Ultrafine Fe/Fe3C decorated on Fe-N_(x)-C as bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts for efficient Zn-air batteries

Efficient bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts for ORR and OER are fundamental to the development of high performance metal-air batteries.Herein,a facile cost-efficient two-step pyrolysis strategy for the fabrication of a bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst has been proposed.The efficient non-preciousmetal-based electrocatalyst,Fe/Fe_(3)C@Fe-N_(x)-C consists of highly curved onion-like carbon shells that encapsulate Fe/Fe_(3)C nanoparticles,distributed on an extensively porous graphitic carbon aerogel.The obtained Fe/Fe_(3)C@Fe-N_(x)-C aerogel exhibited superb electrochemical activity,excellent durability,and high methanol tolerance.The experimental results indicated that the assembly of onion-like carbon shells with encapsulated Fe/Fe_(3)C yielded highly curved carbon surfaces with abundant Fe-Nxactive sites,a porous structure,and enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards ORR and OER,hence displaying promising potential for application as an air cathode in rechargeable Zn-air batteries.The constructed Zn-air battery possessed an exceptional peak power density of~147 mW cm^(-2),outstanding cycling stability(200 cycles,1 h per cycle),and a small voltage gap of 0.87 V.This study offers valuable insights regarding the construction of low-cost and highly active bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts for efficient air batteries.

Consumer-branch Connectivity Identification of Low Voltage Distribution Networks Based on Data-driven Approach

Accurate topological information is crucial in supporting the coordinated operational requirements of source-load-storage in low-voltage distribution networks.Comprehensive coverage of smart meters provides a database for low-voltage topology identification(LVTI).However,because of electricity theft,power line commu-nication crosstalk,and interruption of communication,the measurement data may be distorted.This can seriously affect the performance of LVTI methods.Thus,this paper defines hidden errors and proposes an LVTI method based on layer-by-layer stepwise regression.In the first step,a multi-linear regression model is developed for consumer-branch connectivity identification based on the energy conservation principle.In the second step,a significance factor based on the t-test is proposed to modify the identification results by considering the hidden errors.In the third step,the regression model and significance threshold parameters are iteratively updated layer by layer to improve the recall rate of the final identification results.Finally,simulations of a test system with 63 users are carried out,and the practical application results show that the proposed method can guarantee over 90%precision under the influence of hidden errors.

Phase Identification of Low-voltage Distribution Network Based on Stepwise Regression Method

Accurate information for consumer phase connectivity in a low-voltage distribution network(LVDN)is critical for the management of line losses and the quality of customer service.The wide application of smart meters provides the data basis for the phase identification of LVDN.However,the measurement errors,poor communication,and data distortion have significant impacts on the accuracy of phase identification.In order to solve this problem,this paper proposes a phase identification method of LVDN based on stepwise regression(SR)method.First,a multiple linear regression model based on the principle of energy conservation is established for phase identification of LVDN.Second,the SR algorithm is used to identify the consumer phase connectivity.Third,by defining a significance correction factor,the results from the SR algorithm are updated to improve the accuracy of phase identification.Finally,an LVDN test system with 63 consumers is constructed based on the real load.The simulation results prove that the identification accuracy achieved by the proposed method is higher than other phase identification methods under the influence of various errors.

Floret-like Fe-N_(x)nanoparticle-embedded porous carbon superstructures from a Fe-covalent triazine polymer boosting oxygen electroreduction

Fe–N_(x)nanoparticles-embedded porous carbons with a desirable superstructure have attracted immense attention as promising catalysts for electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction.Herein,we employed Fe-coordinated covalent triazine polymer for the fabrication of Fe–N_(x)nanoparticle-embedded porous carbon nanoflorets(Fe/N@CNFs)employing a hypersaline-confinement-conversion strategy.Presence of tailored N types within the covalent triazine polymer interwork in high proportions contributes to the generation of Fe/N coordination and subsequent Fe–N_(x)nanoparticles.Owing to the utilization of NaCl crystals,the resultant Fe/N@CNF-800 which was generated by pyrolysis at 800℃showed nanoflower structure and large specific surface area,which remarkably suppressed the agglomeration of high catalytic active sites.As expect,the Fe/N@CNF-800 exhibited unexpected oxygen reduction reaction catalytic performance with an ultrahigh half-wave potential(0.89 V vs.reversible hydrogen electrode),a dominant 4e–transfer approach and great cycle stability(>92%after 100000 s).As a demonstration,the Fe/N-PCNF-800-assembled zinc–air battery delivered a high open circuit voltage of 1.51 V,a maximum peak power density of 164 mW·cm^(-2),as well as eminent rate performance,surpassing those of commercial Pt/C.This contribution offers a valuable avenue to exploit efficient metal nanoparticles-based carbon catalysts towards energy-related electrocatalytic reactions and beyond.

Simultaneous determination of polarization states and mode coefficients of fiber LP modes with four-channel off-axis holography

Four-channel off-axis holography is proposed to simultaneously understand the polarization states and the mode coefficients of linearly polarized (LP) modes in few-mode fiber. Far-field off-axis holograms in the four polarization directions ofthe fiber laser were acquired at the same moment through a four-channel holographic device. The weights, the relativephase differences, and the polarization parameters of the vector fiber laser mode can be solved simultaneously. The simulated and experimental mode analysis of the laser output by 1060-XP fiber with 6 LP modes at 632.8 nm is conducted, whichshows that the similarity of the total intensity distribution of the laser before and after mode analysis is above 0.97. Themode polarization states, the mode weights, and the relative phase differences of the few-mode laser can be determinedsimultaneously in a single shot by four-channel off-axis holography.

Tailoring the electronic conductivity of high-loading cathode electrodes for practical sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries

Sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries(ASSBs)exhibit unparalleled application value due to the high ionic conductivity and good processability of sulfide solid electrolytes(SSEs).Carbon-based conductive agents(CAs)are often used in the construction of electronic conductive networks to achieve rapid electron transfer.However,CAs accelerate the formation of decomposition products of SSEs,and their effects on sulfide-based ASSBs are not fully understood.Herein,the effect of CAs(super P,vaper-grown carbonfibers,and carbon nanotubes)on the performance of sulfide-based ASSBs is investigated under different cathode active materials mass loading(8 and 25 mg⋅cm^(-2)).The results show that under low mass loading,the side reaction between the CAs and the SSEs deteriorates the performance of the cell,while the charge transfer promotion caused by the addition of CAs is only manifested under high mass loading.Furthermore,the gradient design strategy(enrichment of CAs near the current collector side and depletion of CAs near the electrolyte side)is applied to maximize the benefits of CAs in electron transport and reduce the adverse effects of CAs.The charge carrier transport barrier inside the high mass loading electrode is significantly reduced through the regulation of electronic conductivity.Consequently,the optimized electrode achieves a high areal capacity of 5.6 mAh⋅cm^(-2)at high current density(1.25 mA⋅cm
2,0.2℃)at 25℃with a capacity retention of 87.85%after 100 cycles.This work provides a promising way for the design of high-mass loading electrodes with practical application value.

Towards establishing uniform metrics for evaluating the safety of lithium metal batteries

Lithium metal batteries(LMBs)with ultra-high theoretical energy densities are regarded as excellent candidates for the next energy storage devices.Unfortunately,there are many factors can cause the temperature of LMBs to exceed a safe range and trigger thermal runaway.Countless effort has been invested in designing safe components of batteries to realize the application of LMBs.However,most studies only focus on one single aspect since there is no uniform metrics for evaluating the safety of LMBs.Herein,this review comprehensively summarizes all the trigger factors of thermal runaway and proposes the complete safety metrics of LMBs.A comprehensive overview of the development of safe LMBs is provided to discuss the gap between studies and practical applications.Finally,the future directions of academic research are proposed according to the challenges existing in current studies.

Heterogeneous lamellar-edged Fe-Ni(OH)_(2)/Ni_(3)S_(2)nanoarray for efficient and stable seawater oxidation

Development of efficient non-precious catalysts for seawater electrolysis is of great significance but challenging due to the sluggish kinetics of oxygen evolution reaction(OER)and the impairment of chlorine electrochemistry at anode.Herein,we report a heterostructure of Ni_(3)S_(2)nanoarray with secondary Fe-Ni(OH)_(2)lamellar edges that exposes abundant active sites towards seawater oxidation.The resultant Fe-Ni(OH)_(2)/Ni_(3)S_(2)nanoarray works directly as a free-standing anodic electrode in alkaline artificial seawater.It only requires an overpotential of 269 mV to afford a current density of 10 mA·cm^(-2)and the Tafel slope is as low as 46 m V·dec^(-1).The 27-hour chronopotentiometry operated at high current density of 100 mA·cm^(-2)shows negligible deterioration,suggesting good stability of the Fe-Ni(OH)_(2)/Ni_(3)S_(2)@NF electrode.Faraday efficiency for oxygen evolution is up to〜95%,revealing decent selectivity of the catalyst in saline water.Such desirable catalytic performance could be benefitted from the introduction of Fe activator and the heterostructure that offers massive active and selective sites.The density functional theory(DFT)calculations indicate that the OER has lower theoretical overpotential than Cl_(2) evolution reaction in Fe sites,which is contrary to that of Ni sites.The experimental and theoretical study provides a strong support for the rational design of high-performance Fe-based electrodes for industrial seawater electrolysis.

Hierarchical iridium-based multimetallic alloy with double-core-shell architecture for efficient overall water splitting

The overall water splitting for hydrogen production is an effective strategy to resolve the environmental and energy crisis. Here, we report a facile approach to synthesize the Ir-based multimetallic, hierarchical, double-coreshelled architecture(HCSA) assisted by oil bath reaction for boosting overall water splitting in acidic environment. The Ir Ni Cu HCSA shows superior electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction(HER) and oxygen evolution reaction(OER), which are comparable to commercial Pt/C and better than IrO2. The Ir Ni Cu HCSA exhibits remarkably catalytic efficiency as bifunctional catalyst for overall water splitting where a low cell voltage of 1.53 V is enough to drive a current density of 10 mA cm^-2 and maintains stable for at least 20 h. The presented work for the design and synthesis of novel Ir-based multimetallic architecture paves the way for highperformance overall water splitting catalysis.

Waste to wealth:Defect-rich Ni-incorporated spent LiFePO_(4)for efficient oxygen evolution reaction

The development of efficient strategies to recycle lithium-ion battery(LIB)electrode materials is an important yet challenging goal for the sustainable management of battery waste.This work reports a facile and economically efficient method to convert spent cathode material,LiFePO_(4),into a high-performance NiFe oxy/hydroxide catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction(OER).Herein,Ni-LiFePO_(4)is synthesized via the wetness impregnation method and further evolves into defect-rich NiFe oxy/hydroxide nanosheets during the OER.The introduction of the Ni promoter together with in situ evolution strengthens the electronic interactions among the metal sites and creates an abundance of defects.Experimentally,the evolved Ni-LiFePO_(4)delivers a low overpotential of 285 mV at 10 mA cm-^(2)and a small Tafel slope of 45 mV dec^(-1),outperforming pristine LiFePO_(4)and is even superior to the benchmark catalyst RuO_(2).Density functional theory(DFT)calculations reveal that the introduction of Ni effectively activates Fe sites by optimizing the free energy of the*OOH intermediate and that the abundance of oxygen defects facilitates the oxygen desorption step,synergistically enhancing the OER performance of LiFePO_(4).As a green and versatile method,this is a new opportunity for the scalable fabrication of excellent electrocatalysts based on spent cathode materials.

Ni_(3)S_(2)@NiWO_(4)nanoarrays towards all-solid-state hybrid supercapacitor with record-high energy density

The rational design and synthesis of hybrid-type electrode nanomaterials are significant for their diverse applications,including their potential usage as high-efficiency nanoarchitectures for supercapacitors(SCs)as a class of promising energy-storage systems for powering next-generation electric vehicles and electronic devices.Here,we reported a facile and controllable synthesis of core-shell Ni_(3)S_(2)@NiWO_(4)nanoarrays to fabricate a freestanding electrode for hybrid SCs.Impressively,the as-prepared freestanding Ni_(3)S_(2)@NiWO_(4)electrode presents an ultrahigh areal capacity of 2032μA h cm^(-2)at 5 mA cm^(-2),and a capacity retention of 63.6%even when the current density increased up to 50 mA cm^(-2).Remarkably,the Ni_(3)S_(2)@NiWO_(4)nanoarraybased hybrid SC delivers a maximum energy density of 1.283 mW h cm^(-2)at 3.128 mW cm^(-2)and a maximum power density of 41.105 mW cm^(-2)at 0.753 mW h cm^(-2).Furthermore,the hybrid SC exhibits a capacity retention of 89.6%even after continuous 10,000 cycles,proving its superior stability.This study provides a facile pathway to rationally design a variety of core-shell metal nanostructures for high-performance energy storage devices.

Optimal Day-ahead Scheduling of Islanded Microgrid Considering Risk-based Reserve Decision

Due to the lack of support from the main grid,the intermittency of renewable energy sources(RESs)and the fluctuation of load will derive uncertainties to the operation of islanded microgrids(IMGs).It is crucial to allocate appropriate reserve capacity for the economic and reliable operation of IMGs.With the high penetration of RESs,it faces both economic and environmental challenges if we only use spinning reserve for reserve support.To solve these problems,a multi-type reserve scheme for IMGs is proposed according to different operation characteristics of generation,load,and storage.The operation risk due to reserve shortage is modeled by the conditional value-at-risk(CVaR)method.The correlation of input variables is considered for the forecasting error modeling of RES and load,and Latin hypercube sampling(LHS)is adopted to generate the random scenarios of the forecasting error,so as to avoid the dimension disaster caused by conventional large-scale scenario sampling approaches.Furthermore,an optimal day-ahead scheduling model of joint energy and reserve considering riskbased reserve decision is established to coordinate the security and economy of the operation of IMGs.Finally,the comparison of numerical results of different schemes demonstrate the rationality and effectiveness of the proposed scheme and model.