In situ characterizations of advanced electrode materials for sodium-ion batteries toward high electrochemical performances

Energy storage is an ever-growing global concern due to increased energy needs and resource exhaustion.Sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)have called increasing attention and achieved substantial progress in recent years owing to the abundance and even distribution of Na resources in the crust,and the predicted low cost of the technique.Nevertheless,SIBs still face challenges like lower energy density and inferior cycling stability compared to mature lithium-ion batteries(LIBs).Enhancing the electrochemical performance of SIBs requires an in-deep and comprehensive understanding of the improvement strategies and the underlying reaction mechanism elucidated by in situ techniques.In this review,commonly applied in situ techniques,for instance,transmission electron microscopy(TEM),Raman spectroscopy,X-ray diffraction(XRD),and X-ray absorption near-edge structure(XANES),and their applications on the representative cathode and anode materials with selected samples are summarized.We discuss the merits and demerits of each type of material,strategies to enhance their electrochemical performance,and the applications of in situ characterizations of them during the de/sodiation process to reveal the underlying reaction mechanism for performance improvement.We aim to elucidate the composition/structure-per formance relationship to provide guidelines for rational design and preparation of electrode materials toward high electrochemical performance.

Computational design of promising 2D electrode materials for Li-ion and Li–S battery applications

Lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)and lithium-sulfur(Li–S)batteries are two types of energy storage systems with significance in both scientific research and commercialization.Nevertheless,the rational design of electrode materials for overcoming the bottlenecks of LIBs and Li–S batteries(such as low diffusion rates in LIBs and low sulfur utilization in Li–S batteries)remain the greatest challenge,while two-dimensional(2D)electrodes materials provide a solution because of their unique structural and electrochemical properties.In this article,from the perspective of ab-initio simulations,we review the design of 2D electrode materials for LIBs and Li–S batteries.We first propose the theoretical design principles for 2D electrodes,including stability,electronic properties,capacity,and ion diffusion descriptors.Next,classified examples of promising 2D electrodes designed by theoretical simulations are given,covering graphene,phosphorene,MXene,transition metal sulfides,and so on.Finally,common challenges and a future perspective are provided.This review paves the way for rational design of 2D electrode materials for LIBs and Li–S battery applications and may provide a guide for future experiments.

Advances in Mn‑Based Electrode Materials for Aqueous Sodium‑Ion Batteries

Aqueous sodium-ion batteries have attracted extensive attention for large-scale energy storage applications,due to abundant sodium resources,low cost,intrinsic safety of aqueous electrolytes and eco-friendliness.The electrochemical performance of aqueous sodium-ion batteries is affected by the properties of electrode materials and electrolytes.Among various electrode materials,Mn-based electrode materials have attracted tremendous attention because of the abundance of Mn,low cost,nontoxicity,eco-friendliness and interesting electrochemical performance.Aqueous electrolytes having narrow electrochemical window also affect the electrochemical performance of Mn-based electrode materials.In this review,we introduce systematically Mn-based electrode materials for aqueous sodium-ion batteries from cathode and anode materials and offer a comprehensive overview about their recent development.These Mn-based materials include oxides,Prussian blue analogues and polyanion compounds.We summarize and discuss the composition,crystal structure,morphology and electrochemical properties of Mn-based electrode materials.The improvement methods based on electrolyte optimization,element doping or substitution,optimization of morphology and carbon modification are highlighted.The perspectives of Mn-based electrode materials for future studies are also provided.We believe this review is important and helpful to explore and apply Mn-based electrode materials in aqueous sodium-ion batteries.

Machine learning in metal-ion battery research: Advancing material prediction, characterization, and status evaluation

Metal-ion batteries(MIBs),including alkali metal-ion(Li^(+),Na^(+),and K^(3)),multi-valent metal-ion(Zn^(2+),Mg^(2+),and Al^(3+)),metal-air,and metal-sulfur batteries,play an indispensable role in electrochemical energy storage.However,the performance of MIBs is significantly influenced by numerous variables,resulting in multi-dimensional and long-term challenges in the field of battery research and performance enhancement.Machine learning(ML),with its capability to solve intricate tasks and perform robust data processing,is now catalyzing a revolutionary transformation in the development of MIB materials and devices.In this review,we summarize the utilization of ML algorithms that have expedited research on MIBs over the past five years.We present an extensive overview of existing algorithms,elucidating their details,advantages,and limitations in various applications,which encompass electrode screening,material property prediction,electrolyte formulation design,electrode material characterization,manufacturing parameter optimization,and real-time battery status monitoring.Finally,we propose potential solutions and future directions for the application of ML in advancing MIB development.

Structural Isomers:Small Change with Big Difference in Anion Storage

Organic electrode materials are promising for batteries.However,the reported organic electrodes are often facing the challenges of low specific capacity,low voltage,poor rate capability and vague charge storage mechanisms,etc.Isomers are good platform to investigate the charge storage mechanisms and enhance the performance of batteries,which,however,have not been focused in batteries.Herein,two isomers are reported for batteries.As a result,the isomer tetrathiafulvalene(TTF)could store two monovalent anions reversibly,deriving an average discharge voltage of 1.05 V and a specific capacity of 220 mAh g−1 at a current density of 2 C.On the other hand,the other isomer tetrathianaphthalene could only reversibly store one monovalent anion and upon further oxidation,it would undergo an irreversible solid-state molecular rearrangement to TTF.The molecular rearrangement was confirmed by electrochemical performances,X-ray diffraction patterns,nuclear magnetic resonance spectra,and 1H detected heteronuclear multiple bond correlation spectra.These results suggested the small structural change could lead to a big difference in anion storage,and we hope this work will stimulate more attention to the structural design for boosting the performance of organic batteries.

Structural insights on anti-biofilm mechanism of heated slightly acidic electrolyzed water technology against multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilm on food contact surface

Slightly acidic electrolyzed water(SAEW)has proven to be an efficient and novel sanitizer in food and agriculture field.This study assessed the efficacy of SAEW(30 mg/L)at 40℃on the inactivation of foodbome pathogens and detachment of multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA)biofilm.Furthermore.the underlying mechanism of MRS A biofilm under heated SAEW at 40℃treatment on metabolic profiles was investigated.The results showed that the heated SAEW at 40℃significantly effectively against foodbome pathogens of 1.96-7.56(lg(CFU/g))reduction in pork,chicken,spinach,and lettuce.The heated SAEW at 40℃treatment significantly reduced MRS A biofilm cells by 2.41(lg(CFU/cm^(2))).The synergistic effect of SAEW treatment showed intense anti-biofilm activity in decreasing cell density and impairing biofilm cell membranes.Global metabolic response of MRSA biofilms,treated by SAEW at 40℃,revealed the alterations of intracellular metabolites,including amino acids,organic acid,fatty acid,and lipid.Moreover,signaling pathways involved in amino acid metabolism,energy metabolism,nucleotide synthesis,carbohydrate metabolites,and lipid biosynthesis were functionally disrupted by the SAEW at 40℃treatment.As per our knowledge,this is the first research to uncover the potential mechanism of heated SAEW treatment against MRSA biofilm on food contact surface.

Efficient Preparation and Electrochemical Properties of BiOCl/Graphite by One-step Solvothermal Method

We used the surface-pretreated graphite paper(Gp)as a carrier and loaded BiOCl with high selectivity to Cl^(-)on its surface by solvothermal method to form BiOCl@Gp electrode.The morphology,structure,and composition of the materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption/desorption,and the results showed that the spherical BiOCl particles were uniformly dispersed on the surface of the Gp,forming a mesoporous BiOCl@Gp composite with a specific surface area of 22.82 m^(2)/g and a pore volume of 0.043 cm3/g.Furthermore,cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to test the electrochemical properties of the composites,and the stability of BiOCl and the high conductivity of Gp were synergistic,the BiOCl@Gp exhibited a specific capacitance of 30.2 F·g^(-1) at a current density of 0.5 A·g^(-1),and the selectivity of the BiOCl@Gp materials for Cl^(-)was significantly higher than that of SO_(4)^(2-),NO_(2)^(-),and HCO_(3)^(-).Therefore,BiOCl@Gp composite electrode materials can be used for the selective adsorption of Cl^(-)in wastewater,in order to achieve efficient wastewater recycling.

Lignocellulosic biomass as sustainable feedstock and materials for power generation and energy storage

Lignocellulosic biomass has attracted great interest in recent years for energy production due to its renewability and carbon-neutral nature.There are various ways to convert lignocellulose to gaseous,liquid and solid fuels via thermochemical,chemical or biological approaches.Typical biomass derived fuels include syngas,bio-gas,bio-oil,bioethanol and biochar,all of which could be used as fuels for furnace,engine,turbine or fuel cells.Direct biomass fuel cells mediated by various electron carriers provide a new direction of lignocellulose conversion.Various metal and non-metal based carriers have been screened for mediating the electron transfer from biomass to oxygen thus generating electricity.The power density of direct biomass fuel cells can be over 100 mW cm^(-2),which shows promise for practical applications.Lignocellulose and its isolated components,primarily cellulose and lignin,have also been paid considerable attention as sustainable carbonaceous materials for preparation of electrodes for supercapacitors,lithium-ion batteries and lithium-sulfur batteries.In this paper,we have provided a state-of-the-art review on the research progress of lignocellulosic biomass as feedstock and materials for power generation and energy storage focusing on the chemistry aspects of the processes.It was recommended that process integration should be performed to reduce the cost for thermochemical and biological conversion of lignocellulose to biofuels,while efforts should be made to increase efficiency and improve the properties for biomass fuelled fuel cells and biomass derived electrodes for energy storage.

Metal-Organic Framework Materials for Electrochemical Supercapacitors

Exploring new materials with high stability and capacity is full of challenges in sustainable energy conversion and storage systems.Metal-organic frameworks(MOFs),as a new type of porous material,show the advantages of large specific surface area,high porosity,low density,and adjustable pore size,exhibiting a broad application prospect in the field of electrocatalytic reactions,batteries,particularly in the field of supercapacitors.This comprehensive review outlines the recent progress in synthetic methods and electrochemical performances of MOF materials,as well as their applications in supercapacitors.Additionally,the superiorities of MOFs-related materials are highlighted,while major challenges or opportunities for future research on them for electrochemical supercapacitors have been discussed and displayed,along with extensive experimental experiences.

Recent advances in electrospun electrode materials for sodium-ion batteries

Sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)have been considered as an ideal choice for the next generation large-scale energy storage applications owing to the rich sodium resources and the analogous working principle to that of lithium-ion batteries(LIBs).Nevertheless,the larger size and heavier mass of Na^(+)ion than those of Li^(+)ion often lead to sluggish reaction kinetics and inferior cycling life in SIBs compared to the LIB counterparts.The pursuit of promising electrode materials that can accommodate the rapid and stable Na-ion insertion/extraction is the key to promoting the development of SIBs toward a commercial prosperity.One-dimensional(1 D)nanomaterials demonstrate great prospects in boosting the rate and cycling performances because of their large active surface areas,high endurance for deformation stress,short ions diffusion channels,and oriented electrons transfer paths.Electrospinning,as a versatile synthetic technology,features the advantages of controllable preparation,easy operation,and mass production,has been widely applied to fabricate the 1 D nanostructured electrode materials for SIBs.In this review,we comprehensively summarize the recent advances in the sodium-storage cathode and anode materials prepared by electrospinning,discuss the effects of modulating the spinning parameters on the materials’micro/nano-structures,and elucidate the structure-performance correlations of the tailored electrodes.Finally,the future directions to harvest more breakthroughs in electrospun Na-storage materials are pointed out.

Carbon materials from melamine sponges for supercapacitors and lithium battery electrode materials: A review

With the increasing energy demand together with the deteriorating environment and decreasing fossil fuel resources,the development of highly efficient energy conversion and storage devices is one of the key challenges of both fundamental and applied research in energy technology.Melamine sponges(MS)with low density,high nitrogen content,and high porosity have been used to design and obtain three‐dimensional porous carbon electrode materials.More importantly,they are inexpensive,environment‐friendly,and easy to synthesize.There have been many reports on the modification of carbonized MS and MS‐based composites for supercapacitor and lithium battery electrode materials.In this paper,recent studies on the fabrication of electrode materials using MS as raw materials have been mainly reviewed,including carbonation,doping activation,and composite modification of MS,and expectations for the development of porous carbon materials for energy storage as a reference with excellent performance,environment‐friendliness,and long life.

Characterization methods of organic electrode materials

The development of novel organic electrode materials is of great significance for improving the reversible capacity and cycle stability of rechargeable batteries.Before practical application,it is essential to characterize the electrode materials to study their structures,redox mechanisms and electrochemical performances.In this review,the common characterization methods that have been adopted so far are summarized from two aspects:experimental characterization and theoretical calculation.The experimental characterization is introduced in detail from structural characterization,electrochemical characterization and electrode reaction chara cterization.The experimental purposes and working principles of various experimental characterization methods are briefly illustrated.As the auxilia ry means,theoretical calculation provides the theoretical basis for characterizing the electrochemical reaction mechanism of organic electrode materials.Through these characterizations,we will have a deep understanding about the material structures,electrochemical redox mechanisms,electrochemical properties and the relationships of structure-property.It is hoped that this review would help researchers to select the suitable characterization methods to analyze the structures and performances of organic electrode materials quickly and effectively.

Research progress in rare earths and their composites based electrode materials for supercapacitors

Supercapacitor is an imminent potential energy storage system,and acts as a booster to the batteries and fuel cells to provide necessary power density.In the last decade,carbon and carbonaceous materials,conducting polymers and transition metal oxide/hydroxide based electrode materials have been made to show a remarkable electrochemical performance.Rare-earth materials have attracted significant research attention as an electrode material for supercapacitor applications based on their physicochemical properties.In this review,rare earth metals,rare earth metal oxides/hydroxides,rare-earth metal chalcogenides,rare-earth metal/carbon composites and rare-earth metal/metal oxide composites based electrode materials are discussed for supercapacitors.We also discuss the energy chemistry of rare-earth metal-based materials.Besides the factors that affect the performance of the electrode materials,their evaluation methods and supercapacitor performances are discussed in details.Finally,the future outlook in rare-earth-based electrode materials is revealed towards its current developments for supercapacitor applications.

Halogen Storage Electrode Materials for Rechargeable Batteries

The ever-increasing demand for rechargeable batteries with high energy density,abundant resources,and high safety has pushed the development of various battery technologies based on cation,anion,or dual-ion transfer.The use of halogen storage electrode materials has led to new concept battery systems such as halide-ion batteries(HIB)and dual-ion batteries(DIB).This review highlights the recent progress on these electrode materials,including metal(oxy)halides,layered double hydroxides,MXenes,graphite-based materials,and organic materials with carbon or nitrogen redox centers.The reversible electrochemical halogen storage of halide ions(e.g.,F^(−),Cl^(−),and Br^(−)),dual halogen(e.g.,Br_(m)Cl_(n) and [ICl_(2)]^(−)),or binary halide anions(e.g.,PF_(6)^(−),AlCl_(4)^(−),[ZnCl_(x)]^(2−x),and [MgCl_(x)]^(2−x)) in the electrodes is covered.The challenges and mechanisms of halogen storage in various electrode materials in HIBs and DIBs are summarized and analyzed,providing insights into the development of high-performance halogen storage electrode materials for rechargeable batteries.

First-principles study of high performance lithium/sodium storage of Ti3C2T2 nanosheets as electrode materials

Ti3C2Tx nanosheet,the first synthesized MXene with high capacity performance and charge/discharge rate,has attracted increasingly attention in renewable energy storage applications.By performing systematic density functional theory calculations,the theoretical capacity of the intrinsic structure of single-and multi-layered Ti3C2T2(T=F or O)corresponding to M(M=Li and Na)atoms are investigated.Theoretical volumetric capacity and gravimetric capacity are obtained,which are related to the stacking degree.The optimal ratios of capacity to structure are determined under different stacking degrees for understanding the influence of surface functional groups on energy storage performance.Its performance can be tuned by performing surface modification and increasing the interlayer distance.In addition,the reason for theoretical capacity differences of M atoms is analyzed,which is attributed to difference in interaction between the M-ions and substrate and the difference in electrostatic exclusion between adsorbed M-ions.These results provide an insight into the understanding of the method of efficiently increasing the energy storage performance,which will be useful for designing and using high performance electrode materials.

Organic Electrode Materials for Non-aqueous K-Ion Batteries

The demands for high-performance and low-cost batteries make K-ion batteries(KIBs) considered as promising supplements or alternatives for Li-ion batteries(LIBs). Nevertheless, there are only a small amount of conventional inorganic electrode materials that can be used in KIBs, due to the large radius of K^+ ions. Diff erently, organic electrode materials(OEMs) generally own sufficiently interstitial space and good structure flexibility, which can maintain superior performance in K-ion systems. Therefore, in recent years, more and more investigations have been focused on OEMs for KIBs. This review will comprehensively cover the researches on OEMs in KIBs in order to accelerate the research and development of KIBs. The reaction mechanism, electrochemical behavior, etc., of OEMs will all be summarized in detail and deeply. Emphasis is placed to overview the performance improvement strategies of OEMs and the characteristic superiority of OEMs in KIBs compared with LIBs and Na-ion batteries.

Electrode materials for aqueous multivalent metal-ion batteries: Current status and future prospect

In recent years,the pursuit of high-efficiency electrochemical storage technology,the multivalent metalion batteries (MIBs) based on aqueous electrolytes have been widely explored by researchers because of their safety,environmental friendliness,abundant reserves and low price,and especially the merits in energy and power densities.This review firstly expounds on the problems existing in the electrode materials of aqueous multivalent MIBs (Zn^(2+),Mg^(2+),Al^(3+),Ca^(2+)),from the classical inorganic materials to the emerging organic compounds,and then summarizes the design strategies in bulk and interface structure of electrodes with favorable kinetics and stable cycling performance,especially laying the emphasis on the charge storage mechanism of cathode materials and dendrite-free Zinc anode from the aspect of electrolyte optimization strategies,which can be extended to other aqueous multivalent MIBs.Ultimately,the possible development directions of the aqueous multivalent MIBs in the future are provided,anticipating to provide a meaningful guideline for researchers in this area.

Designing electrode materials for aluminum-ion batteries towards fast diffusion and multi-electron reaction

Since the electrochemical energy storage was invented, mobile has brought us a new world without wires for more electronic devices [1–4]. Aluminum ion batteries(AIBs) were born with the requirements of electrochemical energy storage towards high capacity, safe and low cost.

Research progress on vanadium oxides for potassium-ion batteries

Potassium-ion batteries(PIBs)have been considered as promising candidates in the post-lithium-ion battery era.Till now,a large number of materials have been used as electrode materials for PIBs,among which vanadium oxides exhibit great potentiality.Vanadium oxides can provide multiple electron transfers during electrochemical reactions because vanadium possesses a variety of oxidation states.Meanwhile,their relatively low cost and superior material,structural,and physicochemical properties endow them with strong competitiveness.Although some inspiring research results have been achieved,many issues and challenges remain to be further addressed.Herein,we systematically summarize the research progress of vanadium oxides for PIBs.Then,feasible improvement strategies for the material properties and electrochemical performance are introduced.Finally,the existing challenges and perspectives are discussed with a view to promoting the development of vanadium oxides and accelerating their practical applications.

Carbon nanotube-hyperbranched polymer core-shell nanowires with highly accessible redox-active sites for fast-charge organic lithium batteries

Organic electrode materials are promising for lithium-ion batteries(LIBs) because of their environmental friendliness and structural diversity.However,they always suffer from limited capacity,poor cycling stability,and rate performance.Herein,hexaazatrinaphthalene-based azo-linked hyperbranched polymer(HAHP) is designed and synthesized as a cathode for LIBs.However,the densely stacked morphology lowers the chance of the active sites participating in the redox reaction.To address this issue,the singlewalled carbon nanotube(SWCNT) template is used to induce the growth of nanosized HAHP on the surface of SWCNTs.The HAHP@SWCNT nanocomposites have porous structures and highly accessible active sites.Moreover,the strong π-π interaction between HAHP and highly conductive SWCNTs effectively endows the HAHP@SWCNT nanocomposites with improved cycling stability and fast charge-discharge rates.As a result,the HAHP@SWCNT nanocomposite cathode shows a high specific capacity(320.4 mA h g^(-1)at 100 mA g^(-1)),excellent cycling stability(800 cycles;290 mA h g^(-1)at 100 mA g^(-1),capacity retained 91%) and outstanding rate performance(235 mA h g^(-1)at 2000 mA g^(-1),76% capacity retention versus 50 mA g^(-1)).This work provides a strategy to combine the macromolecular structural design and micromorphology control of electrode materials for obtaining organic polymer cathodes for high-performance LIBs.