Model reduction of fractional impedance spectra for time–frequency analysis of batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors

Joint time–frequency analysis is an emerging method for interpreting the underlying physics in fuel cells,batteries,and supercapacitors.To increase the reliability of time–frequency analysis,a theoretical correlation between frequency-domain stationary analysis and time-domain transient analysis is urgently required.The present work formularizes a thorough model reduction of fractional impedance spectra for electrochemical energy devices involving not only the model reduction from fractional-order models to integer-order models and from high-to low-order RC circuits but also insight into the evolution of the characteristic time constants during the whole reduction process.The following work has been carried out:(i)the model-reduction theory is addressed for typical Warburg elements and RC circuits based on the continued fraction expansion theory and the response error minimization technique,respectively;(ii)the order effect on the model reduction of typical Warburg elements is quantitatively evaluated by time–frequency analysis;(iii)the results of time–frequency analysis are confirmed to be useful to determine the reduction order in terms of the kinetic information needed to be captured;and(iv)the results of time–frequency analysis are validated for the model reduction of fractional impedance spectra for lithium-ion batteries,supercapacitors,and solid oxide fuel cells.In turn,the numerical validation has demonstrated the powerful function of the joint time–frequency analysis.The thorough model reduction of fractional impedance spectra addressed in the present work not only clarifies the relationship between time-domain transient analysis and frequency-domain stationary analysis but also enhances the reliability of the joint time–frequency analysis for electrochemical energy devices.

Decouple charge transfer reactions in the Li-ion battery

In the development of Li-ion batteries(LIBs)with high energy/power density,long cycle-life,fast charging,and high safety,an insight into charge transfer reactions is required.Although electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS)is regarded as a powerful diagnosis tool,it is not a direct but an indirect measurement.With respect to this,some critical questions need to be answered:(i)why EIS can reflect the kinetics of charge transfer reactions;(ii)what the inherent logical relationship between impedance models under different physical scenes is;(iii)how charge transfer reactions compete with each other at multiple scales.This work aims at answering these questions via developing a theory framework so as to mitigate the blindness and uncertainty in unveiling charge transfer reactions in LIBs.To systematically answer the above questions,this article is organized into a three-in-one(review,tutorial,and research)type and the following contributions are made:(i)a brief review is given for impedance model development of the LIBs over the past half century;(ii)an open source code toolbox is developed based on the unified impedance model;(iii)the competive mechanisms of charge transfer reactions are unveiled based on the developed EIS-Toolbox@LIB.This work not only clarifies theoretical fundamentals,but also provides an easy-to-use open source code for EIS-Toolbox@LIB to optimize fast charge/discharge,mitigate cycle aging,and improve energy/power density.

Fundamental Understanding of Hydrogen Evolution Reaction on Zinc Anode Surface:A First‑Principles Study

Hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)has become a key factor affecting the cycling stability of aqueous Zn-ion batteries,while the corresponding fundamental issues involving HER are still unclear.Herein,the reaction mechanisms of HER on various crystalline surfaces have been investigated by first-principle calculations based on density functional theory.It is found that the Volmer step is the ratelimiting step of HER on the Zn(002)and(100)surfaces,while,the reaction rates of HER on the Zn(101),(102)and(103)surfaces are determined by the Tafel step.Moreover,the correlation between HER activity and the generalized coordination number(CN)of Zn at the surfaces has been revealed.The relatively weaker HER activity on Zn(002)surface can be attributed to the higher CN of surface Zn atom.The atomically uneven Zn(002)surface shows significantly higher HER activity than the flat Zn(002)surface as the CN of the surface Zn atom is lowered.The CN of surface Zn atom is proposed as a key descriptor of HER activity.Tuning the CN of surface Zn atom would be a vital strategy to inhibit HER on the Zn anode surface based on the presented theoretical studies.Furthermore,this work provides a theoretical basis for the in-depth understanding of HER on the Zn surface.

Metal-organic framework-based single-atom electro-/ photocatalysts: Synthesis, energy applications, and opportunities

Single-atom catalysts(SACs)have gained substantial attention because of their exceptional catalytic properties.However,the high surface energy limits their synthesis,thus creating significant challenges for further development.In the last few years,metal–organic frameworks(MOFs)have received significant consideration as ideal candidates for synthesizing SACs due to their tailorable chemistry,tunable morphologies,high porosity,and chemical/thermal stability.From this perspective,this review thoroughly summarizes the previously reported methods and possible future approaches for constructing MOF-based(MOF-derived-supported and MOF-supported)SACs.Then,MOF-based SAC's identification techniques are briefly assessed to understand their coordination environments,local electronic structures,spatial distributions,and catalytic/electrochemical reaction mechanisms.This review systematically highlights several photocatalytic and electrocatalytic applications of MOF-based SACs for energy conversion and storage,including hydrogen evolution reactions,oxygen evolution reactions,O_(2)/CO_(2)/N_(2) reduction reactions,fuel cells,and rechargeable batteries.Some light is also shed on the future development of this highly exciting field by highlighting the advantages and limitations of MOF-based SACs.

Low carbon alcohol fuel electrolysis of hydrogen generation catalyzed by a novel and effective Pt–CoTe/C bifunctional catalyst system

Low carbon alcohol fuels electrolysis under ambient conditions is promising for green hydrogen generation instead of the traditional alcohol fuels steam reforming technique,and highly efficient bifunctional catalysts for membrane electrode fabrication are required to drive the electrolysis reactions.Herein,the efficient catalytic promotion effect of a novel catalyst promoter,CoTe,on Pt is demonstrated for low carbon alcohol fuels of methanol and ethanol electrolysis for hydrogen generation.Experimental and density functional theory calculation results indicate that the optimized electronic structure of Pt–CoTe/C resulting from the synergetic effect between Pt and CoTe further regulates the adsorption energies of CO and H*that enhances the catalytic ability for methanol and ethanol electrolysis.Moreover,the good water activation ability of CoTe and the strong electronic effect of Pt and CoTe increased the tolerance ability to the poisoning species as demonstrated by the CO-stripping technique.The high catalytic kinetics and stability,as well as the promotion effect,were also carefully discussed.Specifically,71.9%and 75.5%of the initial peak current density was maintained after 1000 CV cycles in acid electrolyte for methanol and ethanol oxidation;and a low overpotential of 30 and 35 mV was required to drive the hydrogen evolution reaction in methanol and ethanol solution at the current density of 10 mA cm^(-2).In the two-electrode system for alcohol fuels electrolysis,using the optimal Pt–CoTe/C catalyst as bi-functional catalysts,the cell potential of 0.66 V(0.67 V)was required to achieve 10 mA cm^(-2) for methanol(ethanol)electrolysis,much smaller than that of water electrolysis(1.76 V).The current study offers a novel platform for hydrogen generation via low carbon alcohol fuel electrolysis,and the result is helpful to the catalysis mechanism understanding of Pt assisted by the novel promoter.

1.42-fold enhancement of formate selectivity by linker conversion on the Zn-based metal organic framework catalyst

Electro-reduction of carbon dioxide(ERCO_(2)) is considered an effective method to alleviate the greenhouse effect and produce value-added chemicals.Achieving the dominant selectivity of Zn-based catalysts for formate remains a challenge.In this article,the ZnIn-E_(12) catalyst is successfully prepared by solvent assisted ligand exchange(SALE) method to convert organic ligands,achieving a Faradaic efficiency of 72.28% for formate at-1.26 V vs.RHE(V_(RHE)),which is 1.42 times higher than the original catalyst.Evidence shows that the successful conversion of organic ligands can transform the catalyst from the original large size polyhedron to cross-linked network of particles with a diameter of about 30 nm.The increased specific surface area can expose more active sites and facilitate the electrocatalytic conversion of CO_(2) to formate.This work is expected to provide inspiration for the regulation of formate selectivity and catalyst size in Zn-based catalysts.

A Review of In‑Situ Techniques for Probing Active Sites and Mechanisms of Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction Reactions

Electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)is one of the most important reactions in electrochemical energy technologies such as fuel cells and metal–O2/air batteries,etc.However,the essential catalysts to overcome its slow reaction kinetic always undergo a complex dynamic evolution in the actual catalytic process,and the concomitant intermediates and catalytic products also occur continuous conversion and reconstruction.This makes them difficult to be accurately captured,making the identification of ORR active sites and the elucidation of ORR mechanisms difficult.Thus,it is necessary to use extensive in-situ characterization techniques to proceed the real-time monitoring of the catalyst structure and the evolution state of intermediates and products during ORR.This work reviews the major advances in the use of various in-situ techniques to characterize the catalytic processes of various catalysts.Specifically,the catalyst structure evolutions revealed directly by in-situ techniques are systematically summarized,such as phase,valence,electronic transfer,coordination,and spin states varies.In-situ revelation of intermediate adsorption/desorption behavior,and the real-time monitoring of the product nucleation,growth,and reconstruction evolution are equally emphasized in the discussion.Other interference factors,as well as in-situ signal assignment with the aid of theoretical calculations,are also covered.Finally,some major challenges and prospects of in-situ techniques for future catalysts research in the ORR process are proposed.

Lithiophilicity: The key to efficient lithium metal anodes for lithium batteries

Lithium metal anode of lithium batteries,including lithium-ion batteries,has been considered the anode for next-generation batteries with desired high energy densities due to its high theoretical specific capacity(3860 mA h g^(-1))and low standards electrode potential(-3.04 V vs.SHE).However,the highly reactive nature of metallic lithium and its direct contact with the electrolyte could lead to severe chemical reactions,leading to the continuous consumption of the electrolyte and a reduction in the cycle life and Coulombic efficiency.In addition,the solid electrolyte interface formed during battery cycling is mainly inorganic,which is too fragile to withstand the extreme volume change during the plating and stripping of lithium.The uneven flux of lithium ions could lead to excessive lithium deposition at local points,resulting in needle-like lithium dendrites,which could pierce the separator and cause short circuits,battery failure,and safety issues.In the last five years,tremendous efforts have been dedicated to addressing these issues,and the most successful improvements have been related to lithiophilicity optimizations.Thus,this paper comprehensively reviewed the lithiophilicity regulation in lithium metal anode modifications and highlighted the vital effect of lithiophilicity.The remaining challenges faced by the lithiophilicity optimization for lithium metal anodes are discussed with the proposed research directions for overcoming the technical challenges in this subject.

Capacitive energy storage from single pore to porous electrode identified by frequency response analysis

Rate capability,peak power,and energy density are of vital importance for the capacitive energy storage(CES)of electrochemical energy devices.The frequency response analysis(FRA)is regarded as an efficient tool in studying the CES.In the present work,a bi-scale impedance transmission line model(TLM)is firstly developed for a single pore to a porous electrode.Not only the TLM of the single pore is reparameterized but also the particle packing compactness is defined in the bi-scale.Subsequently,the CES properties are identified by FRA,focused on rate capability vs.characteristic frequency,peak power vs.equivalent series resistance,and energy density vs.low frequency limiting capacitance for a single pore to a porous electrode.Based on these relationships,the CES properties are numerically simulated and theoretically predicted for a single pore to a porous electrode in terms of intra-particle pore length,intra-particle pore diameter,inter-particle pore diameter,electrolyte conductivity,interfacial capacitance&exponent factor,electrode thickness,electrode apparent surface area,and particle packing compactness.Finally,the experimental diagnosis of four supercapacitors(SCs)with different electrode thicknesses is conducted for validating the bi-scale TLM and gaining an insight into the CES properties for a porous electrode to a single pore.The calculating results suggest,to some extent,the inter-particle pore plays a more critical role than the intra-particle pore in the CES properties such as the rate capability and the peak power density for a single pore to a porous electrode.Hence,in order to design a better porous electrode,more attention should be given to the inter-particle pore.

Regulating solid electrolyte interphases on phosphorus/carbon anodes via localized high-concentration electrolytes for potassium-ion batteries

The resourceful and inexpensive red phosphorus has emerged as a promising anode material of potassium-ion batteries(PIBs) for its large theoretical capacities and low redox potentials in the multielectron alloying/dealloying reactions,yet chronically suffering from the huge volume expansion/shrinkage with a sluggish reaction kinetics and an unsatisfactory interfacial stability against volatile electrolytes.Herein,we systematically developed a series of localized high-concentration electrolytes(LHCE) through diluting high-concentration ether electrolytes with a non-solvating fluorinated ether to regulate the formation/evolution of solid electrolyte interphases(SEI) on phosphorus/carbon(P/C) anodes for PIBs.Benefitting from the improved mechanical strength and structural stability of a robust/uniform SEI thin layer derived from a composition-optimized LHCE featured with a unique solvation structure and a superior K+migration capability,the P/C anode with noticeable pseudocapacitive behaviors could achieve a large reversible capacity of 760 mA h g^(-1)at 100 mA g^(-1),a remarkable capacity retention rate of 92.6% over 200 cycles at 800 mA g^(-1),and an exceptional rate capability of 334 mA h g^(-1)at8000 mA g^(-1).Critically,a suppressed reduction of ether solvents with a preferential decomposition of potassium salts in anion-derived interfacial reactions on P/C anode for LHCE could enable a rational construction of an outer organic-rich and inner inorganic-dominant SEI thin film with remarkable mechanical strength/flexibility to buffer huge volume variations and abundant K+diffusion channels to accelerate reaction kinetics.Additionally,the highly reversible/durable full PIBs coupling P/C anodes with annealed organic cathodes further verified an excellent practical applicability of LHCE.This encouraging work on electrolytes regulating SEI formation/evolution would advance the development of P/C anodes for high-performance PIBs.

Selective sulfur conversion with surface engineering of electrocatalysts in a lithium-sulfur battery

The sluggish kinetics of multiphase sulfur conversion with homogeneous and heterogeneous electrochemical processes,causing the“shuttle effect”of soluble polysulfide species(PSs),is the challenges in terms of lithium-sulfur batteries(LSBs).In this paper,a Mn_(3)O_(4-x) catalyst,which has much higher activity for heterogeneous reactions than for homogeneous reactions(namely,preferentialactivity catalysts),is designed by surface engineering with rational oxygen vacancies.Due to the rational design of the electronic structure,the Mn_(3)O_(4-x) catalyst prefers to accelerate the conversion of Li2S4 into Li_(2)S_(2)/Li_(2)S and optimize Li_(2)S deposition,reducing the accumulation of PSs and thus suppressing the“shuttle effect.”Both density functional theory calculations and in situ X-ray diffraction measurements are used to probe the catalytic mechanism and identify the reaction intermediates of MnS and Li_(y)Mn_(z)O_(4-x) for fundamental understanding.The cell with Mn_(3)O_(4-x) delivers an ultralow attenuation rate of 0.028% per cycle over 2000 cycles at 2.5 C.Even with sulfur loadings of 4.93 and 7.10mg cm^(-2) in a lean electrolyte(8.4μL mg s^(-1)),the cell still shows an initial areal capacity of 7.3mAh cm^(-2).This study may provide a new way to develop preferential-activity heterogeneous-reaction catalysts to suppress the“shuttle effect”of the soluble PSs generated during the redox process of LSBs.

Tuning composite solid-state electrolyte interface to improve the electrochemical performance of lithium-oxygen battery

Thin and flexible composite solid-state electrolyte(SSE) is considered to be a prospective candidate for lithium-oxygen(Li-O_(2)) batteries with the aim to address the problems of unsatisfied safety, terrible durability as well as inferior electrochemical performance. Herein, in order to improve the safety and durability, a succinonitrile(SN) modified composite SSE is proposed. In this SSE, SN is introduced for eliminating the boundary between ceramic particles, increasing the amorphous region of polymer and ensuring fast ionic transport. Subsequently, the symmetric battery based on the proposed SSE achieves a long cycle life of 3000 h. Moreover, the elaborate cathode interface through the SN participation effectively reduces the barriers to the combination between lithium ions and electrons, facilitating the corresponding electrochemical reactions.As a result, the solid-state Li-O_(2)battery based on this SSE and tuned cathode interface achieves improved electrochemical performance including large specific capacity over 12,000 m Ah g^(-1), enhanced rate capacity as well as stable cycle life of 54 cycles at room temperature. This ingenious design provides a new orientation for the evolution of solid-state Li-O_(2)batteries.

Advances of manganese-oxides-based catalysts for indoor formaldehyde removal

Formaldehyde(HCHO)has been identified as one of the most common indoor pollutions nowadays.Manganese oxides(MnO_(x))are considered to be a promising catalytic material used in indoor HCHO oxidation removal due to their high catalytic activity,low-cost,and environmentally friendly.In this paper,the progress in developing MnO_(x)-based catalysts for HCHO removal is comprehensively reviewed for exploring the mechanisms of catalytic oxidation and catalytic deactivation.The catalytic oxidation mechanisms based on three typical theory models(Mars-van-Krevelen,Eley-Rideal and Langmuir-Hinshelwood)are discussed and summarized.Furthermore,the research status of catalytic deactivation,catalysts’regeneration and integrated application of MnO_(x)-based catalysts for indoor HCHO removal are detailed in the review.Finally,the technical challenges in developing MnO_(x)-based catalysts for indoor HCHO removal are analyzed and the possible research direction is also proposed for overcoming the challenges toward practical application of such catalysts.

Novel Ni_(3)S_(4)/NiS/NC composite with multiple heterojunctions synthesized through space-confined effect for high-performance supercapacitors

The construction of heterojunctions in composite materials to optimize the electronic structures and active sites of energy materials is considered to be the promising strategy for the fabrication of high-performance electrochemical energy devices.In this paper,a one-step,easy processing and cost-effective technique for generating composite materials with heterojunctions was successfully developed.The composite containing Ni_(3)S_(4),NiS,and N-doped amorphous carbon(abbreviated as Ni_(3)S_(4)/NiS/NC)with multiple heterojunction nanosheets are synthesized via the space-confined effect of molten salt interface of recrystallized NaCl.Several lattice matching forms of Ni_(3)S_(4)with cubic structure and NiS with hexagonal structure are confirmed by the detailed characterization of heterogeneous interfaces.The C–S bonds are the key factor in realizing the chemical coupling between nickel sulfide and NC and constructing the stable heterojunction.Density functional theory calculations further revealed that the electronic interaction on the heterogeneous interface of Ni_(3)S_(4)/NiS can contribute to high electronic conductivity.The heterogeneous interfaces are identified to be the good electroactive region with excellent electrochemical performance.The synergistic effect of abundant active sites,the enhanced kinetic process and valid interface charge transfer channels of Ni_(3)S_(4)/NiS/NC multiple heterojunction can guarantee high reversible redox activity and high structural stability,resulting in both high specific capacitance and energy/power densities when it is used as the electrode for supercapacitors.This work offers a new avenue for the rational design of the heterojunction materials with improved electrochemical performance through space-confined effect of NaCl.

双原子催化剂:制备、表征和应用

发展可持续和清洁的电化学能源转化技术是应对能源短缺和环境污染挑战的关键一步,燃料电池、电解电池和金属空气电池作为清洁能源储存和转换装置目前得到广泛应用推广,这些装置依靠电催化反应以及电极材料上发生的电荷转移过程来转换电能和化学能.而电催化剂是该类装置电极材料的核心部件,电催化反应的热力学和动力学过程与电催化剂的物理性质和化学状态密切相关.因此探索和开发性能优良、成本低廉的新型电催化剂,将进一步促进这些能源转化技术的商业化应用.单原子催化剂(SACs)以其暴露的活性位点、高选择性和最大限度地原子利用率而受到人们的广泛关注.然而,随着单原子表面自由能的增加,粒子在制备和催化过程中的聚集,催化活性位点的降低和催化剂负荷的相对较低,严重制约了SACs的发展和应用.考虑到SACs的缺点,为了进一步增加单原子活性位点的数量和负载,双原子催化剂(DACs)作为SACs家族成员的扩展近年来逐渐兴起,且两种金属原子(同核/异核)在DACs中的协同作用显著提高了催化剂的催化活性.本文基于当前最新的研究工作对比了同核/异核DACs的不同优势,列举了一系列包括原子层沉积法、湿化学吸附法以及高温热处理法等方法用于制备性能优异的DACs,其中高温热处理法因应用广泛被重点强调.同时,本文也对DACs的表征和识别手段进行了重点概括,包含XANES, EXAFS, IR, DFT等;详细概括和对比了当前DACs在电化学方面的主要应用,如氧还原反应(ORR)和二氧化碳还原反应.目前, DACs作为一个新兴的研究领域,由于其金属原子负载量高、活性位点比SACs更为灵活,已经在电催化领域取得了快速的发展.相对于同核DACs,原则上不同的两个金属原子会组成更多的异核DACs,因此,对于性能优异的异核DACs还有更多的可能性值得深入探索.可以预见, DACs的发展将弥补SACs的不足,在电化学能源的转换和储存方面发挥全面的优势;借助于异核DACs中不同的两个金属原子的多样性,探索以过渡金属为主的DACs,将会为节约贵金属资源及环境保护带来巨大贡献,进一步设计和优化DACs,有利于燃料电池和金属-空气电池创造出更大的经济效益和社会效益.因此,我们相信DACs的发展将成为材料研究的一个新前沿,并为合成更多的高效应用催化剂开辟一条新的途径.

错位堆叠限域和微孔缺陷固定协同生长高密度原子级Fe^(Ⅱ)-N_(4)氧还原活性位点

聚合物电解质膜燃料电池(PEMFCs)具有高能量密度、高功率密度以及零排放等优点,被认为是一种高效、实用的发电装置.然而,PEMFCs阴极氧还原反应(ORR)的动力学缓慢,需要使用大量的铂(Pt)催化剂,其成本高、资源有限,因此,开发用于ORR的高性能、低成本的非贵金属催化剂(NPMCs)尤为重要.在NPMCs中,过渡金属(Fe,Co,Ni,Cu,Zn,Mn等)-氮碳复合材料,尤其是Fe-N_(x)-C,被认为是一类非常有前景的代Pt催化剂.但此类催化剂存在催化活性低、电化学稳定性差等问题.为了获得高性能的NPMCs,催化剂创新性的设计和合成受到高度关注.研究表明,在惰性气氛下高温热解含Fe、N和C的化学物质是制备Fe-N_(x)-C催化剂的有效途径.在高温热解过程中,形成的吡啶-N可进一步键合Fe原子形成Fe-N_(4)物种,Fe-N_(4)已被证实是高ORR活性的催化位点.然而,高温热解制备Fe-N_(x)-C催化剂时,有两个主要问题制约催化剂性能的提高:一方面,原子Fe可以转化为聚集形态的Fe基纳米颗粒,其催化ORR能力较差甚至无效;另一方面,含N物种的基团容易分解,会导致Fe-N_(4)等活性位点的大量流失.因此,提出防止Fe原子聚集和活性位点流失的新策略备受期待.本文提出了一种错位堆叠限域和微孔缺陷固定的协同调控策略.通过热解酞菁铁(FePc)、酞菁(Pc)和锌(Zn)盐的混合物,成功制备了高ORR性能的Fe-N_(x)-C催化剂.该催化剂具有分级多孔的薄层碳纳米片结构,其中含Fe物种全部为Fe-N_(4)活性位点即100%的“Fe-N_(4)活性位点/总Fe物种”比率.相比之下,单独热解FePc生成的催化剂中,“Fe-N_(4)活性位点/总Fe物种”比率仅为5.9%,且形成的无定型碳样品中嵌有Fe基纳米颗粒.实验表征和密度泛函理论计算表明,Pc作为大环化合物,通过与FePc分子π-π作用形成的错位堆叠可以限域Fe原子,防止其脱出聚集成Fe基纳米颗粒.Zn盐作为造孔剂,通过Zn挥发诱导产生的微孔缺陷可以固定Fe^(Ⅱ)-N_(4)活性位点.错位堆叠限域和微孔缺陷固定协同产生了高密度的原子级Fe^(Ⅱ)-N_(4)活性位点,从而提高了催化剂的ORR活性.优化的Fe^(Ⅱ)-N_(4)-C电催化剂在碱性介质中展现出了优于商用Pt/C催化剂的半波电势、甲醇耐受性和电化学稳定性.综上,本文提出的调控策略对发展高性能NPMCs具有重要的启示意义.

Regulating Zn Deposition via an Artificial Solid–Electrolyte Interface with Aligned Dipoles for Long Life Zn Anode

Aqueous zinc ion batteries show prospects for next-generation renewable energy storage devices.However,the practical applications have been limited by the issues derived from Zn anode.As one of serious problems,Zn dendrite growth caused from the uncontrollable Zn deposition is unfavorable.Herein,with the aim to regulate Zn deposition,an artificial solid–electrolyte interface is subtly engineered with a perovskite type material,BaTiO3,which can be polarized,and its polarization could be switched under the external electric field.Resulting from the aligned dipole in BaTiO3 layer,zinc ions could move in order during cycling process.Regulated Zn migration at the anode/electrolyte interface contributes to the even Zn stripping/plating and confined Zn dendrite growth.As a result,the reversible Zn plating/stripping processes for over 2000 h have been achieved at 1 mA cm^(−2) with capacity of 1 mAh cm−2.Furthermore,this anode endowing the electric dipoles shows enhanced cycling stability for aqueous Zn-MnO2 batteries.The battery can deliver nearly 100%Coulombic efficiency at 2 Ag^(−1) after 300 cycles.

Carbon-based bifunctional electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions:Optimization strategies and mechanistic analysis

Electrocatalysts are one of the essential components for the devices of high-efficiency green energy storage and conversion,such as metal-air cells,fuel cells,and water electrolysis systems.While catalysts made from noble metals possess high catalytic performance in both oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)and oxygen evolution reaction(OER),their scarcity and expensiveness significantly limit large-scale applications.In this regard,metal-free/non-noble metal carbon-based catalysts have become competitive alternatives to replace catalysts made of noble metals.Nevertheless,low catalytic ORR/OER performance is the challenge of carbon-based catalysts for the commercial applications of metal-air batteries.To solve the problem of poor catalytic performance,two strategies have been proposed:(1)controlling the microstructure of the catalysts to expose more active sites as the channels of rapid mass and electron transfer;and(2)reducing the reaction energy barrier by optimizing the electronic structures of the catalysts via surface engineering.Here,we review different types of bifunctional ORR/OER electrocatalysts with the activated surface sites.We focus on how the challenge can be overcome with different methods of material synthesis,structural and surface characterization,performance validation/optimization,to outline the principles of surface modifications behind catalyst designs.In particular,we provide critical analysis in the challenges that we are facing in structural design and surface engineering of bifunctional ORR/OER catalysts and indicate the possible solution for these problems,providing the society with clearer ideas on the practical prospects of noble-metal-free electrocatalysts for their future applications.

An experimental study of electroreduction of CO2 to HCOOH on SnO2/C in presence of alkali metal cations(Li^+,Na^+,K^+,Rb^+and Cs^+)and anions(HCO3^-,Cl^-,Br^-and I^-)

It is well-known that the electrolytes can influence the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide(ERCO2)in aqueous media.In this work,we explore the effects of alkali metal cations and anions(Li^+,Na^+,K^+,Rb^+,Cs^+,HCO3^-,Cl^-,Br^-,I^-)on the current density and product selectivity for the ERCO2 into formic acid(HCOOH)on the SnO2/carbon paper(Sn O2/C)electrode.Results of the ERCO2 experiments show that for the cations,the promotion effects on current density and faradaic efficiencies(FEs)are in the order of Li^+b Na^+b K^+b Cs^+b Rb^+.For the anions,the current density values are in the order of Na HCO3 b NaClb Na Br b Na I and KHCO3 b KCl≈KI b KBr,respectively,and that on the FEs for the formation of the HCOOH(FEHCOOH)is HCO3-b Cl-b Br-b I-.Based on this result,the effects of alkali metal cations and anions on ERCO2 are discussed.

Boosting practical high voltage lithium metal batteries by butyronitrile in ether electrolytes via coordination, hydrolysis of C≡N and relatively mild concentration strategy

Currently ether solvents have been regarded as the most compatible organic solvents with lithium metal in electrolytes of lithium batteries.However,ether solvents are unstable under high voltage (>4.0 V),and prone to side reactions with nickel-rich high-voltage cathode materials.In this work,a novel dual-solvent electrolyte in ethylene glycol dimethyl ether (DME) and butyronitrile (BN) mixed solvent was designed and fabricated for Li/Li Ni_(0.5)Mn_(0.3)Co_(0.2)O_(2)-based lithium metal batteries.When charged to high voltage4.3 V,the battery cycled in this optimal electrolyte can maintain the capacity at 133.7 m Ah g^(-1) with a retention of 88.84%after 150 cycles at 0.2 C and-10℃.During long-term cycling,the battery also exhibits excellent cycling performance with capacity maintained at about 112.0 m Ah g^(-1) after 500 cycles at 1C and-10℃.BN has strong oxidation resistance and high conductivity,which can inhibit the decomposition of ether solvents under high voltage and improve the low temperature performance of battery effectively.Additionally,the cyano (–C≡N) group in BN molecular has a strong coordination ability with the high-valent metal ions and can mask the active ions on the cathode,correspondingly reducing the corrosion of cathode material by the electrolyte.Moreover,cyano group can participate in the hydrolysis to remove trace amounts of water and acidic by-products such as HF in the electrolyte.Therefore,the boosting effect of butyronitrile for ether solvents can provide a promising strategy for enhancing the performance of high voltage lithium metal batteries for practical industrialization.