation from fundamental research.
- Sebastian Pohlmann
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Article
| Open AccessA stable quasi-solid electrolyte improves the safe operation of highly efficient lithium-metal pouch cells in harsh environments
Solvent molecules under nanoconfinement dictates several key physical properties. Here, the authors reveal the behaviour of a quasi-solid electrolyte by using a microporous metal-organic framework with a small amount of liquid electrolyte influencing a number of properties in a lithium-metal pouch-cell.
- Zhi Chang
- , Huijun Yang
- & Haoshen Zhou
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Article
| Open AccessMismatching integration-enabled strains and defects engineering in LDH microstructure for high-rate and long-life charge storage
Layered double hydroxides (LDH) are ideal for charge storage, however, the sluggish reaction dynamics are obstacle to their development. Here, triggered by mismatching integration of Mn sites, the authors configure wrinkled Mn/NiCo-LDH with strains and defects, where promoted mass & charge transport behaviors are realized.
- Wei Guo
- , Chaochao Dun
- & Jieshan Qiu
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Article
| Open AccessTrends in oxygenate/hydrocarbon selectivity for electrochemical CO(2) reduction to C2 products
Key mechanistic steps for selective CO(2) reduction over Cu into hydrocarbon versus oxygenated C2 products are identified by atomistic and microkinetic modeling. Variations in C and OH binding are found to predict catalytic selectivity of materials.
- Hong-Jie Peng
- , Michael T. Tang
- & Frank Abild-Pedersen
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Article
| Open AccessExcellently balanced water-intercalation-type heat-storage oxide
There are few well-balanced heat storage materials up to date. Here, the authors report that δ-type K0.33MnO2 ∙ nH2O can be an excellently balanced heat storage material exhibiting a “water-intercalation mechanism”.
- Takuya Hatakeyama
- , Norihiko L. Okamoto
- & Tetsu Ichitsubo
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Article
| Open AccessA method for quantitatively separating the piezoelectric component from the as-received “Piezoelectric” signal
Difficulties in separating tribo and piezoelectric hybrid signals can lead to an overestimated contribution of the latter. Here, authors propose a method to separate these hybrid signals in the time domain, precisely extracting piezoelectric charge transfer for performance evaluation.
- Chaojie Chen
- , Shilong Zhao
- & Zhong Lin Wang
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Article
| Open AccessA high-performance capillary-fed electrolysis cell promises more cost-competitive renewable hydrogen
Water electrolysis offers a promising means for green hydrogen production, however current electrolysers do not provide a competitive edge over fossil fuels. Here, authors develop a capillary-fed electrolyser setup that avoids bubble formation to achieve a high-performance, cost-competitive device.
- Aaron Hodges
- , Anh Linh Hoang
- & Gordon G. Wallace
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Article
| Open AccessBattery technology and recycling alone will not save the electric mobility transition from future cobalt shortages
New study finds cobalt-free batteries and recycling progress can significantly alleviate long-term cobalt supply risks, however a cobalt supply shortage appears inevitable in the short- to medium-term, even under the most technologically optimistic scenario.
- Anqi Zeng
- , Wu Chen
- & Gang Liu
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Article
| Open AccessHigh-energy and low-cost membrane-free chlorine flow battery
Flow batteries provide promising solutions for stationary energy storage but most of the systems are based on expensive metal ions or synthetic organics. Here, the authors show a chlorine flow battery capitalizing the electrolysis of saltwater where the redox reaction is stabilized by the saltwater-immiscible organic flow.
- Singyuk Hou
- , Long Chen
- & Chunsheng Wang
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Article
| Open AccessA dual-function liquid electrolyte additive for high-energy non-aqueous lithium metal batteries
Lithium metal batteries suffer from poor (electro)chemical stability of the electrodes during prolonged cycling. Here, the authors report a dual function liquid electrolyte additive to form protective interphases on both electrodes to produce lab-scale high energy lithium metal batteries.
- Yuji Zhang
- , Yuan Wu
- & Chengxin Wang
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Article
| Open AccessThe synergistic effect of Hf-O-Ru bonds and oxygen vacancies in Ru/HfO2 for enhanced hydrogen evolution
Although ruthenium nanomaterials have proven to be effective catalysts for H2 evolution, there is still room for activity improvements. Here, authors develop an efficient Ru/HfO2 electrocatalyst with tuned Ru-O-Hf bonds and oxygen vacancies that shows high activities for alkaline H2 evolution.
- Guangkai Li
- , Haeseong Jang
- & Jaephil Cho
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Article
| Open AccessEngineered assembly of water-dispersible nanocatalysts enables low-cost and green CO2 capture
Catalytic solvent regeneration is of interest to reduce energy consumption in CO2 separation, however, the development of engineered nanocatalysts remains a challenge. Here, a new avenue is presented for the next generation of advanced metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in energy-efficient CO2 capture.
- Masood S. Alivand
- , Omid Mazaheri
- & Kathryn A. Mumford
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Article
| Open AccessProduction of a monolithic fuel cell stack with high power density
The transportation sector is gradually evolving to become independent of fossil fuels. Here, the authors report a metal-based monolithic solid oxide fuel cell with a power density of 5.6 kW/L suitable for transport applications.
- Stéven Pirou
- , Belma Talic
- & Anke Hagen
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Article
| Open AccessHydrogen spillover in complex oxide multifunctional sites improves acidic hydrogen evolution electrocatalysis
While renewable H2 production offers a promising route for clean energy production, there is an urgent need to improve catalyst performances. Here, authors design a Pt-containing complex oxide that utilizes atomic-scale hydrogen spillover to promote H2 evolution electrocatalysis in acidic media.
- Jie Dai
- , Yinlong Zhu
- & Zongping Shao
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Article
| Open AccessImproving the oxygen redox reversibility of Li-rich battery cathode materials via Coulombic repulsive interactions strategy
Tailoring the oxygen redox reactivity in Li-rich cathode is crucial for developing high-energy batteries. Here, the authors report a strategy to obtain a flexible crystal structure and enhance the oxygen redox reversibility.
- Qingyuan Li
- , De Ning
- & Xiangfeng Liu
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Article
| Open AccessMaximizing the performance of n-type Mg3Bi2 based materials for room-temperature power generation and thermoelectric cooling
The awaited studies of new and efficient thermoelectric modules have not come to fruition yet. Here, the authors demonstrate a high thermoelectric performance of non-Bi2Te3 module for room-temperature power generation and thermoelectric cooling.
- Zihang Liu
- , Weihong Gao
- & Takao Mori
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Article
| Open AccessEnhancing hydrovoltaic power generation through heat conduction effects
The authors demonstrate enhanced hydrovoltaic power generation using heat conduction effects to break through the slow heat replenishment limit common in evaporation-induced hydrovoltaic generators.
- Lianhui Li
- , Sijia Feng
- & Ting Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessOverall photosynthesis of H2O2 by an inorganic semiconductor
An inorganic and robust photocatalytic system based on Mo-doped faceted BiVO4 particles exhibits a solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency of 0.29% for H2O2 generation, a new record among inorganic systems.
- Tian Liu
- , Zhenhua Pan
- & Kazunari Domen
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Article
| Open AccessRecovery coupling in multilayer networks
Infrastructure and power systems are often represented as multilayer structures of interdependent networks. Danziger and Barabási demonstrate the presence of recovery coupling in such systems, where the recovery of an element in one network requires resources from nodes and links in another network.
- Michael M. Danziger
- & Albert-László Barabási
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Article
| Open AccessFilling the gap between topological insulator nanomaterials and triboelectric nanogenerators
Triboelectric nanogenerators have shown promising potential towards self-powered wearable electronics and devices. Here, authors introduce topological insulators to enrich the current triboelectric family of materials and sensing technologies.
- Mengjiao Li
- , Hong-Wei Lu
- & Ying-Chih Lai
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Article
| Open AccessHighly efficient and salt rejecting solar evaporation via a wick-free confined water layer
Solar evaporation is promising for sustainable freshwater production but typically limited by salt accumulation. Here, by manipulating natural convection, authors develop a wick-free confined water layer that enables highly efficient and salt rejecting solar evaporation.
- Lenan Zhang
- , Xiangyu Li
- & Evelyn N. Wang
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Article
| Open AccessA new approach exploiting thermally activated delayed fluorescence molecules to optimize solar thermal energy storage
Direct conversion of solar energy to stored chemical energy can be achieved through photoisomerization. Here, authors exploit thermally activated delayed fluorescence materials as a photosensitizer and signal transducer to harness solar energy, to maximize solar spectrum harvesting without sacrificing energy storage time.
- Fan-Yi Meng
- , I-Han Chen
- & Pi-Tai Chou
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Article
| Open AccessGeneral heterostructure strategy of photothermal materials for scalable solar-heating hydrogen production without the consumption of artificial energy
The 1 sun-heating temperatures of photothermal materials can be generally elevated from ~90 °C to ~300 °C by hybridizing with infrared insulating materials, capable of driving methanol reforming to 310 mmol g−1 h−1 over CuOx/ZnO/Al2O3 nanosheets.
- Yaguang Li
- , Xianhua Bai
- & Guangsheng Fu
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Article
| Open AccessFew-layer bismuth selenide cathode for low-temperature quasi-solid-state aqueous zinc metal batteries
The performances of rechargeable batteries are detrimentally affected by low temperatures (e.g., < 0 °C). Here, the authors report a few-layer Bi2Se3 material capable of improving battery cycling performances when operational temperatures are shifted from +25 °C to −20 °C.
- Yuwei Zhao
- , Yue Lu
- & Chunyi Zhi
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Article
| Open AccessInterface engineering of Ta3N5 thin film photoanode for highly efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting
Solar-to-fuel energy conversion requires well-designed materials properties to ensure favorable charge carrier movement. Here, authors employ interface engineering of Ta3N5 thin film to enhance bulk carrier separation and interface carrier injection to improve the water-splitting efficiency.
- Jie Fu
- , Zeyu Fan
- & Yanbo Li
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Article
| Open AccessThermal-healing of lattice defects for high-energy single-crystalline battery cathodes
The lattice strain and defects in layered oxides is critical to the intercalation chemistry and battery performance. Here, the authors demonstrate a thermal-healing of lattice defects in single-crystalline cathodes caused by the thermal-induced release of lattice strain and the structure ordering.
- Shaofeng Li
- , Guannan Qian
- & Yijin Liu
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Comment
| Open AccessOpen challenges and good experimental practices in the research field of aqueous Zn-ion batteries
Aqueous Zn-based batteries represent a viable and cost-effective technology for electricity grid storage. Here, the authors discuss the most challenging aspects to bridge academic and industrial research and accelerate the adoption of this class of devices on a large scale.
- Giorgia Zampardi
- & Fabio La Mantia
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Article
| Open AccessCarbon-coated MoS1.5Te0.5 nanocables for efficient sodium-ion storage in non-aqueous dual-ion batteries
Sodium-based dual-ion batteries are promising electrochemical energy storage devices. Here, the authors report a source-template synthetic strategy to prepare carbon-coated MoS1.5Te0.5 nanocables and their use as anode active materials in Na-based dual ion cells.
- Yangjie Liu
- , Xiang Hu
- & Zhenhai Wen
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Article
| Open AccessColossal and reversible barocaloric effect in liquid-solid-transition materials n-alkanes
Barocaloric effect, previously reported in solid-solid phase transition materials, offers a green alternative to current cooling technology. Here the authors report colossal BCE in n-alkanes associated with liquid–solid transition.
- Jianchao Lin
- , Peng Tong
- & Yuping Sun
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Article
| Open AccessAluminum-copper alloy anode materials for high-energy aqueous aluminum batteries
Aqueous Al-ion batteries are attractive post-lithium battery technologies. Here Al-Cu alloy lamellar heterostructures with periodic galvanic couplings are reported as efficient anode active material to produce high-energy aqueous Al-ion batteries.
- Qing Ran
- , Hang Shi
- & Qing Jiang
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Article
| Open AccessNative lattice strain induced structural earthquake in sodium layered oxide cathodes
Native crystallographic defects are often introduced during synthesis of battery materials, but has been overlooked. Here, using in situ synchrotron X-ray probes and electron microscopy, the authors have revealed their adverse effect during battery operation.
- Gui-Liang Xu
- , Xiang Liu
- & Khalil Amine
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Article
| Open AccessOperando monitoring of ion activities in aqueous batteries with plasmonic fiber-optic sensors
Operando tracking the ion dynamics/states of battery is critical to understanding of electrolyte-electrode interactions. Here the authors propose to use the surface plasmon waves to rapidly screen localized electrochemical events on a sub-μm-scale thickness adjacent to the electrode interface, without perturbing battery operation.
- Runlin Wang
- , Haozhe Zhang
- & Tuan Guo
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Article
| Open AccessMachine learning-informed and synthetic biology-enabled semi-continuous algal cultivation to unleash renewable fuel productivity
Growth limitation caused by mutual shading and the high harvest cost hamper algal biofuel production. Here, the authors overcome these two problems by designing a semi-continuous algal cultivation system and an aggregation-based sedimentation strategy to achieve high levels production of biomass and limonene.
- Bin Long
- , Bart Fischer
- & Joshua S. Yuan
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Article
| Open AccessMultifactorial engineering of biomimetic membranes for batteries with multiple high-performance parameters
Lithium–sulfur batteries have a high specific capacity, but lithium polysulfide diffusion (LPS) and dendrite growth reduce their cycle life. Here, the authors show a biomimetic aramid nanofiber membrane for effectively suppressing LPS diffusion as well as lithium dendrites while allowing lithium ions to be transported. The membranes resists performance degradation at high temperatures and can be produced at scale by Kevlar recycling.
- Mingqiang Wang
- , Ahmet E. Emre
- & Nicholas A. Kotov
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Article
| Open AccessSelective ligand removal to improve accessibility of active sites in hierarchical MOFs for heterogeneous photocatalysis
While metal organic frameworks offer highly tunable materials for photocatalytic applications, catalytic site accessibility is a crucial parameter. Here, authors demonstrate selective ligand removal to introduce new active sites and mesopores and to enhance photocatalytic H2 evolution.
- Shaghayegh Naghdi
- , Alexey Cherevan
- & Dominik Eder
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Article
| Open AccessSingle-dispersed polyoxometalate clusters embedded on multilayer graphene as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for efficient Li-S batteries
Efficient electrochemical energy storage in Li-S batteries is hindered by sluggish sulfur redox reactions. Here, the authors propose a polyoxometalate/multilayer graphene composite as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for battery performance improvement.
- Jie Lei
- , Xiao-Xiang Fan
- & Jia-Jia Chen
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Article
| Open AccessSelectively tuning ionic thermopower in all-solid-state flexible polymer composites for thermal sensing
Though high ionic thermopower and p-n conversion has been realized in liquid ionic thermoelectric materials, achieving similar performance in solid-state polymer materials remains a challenge. Here, the authors report all-solid-state thermoelectric polymer composites with tunable ionic thermopower.
- Cheng Chi
- , Meng An
- & Xing Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessA record thermoelectric efficiency in tellurium-free modules for low-grade waste heat recovery
Thermoelectric materials for low-grade heat recovery applications are limited to Bi2Te3-based alloys containing expensive Te for decades. Here, the authors demonstrate on a module level, cheap antimonides could enable an efficiency not inferior to that of expensive tellurides.
- Zhonglin Bu
- , Xinyue Zhang
- & Yanzhong Pei
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Article
| Open AccessUltralow-temperature-driven water-based sorption refrigeration enabled by low-cost zeolite-like porous aluminophosphate
Thermally-driven water-sorption refrigeration is a promising environmentally friendly technology, but finding suitable porous materials is challenging. The authors report a very high coefficient of performance using a low-cost zeolite-like aluminophosphate as a water sorbent, suitable for use with low-grade thermal energy.
- Zhangli Liu
- , Jiaxing Xu
- & Xiulan Huai
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Article
| Open AccessEffect of the supergravity on the formation and cycle life of non-aqueous lithium metal batteries
The behavior of lithium metal batteries at various gravity levels is not yet clearly understood. Here, the authors demonstrate the beneficial effect of supergravity in terms of battery performance improvement and favorable solid electrolyte interphase formation.
- Yuliang Gao
- , Fahong Qiao
- & Keyu Xie