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| Open AccessAn electrochemically stable homogeneous glassy electrolyte formed at room temperature for all-solid-state sodium batteries
Single sodium-ion solid electrolyte that meets the requirements of practical applications is difficult to design. Here, the authors show how kinetic stability via the creation of a self-passivating solid electrolyte interphase allows a homogenous glass solid electrolyte to exhibit remarkable electrochemical stability with sodium metal.
- Xiaowei Chi
- , Ye Zhang
- & Yan Yao
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Article
| Open AccessEntropy and crystal-facet modulation of P2-type layered cathodes for long-lasting sodium-based batteries
The use of Mn-rich layered cathodes in Na-based batteries is hindered by inadequate cycling reversibility and sluggish anionic redox kinetics. Here, the authors report a strategy to stabilize the structure and promote anionic redox via configurational entropy and ion-diffusion structural tuning.
- Fang Fu
- , Xiang Liu
- & Gui-Liang Xu
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Article
| Open AccessProduction of a hybrid capacitive storage device via hydrogen gas and carbon electrodes coupling
Conventional electric double-layer capacitors show limited energy content for energy storage applications. Here, the authors report an electrocatalytic hydrogen gas capacitor with improved specific energy, which can operate in pH-universal aqueous electrolyte solutions and a wide temperature range.
- Zhengxin Zhu
- , Zaichun Liu
- & Wei Chen
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Article
| Open AccessRedox-homogeneous, gel electrolyte-embedded high-mass-loading cathodes for high-energy lithium metal batteries
The development of high energy lithium metal batteries is affected by the mass loading of the cathode. Here, the authors report a lithium metal pouch cell with a cathode capacity of 12 mAh cm-2. The positive electrode is prepared by applying UV-curable gel electrolyte as a processing solvent.
- Jung-Hui Kim
- , Ju-Myung Kim
- & Sang-Young Lee
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Article
| Open AccessFluorinated ether electrolyte with controlled solvation structure for high voltage lithium metal batteries
The development of lithium-metal batteries is limited by the low thermodynamic and/or low voltage stability of conventional electrolytes. Here, the authors combined the high voltage stability of fluorinated ethers with high Li+ solvation ability of ethers in a single molecule and realized highly stable lithium-metal batteries.
- Yan Zhao
- , Tianhong Zhou
- & Ali Coskun
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Article
| Open AccessCorrosion as the origin of limited lifetime of vanadium oxide-based aqueous zinc ion batteries
Aqueous zinc ion batteries are good systems for large-scale energy storage. Here, the authors report that the corrosion of zinc metal anode is the origin of limited lifetime of vanadium oxide-based aqueous zinc ion batteries, and supressing corrosion improves the calendar and cycle lifetime markedly.
- Yangmoon Kim
- , Youngbin Park
- & Jang Wook Choi
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Article
| Open AccessA cost-effective alkaline polysulfide-air redox flow battery enabled by a dual-membrane cell architecture
Polysulfide-air redox flow batteries are an appealing energy storage technology but suffer from polysulfide crossover and the use of costly catalysts. Here, the authors report a cell structure that enables battery operation using a cost-effective catalyst while mitigating polysulfide crossover.
- Yuhua Xia
- , Mengzheng Ouyang
- & Nigel P. Brandon
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Article
| Open AccessEnabling high energy lithium metal batteries via single-crystal Ni-rich cathode material co-doping strategy
Li-ion cathode active materials are transitioning from poly- to single-crystal structures. However, the performance of high Ni-content single-crystal cathodes remains below expectations. Here, via Al/Zr co-doping, the authors propose a strategy to mitigate structural degradation in this class of materials.
- Xing Ou
- , Tongchao Liu
- & Jun Lu
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Article
| Open AccessProduction of fast-charge Zn-based aqueous batteries via interfacial adsorption of ion-oligomer complexes
Aqueous zinc batteries attract interest because of their potential for cost-effective and safe electricity storage. Here, the authors develop an in situ formed ion-oligomer nanometric interphase strategy to enable fast-charge aqueous Zn cells.
- Shuo Jin
- , Jiefu Yin
- & Lynden A. Archer
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Article
| Open AccessData-driven capacity estimation of commercial lithium-ion batteries from voltage relaxation
Accurate capacity estimation is crucial for lithium-ion batteries' reliable and safe operation. Here, the authors propose an approach exploiting features from the relaxation voltage curve for battery capacity estimation without requiring other previous cycling information.
- Jiangong Zhu
- , Yixiu Wang
- & Helmut Ehrenberg
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Article
| Open AccessEngineering a passivating electric double layer for high performance lithium metal batteries
Developing an electrolyte that is compatible with both high-voltage cathodes and Li metal anodes has always been challenging. Here, the authors created a new strategy by engineering a passivating electric double layer to achieve a fast-charging and lowtemperature high voltage lithium metal batteries.
- Weili Zhang
- , Yang Lu
- & Kai Liu
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Article
| 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 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 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 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 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 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 AccessIn situ infrared nanospectroscopy of the local processes at the Li/polymer electrolyte interface
Solid-state batteries remain promising but essential insights into electrode-electrolyte interface are required. Here, the authors report in situ infrared nanospectroscopy of the lithium-polymer-electrolyte interface to reveal its intrinsic molecular, structural, and chemical heterogeneities.
- Xin He
- , Jonathan M. Larson
- & Robert Kostecki
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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 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 AccessOptical sensors for operando stress monitoring in lithium-based batteries containing solid-state or liquid electrolytes
Chemo-mechanical stress within Li-based batteries detrimentally affects the performance and lifetime of these devices. Here, the authors propose an operando technique using optical fibers embedded in electrodes for internal stress monitoring of cells containing either solid or liquid electrolytes.
- Laura Albero Blanquer
- , Florencia Marchini
- & Jean-Marie Tarascon
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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 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 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 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 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 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 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
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Article
| Open AccessFlame retardant high-power Li-S flexible batteries enabled by bio-macromolecular binder integrating conformal fractions
Prime concerns of Li-S batteries revolve around the sulfur’s utility ranging from its performance to safety concerns. Here, the authors use biomacromolecular binder imparting conformal property to trigger high sulfur reactivity and modulate polysulfides while manifesting flame retardability.
- Chenrayan Senthil
- , Sun-Sik Kim
- & Hyun Young Jung
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Article
| Open AccessAchieving long cycle life for all-solid-state rechargeable Li-I2 battery by a confined dissolution strategy
Rechargeable Li-I2 battery system is interesting due to high theoretical capacities but the insoluble discharge product at the conventional solid interface leads to poor performances. Here, by using a confined dissolution strategy the authors demonstrate a rechargeable all-solid-state Li-I2 battery with extended cycle life.
- Zhu Cheng
- , Hui Pan
- & Haoshen Zhou
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Article
| Open AccessSuppressing electrolyte-lithium metal reactivity via Li+-desolvation in uniform nano-porous separator
Lithium dendrite and parasitic reactions are two major challenges for lithium metal anode. Here, the authors show suppression of lithium-dendrite and elimination of continuous parasitic reactions by tuning the reduction kinetics of lithium-ion through a uniform nano-porous separator.
- Li Sheng
- , Qianqian Wang
- & Xiangming He
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Article
| Open AccessZinc ion thermal charging cell for low-grade heat conversion and energy storage
Low-grade heat conversion has recently emerged and displayed great promise in sustainable electronics and energy areas. Here, the authors propose a new zinc ion thermal charging cell with hybrid behaviours for high value-added conversion from heat to electricity.
- Zhiwei Li
- , Yinghong Xu
- & Xiaogang Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessCoupling aqueous zinc batteries and perovskite solar cells for simultaneous energy harvest, conversion and storage
Accumulation of intermittent solar energy using secondary batteries is an appealing solution for future power sources. Here, the authors propose a device comprising of perovskite solar cells and aqueous zinc metal batteries connected via the sandwich joint electrode method.
- Peng Chen
- , Tian-Tian Li
- & Xue-Ping Gao
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Article
| Open AccessA Mo5N6 electrocatalyst for efficient Na2S electrodeposition in room-temperature sodium-sulfur batteries
Incomplete conversion of sodium polysulfides represents a significant issue in room-temperature sodium-sulfur batteries. Here, the authors propose Mo5N6 as an electrocatalyst for efficient Na2S electrodeposition and improved cell cycling performances.
- Chao Ye
- , Huanyu Jin
- & Shi-Zhang Qiao
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Article
| Open AccessImproving the alkali metal electrode/inorganic solid electrolyte contact via room-temperature ultrasound solid welding
The practical application of solid-state rechargeable alkali metal batteries is hindered by the poor contact between the metal electrode and the solid electrolyte. Here, the authors report an ultrasound solid welding strategy to favor the contact between these cells components.
- Xinxin Wang
- , Jingjing Chen
- & Zhiyong Mao
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Article
| Open AccessA rechargeable aqueous manganese-ion battery based on intercalation chemistry
Multivalent metal batteries are considered a viable alternative to Li-ion batteries. Here, the authors report a novel aqueous battery system when manganese ions are shuttled between an Mn metal/carbon composite anode and inorganic or organic cathodes.
- Songshan Bi
- , Shuai Wang
- & Zhiqiang Niu
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Article
| Open AccessGrowth of lithium-indium dendrites in all-solid-state lithium-based batteries with sulfide electrolytes
Li-In alloys are widely used as reference materials in the research field of solid-state lithium-based batteries. Here, the authors report and discuss the instability of Li-In electrodes towards sulfide solid electrolytes in all-solid-state batteries.
- Shuting Luo
- , Zhenyu Wang
- & Xing Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessDefect engineering on V2O3 cathode for long-cycling aqueous zinc metal batteries
Aqueous Zn metal batteries are a promising system for high-power electrochemical energy storage. Here, the authors investigate a defective V2O3 cathode via neutron and X-ray techniques and test the material in Zn metal cell configuration for 30k cycles.
- Kefu Zhu
- , Shiqiang Wei
- & Li Song
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Article
| Open AccessPhotochemically driven solid electrolyte interphase for extremely fast-charging lithium-ion batteries
Extremely fast charging such as charging 80% of capacity within 15 min is a pressing requirement for current lithium-ion battery technology. Here the authors achieve this by incorporating an artificial solid-electrolyte interphase rich in inorganic components on the graphite electrode.
- Minsung Baek
- , Jinyoung Kim
- & Jang Wook Choi
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Article
| Open AccessA mechanistic investigation of the Li10GeP2S12|LiNi1-x-yCoxMnyO2 interface stability in all-solid-state lithium batteries
Fundamental investigations at the electrode/electrolyte interface are essential for developing high-energy batteries. Here, the authors investigate the degradation mechanisms at the LGPS/NCM622 interface providing a quantitative model to interpret the interfacial resistance growth.
- Tong-Tong Zuo
- , Raffael Rueß
- & Jürgen Janek
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Article
| Open AccessHorizontally arranged zinc platelet electrodeposits modulated by fluorinated covalent organic framework film for high-rate and durable aqueous zinc ion batteries
Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries are promising but the zinc anode suffers from dendrite growth and electrolyte corrosion. Here, the authors develop a fluorinated covalent organic framework film as a protective layer for aqueous zinc anode battery.
- Zedong Zhao
- , Rong Wang
- & Zaiping Guo
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Article
| Open AccessTransition metal-doped Ni-rich layered cathode materials for durable Li-ion batteries
Long-term efficient cycling stability is of paramount importance for the development of high-energy Li-ion batteries. Here, the authors investigate the effect of transition metal dopants on the electrochemical, morphological, and structural properties of Ni-rich cathode active materials.
- H. Hohyun Sun
- , Un-Hyuck Kim
- & Yang-Kook Sun
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Article
| Open AccessSelective cobalt and nickel electrodeposition for lithium-ion battery recycling through integrated electrolyte and interface control
Recovery of metals from Li-ion batteries is a key for sustainability. Here the authors demonstrate a Li-ion cell recycling process via selective electrochemical Co and Ni recovery by controlling the electrode interface and the electrolyte.
- Kwiyong Kim
- , Darien Raymond
- & Xiao Su