Featured
-
-
Article
| Open AccessReversible and selective ion intercalation through the top surface of few-layer MoS2
Electrochemical ion intercalation in 2D layered materials is known to occur through the material’s edges, accompanied by frequent structural deformations. Here the authors show that in MoS2 flakes where the edges have been sealed, a reversible and ion-selective intercalation occurs through the top surface via the intrinsic defects.
- Jinsong Zhang
- , Ankun Yang
- & Yi Cui
-
Comment
| Open AccessAligning academia and industry for unified battery performance metrics
- Zhan Lin
- , Tiefeng Liu
- & Chengdu Liang
-
Article
| Open AccessFast kinetics of multivalent intercalation chemistry enabled by solvated magnesium-ions into self-established metallic layered materials
While magnesium rechargeable batteries could combine high energy density with low cost and good safety, the extremely sluggish reaction kinetics remains to be overcome. Here, the authors show that by using solvated Mg2+ intercalation, the high charge density of bare Mg2+ may be effectively mitigated.
- Zhenyou Li
- , Xiaoke Mu
- & Maximilian Fichtner
-
Article
| Open AccessA monoclinic polymorph of sodium birnessite for ultrafast and ultrastable sodium ion storage
Layered NaxMnO2 cathode suffers from structural instability and sluggish kinetics. Here the authors show a method to yield monoclinic NaMn2−y−δ(OH)2y, a new polymorph of Na-birnessite with maximum Na occupancy and enlarged interlayer spacing, enabling outstanding cyclability and rate performance.
- Hui Xia
- , Xiaohui Zhu
- & Ying Shirley Meng
-
Article
| Open AccessAlleviating oxygen evolution from Li-excess oxide materials through theory-guided surface protection
Rechargeable Li-ion batteries can show extensive oxygen loss from the cathode material under operating conditions. Here, the authors use high-throughput computational screening to guide the synthesis of a Tantalum-doped Li-excess cathode that significantly reduces oxygen loss.
- Yongwoo Shin
- , Wang Hay Kan
- & Kristin A. Persson
-
Article
| Open AccessA high-energy sulfur cathode in carbonate electrolyte by eliminating polysulfides via solid-phase lithium-sulfur transformation
Carbonate-based electrolytes can impart advantages in lithium sulfur batteries, but performance is often limited by incompatibility with sulfur-based cathodes. Here the authors elucidate a mechanism for conversion of sulfur to lithium sulfide and demonstrate improved performance in a Li-S cell.
- Xia Li
- , Mohammad Banis
- & Xueliang Sun
-
Article
| Open AccessHigh-energy-density dual-ion battery for stationary storage of electricity using concentrated potassium fluorosulfonylimide
Lithium-free graphite dual-ion battery offers a new means of energy storage. Here the authors show such device utilizing a highly concentrated electrolyte solution of KFSI in alkyl carbonates that exhibits a high energy density and high energy efficiency as well as an average discharge voltage of 4.7 V.
- Kostiantyn V. Kravchyk
- , Preeti Bhauriyal
- & Maksym V. Kovalenko
-
Article
| Open AccessRaising the redox potential in carboxyphenolate-based positive organic materials via cation substitution
Organic electrode materials could enable novelty chemistry required by the new generation of batteries. Here the authors show the synthesis and electrochemical performance of Mg(Li2)-p-DHT as a lithiated cathode material that cycles at 3.4 V due to the presence of a spectator cation in the host structure.
- Alia Jouhara
- , Nicolas Dupré
- & Philippe Poizot
-
Article
| Open AccessNanoporous aramid nanofibre separators for nonaqueous redox flow batteries
Nonaqueous redox flow batteries may offer high energy and power densities, but development of separators is key for optimization. Here the authors achieve high coulombic efficiency with a nanoporous aramid nanofibres-based separator with low permeability, high ion conductivity, and exceptional stability.
- Siu on Tung
- , Sydney L. Fisher
- & Levi T. Thompson
-
Article
| Open AccessExceptional catalytic effects of black phosphorus quantum dots in shuttling-free lithium sulfur batteries
Lithium sulfur batteries are promising for next-generation energy storage, but are hindered by polysulfide shuttle effects. Here the authors use black phosphorus quantum dots to adsorb and catalyze the conversion of lithium polysulfides to lithium sulfide, achieving low capacity fade and high sulfur loading.
- Zheng-Long Xu
- , Shenghuang Lin
- & Shu Ping Lau
-
Article
| Open AccessA room-temperature sodium–sulfur battery with high capacity and stable cycling performance
Sodium–sulfur batteries operating at a high temperature between 300 and 350°C have been used commercially, but the safety issue hinders their wider adoption. Here the authors report a “cocktail optimized” electrolyte system that enables higher electrochemical performance and room-temperature operation.
- Xiaofu Xu
- , Dong Zhou
- & Guoxiu Wang
-
Article
| Open AccessRechargeable potassium-ion batteries with honeycomb-layered tellurates as high voltage cathodes and fast potassium-ion conductors
The development of potassium-ion batteries requires cathode materials that can maintain the structural stability during cycling. Here the authors have developed honeycomb-layered tellurates K2M2TeO6 that afford high ionic conductivity and reversible intercalation of large K ions at high voltages.
- Titus Masese
- , Kazuki Yoshii
- & Masahiro Shikano
-
Article
| Open AccessNegatively charged nanoporous membrane for a dendrite-free alkaline zinc-based flow battery with long cycle life
Dendrite accumulation is a hindrance for alkaline zinc-based flow batteries. Here the authors design a negatively charged nanoporous membrane that mitigates zinc dendrite growth by repulsion of zincate anions, leading to a zinc-based flow battery with high power density and cycling stability.
- Zhizhang Yuan
- , Xiaoqi Liu
- & Xianfeng Li
-
Article
| Open AccessSeed-mediated atomic-scale reconstruction of silver manganate nanoplates for oxygen reduction towards high-energy aluminum-air flow batteries
Aluminum-air batteries are lightweight and cost effective, but performance is limited by corrosion and solid by-products. Here the authors catalyze oxygen reduction with silver manganate nanoplates and develop an aluminum-air flow battery that delivers high energy density and alleviates side reactions.
- Jaechan Ryu
- , Haeseong Jang
- & Jaephil Cho
-
Article
| Open AccessSolubility-mediated sustained release enabling nitrate additive in carbonate electrolytes for stable lithium metal anode
The solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) is one of the governing factors for the reversibility of Li metal anode. Here, the authors reveal the impact of nitrate additive on the SEI in carbonate electrolytes, and demonstrate a method to overcome the solubility limitation of nitrate.
- Yayuan Liu
- , Dingchang Lin
- & Yi Cui
-
Article
| Open AccessControlling electric potential to inhibit solid-electrolyte interphase formation on nanowire anodes for ultrafast lithium-ion batteries
Lithium-based rechargeable batteries suffer from unstable evolution of solid-electrolyte interphase on the electrode surface. Here, the authors provide an approach to inhibiting SEI formation by controlling electric potential distribution across electrolyte and electrode.
- Won Jun Chang
- , Su Han Kim
- & Won Il Park
-
Article
| Open AccessHigh entropy oxides for reversible energy storage
High entropy oxides provide a new strategy toward materials design by stabilizing single-phase crystal structures composed of multiple cations. Here, the authors apply this concept to the development of conversion-type electrode materials for lithium-ion storage and show the underlying mechanism.
- Abhishek Sarkar
- , Leonardo Velasco
- & Ben Breitung
-
Article
| Open AccessThree-dimensional atomic-scale observation of structural evolution of cathode material in a working all-solid-state battery
Here, with the state-of-the-state electron microscope, the authors report three-dimensional atomic-scale observation of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 from various directions, revealing unprecedented insight into the evolution of both atomic and electronic structures during delithiation.
- Yue Gong
- , Yuyang Chen
- & Liquan Chen
-
Article
| Open AccessOperando and three-dimensional visualization of anion depletion and lithium growth by stimulated Raman scattering microscopy
The relationship between Li-ion concentration and Li deposition remains an issue to be addressed. Here the authors show that stimulated Raman scattering microscopy offers insight into the concentration evolution and its impact on the dendrite growth, which is not possible by existing techniques.
- Qian Cheng
- , Lu Wei
- & Yuan Yang
-
Article
| Open AccessPolyaniline-intercalated manganese dioxide nanolayers as a high-performance cathode material for an aqueous zinc-ion battery
Zn-MnO2 batteries offer high energy density, but phase changes that lead to poor cathode stability hinder development of rechargeable versions. Here the authors report structurally reinforced polyaniline-intercalated MnO2 nanolayers that boost performance by eliminating phase transformation.
- Jianhang Huang
- , Zhuo Wang
- & Yongyao Xia
-
Article
| Open AccessMicroscopic mechanism of biphasic interface relaxation in lithium iron phosphate after delithiation
Improving the performance of Li-ion batteries relies on understanding charging/discharging mechanisms. Here the authors visualize the interfacial structure and composition of a partially delithiated lithium iron phosphate single crystal as a function of time, revealing a mechanism of relaxation.
- Shunsuke Kobayashi
- , Akihide Kuwabara
- & Yuichi Ikuhara
-
Article
| Open AccessPropagation topography of redox phase transformations in heterogeneous layered oxide cathode materials
Here the authors demonstrate a spectroscopic and imaging approach to study redox solid-state phase transformation in lithium ion cathode materials under thermal abuse conditions. The valence curvature of the propagation front alternates as a result of local chemical and structural heterogeneities.
- Linqin Mu
- , Qingxi Yuan
- & Feng Lin
-
Article
| Open AccessOperando X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of solid electrolyte interphase formation and evolution in Li2S-P2S5 solid-state electrolytes
Solid-state electrolytes may improve the performance of batteries; however, many are unstable towards metallic lithium, and little is known about the chemical evolution of the interfaces that form during cycling. Here, the authors use an operando method to map the formation and evolution of a solid-electrolyte interphase during cycling.
- Kevin N. Wood
- , K. Xerxes Steirer
- & Glenn Teeter
-
Article
| Open AccessCoupling of electrochemically triggered thermal and mechanical effects to aggravate failure in a layered cathode
Electrochemical processes induce thermo-mechanical effects that mediate battery performance. Here the authors directly visualize cracking dynamics in a thermally perturbed, delithiated LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 cathode to demonstrate coupling between thermal, mechanical and electrochemical factors.
- Pengfei Yan
- , Jianming Zheng
- & Chongmin Wang
-
Article
| Open AccessQuantification and modeling of mechanical degradation in lithium-ion batteries based on nanoscale imaging
Silicon is a promising electrode material for lithium-ion batteries; however, morphological changes shorten battery lifetimes. Here the authors use imaging techniques based on electrons and X-rays to quantify such processes at micro- and nanoscales and suggest routes to mitigate battery degradation.
- Simon Müller
- , Patrick Pietsch
- & Vanessa Wood
-
Article
| Open AccessHigh energy-density and reversibility of iron fluoride cathode enabled via an intercalation-extrusion reaction
Poor electrochemical reversibility of the conversion-type cathode materials remains an important challenge for their practical applications. Here, the authors report a highly reversible fluoride cathode material with low hysteresis through concerted doping of cobalt and oxygen into iron fluoride.
- Xiulin Fan
- , Enyuan Hu
- & Chunsheng Wang
-
Article
| Open AccessRechargeable lithium-ion cell state of charge and defect detection by in-situ inside-out magnetic resonance imaging
The development of noninvasive methodology plays an important role in advancing lithium ion battery technology. Here the authors utilize the measurement of tiny magnetic field changes within a cell to assess the lithiation state of the active material, and detect defects.
- Andrew J. Ilott
- , Mohaddese Mohammadi
- & Alexej Jerschow
-
Article
| Open AccessHighly nitrogen doped carbon nanofibers with superior rate capability and cyclability for potassium ion batteries
The development of potassium ion batteries calls for cheap, sustainable, and high-performance electrode materials. Here, the authors report a highly nitrogen-doped soft carbon anode that exhibits superior rate capability and cyclability based on a surface dominated charge storage mechanism.
- Yang Xu
- , Chenglin Zhang
- & Yong Lei
-
Article
| Open AccessAqueous rechargeable zinc/sodium vanadate batteries with enhanced performance from simultaneous insertion of dual carriers
Rechargeable zinc-ion batteries are promising energy storage devices but suffer from the limited choice of positive electrodes. Here Niu and co-workers show a design with sodium vanadate hydrate as cathode, allowing simultaneous proton and zinc-ion insertion/extraction and enhanced performance.
- Fang Wan
- , Linlin Zhang
- & Jun Chen
-
Article
| Open AccessDesignable ultra-smooth ultra-thin solid-electrolyte interphases of three alkali metal anodes
The dendrite growth of alkali metal anodes leads to charge/discharge cycling instability. Here, the authors show that electrochemical polishing can yield near-perfect anodes of three alkali metals by constructing smooth and thin solid-electrolyte interphase layers.
- Yu Gu
- , Wei-Wei Wang
- & Bing-Wei Mao
-
Article
| Open AccessElucidating anionic oxygen activity in lithium-rich layered oxides
A reversible oxygen redox process contributes extra capacity and understanding this behavior is of high importance. Here, aided by resonant inelastic X-ray scattering, the authors reveal the distinctive anionic oxygen activity of battery electrodes with different transition metals.
- Jing Xu
- , Meiling Sun
- & Wei Tong
-
Article
| Open AccessAtomic visualization of a non-equilibrium sodiation pathway in copper sulfide
Copper sulfide allows for high-performance sodium ion storage, yet its sodiation mechanism is poorly understood. Here, the authors examine the atomic structures of sodiated phases via in situ transmission electron microscopy, showing a non-equilibrium reaction pathway.
- Jae Yeol Park
- , Sung Joo Kim
- & Jong Min Yuk
-
Article
| Open AccessFormation of size-dependent and conductive phase on lithium iron phosphate during carbon coating
Coating the active materials of interest with carbon is a widely employed way to boost the performance of lithium ion batteries. Here the authors show the formation of a conductive phase on LiFePO4 during carbon coating, which is size, annealing temperature and reduction atmosphere dependent.
- Yulong Liu
- , Jian Liu
- & Xueliang Sun
-
Article
| Open AccessThree-dimensional localization of nanoscale battery reactions using soft X-ray tomography
Here the authors show the development of soft X-ray ptychographic tomography to quantify the electrochemical state and resolve phase boundaries throughout the volume of individual nano-particles from a composite battery electrode.
- Young-Sang Yu
- , Maryam Farmand
- & David A. Shapiro
-
Article
| Open AccessMonovalent manganese based anodes and co-solvent electrolyte for stable low-cost high-rate sodium-ion batteries
Sodium ion batteries offer more cost-effective storage than lithium and could be used for grid-scale energy storage. Here, the authors demonstrate a full cell based on a MnHCMn anode and an organic-aqueous cosolvent electrolyte. X-ray spectroscopy evidence further suggests the presence of Mn(I).
- Ali Firouzi
- , Ruimin Qiao
- & Colin D. Wessells
-
Article
| Open AccessKinetics of lithium peroxide oxidation by redox mediators and consequences for the lithium–oxygen cell
The kinetics of Li2O2 oxidation is of high importance to the operation of Li–O2 batteries. Here the authors work on different types of mediators revealing the dependence of the kinetics on the nature of the redox active site and its steric hindrance.
- Yuhui Chen
- , Xiangwen Gao
- & Peter G. Bruce
-
Article
| Open AccessChemisorption of polysulfides through redox reactions with organic molecules for lithium–sulfur batteries
Novel cathode design holds the key to enabling high performance lithium-sulfur batteries. Here the authors utilize anthraquinone to chemically stabilize polysulfides, revealing that the keto groups of anthraquinone play a critical role in forming strong Lewis acid-based chemical bonding.
- Ge Li
- , Xiaolei Wang
- & Zhongwei Chen
-
Article
| Open AccessNanostructuring one-dimensional and amorphous lithium peroxide for high round-trip efficiency in lithium-oxygen batteries
While lithium-oxygen batteries offer a green method to power vehicles, the sluggish decomposition of lithium peroxide limits device performance. Here, the authors direct lithium peroxide formation into amorphous nanostructures to enable its facile decomposition and improve charging efficiency.
- Arghya Dutta
- , Raymond A. Wong
- & Hye Ryung Byon
-
Article
| Open AccessProbing electrochemical reactions in organic cathode materials via in operando infrared spectroscopy
Metal-organic batteries are gaining traction as versatile, low-cost, and sustainable devices, although there are still few ways to probe internal behavior during use. Here, the authors explore organic-molecule structural changes within several battery systems by in operando infrared spectroscopy.
- Alen Vizintin
- , Jan Bitenc
- & Robert Dominko
-
Article
| Open AccessBoosting lithium storage in covalent organic framework via activation of 14-electron redox chemistry
Conjugated polymeric molecules are promising electrode materials for batteries. Here the authors show a two-dimensional few-layered covalent organic framework that delivers a large reversible capacity of more than 1500 mAh g−1 with the storage mechanism governed by 14-electron redox chemistry.
- Zhendong Lei
- , Qinsi Yang
- & Yong Wang
-
Article
| Open AccessEvolving affinity between Coulombic reversibility and hysteretic phase transformations in nano-structured silicon-based lithium-ion batteries
Using silicon electrodes could improve lithium ion battery storage capacities, but irreversible side reactions during cycling rapidly degrade current batteries. Here, the authors studied silicon-rich electrode phase transitions and how such transitions may benefit the rechargeable cell systems.
- K. Ogata
- , S. Jeon
- & S. Han
-
Article
| Open AccessDirecting lateral growth of lithium dendrites in micro-compartmented anode arrays for safe lithium metal batteries
The formation of lithium dendrites remains a great challenge to lithium metal batteries. Here the authors show an anode design to laterally direct the dendrite growth inside the compartments, providing a feasible post-mortem solution to batteries with lithium dendrites already present.
- Peichao Zou
- , Yang Wang
- & Cheng Yang
-
Article
| Open AccessCaging tin oxide in three-dimensional graphene networks for superior volumetric lithium storage
The excessive porous space in carbon anodes for lithium-ion batteries has to be utilized for high volumetric performance. Here the authors show an adaptable sulfur template strategy to yield graphene-caged noncarbon materials with a precisely controlled amount of void, enabling ultrahigh volumetric lithium storage.
- Junwei Han
- , Debin Kong
- & Quan-Hong Yang
-
Article
| Open AccessMolecular understanding of polyelectrolyte binders that actively regulate ion transport in sulfur cathodes
Polymer binders in battery electrodes can affect their performance, however design rules are still lacking. Here, the authors reveal why polyelectrolyte binders outperform charge-neutral alternatives in lithium–sulfur batteries, showing how cationic polyelectrolytes can regulate ion transport selectively.
- Longjun Li
- , Tod A. Pascal
- & Brett A. Helms
-
Article
| Open AccessFundamental interplay between anionic/cationic redox governing the kinetics and thermodynamics of lithium-rich cathodes
Anionic redox chemistry has enabled the design of high-capacity battery cathodes for energy storage. Here, the authors demonstrate reversible anionic redox in an archetypical lithium-rich oxide via bulk-sensitive spectroscopies, further revealing its crucial role in practically important properties.
- Gaurav Assat
- , Dominique Foix
- & Jean-Marie Tarascon
-
Article
| Open AccessSilica-grafted ionic liquids for revealing the respective charging behaviors of cations and anions in supercapacitors
Quantifying the individual capacitance contributions of in-pore ions during charging remains a challenge. Here the authors design silica-grafted ionic liquids to reveal the charging behaviors of cations and anions separately, providing fresh insight into the storage mechanism of supercapacitors.
- Qingyun Dou
- , Lingyang Liu
- & Xingbin Yan
-
Article
| Open AccessNanoscale evolution of interface morphology during electrodeposition
Understanding structure evolution during electrochemical growth is crucial in materials processing and design of devices such as batteries. Here, the authors image copper during electrodeposition to provide strategies for controlling interface morphology.
- Nicholas M. Schneider
- , Jeung Hun Park
- & Frances M. Ross
-
Article
| Open AccessCoupling between oxygen redox and cation migration explains unusual electrochemistry in lithium-rich layered oxides
Lithium ion battery electrodes employing anion redox exhibit high energy densities but suffer from poor cyclability. Here the authors reveal that the voltage of anion redox is strongly affected by structural changes that occur during battery cycling, explaining its unique electrochemical properties.
- William E. Gent
- , Kipil Lim
- & William C. Chueh
-
Article
| Open AccessIntercalation events visualized in single microcrystals of graphite
The common lithium-ion battery is re-charged by intercalating its graphite anode, but intercalation remains not well understood. Electron microscope video of intercalating graphite microcrystals reveals that the charge transfer occurs in current pulses that do not match theoretical expectations.
- Edward R. White
- , Jared J. Lodico
- & B. C. Regan