Recent advances and perspectives on vanadium-and manganese-based cathode materials for aqueous zinc ion batteries

The growing demand for energy storage has inspired researchers’exploration of advanced batteries.Aqueous zinc ion batteries(ZIBs)are promising secondary chemical battery system that can be selected and pursued.Rechargeable ZIBs possess merits of high security,low cost,environmental friendliness,and competitive performance,and they are received a lot of attention.However,the development of suitable zinc ion intercalation-type cathode materials is still a big challenge,resulting in failing to meet the commercial needs of ZIBs.Both vanadium-based and manganese-based compounds are representative of the most advanced and most widely used rechargeable ZIBs electrodes.The valence state of vanadium is+2~+5,which can realize multi-electron transfer in the redox reaction and has a high specific capacity.Most of the manganese-based compounds have tunnel structure or three-dimensional space frame,with enough space to accommodate zinc ions.In order to understand the energy storage mechanism and electrochemical performance of these two materials,a specialized review focusing on state-of-the-art developments is needed.This review offers access for researchers to keep abreast of the research progress of cathode materials for ZIBs.The latest advanced researches in vanadium-based and manganese-based cathode materials applied in aqueous ZIBs are highlighted.This article will provide useful guidance for future studies on cathode materials and aqueous ZIBs.

Distinctive electrochemical performance of novel Fe-based Li-rich cathode material prepared by molten salt method for lithium-ion batteries

For constructing next-generation lithium-ion batteries with advanced performances,pursuit of highcapacity Li-rich cathodes has caused considerable attention.So far,the low discharge specific capacity and serious capacity fading are strangling the development of Fe-based Li-rich materials.To activate the extra-capacity of Fe-based Li-rich cathode materials,a facile molten salt method is exploited using an alkaline mixture of LiOH–LiNO3–Li2O2 in this work.The prepared Li1.09(Fe0.2Ni0.3Mn0.5)0.91O2 material yields high discharge specific capacity and good cycling stability.The discharge specific capacity shows an upward tendency at 0.1 C.After 60 cycles,a high reversible specific capacity of ~250 m Ah g-1is delivered.The redox of Fe3+/Fe4+and Mn3+/Mn4+are gradually activated during cycling.Notably,the redox reaction of Fe2+/Fe3+can be observed reversibly below 2 V,which is quite different from the material prepared by a traditional co-precipitation method.The stable morphology of fine nanoparticles(100–300 nm)is considered benefiting for the distinctive electrochemical performances of Li1.09(Fe0.2Ni0.3Mn0.5)0.91O2.This study demonstrates that molten salt method is an inexpensive and effective approach to activate the extra capacity of Fe-based Li-rich cathode material for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.

Alleviating the sluggish kinetics of all-solid-state batteries via cathode single-crystallization and multi-functional interface modification

The application of Li-rich Mn-based cathodes, the most promising candidates for high-energy-density Liion batteries, in all-solid-state batteries can further enhance the safety and stability of battery systems.However, the utilization of high-capacity Li-rich cathodes has been limited by sluggish kinetics and severe interfacial issues in all-solid-state batteries. Here, a multi-functional interface modification strategy involving dispersed submicron single-crystal structure and multi-functional surface modification layer obtained through in-situ interfacial chemical reactions was designed to improve the electrochemical performance of Li-rich Mn-based cathodes in all-solid-state batteries. The design of submicron single-crystal structure promotes the interface contact between the cathode particles and the solid-state electrolyte,and thus constructs a more complete ion and electron conductive network in the composite cathode.Furthermore, the Li-gradient layer and the lithium molybdate coating layer constructed on the surface of single-crystal Li-rich particles accelerate the transport of Li ions at the interface, suppress the side reactions between cathodes and electrolyte, and inhibit the oxygen release on the cathode surface. The optimized Li-rich cathode materials exhibit excellent electrochemical performance in halide all-solid-state batteries. This study emphasizes the vital importance of reaction kinetics and interfacial stability of Lirich cathodes in all-solid-state batteries and provides a facile modification strategy to enhance the electrochemical performance of all-solid-state batteries based on Li-rich cathodes.

F-doping effects on microstructure and electrochemical performance of cathode material Li_(1.2)Mn_(0.54)Ni_(0.13)Co_(0.13)O_(2)

Lithium-rich manganese-based(Li-rich Mn-based)cathode materials possess high specific capacity,low self-discharge rate and steady working voltage,but cycle performance and rate performance need to be further improved.In this study,cathode materials Li_(1.2)Mn_(0.54)Ni_(0.13)Co_(0.13)O_(2-x)F_(x)(x=0,0.02,0.05,0.08)are synthesized by the co-precipitation method with the two-step calcination process.And the F-doping effects on the microstructure and the electrochemical performance are investigated in the cathode materials Li_(1.2)Mn_(0.54)Ni_(0.13)Co_(0.13)O_(2).The results indicate that among all the F-doped cathode materials,the crystal lattice parameters are increased,order degree and stability of the layered structure are improved.As for x=0.05,cathode material Li_(1.2)Mn_(0.54)Ni_(0.13)Co_(0.13)O_(1.95)F_(0.05)(LMO-F_(0.05))shows the best cycle performance and rate performance with its capacity retention rate 87.7%after 100 cycles at 0.2 C and discharge capacity 117 mAh g−1 at 5 C high power.It can be seen that F doping is a simple and crucial strategy to promote the Li ion diffusion and develop high performance layered cathode materials.

Ni-induced stepwise capacity increase in Ni-poor Li-rich cathode materials for high performance lithium ion batteries

Li-rich cathode materials have been considered as promising candidates for high-energy lithium ion batteries （LIBs）. In this study, we report a new series of Li-rich materials （Li[Li1/B-2x/BMn2/3-x/3Nix]O2 （0.09 ≤x≤ 0.2）） doped with small amounts of Ni as cathode materials in LIBs, which exhibited unusual phenomenon of capacity increase up to tens of cycles due to the continuous activation of the Li2MnO3 phase. Both experimental and computational results indicate that unlike commonly studied Ni-doped Li-rich cathode materials, smaller amounts of Ni doping can promote the stepwise Li2MnO3 activation to obtain increased specific capacity and better cycling capability. In contrast, excessive Ni will over-activate the Li2MnO3 and result in a large capacity loss in the first cycle. The Lil.25Mn0.625Ni0.12sO2 material with an optimized content of Ni delivered a superior high capacity of -280 mAh.g-1 and good cycling stability at room temperature.

A Li-rich layered-spinel cathode material for high capacity and high rate lithium-ion batteries fabricated via a gas-solid reaction

Lithium-rich layered oxide(LLO)cathode materials have drawn extensive attention due to their ultrahigh specific capacity and energy density.However,their commercialization is still restricted by their low initial coulombic efficiency,slow intrinsic kinetics and structural instability.Herein,a facile surface treatment strategy via gaseous phosphine was designed to improve the rate performance and capacity stability of LLOs.During the solid-gas reaction,phosphine reacted with active oxygen at the surface of LLOs due to its reductivity,forming oxygen vacancies and spinel phase at the surface region.As a result,Li ion conductivity and structural stability were greatly enhanced.The phosphinetreated LLOs(LLO@P)showed a layered-spinel hybrid structure and delivered an outstanding rate performance of156.7 mA h g^-1 at 10 C and a high capacity retention of 74%after 300 cycles at 5 C.

High-energy cathode materials for Li-ion batteries: A review of recent developments

Lithium ion batteries （LIBs） represent one of the most promising solutions for environmentally friendly transportation such as electric vehicles. The demand for high energy density, low cost and environmentally friendly batteries makes high-capacity cathode materials very attractive for future LIBs. Layered LiNixCoyMn2O2 （x＋y＋z=1）, Li-rich oxides and Li-V-O compounds have attracted much attention due to their high capacities in recent years. In this review, we focus on the state-of-the-art research activities related to LiNixCoyMn2O2, Li-rich oxides and Li-V-O compounds, including their structures, reaction mechanisms during cycling, challenges and strategies that have been studied to improve their electrochemical performances.

Simultaneous surface modification method for 0.4Li2MnO3-0.6LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 cathode material for lithium ion batteries： Acid treatment and LiCoPO4 coating

Li-rich layered cathode materials have been considered the most promising candidates for large-scale Li-ion batteries due to their low cost and high reversible capacity. However, these materials have many drawbacks that hinder commercialization, such as low initial efficiency and cyclability at elevated temperatures. To overcome these barriers, we propose an efficient and effective surface modification method, in which chemical activation （acid treatment） and LiCoPO4 coating were carried out simultaneously. During the synthesis, the lithium ions were extracted from the lattice, leading to improved Columbic efficiency, and these ions were used for the formation of LiCoPO4. The Ni and Co doped spinel phase was formed at the surface of the host material, which gives rise to the facile pathway for lithium ions. The LiCoPO4 and highly doped spinel on the surface acted as double protection layers that effectively prevented side reactions on the surface at 60℃. Moreover, the transition metal migration of the modified cathode was weakened, due to the presence of the spinel structure at the surface. Consequently, the newly developed Li-rich cathode material exhibited a high 1st efficiency of 94%, improved capacity retention of 82% during 100 cycles at 60℃, and superior rate capability of 62% at 12C （1C = 200 mA/g） rate at 24℃. In addition, the thermal stability of the modified cathode was significantly improved as compared to that of a bare counterpart at 4.6 V, showing a 60% decrease in the total heat generation.

Surface yttrium-doping induced by element segregation to suppress oxygen release in Li-rich layered oxide cathodes

Doping electrochemically inert elements in Li-rich layered oxide cathodes usually stabilizes the structure to improve electrochemical performance at the expense of available capacity.Here,we use an element segregation principle to realize a uniform surface doping without capacity sacrifice.On the basis of Hume-Rothery rule,element yttrium is chosen as a candidate dopant to spontaneously segregate at particle surface due to mismatched ionic size.Combined with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy mapping,yttrium is demonstrated uniformly distributed on particle surface.More importantly,a significant alleviation of oxygen release after surface doping is detected by operando differential electrochemical mass spectrometry.As a result,the modified sample exhibits improved reversibility of oxygen redox with 82.1%coulombic efficiency and excellent cycle performances with 84.15%capacity retention after 140 cycles.Postmortem analysis by transmission electron microscopy,Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction reveal that the modified sample maintains the layered structure without a significant structure transformation after long cycles.This work provides an effective strategy with a series of elements to meet the industrial application.

Dual-modification of manganese oxide by heterostructure and cation pre-intercalation for high-rate and stable zinc-ion storage

Zinc-ion batteries(ZIBs)possess great advantages in terms of high safety and low cost,and are regarded as promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries(LIBs).However,limited by the electrochemical kinetics and structural stability of the typical cathode materials,it is still difficult to simultaneously achieve high rates and high cycling stability for ZIBs.Herein,we present a manganese oxide(Sn_(x)Mn O_(2)/Sn O_(2))material that is dual-modified by Sn O_(2)/Mn O_(2)heterostructures and pre-intercalated Sn;cations as the cathode material for ZIBs.Such modification provides sufficient hetero-interfaces and expanded interlayer spacing in the material,which greatly facilitates the insertion/extraction of Zn^(2+).Meanwhile,the“structural pillars”of Sn^(4+) cations and the“pinning effect”of SnO_(2)also structurally stabilizes the Mn O_(2)species during the repeated Zn^(2+) insertion/extraction,leading to ultra-high cycling stability.Due to these merits,the Sn_(x)MnO_(2)/SnO_(2)cathode exhibits a high reversible capacity of 316.1 m Ah g^(-1) at 0.3 A g^(-1),superior rate capability of 179.4 m Ah g^(-1) at 2 A g^(-1),and 92.4%capacity retention after 2000 cycles.Consequently,this work would provide a promising yet efficient strategy by combining heterostructures and cations preintercalation to obtain high-performance cathodes for ZIBs.

Li_(1.4)Al_(0.4)Ti_(1.6)(PO_(4))_(3) coated Li_(1.2)Ni_(0.13)Co_(0.13)Mn_(0.54)O_(2) for enhancing electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries

Lithium(Li)-rich manganese(Mn)-based cathode Li_(1.2)Ni_(0.13)Co_(0.13)Mn_(0.54)O_(2)(LRNCM)has attracted considerable attention owing to its high specific discharge capacity and low cost.However,unsatisfactory cycle performance and poor rate property hinder its large-scale application.The fast ionic conductor has been widely used as the cathode coating material because of its superior stability and excellent lithium-ion conductivity rate.In this study,Li_(1.2)Ni_(0.13)Co_(0.13)Mn_(0.54)O_(2) is modified by using Li_(1.4)Al_(0.4)Ti_(1.6)(PO_(4))_(3)(LATP)ionic conductor.The electrochemical test results show that the discharge capacity of the resulting LRNCM@LATP1 sample is 198 mA·h/g after 100 cycles at 0.2C,with a capacity retention of 81%.Compared with the uncoated pristine LRNCM(188.4 m A·h/g and 76%),LRNCM after the LATP modification shows superior cycle performance.Moreover,the lithium-ion diffusion coefficient D_(Li+)is a crucial factor affecting the rate performance,and the D_(Li+)of the LRNCM material is improved from 4.94×10^(-13) to 5.68×10^(-12)cm^(2)/s after modification.The specific capacity of LRNCM@LATP1 reaches 102.5 mA·h/g at 5C,with an improved rate performance.Thus,the modification layer can considerably enhance the electrochemical performance of LRNCM.

Surface modification with oxygen vacancy in Li-rich layered oxide Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 for lithium-ion batteries

A couple of layered Li-rich cathode materials Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 without any carbon modification are successfully synthesized by solvothermal and hydrothermal methods followed by a calcination process. The sample synthesized by the solvothermal method(S-NCM) possesses more homogenous microstructure, lower cation mixing degree and more oxygen vacancies on the surface, compared to the sample prepared by the hydrothermal method(H-NCM). The S-NCM sample exhibits much better cycling performance, higher discharge capacity and more excellent rate performance than H-NCM. At 0.2 C rate,the S-NCM sample delivers a much higher initial discharge capacity of 292.3 mAh g^-1 and the capacity maintains 235 m Ah g^-1 after 150 cycles(80.4% retention), whereas the corresponding capacity values are only 269.2 and 108.5 m Ah g^-1(40.3% retention) for the H-NCM sample. The S-NCM sample also shows the higher rate performance with discharge capacity of 118.3 mAh g^-1 even at a high rate of 10 C, superior to that(46.5 m Ah g^-1) of the H-NCM sample. The superior electrochemical performance of the S-NCM sample can be ascribed to its well-ordered structure, much larger specific surface area and much more oxygen vacancies located on the surface.