Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiangni Zhang, Shanchen Yang, Zhaohui Wang
Summary: A bio-based, electrostatic shielding, ion-sieving separator has been developed for stabilizing Zn metal anode. By surface amine functionalization, the cationic nanocellulose separator with immobilized cationic groups exhibits uniformly distributed nanopores, inhibits SO42- migration, and enhances Zn2+ transference number. The combination of ion-sieving nanofibrous network and immobilized electrostatic shielding functional groups leads to smoother and more compact Zn deposition/stripping behavior. With this separator, highly reversible Zn metal anodes and durable supercapacitors have been achieved.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Hai-Peng Liang, Dominic Bresser
Summary: The stable electrode|electrolyte interfaces are crucial for the long lifespan and high energy performance of lithium-metal batteries, and one promising approach to achieve this is the use of single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes. This article discusses this approach, citing a recent study published in Advanced Energy Materials as an example, and provides an outlook for further optimization of such materials.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hongfei Lu, Di Zhang, Qianzheng Jin, Zili Zhang, Nawei Lyu, Zhenjie Zhu, Chenxu Duan, Yi Qin, Yang Jin
Summary: In this work, a gradient electrolyte strategy is proposed to ensure good wettability of the separator and dendrite-free deposition of zinc anode. With this strategy, a Zn||Zn symmetric cell can achieve ultralong cycles exceeding 8 months, even at high currents. Assembled Zn||NVO full cells also demonstrate prominent performance, with high capacity retention after a large number of cycles.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
K. Jayanthi, Stacey. I. Zones, Alexandra Navrotsky
Summary: The transfer of partially hydrophobic organo-cations from high ionic strength media may not play a nucleation role in zeolite synthesis, as suggested by the thermodynamics of partitioning of an organic structure-directing agent. The Gibbs free energies of transfer were close to zero, indicating a balance between exothermic enthalpies and negative entropies. There is no correlation between the thermodynamics of transfer and the efficacy of the organic structure-directing agents in zeolite synthesis, suggesting that the critical factors in zeolite synthesis are controlled kinetically rather than thermodynamically.
CRYSTAL GROWTH & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aosai Chen, Chenyang Zhao, Jiaze Gao, Zhikun Guo, Xingyuan Lu, Jiachi Zhang, Zeping Liu, Ming Wang, Nannan Liu, Lishuang Fan, Yu Zhang, Naiqing Zhang
Summary: The researchers developed a multifunctional coating called PVA@SR-ZnMoO4 on the Zn anode, which consists of an outer layer PVA@SR to enhance flexibility and Zn2+ mobility, and an inner layer ZnMoO4 to inhibit dendrite growth and side reactions. The cooperation between these layers improved the performance of the Zn anode.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dong Han, Tianjiang Sun, RuoChen Zhang, Weijia Zhang, Tao Ma, Haihui Du, Qiaoran Wang, Dan He, Shibing Zheng, Zhanliang Tao
Summary: A new eutectic electrolyte is developed to enhance the stability of aqueous zinc-ion battery. The electrolyte effectively inhibits hydrogen evolution reaction, corrosion, dendrite formation, and by-products, enabling stable cycling of the zinc anode.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yaheng Geng, Licheng Miao, Zichao Yan, Wenli Xin, Lei Zhang, Huiling Peng, Junwei Li, Zhiqiang Zhu
Summary: A super-zincophilic di-2-picolylamine (DPA) has been developed as an effective additive for enhancing the reversibility of Zn plating/stripping, leading to long-life Zn anodes under severe cycling conditions. The DPA molecule preferentially adsorbs on the Zn surface, retarding water adsorption and regulating Zn2+ diffusion, stabilizing the anode/electrolyte interphase and enabling highly reversible Zn plating/stripping even under high-current conditions. Additionally, the Zn||Zn cell with trace amounts of the DPA additive showed significantly improved lifespan, surpassing previously reported values, while the Zn||polyaniline full cell also demonstrated enhanced performance.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wei Zhang, Xian Wu, Qingjin Fu, Haotian Qu, Joanna Borowiec, Mark Isaacs, Guangmin Zhou, Ivan P. Parkin, Guanjie He
Summary: This study reports the use of ammonium fluoride as an additive in zinc sulfate electrolyte to enhance zinc anodes. The formation of electrostatic shielding layer and ZnF2-rich solid-state interphase layer can effectively inhibit side reactions and dendrite growth, leading to improved performance in zinc cells.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xueyu Nie, Licheng Miao, Wentao Yuan, Guoqiang Ma, Shengli Di, Yuanyuan Wang, Shigang Shen, Ning Zhang
Summary: It is reported that introducing cholinium cations into aqueous electrolytes enables a compact and non-dendritic Zn electrode with excellent electrochemical performances. The bulky cholinium cations create a leveling effect to homogenize Zn deposition and disrupt the original H-bonded network of water, reducing side reactions and promoting Zn2+ de-solvation. The optimized electrolyte shows remarkable Coulombic efficiency and cycling stability in Zn batteries.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaoying Yan, Yunwei Tong, Yingjie Liu, Xinyu Li, Zhenbo Qin, Zhong Wu, Wenbin Hu
Summary: To improve the stability and reversibility of the Zn anode in aqueous zinc ion batteries, a new electrolyte additive with a hydrophobic group is used. This additive enhances the hydrophobicity at the electrolyte/electrode interface, which minimizes water erosion and reduces undesired reactions. With the optimal concentration of 2 g/L Tween-85 in a 2 M ZnSO4 electrolyte, the hydrogen evolution reaction and other water-induced reactions are suppressed, leading to improved cycling stability and Coulombic efficiency.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Qi Liu, Mingqing Zhang, Yijun Cao, Biao Peng, Joshua Bosco Barvor
Summary: In gold-processing plants, residual metal cyanide species such as zinc cyanide can remain in process water despite cyanide destruction. A study showed that using quaternary ammonium salts can effectively precipitate zinc cyanide complexes below a critical concentration, removing metal cyanide species from process water.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lijie Han, Jie Luo, Rongkang Zhang, Wenbin Gong, Long Chen, Fan Liu, Ying Ling, Yihao Dong, Zhenzhong Yong, Yongyi Zhang, Lei Wei, Xiaogang Zhang, Qichong Zhang, Qingwen Li
Summary: This study reports a new flexible Ammonium-Ion Supercapacitor (AASC) with anodes based on MoS2 nanosheets supported on carbon nanotube fibers. The heterostructure exhibits excellent electrochemical performance, achieving high specific capacitance and energy density.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jing Sang, Lincan Yang, Fanghui Wang, Zhihua Wang, Hong Zhu
Summary: By synthesizing high-performance anion exchange membranes with specific structures, a balance between water absorption, alkali stability, and ion conductivity can be achieved. These membranes exhibit obvious microphase separation structures, and the introduction of larger sterically hindered cations can reduce the swelling ratio. Membranes with alkyl spacer chains show higher efficiency for ion transport channels and higher ionic conductivity. Stable N-spirocyclic quaternary ammonium cations contribute to the chemical stability of the membranes, and the performance of fuel cells is improved.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sheng Liu, Hong Yu, Ya-jie Ma, Ya-qi Cai
Summary: This study established a method combining ion chromatography and solid-phase extraction to analyze quaternary ammonium ionic liquid cations in river water samples. The method achieved a detection limit of 0.003 mg/L, meeting the requirements for quantitative analysis.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Arvinder Singh, Christel Laberty-Robert, Veronique Balland, Benoit Limoges
Summary: This study investigates the charge storage mechanism of manganese oxides (MnOx) in mild aqueous Zn batteries through quantitative and comparative electrochemical analysis. The results show that the oxidation state and crystallinity of MnOx have little impact on the electrochemical reactivity, with all MnOx being fully converted into soluble Mn2+ during discharge. Additionally, the study reveals the effect of Mn3O4 dismutation in acidic electrolytes and emphasizes the importance of studying Mn3O4 under mildly acidic to neutral pH conditions to understand its thermodynamics and kinetics. Furthermore, the study confirms the phase transformation of Mn3O4 to Mn5O8 and the formation of amorphous MnO2 electrodeposits on top of Mn3O4 in Mn2+-free electrolytes. Finally, the study concludes that subsequent charge/discharge cycles rely on reversible proton-coupled electrodeposition of amorphous MnO2, regardless of the starting MnOx material.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rui Yao, Long Qian, Guangyao Zhao, Haojie Zhu, Tingting Qin, Chengxiang Xiao, Hai Lin, Feiyu Kang, Chunyi Zhi, Cheng Yang
Summary: Aqueous metallic zinc batteries have gained attention as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries due to their safety and eco-friendly characteristics. However, parasitic reactions during zinc plating/stripping have hindered their stability and reversibility. In this study, a strategy involving betaine zwitterions was proposed to improve the electrode-electrolyte interface, leading to improved zinc plating/stripping kinetics and increased coulombic efficiency. The strategy was found to effectively stabilize the zinc anode and enable long-term cycling with high capacity retention in Zn||Cu and Zn||MnO2 half- and full-cell configurations.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaolu Qin, Xu Zhao, Guobin Zhang, Zhiquan Wei, Linyuan Li, Xiaoke Wang, Chunyi Zhi, Hongfei Li, Cuiping Han, Baohua Li
Summary: An acetonitrile-water hybrid electrolyte has been developed in calcium-ion batteries (CIBs), which greatly improves the transport of bulky Ca2+ and enables large capacity storage of Ca2+ in layered vanadium oxides (CVO). The CVO cathode using this electrolyte shows record-high performance in terms of specific discharge capacity and capacity retention. This work represents a major advance in the development of high-performance Ca-ion batteries.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xuejin Li, Yongchao Tang, Cuiping Han, Zhiquan Wei, Haodong Fan, Haiming Lv, Tonghui Cai, Yongpeng Cui, Wei Xing, Zifeng Yan, Chunyi Zhi, Hongfei Li
Summary: In this study, an aqueous Sn-Mn full battery was established in acidic electrolytes by utilizing a Sn anode with high deposition efficiency and stability, and a stabilized Mn2+/Mn3+ redox couple in the cathode. The reversible conversion between Mn2+ and Mn3+ ions was achieved on the graphite surface through the help of H+ and a complexing agent. A protective layer formed by a pyrophosphate ligand effectively prevented Mn3+ from disproportionation and uncontrolled diffusion. The designed battery demonstrated excellent electrochemical performance, including a large capacity, high discharge plateau voltage, excellent rate capability, and superior cycling stability.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ze Chen, Xinyao Ma, Yue Hou, Huilin Cui, Xinliang Li, Qi Yang, Zhaodong Huang, Donghong Wang, Binbin Dong, Jun Fan, Chunyi Zhi
Summary: In this study, an inorganic compatibilizer MXene-g-PAN was used to improve the miscibility of PVHF/PAN blends in polymer electrolytes. The resulting solid electrolyte exhibited high anodic stability and ionic conductivity, enabling a stable and reversible Li platting/stripping. The all-in-one graphite||LCMO battery constructed using this solid electrolyte showed outstanding mechanical flexibility and stability, with a low-capacity loss under deformation.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Long Qian, Haojie Zhu, Tingting Qin, Rui Yao, Jianwei Zhao, Feiyu Kang, Cheng Yang
Summary: Aqueous Zn metal batteries have the potential to be used in large-scale energy storage due to their green, low-cost, and safe characteristics. However, their development has been hindered by narrow voltage windows and parasitic reactions. This study proposes a counterintuitive strategy of using ultralow-salt-concentration electrolyte to overcome these challenges. By reducing the concentration of active hydrated ions, water-induced side reactions are minimized, and the voltage window is anomalously enlarged. The polarization is also reduced, narrowing the gap between the charge and discharge medium voltages, allowing stable operation of Zn-based full cells.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhiqian Cao, Guojin Liang, Derek Ho, Chunyi Zhi, Haibo Hu
Summary: This study presents a novel strategy to overcome the energy output limitation of micro-supercapacitors (MSCs) by anchoring low-valence Zn atoms onto MXene flakes. By combining a hydrogel electrolyte rich in Cl- and Zn2+ ions, the redox couples between symmetrical electrodes are activated, leading to a battery-type voltage plateau and enhanced energy density. The results show substantially improved power output stability compared to conventional MSCs.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guojin Liang, Zijie Tang, Bing Han, Jiaxiong Zhu, Ao Chen, Qing Li, Ze Chen, Zhaodong Huang, Xinliang Li, Qi Yang, Chunyi Zhi
Summary: A highly effective solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) for improving the reversibility of the Zn metal anode (ZMA) was constructed using a bisolvent electrolyte, and its composition/structure was resolved by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy. The resulting SEI is highly fluorinated with amorphous inorganic ZnFx uniformly distributed in the organic matrix, which is different from common mosaic and multilayer SEIs with crystalline inorganics. This SEI exhibits improved structural integrity, mechanical toughness, and Zn2+ ion conductivity, leading to excellent reversibility of the ZMA.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Haiming Lv, Zhiquan Wei, Cuiping Han, Xiaolong Yang, Zijie Tang, Yantu Zhang, Chunyi Zhi, Hongfei Li
Summary: Aqueous iron batteries have the potential for large-scale energy storage due to their safety and low cost. However, their long-term cycling stability is inadequate. In this study, cross-linked polyaniline (C-PANI) is proposed as a positive electrode active material to improve the electronical conductivity and electrochemical stability. The C-PANI, when combined with Fe metal negative electrode and Fe(TOF)(2) electrolyte, shows good specific capacity and discharge voltage after a high number of cycles. Mechanistic studies suggest that the bonding of Fe2+ ions to TOF- anions plays a role in the storage of charge.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Guojin Liang, Bochun Liang, Ao Chen, Jiaxiong Zhu, Qing Li, Zhaodong Huang, Xinliang Li, Ying Wang, Xiaoqi Wang, Bo Xiong, Xu Jin, Shengchi Bai, Jun Fan, Chunyi Zhi
Summary: The use of an iodine-based cathode in combination with a Zn anode and a Cl-containing aqueous electrolyte solution demonstrates reversible high-energy interhalogen reactions. This approach allows for a specific discharge capacity of 612.5 mAh g(I2)(-1) and a discharge capacity retention of about 74% after 300 cycles. The efficient and reversible ClRR is achieved by utilizing interhalogen coordinating chemistry and redox-active halogen atoms.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yuwei Zhao, Hu Hong, Leheng Zhong, Jiaxiong Zhu, Yue Hou, Shipeng Wang, Haiming Lv, Peng Liang, Ying Guo, Donghong Wang, Pei Li, Yaxin Wang, Qing Li, Shan Cecilia Cao, Hongfei Li, Chunyi Zhi
Summary: Due to their high abundance, low cost, and high safety, zinc-based batteries offer promising opportunities for large-scale energy storage. However, the stability, lifetime, and reversibility of these batteries are affected by passivation and dendrite growth on the zinc anode. In this study, the researchers introduced an iodine post-functionalized zeolitic imidazolate framework-90 (ZIF-90-I) additive to address this challenge. The additive was able to regulate the formation of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) and promote uniform deposition of Zn2+ ions, while the I-3(-)/I- redox reaction rejuvenated the dead Zn and inhibited dendrite growth. The results showed improved cycling stability and high utilization rate of the zinc anode.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shixun Wang, Zhaodong Huang, Bing Tang, Xinliang Li, Xin Zhao, Ze Chen, Chunyi Zhi, Andrey L. L. Rogach
Summary: In this study, MXDA(2)SnI(6) perovskite microcrystals are proposed as conversion-type cathode materials for aqueous Zn-I-2 batteries, which effectively alleviate the undesired shuttle effect of iodine. The study demonstrates the feasibility of using ionic perovskites to develop high-performance cathodes for metal-I-2 batteries.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yanbo Wang, Qing Li, Hu Hong, Shuo Yang, Rong Zhang, Xiaoqi Wang, Xu Jin, Bo Xiong, Shengchi Bai, Chunyi Zhi
Summary: A lean-water hydrogel electrolyte is developed for zinc ion batteries, with fast ion transportation, extended stability, and reversible zinc plating/stripping. The hydrogel contains a molecular lubrication mechanism and balances ion transfer, anode stability, electrochemical stability, and resistance. It shows excellent cycling stability and capacity retentions at high and low current rates, meeting the needs of flexible devices.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yue Hou, Ze Chen, Xinliang Li, Yiqiao Wang, Pei Li, Huilin Cui, Rong Zhang, Shuo Yang, Shaoce Zhang, Chunyi Zhi
Summary: In this study, Mo4/3B2-xTz MBene with ordered vacancies is utilized as a high-performance catalyst for highly reversible Zn-air batteries in near-neutral electrolytes. The Mo4/3B2-xTz MBene exhibits high O-2 adsorbability and air stock capacity, and the vacancies at the Y sites of Mo4/3B2-xTz MBene are active for promoting the kinetics of Zn peroxide chemistry. This work highlights the significance of introducing efficient cathode catalysts for near-neutral ZABs and the high efficiency of MBenes as catalysts in near-neutral systems.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jianwen Liu, Ying Guo, Xian-Zhu Fu, Jing-Li Luo, Chunyi Zhi
Summary: The adsorption ability of Co-N-C to oxygen-containing intermediates is improved by constructing heterostructures using transition metals and their derivatives, resulting in enhanced electrocatalysis performance.
GREEN ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Xiaoqi Wang, Hu Hong, Shuo Yang, Shengchi Bai, Rui Yang, Xu Jin, Chunyi Zhi, Bo Wang
Summary: Introducing heteroatoms and pseudocapacitive metal oxide materials into carbon materials is proposed to improve the energy density of ZHS. In this study, an N-doped carbon framework with uniformly distributed nanoscale ZrO2 (NC@ZrO2) was prepared, showing a remarkable maximum energy density of 69 W h kg(-1) and a maximum power density of 5760 W kg(-1). This work provides a promising strategy for high-performance cathode materials for ZHSs and sheds light on the charge-storage mechanism and advanced cathode material design.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2023)
