Understanding fundamentals of electrochemical reactions with tender X-rays:A new lab-based operando X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy method for probing liquid/solid and gas/solid interfaces across a variety of electrochemical systems

Electrocatalysis is key to improving energy efficiency,reducing carbon emissions,and providing a sustainable way of meeting global energy needs.Therefore,elucidating electrochemical reaction mechanisms at the electrolyte/electrode interfaces is essential for developing advanced renewable energy technologies.However,the direct probing of real-time interfacial changes,i.e.,the surface intermediates,chemical environment,and electronic structure,under operating conditions is challenging and necessitates the use of in situ methods.Herein,we present a new lab-based instrument commissioned to perform in situ chemical analysis at liquid/solid interfaces using ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(APXPS).This setup takes advantage of a chromium source of tender X-rays and is designed to study liquid/solid interfaces by the“dip and pull”method.Each of the main components was carefully described,and the results of performance tests are presented.Using a three-electrode setup,the system can probe the intermediate species and potential shifts across the liquid electrolyte/solid electrode interface.In addition,we demonstrate how this system allows the study of interfacial changes at gas/solid interfaces using a case study:a sodium–oxygen model battery.However,the use of APXPS in electrochemical studies is still in the early stages,so we summarize the current challenges and some developmental frontiers.Despite the challenges,we expect that joint efforts to improve instruments and the electrochemical setup will enable us to obtain a better understanding of the composition–reactivity relationship at electrochemical interfaces under realistic reaction conditions.

Atomic-level characterization of liquid/solid interface

The detailed understanding of various underlying processes at liquid/solid interfaces requires the development of interface-sensitive and high-resolution experimental techniques with atomic precision.In this perspective,we review the recent advances in studying the liquid/solid interfaces at atomic level by electrochemical scanning tunneling microscope(EC-STM),non-contact atomic force microscopy(NC-AFM),and surface-sensitive vibrational spectroscopies.Different from the ultrahigh vacuum and cryogenic experiments,these techniques are all operated in situ under ambient condition,making the measurements close to the native state of the liquid/solid interface.In the end,we present some perspectives on emerging techniques,which can defeat the limitation of existing imaging and spectroscopic methods in the characterization of liquid/solid interfaces.

Engineering homotype heterojunctions in hard carbon to induce stable solid electrolyte interfaces for sodium-ion batteries

Developing effective strategies to improve the initial Coulombic efficiency(ICE)and cycling stability of hard carbon(HC)anodes for sodium-ion batteries is the key to promoting the commercial application of HC.In this paper,homotype heterojunctions are designed on HC to induce the generation of stable solid electrolyte interfaces,which can effectively increase the ICE of HC from 64.7%to 81.1%.The results show that using a simple surface engineering strategy to construct a homotypic amorphous Al_(2)O_(3) layer on the HC could shield the active sites,and further inhibit electrolyte decomposition and side effects occurrence.Particularly,due to the suppression of continuous decomposition of NaPF 6 in ester-based electrolytes,the accumulation of NaF could be reduced,leading to the formation of thinner and denser solid electrolyte interface films and a decrease in the interface resistance.The HC anode can not only improve the ICE but elevate its sodium storage performance based on this homotype heterojunction composed of HC and Al_(2)O_(3).The optimized HC anode exhibits an outstanding reversible capacity of 321.5mAhg^(−1) at 50mAg^(−1).The cycling stability is also improved effectively,and the capacity retention rate is 86.9%after 2000 cycles at 1Ag^(−1) while that of the untreated HC is only 52.6%.More importantly,the improved sodium storage behaviors are explained by electrochemical kinetic analysis.

Thermal rectification induced by Wenzel–Cassie wetting state transition on nano-structured solid–liquid interfaces

Thermal rectification refers to the phenomenon by which the magnitude of the heat flux in one direction is much larger than that in the opposite direction.In this study,we propose to implement the thermal rectification phenomenon in an asymmetric solid–liquid–solid sandwiched system with a nano-structured interface.By using the non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations,the thermal transport through the solid–liquid–solid system is examined,and the thermal rectification phenomenon can be observed.It is revealed that the thermal rectification effect can be attributed to the significant difference in the interfacial thermal resistance between Cassie and Wenzel states when reversing the temperature bias.In addition,effects of the liquid density,solid–liquid bonding strength and nanostructure size on the thermal rectification are examined.The findings may provide a new way for designs of certain thermal devices.

Recent Progress in Metallurgical Bonding Mechanisms at the Liquid/Solid Interface of Dissimilar Metals Investigated via in situ X-ray Imaging Technologies

The liquid/solid(L/S)interface of dissimilar metals is critical to the microstructure,mechanical strength,and structural integrity of interconnects in many important applications such as electronics,automotive,aeronautics,and astronautics,and therefore has drawn increasing research interests.To design preferential microstructure and optimize mechanical properties of the interconnects,it is crucial to understand the formation and growth mechanisms of diversified structures at the L/S interface during interconnecting.In situ synchrotron radiation or tube-generated X-ray radiography and tomography technologies make it possible to observe the evolution of the L/S interface directly and therefore have greatly propelled the research in this field.Here,we review the recent progress in understanding the L/S interface behaviors using advanced in situ X-ray imaging techniques with a particular focus on the following two issues:(1)interface behaviors in the solder joints for microelectronic packaging including the intermetallic compounds(IMCs)during refl ow,Sn dendrites,and IMCs during solidification and refl ow porosities and(2)growth characteristics and morphological transition of IMCs in the interconnect of dissimilar metals at high temperature.Furthermore,the main achievements and future research perspectives in terms of metallurgical bonding mechanisms under complex conditions with improved X-ray sources and detectors are remarked and discussed.

Experimental studies of nonlinear reflection on isotropic solid interface

Nonlinear reflection of SV shear wave at the isotropic solid-solid interfaces is experimentally studied. The reflected second harmonic SV shear wave is measured for glass-air,glass-iron, copper and aluminum interfaces. The relation of nonlinear reflective coefficient with the incident angle and linear as well as nonlinear characteristics of the materials is thoroughly investigated. Comparison of the experiment with the theory gives qualitatively agreement.

Solid Electrolyte Interface in Zn-Based Battery Systems

Due to its high theoretical capacity(820 mAh g^(−1)),low standard electrode potential(−0.76 V vs.SHE),excellent stability in aqueous solutions,low cost,environmental friendliness and intrinsically high safety,zinc(Zn)-based batteries have attracted much attention in developing new energy storage devices.In Zn battery system,the battery performance is significantly affected by the solid electrolyte interface(SEI),which is controlled by electrode and electrolyte,and attracts dendrite growth,electrochemical stability window range,metallic Zn anode corrosion and passivation,and electrolyte mutations.Therefore,the design of SEI is decisive for the overall performance of Zn battery systems.This paper summarizes the formation mechanism,the types and characteristics,and the characterization techniques associated with SEI.Meanwhile,we analyze the influence of SEI on battery performance,and put forward the design strategies of SEI.Finally,the future research of SEI in Zn battery system is prospected to seize the nature of SEI,improve the battery performance and promote the large-scale application.

A Study on Solid/Melt Interfaces and the Formation of<100> Texture in Solidified FCC Metals

The (100) texture of solidified fcc metals, caused by the preferential (100) dendrite growth, could be closeIy related to solid/melt interfaces which behave differently along different crystallographic orientation. The stability and roughness of {111} and {100} solid/melt interfaces of fcc metals were investigated using a modified Temkin multi-layer model. It is demonstrated that {100}crystal/melt interface is more unstable and rougher than {111} interface. The effect of the stability of crystal/melt interface on the (100) texture formation in solidified fcc metals has been analysed and discussed.

Unraveling the stabilization mechanism of solid electrolyte interface on ZnSe by rGO in sodium ion battery

Transition metal selenides have been widely studied as anode materials of sodium ion batteries(SIBs),however,the investigation of solid-electrolyte-interface(SEI)on these materials,which is critical to the electrochemical performance of SIBs,remains at its infancy.Here in this paper,ZnSe@C nanoparticles were prepared from ZIF-8 and the SEI layers on these electrodes with and without reduced graphene oxide(rGO)layers were examined in details by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies at varied charged/discharged states.It is observed that fast and complicated electrolyte decomposition reactions on ZnSe@C leads to quite thick SEI film and intercalation of solvated sodium ions through such thick SEI film results in slow ion diffusion kinetics and unstable electrode structure.However,the presence of rGO could efficiently suppress the decomposition of electrolyte,thus thin and stable SEI film was formed.ZnSe@C electrodes wrapped by rGO demonstrates enhanced interfacial charge transfer kinetics and high electrochemical performance,a capacity retention of 96.4%,after 1000 cycles at 5 A/g.This study might offer a simple avenue for the designing high performance anode materials through manipulation of SEI film.

Revealing the solid electrolyte interface on calcium metal anodes

Owing to its low potential, crustal abundances and environmental friendliness, calcium metal anode(CMA) is emerging as a powerful contender in post-lithium era. However, the passivation of CMA fatally hinders its development. Recently, several feasible electrolytes have been developed. Nevertheless, as a pivotal part, the solid electrolyte interface(SEI) formed on CMA has not been paid enough attention to. In this review, based on the passivation mechanism of CMA, the favorable composition of SEI is emphasized with the corresponding electrolytes. It is considered that boron-containing and organic–inorganic hybrid SEI might be preferred. By comparing electrolytes and SEI on CMA with lithium and magnesium metal anodes, the root causes of CMA passivation are further elaborated, enlightening rational design rules of suitable SEI. Furthermore, some noteworthy details when assembling secondary calcium metal batteries(CMBs) are put forward. It is expected that deeper understanding of SEI on CMA will promote the development of CMBs.

Fractal Description of the Solid/Liquid Interface of a Directionally Solidified Superalloy with Different Phosphorus Content

The solid/liquid interface of a directionally solidified Ni-base superalloy with different phosphorus contents was quantitatively described by means of fractat method.When the solidification rate was fixed,the relationship between the fractal dimensionality of the solid/liquid interface and the phos- phorus content of the test alloy was given.Combined the thermodynamics and fractal theory,the ef- fect mechanism of phosphorus content on fractal dimensionality of the solid/liquid interface was discussed.

Quantum state transfer via a hybrid solid–optomechanical interface

We propose a scheme to implement quantum state transfer between two distant quantum nodes via a hybrid solid–optomechanical interface. The quantum state is encoded on the native superconducting qubit, and transferred to the microwave photon, then the optical photon successively, which afterwards is transmitted to the remote node by cavity leaking,and finally the quantum state is transferred to the remote superconducting qubit. The high efficiency of the state transfer is achieved by controllable Gaussian pulses sequence and numerically demonstrated with theoretically feasible parameters.Our scheme has the potential to implement unified quantum computing–communication–computing, and high fidelity of the microwave–optics–microwave transfer process of the quantum state.

Electrode-compatible fluorine-free multifunctional additive regulating solid electrolyte interphase and solvation structure for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

The rapid development and widespread application of lithium-ion batteries(LIBs) have increased demand for high-safety and high-performance LIBs. Accordingly, various additives have been used in commercial liquid electrolytes to severally adjust the solvation structure of lithium ions, control the components of solid electrolyte interphase, or reduce flammability. While it is highly desirable to develop low-cost multifunctional electrolyte additives integrally that address both safety and performance on LIBs, significant challenges remain. Herein, a novel phosphorus-containing organic small molecule, bis(2-methoxyethyl) methylphosphonate(BMOP), was rationally designed to serve as a fluorine-free and multifunctional additive in commercial electrolytes. This novel electrolyte additive is low-toxicity,high-efficiency, low-cost, and electrode-compatible, which shows the significant improvement to both electrochemical performance and fire safety for LIBs through regulating the electrolyte solvation structure, constructing the stable electrode-electrolyte interphase, and suppressing the electrolyte combustion. This work provides a new avenue for developing safer and high-performance LIBs.

Revealing the potential of apparent critical current density of Li/garnet interface with capacity perturbation strategy

Apparent critical current density(j_(Ac)^(a))of garnet all-solid-state lithium metal symmetric cells(ASSLSCs)is a fundamental parameter for designing all-solid-state lithium metal batteries.Nevertheless,how much the possible maximum apparent current density that a given ASSLSC system can endure and how to reveal this potential still require study.Herein,a capacity perturbation strategy aiming to better measure the possible maximum j_(Ac)^(a)is proposed for the first time.With garnet-based plane-surface structure ASSLSCs as an exemplification,the j_(Ac)^(a)is quite small when the capacity is dramatically large.Under a perturbed capacity of 0.001 mA h cm^(-2),the j_(Ac)^(a)is determined to be as high as 2.35 mA cm^(-2)at room temperature.This investigation demonstrates that the capacity perturbation strategy is a feasible strategy for measuring the possible maximum j_(Ac)^(a)of Li/solid electrolyte interface,and hopefully provides good references to explore the critical current density of other types of electrochemical systems.

Diffusion bonding of Ti−6Al−4V titanium alloy powder and solid by hot isostatic pressing

The Ti−6Al−4V(TC4)alloy powder and forged solid were diffusion bonded by hot isostatic pressing(HIP)to fabricate a powder−solid part.The microstructure of the powder−solid part was observed by scanning electron microscope(SEM).The microhardness and tensile tests were conducted to investigate the mechanical properties.The results showed that the powder compact was near-fully dense,and the powder/solid interface was tight and complete.The microhardness of the interface was higher than that of the powder compact and solid.The fractures of all powder−solid tensile specimens were on the solid side rather than at the interface,which indicated that a good interfacial strength was obtained.The tensile strength and elongation of the powder compact were higher than those of the solid.It is concluded that the HIP process can successfully fabricate high-quality Ti−6Al−4V powder−solid parts,which provides a novel near net shape technology for titanium alloys.

Smart materials for safe lithium-ion batteries against thermal runaway

In recent years,the new energy storage system,such as lithium ion batteries(LIBs),has attracted much attention.In order to meet the demand of industrial progress for longer cycle life,higher energy density and cost efficiency,a quantity of research has been conducted on the commercial application of LIBs.However,it is difficult to achieve satisfying safety and cycling performance simultaneously.There may be thermal runaway(TR),external impact,overcharge and overdischarge in the process of battery abuse,which makes the safety problem of LIBs more prominent.In this review,we summarize recent progress in the smart safety materials design towards the goal of preventing TR of LIBs reversibly from different abuse conditions.Benefiting from smart responsive materials and novel structural design,the safety of LIBs can be improved a lot.We expect to provide a comprehensive reference for the development of smart and safe lithium-based battery materials.

Postmortem ^(7)Li NMR analysis for assessing the reversibility of lithium metal electrodes in lithium metal batteries

Despite the proficiency of lithium(Li)-7 NMR spectroscopy in delineating the physical and chemical states of Li metal electrodes,challenges in specimen preparation and interpretation impede its progress.In this study,we conducted a comprehensive postmortem analysis utilizing ^(7)Li NMR,employing a stan-dard magic angle spinning probe to examine protective-layer coated Li metal electrodes and LiAg alloy electrodes against bare Li metal electrodes within Li metal batteries(LMBs).Our investigation explores the effects of sample burrs,alignment with the magnetic field,the existence of liquid electrolytes,and precycling on the ^(7)Li NMR signals.Through contrasting NMR spectra before and after cycling,we identi-fied alterations in Li^(0) and Li^(+) signals attributable to the degradation of the Li metal electrode.Our NMR analyses decisively demonstrate the efficacy of the protective layer in mitigating dendrite and solid elec-trolyte interphase formation.Moreover,we noted that Li*ions near the Li metal surface exhibit magnetic susceptibility anisotropy,revealing a novel approach to studying diamagnetic species on Li metal elec-trodes in LMBs.This study provides valuable insights and practical guidelines for characterizing distinct lithium states within LMBs.

Empowering the Future: Exploring the Construction and Characteristics of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium element has attracted remarkable attraction for energy storage devices, over the past 30 years. Lithium is a light element and exhibits the low atomic number 3, just after hydrogen and helium in the periodic table. The lithium atom has a strong tendency to release one electron and constitute a positive charge, as Li . Initially, lithium metal was employed as a negative electrode, which released electrons. However, it was observed that its structure changed after the repetition of charge-discharge cycles. To remedy this, the cathode mainly consisted of layer metal oxide and olive, e.g., cobalt oxide, LiFePO4, etc., along with some contents of lithium, while the anode was assembled by graphite and silicon, etc. Moreover, the electrolyte was prepared using the lithium salt in a suitable solvent to attain a greater concentration of lithium ions. Owing to the lithium ions’ role, the battery’s name was mentioned as a lithium-ion battery. Herein, the presented work describes the working and operational mechanism of the lithium-ion battery. Further, the lithium-ion batteries’ general view and future prospects have also been elaborated.

Mathematical modeling and numerical computation of the effective interfacial conditions for Stokes flow on an arbitrarily rough solid surface

The present work is concerned with a two-dimensional(2D)Stokes flow through a channel bounded by two parallel solid walls.The distance between the walls may be arbitrary,and the surface of one of the walls can be arbitrarily rough.The main objective of this work consists in homogenizing the heterogeneous interface between the rough wall and fluid so as to obtain an equivalent smooth slippery fluid/solid interface characterized by an effective slip length.To solve the corresponding problem,two efficient numerical approaches are elaborated on the basis of the method of fundamental solution(MFS)and the boundary element methods(BEMs).They are applied to different cases where the fluid/solid interface is periodically or randomly rough.The results obtained by the proposed two methods are compared with those given by the finite element method and some relevant ones reported in the literature.This comparison shows that the two proposed methods are particularly efficient and accurate.

Role of temperature gradient in liquid/solid phase solution-diffusion bonding

The liquid-film solution-diffusion bonding of ZCuBe2.5 alloys was conducted using Cu-based alloy powders. The tensile strength of the joint is up to 318 MPa. With the increase of temperature gradient, the bonding time decreases and the interface migration velocity increases remarkably. The appropriate temperature gradient is 5-40 K/cm. Under fixed bonding time, the thickness of diffusion layer increases with the increase of temperature gradient, and this tendency becomes more remarkable with the prolonging of bonding time.