Batteries & Supercaps最新文献

This article presents the electrochemical properties of a series of phenothiazine and phenoxazine dimers, by involving an aromatic central core, efficiently synthesized in a single step through a Buckwald–Hartwig coupling reaction. A synergistic approach combining experimental and quantum chemical studies was used in view of providing a thorough characterization of their capabilities as electrodes in the context of electrochemical energy storage applications. A detailed study of the electrochemical activity was then conducted with the aim of optimizing performance, i.e., achieving a specific capacity of around 100 mAh.g⁻¹, close to the theoretical values at a potential of 3.6 V relative to Li metal. The dimerization strategy also emerged as an interesting methodology, since it gives rise to molecular materials having specific solubility properties. This finding opens up the possibility of recovering the active material from the electrode at the end of its life, thus paving the way for improved organic electrodes and batteries, especially with respect to their recyclable character.

The electrochemical performance of LiNi_xMn_yCo_zO₂ (NMC) materials depends strongly on their composition and structure. This study investigates the influence of calcination temperature on the structural, morphological, and electrochemical properties of various NMC materials. For the first time, a conventional powder X-ray diffractometer is used for in situ analysis of NMC calcination, revealing a four-stage transition from precursor to hexagonal structure and composition-dependent transition temperatures. This accessible method offers advantages over synchrotron-based techniques. In situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) enables selection of annealing temperatures for ex situ studies, which are correlated with electrochemical behavior using scanning electron microscopy, XRD, and chronopotentiometry. Raman mapping, which has not previously been applied in this manner, provides novel insight into the local structure and stability of the material. Additionally, the role of calcination atmosphere in Ni-rich NMCs is examined. The results guide further development of advanced NMCs, including core–shell materials, and demonstrate the practicality of laboratory-based structural methods for broader materials research.

Silicon (Si) is a highly promising anode material for next-generation lithium-ion batteries due to its ultra-high theoretical specific capacity (4200 mAh g⁻¹), abundant reserves, and suitable working voltage. However, its industrialization is hindered by the high cost of nanosilicon, significant volume expansion, and low electrical conductivity, necessitating sustainable silicon sources that are cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Compared to high-purity nanosilicon, biomass silicon, mineral silicon, and industrial waste silicon serve as alternative silicon sources that not only effectively reduce the production costs of silicon-based anodes but also alleviate resource scarcity and environmental pollution. This review summarizes the resource characteristics, development potential, and key technologies for preparing nanosilicon from these three types of low-cost silicon sources. Furthermore, it highlights optimization mechanisms for enhancing the electrochemical performance of silicon anodes through modification strategies such as carbon composite design, atomic doping, and hierarchical structure construction. By integrating a multidimensional approach encompassing three parts: resource screening, controllable preparation, and synergistic modification, this work aims to advance silicon-based anode materials, providing economically viable and eco-friendly solutions for advanced lithium-ion batteries and promoting the development of sustainable electrochemical energy storage technologies.

Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have emerged as a viable option for energy storage applications in response to the growing need for energy due to their low cost, acceptable energy density, high natural abundance, high safety, and high volumetric and gravimetric capacity due to the divalent nature of Zn²⁺. However, it is necessary to extend the longevity of ZIBs by optimizing Zinc-ion electrolytes for the stable operation of the Zn metal anode, where passivation layers suppress its corrosion and dendritic growth. Herein, an electrochemical quartz-crystal microbalance analysis is conducted to characterize passivation layers formed during the deposition/dissolution of zinc metal in aqueous electrolyte solutions of zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄), zinc triflate (Zn(OTf)₂), and their mixture at varied ratios as dual-salt hybrid electrolytes. The varied anionic compositions result in different passivation behaviors with characteristic reversibility and potential-dependency. Specifically, mixed electrolytes exhibit more stable and efficient operation of the zinc metal anode by the formation of passivation layers with balanced robustness and reversibility. The mass-per-electron value is close to the ideal value for the optimized electrolyte solution, evidencing the importance of electrolyte formulation for advanced ZIB technologies toward safer and more energy-dense aqueous energy storage devices.

Magnesium (Mg) is an abundant resource, and rechargeable Mg metal batteries (RMMBs) could help to achieve a sustainable society. However, practical Mg batteries require electrolyte materials compatible with both positive and negative Mg metal electrodes. Weakly coordinating anion (WCA)-based electrolytes meet these requirements and have had a groundbreaking impact on this field of research. In this study, the effects of multidentate oligoether additives on the structural characteristics of WCA-based electrolytes are examined. Integrating a linear oligoether of hexaglyme (G6) is found to be particularly effective at enhancing Mg plating/stripping performance, whereas the corresponding cyclic counterparts impart inferior performance. The combined electrochemical and spectroscopic analyses suggest that changes in the coordination environments of Mg²⁺ in solution with a specific amount of G6 are responsible for the enhanced interfacial charge-transfer kinetics. The results of this study will help guide the design of fully ethereal RMMB electrolytes compatible with highly reactive Mg metal-negative electrodes.

Zinc ion (Zn²⁺) energy storage devices are considered promising candidates for next-generation energy storage technologies, offering advantages in safety, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, their commercialization remains limited by numerous challenges, including precise regulation of the molecular conformational relationships of electrolyte additives, optimization of electrode–electrolyte interfacial stability, scalability of manufacturing processes, and comprehensive analysis of long-term degradation mechanisms. Pure Zn anode interfaces face numerous unavoidable challenges, including dendrite growth, corrosion, passivation, and hydrogen evolution reactions. This review summarizes recent advances in electrolyte additives for Zn²⁺ energy storage devices, encompassing inorganic, organic, surfactant, and organic–inorganic composite additives, with a focus on the interaction mechanisms between additives, electrodes, and electrolytes. Furthermore, the optimal type and incorporation method of additives are discussed, emphasizing the positive impact of these factors on improving additive efficiency and performance. Finally, challenges and future directions for the development of electrolyte additives and advanced ZIHSs are proposed. This review aims to provide a comprehensive perspective to guide future research and development, advancing the efficiency, stability, and cost-effectiveness of aqueous Zn²⁺ energy storage devices.

Rechargeable Magnesium ion batteries (RMIBs) are considered one of the most promising energy storage devices due to their low cost, dendrite-free nature, and ecofriendliness. However, sluggish kinetics, irreversible structural changes, short cycle life, and low capacity of cathodes hinder their practical applications. Herein, Cobalt sulfide (CoS₂) nanosheets are synthesized using microwave method followed by chemical vapor deposition to serve as cathode material for RMIBs. CoS₂ nanosheets exhibit excellent electrochemical performance, providing a high specific capacity of 432 mAh g⁻¹ at 100 mA g⁻¹ current density. Moreover, CoS₂ also demonstrates a long-term operating stability over 2000 cycles giving 284 mAh g⁻¹ capacity at a current density of 500 mA g⁻¹ with approximately 96% capacity retention. Sustainable cathodic performance is the most desirous feature for commercialization. The density functional theory and experimental results reveal that the robust electrochemical performance of CoS₂ as a cathode is attributed to the high surface area of its sheet-like morphology. This work provides meaningful insights regarding morphological limitations and opportunities of CoS₂ cathode for applications in high-performance RMIBs.

The Front Cover shows the layout of the automated robotic battery materials research platform Aurora automating battery electrolyte formulation, battery cell assembly, and battery cell cycling into a stepwise, automated, application-relevant workflow. A large structured dataset with ontologized metadata detailing cell assembly and cycling protocols, alongside corresponding time series cycling data for almost 200 cells is provided as open research data. More information can be found in the Research Article by C. Battaglia and co-workers (DOI: 10.1002/batt.202500151).

The adsorption of alkali metal (AM) atoms on graphitic surfaces is one of the processes that determine the performance of carbon-based anode materials. In particular, when graphite derivatives such as hard carbon with increased surface area are considered, adsorption accounts for a significant amount of the AM storage capacity. While it is well known that the adsorption of Li and Na on pristine graphite is energetically unfavorable, this article shows how graphitic surfaces can be modified to tailor their adsorption properties. For this purpose, the adsorption of Li, Na, and K on graphitic model systems, containing defects and impurities as well as combinations thereof, is investigated by means of density functional theory. The results show that particular defects and impurity atoms can modify the adsorption strength of the surface such that Li and Na adsorption become energetically favorable, while at the same time, capacity loss via trapping of AM atoms is minimized.

Organic cathode-active materials with higher redox potential and specific capacity are significant in achieving higher energy density. However, the exploration of new active materials, including their design and synthesis, based on professional experience comes up against limitations. The work detailed in the Research Article by Y. Oaki and co-workers (DOI: 10.1002/batt.202500288) presents new performance prediction models for these materials, such as for their potential and capacity. The predictors enable the accelerated discovery of new high-performance organic cathode-active materials, such as those used in electric vehicles, drones, and high-altitude platform stations.