Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Chengyao Zhu, Pengzhou Li, Guiying Xu, Hui Cheng, Guo Gao
Summary: Recently, aqueous Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs) have gained attention as potential energy storage devices due to their high safety, low cost, high volumetric capacity, and environmental friendliness. However, the challenges of Zn anodes in aqueous ZIBs need to be addressed. This review discusses the sources of dendrites growth and side reactions of Zn anodes and explores various strategies for modifying Zn anodes. It also highlights the action mechanisms and modification design of different materials, including carbon-based materials, metals, polymers, and metal-organic frameworks, for enhancing the performance of Zn anodes in aqueous ZIBs.
COORDINATION CHEMISTRY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hao Chen, Weibing Ma, Jingdong Guo, Jiyuan Xiong, Feng Hou, Wenping Si, Zhiyuan Sang, De'an Yang
Summary: This study creatively intercalated conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) into MnO2 layers, improving their electron conductivity and ion diffusion rate, and enhancing the rate capacity and cycle stability of manganese oxides as cathode materials for zinc ion batteries.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Junnan Hao, Libei Yuan, Yilong Zhu, Mietek Jaroniec, Shi-Zhang Qiao
Summary: This study reveals the challenges in aqueous Zn-ion batteries and proposes a new electrolyte strategy to address these issues. Experimental results demonstrate that the strategy can achieve high reversibility and long lifespan for Zn-ion batteries.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Siyuan Gao, Bomin Li, Haiyan Tan, Fan Xia, Olusola Dahunsi, Wenqian Xu, Yuzi Liu, Rongyue Wang, Yingwen Cheng
Summary: The use of simple Zn(ClO4)(2) aqueous electrolytes has been proven to be effective in improving the performance of aqueous Zn-MnO2 batteries below freezing temperatures. The bulky ClO4- anion disrupts hydrogen bonds between water molecules and enables ion diffusion even while frozen, leading to improved capacity retention and stable zinc anode performance.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lu Yang, Tengsheng Zhang, Sainan Liu, Ziqing Wang, Zhexuan Liu, Xinxin Cao, Guozhao Fang, Shuquan Liang
Summary: This study proposes an ionic self-concentrated electrolyte (ISCE) that enables uniform Zn deposition and reversible reaction of MnO2 cathode. The Zn/Zn symmetrical batteries exhibit long-life cycle stability, while the Zn/MnO2 battery demonstrates high capacity and stability over many cycles.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Zengming Qin, Yu Song, Duo Yang, Ming-Yue Zhang, Hua-Yu Shi, Cuicui Li, Xiaoqi Sun, Xiao-Xia Liu
Summary: A new Zn-MnO2 hybrid battery using Al3+ in the sulfate-based electrolyte is proposed, which exhibits excellent electrochemical performance and cycle life while avoiding environmental hazards and corrosion of the Zn anodes.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shuai Wang, Zishun Yuan, Xu Zhang, Songshan Bi, Zhen Zhou, Jinlei Tian, Qichun Zhang, Zhiqiang Niu
Summary: The co-insertion of dual ions in aqueous zinc batteries, such as H+/NH4+ in Zn/MnO2 battery, enhances electrochemical performance by providing fast kinetics of ion diffusion and reversible structure evolution, leading to excellent rate capability and cycling performance. This work may facilitate the design of aqueous rechargeable batteries with non-metallic ions.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Haoyu Li, Huan Yao, Xinyi Sun, Chuanchao Sheng, Wei Zhao, Jianghua Wu, Shiyong Chu, Zhaoguo Liu, Shaohua Guo, Haoshen Zhou
Summary: Due to the goal of carbon neutrality, rechargeable aqueous Zn-MnO2 batteries have been gaining attention. However, there is still controversy surrounding the reaction process and influence factors of beta-MnO2 cathodes. This work proposes a complete MnO2/Mn2+ redox chemistry to explain the abnormal electrochemical behaviors of beta-MnO2 cathodes and reveals the effects of interfacial environment in regulating the electrochemical reactions, providing new insights into the working mechanism of aqueous Zn-MnO2 batteries.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kuo Wang, Tong Qiu, Lu Lin, Fangming Liu, Jiaqi Zhu, Xiao-Xia Liu, Xiaoqi Sun
Summary: In aqueous zinc batteries, the Zn metal anode undergoes dendritic growth and side reactions. The addition of ethylene carbonate (EC) as an additive can modify the interface environment and inhibit side reactions. EC can adsorb on the Zn surface from the ZnSO4 electrolyte, and Zn2+ preferentially forms EC-rich solvation structures at the interface, leading to the formation of an inorganic-organic solid-electrolyte interface (SEI). This effectively suppresses side reactions, allows uniform Zn growth, and improves the cycle life and capacity retention of the battery.
Article
Electrochemistry
Jing Huang, Mei Han, Peng Ji, Bo He, Xuansheng Feng, Ying Han, Kesheng Gao, Zeqing Miao, Changlong Sun, Jian Zhi, Lei Zhang, P. Chen
Summary: In this study, the introduction of mesopores in the beta-MnO2 cathode was shown to effectively address the issues of low capacity and poor cycling stability associated with manganese-based materials in RAZIBs. A novel strategy for optimizing the electrochemical performance of RAZIBs was provided through this structural modulation strategy.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Manasi Mwemezi, S. J. Richard Prabakar, Su Cheol Han, Woon Bae Park, Jung Yong Seo, Kee-Sun Sohn, Myoungho Pyo
Summary: This paper describes the use of self-assembled monolayers modified metallic zinc as an anode for zinc-ion batteries. The modification layer suppresses side reactions and dendrite formation, resulting in improved stability and performance of the zinc anode. The modification layer prevents direct contact between water and hydrogen ions with zinc, repels anions in the solution, but attracts cations to facilitate zinc plating and stripping. The modification layer also increases the number of nucleation sites, promoting lateral growth of zinc without dendrite formation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shilong Li, Ming Zhao, Dongdong Zhang, Xiang Wu
Summary: Layered delta-MnO2 materials are considered to be ideal cathode materials for zinc ion storage, but the structural collapse during long cycling affects device performance. Preintercalation of cations is an efficient strategy to modulate the electrode structure and improve performance. In this study, K+ ion was introduced into the delta-MnO2 interlayer using a solvothermal route. The prepared samples delivered a capacity of 389 mA h/g at 0.2 A/g and maintained a capacity retention of 95% after 1000 charge/discharge cycles, demonstrating their important application prospects in the field of portable electronics.
CRYSTAL GROWTH & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jie Ji, Jia Yao, Yongchang Xu, Houzhao Wan, Bao Zhang, Lin Lv, Jingying Li, Nengze Wang, Zhaohan Zheng, Jun Zhang, Guokun Ma, Li Tao, Hanbin Wang, Yi Wang, Hao Wang
Summary: In this study, the introduction of Ni2+ into γ-MnO2 is proposed to promote proton migration kinetics, resulting in improved energy storage performance for aqueous Zn-MnO2 batteries.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yong Liu, Siqi Zhu, Zhen Zhang, Qiong Sun, Cao Wu, Wenbin Gong, Lixing Kang, Yong Yang
Summary: Rechargeable zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) utilizing zinc-manganese oxide as the cathode showed impressive capacity and cycling stability. The use of an ultra-thin monocrystalline structure enhanced the electro-chemical reaction, improved surface interface interactions, and facilitated ion diffusion kinetics. This study provides a novel methodology for the development of high-performance and mass-produced ZIBs systems.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Cong Chen, Minjie Shi, Yue Zhao, Cheng Yang, Liping Zhao, Chao Yan
Summary: The novel Al-intercalation engineering of MnO2 cathode for aqueous ZIBs significantly improves specific capacity and cycling retention, demonstrating great potential for applications in energy technologies and portable/wearable electronics.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Olusola John Dahunsi, Bomin Li, Siyuan Gao, Ke Lu, Fan Xia, Tao Xu, Yingwen Cheng
Summary: The study addresses the challenge of high reactivity in Na metal batteries by using a one-step-synthesized Na-Sn alloy anode, resulting in improved stability and capacity retention in cycling performance. The composite Na@Na15Sn4 anode enables stable cycling of symmetric cells and enhances the stability of full cells coupled with Na3V2(PO4)(3) cathodes over 300 cycles.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hong Zhang, Bin Song, Weiwei Zhang, Bowen An, Lin Fu, Songtao Lu, Yingwen Cheng, Qianwang Chen, Ke Lu
Summary: In this study, core-shell structured composite matrixes were used to achieve nearly fully reversible cycling of sulfur cathodes for Na-S batteries. The bidirectional tandem electrocatalysis enabled successive reversible conversion of both long- and short-chain polysulfides, while Fe2O3 and redox-active Fe(CN)(6)(4-)-doped polypyrrole shell facilitated specific conversions. The electrochemically reactive Na2S could be readily charged back to sulfur, and stable cycling of a Na-S pouch cell with high reversible capacity was demonstrated.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Olusola John Dahunsi, Siyuan Gao, Jacob Kaelin, Bomin Li, Iddrisu Abdul B. Razak, Bowen An, Yingwen Cheng
Summary: The anode-free battery architecture offers high energy density and eliminates the handling of hazardous metal electrodes. However, these batteries often suffer from capacity decay and sensitivity to side reactions. This study investigates electrochemical interfaces for better Na anodes and achieves high performance with a Zn surface, resulting in stable cycling and improved retention in full cells.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Liang Qiao, Zheng Fu, Wenxia Zhao, Yan Cui, Xin Xing, Yin Xie, Ji Li, Guanhui Gao, Zhengxi Xuan, Yang Liu, Chaeeon Lee, Yimo Han, Yingwen Cheng, Shengbao He, Matthew R. R. Jones, Mark T. T. Swihart
Summary: Branching phenomena in solution-phase synthesis of Nickel-Based nano-Composites (NBCs) were investigated, and 24 morphologies of NBCs were synthesized through systematic adjustment of multiple synthesis parameters. The relationship between synthesis parameters and resultant morphologies was analyzed, and the formation mechanism of branched NBCs was studied comprehensively. Guidelines for rational solution-phase syntheses of branched nanomaterials were extracted and validated.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Olusola John Dahunsi, Bomin Li, Bowen An, Iddrisu B. Abdul Razak, Fan Xia, Siyuan Gao, Junzheng Chen, Guosheng Li, Yingwen Cheng
Summary: This study focuses on the effect of nanosized carbon coating on the Na plating and stripping stability of Al foil current collectors. The carbon coating enables more uniform Na deposition with lower overpotentials, leading to higher than 99.8% Faradaic efficiencies for a wide range of cycling currents between 0.5 and 3.0 mA cm-2. This improvement is attributed to the stronger interfacial binding and enhanced sodiophilic properties of the carbon-aluminum junction sites.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bomin Li, Fan Xia, Yiqi Liu, Haiyan Tan, Siyuan Gao, Jacob Kaelin, Yuzi Liu, Ke Lu, Tobin J. Marks, Yingwen Cheng
Summary: Electrocatalytic nitrate to ammonia conversion is crucial for sustainable energy and environment. The newly discovered active motifs based on the Chevrel phase Co2Mo6S8 exhibit high turnover frequency and ammonia selectivity. The catalyst achieves almost 100% ammonia conversion efficiency and high yield.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Bomin Li, Hong Zhang, Jacob Kaelin, Siyuan Gao, Fan Xia, Bowen An, Ke Lu, Yingwen Cheng
Summary: We demonstrate the use of continuous-flow reactors and environmentally benign deep eutectic solvents for the shape-controlled synthesis of PtPd nanocrystals with almost exclusive octahedral shape and an average size of 12.8 nm within a short reaction time of 6 min. These shaped nanocrystals can be directly grown on carbon, eliminating the need for additional catalyst separation and loading steps. The produced PtPd nanocrystals exhibit excellent performance for the electrooxidation of methanol and show promise for scalable and low-cost manufacturing of shape-controlled electrocatalyst materials.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jinhui Tong, Xun Li, Jianxin Wang, Haiying He, Tao Xu, Kai Zhu
Summary: The reaction between hydrogens in organic cations and neighboring halides plays a central role in the degradation of hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs). By replacing light hydrogen with heavy non-radioactive deuterium, the motion of hydrogen is hampered, resulting in the retardation of detrimental reactions and improved stability of PSCs. This study demonstrates that substituting active hydrogen with deuterium in organic cations is an effective approach to enhance the stability of PSCs without compromising their photovoltaic performance.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hong Zhang, Bin Song, Weiwei Zhang, Yingwen Cheng, Qianwang Chen, Ke Lu
Summary: This study demonstrates the activation of MoS2 catalyst in molten sodium for electrochemical nitrogen fixation at ambient conditions. The activated catalyst shows high electrocatalytic performance, converting N2 to NH3 with improved faradaic efficiency. The interfacial heterojunctions with sulfur vacancies synergistically enhance electron localization for nitrogen fixation and suppress proton recombination. This work provides new insights into manipulating catalyst properties by controlling chalcogenide vacancies and phase junctions.