Featured
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| Open AccessTailoring sodium intercalation in graphite for high energy and power sodium ion batteries
Graphite is a promising anode material for sodium-ion batteries but suffers from the high co-intercalation potential. Here, the authors examine the factors influencing this potential and tailor the stability of graphite intercalation compound, realizing high energy and power densities.
- Zheng-Long Xu
- , Gabin Yoon
- & Kisuk Kang
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Article
| Open AccessEmbedding laser generated nanocrystals in BiVO4 photoanode for efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting
While photoelectrochemical water splitting offers a low-cost, integrated means to generate fuel from light, poor charge carrier transport limits performances. Here, authors embed laser-synthesized colloids in bismuth vanadate photoanodes to boost charge carrier mobilities and enhance photocurrents.
- Jie Jian
- , Youxun Xu
- & Hongqiang Wang
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Article
| Open AccessLayer-by-layer self-assembly of pillared two-dimensional multilayers
Layer-by-layer self-assembly method using small molecules holds promise to precisely combine atomically thin materials and enable fabrication of pillared structures with superior device performance. Here, the authors report controlled synthesis of supercapacitor electrodes based on 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene multilayers with a volumetric capacitance of 583 F/cm3.
- Weiqian Tian
- , Armin VahidMohammadi
- & Mahiar M. Hamedi
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Article
| Open AccessModeling the electrical resistivity of polymer composites with segregated structures
Carbon nanotube–polymer composites containing secondary fillers are thought to possess enhanced electrical and mechanical properties. Here the authors combine Monte Carlo calculations with resistivity experiments to study the effect of filler size and shape on electrical conductivity.
- Sung-Hoon Park
- , Jinyoung Hwang
- & Sang Hyun Lee
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Article
| Open AccessAll-polymer particulate slurry batteries
Redox flow batteries are promising for large-scale energy storage, but are hindered by cost, stability, and safety issues. Here the authors construct an all-polymer particulate slurry battery to bypass solubility limits and apply insoluble redox-active materials.
- Wen Yan
- , Caixing Wang
- & Zhong Jin
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Article
| Open AccessDiatomite derived hierarchical hybrid anode for high performance all-solid-state lithium metal batteries
Lithium metal is the anode of choice for the next-generation high energy density batteries. To address the key technological challenges, the authors report a hybrid Li anode design with hierarchical pores structure derived from natural diatomite and improved electrochemical performance in all-solid-state lithium batteries.
- Fei Zhou
- , Zheng Li
- & Shu-Hong Yu
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Article
| Open AccessAtomic-scale combination of germanium-zinc nanofibers for structural and electrochemical evolution
Alloy anode materials are receiving renewed interest. Here the authors show the design of Ge-Zn nanofibers for lithium ion batteries. Featured by a homogeneous composition at the atomic level and other favorable structural attributes, the materials allow for impressive electrochemical performance.
- Gyujin Song
- , Jun Young Cheong
- & Soojin Park
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Article
| Open AccessSelective light absorber-assisted single nickel atom catalysts for ambient sunlight-driven CO2 methanation
While light-driven CO2 methanation provides a renewable means to upgrade waste emissions, the sunlight is insufficient to drive high temperature CO2 methanation. Here, authors prepare single-atom Ni on Y2O3 with a selective light absorber for ambient-sunlight-driven photothermal CO2 methanation.
- Yaguang Li
- , Jianchao Hao
- & Jinhua Ye
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Article
| Open AccessTuning porosity in macroscopic monolithic metal-organic frameworks for exceptional natural gas storage
While metal–organic frameworks exhibit record-breaking gas storage capacities, their typically powdered form hinders their industrial applicability. Here, the authors engineer UiO-66 into centimetre-sized monoliths with optimal pore-size distributions, achieving benchmark volumetric working capacities for both CH4 and CO2.
- B. M. Connolly
- , M. Aragones-Anglada
- & D. Fairen-Jimenez
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Article
| Open AccessInfinitesimal sulfur fusion yields quasi-metallic bulk silicon for stable and fast energy storage
Silicon-based anodes are attractive for lithium ion batteries, but improvements in conductivity, ionic diffusion and structural stability would extend applications. Here the authors show that low sulfur-doping in a silicon anode leads to highly stable and fast battery cycling with a high energy density.
- Jaegeon Ryu
- , Ji Hui Seo
- & Soojin Park
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Article
| Open AccessTriboelectric micromotors actuated by ultralow frequency mechanical stimuli
High-speed electrostatic micromotors with low energy consumption are attractive for small-scale electromechanical systems, but applications are limited by power supplies. Here the authors use a triboelectric nanogenerator for actuation of a high-speed micromotor by low-frequency mechanical stimuli.
- Hang Yang
- , Yaokun Pang
- & Zhong Lin Wang
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Article
| Open AccessPoly(bis-arylimidazoliums) possessing high hydroxide ion exchange capacity and high alkaline stability
The hydroxide anion exchange polymers are key materials of solid polymer electrolyte devices that operate under alkaline conditions. Here the authors show the rational design of such polymers that exhibit high ion exchange capacity and exceptional stability under highly caustic conditions.
- Jiantao Fan
- , Sapir Willdorf-Cohen
- & Steven Holdcroft
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Article
| Open AccessDiscovery of hexagonal ternary phase Ti2InB2 and its evolution to layered boride TiB
Two-dimensional materials are promising for electrochemical storage and conversion, but are somewhat limited in composition. Here the authors use a computational strategy to predict the existence of a layered boride material, which they synthesize and demonstrate prospective for use as an anode material.
- Junjie Wang
- , Tian-Nan Ye
- & Hideo Hosono
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Article
| Open AccessRationally engineered active sites for efficient and durable hydrogen generation
While hydrogen as a renewable fuel can be produced from water, there is a scarcity of metal-free materials that serve as effective electrocatalysts. Here, authors functionalize carbon fiber cloth with amides to improve hydrogen evolution activities in both acid and alkaline water.
- Yurui Xue
- , Lan Hui
- & Yuliang Li
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Article
| Open AccessPower generation from the interaction of a liquid droplet and a liquid membrane
Triboelectric nanogenerators harvest energy by contacting two solids or a liquid and a solid. Here the authors use a conductive liquid membrane as a permeable electrode to demonstrate triboelectrification via liquid–liquid contact by passing liquid droplets through a liquid membrane to generate power.
- Jinhui Nie
- , Ziming Wang
- & Zhong Lin Wang
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Article
| Open AccessPhase evolution of conversion-type electrode for lithium ion batteries
Conversion electrodes possess high energy density but suffer a rapid capacity loss over cycling compared to their intercalation equivalents. Here the authors reveal the microscopic origin of the fading behavior, showing that the formation and augmentation of passivation layers are responsible.
- Jing Li
- , Sooyeon Hwang
- & Dong Su
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Article
| Open AccessExtremely stretchable and self-healing conductor based on thermoplastic elastomer for all-three-dimensional printed triboelectric nanogenerator
Development of wearable devices relies on advance in power sources with complementary mechanical properties. Here the authors use a conductive, stretchable and healable composite to achieve sustained performance in a triboelectric nanogenerator under extreme deformation and after severe mechanical damage.
- Kaushik Parida
- , Gurunathan Thangavel
- & Pooi See Lee
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Article
| Open AccessGraphite-protected CsPbBr3 perovskite photoanodes functionalised with water oxidation catalyst for oxygen evolution in water
While photoelectrochemical cells may offer access to solar fuels from a single integrated device, halide perovskite photoelectrodes are difficult to use due to their inherent moisture sensitivity. Here, the authors protect perovskite photoanodes with graphite sheets to boost their stability in water.
- Isabella Poli
- , Ulrich Hintermair
- & Petra J. Cameron
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Article
| Open AccessFast lithium growth and short circuit induced by localized-temperature hotspots in lithium batteries
Operation of lithium batteries at high, non-uniform temperatures can lead to safety issues, but the effects of localized high temperatures are difficult to probe. Here the authors use micro-Raman spectroscopy to show that local-temperature hotspots can induce lithium metal growth and trigger circuit shorting.
- Yangying Zhu
- , Jin Xie
- & Yi Cui
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Article
| Open AccessNa-doped ruthenium perovskite electrocatalysts with improved oxygen evolution activity and durability in acidic media
While water splitting may afford a renewable means to store energy in chemical bonds, water oxidation catalysts suffer from poor stabilities in acidic media. Here, authors show sodium doping of strontium ruthenate to improve the catalytic durability while maintaining a high O2 evolution activity.
- María Retuerto
- , Laura Pascual
- & Sergio Rojas
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Article
| Open AccessDifferences in S/G ratio in natural poplar variants do not predict catalytic depolymerization monomer yields
The ratio of syringyl (S) and guaiacyl (G) units in lignin has been regarded as a major factor in determining the maximum monomer yield. Here, the authors challenge this common conception using reductive catalytic fractionation in flow-through reactors as an analytical tool to depolymerize lignin in poplar with naturally varying S/G ratios.
- Eric M. Anderson
- , Michael L. Stone
- & Yuriy Román-Leshkov
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Article
| Open AccessBlack phosphorene as a hole extraction layer boosting solar water splitting of oxygen evolution catalysts
Photoelectrochemical water splitting affords an integrated approach for converting light to fuel, but devices typically suffer poor activities and stabilities. Here, authors incorporate black phosphorene into bismuth vanadate photoanodes to boost hole extraction and device lifetimes.
- Kan Zhang
- , Bingjun Jin
- & Jong Hyeok Park
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Perspective
| Open AccessCrowd oil not crude oil
Climate change represents an existential, global threat to humanity, yet its delocalized nature complicates climate action. Here, the authors propose retrofitting air conditioning units as integrated, scalable, and renewable-powered devices capable of decentralized CO2 conversion and energy democratization.
- Roland Dittmeyer
- , Michael Klumpp
- & Geoffrey Ozin
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Article
| Open AccessStand-off nuclear reactor monitoring with neutron detectors for safeguards and non-proliferation applications
Nuclear power reactors need to be monitored for safety and security while in operation. Here the authors discuss monitoring and safeguarding research reactors and small modular reactors using detection of neutrons up to a hundred meters away from the reactor shielding.
- B. M. van der Ende
- , L. Li
- & B. Sur
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Article
| Open AccessA dynamic thermoregulatory material inspired by squid skin
Thermoregulatory platforms that combine the advantages of passive and active thermal management systems have remained elusive. Here, the authors draw inspiration from the static infrared-reflecting space blanket and dynamic color-changing squid skin to develop a composite material that addresses this challenge.
- Erica M. Leung
- , Melvin Colorado Escobar
- & Alon A. Gorodetsky
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Article
| Open AccessSustainability-inspired cell design for a fully recyclable sodium ion battery
Effective recycling technologies represent a solution to the sustainability and environmental consequences of spent rechargeable batteries. Here, the authors show a bipolar electrode design that allows not only good electrochemical performance but a closed loop of material use for sodium ion batteries.
- Tiefeng Liu
- , Yaping Zhang
- & Jun Lu
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Article
| Open AccessMulti-electron transfer enabled by topotactic reaction in magnetite
In contrast to the conventional wisdom on conversion-driven structural collapse of the host, this work shows that lithium conversion in magnetite resembles the intercalation process, going via topotactic reactions, thereby enabling multi-electron transfer and high reversible capacity.
- Wei Zhang
- , Yan Li
- & Feng Wang
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Article
| Open AccessConductivity and lithiophilicity gradients guide lithium deposition to mitigate short circuits
Here the authors report a deposition-regulating strategy to form conductivity and lithiophilicity gradients which serve to guide the preferential lithium growth away from the interface between anode and separator and mitigate the dendrite-induced short circuits.
- Jun Pu
- , Jiachen Li
- & Huigang Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessSymbiotic cardiac pacemaker
Implantable medical electronic devices are limited by battery lifetime and inflexibility, but self-powered devices can harvest biomechanical energy. Here the authors demonstrate cardiac pacing and correction of sinus arrhythmia with a symbiotic cardiac pacemaker, which is an implanted self-powered pacing system powered by cardiac motion, in a swine.
- Han Ouyang
- , Zhuo Liu
- & Zhou Li
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Article
| Open AccessElectrochemically primed functional redox mediator generator from the decomposition of solid state electrolyte
The decomposition of solid state electrolyte material has been well-known in the literature. Here the authors report that the same decomposition process can be leveraged to act as a source of redox mediator that is only activated at certain voltages for application in Li2S based cathodes.
- Matthew Li
- , Zhengyu Bai
- & Jun Lu
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Article
| Open AccessLiquid marble-derived solid-liquid hybrid superparticles for CO2 capture
Carbon capture is increasingly important to address current environmental challenges but developing effective carbon capture materials is challenging. Here, the authors report liquid marble-derived superparticles which overcome current limitations associated with both liquid and solid carbon capture materials.
- Xia Rong
- , Rammile Ettelaie
- & Hengquan Yang
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Article
| Open AccessPhase-field modeling and machine learning of electric-thermal-mechanical breakdown of polymer-based dielectrics
Polymer dielectrics are promising for high-density energy storage but dielectric breakdown is poorly understood. Here, a phase-field model is developed to investigate electric, thermal, and mechanical effects in the breakdown process for a range of polymer dielectrics, and analytical expression for breakdown strength is provided by machine learning.
- Zhong-Hui Shen
- , Jian-Jun Wang
- & Yang Shen
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Article
| Open AccessVanadium disulfide flakes with nanolayered titanium disulfide coating as cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries
VS2 is a promising cathode material for lithium-ion batteries, but is susceptible to Peierls distortion during (de)lithiation. Here the authors show that VS2 cathodes can be stabilized by conformally coating them with a nanoscale TiS2 protective layer, leading to impressive electrochemical performance.
- Lu Li
- , Zhaodong Li
- & Nikhil Koratkar
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Article
| Open AccessUltra-high performance wearable thermoelectric coolers with less materials
Wearable thermoelectric coolers (TECs), whose performance depends on optimal module design and environmental thermal resistance, are an attractive next-generation technology for on-body applications. Here, the authors report an optimized wearable TEC with 170% higher cooling than commercial devices.
- Ravi Anant Kishore
- , Amin Nozariasbmarz
- & Shashank Priya
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Article
| Open AccessSingle platinum atoms embedded in nanoporous cobalt selenide as electrocatalyst for accelerating hydrogen evolution reaction
While water splitting chemistry provides a renewable means to produce carbon-neutral hydrogen fuel, the most efficient catalysts require rare and expensive platinum. Here, authors prepare single-atom platinum on cobalt selenide as a high-performance hydrogen evolution electrocatalyst.
- Kang Jiang
- , Boyang Liu
- & Yongwen Tan
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Article
| Open AccessBoosting oxygen evolution of single-atomic ruthenium through electronic coupling with cobalt-iron layered double hydroxides
While water splitting offers a carbon-neutral means to store energy, water oxidation is sluggish and corrosive over earth-abundant electrocatalysts. Here, authors show single ruthenium atoms over cobalt-iron layered double hydroxides to be effective and stable oxygen evolution electrocatalysts.
- Pengsong Li
- , Maoyu Wang
- & Xiaoming Sun
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Article
| Open AccessIn-situ local phase-transitioned MoSe2 in La0.5Sr0.5CoO3-δ heterostructure and stable overall water electrolysis over 1000 hours
While catalysts are necessary for H2 and O2 production from water, developing materials capable of evolving both under the same conditions has proven challenging. Here, authors prepare perovskite-oxide and molybdenum sulfide heterostructures as bifunctional water-splitting electrocatalysts.
- Nam Khen Oh
- , Changmin Kim
- & Hyesung Park
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Article
| Open AccessDynamic imaging of crystalline defects in lithium-manganese oxide electrodes during electrochemical activation to high voltage
Aided by advanced electron microscopy, the authors imaged dissociated dislocations in Li2MnO3 during an initial charge to 5 V. Such defects possess high gliding and transverse mobility and prompt O2 release. This work provides fresh insights into the defect chemistry of cathode materials for batteries.
- Qianqian Li
- , Zhenpeng Yao
- & Jinsong Wu
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Article
| Open AccessModulating the mechanism of electrocatalytic CO2 reduction by cobalt phthalocyanine through polymer coordination and encapsulation
Understanding the mechanism behind CO2 reduction catalysis is crucial in the development of high efficiency and activity catalysts. Here, authors employ kinetic isotope effects and proton inventory studies to assess catalyst mechanism and proton delivery in molecular CO2 electroreduction materials.
- Yingshuo Liu
- & Charles C. L. McCrory
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Article
| Open AccessThe simplest construction of single-site catalysts by the synergism of micropore trapping and nitrogen anchoring
Single-atom catalysts maximize atom usage within supports, but preparations can be complex. Here, authors show a facile impregnation-adsorption method to attach single noble-metal atoms to N-doped porous carbon and demonstrate strong electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution performances for Pt catalysts.
- Zhiqi Zhang
- , Yugang Chen
- & Zheng Hu
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Article
| Open AccessRole of flying cars in sustainable mobility
Vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (VTOLs), or “flying cars” can shorten commute time and could play a niche role in sustainable mobility. The authors estimate that over long distances, fully-loaded electric VTOL taxis could result in fewer GHG emissions than average occupancy ground-based cars.
- Akshat Kasliwal
- , Noah J. Furbush
- & Gregory A. Keoleian
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Article
| Open AccessAnomalous metal segregation in lithium-rich material provides design rules for stable cathode in lithium-ion battery
The authors show that after cycling the model cathode material Li2Ru0.5Mn0.5O3 undergoes ruthenium segregation and even exsolution at the reconstructed oxide surface, which triggers a progressive degradation process. The insights enable new dimensions in choosing dopants for stabilized cathode surface.
- Ruoqian Lin
- , Enyuan Hu
- & Huolin L. Xin
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Article
| Open AccessContactless measurements of photocarrier transport properties in perovskite single crystals
Reliable and consistent measurement of the carrier diffusion length in metal halide perovskite single crystals has proven difficult. Here Gong, Huang et al. systematically included very dilute quantum dot quenchers into perovskite crystals and develop a contactless and self-consistent method for the task.
- Xiwen Gong
- , Ziru Huang
- & Edward H. Sargent
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Article
| Open AccessExceptional hydrogen storage achieved by screening nearly half a million metal-organic frameworks
Considering the large number of existing synthesised and hypothesised metal-organic frameworks, determining which materials perform best for given applications remains a challenge. Here, the authors screen the usable hydrogen uptake capacities of nearly 500,000 MOFs, and find that three frameworks outperform the current record-holder.
- Alauddin Ahmed
- , Saona Seth
- & Donald J. Siegel
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Article
| Open AccessNitrogen-plasma treated hafnium oxyhydroxide as an efficient acid-stable electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution and oxidation reactions
Renewable hydrogen technologies are promising for alternative energy, but are encumbered by the kinetics of electrochemical reactions in harsh conditions. Here, authors report nitrogen-modified hafnium oxyhydroxide for electrocatalysis of hydrogen evolution and oxidation reactions in acidic media.
- Xiaofang Yang
- , Fang Zhao
- & Bruce E. Koel
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Article
| Open AccessEnhanced carbon dioxide electrolysis at redox manipulated interfaces
While solid oxide electrolysis presents an approach to remove CO2 from high-temperature emission streams, it is challenging to engineer stable yet active interfaces. Here, authors show in situ exsolution of nanoscale metal-metal oxide interfaces that improve cathode activities and durabilities.
- Wenyuan Wang
- , Lizhen Gan
- & Kui Xie
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Article
| Open AccessDesign of next-generation ceramic fuel cells and real-time characterization with synchrotron X-ray diffraction computed tomography
Miniaturized ceramic fuel cells are attractive for portable devices, but performance should be optimized. Here the authors report a micro-monolithic ceramic cell design for a tubular solid oxide fuel cell containing a multi-channel anode support with enhanced power density and stable operation.
- Tao Li
- , Thomas M. M. Heenan
- & Kang Li
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Article
| Open AccessNASICON-type air-stable and all-climate cathode for sodium-ion batteries with low cost and high-power density
Here Chou and co-authors demonstrate a NASICON-type low-cost Fe-based cathode material for sodium ion batteries. Na4Fe3(PO4)2(P2O7) allows for long-term cycling and high-power density and is featured by its air stability and all-climate property with 3D diffusion pathways for Na+ ions.
- Mingzhe Chen
- , Weibo Hua
- & Shi-Xue Dou
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Article
| Open AccessHigh-quality mesoporous graphene particles as high-energy and fast-charging anodes for lithium-ion batteries
Here, Lu and co-workers show the synthesis of high-quality, nitrogen-doped, mesoporous graphene particles using CVD with MgO as the catalyst and template. When used as the anode for a lithium ion battery, their unique architecture allows for excellent rate performance and cycling stability.
- Runwei Mo
- , Fan Li
- & Yunfeng Lu