ACS Energy Letters 最新文献

For more than three decades, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have attracted numerous researchers as viable alternatives in photovoltaic technology. It offers several advantages, such as using eco-friendly materials, inexpensive processing techniques, indoor photovoltaic potentials, and integrating photovoltaics into building applications. Nevertheless, DSSCs will require further development in manufacturing methods and materials to remain competitive with other thin-film solar technologies that offer high photovoltaic efficiency. It is essential to give an overview of the latest developments in this area and highlight the primary elements required for realizing high-performance technologies, such as photoanode modification, dye formulation, and electrolyte optimization. Recent advancements have shown promising improvements in DSSCs with copper-based electrolytes, and integrating new interface materials like preadsorbents or postadsorbents has also opened new possibilities for DSSCs. Here, we comprehensively compare and discuss the key materials and device fabrication processes for high-performance DSSCs and present future research perspectives.

Lithium–aluminum (Li_xAl, x = the molar ratio of Li to Al), an important alloy anode with a specific capacity over 2 times higher than that of the carbon anode used in commercial liquid electrolyte lithium-ion batteries (LELIBs), has been proven to be a failure in LELIBs due to the notorious pulverization phenomenon. However, whether or not such pulverization persists in all solid state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) remains unclear. Herein, we show that pulverization of the Li_xAl anode is mitigated in ASSLBs due to the applied external stack pressure, thus preventing the mechanical failure of the Li_xAl anode in ASSLBs. Moreover, electron microscopy investigation reveals that, instead of pulverization, electrochemomechanical stress induces 2 orders of magnitude grain size reduction from a few tens of microns to a few hundred nanometers. The grain-refined Li_xAl anode facilitates lithium ion transport, which improves the rate performance and specific capacity of the Li_xAl anode. Consequently, the assembled single-crystal LiNi_0.83Co_0.12Mn_0.05O₂|Li₁₀Si_0.3PS_6.7Cl_1.8|Li_0.4Al ASSLBs reach 2000 cycles with a capacity retention of 100% at 3C (13.9 mA/cm², room temperature), at a high areal capacity of 2.1 mAh/cm². The all-solid pouch cell with a Li_xAl anode can reach an energy density of 219 Wh kg^–1 based on the total mass of the cell. These results demonstrate the prospect of implementing the Al-based anode in ASSLBs for practical energy storage applications.

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) offer superior energy density and power capability but face challenges in cycle stability and safety. This study introduces a strategic approach to improving LMB cycle stability by optimizing charge/discharge rates. Our results show that slow charging (0.2C) and fast discharging (3C) significantly improve performance, with a multilayer LMB retaining over 80% capacity after 1000 cycles. Fast discharge rates promote lithium plating beneath the SEI layer, suppressing its growth and improving Coulombic efficiency, whereas slow discharge rates facilitate lithium plating above the SEI, leading to SEI accumulation. We propose a rational hypothesis linking SEI conductivity and cycling conditions and introduce an intermittent pulse discharge protocol to emulate electric vehicle applications, further improving the stability. These optimized cycling strategies enhance the LMB lifespan, utility, and safety, paving the way for broader market adoption in the years ahead.

Retired batteries are of great economic and environmental importance, which are indispensable considerations in the life cycle of lithium-ion batteries. However, existing methods for evaluating retired batteries are time- and resource-consuming, hindering efficient screening for later recycling or reuse. Herein, combining optical fiber sensors and interpretable machine learning (ML), we establish a data-driven framework for retired battery datasets with 265 cells of different chemistries (LiFePO₄/graphite, LiMn₂O₄/graphite) and achieve ultrafast state of health diagnosis within 3 min, offering mean absolute errors of 1.17% and 2.78%, respectively. The proposed data-driven framework identifies the salient regions in the time-resolved multivariable data and helps to uncover underlying thermodynamic/kinetic aging mechanisms. We also demonstrate the incorporated thermal information obtained via optical fibers complements voltage signals by improving prediction accuracy and antinoise ability. This work not only showcases the potential of battery sensing in retired battery diagnosis but also unlocks the unexplored synergy between sensing and interpretable ML for diverse battery applications.

The use of a lithium metal anode enables batteries with significantly higher energy density, but at the expense of the growth of lithium dendrites that trigger internal short circuits, induce safety risks, and reduce cycle stability. To address this challenge, here, we report the design of an aluminum fluoride nanowire membrane as a conversion interlayer to regulate lithium deposition for significantly more stable and safe lithium metal batteries. The interlayer generates a LiF-rich solid electrolyte interphase and alloy nanoparticles in contact with lithium to offer active sites guiding lithium nucleation, regulating lithium deposition, and increasing Coulombic efficiencies. With such an interlayer, lithium metal full cells show significantly improved stability compared to those with bare Cu, when paired with a LiFePO₄ or LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ cathode. Our results indicate that using an aluminum fluoride interlayer can be a promising strategy in realizing lithium metal batteries with high specific energy density.

Advanced bipolar membranes (BPMs) with low water-dissociation overpotential (η_wd) may enable new electrochemical technologies for electrolysis, fuel cells, acid–base synthesis, brine remediation, lithium-battery recycling, and cement production. However, these advanced BPMs have only been demonstrated in BPM water electrolysis (BPMWE) configurations where the BPM is under static compression by the porous-transport layers. It is important to study these BPMs in applications like electrodialysis where large degrees of static compression are not possible. We present a BPM electrodialysis (BPMED) platform to measure water-dissociation overpotential (η_wd) and compare BPMWE and BPMED systems. We show advanced BPMs with half the η_wd compared to commercial BPMs for BPMED while maintaining ∼90% current efficiency from 0.05–0.5 A cm^–2. The BPMED η_wd values are, however, about 0.2 V higher at 0.5 A cm^–2 than those for BPMWE. Regardless, these results show that BPMs developed and optimized in BPMWE applications are well-suited for next-generation high-current-density BPMED technologies.