A Novel Application of Lithium Heteropoly Blue as Non-aqueous Electrolyte in Polyacenic Semiconductor-Li Secondary Batteries

Lithium heteropoly blue(Li 5PW Ⅵ 10 W Ⅴ 2O 40 ) was used as a non aqueous electrolyte in the polyacenic semiconductor (PAS) Li secondary battery instead of LiClO 4. The properties of the PAS Li secondary battery, especially the effect of Li 5PW Ⅵ 10 W Ⅴ 2O 40 on the capacity, the cycle property and the self discharging of the battery have been investigated. The results indicate that not only Li 5PW Ⅵ 10 W Ⅴ 2O 40 can overcome the disadvantages of LiClO 4, which is apt to explode when heated or rammed, but also the PAS Li secondary battery assembled with the novel electrolyte has a larger capacity and smaller self discharging than that assembled with LiClO 4. Therefore, it is believed that lithium heteropoly blue is a better and novel electrolyte for the PAS secondary battery and exhibits significant and practical application.

Progress of Non-Aqueous Electrolyte for Li-Air Batteries

Li-air batteries have received much attention in the past several years because of their large theoretical specific energy density, stable output voltage, cost-effective, energy-efficient and pollution free, and have broad application prospects. If it is successfully developed, the battery could be an excellent energy storage device for renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and tidal energy, which brings a prospect for human to solve the problem of environment pollution and energy crisis. But the electrolyte is a crucial component of Li-air battery and the electrochemical performance of the battery is determined by electrolyte to a great extent. Due to the react violently between lithium and water, it is not practical for Li-air battery to use directly an aqueous electrolyte unless the anode can be protected from degradation. In this review, we presented the latest research progress on the non-aqueous electrolyte, i.e. organic electrolyte, ionic liquid and solid electrolyte. We elaborated the influence of solvents, and possible additives, and/or their combination Li-air battery’s performance. Finally, we provided insights into the prospect of non-aqueous electrolyte for Li-air battery.

Redox Charge Transfer Kinetics and Reversibility of VO_(2) in Aqueous and Non-Aqueous Electrolytes of Na-Ion Storage

The deep understanding about the electrochemical behavior of the nanostructured electrode in electrolytes provides crucial insights for the rational design of electrode for sodium(Na)-ion storage system(NIS).Here,we report redox charge transfer kinetics and reversibility of VO_(2)(B) nanorod electrodes in both aqueous and organic electrolytes for NIS.The assynthesized VO_(2)(B) nanorods show the reversible redox reaction with the higher specific and rate capacitances at high current density in aqueous electrolytes than in organic electrolytes.Temperature-dependent impedance measurements demonstrate the more facile interfacial charge transfer of Na ions into VO_(2)(B) nanorods in aqueous electrolytes.The reversible evolution in oxidation state and chemical composition of VO_(2)(B) nanorods is observed in aqueous electrolytes,as confirmed by ex situ XRD and ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses.Given by the facile and reversible pseudocapacitive feature,the electrochemical performances of VO_(2)(B) nanorods are further improved by constructing the hierarchical structure of the reduced graphene oxide-VO_(2) composite for aqueous Na+ion storage.

Trend of Developing Aqueous Liquid and Gel Electrolytes for Sustainable,Safe,and High‑Performance Li‑Ion Batteries

Current lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)rely on organic liquid electrolytes that pose significant risks due to their flammability and toxicity.The potential for environmental pollution and explosions resulting from battery damage or fracture is a critical concern.Water-based(aqueous)electrolytes have been receiving attention as an alternative to organic electrolytes.However,a narrow electrochemicalstability window,water decomposition,and the consequent low battery operating voltage and energy density hinder the practical use of aqueous electrolytes.Therefore,developing novel aqueous electrolytes for sustainable,safe,high-performance LIBs remains challenging.This Review first commences by summarizing the roles and requirements of electrolytes–separators and then delineates the progression of aqueous electrolytes for LIBs,encompassing aqueous liquid and gel electrolyte development trends along with detailed principles of the electrolytes.These aqueous electrolytes are progressed based on strategies using superconcentrated salts,concentrated diluents,polymer additives,polymer networks,and artificial passivation layers,which are used for suppressing water decomposition and widening the electrochemical stability window of water of the electrolytes.In addition,this Review discusses potential strategies for the implementation of aqueous Li-metal batteries with improved electrolyte–electrode interfaces.A comprehensive understanding of each strategy in the aqueous system will assist in the design of an aqueous electrolyte and the development of sustainable and safe high-performance batteries.

Incombustible solid polymer electrolytes:A critical review and perspective

Since the advent of the solid-state batteries,employing solid polymer electrolytes(SPEs)to replace routine flammable liquid electrolytes is regarded to be one of the most promising solutions in pursing highenergy-density battery systems.SPEs with superior thermal stability,good processability,and high mechanical modulus obtain increasing attentions.However,SPE-based batteries are not impenetrable due to their decomposition and combustibility under extreme conditions.Researchers believe incorporating appropriate flame-retardant additives/solvents/fragments into SPEs can intrinsically reduce their flammability to solve the battery safety issues.In this review,the recent research progress of incombustible SPEs,with special emphasis on flame-retardant structural design,is summarized.Specifically,a brief introduction of flame-retardant mechanism,evaluation index for safety of SPEs,and a detailed overview of the latest advances on diverse-types SPEs in various battery systems are highlighted.The deep insight into thermal ru naway process,the free-standing incombustible GPEs,and the ratio nal design of pouch cell structures may be the main directions to motivate revolutionary next-generation for safety batteries.

Unique double-layer solid electrolyte interphase formed with fluorinated ether-based electrolytes for high-voltage lithium metal batteries

Li metal batteries using high-voltage layered oxides cathodes are of particular interest due to their high energy density.However,they suffer from short lifespan and extreme safety concerns,which are attributed to the degradation of layered oxides and the decomposition of electrolyte at high voltage,as well as the high reactivity of metallic Li.The key is the development of stable electrolytes against both highvoltage cathodes and Li with the formation of robust interphase films on the surfaces.Herein,we report a highly fluorinated ether,1,1,1-trifluoro-2-[(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)methoxy]ethane(TTME),as a cosolvent,which not only functions as a diluent forming a localized high concentration electrolyte(LHCE),but also participates in the construction of the inner solvation structure.The TTME-based electrolyte is stable itself at high voltage and induces the formation of a unique double-layer solid electrolyte interphase(SEI)film,which is embodied as one layer rich in crystalline structural components for enhanced mechanical strength and another amorphous layer with a higher concentration of organic components for enhanced flexibility.The Li||Cu cells display a noticeably high Coulombic efficiency of 99.28%after 300 cycles and Li symmetric cells maintain stable cycling more than 3200 h at 0.5 mA/cm^(2) and 1.0m Ah/cm^(2).In addition,lithium metal cells using LiNi_(0.8)Co_(0.1)Mn_(0.1)O_(2) and Li CoO_(2) cathodes(both loadings~3.0 m Ah/cm^(2))realize capacity retentions of>85%over 240 cycles with a charge cut-off voltage of 4.4 V and 90%for 170 cycles with a charge cut-off voltage of 4.5 V,respectively.This study offers a bifunctional ether-based electrolyte solvent beneficial for high-voltage Li metal batteries.

Electrolyte Design for Low‑Temperature Li‑Metal Batteries:Challenges and Prospects

Electrolyte design holds the greatest opportunity for the development of batteries that are capable of sub-zero temperature operation.To get the most energy storage out of the battery at low temperatures,improvements in electrolyte chemistry need to be coupled with optimized electrode materials and tailored electrolyte/electrode interphases.Herein,this review critically outlines electrolytes’limiting factors,including reduced ionic conductivity,large de-solvation energy,sluggish charge transfer,and slow Li-ion transportation across the electrolyte/electrode interphases,which affect the low-temperature performance of Li-metal batteries.Detailed theoretical derivations that explain the explicit influence of temperature on battery performance are presented to deepen understanding.Emerging improvement strategies from the aspects of electrolyte design and electrolyte/electrode interphase engineering are summarized and rigorously compared.Perspectives on future research are proposed to guide the ongoing exploration for better low-temperature Li-metal batteries.

Challenges in Li-ion battery high-voltage technology and recent advances in high-voltage electrolytes

The electrolyte directly contacts the essential parts of a lithium-ion battery,and as a result,the electrochemical properties of the electrolyte have a significant impact on the voltage platform,charge discharge capacity,energy density,service life,and rate discharge performance.By raising the voltage at the charge/discharge plateau,the energy density of the battery is increased.However,this causes transition metal dissolution,irreversible phase changes of the cathode active material,and parasitic electrolyte oxidation reactions.This article presents an overview of these concerns to provide a clear explanation of the issues involved in the development of electrolytes for high-voltage lithium-ion batteries.Additionally,solidstate electrolytes enable various applications and will likely have an impact on the development of batteries with high energy densities.It is necessary to improve the high-voltage performance of electrolytes by creating solvents with high thermal stabilities and high voltage resistance and additives with superior film forming performance,multifunctional capabilities,and stable lithium salts.To offer suggestions for the future development of high-energy lithium-ion batteries,we conclude by offering our own opinions and insights on the current development of lithium-ion batteries.

PDOL-Based Solid Electrolyte Toward Practical Application:Opportunities and Challenges

Polymer solid-state lithium batteries(SSLB)are regarded as a promising energy storage technology to meet growing demand due to their high energy density and safety.Ion conductivity,interface stability and battery assembly process are still the main challenges to hurdle the commercialization of SSLB.As the main component of SSLB,poly(1,3-dioxolane)(PDOL)-based solid polymer electrolytes polymerized in-situ are becoming a promising candidate solid elec-trolyte,for their high ion conductivity at room temperature,good battery elec-trochemical performances,and simple assembly process.This review analyzes opportunities and challenges of PDOL electrolytes toward practical application for polymer SSLB.The focuses include exploring the polymerization mechanism of DOL,the performance of PDOL composite electrolytes,and the application of PDOL.Furthermore,we provide a perspective on future research directions that need to be emphasized for commercialization of PDOL-based electrolytes in SSLB.The exploration of these schemes facilitates a comprehensive and profound understanding of PDOL-based polymer electrolyte and provides new research ideas to boost them toward practical application in solid-state batteries.

Corrigendum to“Toward stable and highly reversible zinc anodes for aqueous batteries via electrolyte engineering”[J.Energy Chem.83(2023)209–228]

It is regretful that the Acknowledgments part was lost in the final process of publication.The Acknowledgments part should be added as follow.The work described in this paper was supported by the grants from the Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,China(Project No.16205721).

Tetrathiafulvalene esters with high redox potentials and improved solubilities for non-aqueous redox flow battery applications

The exploitation of high performance redox-active substances is critically important for the development of non-aqueous redoxflow batteries.Herein,three tetrathiofulvalene(TTF)derivatives with different substitution groups,namely TTF diethyl ester(TTFDE),TTF tetramethyl ester(TTFTM),and TTF tetraethyl ester(TTFTE),are prepared and their energy storage properties are evaluated.It has been found that the redox potential and solubility of these TTF derivatives in conventional carbonate electrolytes increases with the number of ester groups.The battery with a catholyte of 0.2 mol L^(-1) of TTFTE delivers a specific capacity of more than 10 Ah L^(-1) at the current density of 0.5 C with two discharge voltage platforms locating at as high as 3.85 and 3.60 V vs.Li/Liþ.Its capacity retention can be improved from 2.34 Ah L^(-1) to 3.60 Ah L^(-1) after 100 cycles by the use of an anion exchange membrane to block the crossover of TTF species.The excellent cycling stability of the TIF esters is supported by their well-delocalized electrons,as revealed by the density function theory calculations.Therefore,the introduction of more and larger electron-withdrawing groups is a promising strategy to simultaneously increase the redox-potential and solubility of redox-active ma-terials for non-aqueous redoxflow batteries.

Asymmetric Electrolytes Design for Aqueous Multivalent Metal Ion Batteries

With the rapid development of portable electronics and electric road vehicles,high-energy-density batteries have been becoming front-burner issues.Traditionally,homogeneous electrolyte cannot simultaneously meet diametrically opposed demands of high-potential cathode and low-potential anode,which are essential for high-voltage batteries.Meanwhile,homogeneous electrolyte is difficult to achieve bi-or multi-functions to meet different requirements of electrodes.In comparison,the asymmetric electrolyte with bi-or multi-layer disparate components can satisfy distinct requirements by playing different roles of each electrolyte layer and meanwhile compensates weakness of individual electrolyte.Consequently,the asymmetric electrolyte can not only suppress by-product sedimentation and continuous electrolyte decomposition at the anode while preserving active substances at the cathode for high-voltage batteries with long cyclic lifespan.In this review,we comprehensively divide asymmetric electrolytes into three categories:decoupled liquid-state electrolytes,bi-phase solid/liquid electrolytes and decoupled asymmetric solid-state electrolytes.The design principles,reaction mechanism and mutual compatibility are also studied,respectively.Finally,we provide a comprehensive vision for the simplification of structure to reduce costs and increase device energy density,and the optimization of solvation structure at anolyte/catholyte interface to realize fast ion transport kinetics.

Effect of low concentration electrolytes on the formation and corrosion resistance of PEO coatings on AM50 magnesium alloy

In this paper,the formation process,morphology,and electrochemical performance of PEO coatings on AM50 magnesium alloy prepared in low concentration phosphate,aluminate,and phosphate-aluminate electrolytes were systematically studied.The results show that the coatings prepared from the phosphate electrolytes have a higher thickness and better corrosion resistance properties compared to the other electrolytes.The coatings prepared from low concentration phosphate-aluminate mixed electrolytes have slightly thinner thickness,a similar coating structure and an order of magnitude lower value of electrochemical impedance compared with phosphate electrolyte coatings.The Coatings prepared from low concentration aluminate electrolytes have the lowest thickness and the worst corrosion resistance properties which gets close to corrosion behavior of the bare AM50 under the same test conditions.Considering application,coatings prepared from single low concentration phosphate electrolytes and low concentration phosphate-aluminate electrolytes have greater potential than single low concentration aluminate coatings.However,reducing the electrolyte concentrations of coating forming ions too much has negative influence on the coating growth rate.

Functional nanolayers favor the stability of solid-electrolyteinterphase in rechargeable batteries

Rechargeable batteries have brought us lots of convenience and changed the way we live.However,the demand for higher energy density,longer cycle life,and more fast charging ability urges researchers to develop advanced battery material and chemistry[1,2].

Long‐life lithium batteries enabled by a pseudo‐oversaturated electrolyte

The specific energy of Li metal batteries(LMBs)can be improved by using high‐voltage cathode materials;however,achieving long‐term stable cycling performance in the corresponding system is particularly challenging for the liquid electrolyte.Herein,a novel pseudo‐oversaturated electrolyte(POSE)is prepared by introducing 1,1,2,2‐tetrafluoroethyl‐2,2,3,3‐tetrafluoropropyl ether(TTE)to adjust the coordination structure between diglyme(G2)and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide(LiTFSI).Surprisingly,although TTE shows little solubility to LiTFSI,the molar ratio between LiTFSI and G2 in the POSE can be increased to 1:1,which is much higher than that of the saturation state,1:2.8.Simulation and experimental results prove that TTE promotes closer contact of the G2 molecular with Li^(+)in the POSE.Moreover,it also participates in the formation of electrolyte/electrode interphases.The electrolyte shows outstanding compatibility with both the Li metal anode and typical high‐voltage cathodes.Li||Li symmetric cells show a long life of more than 2000 h at 1 mA cm^(−2),1 mAh cm^(−2).In the meantime,Li||LiNi_(0.8)Co_(0.1)Mn_(0.1)O_(2)(NCM811)cell with the POSE shows a high reversible capacity of 134.8 mAh g^(−1 )after 900 cycles at 4.5 V,1 C rate.The concept of POSE can provide new insight into the Li^(+)solvation structure and in the design of advanced electrolytes for LMBs.

Acetic acid additive in NaNO_(3)aqueous electrolyte for long-lifespan Mg-air batteries

Mg-air batteries have attracted tremendous attention as a potential next-generation power source for portable electronics and e-transportation due to their remarkable high theoretical volumetric energy density,environmental sustainability,and cost-effectiveness.However,the fast hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)in NaCl-based aqueous electrolytes impairs the performance of Mg-air batteries and leads to poor specific capacity,low energy density,and low utilization.Thus,the conventionally used NaCl solute was proposed to be replaced by NaNO_(3)and acetic acid additive as a corrosion inhibitor,therefore an electrolyte engineering for long-life time Mg-air batteries is reported.The resulting Mg-air batteries based on this optimized electrolyte demonstrate an improved discharge voltage reaching~1.8 V for initial 5 h at a current density of 0.5 mA/cm^(2) and significantly prolonged cells'operational lifetime to over 360 h,in contrast to only~17 h observed in NaCl electrolyte.X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry were employed to analyse the composition of surface film and scanning electron microscopy combined with transmission electron microscopy to clarify the morphology changes of the surface layer as a function of acetic acid addition.The thorough studies of chemical composition and morphology of corrosion products have allowed us to elucidate the working mechanism of Mg anode in this optimized electrolyte for Mg-air batteries.

Mechanism of high Li-ion conductivity in poly(vinylene carbonate)-poly(ethylene oxide)cross-linked network based electrolyte revealed by solid-state NMR

Solid polymer electrolytes(SPEs)have become increasingly important in advanced lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)due to their improved safety and mechanical properties compared to organic liquid electrolytes.Cross-linked polymers have the potential to further improve the mechanical property without trading off Li-ion conductivity.In this study,focusing on a recently developed cross-linked SPE,i.e.,the one based on poly(vinylene carbonate)-poly(ethylene oxide)cross-linked network(PVCN),we used solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)techniques to investigate the fundamental interaction between the chain segments and Li ions,as well as the lithium-ion motion.By utilizing homonuclear/heteronuclear correlation,CP(cross-polarization)kinetics,and spin-lattice relaxation experiments,etc.,we revealed the structural characteristics and their relations to lithium-ion mobilities.It is found that the network formation prevents poly(ethylene oxide)chains from crystallization,which could create sufficient space for segmental tumbling and Li-ion co nductio n.As such,the mechanical property is greatly improved with even higher Li-ion mobilities compared to the poly(vinylene carbonate)or poly(ethylene oxide)based SPE analogues.

Atom substitution of the solid-state electrolyte Li_(10)GeP_(2)S_(12)for stabilized all-solid-state lithium metal batteries

Solid-state electrolyte Li_(10)GeP_(2)S_(12)(LGPS)has a high lithium ion conductivity of 12 mS cm^(-1)at room temperature,but its inferior chemical stability against lithium metal anode impedes its practical application.Among all solutions,Ge atom substitution of the solid-state electrolyte LGPS stands out as the most promising solution to this interface problem.A systematic screening framework for Ge atom substitution including ionic conductivity,thermodynamic stability,electronic and mechanical properties is utilized to solve it.For fast screening,an enhanced model Dop Net FC using chemical formulas for the dataset is adopted to predict ionic conductivity.Finally,Li_(10)SrP_(2)S_(12)(LSrPS)is screened out,which has high lithium ion conductivity(12.58 mS cm^(-1)).In addition,an enhanced migration of lithium ion across the LSr PS/Li interface is found.Meanwhile,compared to the LGPS/Li interface,LSrPS/Li interface exhibits a larger Schottky barrier(0.134 eV),smaller electron transfer region(3.103?),and enhanced ability to block additional electrons,all of which contribute to the stabilized interface.The applied theoretical atom substitution screening framework with the aid of machine learning can be extended to rapid determination of modified specific material schemes.

A Sustainable Dual Cross‑Linked Cellulose Hydrogel Electrolyte for High‑Performance Zinc‑Metal Batteries

Aqueous rechargeable Zn-metal batteries(ARZBs)are considered one of the most promising candidates for grid-scale energy storage.However,their widespread commercial application is largely plagued by three major challenges:The uncontrollable Zn dendrites,notorious parasitic side reactions,and sluggish Zn^(2+) ion transfer.To address these issues,we design a sustainable dual crosslinked cellulose hydrogel electrolyte,which has excellent mechanical strength to inhibit dendrite formation,high Zn^(2+) ions binding capacity to suppress side reaction,and abundant porous structure to facilitate Zn^(2+) ions migration.Consequently,the Zn||Zn cell with the hydrogel electrolyte can cycle stably for more than 400 h under a high current density of 10 mA cm^(−2).Moreover,the hydrogel electrolyte also enables the Zn||polyaniline cell to achieve high-rate and long-term cycling performance(>2000 cycles at 2000 mA g^(−1)).Remarkably,the hydrogel electrolyte is easily accessible and biodegradable,making the ARZBs attractive in terms of scalability and sustainability.

Bacterial Cellulose/Zwitterionic Dual-network Porous Gel Polymer Electrolytes with High Ionic Conductivity

Bacterial cellulose(BC)was innovatively combined with zwitterionic copolymer acrylamide and sulfobetaine methacrylic acid ester[P(AM-co-SBMA)]to build a dual-network porous structure gel polymer electrolytes(GPEs)with high ionic conductivity.The dual network structure BC/P(AM-co-SBMA)gels were formed by a simple one-step polymerization method.The results show that ionic conductivity of BC/P(AM-co-SBMA)GPEs at the room temperature are 3.2×10^(-2) S/cm@1 M H_(2)SO_(4),4.5×10^(-2) S/cm@4 M KOH,and 3.6×10^(-2) S/cm@1 M NaCl,respectively.Using active carbon(AC)as the electrodes,BC/P(AM-co-SBMA)GPEs as both separator and electrolyte matrix,and 4 M KOH as the electrolyte,a symmetric solid supercapacitors(SSC)(AC-GPE-KOH)was assembled and testified.The specific capacitance of AC electrode is 173 F/g and remains 95.0%of the initial value after 5000 cycles and 86.2%after 10,000 cycles.