Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yongbiao Mu, Zheng Li, Bu-ke Wu, Haodong Huang, Fuhai Wu, Youqi Chu, Lingfeng Zou, Ming Yang, Jiafeng He, Ling Ye, Meisheng Han, Tianshou Zhao, Lin Zeng
Summary: The researchers address the limitations of metallic zinc anodes in zinc ion batteries by developing a composite zinc anode with a three-dimensional hierarchical graphene matrix. This structure effectively minimizes dendrite growth and side reactions, resulting in improved cycling stability.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Monalisa Chakraborty, Teresa Andreu, Ben Molinari, Joan R. Morante, Sebastian Murcia-Lopez
Summary: Zinc-iodide flow battery (ZIFB) has been studied as a potential candidate for electrochemical energy storage. One of the challenges is the migration of water due to imbalanced ion concentrations. By equalizing the electrolyte concentrations and suppressing water migration, the performance of ZIFB can be improved.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cheng-Bin Jin, Xue-Qiang Zhang, Ou-Wei Sheng, Shu-Yu Sun, Li-Peng Hou, Peng Shi, Bo-Quan Li, Jia-Qi Huang, Xin-Yong Tao, Qiang Zhang
Summary: This study demonstrates that the triiodide/iodide redox couple can significantly reclaim inactive Li, improving the cyclability of lithium metal batteries.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xianpeng Yang, Wanlong Wu, Yaozhi Liu, Zirui Lin, Xiaoqi Sun
Summary: In this study, the electrochemical performance of Zn metal anode in aqueous batteries was improved by modifying the conventional filter paper separators with chitosan. The chitosan coating allowed preferential adsorptions of proton, zinc ion and sulfate, which suppressed corrosions and hydrogen evolution reactions at Zn electrode. The interactions of zinc ion and sulfate with chitosan regulated the ion transport manner and ensured homogeneous Zn nucleation and growth. With the use of chitosan modified separators, the Zn electrode showed a long cycle life of 2900 h and a high coulombic efficiency of 99.6%. The capacity retention of Zn||MnO2 batteries was also significantly enhanced from 52.8% to 98.4% over 1000 cycles.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fang Shen, He Du, Hongyu Qin, Zongwu Wei, Wei Kuang, Nan Hu, Wensong Lv, Zhihui Yi, Dan Huang, Zhengjun Chen, Huibing He
Summary: A fluorinated separator interface (PVDF@GF) is constructed by grafting polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) onto the graphene surface, enabling high-performance aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs). The strong interaction between CF bonds in PVDF and Zn2+ ions allows for evenly redistributed Zn2+ ions at the electrode interface and faster Zn transportation kinetics, resulting in homogeneous and fast Zn deposition. The electronegative separator interface repels SO42- ions and anchors H+ ions, reducing passivation and corrosion. The PVDF@GF-based Zn|Zn symmetric cell exhibits superior cycling stability and the Zn|VOX full cell demonstrates high capacity retention after multiple cycles, providing new insights for the design of advanced separators for stable and reversible Zn metal anode chemistry.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mingming Han, Daru Chen, Qiongqiong Lu, Guozhao Fang
Summary: This review focuses on the characteristics, issues, and optimization strategies of static aqueous rechargeable Zn-Iodine batteries (ARZiBs). The energy storage mechanism and fundamental issues of ARZiBs are clarified, and recent progress in cathode fabrication, electrolyte modulation, and separator/anode modification is summarized. The review also provides future research outlook to guide the rational design of advanced ARZiBs.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Heng Lv, Jiali Wang, Xinyu Gao, Yongwen Wang, Yunfei Shen, Ping Liu, Gang Wang, Long Chen, Tiantian Gu
Summary: Aqueous zinc batteries have attracted widespread interest due to their excellent theoretical capacities and high security. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have shown great potential as cathodes for constructing high-performance AZIBs. In this work, ZnMn-SQ MOF was synthesized and demonstrated high capacity and long cycle life as a cathode. Moreover, a modified zinc anode using cubic porous Zn-SQ-3d was used to construct high-performance AZIBs.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhiheng Li, Jian Tan, Caiyun Gao, Yuan Wang, Yonggang Wang, Mingxin Ye, Jianfeng Shen
Summary: Organic compounds are attractive alternatives to conventional inorganic materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries, due to their high theoretical capacities, structural tunability, controllable synthesis, and environmental friendliness. This review provides a systematic overview of recent developments, energy storage mechanisms, and design strategies for aqueous Zn-organic batteries (ZOBs). It summarizes the ion storage mechanisms, analyzes the dynamic behavior, and highlights the synthesis strategies of organic electrode materials. It also discusses strategies to improve the electrochemical performance and the challenges for practical applications of aqueous ZOBs.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Juergen-Martin Assafrei, Gulnara Yusibova, Kefeng Ping, Helle-Mai Piirsoo, Aile Tamm, Maike Kaarik, Jaan Leis, Jaan Aruvali, Vitali Grozovski, Enn Lust, Nadezda Kongi
Summary: This paper investigates the impact of adding KI to the electrolyte in zinc-air batteries (ZABs) on battery performance, and finds that adding KI can enhance the stability of the electrolyte and improve the roundtrip efficiency and charging efficiency of the battery.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ning Dong, Fenglin Zhang, Huilin Pan
Summary: This article discusses some overlooked but critically important issues in rechargeable aqueous Zn batteries, including the relationship between coulombic efficiency and lifespan of Zn anodes, the control of pH environment near Zn anodes, the design of appropriate aqueous separators, and the estimation of practical energy density for aqueous Zn batteries. The article concludes that an energy density of 60-80 W h kg(-1) should be realistic in practice with suitable cell design.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ge Chang, Jilei Liu, Yisu Hao, Cong Huang, Yujie Yang, Yang Qian, Xiaohua Chen, Qunli Tang, Aiping Hu
Summary: A novel bifunctional electrolyte additive thiourea (TU) was introduced to improve the reaction kinetics and cycle stability of aqueous zinc-sulfur (Zn-S) battery. TU can undergo reversible redox reactions, enhancing the reversibility between ZnS and S and providing extra capacities. The mechanism of TU on the S@KB electrode was proposed, involving the interaction between TU intermediates and ZnS to weaken the Zn-S bonds and inhibit the formation of irreversible by-product. The S@KB electrode exhibited excellent cyclic performance with low decay rate of 0.11% per cycle after 300 cycles at 5 A/g.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Chuanhao Nie, Gulian Wang, Dongdong Wang, Mingyue Wang, Xinran Gao, Zhongchao Bai, Nana Wang, Jian Yang, Zheng Xing, Shixue Dou
Summary: Aqueous Zn-ion batteries have gained significant attention as a promising energy storage candidate due to their safety, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness. However, the cycling stability of Zn metal anodes is a major challenge due to issues such as dendrite growth and hydrogen evolution. Interface engineering strategies, including controllable synthesis of Zn, surface engineering, electrolyte formulation, and separator design, have been developed to address these challenges. This review provides an update on these strategies and discusses future challenges and perspectives for the development of practical AZIBs.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Moony Na, Vikram Singh, Rak Hyeon Choi, Byung Gon Kim, Hye Ryung Byon
Summary: We developed a pH-sensitive growth mechanism to form in situ protective layers using glutaric acid (GA) and Zn2+ in the electrolyte solution. By deprotonating GA additives and integrating them with Zn2+ coordination, a thin Zn glutarate layer was formed to prevent hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and Zn hydroxide sulfate hydrate (ZHS) precipitation. The study demonstrated the effective formation of Zn-organic protective layers for long-term cycling.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiawei Wang, Yan Yang, Yingyu Wang, Shuai Dong, Liwei Cheng, Yanmei Li, Zhenya Wang, Levent Trabzon, Hua Wang
Summary: This study explores the limitations of traditional aqueous ZMBs at extremely high temperatures and proposes a solution by introducing a crowding agent. The results show that this modified electrolyte enables reversible deposition and stable cycling at 100 ??C.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dongdong Liu, Bin He, Yun Zhong, Jie Chen, Lixia Yuan, Zhen Li, Yunhui Huang
Summary: By using a carbon-sheathed ZnS cathode and introducing iodinated thiourea as a redox mediator, the activation barrier was effectively reduced, leading to a high-performance Zn-S battery.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhengang Li, Shiyuan Zhou, Xiaohong Wu, Baodan Zhang, Xiaoyu Yu, Fei Pei, Hong-Gang Liao, Yu Qiao, Haoshen Zhou, Shi-Gang Sun
Summary: This study investigates the use of an ordered pore-window zeolite molecular sieve to effectively block the shuttle of soluble species within a battery, resulting in improved battery performance. By coating a thin zeolite layer on a celgard separator, the separation function of zeolite and its ability to scavenge water is demonstrated through various analytical techniques. The findings suggest that this zeolite-based separator can be extended to other rechargeable battery systems.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Mian Gul Hilal, Binghua Han, Qiaoling Yu, Tianshu Feng, Wanghong Su, Xiangkai Li, Huan Li
Summary: Antibiotic resistance (AR) is a significant environmental hazard in the current age. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are the fundamental units that spread AR in the environment, potentially transferring from non-pathogenic to pathogenic microbes. China, as the largest producer and consumer of antibiotics, poses a potential threat of developing superbugs and disseminating ARGs. This review comprehensively examines ARGs in China's drinking water sources, evaluating their origin, influencing factors, and the risk posed. It also outlines mitigation strategies. The findings of this review can help policymakers and scientists address this problem urgently.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiawei Yang, Qiaoling Yu, Wanghong Su, Sijie Wang, Xiaochen Wang, Qian Han, Huan Li
Summary: Climate warming enhances the threat of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) to public health, and this study investigates the relationship between temperature and resistome in a water environment. The results show that temperature significantly influences ARG profiles and diversity, with certain ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) being sensitive to temperature. High-risk ARGs and opportunistic pathogens are positively correlated with temperature, indicating a potential increase in these biological or genetic pollutants under global warming. This study reveals the predictability of temperature on antibiotic resistance genes and provides a suitable approach to track their fate and spread in water environment under climate warming.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wanghong Su, Xiaocheng Wang, Jiawei Yang, Qiaoling Yu, Xiaoshan Li, Shiheng Zhang, Huan Li
Summary: The relationship between putrescine, cadaverine, and antibiotic resistomes in animal carcass decay is still unclear. Through laboratory simulation experiments, the effects of excess putrescine, cadaverine, and a mixture of both on antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and microbiome in aquatic environments were investigated. The results showed that putrescine and cadaverine increased the total carbon and nitrogen levels in water and sediment. In addition, the abundance of mobile genetic elements and ARGs in water was higher than in sediment under the exposure of putrescine and cadaverine. The alpha diversity of microbial communities in water and sediment was significantly reduced by putrescine and cadaverine, while the microbial community structures were also greatly affected. Moreover, putrescine and cadaverine led to an increase in high-risk ARGs and opportunistic pathogens in sediment, promoting the prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Overall, our findings provide important insights into the impact of main metabolites in carcass decay on microbiome and resistomes, and offer references for risk assessment and pollution management.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qizheng Zheng, Shiyuan Zhou, Shi Tang, Hongbin Zeng, Yonglin Tang, Zhengang Li, Sangui Liu, Liangping Xiao, Ling Huang, Yu Qiao, Shi-Gang Sun, Hong-Gang Liao
Summary: By using in situ transmission electron microscopy and in situ X-ray diffraction, it has been discovered that the irreversible conversion of NiCoP@C in sodium-ion batteries is caused by the rapid migration of P in the carbon layer and preferential formation of isolated Na3P during discharge. The modification of the carbon coating layer inhibits the migration of Ni/Co/P atoms, resulting in improved initial coulombic efficiency (ICE) and cycle stability. This inhibition of fast atom migration could be applied to various electrode materials and guide the development of advanced sodium-ion batteries.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yalan Guo, Zhengang Li, Yulin Min, Xin Wang
Summary: High-concentration electrolyte is an effective strategy for suppressing dendrites growth and improving the electrochemical stability and reversibility of Zn-metal anodes. However, the influence of electrolyte concentration on the performance of Zn-metal batteries remains uncertain.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Haiyan Luo, Baodan Zhang, Haitang Zhang, Qizheng Zheng, Xiaohong Wu, Yawen Yan, Zhengang Li, Yonglin Tang, Weiwei Hao, Gaowa Liu, Yu-hao Hong, Jinyu Ye, Yu Qiao, Shi-Gang Sun
Summary: The cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) layers, derived from the oxidative decomposition of electrolyte, can protect the cathode surface and prevent contact with the electrolyte. The CEI layer consists of an inorganics-dominated inner solid electrolyte layer (SEL) and an organics-rich outer quasi-solid-electrolyte layer (qSEL), which merge without a clear boundary. However, the traditional characterization method can dissolve the qSEL and destroy the SEL, leading to overanalysis and misassignment of CEI architecture. In this study, we established a comprehensive characterization paradigm and successfully reconstructed the original CEI layer model using various technology.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Baodan Zhang, Yiming Zhang, Xiaotong Wang, Hui Liu, Yawen Yan, Shiyuan Zhou, Yonglin Tang, Guifan Zeng, Xiaohong Wu, Hong-Gang Liao, Yongfu Qiu, Huan Huang, Lirong Zheng, Juping Xu, Wen Yin, Zhongyuan Huang, Yinguo Xiao, Qingshui Xie, Dong-Liang Peng, Chao Li, Yu Qiao, Shi-Gang Sun
Summary: Element doping/substitution can enhance the structural stability of layered cathodes. The study on Li1.2Ni0.2Mn0.6O2 reveals that the degree of disorder induced by Mg/Ti substitution affects the stability of TM-O, Li+ diffusion, and anion redox reversibility, leading to distinct electrochemical performance.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaoyi Ma, Dunsheng Xia, Peiyuan Chen, Qiao Yu, Xingyin Liu
Summary: This study analyzed the levels, sources, and hazards of heavy metals (HMs) and magnetic minerals in street dust and sand-dust storm from Dunhuang, an extremely arid city in northwest China. The results showed that HM enrichment levels in street dust were higher than in urban topsoil and background values, with both natural and anthropogenic sources. Magnetic parameters indicated the presence of pollutants containing coarse pseudo single-domain and multidomain ferromagnetic minerals. Industrial and traffic emissions were major sources of HMs, while coal mining and combustion contributed to the presence of Pb and Co. The ecological and non-carcinogenic risks of HMs were moderate, with Cd being the main driver of risk.
WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Haiyan Luo, Baodan Zhang, Haitang Zhang, Xiaohong Wu, Qizheng Zheng, Yawen Yan, Zhengang Li, Yonglin Tang, Weiwei Hao, Gaowa Liu, Yu-Hao Hong, Jinyu Ye, Yu Qiao, Shi-Gang Sun
Summary: Based on previous work, this study reveals a fundamental difference in the decomposition pathway of the electrolyte under XFC conditions compared to the enhanced reactivity between the oxide and electrolyte caused by Ni content. The presence of Ni catalyzes solvent dehydrogenation, leading to the formation of protic species that can attack the intermediate, PF5, thereby promoting the decomposition/hydrolysis of LiPF6. However, in XFC conditions, the reaction time of dehydrogenation conducted at high voltages is significantly reduced, while conversion of LiPF6 to PF5 lasts throughout the discharging process. Greater accumulation of PF5 as a new initiator changes the solvent decomposition pathway, leading to different cathode-electrolyte interface layers.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sangui Liu, Xinbao Han, Colin Ophus, Shiyuan Zhou, You-Hong Jiang, Yue Sun, Tiqing Zhao, Fei Yang, Meng Gu, Yuan-Zhi Tan, Shi-Gang Sun, Haimei Zheng, Hong-Gang Liao
Summary: When an ionic crystal dissolves in a solvent, the associated positive and negative ions are released. However, the understanding of the form, interaction, and dynamics of ions in real solution is limited due to experimental challenges. Using liquid phase transmission electron microscopy, we observed the diffusion and aggregation of POM ions in water. Real-time observation revealed unexpected local reciprocating hopping motion of ions, possibly due to short-range polymerized bridges of water molecules. Ion oligomers in dilute solution undergo frequent splitting, aggregation, and rearrangement, indicating weak counterion-mediated interaction. Furthermore, POM ions with tetrahedral geometry exhibit directional interaction and structure-dependent dynamics compared to spherical ions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaohong Wu, Ben Niu, Yonglin Tang, Haiyan Luo, Zhengang Li, Xiaoyu Yu, Xin Wang, Chunhai Jiang, Yu Qiao, Shi-Gang Sun
Summary: In this study, a polymer additive called PAMMA was used as a sacrificial agent, which was found to promote the formation of a dense and Li3N-rich SEI film on the Li-metal surface in Li-O-2 batteries. This additive effectively suppressed the shuttle effect from harmful species, leading to improved cycling performance and protection of Li-metal.
