Insights into the nitride-regulated processes at the electrolyte/electrode interface in quasi-solid-state lithium metal batteries

Gel polymer electrolytes(GPEs)are one of the promising candidates for high-energy-density quasi-solid-state lithium metal batteries(QSSLMBs),for their high ionic conductivity and excellent interfacial compatibility.The comprehension of dynamic evolution and structure-reactivity correlation at the GPE/Li interface becomes significant.Here,in situ electrochemical atomic force microscopy(EC-AFM)provides insights into the LiNO_(3)-regulated micromechanism of the Li plating/stripping processes upon cycles in GPE-based LMBs at nanoscale.The additive LiNO_(3)induces the formation of amorphous nitride SEI film and facilitates Li^(+) ion diffusion.It stabilizes a compatible interface and regulates the Li nucleation/growth at steady kinetics.The deposited Li is in the shape of chunks and tightly compact.The Li dissolution shows favorable reversibility,which guarantees the cycling performance of LMBs.In situ AFM monitoring provides a deep understanding into the dynamic evolution of Li deposition/dissolution and the interphasial properties of tunable SEI film,regulating the rational design of electrolyte and optimizing interfacial establishment for GPE-based QSSLMBs.

Self-supported hard carbon anode from fungus-treated basswood towards sodium-ion batteries

Hard carbon derived from biomass is regarded as a promising anode material for sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)because of its low operating potential,high capacity,resource availability,and low cost.However,scientific and technological challenges still exist to prepare hard carbon with a high initial Coulombic efficiency(ICE),an excellent rate capability,and good cycling stability.In this work,we report a self-supported hard carbon electrode from fungus-pretreated basswood with an improved graphitization degree and a low tortuosity.Compared with the hard carbon derived from basswood,the hard carbon electrode from fungus-pretreated basswood has an improved rate capability of 242.3 mAh·g^(−1)at 200 mA·g^(−1)and cycling stability with 93.9%of its capacity retention after 200 cycles at 40 mA·g^(−1),as well as the increased ICE from 84.3%to 88.2%.Additionally,ex-situ X-ray diffraction indicates that Na+adsorption caused the sloping capacity,whereas Na+intercalation between interlayer spacing corresponded to the low potential plateau capacity.This work provides a new perspective for the preparation of high-performance hard carbon and gains the in-depth understanding of Na storage mechanism.