Featured
-
-
Article
| Open AccessIsolating hydrogen in hexagonal boron nitride bubbles by a plasma treatment
Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) is a two-dimensional material with wide band gap and high thermal and chemical stability. Here the authors demonstrate the formation and trapping of hydrogen gas bubbles in hBN interlayers upon plasma treatment, promising for extracting and storing hydrogen.
- Li He
- , Huishan Wang
- & Xiaoming Xie
-
Article
| 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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Article
| Open AccessScalable synthesis of ant-nest-like bulk porous silicon for high-performance lithium-ion battery anodes
Silicon is a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries but experiences large volume changes during cycling. Here the authors report a scalable method to synthesize porous ant-nest-like silicons. The unique structure of this anode solves the swelling problem and enables impressive performance.
- Weili An
- , Biao Gao
- & Kaifu Huo
-
Article
| Open AccessDeactivation of redox mediators in lithium-oxygen batteries by singlet oxygen
Redox mediators can enhance redox reactions in Li-O2 batteries; however, their gradual degradation remains unclear. Here the authors show that organic redox mediators are decomposed by singlet oxygen formed during cycling, indicating a strategy for the rational design of stable redox mediators.
- Won-Jin Kwak
- , Hun Kim
- & Yang-Kook Sun
-
Article
| Open AccessA polymer-direct-intercalation strategy for MoS2/carbon-derived heteroaerogels with ultrahigh pseudocapacitance
Methods to fabricate layered materials are often associated with harsh conditions and complicated manipulations. Here the authors report a polymer-direct-intercalation strategy to synthesize composite heteroaerogels consisting of molybdenum sulfide/carbon nanosheets for high-capacitance supercapacitors.
- Nan Feng
- , Ruijin Meng
- & Jinhu Yang
-
Article
| Open AccessAqueous proton-selective conduction across two-dimensional graphyne
Aqueous proton-selective membranes are vital for methanol fuel cells and flow batteries, but suffer from crossover issues. Here the authors use ab initio molecular dynamics simulations to show that graphyne is an ideal candidate for a proton-selective membrane that can be tailored for methanol impermeability
- Le Shi
- , Ao Xu
- & Tianshou Zhao
-
Article
| Open AccessRadical transformation pathway towards sustainable electricity via evolutionary steps
The technical and economic viability of renewable energy (RE) based energy system is understudied. Here the authors utilized a LUT Energy System Transition Model to indicate that a carbon neutral electricity system can be built in all global regions in an economically feasible way but requires evolutionary changes for the following 35 years.
- Dmitrii Bogdanov
- , Javier Farfan
- & Christian Breyer
-
Article
| Open AccessLithium anode stable in air for low-cost fabrication of a dendrite-free lithium battery
The lithium metal is a promising anode material for batteries; however, the growth of dendrite and its instability against moisture are two technical challenges. Here the authors address both issues by introducing a bifunctional layer consisting of hydrophobic graphite fluoride and lithium fluoride.
- Xiaowei Shen
- , Yutao Li
- & John B. Goodenough
-
Article
| Open AccessNegative dielectric constant of water confined in nanosheets
Confinement within nanospace could significantly alter the properties of chemical species. Here the authors report the negative dielectric constant of water confined in nanosheets that can enhance the capacitance of electric-double layer capacitor electrodes.
- Akira Sugahara
- , Yasunobu Ando
- & Atsuo Yamada
-
Article
| Open AccessSize-dependent stability of ultra-small α-/β-phase tin nanocrystals synthesized by microplasma
Key features of tin, including electronic band structure and opto-electronic properties, are influenced by the crystal structure. Here the authors report a microplasma process for the synthesis of ultra-small tin nanocrystals in which the crystal structure is dependent on crystallite size.
- Atta Ul Haq
- , Sadegh Askari
- & Davide Mariotti
-
Article
| Open AccessA versatile functionalized ionic liquid to boost the solution-mediated performances of lithium-oxygen batteries
Li-O2 batteries are promising candidates for the next generation of rechargeable batteries, but the side reactions and poor cycling stability limit their applications. Here, the authors show a versatile ionic liquid with functional groups that can address both issues for cells operated in oxygen and air.
- Jinqiang Zhang
- , Bing Sun
- & Guoxiu Wang
-
Article
| Open AccessHidden structural and chemical order controls lithium transport in cation-disordered oxides for rechargeable batteries
The average crystal structure largely governs the Li diffusion kinetics in well-ordered cathode materials. Here the authors show this rule does not hold true for cation-disordered analogues. Cation short-range order is not only ubiquitous but also controls the Li transport behavior.
- Huiwen Ji
- , Alexander Urban
- & Gerbrand Ceder
-
Article
| Open AccessUltrastretchable and superior healable supercapacitors based on a double cross-linked hydrogel electrolyte
Healable and stretchable energy storage devices are gaining interest for wearable electronics and smart textiles. Here the authors report a nanocomposite hydrogel with high stretchability, ionic conductivity, and healing capability for use in a supercapacitor that can stretch 900% after healing.
- Huili Li
- , Tian Lv
- & Tao Chen
-
Article
| Open AccessHighly twisted supercoils for superelastic multi-functional fibres
The development of electrically conductive fibres is attractive for wearable electronics, but performance should be maintained upon deformation and tensile strain. Here the authors fabricate flexible, stretchable, carbon nanotube-coated spandex fibres for supercapacitors and artificial muscles.
- Wonkyeong Son
- , Sungwoo Chun
- & Changsoon Choi
-
Article
| Open AccessAchieving three-dimensional lithium sulfide growth in lithium-sulfur batteries using high-donor-number anions
The development of new electrolyte systems is needed to optimize performance in lithium-sulfur batteries. Here the authors employ anions with high donor numbers in electrolytes to prevent passivation of the cathode surface, thereby improving sulfur utilization and energy density in a lithium-sulfur cell.
- Hyunwon Chu
- , Hyungjun Noh
- & Hee-Tak Kim
-
Comment
| Open AccessAligning academia and industry for unified battery performance metrics
- Zhan Lin
- , Tiefeng Liu
- & Chengdu Liang
-
Article
| Open AccessMinimizing the electrosorption of water from humid ionic liquids on electrodes
Ionic liquid electrolytes can impart increased operational voltage and energy density in supercapacitors, but water may diminish performance. Here the authors show that the hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity of ionic liquids can influence electrosorption of water and ultimately the supercapacitor performance.
- Sheng Bi
- , Runxi Wang
- & Guang Feng
-
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 AccessSilicon as a ubiquitous contaminant in graphene derivatives with significant impact on device performance
Silicon-based contaminants are ubiquitous in natural graphite, and they are thus expected to be present in exfoliated graphene. Here, the authors show that such impurities play a non-negligible role in graphene-based devices, and use high-purity parent graphite to boost the performance of graphene sensors and supercapacitor microelectrodes.
- Rouhollah Jalili
- , Dorna Esrafilzadeh
- & Gordon G. Wallace
-
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 AccessMicrofluidic-spinning construction of black-phosphorus-hybrid microfibres for non-woven fabrics toward a high energy density flexible supercapacitor
Supercapacitors that exhibit flexibility and deformability are attractive for wearable devices; however achieving high energy density remains challenging. Here the authors report a non-woven fabric based on black phosphorus and carbon nanotubes for use in a supercapacitor with notable performance.
- Xingjiang Wu
- , Yijun Xu
- & Su Chen
-
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 AccessSalt concentration and charging velocity determine ion charge storage mechanism in nanoporous supercapacitors
To improve supercapacitor performance, mechanisms of operation should be understood. Here the authors identify parameters controlling ion charge storage mechanisms and show that charging initially implies a non-equilibrium ion configuration followed by charge-neutral equilibration.
- C. Prehal
- , C. Koczwara
- & O. Paris
-
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