Energy storage articles from across Nature Portfolio

Accurate evaluation of Li-ion battery safety conditions can reduce unexpected cell failures. Here, authors present a large-scale electric vehicle charging dataset for benchmarking existing algorithms, and develop a deep learning algorithm for detecting Li-ion battery faults.

Binders employed in battery electrodes are conventionally neutral linear polymers. Here, authors present a cationic semi-interpenetrating polymer network binder to regulate electrostatic phenomena, improving the properties and performance of high-capacity positive electrodes for Li metal batteries.

One of the key challenges in dielectric ceramics for energy storage lies in the comprehensive optimization of their properties. Here, the authors establish an equitable system considering performance and structure evolution in a lead-free ceramic capacitor, achieving a broad-high temperature performance.

Tandem concepts for electroreduction of CO₂ offer a valuable toolkit to tackle sluggish reaction kinetics and raise the production of e-chemicals. Here, the authors report a cascade system with two coupled electrolyzers using Ni-N-C and Cu-based catalysts for enhanced CO₂ to multi-carbon conversion

The formation of Li dendrites at the Li/electrolyte interface at practically relevant current densities (> 1 mA cm⁻²) is a critical issue hindering the deployment of non-flammable and non-toxic Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂ (LLZO) electrolyte in solid-state batteries. In this comment, the authors argue for an agreement to standardize measurements of the critical current density at which Li dendrites begin to penetrate the LLZO solid-state electrolyte.

Three-dimensional optical imaging during battery operation reveals lithium heterogeneity at multiple length scales, challenging the look-at-one-particle approach.

The commercialization of lithium- and manganese-rich layered cathodes has been hindered by voltage decay during cycling, attributable to the instability of the honeycomb local structure. A lithium-rich cathode material is developed in which the introduction of excess transition metal ions pins and stabilizes the honeycomb structure, suppressing the voltage decay.

Despite advances in batteries, certain applications call for alternative energy storage technologies with very fast charge/discharge capabilities. Now, a configurational entropy index is proposed for deterministic design of relaxor ferroelectric materials with not only high power but also high energy density.