Plasma preparation of highly reactive Ag-Cu NPs anchored in N-PC as catalysts for Aluminum-air battery

Efficient,stable and economical catalysts play a crucial role in enhancing the kinetics of slow oxygen reduction reactions(ORR)in Aluminum-air batteries.Among the potential next-generation candidates,Ag catalysts are promising due to their high activity and low cost,but weaker oxygen adsorption has hindered industrialization.To address this bottleneck,Ag-alloying has emerged as a principal strategy.In this work,we successfully prepared Ag-Cu nanoparticles(NPs)with a rich eutectic phase and uniform dispersion structure using plasma evaporation.The increased solid solution of Ag and Cu led to changes in the electronic structure,resulting in an upward shift of the d-band center,which significantly improved oxygen adsorption.The combination of Ag and Cu in the NPs synergistically enhanced the adsorption of Ag and the desorption of Cu.Density functional theory(DFT)calculations revealed that Ag-Cu25 NPs exhibited the smallest limiting reaction barrier,leading to increased ORR activity.To further optimize the catalyst’s performance,we utilized N-doped porous nanocarbon(N-PC)with high electrical conductivity and abundant mesoporous channels as the support for the Ag-Cu NPs.The N-PC support provided optimal mass transfer carriers for the highly active Ag-Cu25 NPs.As a result,the Ag-Cu25/NPC catalyst displayed excellent ORR activity in alkaline media,with a half-wave potential(E_(1/2))of 0.82 V.Furthermore,the Al-air battery incorporating the Ag-Cu25/NPC catalyst exhibited outstanding electrochemical performance.It demonstrated high open-circuit voltages of 1.89 V and remarkable power densities of 193 m W cm^(-2).The battery also sustained a high current output and maintained a stable high voltage for 120 hours under mechanical charging,showcasing its significant potential for practical applications.

Aluminum-air battery with cotton substrate:Controlling the discharge capacity by electrolyte pre-deposition

Conventional Al-air battery has many disadvantages for miniwatt applications,such as the complex water management,bulky electrolyte storage and potential leakage hazard.Moreover,the self-corrosion of Al anode continues even when the electrolyte flow is stopped,leading to great Al waste.To tackle these issues,an innovative cotton-based aluminum-air battery is developed in this study.Instead of flowing alkaline solution,cotton substrate pre-deposited with solid alkaline is used,together with a small water reservoir to continuously wet the cotton and dissolve the alkaline in-situ.In this manner,the battery can be mechanically recharged by replacing the cotton substrate and refilling the water reservoir,while the thick aluminum anode can be reused for tens of times until complete consumption.The cotton substrate shows excellent ability for the storage and transportation of alkaline electrolyte,leading to a high peak power density of 73 mW cm^(-2) and a high specific energy of 930 mW h g^(-1).Moreover,the battery discharge capacity is found to be linear to the loading of pre-deposited alkaline,so that it can be precisely controlled according to the mission profile to avoid Al waste.Finally,a two-cell battery pack with common water reservoir is developed,which can provide a voltage of 2.7 V and a power output of 223.8 mW.With further scaling-up and stacking,this cotton-based Al-air battery system with low cost and high energy density is very promising for recharging miniwatt electronics in the outdoor environment.

Reviewing electrochemical stability of ionic liquids-/deep eutectic solvents-based electrolytes in lithium-ion,lithium-metal and post-lithium-ion batteries for green and safe energy

Sustainable energy is the key issue for the environment protection,human activity and economic development.Ionic liquids(ILs)and deep eutectic solvents(DESs)are dogmatically regarded as green and sustainable electrolytes in lithium-ion,lithium-metal(e.g.,lithium-sulphur,lithium-oxygen)and post-lithium-ion(e.g.,sodium-ion,magnesium-ion,and aluminum-ion)batteries.High electrochemical stability of ILs/DESs is one of the prerequisites for green,sustainable and safe energy;while easy electrochemical decomposition of ILs/DESs would be contradictory to the concept of green chemistry by adding the cost,releasing volatile/hazardous by-products and hindering the recyclability.However,(1)are ILs/DESs-based electrolytes really electrochemically stable when they are not used in batteries?(2)are ILs/DESs-based electrolytes really electrochemically stable in real batteries?(3)how to design ILs/DESs-based electrolytes with high electrochemical stability for batteries to achieve sustainability and green development?Up to now,there is no summary on this topic,to the best of our knowledge.Here,we review the effect of chemical structure and non-structural factors on the electrochemical stability of ILs/DESs in simulated conditions.More importantly,electrochemical stability of ILs/DESs in real lithium-ion,lithium-metal and post-lithium-ion batteries is concluded and compared.Finally,the strategies to improve the electrochemical stability of ILs/DESs in lithium-ion,lithium-metal and post-lithium-ion batteries are proposed.This review would provide a guide to design ILs/DESs with high electrochemical stability for lithium-ion,lithium-metal and postlithium-ion batteries to achieve sustainable and green energy.

Mechanism of internal thermal runaway propagation in blade batteries

Blade batteries are extensively used in electric vehicles,but unavoidable thermal runaway is an inherent threat to their safe use.This study experimentally investigated the mechanism underlying thermal runaway propagation within a blade battery by using a nail to trigger thermal runaway and thermocouples to track its propagation inside a cell.The results showed that the internal thermal runaway could propagate for up to 272 s,which is comparable to that of a traditional battery module.The velocity of the thermal runaway propagation fluctuated between 1 and 8 mm s^(-1),depending on both the electrolyte content and high-temperature gas diffusion.In the early stages of thermal runaway,the electrolyte participated in the reaction,which intensified the thermal runaway and accelerated its propagation.As the battery temperature increased,the electrolyte evaporated,which attenuated the acceleration effect.Gas diffusion affected thermal runaway propagation through both heat transfer and mass transfer.The experimental results indicated that gas diffusion accelerated the velocity of thermal runaway propagation by 36.84%.We used a 1D mathematical model and confirmed that convective heat transfer induced by gas diffusion increased the velocity of thermal runaway propagation by 5.46%-17.06%.Finally,the temperature rate curve was analyzed,and a three-stage mechanism for internal thermal runaway propagation was proposed.In Stage I,convective heat transfer from electrolyte evaporation locally increased the temperature to 100℃.In Stage II,solid heat transfer locally increases the temperature to trigger thermal runaway.In StageⅢ,thermal runaway sharply increases the local temperature.The proposed mechanism sheds light on the internal thermal runaway propagation of blade batteries and offers valuable insights into safety considerations for future design.

Layered Potassium Titanium Niobate/Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite as a Potassium‑Ion Battery Anode

With graphite currently leading as the most viable anode for potassium-ion batteries(KIBs),other materials have been left relatively underexamined.Transition metal oxides are among these,with many positive attributes such as synthetic maturity,longterm cycling stability and fast redox kinetics.Therefore,to address this research deficiency we report herein a layered potassium titanium niobate KTiNbO5(KTNO)and its rGO nanocomposite(KTNO/rGO)synthesised via solvothermal methods as a high-performance anode for KIBs.Through effective distribution across the electrically conductive rGO,the electrochemical performance of the KTNO nanoparticles was enhanced.The potassium storage performance of the KTNO/rGO was demonstrated by its first charge capacity of 128.1 mAh g^(−1) and reversible capacity of 97.5 mAh g^(−1) after 500 cycles at 20 mA g^(−1),retaining 76.1%of the initial capacity,with an exceptional rate performance of 54.2 mAh g^(−1)at 1 A g^(−1).Furthermore,to investigate the attributes of KTNO in-situ XRD was performed,indicating a low-strain material.Ex-situ X-ray photoelectron spectra further investigated the mechanism of charge storage,with the titanium showing greater redox reversibility than the niobium.This work suggests this lowstrain nature is a highly advantageous property and well worth regarding KTNO as a promising anode for future high-performance KIBs.

Managing the surge:A comprehensive review of the entire disposal framework for retired lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles

Anticipating the imminent surge of retired lithium-ion batteries(R-LIBs)from electric vehicles,the need for safe,cost-effective and environmentally friendly disposal technologies has escalated.This paper seeks to offer a comprehensive overview of the entire disposal framework for R-LIBs,encompassing a broad spectrum of activities,including screening,repurposing and recycling.Firstly,we delve deeply into a thorough examination of current screening technologies,shifting the focus from a mere enumeration of screening methods to the exploration of the strategies for enhancing screening efficiency.Secondly,we outline battery repurposing with associated key factors,summarizing stationary applications and sizing methods for R-LIBs in their second life.A particular light is shed on available reconditioning solutions,demonstrating their great potential in facilitating battery safety and lifetime in repurposing scenarios and identifying their techno-economic issues.In the realm of battery recycling,we present an extensive survey of pre-treatment options and subsequent material recovery technologies.Particularly,we introduce several global leading recyclers to illustrate their industrial processes and technical intricacies.Furthermore,relevant challenges and evolving trends are investigated in pursuit of a sustainable end-of-life management and disposal framework.We hope that this study can serve as a valuable resource for researchers,industry professionals and policymakers in this field,ultimately facilitating the adoption of proper disposal practices.

Catalytic effect in lithium metal batteries: From heterogeneous catalyst to homogenous catalyst

Lithium metal batteries are regarded as prominent contenders to address the pressing needs owing to the high theoretical capacity.Toward the broader implementation,the primary obstacle lies in the intricate multi-electron,multi-step redox reaction associated with sluggish conversion kinetics,subsequently giving rise to a cascade of parasitic issues.In order to smooth reaction kinetics,catalysts are widely introduced to accelerate reaction rate via modulating the energy barrier.Over past decades,a large amount of research has been devoted to the catalyst design and catalytic mechanism exploration,and thus the great progress in electrochemical performance has been realized.Therefore,it is necessary to make a comprehensive review toward key progress in catalyst design and future development pathway.In this review,the basic mechanism of lithium metal batteries is provided along with corresponding advantages and existing challenges detailly described.The main catalysts employed to accelerate cathode reaction with emphasis on their catalytic mechanism are summarized as well.Finally,the rational design and innovative direction toward efficient catalysts are suggested for future application in metal-sulfur/gas battery and beyond.This review is expected to drive and benefit future research on rational catalyst design with multi-parameter synergistic impacts on the activity and stability of next-generation metal battery,thus opening new avenue for sustainable solution to climate change,energy and environmental issues,and the potential industrial economy.

Electro-spraying/spinning: A novel battery manufacturing technology

Lithium-ion battery(LIB) industry seems to have met its bottle neck in cutting down producing costs even though much efforts have been put into building a complete industrial chain. Actually, manufacturing methods can greatly affect the cost of battery production. Up to now, lithium ion battery producers still adopt manufacturing methods with cumbersome sub-components preparing processes and costly assembling procedures, which will undoubtedly elevate the producing cost. Herein, we propose a novel approach to directly assemble battery components(cathode, anode and separator) in an integrated way using electro-spraying and electro-spinning technologies. More importantly, this novel battery manufacturing method can produce LIBs in large scale, and the products show excellent mechanical strength, flexibility, thermal stability and electrolyte wettability. Additionally, the performance of the as-prepaed Li Fe PO_(4)||graphite full cell produced by this new method is comparable or even better than that produced by conventional manufacturing approach. In brief, this work provides a new promising technology to prepare LIBs with low cost and better performance.

Indolocarbazole-Based Small Molecule Cathode-Active Material Exhibiting Double Redox for High-Voltage Li-Organic Batteries

Most organic electrode materials(OEMs)for rechargeable batteries employ n-type redox centers,whose redox potentials are intrinsically limited<3.0 V versus Li^(+)/Li.However,p-type materials possessing high redox potentials experience low specific capacities because they are capable of only a single redox reaction within the stable electrochemical window of typical electrolytes.Herein,we report 5,11-diethyl-5,11-dihydroindolo[3,2-b]carbazole(DEICZ)as a novel p-type OEM,exhibiting stable plateaus at high discharge potentials of 3.44 and 4.09 V versus Li^(+)/Li.Notably,the second redox potential of DEICZ is within the stable electrochemical window.The mechanism of the double redox reaction is investigated using both theoretical calculations and experimental measurements,including density functional theory calculations,ex situ electron spin resonance,and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.Finally,hybridization with single-walled carbon nanotubes(SWCNT)improves the cycle stability and rate performance of DEICZ owing to theπ-πinteractions between the SWCNT and co-planar molecular structure of DEICZ,preventing the dissolution of active materials into the electrolyte.The DEICZ/SWCNT composite electrode maintains 70.4%of its initial specific capacity at 1-C rate and also exhibits high-rate capability,even performing well at 100-C rate.Furthermore,we demonstrate its potential for flexible batteries after applying 1000 bending stresses to the composite electrode.

Physics-based battery SOC estimation methods:Recent advances and future perspectives

The reliable prediction of state of charge(SOC)is one of the vital functions of advanced battery management system(BMS),which has great significance towards safe operation of electric vehicles.By far,the empirical model-based and data-driven-based SOC estimation methods of lithium-ion batteries have been comprehensively discussed and reviewed in various literatures.However,few reviews involving SOC estimation focused on electrochemical mechanism,which gives physical explanations to SOC and becomes most attractive candidate for advanced BMS.For this reason,this paper comprehensively surveys on physics-based SOC algorithms applied in advanced BMS.First,the research progresses of physical SOC estimation methods for lithium-ion batteries are thoroughly discussed and corresponding evaluation criteria are carefully elaborated.Second,future perspectives of the current researches on physics-based battery SOC estimation are presented.The insights stated in this paper are expected to catalyze the development and application of the physics-based advanced BMS algorithms.

Thermal safety boundary of lithium-ion battery at different state of charge

Thermal runaway(TR)is a critical issue hindering the large-scale application of lithium-ion batteries(LIBs).Understanding the thermal safety behavior of LIBs at the cell and module level under different state of charges(SOCs)has significant implications for reinforcing the thermal safety design of the lithium-ion battery module.This study first investigates the thermal safety boundary(TSB)correspondence at the cells and modules level under the guidance of a newly proposed concept,safe electric quantity boundary(SEQB).A reasonable thermal runaway propagation(TRP)judgment indicator,peak heat transfer power(PHTP),is proposed to predict whether TRP occurs.Moreover,a validated 3D model is used to quantitatively clarify the TSB at different SOCs from the perspective of PHTP,TR trigger temperature,SOC,and the full cycle life.Besides,three different TRP transfer modes are discovered.The interconversion relationship of three different TRP modes is investigated from the perspective of PHTP.This paper explores the TSB of LIBs under different SOCs at both cell and module levels for the first time,which has great significance in guiding the thermal safety design of battery systems.

Recent Advances in Aqueous Zn||MnO_(2)Batteries

Recently,rechargeable aqueous zinc-based batteries using manganese oxide as the cathode(e.g.,MnO_(2))have gained attention due to their inherent safety,environmental friendliness,and low cost.Despite their potential,achieving high energy density in Zn||MnO_(2)batteries remains challenging,highlighting the need to understand the electrochemical reaction mechanisms underlying these batteries more deeply and optimize battery components,including electrodes and electrolytes.This review comprehensively summarizes the latest advancements for understanding the electrochemistry reaction mechanisms and designing electrodes and electrolytes for Zn||MnO_(2)batteries in mildly and strongly acidic environments.Furthermore,we highlight the key challenges hindering the extensive application of Zn||MnO_(2)batteries,including high-voltage requirements and areal capacity,and propose innovative solutions to overcome these challenges.We suggest that MnO_(2)/Mn^(2+)conversion in neutral electrolytes is a crucial aspect that needs to be addressed to achieve high-performance Zn||MnO_(2)batteries.These approaches could lead to breakthroughs in the future development of Zn||MnO_(2)batteries,off ering a more sustainable,costeff ective,and high-performance alternative to traditional batteries.

Inherent thermal-responsive strategies for safe lithium batteries

Safe batteries are the basis for next-generation application scenarios such as portable energy storage devices and electric vehicles,which are crucial to achieving carbon neutralization.Electrolytes,separators,and electrodes as main components of lithium batteries strongly affect the occurrence of safety accidents.Responsive materials,which can respond to external stimuli or environmental change,have triggered extensive attentions recently,holding great promise in facilitating safe and smart batteries.This review thoroughly discusses recent advances regarding the construction of high-safety lithium batteries based on internal thermal-responsive strategies,together with the corresponding changes in electrochemical performance under external stimulus.Furthermore,the existing challenges and outlook for the design of safe batteries are presented,creating valuable insights and proposing directions for the practical implementation of safe lithium batteries.

Progress,challenges,and prospects of spent lithium-ion batteries recycling:A review

The recycling and reutilization of spent lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)have become an important measure to alleviate problems like resource scarcity and environmental pollution.Although some progress has been made,battery recycling technology still faces challenges in terms of efficiency,effectiveness and environmental sustainability.This review aims to systematically review and analyze the current status of spent LIB recycling,and conduct a detailed comparison and evaluation of different recycling processes.In addition,this review introduces emerging recycling techniques,including deep eutectic solvents,molten salt roasting,and direct regeneration,with the intent of enhancing recycling efficiency and diminishing environmental repercussions.Furthermore,to increase the added value of recycled materials,this review proposes the concept of upgrading recycled materials into high value-added functional materials,such as catalysts,adsorbents,and graphene.Through life cycle assessment,the paper also explores the economic and environmental impacts of current battery recycling and highlights the importance that future recycling technologies should achieve a balance between recycling efficiency,economics and environmental benefits.Finally,this review outlines the opportunities and challenges of recycling key materials for next-generation batteries,and proposes relevant policy recommendations to promote the green and sustainable development of batteries,circular economy,and ecological civilization.

Design Principles and Mechanistic Understandings of Non-Noble-Metal Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Zinc-Air Batteries

Zinc-air batteries(ZABs)are promising energy storage systems because of high theoretical energy density,safety,low cost,and abundance of zinc.However,the slow multi-step reaction of oxygen and heavy reliance on noble-metal catalysts hinder the practical applications of ZABs.Therefore,feasible and advanced non-noble-metal elec-trocatalysts for air cathodes need to be identified to promote the oxygen catalytic reaction.In this review,we initially introduced the advancement of ZABs in the past two decades and provided an overview of key developments in this field.Then,we discussed the work-ing mechanism and the design of bifunctional electrocatalysts from the perspective of morphology design,crystal structure tuning,interface strategy,and atomic engineering.We also included theoretical studies,machine learning,and advanced characterization technologies to provide a comprehensive understanding of the structure-performance relationship of electrocatalysts and the reaction pathways of the oxygen redox reactions.Finally,we discussed the challenges and prospects related to designing advanced non-noble-metal bifunctional electrocatalysts for ZABs.

From Liquid to Solid‑State Lithium Metal Batteries:Fundamental Issues and Recent Developments

The widespread adoption of lithium-ion batteries has been driven by the proliferation of portable electronic devices and electric vehicles,which have increasingly stringent energy density requirements.Lithium metal batteries(LMBs),with their ultralow reduction potential and high theoretical capacity,are widely regarded as the most promising technical pathway for achieving high energy density batteries.In this review,we provide a comprehensive overview of fundamental issues related to high reactivity and migrated interfaces in LMBs.Furthermore,we propose improved strategies involving interface engineering,3D current collector design,electrolyte optimization,separator modification,application of alloyed anodes,and external field regulation to address these challenges.The utilization of solid-state electrolytes can significantly enhance the safety of LMBs and represents the only viable approach for advancing them.This review also encompasses the variation in fundamental issues and design strategies for the transition from liquid to solid electrolytes.Particularly noteworthy is that the introduction of SSEs will exacerbate differences in electrochemical and mechanical properties at the interface,leading to increased interface inhomogeneity—a critical factor contributing to failure in all-solidstate lithium metal batteries.Based on recent research works,this perspective highlights the current status of research on developing high-performance LMBs.

Engineering Strategies for Suppressing the Shuttle Effect in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Lithium–sulfur(Li–S)batteries are supposed to be one of the most potential next-generation batteries owing to their high theoretical capacity and low cost.Nevertheless,the shuttle effect of firm multi-step two-electron reaction between sulfur and lithium in liquid electrolyte makes the capacity much smaller than the theoretical value.Many methods were proposed for inhibiting the shuttle effect of polysulfide,improving corresponding redox kinetics and enhancing the integral performance of Li–S batteries.Here,we will comprehensively and systematically summarize the strategies for inhibiting the shuttle effect from all components of Li–S batteries.First,the electrochemical principles/mechanism and origin of the shuttle effect are described in detail.Moreover,the efficient strategies,including boosting the sulfur conversion rate of sulfur,confining sulfur or lithium polysulfides(LPS)within cathode host,confining LPS in the shield layer,and preventing LPS from contacting the anode,will be discussed to suppress the shuttle effect.Then,recent advances in inhibition of shuttle effect in cathode,electrolyte,separator,and anode with the aforementioned strategies have been summarized to direct the further design of efficient materials for Li–S batteries.Finally,we present prospects for inhibition of the LPS shuttle and potential development directions in Li–S batteries.

Progress on Transition Metal Ions Dissolution Suppression Strategies in Prussian Blue Analogs for Aqueous Sodium-/Potassium-Ion Batteries

Aqueous sodium-ion batteries(ASIBs)and aqueous potassium-ion batteries(APIBs)present significant potential for large-scale energy storage due to their cost-effectiveness,safety,and environmental compatibility.Nonetheless,the intricate energy storage mechanisms in aqueous electrolytes place stringent require-ments on the host materials.Prussian blue analogs(PBAs),with their open three-dimensional framework and facile synthesis,stand out as leading candidates for aqueous energy storage.However,PBAs possess a swift capacity fade and limited cycle longevity,for their structural integrity is compromised by the pronounced dis-solution of transition metal(TM)ions in the aqueous milieu.This manuscript provides an exhaustive review of the recent advancements concerning PBAs in ASIBs and APIBs.The dissolution mechanisms of TM ions in PBAs,informed by their structural attributes and redox processes,are thoroughly examined.Moreover,this study delves into innovative design tactics to alleviate the dissolution issue of TM ions.In conclusion,the paper consolidates various strategies for suppressing the dissolution of TM ions in PBAs and posits avenues for prospective exploration of high-safety aqueous sodium-/potassium-ion batteries.

Advances in All-Solid-State Lithium-Sulfur Batteries for Commercialization

Solid-state batteries are commonly acknowledged as the forthcoming evolution in energy storage technologies.Recent development progress for these rechargeable batteries has notably accelerated their trajectory toward achieving commercial feasibility.In particular,all-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries(ASSLSBs)that rely on lithium-sulfur reversible redox processes exhibit immense potential as an energy storage system,surpassing conventional lithium-ion batteries.This can be attributed predominantly to their exceptional energy density,extended operational lifespan,and heightened safety attributes.Despite these advantages,the adoption of ASSLSBs in the commercial sector has been sluggish.To expedite research and development in this particular area,this article provides a thorough review of the current state of ASSLSBs.We delve into an in-depth analysis of the rationale behind transitioning to ASSLSBs,explore the fundamental scientific principles involved,and provide a comprehensive evaluation of the main challenges faced by ASSLSBs.We suggest that future research in this field should prioritize plummeting the presence of inactive substances,adopting electrodes with optimum performance,minimizing interfacial resistance,and designing a scalable fabrication approach to facilitate the commercialization of ASSLSBs.

A Review of Rechargeable Zinc-Air Batteries:Recent Progress and Future Perspectives

Zinc-air batteries(ZABs)are gaining attention as an ideal option for various applications requiring high-capacity batteries,such as portable electronics,electric vehicles,and renewable energy storage.ZABs offer advantages such as low environmental impact,enhanced safety compared to Li-ion batteries,and cost-effectiveness due to the abundance of zinc.However,early research faced challenges due to parasitic reactions at the zinc anode and slow oxygen redox kinetics.Recent advancements in restructuring the anode,utilizing alternative electrolytes,and developing bifunctional oxygen catalysts have significantly improved ZABs.Scientists have achieved battery reversibility over thousands of cycles,introduced new electrolytes,and achieved energy efficiency records surpassing 70%.Despite these achievements,there are challenges related to lower power density,shorter lifespan,and air electrode corrosion leading to performance degradation.This review paper discusses different battery configurations,and reaction mechanisms for electrically and mechanically rechargeable ZABs,and proposes remedies to enhance overall battery performance.The paper also explores recent advancements,applications,and the future prospects of electrically/mechanically rechargeable ZABs.