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.

One-pot Synthesis of Hierarchical Flower-like WS_(2) Microspheres as Anode Materials for Lithium-ion Batteries

3D hierarchical flowerlike WS_(2) microspheres were synthesized through a facile one-pot hydrothermal route.The as-synthesized samples were characterized by powder X-ray powder diffraction (XRD),energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS),scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman.SEM images of the samples reveal that the hierarchical flowerlike WS_(2) microspheres with diameters of about 3-5μm are composed of a number of curled nanosheets.Electrochemical tests such as charge/discharge,cyclic voltammetry,cycle life and rate performance were carried out on the WS_(2) sample.As an anode material for lithium-ion batteries,hierarchical flowerlike WS_(2) microspheres show excellent electrochemical performance.At a current density of100 mA·g^(-1),a high specific capacity of 647.8 mA·h·g^(-1) was achieved after 120 discharge/charge cycles.The excellent electrochemical performance of WS_(2) as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries can be attributed to its special 3D hierarchical structure.

Mitigating Lattice Distortion of High‑Voltage LiCoO_(2)via Core‑Shell Structure Induced by Cationic Heterogeneous Co‑Doping for Lithium‑Ion Batteries

Inactive elemental doping is commonly used to improve the structural stability of high-voltage layered transition-metal oxide cathodes.However,the one-step co-doping strategy usually results in small grain size since the low diffusivity ions such as Ti^(4+)will be concentrated on grain boundaries,which hinders the grain growth.In order to synthesize large single-crystal layered oxide cathodes,considering the different diffusivities of different dopant ions,we propose a simple two-step multi-element co-doping strategy to fabricate core–shell structured LiCoO_(2)(CS-LCO).In the current work,the high-diffusivity Al^(3+)/Mg^(2+)ions occupy the core of single-crystal grain while the low diffusivity Ti^(4+)ions enrich the shell layer.The Ti^(4+)-enriched shell layer(~12 nm)with Co/Ti substitution and stronger Ti–O bond gives rise to less oxygen ligand holes.In-situ XRD demonstrates the constrained contraction of c-axis lattice parameter and mitigated structural distortion.Under a high upper cut-off voltage of 4.6 V,the single-crystal CS-LCO maintains a reversible capacity of 159.8 mAh g^(−1)with a good retention of~89%after 300 cycles,and reaches a high specific capacity of 163.8 mAh g^(−1)at 5C.The proposed strategy can be extended to other pairs of low-(Zr^(4+),Ta^(5+),and W6+,etc.)and high-diffusivity cations(Zn^(2+),Ni^(2+),and Fe^(3+),etc.)for rational design of advanced layered oxide core–shell structured cathodes for lithium-ion batteries.

Evolution of the porous structure for phosphoric acid etching carbon as cathodes in Li–O_(2) batteries:Pyrolysis temperature-induced characteristics changes

Although biomass-derived carbon(biochar)has been widely used in the energy field,the relation between the carbonization condition and the physical/chemical property of the product remains elusive.Here,we revealed the carbonization condition's effect on the morphology,surface property,and electrochemical performance of the obtained carbon.An open slit pore structure with shower-puff-like nanoparticles can be obtained by finely tuning the carbonization temperature,and its unique pore structure and surface properties enable the Li–O_(2) battery with cycling longevity(221 cycles with 99.8%Coulombic efficiency at 0.2 mA cm^(−2) and controlled discharge–charge depths of 500 mAh g^(−1))and high capacity(16,334 mAh g^(−1) at 0.02 mA cm^(−2)).This work provides a greater understanding of the mechanism of the biochar carbonization procedure under various pyrolysis conditions,paving the way for future study of energy storage devices.

VSe_(2)/V_(2)C heterocatalyst with built-in electric field for efficient lithium-sulfur batteries:Remedies polysulfide shuttle and conversion kinetics

Lithium sulfur(Li-S)battery is a kind of burgeoning energy storage system with high energy density.However,the electrolyte-soluble intermediate lithium polysulfides(Li PSs)undergo notorious shuttle effect,which seriously hinders the commercialization of Li-S batteries.Herein,a unique VSe_(2)/V_(2)C heterostructure with local built-in electric field was rationally engineered from V_(2)C parent via a facile thermal selenization process.It exquisitely synergizes the strong affinity of V_(2)C with the effective electrocatalytic activity of VSe_(2).More importantly,the local built-in electric field at the heterointerface can sufficiently promote the electron/ion transport ability and eventually boost the conversion kinetics of sulfur species.The Li-S battery equipped with VSe_(2)/V_(2)C-CNTs-PP separator achieved an outstanding initial specific capacity of 1439.1 m A h g^(-1)with a high capacity retention of 73%after 100 cycles at0.1 C.More impressively,a wonderful capacity of 571.6 mA h g^(-1)was effectively maintained after 600cycles at 2 C with a capacity decay rate of 0.07%.Even under a sulfur loading of 4.8 mg cm^(-2),areal capacity still can be up to 5.6 m A h cm^(-2).In-situ Raman tests explicitly illustrate the effectiveness of VSe_(2)/V_(2)C-CNTs modifier in restricting Li PSs shuttle.Combined with density functional theory calculations,the underlying mechanism of VSe_(2)/V_(2)C heterostructure for remedying Li PSs shuttling and conversion kinetics was deciphered.The strategy of constructing VSe_(2)/V_(2)C heterocatalyst in this work proposes a universal protocol to design metal selenide-based separator modifier for Li-S battery.Besides,it opens an efficient avenue for the separator engineering of Li-S batteries.

The initial stages of Li_(2)O_(2) formation during oxygen reduction reaction in Li-O_(2) batteries:The significance of Li_(2)O_(2) in charge-transfer reactions within devices

Lithium-oxygen batteries are a promising technology because they can greatly surpass the energy density of lithium-ion batteries.However,this theoretical characteristic has not yet been converted into a real device with high cyclability.Problems with air contamination,metallic lithium reactivity,and complex discharge and charge reactions are the main issues for this technology.A fast and reversible oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)is crucial for good performance of secondary batteries',but the partial knowledge of its mechanisms,especially when devices are concerned,hinders further development.From this perspective,the present work uses operando Raman experiments and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS)to assess the first stages of the discharge processes in porous carbon electrodes,following their changes cycle by cycle at initial operation.A growth kinetic formation of the discharge product signal(Li_(2)O_(2))was observed with operando Raman,indicating a first-order reaction and enabling an analysis by a microkinetic model.The solution mechanism in the evaluated system was ascribed for an equivalent circuit with three time constants.While the time constant for the anode interface reveals to remain relatively constant after the first discharge,its surface seemed to be more non-uniform.The model indicated that the reaction occurs at the Li_(2)O_(2) surface,decreasing the associated resistance during the initial discharge phase.Furthermore,the growth of Li_(2)O_(2) forms a hetero-phase between Li_(2)O_(2)/electrolyte,while creating a more compact and homogeneous on the Li_(2)O_(2)/cathode surface.The methodology here described thus offers a way of directly probing changes in surface chemistry evolution during cycling from a device through EIS analysis.

Two-dimensional layered In_(2)P_(3)S_(9): A novel superior anode material for sodium-ion batteries

Developing reliable and efficient anode materials is essential for the successfully practical application of sodium-ion batteries.Herein,employing a straightforward and rapid chemical vapor deposition technique,two-dimensional layered ternary indium phosphorus sulfide(In_(2)P_(3)S_(9)) nanosheets are prepared.The layered structure and ternary composition of the In_(2)P_(3)S_(9) electrode result in impressive electrochemical performance,including a high reversible capacity of 704 mA h g^(-1) at 0.1 A g^(-1),an outstanding rate capability with 425 mA h g^(-1) at 5 A g^(-1),and an exceptional cycling stability with a capacity retention of88% after 350 cycles at 1 A g^(-1).Furthermore,sodium-ion full cell also affords a high capacity of 308 and114 mA h g^(-1) at 0.1 and 5 A g^(-1).Ex-situ X-ray diffraction and ex-situ high-resolution transmission electron microscopy tests are conducted to investigate the underlying Na-storage mechanism of In_(2)P_(3)S_(9).The results reveal that during the first cycle,the P-S bond is broken to form the elemental P and In_(2)S_(3),collectively contributing to a remarkably high reversible specific capacity.The excellent electrochemical energy storage results corroborate the practical application potential of In_(2)P_(3)S_(9) for sodium-ion batteries.

Review and prospects on the low-voltage Na_(2)Ti_(3)O_(7) anode materials for sodium-ion batteries

Due to its low cost and natural abundance of sodium,Na-ion batteries(NIBs)are promising candidates for large-scale energy storage systems.The development of ultralow voltage anode materials is of great significance in improving the energy density of NIBs.Low-voltage anode materials,however,are severely lacking in NIBs.Of all the reported insertion oxides anodes,the Na_(2)Ti_(3)O_(7) has the lowest operating voltage(an average potential of 0.3 V vs.Na^(+)/Na)and is less likely to deposit sodium,which has excellent potential for achieving NIBs with high energy densities and high safety.Although significant progress has been made,achieving Na_(2)Ti_(3)O_(7) electrodes with excellent performance remains a severe challenge.This paper systematically summarizes and discusses the physicochemical properties and synthesis methods of Na_(2)Ti_(3)O_(7).Then,the sodium storage mechanisms,key issues and challenges,and the optimization strategies for the electrochemical performance of Na_(2)Ti_(3)O_(7) are classified and further elaborated.Finally,remaining challenges and future research directions on the Na_(2)Ti_(3)O_(7) anode are highlighted.This review offers insights into the design of high-energy and high-safety NIBs.

Difficulties, strategies, and recent research and development of layered sodium transition metal oxide cathode materials for high-energy sodium-ion batteries

Energy-storage systems and their production have attracted significant interest for practical applications.Batteries are the foundation of sustainable energy sources for electric vehicles(EVs),portable electronic devices(PEDs),etc.In recent decades,Lithium-ion batteries(LIBs) have been extensively utilized in largescale energy storage devices owing to their long cycle life and high energy density.However,the high cost and limited availability of Li are the two main obstacles for LIBs.In this regard,sodium-ion batteries(SIBs) are attractive alternatives to LIBs for large-scale energy storage systems because of the abundance and low cost of sodium materials.Cathode is one of the most important components in the battery,which limits cost and performance of a battery.Among the classified cathode structures,layered structure materials have attracted attention because of their high ionic conductivity,fast diffusion rate,and high specific capacity.Here,we present a comprehensive review of the classification of layered structures and the preparation of layered materials.Furthermore,the review article discusses extensively about the issues of the layered materials,namely(1) electrochemical degradation,(2) irreversible structural changes,and(3) structural instability,and also it provides strategies to overcome the issues such as elemental phase composition,a small amount of elemental doping,structural design,and surface alteration for emerging SIBs.In addition,the article discusses about the recent research development on layered unary,binary,ternary,quaternary,quinary,and senary-based O3-and P2-type cathode materials for high-energy SIBs.This review article provides useful information for the development of high-energy layered sodium transition metal oxide P2 and O3-cathode materials for practical SIBs.

Rationally designed hollow carbon nanospheres decorated with S,P co-doped NiSe_(2) nanoparticles for high-performance potassium-ion and lithium-ion batteries

Hollow nanostructures with external shells and inner voids have been proved to greatly shorten the transport distance of ions/electrons and buffer volume change,especially for the large-sized potassium-ions in secondary batteries.In this work,hollow carbon(HC) nanospheres embedded with S,P co-doped NiSe_(2)nanoparticles are fabricated by "drop and dry" and "dissolving and precipitation" processes to form Ni(OH)2nanocrystals followed by annealing with S and P dopants to form nanoparticles.The resultant S,P-NiSe_(2)/HC composite exhibits excellent cyclic performance with 131.6 mA h g^(-1)at1000 mA g^(-1)after 3000 cycles for K^(+)storage and a capacity of 417.1 mA h g^(-1)at 1000 mA g^(-1)after1000 cycles for Li^(+)storage.K-ion full cells are assembled and deliver superior cycling stability with a ca pacity of 72.5 mA h g^(-1)at 200 mA g^(-1)after 500 cycles.The hollow carbon shell with excellent electrical conductivity effectively promotes the transporta tion and tolerates large volume variation for both K^(+)and Li^(+).Density functional theory calculations confirm that the S and P co-doping NiSe_(2) enables stronger adsorption of K^(+)ions and higher electrical conductivity that contributes to the improved electrochemical performance.

Monolayer MoS_(2)Fabricated by In Situ Construction of Interlayer Electrostatic Repulsion Enables Ultrafast Ion Transport in Lithium-Ion Batteries

High theoretical capacity and unique layered structures make MoS_(2)a promising lithium-ion battery anode material.However,the anisotropic ion transport in layered structures and the poor intrinsic conductivity of MoS_(2)lead to unacceptable ion transport capability.Here,we propose in-situ construction of interlayer electrostatic repulsion caused by Co^(2+)substituting Mo^(4+)between MoS_(2)layers,which can break the limitation of interlayer van der Waals forces to fabricate monolayer MoS_(2),thus establishing isotropic ion transport paths.Simultaneously,the doped Co atoms change the electronic structure of monolayer MoS_(2),thus improving its intrinsic conductivity.Importantly,the doped Co atoms can be converted into Co nanoparticles to create a space charge region to accelerate ion transport.Hence,the Co-doped monolayer MoS_(2)shows ultrafast lithium ion transport capability in half/full cells.This work presents a novel route for the preparation of monolayer MoS_(2)and demonstrates its potential for application in fast-charging lithium-ion batteries.

Rational construction of Ag@MIL-88B(V)-derived hierarchical porous Ag-V_(2)O_(5) heterostructures with enhanced diffusion kinetics and cycling stability for aqueous zinc-ion batteries

With the advantages of the multiple oxidation states and highly open crystal structures,vanadium-based composites have been considered as the promising cathode materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries(ZIBs).However,the inherent inferior electrical conductivity,low specific surface area,and sluggish Zn^(2+)diffusion kinetics of the traditional vanadium-based oxides have greatly impeded their development.Herein,a novel hierarchical porous spindle-shaped Ag-V_(2)O_(5) with unique heterostructures was rationally designed via a simple MOF-assisted synthetic method and applied as stable cathode for aqueous ZIBs.The high specific surface area and hierarchically porous superstructures endowed Ag-V_(2)O_(5) with sufficient electrochemical active sites and shortened the diffusion pathways of Zn^(2+),which was beneficial to accelerate the reversible transport of Zn^(2+)and deliver a high specific capacity(426 mA h g^(-1) at 0.1 A g^(-1) and 96.5%capacity retention after 100 cycles).Meanwhile,the self-built-in electric fields at the heterointerface of Ag-V_(2)O_(5) electrode could strengthen the synergistic coupling interaction between Ag and V_(2)O_(5),which can effectively enhance the electric conductivity and maintain the structural integrity,resulting in superb rate capability(326.1 mA h g^(-1) at 5.0 A g^(-1))and remarkable cycling stability(89.7%capacity retention after 2000 cycles at 5.0 A g^(-1)).Moreover,the reversible Zn^(2+)storage mechanism was further investigated and elucidated by kinetics analysis and DFT calculations.

Long-lasting,reinforced electrical networking in a high-loading Li_(2)S cathode for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries

Realizing a lithium sulfide(Li_(2)S)cathode with both high energy density and a long lifespan requires an innovative cathode design that maximizes electrochemical performance and resists electrode deterioration.Herein,a high-loading Li_(2)S-based cathode with micrometric Li_(2)S particles composed of two-dimensional graphene(Gr)and one-dimensional carbon nanotubes(CNTs)in a compact geometry is developed,and the role of CNTs in stable cycling of high-capacity Li–S batteries is emphasized.In a dimensionally combined carbon matrix,CNTs embedded within the Gr sheets create robust and sustainable electron diffusion pathways while suppressing the passivation of the active carbon surface.As a unique point,during the first charging process,the proposed cathode is fully activated through the direct conversion of Li_(2)S into S_(8) without inducing lithium polysulfide formation.The direct conversion of Li_(2)S into S_(8) in the composite cathode is ubiquitously investigated using the combined study of in situ Raman spectroscopy,in situ optical microscopy,and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy.The composite cathode demonstrates unprecedented electrochemical properties even with a high Li_(2)S loading of 10 mg cm^(–2);in particular,the practical and safe Li–S full cell coupled with a graphite anode shows ultra-long-term cycling stability over 800 cycles.

Thermodynamic equilibrium theory-guided design and synthesis of Mg-doped LiFe_(0.4)Mn_(0.6)PO_(4)/C cathode for lithium-ion batteries

Mn-rich LiFe_(1-x)Mn_(x)PO_(4)(x>0.5),which combines the high operation voltage of LiMnPO_(4)with excellent rate performa nce of LiFePO4,is hindered by its sluggish kinetic properties.Herein,thermodynamic equilibrium analysis of Mn^(2+)-Fe^(2+)-Mg^(2+)-C_(2)O_(4)^(2-)-H_(2)O system is used to guide the design and preparation of insitu Mg-doped(Fe_(0.4)Mn_(0.6))_(1-x)Mg_(x)C_(2)O_(4)intermediate,which is then employed as an innovative precursor to synthesize high-performance Mg-doped LiFe_(0.4)Mn_(0.6)PO_(4).It indicates that the metal ions with a high precipitation efficiency and the stoichiometric precursors with uniform element distribution can be achieved under the optimized thermodynamic conditions.Meanwhile,accelerated Li+diffusivity and reduced charge transfer resistance originating from Mg doping are verified by various kinetic characterizations.Benefiting from the contributions of inherited homogeneous element distribution,small particle size,uniform carbon layer coating,enhanced Li+migration ability and structural stability induced by Mg doping,the Li(Fe_(0.4)Mn_(0.6))_(0.97)Mg_(0.03)PO_(4)/C exhibits splendid electrochemical performance.

Understanding of the charge storage mechanism of MnO_(2)-based aqueous zinc-ion batteries:Reaction processes and regulation strategies

Though secondary aqueous Zn ion batteries(AZIBs)have been received broad concern in recent years,the development of suitable cathode materials of AZIBs is still a big challenge.The MnO_(2) has been deemed as one of most hopeful cathode materials of AZIBs on account of some extraordinary merits,such as richly natural resources,low toxicity,high discharge potential,and large theoretical capacity.However,the crystal structure diversity of MnO_(2) results in an obvious various of charge storage mechanisms,which can cause great differences in electrochemical performance.Furthermore,several challenges,including intrinsic poor conductivity,dissolution of manganese and sluggish ion transport dynamics should be conquered before real practice.This work focuses on the reaction mechanisms and recent progress of MnO_(2)-based materials of AZIBs.In this review,a detailed review of the reaction mechanisms and optimal ways for enhancing electrochemical performance for MnO_(2)-based materials is proposed.At last,a number of viewpoints on challenges,future development direction,and foreground of MnO_(2)-based materials of aqueous zinc ions batteries are put forward.This review clarifies reaction mechanism of MnO_(2)-based materials of AZIBs,and offers a new perspective for the future invention in MnO_(2)-based cathode materials,thus accelerate the extensive development and commercialization practice of aqueous zinc ions batteries.

Towards storable and durable Zn-MnO_(2) batteries with hydrous tetraglyme electrolyte

Aqueous rechargeable zinc-based batteries have attracted increasing interest and been considered potential alternatives for state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries because of the low cost and high safety.Many cathode materials have been gradually developed and demonstrated excellent electrochemical performances.However,the complex electrochemistry,inevitable hydrogen release,and zinc corrosion severely hinder the practical application.The most concerned Zn-MnO_(2)batteries still suffer from the Mn dissolution and formation of byproducts.By adding organic solvents to inhibit the activity of water molecules,the hydrous organic electrolytes provide a sound solution for eliminating the unfavorable factors.Here we report a tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether-based hydrous organic electrolyte consisting of LiClO_(4)·3H_(2)O and Zn(ClO4)2·6H2O,and a birnessite-type MnO_(2)cathode material for Zn-MnO_(2)batteries.The Li+/Zn2+ions co-(de)insertion mechanism is ascertained by the structural and morphological analyses.The electrostatic interaction between inserted ions and crystal structure is reduced effectively by employment of monovalent Li+ions,which ensures structural stability of cathode materials.Hydrous tetraglyme electrolyte inhibits the activity of water molecules and thus avoids the formation of byproduct Zn_(4)ClO_(4)(OH)7·Meanwhile,highly stable Zn plating/stripping for over 1500 h,an average coulombic efficiency of>99%in long-term cycling,and ultralong storage life(the cells can work well after stored over 1 year)are simultaneously realized in the novel electrolyte.Benefitting from these aspects,the Zn-MnO_(2)batteries manifest high specific capacity of 132 mA h g^(-1),an operating voltage of 1.25 V,and a capacity retention of>98%after 1000 cycles at a current density of 200 mA g^(-1).

Electronically modulated d-band centers of MOF-derived carbon-supported Ru/HfO_(2) for oxygen reduction and aqueous/flexible zinc-air batteries

The construction of oxide/metal composite catalysts is a competent means of exploiting the electronic interactions between oxide/metal to enhance catalytic activity.In this work,we construct a novel heterogeneous composite(Ru/HfO_(2)-NC)with Ru/HfO2nanoparticles nested in nitrogen-doped porous carbon via a zeolitic imidazole frameworks-assisted(ZIF)co-precipitation and calcination approach.In particular,ZIF guides an in-situ construction of nested configuration and confines the scattered nanoparticles.Strikingly,Ru/HfO_(2)-NC exhibits unusual ORR activity,superb durability,and methanol tolerance in0.1 M KOH solution with high half-wave potential(E1/2)of 0.83 V and follows a near-4e-reaction pathway.Additionally,the ZAB assembled with cathodic Ru/HfO_(2)-NC outputs a power density of 157.3 m W cm^(-2),a specific capacity of 775 mA h g-1Zn,and a prolonged lifespan of 258 h at 5 mA cm^(-2).Meanwhile,the catalyst has demonstrated potential applicability in flexible ZAB.As suggested by experimental results and density functional theory(DFT)analysis,the remarkable property possibly originated from the optimization of the adsorption and desorption of reactive intermediates caused by the reconfiguration of the electronic structure between Ru and HfO_(2).

Zr-doping stabilizes spinel LiMn_(2)O_(4)as a low cost long cycle life cathode for lithium ion batteries

The present commercial spinel LiMn_(2)O_(4) delivers only 90 m Ah/g–115 m Ah/g,far lower than the theoretical specific capacity.It degrades fast caused by the Jahn–Teller effect,Mn dissolution and related side reactions that consume Li inventory.In this work,Zr doping is employed to improve the structural stability and electrochemical performance of spinel LiMn_(2)O_(4).Li_(1.06)Mn_(1.94-x)Zr_xO_4(x=0,0.01,0.02,0.04)have been successfully synthesized by a simple solid-state reaction method and evaluated as cathode for lithium ion batteries(LIB).Li_(1.06)Mn_(1.92)Zr_(0.02)O_4 is superior cathode material with a high capacity of 122 m Ah/g at 1-C rate;long cycle stability,98.39%retention after 100 cycles at 1-C rate,excellent high rate performance 107.1 m Ah/g at 10-C rate,and high temperature performance 97.39%retention after 60 cycles.These are thought to be related to Zr doping effectively stabilizing the spinel LiMn_(2)O_(4),by forming stronger Zr–O bonds in the octahedron,suppressing the Jahn–Teller effect,thus improving electrochemical performance.

Optimally arranged TiO_(2)@MoS_(2) heterostructures with effectively induced built-in electric field for high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries

To overcome the serious technological issues affecting lithium-sulfur(Li-S) batteries,such as sluggish sulfur redox kinetics and the detrimental shuttle effect,heterostructure engineering has been investigated as a strategy to effectively capture soluble lithium polysulfide intermediates and promote their conversion reaction by integrating highly polar metal oxides with catalytically active metals sulfides.However,to fully exploit the outstanding properties of heterostructure-based composites,their detailed structure and interfacial contacts should be designed rationally.Herein,optimally arranged TiO_(2)and MoS_(2)-based heterostructures(TiO_(2)@MoS_(2)) are fabricated on carbon cloth as a multifunctional interlayer to efficiently trap polysulfide intermediates and accelerate their redox kinetics.Owing to the synergistic effects between TiO_(2)and MoS_(2)and the uniform heterointerface distribution that induces the ideally oriented built-in electric field,Li-S batteries with TiO_(2)@MoS_(2)interlayers exhibit high rate capability(601 mA h g^(-1)at 5 C),good cycling stability(capacity-fade rate of 0.067% per cycle over 500 cycles at2 C),and satisfactory areal capacity(5.2 mA h cm^(-2)) under an increased sulfur loading of 5.2 mg cm^(-2).Moreover,by comparing with a MoS_(2)@TiO_(2)interlayer composed of reversely arranged heterostructures,the effect of the built-in electric field’s direction on the electrocatalytic reactions of polysulfide intermediates is thoroughly investigated for the first time.The superior electrocatalytic activities of the rationally arranged TiO_(2)@MoS_(2)interlayer demonstrate the importance of optimizing the built-in electric field of heterostructures for producing high-performance Li-S batteries.

P2-Na_(2/3)Ni_(2/3)Te_(1/3)O_(2)Cathode for Na-ion Batteries with High Voltage and Excellent Stability

Air-stable layered structured cathodes with high voltage and good cycling stability are highly desired for the practical application of Na-ion batteries.Herein,we report a P2-Na_(2/3)Ni_(2/3)Te_(1/3)O_(2) cathode that is stable in ambient air with an average operating voltage of~3.8 V,demonstrating excellent cycling stability with a capacity retention of more than 92.7%after 500 cycles at 20 mA g^(-1) and good rate capability with 91.9%capacity utilization at 500 mA g^(-1) with respect to capacity at 5 mA g^(-1) between 2.0 and 4.0 V.When the upper cutoff voltage is increased to 4.4 V,P2-Na_(2/3)Ni_(2/3)Te_(1/3)O_(2) delivers a reversible capacity of 71.9 mAh g^(-1) and retains 91.8%of the capacity after 100 cycles at 20 mA g^(-1).The charge compensation during charge/discharge is mainly due to the redox couple of Ni^(2+)/Ni^(3+)in the host with a small amount of contribution from oxygen.The stable structure of the material without phase transformation and with small volume change during charge-discharge allows it to give excellent cycle performance especially when the upper cutoff voltage is not higher than 4.2 V.