Nano-Micro Letters最新文献

Fiber-shaped energy storage devices (FSESDs) with exceptional flexibility for wearable power sources should be applied with solid electrolytes over liquid electrolytes due to short circuits and leakage issue during deformation. Among the solid options, polymer electrolytes are particularly preferred due to their robustness and flexibility, although their low ionic conductivity remains a significant challenge. Here, we present a redox polymer electrolyte (HT_RPE) with 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (HT) as a multi-functional additive. HT acts as a plasticizer that transforms the glassy state into the rubbery state for improved chain mobility and provides distinctive ion conduction pathway by the self-exchange reaction between radical and oxidized species. These synergetic effects lead to high ionic conductivity (73.5 mS cm⁻¹) based on a lower activation energy of 0.13 eV than other redox additives. Moreover, HT_RPE with a pseudocapacitive characteristic by HT enables an outstanding electrochemical performance of the symmetric FSESDs using carbon-based fiber electrodes (energy density of 25.4 W h kg⁻¹ at a power density of 25,000 W kg⁻¹) without typical active materials, along with excellent stability (capacitance retention of 91.2% after 8,000 bending cycles). This work highlights a versatile HT_RPE that utilizes the unique functionality of HT for both the high ionic conductivity and improved energy storage capability, providing a promising pathway for next-generation flexible energy storage devices.

Highlights

Highlights

Highlights

Elevating the upper cutoff voltage to 4.6 V could effectively increase the reversible capacity of LiCoO₂ (LCO) cathode, whereas the irreversible structural transition, unstable electrode/electrolyte interface and potentially induced safety hazards severely hinder its industrial application. Building a robust cathode/electrolyte interface film by electrolyte engineering is one of the efficient approaches to boost the performance of high-voltage LCO (HV-LCO); however, the elusive interfacial chemistry poses substantial challenges to the rational design of highly compatible electrolytes. Herein, we propose a novel electrolyte design strategy and screen proper solvents based on two factors: highest occupied molecular orbital energy level and LCO absorption energy. Tris (2, 2, 2-trifluoroethyl) phosphate is determined as the optimal solvent, whose low defluorination energy barrier significantly promotes the construction of LiF-rich cathode/electrolyte interface layer on the surface of LCO, thereby eventually suppresses the phase transition and enhances Li⁺ diffusion kinetics. The rationally designed electrolyte endows graphite||HV-LCO pouch cells with long cycle life (85.3% capacity retention after 700 cycles), wide-temperature adaptability (− 60–80 °C) and high safety (pass nail penetration). This work provides new insights into the electrolyte screening and rational design to constructing stable interface for high-energy lithium-ion batteries.

Ammonia and nitric acid, versatile industrial feedstocks, and burgeoning clean energy vectors hold immense promise for sustainable development. However, Haber–Bosch and Ostwald processes, which generates carbon dioxide as massive by-product, contribute to greenhouse effects and pose environmental challenges. Thus, the pursuit of nitrogen fixation through carbon–neutral pathways under benign conditions is a frontier of scientific topics, with the harnessing of solar energy emerging as an enticing and viable option. This review delves into the refinement strategies for scale-up mild photocatalytic nitrogen fixation, fields ripe with potential for innovation. The narrative is centered on enhancing the intrinsic capabilities of catalysts to surmount current efficiency barriers. Key focus areas include the in-depth exploration of fundamental mechanisms underpinning photocatalytic procedures, rational element selection, and functional planning, state-of-the-art experimental protocols for understanding photo-fixation processes, valid photocatalytic activity evaluation, and the rational design of catalysts. Furthermore, the review offers a suite of forward-looking recommendations aimed at propelling the advancement of mild nitrogen photo-fixation. It scrutinizes the existing challenges and prospects within this burgeoning domain, aspiring to equip researchers with insightful perspectives that can catalyze the evolution of cutting-edge nitrogen fixation methodologies and steer the development of next-generation photocatalytic systems.

Many natural organisms have evolved unique sensory systems over millions of years that have allowed them to detect various changes in their surrounding environments. Sensory systems feature numerous receptors—such as photoreceptors, mechanoreceptors, and chemoreceptors—that detect various types of external stimuli, including light, pressure, vibration, sound, and chemical substances. These stimuli are converted into electrochemical signals, which are transmitted to the brain to produce the sensations of sight, touch, hearing, taste, and smell. Inspired by the biological principles of sensory systems, recent advancements in electronics have led to a wide range of applications in artificial sensors. In the current review, we highlight recent developments in artificial sensors inspired by biological sensory systems utilizing soft ionic materials. The versatile characteristics of these ionic materials are introduced while focusing on their mechanical and electrical properties. The features and working principles of natural and artificial sensing systems are investigated in terms of six categories: vision, tactile, hearing, gustatory, olfactory, and proximity sensing. Lastly, we explore several challenges that must be overcome while outlining future research directions in the field of soft ionic sensors.

Highlights

Highlights

Highlights