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| Open AccessSpin-state reconfiguration induced by alternating magnetic field for efficient oxygen evolution reaction
The oxygen evolution reaction in magnetic catalysts is related with their spin configuration. Here, the authors propose a magnetic-stimulation method to rearrange spin electron occupation in thermal-differentiated superlattices.
- Gang Zhou
- , Peifang Wang
- & Lizhe Liu
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Article
| Open AccessGraded bulk-heterojunction enables 17% binary organic solar cells via nonhalogenated open air coating
Graded bulk-heterojunction organic solar cell with well-defined vertical phase separation has the potential to surpass the classical counterpart, thus the optimisation of this structure is crucial. Here, the authors reveal solvent selection strategies for optimising morphology of the structure, enabling efficient, eco-friendly, and scalable solar cells.
- Ying Zhang
- , Kuan Liu
- & Gang Li
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Article
| Open AccessVacancy-defect modulated pathway of photoreduction of CO2 on single atomically thin AgInP2S6 sheets into olefiant gas
CO2 conversion driven by light is a promising strategy to synchronously overcome global warming and energy-supply issues. Here the authors show that the sulfur defect engineering on a quaternary AgInP2S6 atomic layer can excitingly change the CO2 photoreduction reaction pathway to the generation of ethene.
- Wa Gao
- , Shi Li
- & Zhigang Zou
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Article
| Open AccessLong-life lithium-sulfur batteries with high areal capacity based on coaxial CNTs@TiN-TiO2 sponge
It is challenging to optimize catalytic heterostructures for lithium sulfur (Li-S) batteries. Here, authors prepare nanometer-scale TiN-TiO2 heterostructures via atomic layer deposition on carbon nanotube sponge to realize stable Li-S batteries with high areal capacity and improved rate capability.
- Hui Zhang
- , Luis K. Ono
- & Yabing Qi
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Article
| Open AccessHigh performance temperature difference triboelectric nanogenerator
High temperature usually decreases the output of triboelectric nanogenerator because of the increased dissipation of triboelectric charges. Here, the authors design and fabricate a temperature difference triboelectric nanogenerator to enhance the electrical output in high temperature environment.
- Bolang Cheng
- , Qi Xu
- & Yong Qin
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Article
| Open AccessClosing the methane gap in US oil and natural gas production emissions inventories
Methane emissions from oil and gas systems are underestimated in official inventories. Here the authors synthesize thousands of field measurements and develop an inventory-based model for a better understanding of why this underestimation exists and how it can be fixed.
- Jeffrey S. Rutherford
- , Evan D. Sherwin
- & Adam R. Brandt
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Article
| Open AccessSelection rules of triboelectric materials for direct-current triboelectric nanogenerator
Appropriate triboelectric material selection is vital to for high performance direct current triboelectric nanogenerator (DC-TENG). The authors here provide effective selection rules as guideline to select triboelectric materials for DC-TENG to reduce the trial-and-error cost for DC-TENG’s research.
- Zhihao Zhao
- , Linglin Zhou
- & Zhong Lin Wang
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Article
| Open AccessHigh performance floating self-excited sliding triboelectric nanogenerator for micro mechanical energy harvesting
High reliability is a huge challenge for sliding mode triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). Here the authors develop a floating self-excited sliding TENG achieving both high durability and output for sustainable micro mechanical energy harvesting.
- Li Long
- , Wenlin Liu
- & Chenguo Hu
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Article
| Open AccessMixed alkali-ion transport and storage in atomic-disordered honeycomb layered NaKNi2TeO6
Honeycomb layered oxides are an emerging class of materials with peculiar physicochemical properties. Here, the authors report the synthesis and electrochemical energy storage characterisations of a mixed-alkali honeycomb layered oxide material capable of storing Na and K ions simultaneously.
- Titus Masese
- , Yoshinobu Miyazaki
- & Tomohiro Saito
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Article
| Open AccessSemiconductor thermionics for next generation solar cells: photon enhanced or pure thermionic?
A semiconductor thermionic device, which utilises thermally excited electrons, is considered as an alternative in solar conversion technology, yet its working mechanism is not clear. Here, the authors reveal that whether such a device operates in the photon enhanced or purely thermionic mode, greatly depends on the material properties and device physics.
- Ehsanur Rahman
- & Alireza Nojeh
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Article
| Open AccessUnveiling structure-performance relationships from multi-scales in non-fullerene organic photovoltaics
Understanding correlations between molecular structures and macroscopic properties is critical in realising highly efficient organic photovoltaics. Here, the authors conduct a comprehensive study based on four non-fullerene acceptors revealing how the extended conjugation, asymmetric terminals and alkyl chain length can affect device performance.
- Shuixing Li
- , Lingling Zhan
- & Hongzheng Chen
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Article
| Open AccessHighly efficient and robust noble-metal free bifunctional water electrolysis catalyst achieved via complementary charge transfer
While water electrolysis offers a renewable means to obtain H2, it is necessary to understand the roles adopted by catalytic components. Here, authors explore a heterostructured MoSe2/perovskite oxide catalyst that shows multidirectional charge transfer to boost electrocatalytic water splitting.
- Nam Khen Oh
- , Jihyung Seo
- & Hyesung Park
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| Open AccessSynergy of ferroelectric polarization and oxygen vacancy to promote CO2 photoreduction
Solar-driven CO2 reduction into value-added chemicals and fuels is attracting worldwide attention. Here, substantially enhanced photocatalytic CO2 reduction activity is achieved via the synergy of surface oxygen vacancies and ferroelectric polarization over Bi3TiNbO9 photocatalyst.
- Hongjian Yu
- , Fang Chen
- & Yihe Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessSurface enrichment and diffusion enabling gradient-doping and coating of Ni-rich cathode toward Li-ion batteries
The commercialisation of promising Ni-rich cathodes is limited by capacity fading and thermal runaway. Here, the authors design a gradient Al-doped and LiAlO2-coated LiNi0.9Co0.1O2 cathode, which addresses the crystal degradation and interfacial instability and thus improves the cycle and thermal stabilities.
- Haifeng Yu
- , Yueqiang Cao
- & Hao Jiang
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| Open AccessThickness-independent scalable high-performance Li-S batteries with high areal sulfur loading via electron-enriched carbon framework
Improving the energy density of lithium-sulfur batteries is necessary for their practical application. Here, the authors report free-standing and low-tortuosity carbon frameworks as host for sulfur and lithium, enabling scalable thickness independent electrochemical performance.
- Nana Wang
- , Xiao Zhang
- & Guihua Yu
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Article
| Open AccessA cost-effective and humidity-tolerant chloride solid electrolyte for lithium batteries
Stable inorganic solid electrolytes are instrumental in developing high-voltage Li metal batteries. Here, the authors present the synthesis and electrochemical energy storage properties of a cost-effective and humidity-tolerant chloride solid electrolyte.
- Kai Wang
- , Qingyong Ren
- & Cheng Ma
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| Open AccessSelf-rechargeable cardiac pacemaker system with triboelectric nanogenerators
Self-powered implantable devices have the potential to extend device operation, though current energy harvesters are both insufficient and inconvenient. Here the authors report on a commercial coin battery-sized high-performance inertia-driven triboelectric nanogenerator based on body motion and gravity that can be used to charge a lithium-ion battery and integrated into a cardiac pacemaker.
- Hanjun Ryu
- , Hyun-moon Park
- & Sang-Woo Kim
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| Open AccessBoosting photoelectrochemical efficiency by near-infrared-active lattice-matched morphological heterojunctions
The solar conversion efficiencies of photoelectrochemical catalysis are hindered by the light harvesting range. Here, the authors use near-infrared-active photoanodes that feature lattice-matched morphological hetero-nanostructures to realize efficient photoelectrochemical hydrogen production.
- Guo-Qiang Liu
- , Yuan Yang
- & Edward H. Sargent
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Article
| Open AccessNiFeOx decorated Ge-hematite/perovskite for an efficient water splitting system
Germanium (Ge) has potential as a dopant suitable for the hematite-based photoelectrochemical water splitting system. Here, the authors report the fabrication of Ge doped porous hematite and demonstrate an efficient tandem system of Ge doped porous hematite and the perovskite solar cell.
- Ki-Yong Yoon
- , Juhyung Park
- & Ji-Hyun Jang
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| Open AccessA multi-responsive healable supercapacitor
Self-healing property is important for supercapacitors when powering the electronics, but designing devices that possess a universal healing mechanism remains challenging. Here, the authors achieve an optically, electrically, and magnetically-responsive self-healing device with integrated configuration.
- Haili Qin
- , Ping Liu
- & Shu-Hong Yu
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| Open AccessHigh crystallinity design of Ir-based catalysts drives catalytic reversibility for water electrolysis and fuel cells
Reversible multifunctionality in electrocatalysts can allow voltage reversal during device operation. Here, authors design a crystalline Ir-based electrocatalyst with a thin reversible metallic-Ir/IrOx layer that shows activity for O2 evolution, H2 evolution, and H2 oxidation.
- Woong Hee Lee
- , Young-Jin Ko
- & Hyung-Suk Oh
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| Open AccessHighly active and selective oxygen reduction to H2O2 on boron-doped carbon for high production rates
Oxygen reduction reaction provides an environmentally-benign route for hydrogen peroxide production but lacks efficient catalysts to achieve high selectivity and activity simultaneously. Here, the authors report a boron-doped carbon catalyst which shows great promise with outstanding performance.
- Yang Xia
- , Xunhua Zhao
- & Haotian Wang
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Article
| Open AccessIn situ observation of thermal-driven degradation and safety concerns of lithiated graphite anode
The role of the lithiated graphite anode in battery thermal runaway failure remains under intense investigation. In this work, with multiple in situ synchrotron X-ray characterizations, the phase evolution, gas release, and lithium leaching of lithiated graphite anode are illustrated in detail.
- Xiang Liu
- , Liang Yin
- & Khalil Amine
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Article
| Open AccessAtomic-scale regulation of anionic and cationic migration in alkali metal batteries
An optimized transport of anions and cations is essential for the development of practical alkali metal batteries. Here, the authors report the use of Ti0.87O2 nanosheets as coating material of polypropylene separators for Li-S, Li-Se and Na-Se cells.
- Pan Xiong
- , Fan Zhang
- & Guoxiu Wang
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Article
| Open AccessSolar energy and regional coordination as a feasible alternative to large hydropower in Southeast Asia
Hydropower dams in the Lower Mekong basin have profound impact on the riverine ecosystems. Here the authors use strategic dam planning and power system modelling to show that there are economically and technically feasible alternatives to these dams with solar energy and power trading.
- Kais Siala
- , Afm Kamal Chowdhury
- & Stefano Galelli
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| Open AccessA membrane-free flow electrolyzer operating at high current density using earth-abundant catalysts for water splitting
Seawater electrolysis is promising for grid-scale H2 production without freshwater reliance, but high energy costs and detrimental Cl chemistry reduce its practical potential. Here, authors developed an energy-saving hybrid seawater electrolyzer for chlorine-free H2 production and N2H4 degradation.
- Xiaoyu Yan
- , Jasper Biemolt
- & Ning Yan
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| Open AccessInterfacial chemical bond and internal electric field modulated Z-scheme Sv-ZnIn2S4/MoSe2 photocatalyst for efficient hydrogen evolution
The construction of Z-scheme heterostructures is of great significance for realizing efficient photocatalytic water splitting. Here, the authors report an interfacial chemical bond and internal electric field modulated Z-Scheme Sv-ZnIn2S4/MoSe2 photocatalyst for efficient hydrogen evolution.
- Xuehua Wang
- , Xianghu Wang
- & Zhenjiang Li
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| Open AccessCharacterising lithium-ion electrolytes via operando Raman microspectroscopy
The full characterisation of lithium-ion electrolytes is of paramount importance for the continued development and innovation of lithium ion and lithium metal batteries. Here, the authors present a new experimental setup to obtain all key electrolyte parameters using operando Raman microspectroscopy
- Jack Fawdon
- , Johannes Ihli
- & Mauro Pasta
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| Open AccessA universal Urbach rule for disordered organic semiconductors
The sub-gap absorption coefficient in organic semiconductors is often characterized by Urbach energies, which quantify both structural and dynamic disorders, yet the fundamental is not well-understood. Here, the authors provide a strategy to determine excitonic disorder energy, and reveal that absorption at energies well below the gap is universally dominated by thermal broadening.
- Christina Kaiser
- , Oskar J. Sandberg
- & Ardalan Armin
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| Open AccessScalable, highly stable Si-based metal-insulator-semiconductor photoanodes for water oxidation fabricated using thin-film reactions and electrodeposition
Authors demonstrate Si-based MIS photoanodes using Al thin-film reactions to create localized conduction paths through the insulator and Ni electrodeposition to form metal catalyst islands. These approaches yielded low onset potential, high saturation current density, and excellent stability.
- Soonil Lee
- , Li Ji
- & Edward T. Yu
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| Open AccessNanoengineering of cathode layers for solid oxide fuel cells to achieve superior power densities
High-performance cathode materials are crucial for the development of solid oxide fuel cells. Here, the authors present a nanoengineering approach to boost cathode performance in conventional anode-supported cells, demonstrating a viable route to attaining higher power output.
- Katherine Develos-Bagarinao
- , Tomohiro Ishiyama
- & Katsuhiko Yamaji
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Article
| Open AccessHigh thermoelectric figure of merit of porous Si nanowires from 300 to 700 K
Performance of Si nanowires as thermoelectrics are evaluated only from cryogenic to ambient temperatures and ZT has remained low. Here, the authors systematically optimized the synthesis method and improved the suspended microdevice platform to achieve high-performance thermoelectrics up to 700 K.
- Lin Yang
- , Daihong Huh
- & Ravi S. Prasher
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Article
| Open AccessMn2+ induced significant improvement and robust stability of radioluminescence in Cs3Cu2I5 for high-performance nuclear battery
Fluorescent-type nuclear batteries are a promising semi-permanent power source, but performance is hindered by scintillator development. Here the authors report a scintillator with high light yield and stability, which leads to improved performance.
- Xiaoming Li
- , Jiaxin Chen
- & Haibo Zeng
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| Open AccessLeveraging bipolar effect to enhance transverse thermoelectricity in semimetal Mg2Pb for cryogenic heat pumping
Heat pumping is in high demand at cryogenic temperature, but whether thermoelectricity can take on cryogenic heat pumping is an open question. Here, the authors answer this question by leveraging bipolar effect to enhance transverse thermoelectricity in semimetal Mg2Pb for cryogenic heat pumping.
- Zhiwei Chen
- , Xinyue Zhang
- & Yanzhong Pei
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| Open AccessCorrelating advanced microscopies reveals atomic-scale mechanisms limiting lithium-ion battery lifetime
The longevity of a lithium-ion battery is limited by cathode degradation. Combining atom probe tomography and scanning transmission electron microscopy reveals that the degradation results from atomic-scale irreversible structural changes once lithium leaves the cathode during charging, thereby inhibiting lithium intercalation back into the cathode as the battery discharges. This information unveils possible routes for improving the lifetime of lithium-ion batteries.
- Baptiste Gault
- & Jonathan D. Poplawsky
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| Open AccessWittichenite semiconductor of Cu3BiS3 films for efficient hydrogen evolution from solar driven photoelectrochemical water splitting
A highly efficient, stable, low-cost and environmentally friendly photocathode is the goal of practical solar hydrogen evolution applications. Here, authors report a Cu3BiS3-based photocathode and Cu3BiS3-BiVO4 tandem cell for unbiased overall solar water splitting with a STH efficiency over 2%.
- Dingwang Huang
- , Lintao Li
- & Feng Jiang
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| Open AccessTriboelectrification induced self-powered microbial disinfection using nanowire-enhanced localized electric field
Air-transmitted pathogens are a recognized threat to public health. Here, the authors develop a self-powered, rapid disinfection method toward air-transmitted microbes using the localized electric field to damage the outer structures of microbes driven by a triboelectric nanogenerator.
- Zheng-Yang Huo
- , Young-Jun Kim
- & Sang-Woo Kim
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Article
| Open AccessTheoretical demonstration of a capacitive rotor for generation of alternating current from mechanical motion
Energy harvesting devices based on micro-electromechanisms (MEMS) is attractive for sustainable energy applications. Here, the authors report the theoretical working principle of a lightweight, low-voltage AC-current generating MEMS-based capacitive rotor device for Watts-level power generation from everyday walking.
- Ehud Haimov
- , Aidan Chapman
- & Alexei A. Kornyshev
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Article
| Open AccessCu2Se-based thermoelectric cellular architectures for efficient and durable power generation
The geometrical design of thermoelectric legs in modules is key for sustainable power generation but can be hardly achieved by traditional fabrication process. Here, the authors develop an extrusion-based 3D printing process of Cu2Se thermoelectric materials for efficient power generation.
- Seungjun Choo
- , Faizan Ejaz
- & Jae Sung Son
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Article
| Open AccessWhen band convergence is not beneficial for thermoelectrics
Band convergence is a strategy to enhance a material’s thermoelectric performance, as it increases the charge carrier concentration for a given Fermi level. Here, the authors find that the benefit of band convergence can be negated by interband scattering depending on the manner in which bands converge.
- Junsoo Park
- , Maxwell Dylla
- & Anubhav Jain
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Article
| Open AccessFull-frame and high-contrast smart windows from halide-exchanged perovskites
Window glazing plays a crucial role in modulating indoor light and heat transmission, which is beneficial for energy saving. Here, Liu et al. report a full-frame and high-contrast smart windows made of perovskite photovoltaic and ion-gel electrochromic components to realise self-adjusting brightness and temperature regulator.
- You Liu
- , Jungan Wang
- & Tianshi Qin
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Article
| Open AccessAre Shockley-Read-Hall and ABC models valid for lead halide perovskites?
Charge dynamics in perovskite is not well-understood, limited by the knowledge of defect physics and charge recombination mechanism, yet the ABC and SRH models are widely used. Here, the authors introduce advanced PLQY mapping as function of excitation pulse energy and repetition frequency to examine the validity of these models.
- Alexander Kiligaridis
- , Pavel A. Frantsuzov
- & Ivan G. Scheblykin
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Article
| Open AccessMultimodal host–guest complexation for efficient and stable perovskite photovoltaics
It remains a challenge to achieve a balance between performance and stability, as well as addressing the environmental impact of perovskite solar cells. Here, the authors propose a multimodal host-guest complexation strategy enabling these shortcomings to be addressed simultaneously.
- Hong Zhang
- , Felix Thomas Eickemeyer
- & Michael Grätzel
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Article
| Open AccessLayered double hydroxide membrane with high hydroxide conductivity and ion selectivity for energy storage device
Membranes with fast and selective ion transport are highly relevant for energy storage devices. Here, the authors report a layered double hydroxide membrane with high ionic selectivity and hydroxide ion conductivity for flow battery applications, and reveal the ions transport mechanism of the membrane.
- Jing Hu
- , Xiaomin Tang
- & Xianfeng Li
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Article
| Open AccessA new high-voltage calcium intercalation host for ultra-stable and high-power calcium rechargeable batteries
Rechargeable calcium batteries are promising multivalent battery systems but the lack of suitable electrodes hampers their development. Here the authors report a cathode derived from polyanion framework that demonstrates uncommonly stable and fast intercalation behaviours of calcium ions.
- Zheng-Long Xu
- , Jooha Park
- & Kisuk Kang
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| Open AccessGiant electrocaloric materials energy efficiency in highly ordered lead scandium tantalate
The intrinsic efficiency of electrocaloric materials has been largely overlooked. Here, the authors use the parameter materials efficiency as the figure of merit to rank caloric materials, reporting on the materials efficiency of highly ordered bulk lead scandium tantalate PST.
- Youri Nouchokgwe
- , Pierre Lheritier
- & Emmanuel Defay
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| Open AccessRevealing composition and structure dependent deep-level defect in antimony trisulfide photovoltaics
Antimony trisulfide emerges as a suitable candidate for light-harvesting due to its good stability and abundance, yet the defect properties are not well-understood. Here, by means of deep-level transient spectroscopy, Lian et al. find that there are three kinds of deep-level defects depending on the chemical composition.
- Weitao Lian
- , Chenhui Jiang
- & Tao Chen
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| Open AccessArtificial dual solid-electrolyte interfaces based on in situ organothiol transformation in lithium sulfur battery
Lithium-sulfur batteries suffer from the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides and interfacial instability of the lithium metal anode. Here, the authors use 1,3,5-benzenetrithiol as an electrolyte additive to protect sulfur cathode and lithium metal anode.
- Wei Guo
- , Wanying Zhang
- & Arumugam Manthiram
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| Open AccessElectrosynthesis of 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphanyl) tetrasulfide via sulfur radical addition as cathode material for rechargeable lithium battery
Organic electrodes are promising energy storage materials owing to their chemical diversity and electrochemical specificity. Here, the authors report synthesis of phosphorous containing organopolysulfide 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)tetrasulfide material showing excellent performance in a rechargeable Li battery.
- Dan-Yang Wang
- , Yubing Si
- & Yongzhu Fu