Hyphae-mediated bioassembly of carbon fibers derivatives for advanced battery energy storage

Ingenious design and fabrication of advanced carbon-based sulfur cathodes are extremely important to the development of high-energy lithium-sulfur batteries,which hold promise as the next-generation power source.Herein,for the first time,we report a novel versatile hyphae-mediated biological assembly technology to achieve scale production of hyphae carbon fibers(HCFs)derivatives,in which different components including carbon,metal compounds,and semiconductors can be homogeneously assembled with HCFs to form composite networks.The mechanism of biological adsorption assembly is also proposed.As a representative,reduced graphene oxides(rGOs)decorated with hollow carbon spheres(HCSs)successfully co-assemble with HCFs to form HCSs@rGOs/HCFs hosts for sulfur cathodes.In this unique architecture,not only large accommodation space for sulfur but also restrained volume expansion and fast charge transport paths are realized.Meanwhile,multiscale physical barriers plus chemisorption sites are simultaneously established to anchor soluble lithium polysulfides.Accordingly,the designed HCSs@rGOs/HCFs-S cathodes deliver a high capacity(1189 mA h g^(-1)at 0.1 C)and good high-rate capability(686 mA h g^(-1)at 5 C).Our work provides a new approach for the preparation of high-performance carbon-based electrodes for energy storage devices.

Understanding the catalysis of chromium trioxide added magnesium hydride for hydrogen storage and Li ion battery applications

This study explores how the chemical interaction between magnesium hydride(MgH_(2))and the additive CrO_(3) influences the hydrogen/lithium storage characteristics of MgH_(2).We have observed that a 5 wt.%CrO_(3) additive reduces the dehydrogenation activation energy of MgH_(2) by 68 kJ/mol and lowers the required dehydrogenation temperature by 80℃.CrO_(3) added MgH_(2) was also tested as an anode in an Li ion battery,and it is possible to deliver over 90%of the total theoretical capacity(2038 mAh/g).Evidence for improved reversibility in the battery reaction is found only after the incorporation of additives with MgH_(2).In depth characterization study by X-ray diffraction(XRD)technique provides convincing evidence that the CrO_(3) additive interacts with MgH_(2) and produces Cr/MgO byproducts.Gibbs free energy analyses confirm the thermodynamic feasibility of conversion from MgH_(2)/CrO_(3) to MgO/Cr,which is well supported by the identification of Cr(0)in the powder by X ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS)technique.Through high resolution transmission electron microscopy(HRTEM)and energy dispersive spectroscopy(EDS)we found evidence for the presence of 5 nm size Cr nanocrystals on the surface of MgO rock salt nanoparticles.There is also convincing ground to consider that MgO rock salt accommodates Cr in the lattice.These observations support the argument that creation of active metal–metal dissolved rock salt oxide interface may be vital for improving the reactivity of MgH_(2),both for the improved storage of hydrogen and lithium.

A novel improvement strategy and a comprehensive mechanism insight for α-MnO_(2) energy storage in rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries have been regarded as the most potential candidate to substitute lithium-ion batteries.However,many serious challenges such as suppressing zinc dendrite growth and undesirable reactions,and achieving fully accepted mechanism also have not been solved.Herein,the commensal composite microspheres withα-MnO_(2) nano-wires and carbon nanotubes were achieved and could effectively suppress ZnSO_(4)·3Zn(OH)_(2)·nH_(2)O rampant crystallization.The electrode assembled with the microspheres delivered a high initial capacity at a current density of 0.05 A g^(-1) and maintained a significantly prominent capacity retention of 88%over 2500 cycles.Furthermore,a novel energy-storage mechanism,in which multivalent manganese oxides play a synergistic effect,was comprehen-sively investigated by the quantitative and qualitative analysis for ZnSO_(4)·3Zn(OH)_(2)·nH_(2)O.The capacity contribution of multivalent manganese oxides and the crystal structure dissection in the transformed processes were completely identified.Therefore,our research could provide a novel strategy for designing improved electrode structure and a comprehensive understanding of the energy storage mechanism of α-MnO_(2) cathodes.

Modeling,Simulation,and Risk Analysis of Battery Energy Storage Systems in New Energy Grid Integration Scenarios

Energy storage batteries can smooth the volatility of renewable energy sources.The operating conditions during power grid integration of renewable energy can affect the performance and failure risk of battery energy storage system(BESS).However,the current modeling of grid-connected BESS is overly simplistic,typically only considering state of charge(SOC)and power constraints.Detailed lithium(Li)-ion battery cell models are computationally intensive and impractical for real-time applications and may not be suitable for power grid operating conditions.Additionally,there is a lack of real-time batteries risk assessment frameworks.To address these issues,in this study,we establish a thermal-electric-performance(TEP)coupling model based on a multitime scale BESS model,incorporating the electrical and thermal characteristics of Li-ion batteries along with their performance degradation to achieve detailed simulation of grid-connected BESS.Additionally,considering the operating characteristics of energy storage batteries and electrical and thermal abuse factors,we developed a battery pack operational riskmodel,which takes into account SOCand charge-discharge rate(Cr),using amodified failure rate to represent the BESS risk.By integrating detailed simulation of energy storage with predictive failure risk analysis,we obtained a detailed model for BESS risk analysis.This model offers a multi-time scale integrated simulation that spans month-level energy storage simulation times,day-level performance degradation,minutescale failure rate,and second-level BESS characteristics.It offers a critical tool for the study of BESS.Finally,the performance and risk of energy storage batteries under three scenarios—microgrid energy storage,wind power smoothing,and power grid failure response—are simulated,achieving a real-time state-dependent operational risk analysis of the BESS.

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.

Novel Insights into Energy Storage Mechanism of Aqueous Rechargeable Zn/MnO2 Batteries with Participation of Mn2+

Aqueous rechargeable Zn/MnO2 zinc-ion batteries(ZIBs)are reviving recently due to their low cost,non-toxicity,and natural abundance.However,their energy storage mechanism remains controversial due to their complicated electrochemical reactions.Meanwhile,to achieve satisfactory cyclic stability and rate performance of the Zn/MnO2 ZIBs,Mn2+ is introduced in the electrolyte(e.g.,ZnSO4 solution),which leads to more complicated reactions inside the ZIBs systems.Herein,based on comprehensive analysis methods including electrochemical analysis and Pourbaix diagram,we provide novel insights into the energy storage mechanism of Zn/MnO2 batteries in the presence of Mn2+.A complex series of electrochemical reactions with the coparticipation of Zn2+,H+,Mn2+,SO42-,and OH-were revealed.During the first discharge process,co-insertion of Zn2+ and H+ promotes the transformation of MnO2 into ZnxMnO4,MnOOH,and Mn2O3,accompanying with increased electrolyte pH and the formation of ZnSO4·3 Zn(OH)2-5 H2O.During the subsequent charge process,ZnxMnO4,MnOOH,and Mn2O3 revert to a-MnO2 with the extraction of Zn2+ and H+,while ZnSO4·3Zn(OH)2·5H2O reacts with Mn2+ to form ZnMn3O7·3 H2O.In the following charge/discharge processes,besides aforementioned electrochemical reactions,Zn2+ reversibly insert into/extract from α-MnO2,ZnxMnO4,and ZnMn3O7·3H2O hosts;ZnSO4·3Zn(OH)2·5 H2O,Zn2Mn3O8,and ZnMn2O4 convert mutually with the participation of Mn2+.This work is believed to provide theoretical guidance for further research on high-performance ZIBs.

Recent advances in energy storage mechanism of aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Aqueous rechargeable zinc-ion batteries(ZIBs)have recently attracted increasing research interest due to their unparalleled safety,fantastic cost competitiveness and promising capacity advantages compared with the commercial lithium ion batteries.However,the disputed energy storage mechanism has been a confusing issue restraining the development of ZIBs.Although a lot of efforts have been dedicated to the exploration in battery chemistry,a comprehensive review that focuses on summarizing the energy storage mechanisms of ZIBs is needed.Herein,the energy storage mechanisms of aqueous rechargeable ZIBs are systematically reviewed in detail and summarized as four types,which are traditional Zn^(2+)insertion chemistry,dual ions co-insertion,chemical conversion reaction and coordination reaction of Zn^(2+)with organic cathodes.Furthermore,the promising exploration directions and rational prospects are also proposed in this review.

Research of heat treatment of low-Co AB_5 type hydrogen storage alloys for MH-Ni batteries

The effects of low-Co AB_5 type hydrogen storage alloys prepared by quenchingand annealing on the performances of MH-Ni batteries were investigated, and the characteristics ofthe low-Co AB_5 type hydrogen storage alloys were compared with those of the high-Co AB_5 typehydrogen storage alloy as well. The results showed that the faster the cooling of the low-Cohydrogen storage alloy is, the better homogeneity of the chemical composition for the alloy and thelonger cycle life of the battery are, but the electrochemical discharge capacity and high-ratedischarge ability are reduced. The high-rate discharge ability and charge retention of MH-Nibatteries for the conventional as-cast annealed low-Co hydrogen storage alloy were superior to thosefor the rapidly quenched low-Co hydrogen storage alloy and the high-Co hydrogen storage alloy, buta little inferior in the cycle life.

Building a Cloud-Based Energy Storage System through Digital Transformation of Distributed Backup Battery in Mobile Base Stations

Battery energy storage systems(ESS) have been widely used in mobile base stations(BS) as the main backup power source. Due to the large number of base stations, massive distributed ESSs have largely stayed in idle and very difficult to achieve high asset utilization. In recent years, the fast-paced development of digital energy storage(DES) technology has revolutionized the traditional operation and maintenance of ESSs by transforming them into digital assets, further enabling battery energy storage services, raising up a new way to achieve a much higher utilization of such kind of largely idle ESS resources. In this paper, the disruptive DES technology will be introduced and its application under the context of mobile BSs will be studied, and then a cloud-based energy storage(CES) platform is proposed based on a large scale distributed DESs to provide a new cyber-enabled energy storage service to the local utility company. A real-world case study shows the effectiveness and efficiency of the CES platform.

Battery Technologies for Grid-Level Large-Scale Electrical Energy Storage

Grid-level large-scale electrical energy storage(GLEES) is an essential approach for balancing the supply–demand of electricity generation, distribution, and usage. Compared with conventional energy storage methods, battery technologies are desirable energy storage devices for GLEES due to their easy modularization, rapid response, flexible installation, and short construction cycles. In general, battery energy storage technologies are expected to meet the requirements of GLEES such as peak shaving and load leveling, voltage and frequency regulation, and emergency response, which are highlighted in this perspective. Furthermore, several types of battery technologies, including lead–acid, nickel–cadmium, nickel–metal hydride, sodium–sulfur, lithium-ion, and flow batteries, are discussed in detail for the application of GLEES. Moreover, some possible developing directions to facilitate efforts in this area are presented to establish a perspective on battery technology, provide a road map for guiding future studies, and promote the commercial application of batteries for GLEES.

Applications of Lithium-Ion Batteries in Grid-Scale Energy Storage Systems

In the electrical energy transformation process,the grid-level energy storage system plays an essential role in balancing power generation and utilization.Batteries have considerable potential for application to grid-level energy storage systems because of their rapid response,modularization,and flexible installation.Among several battery technologies,lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)exhibit high energy efficiency,long cycle life,and relatively high energy density.In this perspective,the properties of LIBs,including their operation mechanism,battery design and construction,and advantages and disadvantages,have been analyzed in detail.Moreover,the performance of LIBs applied to grid-level energy storage systems is analyzed in terms of the following grid services:(1)frequency regulation;(2)peak shifting;(3)integration with renewable energy sources;and(4)power management.In addition,the challenges encountered in the application of LIBs are discussed and possible research directions aimed at overcoming these challenges are proposed to provide insight into the development of grid-level energy storage systems.

Tin oxide-graphite composite for lithium storage material in lithium-ion batteries

A SnO-graphite composite material, which can deliver high capacities and good cycling stability compared with unsupported SnO, was described. This material prepared via chemical co-precipitation reaction in the presence of graphite consists of high dispersion of SnO with a size of about several hundred nanometers in the graphite. The phase structure was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The morphology and the element distribution were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy spectrum. The results show that the SnO-graphite composites produced by slowly hydrolysis have higher rechargeable capacities than pure graphite and better cycling performance than SnO.

Self-charging power textiles integrating energy harvesting triboelectric nanogenerators with energy storage batteries/supercapacitors

Lightweight and flexible self-charging power systems with synchronous energy harvesting and energy storage abilities are highly desired in the era of the internet of things and artificial intelligences,which can provide stable,sustainable,and autonomous power sources for ubiquitous,distributed,and low-power wearable electronics.However,there is a lack of comprehensive review and challenging discussion on the state-of-the-art of the triboelectric nanogenetor(TENG)-based self-charging power textiles,which have a great possibility to become the future energy autonomy power sources.Herein,the recent progress of the self-charging power textiles hybridizing fiber/fabric based TENGs and fiber/fabric shaped batteries/supercapacitors is comprehensively summarized from the aspect of textile structural designs.Based on the current research status,the key bottlenecks and brighter prospects of self-charging power textiles are also discussed in the end.It is hoped that the summary and prospect of the latest research of self-charging power textiles can help relevant researchers accurately grasp the research progress,focus on the key scientific and technological issues,and promote further research and practical application process.

A novel coordinated control strategy considering power smoothing for a hybrid photovoltaic/battery energy storage system

This work presents a novel coordinated control strategy of a hybrid photovoltaic/battery energy storage(PV/BES) system. Different controller operation modes are simulated considering normal, high fluctuation and emergency conditions. When the system is grid-connected, BES regulates the fluctuated power output which ensures smooth net injected power from the PV/BES system. In islanded operation, BES system is transferred to single master operation during which the frequency and voltage of the islanded microgrid are regulated at the desired level. PSCAD/EMTDC simulation validates the proposed method and obtained favorable results on power set-point tracking strategies with very small deviations of net output power compared to the power set-point. The state-of-charge regulation scheme also very effective with SOC has been regulated between 32% and 79% range.

Charge storage mechanism of MOF-derived Mn2O3 as high performance cathode of aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Aqueous Zinc-ion batteries(ZIB) are attracting immense attention because of their merits of excellent safety and quite cheap properties compared with lithium-ion batteries(LIB).Manganese oxide is one of the most important cathode materials of ZIB.In this paper,α-Mn2O3 used as cathode of ZIB is synthesized via Metal-Organic Framework(MOF)-derived method,which delivers a high specific capacity of225 mAh g^(-1) at 0.05 A g^(-1) and 92.7 mAh g^(-1) after 1700 cycles at 2 A g^(-1).The charge storage mechanism of α-Mn2O3 cathode is found to greatly depend on the discharge current density.At lower current density discharging,the H+ and Zn2+ are successively intercalated into the α-Mn2O3 before and after the "turning point" of discharge voltage and their discharging products present obviously different morphologies changing from flower-like to large plate-like products.At a higher current density,the low-voltage plateau after the turning point disappears due to the decrease of amount of Zn2+ intercalation and the H+intercalation is dominated in α-Mn2 O3.This study provides significant understanding for future design and research of high-performance Mn-based cathodes of ZIB.

Capacitive charge storage enables an ultrahigh cathode capacity in aluminum-graphene battery

Aluminum^-graphene battery is promising for its abundant raw materials,high power density,ultralong cycle life and superior safety.However,the development of aluminum^-graphene battery is currently restricted by its insufficient cathode capacity,calling for a newly developed working mechanism.In addition,an irregular constant increase of the cathode capacity was always observed during cycling,but cannot be explained based on the current understanding.Here,we observed an increase of specific capacity by 60%with stable Coulombic efficiency of 98%during 7000 cycles life of Al-graphene batteries employing AlCl3/ET3NHCl electrolyte.We demonstrated this growing cathode capacity is attributed to an increasing contribution of capacitive charge storage during cycling,because a gradually enlarged surface area as capacitive active sites is enabled by the exfoliation of graphitic cathode during the periodic intercalation process.Moreover,the graphene cathode was exfoliated more significantly in AlCl3/ET3NHCl than 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride-based electrolyte,which results from the heavier stress on the graphene layers caused by the larger intercalants in AlCl3/ET3NHCl.The common intercalation of cations with AlCl4-clusters was therefore supposed to occur during charging.This new proposed mechanism can offer the new thought for future design on high-capacity cathode of Al-ion battery.

A distributed VSG control method for a battery energy storage system with a cascaded H-bridge in a grid-connected mode

With the high penetration of renewable energy,new challenges,such as power fluctuation suppression and inertial support capability,have arisen in the power sector.Battery energy storage systems play an essential role in renewable energy integration.In this paper,a distributed virtual synchronous generator(VSG)control method for a battery energy storage system(BESS)with a cascaded H-bridge converter in a grid-connected mode is proposed.The VSG is developed without communication dependence,and state-of-charge(SOC)balancing control is achieved using the distributed average algorithm.Owing to the low varying speed of SOC,the bandwidth of the distributed communication networks is extremely slow,which decreases the cost.Therefore,the proposed method can simultaneously provide inertial support and accurate SOC balancing.The stability is also proved using root locus analysis.Finally,simulations under different conditions are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.

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.

A dual redox-active and robust polymer enables ultrafast and durable proton-storage capability

Aqueous proton batteries(APBs) offer a viable and attractive option in the field of affordable and sustainable energy solutions.Organic polymers are highly favored due to their environmentally friendly manufacturability and malleable molecular configurations,making them suitable materials for constructing APB electrodes.Nonetheless,their currently limited capacity for proton-associated redox reactions poses a challenge to the widespread usage.Herein,we have developed a highly redox-active organic polymer(PTA) tailored for APB applications.The inclusion of dual redox-active moieties in the extended nconjugated frameworks not only enhances the redox activity and refines the electronic properties,but also ensures the high structural integrity of the PTA polymer.When used as an electrode,the PTA polymer has a notable ability to store protons,with a large capacity of 213.99 mA h g^(-1) at 1 A g^(-1) and exceptional long-term stability,as evidenced by retaining 94.6% of its initial capacity after 20,000 cycles.In situ techniques alongside theoretical calculations have unveiled efficient redox processes occurring at C=N and C=O redox-active sites within the PTA electrode upon proton uptake/removal.Furthermore,a softpackage APB device has been assembled with impressive electrochemical behaviors and excellent operational lifespan,accentuating its significant promise for real-world deployment.

The electrochemical characteristics of AB_(4)-type rare earth-Mg-Ni-based superlattice structure hydrogen storage alloys for nickel metal hydride battery

Rare earth-Mg-Ni-based alloys with superlattice structures are new generation negative electrode materials for the nickel metal hydride batteries.Among them,the novel AB_(4)-type superlattice structure alloy is supposed to have superior cycling stability and rate capability.Yet its preparation is hindered by the crucial requirement of temperature and the special composition which is close to the other superlattice structure.Here,we prepare rare earth-Mg-Ni-based alloy and study the phase transformation of alloys to make clear the formation of AB_(4)-type phase.It is found Pr_(5)Co_(19)-type phase is converted from Ce_(5)Co_(19)-type phase and shows good stability at higher temperature compared to the Ce_(5)Co_(19)-type phase in the range of 930-970℃.Afterwards,with further 5℃increasing,AB_(4)-type superlattice structure forms at a temperature of 975℃by consuming Pr_(5)Co_(19)-type phase.In contrast with A_(5)B_(19)-type alloy,AB_(4)-type alloy has superior rate capability owing to the dominant advantages of charge transfer and hydrogen diffusion.Besides,AB_(4)-type alloy shows long lifespan whose capacity retention rates are 89.2%at the 100;cycle and 82.8%at the 200;cycle,respectively.AB_(4)-type alloy delivers 1.53 wt.%hydrogen storage capacity at room temperature and exhibits higher plateau pressure than Pr_(5)Co_(19)-type alloy.The work provides novel AB_(4)-type alloy with preferable electrochemical performance as negative electrode material to inspire the development of nickel metal hydride batteries.