Discovery and design of lithium battery materials via high-throughput modeling

This paper reviews the rapid progress in the field of high-throughput modeling based on the Materials Genome Initiative, and its application in the discovery and design of lithium battery materials. It offers examples of screening, optimization and design of electrodes, electrolytes, coatings, additives, etc. and the possibility of introducing the machine learning method into material design. The application of the material genome method in the development of lithium battery materials provides the possibility to speed up the upgrading of new candidates in the discovery of lots of functional materials.

High-throughput theoretical design of lithium battery materials

The rapid evolution of high-throughput theoretical design schemes to discover new lithium battery materials is re- viewed, including fiigh-capacity cathodes, low-strain cathodes, anodes, solid state eleclrolytes, and electrolyte additives. With tfie development of efficient theoretical methods and inexpensive computers, high-throughput theoretical calculations have played an increasingly important role in the discovery of new malerials. With the help of automatic simnlation flow, many types of materials can be screened, optimized and designed from a structural database according to specific search criteria. In advanced cell technology, new materials for next generation lithium batteries are of great significance to achieve perlbmmnce, and some representative criteria are： higher energy density, better safety, and faster charge/discharge speed.

Preparation and Assembly of Battery Materials of High Performance Lithium Metal

lithium metal battery plays an important role in the field of battery.The preparation and assembly of lithium metal battery materials also play an important role in lithium metal batteries.Through the introduction of the working principle of lithium-ion battery,the positive material,negative material and electrolyte in the structure of lithium-ion battery are analyzed.After describing the types,advantages and disadvantages of battery materials,the preparation method of lithium metal composite electrode,the assembly of button battery and the electrochemical test are discussed.

Materials Research Advances towards High-Capacity Battery/Fuel Cell Devices(Invited paper)

The world has entered an era featured with fast transportations,instant communications,and prompt technological revolutions,the further advancement of which all relies fundamentally,yet,on the development of cost-effective energy resources allowing for durable and high-rate energy supply.Current battery and fuel cell systems are challenged by a few issues characterized either by insufficient energy capacity or by operation instability and,thus,are not ideal for such highly-demanded applications as electrical vehicles and portable electronic devices.In this mini-review,we present,from materials perspectives,a few selected important breakthroughs in energy resources employed in these applications.Prospectives are then given to look towards future research activities for seeking viable materials solutions for addressing the capacity,durability,and cost shortcomings associated with current battery/fuel cell devices.

Magnesium-based energy materials: Progress, challenges, and perspectives

Magnesium-based energy materials, which combine promising energy-related functional properties with low cost, environmental compatibility and high availability, have been regarded as fascinating candidates for sustainable energy conversion and storage. In this review,we provide a timely summary on the recent progress in three types of important Mg-based energy materials, based on the fundamental strategies of composition and structure engineering. With regard to Mg-based materials for batteries, we systematically review and analyze different material systems, structure regulation strategies as well as the relevant performance in Mg-ion batteries(MIBs) and Mg-air batteries(MABs), covering cathodes, electrolytes, anodes for MIBs, and anodes for MABs;as to Mg-based hydrogen storage materials, we discuss how catalyst adding, composite, alloying and nanostructuring improve the kinetic and thermodynamic properties of de/hydrogenation reactions, and in particular, the impacts of composition and structure modification on hydrogen absorption/dissociation processes and free energy modification mechanism are focused;regarding Mg-based thermoelectric materials, the relations between composition/structure and electrical/thermal transport properties of Mg_(3)X_(2)(X = Sb, Bi), Mg_(2)X(X = Si, Ge, Sn) and Mg Ag Sb-based materials, together with the representative research progress of each material system, are summarized and discussed. Finally, by pointing out remaining challenges and providing possible solutions, this review aims to shed light on the directions and perspectives for practical applications of magnesium-based energy materials in the future.

MXene-based materials for electrochemical energy storage

Rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors are widely investigated as the most important electrochemical energy storage devices nowadays due to the booming energy demand for electric vehicles and hand-held electronics. The large surface-area-to-volume ratio and internal surface areas endow two-dimensional（2D） materials with high mobility and high energy density; therefore, 2D materials are very promising candidates for Li ion batteries and supercapacitors with comprehensive investigations. In 2011, a new kind of 2D transition metal carbides, nitrides and carbonitrides, MXene, were successfully obtained from MAX phases. Since then about 20 different kinds of MXene have been prepared. Other precursors besides MAX phases and even other methods such as chemical vapor deposition（CVD） were also applied to prepare MXene, opening new doors for the preparation of new MXene. Their 2D nature and good electronic properties ensure the inherent advantages as electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in the development of MXene with emphasis on the applications to electrochemical energy storage. Also, future perspective and challenges of MXene-based materials are briefly discussed regrading electrochemical energy storage.

Two-dimensional organic cathode materials for alkali-metal-ion batteries

With the increasing demand for large-scale battery systems in electric vehicles（EVs） and smart renewable energy grids, organic materials including small molecules and polymers utilized as electrodes in rechargeable batteries have received increasing attraction. In recent years, two-dimensional（2D） organic materials possessing planar layered architecture exhibit optional chemical modification, high specific surface area as well as unique electrical/magnetic properties, which have been emerging as the promising functional materials for wide applications in optoelectronics, catalysis, sensing, etc. Integrating with high-density redox-active sites and hierarchical porous structure, significant achievements in 2D organic materials as cathode materials for alkali-metal-ion batteries have been witnessed. In this review, the recent progress in synthetic approaches, structure analyses, electrochemical characterizations of 2D organic materials as well as their application in alkali-metal-ion batteries containing lithium ion battery（LIB）, lithium sulfur battery（LSB）, lithium air battery（LAB） and sodium ion battery（SIB） are summarized systematically,and their current challenges including cycling stability and electron conductivity for cathode materials in battery fields are also discussed.

Characterization and Electrochemical Performance of ZnO Modified LiFePO_4/C Cathode Materials for Lithium-ion Batteries

To improve the electrical conductivity of LiFePO4 cathode materials, the ZnO modified LiFePO4/C cathode materials are synthesized by a two-step process including solid state synthesis method and precipitation method. The structures and compositions of ZnO modified LiFePO4/C cathode materials are characterized and analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy, which indicates that the existence of ZnOhas little or no effect on the crystal structure, particles size and morphology of LiFePO4. The electrochemical performances are also characterized and analyzed with charge-discharge test, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results show that the existence of ZnO improves the specific capability and lithium ion diffusion rate of LiFePO4 cathode materials and reduces the charge transfer resistance of cell, and the one with 3 wt% ZnO exhibits the best electrochemical performance.

Microbe-derived carbon materials for electrical energy storage and conversion

Microbes are microscopic living organisms that surround us which include bacteria, archaea, most protozoa, and some fungi and algae. In recent years, microbes have been explored as novel precursors to synthesize carbon-based（nano）materials and as substrates or templates to produce carbon-containing（nano）composites. Being greener and more affordable, microbe-derived carbons（MDCs） offer good potential for energy applications. In this review, we describe the unique advantages of MDCs and outline the common procedures to prepare them. We also extensively discuss the energy applications of MDCs including their use as electrodes in supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries, and as electrocatalysts for processes such as oxygen reduction, oxygen evolution, and hydrogen evolution reactions which are essential for fuel cell and water electrochemical splitting cells. Based on the literature trend and our group＇s expertise, we propose potential research directions for developing new types of MDCs. This review, therefore, provides the state-of-the-art of a new energy chemistry concept. We expect to stimulate future research on the applications of MDCs that may address energy and environmental challenges that our societies are facing.

Kinetics of synthesis of Li_4Ti_5O_(12) through solid-solid reaction

Sohd-solid reaction under low heat or low temperature is an approach to synthesize various kinds of materials that were widely used in electrochemistry field. In this paper a theoretical treatment has been presented for analyzing the mechanism of sohd-solid reaction and deriving a series of formulae to describe the variation and rate of reactions. This new model has been used in the manufacturing of spinel Li4Ti5O12. The results show that this new model works very well and will play a useful role for guiding the manufacturing of electrochemical materials.

Effective exposure of nitrogen heteroatoms in 3D porous graphene framework for oxygen reduction reaction and lithium–sulfur batteries

The introduction of nitrogen heteroatoms into carbon materials is a facile and efficient strategy to regulate their reactivities and facilitate their potential applications in energy conversion and storage. However,most of nitrogen heteroatoms are doped into the bulk phase of carbon without site selectivity, which significantly reduces the contacts of feedstocks with the active dopants in a conductive scaffold. Herein we proposed the chemical vapor deposition of a nitrogen-doped graphene skin on the 3D porous graphene framework and donated the carbon/carbon composite as surface N-doped grapheme（SNG）. In contrast with routine N-doped graphene framework（NGF） with bulk distribution of N heteroatoms, the SNG renders a high surface N content of 1.81 at%, enhanced electrical conductivity of 31 S cm^（-1）, a large surface area of 1531 m^2 g^（-1）, a low defect density with a low I_D/I_G ratio of 1.55 calculated from Raman spectrum, and a high oxidation peak of 532.7 ℃ in oxygen atmosphere. The selective distribution of N heteroatoms on the surface of SNG affords the effective exposure of active sites at the interfaces of the electrode/electrolyte, so that more N heteroatoms are able to contact with oxygen feedstocks in oxygen reduction reaction or serve as polysulfide anchoring sites to retard the shuttle of polysulfides in a lithium–sulfur battery. This work opens a fresh viewpoint on the manipulation of active site distribution in a conductive scaffolds for multi-electron redox reaction based energy conversion and storage.

Preparation and electrochemical performance of carbon-coated LiFePO4/LiMnPO4-positive material for a Li-ion battery

Lithium iron phosphate （LiFePO4）/lithium manganese phosphate （LiMnPO4）-positive material was suc- cessfully prepared through ball milling and high-temperature sintering using manganese acetate, lithium hydroxide, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, and ferrous oxalate as raw materials. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning elec- tron microscopy, a constant current charge-discharge test, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The effects of lithium iron phosphate coating were also discussed. Because of its special core-shell structure, the as-prepared LiMn0.TFe0.3PO4-LiFeP04-C exhibits excellent electro- chemical performance. The discharge capacity reached 136.6 mAh/g and the specific discharge energy reached 506.9 Wh/kg at a rate of 0.1 C.

The roles of graphene in advanced Li-ion hybrid supercapacitors

Lithium-ion hybrid supercapacitors （LIHSs）, also called Li-ion capacitors, are electrochemical energy stor- age devices that combining the advantages of high power density of supercapacitor and high energy density of Li-ion battery. However, high power density and long cycle life are still challenges for the cul~ rent LIHSs due to the imbalance of charge-storage capacity and electrode kinetics between capacitor-type cathode and battery-type anode. Therefore, great efforts have been made on designing novel cathode materials with high storage capacity and anode material with enhanced kinetic behavior for LIHSs. With unique two-dimensional form and numerous appealing properties, for the past several years, the rational designed graphene and its composites materials exhibit greatly improved electrochemical performance as cathode or anode for LIHSs. Here, we summarized and discussed the latest advances of the state- of-art graphene-based materials for LIHSs applications. The major roles of graphene are highlighted as （1） a superior active material, （2） ultrathin 2D flexible support to remedy the sluggish reaction of the metal compound anode, and （3） good 2D building blocks for constructing macroscopic 3D pOFOUS car- bonjgraphene hybrids. In addition, some high performance aqueous LIHSs using graphene as electrode were also summarized. Finally, the perspectives and challenges are also proposed for further develop- ment of more advanced graphene-based LIHSs.

Fabrication and application of hierarchical mesoporous MoO2/Mo2C/C microspheres

Hierarchical mesoporous MoO2/Mo2C/C microspheres,which are composed of primary nanoparticles with a size of about 30 nm,have been designed and synthesized through polymer regulation and subsequent carbonization processes.The as-synthesized microspheres were characterized by XRD,Raman,SEM,TEM,XPS measurements and so on.It was found that polyethylene glycol acted as a structure-directing agent,mild reducing agent and carbon source in the formation of these hierarchical mesoporous Mo O2/Mo2C/C microspheres.Moreover,the electrochemical property of the microspheres was also investigated in this work.Evaluated as an anode material for lithium ion batteries,the hierarchical mesoporous Mo O2/Mo2C/C electrode delivered the discharge specific capacities of 665 and 588 m Ah/g after 100 cycles at current densities of 100 and 200 m A/g,respectively.The satisfactory cycling performance and controllable process facilitate the practical applications of the hierarchical mesoporous Mo O2/Mo2C/C as a potential anode material in high-energy density lithium-ion batteries.

High-entropy materials:Excellent energy-storage and conversion materials in the field of electrochemistry

High-entropy materials(HEMs),a new type of materials,have attracted significant attention in the field of electrocatalytic reactions,batteries and energy-storage materials over the past few years owing to their unique structure,controllable elementary composition,and adjustable properties.These excellent characteristics result from four major factors:high entropy,sluggish-diffusion,severe lattice distortion,and cocktail effect,and are used widely in energy-energy applications.This review aims to summarize the recent progress of HEMs in electrochemical energy-storage.We begin with the concept,structure,and four core effects of HEMs that provide the basic information on HEMs.Next,we discuss the major properties of HEMs and analyze the relationship between their structures and properties.Furthermore,we highlight the outstanding performance of HEMs in hydrogen storage,electrode materials of batteries,catalysis,and supercapacitors,and briefly explain the mechanisms of these materials that are crucial in energy storage and conversion.This review will assist in understanding the excellent energy-storage properties,intricacies of the phase structures,elemental interactions,and reaction mechanisms associated with HEMs.Moreover,challenges and future development prospects are summarized.This work will provide insight into the factors that are crucial for designing HEMs with energy storage properties.

Data mining-aided materials discovery and optimization

Recent developments in data mining-aided materials discovery and optimization are reviewed in this paper,and an introduction to the materials data mining(MDM)process is provided using case studies.Both qualitative and quantitative methods in machine learning can be adopted in the MDM process to accomplish different tasks in materials discovery,design,and optimization.State-of-the-art techniques in data mining-aided materials discovery and optimization are demonstrated by reviewing the controllable synthesis of dendritic Co_(3)O_(4) superstructures,materials design of layered double hydroxide,battery materials discovery,and thermoelectric materials design.The results of the case studies indicate that MDM is a powerful approach for use in materials discovery and innovation,and will play an important role in the development of the Materials Genome Initiative and Materials Informatics.

High-performance anode materials for Na-ion batteries

Na-ion batteries are considered a promising alternative to Li-ion batteries for large-scale energy storage systems due to their low cost and the natural abundance of Na resource. Great effort is making worldwide to develop high-performance electrode materials for Na-ion batteries,which is critical for Na-ion batteries. This review provides a comprehensive overview of anode materials for Na-ion batteries based on Na-storage mechanism： insertion-based materials, alloy-based materials, conversion-based materials and organic composites. And we summarize the Nastorage mechanism of those anode materials and discuss their failure mechanism. Furthermore, the problems and challenges associated with those anodes are pointed out,and feasible strategies are proposed for designing highperformance anode materials. According to the current state of research, the search for suitable anode materials for Na-ion batteries is still challenging although substantial progress has been achieved. Nevertheless, we believe that high-performance Na-ion batteries would be promising for practical applications in large-scale energy storage systems in the near future.

Oxygen-doped carbon host with enhanced bonding and electron attraction abilities for efficient and stable SnO_2/carbon composite battery anode

The coupling between electrochemically active material and conductive matrix is vitally important for high efficiency lithium ion batteries （LIBs）. By introducing oxygen groups into the nanoporous carbon framework, we accom- plish sustainably enhanced electrochemical performance for a SnO2/carbon LIB. 2-5 nm SnO2 nanoparticles are hydro- thermally grown in different nanoporous carbon frameworks, which are pristine, nitrogen- or oxygen-doped carbons. Compared with pristine and nitrogen-doped carbon hosts, the SnO2/oxygen-doped activated carbon （OAC） composite ex- hibits a higher discharge capacity of 1,122mAhg^-1 at 500 mA g^-1 after 320 cycles operation and a larger lithium storage capacity up to 680 mAhg-I at a high rate of 2,000 mA g^-1. The exceptional electrochemical performance originated from the oxygen groups, which could act as Lewis acid sites to attract electrons effectively from Sn during the charge process, thus accelerating reversible conversion of Sn to SnO2. Meanwhile, SnO2 nanoparticles are effectively bonded with carbon through such oxygen groups, thus preventing the electrochemical sintering and maintaining the cycling stability of the SnO2/OAC composite anode. The high electrochemical performance, low biomass cost, and facile preparation renders the SnO2/OAC composites a promising candidate for anode materials.

Influence of cerium doping on structure and electrochemical properties of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathode materials

Pristine LiNi_（0.5）Mn_（1.5）O_4 and cerium doped LiCe_xNi_（0.5–x）Mn_（1.5）O_4（x=0.005, 0.01, 0.02） cathode materials were synthesized by solid-state method. The effect of Ce doping content on structure and electrochemical properties of LiNi_（0.5）Mn_（1.5）O_4 cathode material was systematically investigated. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction（XRD）, Fourier transformation infrared spectrometer（FT-IR）, scanning electron microscopy（SEM）, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy（EIS）, cyclic voltammetry（CV） and constant-current charge/discharge tests. The results showed that Ce doping did not change the cubic spinel structure with Fd3m space group, but effectively restrained the formation of Li_xNi_（1–x）O impurity phase. Appropriate Ce doping（x=0.005） could decrease the extent of confusion between lithium ions and transition metal ions, increase the lattice parameter and Ni/Mn disordering degree（Mn^（3＋） content）. The synergic effects of the above factors led to the optimal electrochemical performance of LiCe_（0.005）Ni_（0.495）Mn_（1.5）O_4 sample. The discharge capacity at 10 C rate could reach 115.4 mAh/g, 94.82% of that at 0.2C rate, and the capacity retention rate after 100 cycles at 1C rate could reach 94.51%. However, heavier Ce doping had an adverse effect on the electrochemical properties, which might be due to the lower disordering degree and existence of more CeO_2 secondary phase.

Recent progress in cobalt-based compounds as high-performance anode materials for lithium ion batteries

Despite carbonaceous materials are widely employed as commercial negative electrodes for lithium ion battery, an urge requirement for new electrode materials that meet the needs of high energy density, long cycle life, low cost and safety is still underway. A number of cobalt-based compounds（Co（OH）_2, Co_3O_4, CoN, CoS,CoP, NiCo_2O_4, etc.） have been developed over the past years as promising anode materials for lithium ion batteries（LIBs） due to their high theoretical capacity, rich redox reaction and adequate cyclability. The LIBs performances of the cobalt-based compounds have been significantly improved in recent years, and it is anticipated that these materials will become a tangible reality for practical applications in the near future. However, the different types of cobalt-based compounds will result in diverse electrochemical performance. This review briefly analyzes recent progress in this field, especially highlights the synthetic approaches and the prepared nanostructures of the diverse cobalt-based compounds and their corresponding performances in LIBs, including the storage capacity, rate capability, cycling stability and so on.