Article
Chemistry, Physical
Florian Gebert, Jonathan Knott, Robert Gorkin, Shu-Lei Chou, Shi-Xue Dou
Summary: The paper reviews the development of solid-polymer and gel-polymer electrolytes for sodium-ion batteries as a way to enhance competitiveness. It discusses the targeted manipulation of these electrolytes and their significance for practical applications, as well as the interdependence of various electrochemical and mechanical properties. Additionally, a quantitative comparison of reported values across different polymer classes is conducted for the first time.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Electrochemistry
Lasse N. Skov, Jakob B. Grinderslev, Asger Rosenkranz, Young-Su Lee, Torben R. Jensen
Summary: Solid-state inorganic magnesium batteries are considered as potential high energy storage devices of the future. In this study, magnesium borohydride tetrahydrofuran (THF) composites were used as solid-state electrolytes for magnesium batteries, and several compounds with high ionic conductivity were identified. A proof-of-concept rechargeable solid-state magnesium battery was assembled, showing stability and high discharge capacity.
BATTERIES & SUPERCAPS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kaihua Wen, Shundong Guan, Sijie Liu, Haocheng Yuan, Ying Liang, Dengfeng Yu, Zheng Zhang, Liangliang Li, Ce-Wen Nan
Summary: Flexible composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) with single-ion conductive CPEs have been synthesized, showing high lithium-ion transference number, high ionic conductivity, wide electrochemical stability window, and excellent cycling stability. The CPEs have been used in solid-state lithium metal batteries with cathodes made of LiFePO4 and LiCoO2, achieving high discharge capacities for multiple cycles. This study provides insights into the design of high-performance CPEs for next-generation solid-state lithium metal batteries.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Cheuk Ying Chan, Ziqi Wang, Yangling Li, Hui Yu, Bin Fei, John H. Xin
Summary: The single-Zn-ion conducting hydrogel electrolyte (SIHE) exhibits single Zn2+ conductivity and outstanding ionic conductivity thanks to the abundant sulfates fixed on the IC polymer backbone, helping to address the issues of nonuniform deposition and parasitic side reactions in ZIBs.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Hai-Peng Liang, Zhen Chen, Xu Dong, Tatiana Zinkevich, Sylvio Indris, Stefano Passerini, Dominic Bresser
Summary: Cross-linked self-standing single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes were prepared via UV-initiated radical polymerization, achieving good single-ion conductivities and electrochemical stability, making them suitable for high-energy lithium-metal batteries.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ze Chen, Tairan Wang, Yue Hou, Yanbo Wang, Zhaodong Huang, Huilin Cui, Jun Fan, Zengxia Pei, Chunyi Zhi
Summary: By optimizing charge delocalization and side-chain motion using heterocyclic tetrazole as the anionic center, a novel polymeric single-ion conductor (PSIC) with high ionic conductivity and Zn2+ transference number is fabricated. The PSIC enables dendrite-free and hydrogen-free Zn plating/stripping cycling and shows superior performance in a Zn||V2O5 battery, including high discharge capacity, excellent rate capability, and long cycling life. The solid battery also exhibits remarkable shelf-life, low self-discharge rate, and good temperature adaptability.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Jayeeta Chattopadhyay, Tara Sankar Pathak, Diogo M. F. Santos
Summary: This review summarizes the applications and advantages of polymer electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries, and discusses the ion transport mechanisms, preparation methods, and recent advancements in specific battery systems. Moreover, it proposes strategies for developing novel polymer electrolytes for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nan Meng, Yuning Ye, Zhaoxia Yang, Hao Li, Fang Lian
Summary: Single-ion conductive polymer electrolytes (SICPEs) with a cationic transference number close to unity have various advantages in solid-state batteries (SSBs), but their ionic conductivity at room temperature remains a major challenge. This review discusses recent achievements in improving the ambient ionic conductivity to make it compatible with SICPEs with a high transference number, focusing on strategies such as charge delocalization in polyanions, designing a highly conductive polymer matrix, and utilizing synergistic effects in SICPEs to further develop solid polymer electrolytes for SSBs.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nan Meng, Yuning Ye, Zhaoxia Yang, Hao Li, Fang Lian
Summary: Single-ion conductive polymer electrolytes (SICPEs) with a high cationic transference number have advantages in solid-state batteries (SSBs), but face challenges in terms of inferior ionic conductivity at room temperature. This review discusses recent advancements in improving ambient ionic conductivity in order to develop solid polymer electrolytes for SSBs. Strategies such as delocalizing charges in polyanions, designing highly conductive polymer matrices, and utilizing synergistic effects in SICPEs are highlighted.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xuelian Qu, Yue Tang, Aobing Du, Shanmu Dong, Guanglei Cui
Summary: Multivalent ion batteries have great potential in energy conversion, with concerns surrounding dendrite growth and parasitic reactions at the interface. The use of gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) as a replacement for liquid electrolytes is an effective strategy to address these issues and improve performance.
CHEMISTRY-AN ASIAN JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Muhammad Asif, Seamus Kilian, Muhammad Rashad
Summary: Rechargeable magnesium ion batteries are considered as potential contenders to alleviate the burden on existing lithium ion battery technologies due to their advantages of low cost, high safety, high volumetric capacity, and dendrite-free cycling. Researchers are focusing on the electrochemical performance of Mg-ion batteries at high and ultra-low temperatures for extreme environmental applications, with extensive studies being conducted to explore different cathodes, anodes, electrolytes, and interfacial phenomena. There is a lack of reviews comparing the characteristics of magnesium ion batteries, including their working mechanism, current challenges, working voltages, possible cathode materials, and electrochemistry at different temperatures, prompting a need to summarize recent advances in the development of magnesium ion batteries.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xiao Jing, Zhenyuan Hu, Jinpeng Qin, Xin Jiang, Mingyin Wang, Shikang Huo, Shuai Zhang, Jiatang Wang, Yunfeng Zhang
Summary: This study successfully prepared porous and mechanically robust single-ion polymer electrolyte membranes (NSIPM) by designing an aromatic single-ion conductor with high Li-ion concentration. The gel NSIPM showed high ion conductivity and excellent cycling stability, providing a new strategy for developing high-performance lithium metal batteries.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Adhigan Murali, Mohan Sakar, Sahariya Priya, V. Vijayavarman, Sadanand Pandey, Ryansu Sai, Yu Katayama, M. Abdul Kader, Kothandaraman Ramanujam
Summary: Solid-state polymer electrolytes have the potential to enhance the safety of lithium-ion batteries by avoiding safety risks associated with liquid electrolytes. Introducing polymer electrolytes can help reduce the formation of lithium dendrites and strengthen the interface between electrodes and electrolytes, leading to improved electrochemical properties.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Cengliang Shan, Yanli Wang, Minhui Liang, Kuan Lu, Chen Xiong, Wei Hu, Baijun Liu
Summary: Lithium ion batteries are highly efficient energy-storage devices widely utilized in portable electronics and electric vehicles. However, safety concerns and poor-interfacial compatibility with metals of liquid electrolytes necessitate the development of novel electrolytes to drive the progress of high energy-density metal-based battery technology. Polymer electrolytes, known for their low flammability, good flexibility, convenient processing, and lightweight, have emerged as a powerful alternative to traditional liquid electrolytes. Yet, most commonly used polymer electrolytes are dual-ion conductors and can give rise to concentration polarization, leading to dendrite growth and degradation of battery performance. Single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes (SICPEs) are seen as an effective solution to address these issues caused by dual-ion conductors. These ion-selective polymers can significantly increase the transfer number of lithium ions and improve battery electrochemical performance. Research on SICPEs has made remarkable progress in the past two decades. This review systematically presents the structural design and synthetic strategies of single Li-ion conductors, the construction of SICPEs with different functions, and their applications in Li-metal batteries. Finally, the current challenges and future prospects of SICPEs are outlined to pave the way for the commercial development of next-generation battery technology.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kaihua Wen, Chengzhou Xin, Shundong Guan, Xinbin Wu, Shan He, Chuanjiao Xue, Sijie Liu, Yang Shen, Liangliang Li, Ce-Wen Nan
Summary: This research successfully prepared single-ion polymer conductors (SIPCs) with high selectivity, high ionic conductivity, and stability by regulating ion-dipole interactions. The SIPCs exhibited excellent cycling performance and temperature adaptability in solid-state batteries. The same method was also applied to prepare high-performance SIPCs for sodium and potassium-based systems.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lu Wang, Qiong Wu, Baozheng Zhao, Zelin Li, Yuehong Zhang, Lang Huang, Shitao Yu
Summary: Carbon aerogels prepared from chitosan with ionic liquid as solvent and nitrogen source are functionalized through various post-treatments for applications in fluorescence, electrode materials, and catalyst support. The resulting materials exhibit unique properties such as water solubility, excellent capacitance for supercapacitors, and high catalytic activity for phenol hydrogenation.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Qiong Wu, Chengao Liu, Shuang Li, Yan Yan, Shitao Yu, Lang Huang
Summary: This study investigates the use of micronized cellulose particles as reinforcing agents for cellulose particle/polypropylene composites. The particle size and filler loading were found to affect the processability, crystallization behavior, tensile property, and water absorption of the composites. Results show that small particles with low aspect ratio and large surface area improve the composite's melting processing ability and promote polymer matrix crystallization, while reducing water absorption. The composites produced with the milled particles exhibit improved tensile strength, modulus, and elongation at break compared with traditional long pulp fiber/PP composites. The addition of a coupling agent further enhances the tensile property and water repellency of the composites by improving the interfacial compatibility between the filler and matrix.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chen Jiang, Mingming Gao, Shouyun Zhang, Lang Huang, Shitao Yu, Zhanqian Song, Qiong Wu
Summary: In this study, a hybrid hydrogel composed of bio-based chitosan and holey graphene oxide was prepared by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method to address the issues of low energy density and poor conductivity in conventional electrode materials for supercapacitors. The hydrogel exhibited high conductivity and flexibility, and when used as an additive-free electrode, it showed promising performance with a high specific capacitance of 377 F/g at 5 A/g. Additionally, the hydrogel composite when used in a flexible solid-state supercapacitor achieved a specific capacitance of 210 F/g at 0.5 A/g, with an ultrahigh energy density of 31 Wh/kg at the power density of 150 W/kg. These findings suggest the potential of the hydrogel composite in applications such as signal sensors and portable energy storage.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qiong Wu, Shouyun Zhang, Shuang Li, Yan Yan, Shftao Yu, Ruiyang Zhao, Lang Huang
Summary: In this study, P and N co-doped carbon dots with multi-color-emissive tunable fluorescence were synthesized using bio-based chitosan and phosphoric acid. The introduction of phosphoric acid shortened the reaction time and enriched the surface defect states of carbon dots, resulting in emission at long wavelengths. In addition, compositing with carbon nitride enhanced the visible light capture ability of the photocatalyst. The photocatalytic degradation rate of Rhodamine B reached 98.39% within 60 minutes using the synthesized catalyst.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jinning Zhang, Han Wu, Xiaofan Du, Hao Zhang, Lang Huang, Fu Sun, Tingting Liu, Songwei Tian, Lixue Zhou, Sijia Hu, Zhixiang Yuan, Botao Zhang, Jianjun Zhang, Guanglei Cui
Summary: This study presents a new type of deep eutectic electrolyte (DEE) with a thermally induced smart shut-down function to address the safety concerns and lithium dendrites in high-voltage lithium metal batteries (LMBs). The delicately designed DEE incorporates 1,3,5-trioxane (TXE) to enhance the Li/electrolyte interfacial compatibility, resulting in high Coulombic efficiency and remarkable cyclability. The DEE also demonstrates a thermal shutdown function at elevated temperatures, improving the safety properties of LMBs.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiaohu Zhang, Lang Huang, Bin Xie, Shenghang Zhang, Zhaoxuan Jiang, Gaojie Xu, Jiedong Li, Guanglei Cui
Summary: Anode-free lithium metal batteries (AFLMBs) are gaining attention for their high energy density, simple structure, low cost, and relatively high safety. However, the thermal runaway performance of AFLMBs has not been well-studied, and the absence of a reactive lithium metal anode does not guarantee thermal runaway-free conditions. This study examines the thermal runaway characteristics of a 2.0 Ah AFLMB and finds that the discharged battery is safe under elevated temperatures, while the fully-charged battery does undergo thermal runaway, but with less intensity compared to a lithium metal battery. Mechanistic investigations reveal that an AFLMB with a conventional electrolyte experiences thermal runaway due to anode-induced exothermic interactions and broken separator induced electrodes interaction. Additionally, adding fluoroethylene carbonate in the electrolyte forms a thermal-stable solid layer between the anode and cathode, preventing direct contact of the electrodes and delaying violent self-heating. This comprehensive exploration of AFLMBs' thermal runaway characteristics and mechanisms contributes to the development of high energy density and safety-enhanced lithium metal batteries.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shenghang Zhang, Xiangchun Zhuang, Xiaofan Du, Xiaohu Zhang, Jiedong Li, Gaojie Xu, Zhongqin Ren, Zili Cui, Lang Huang, Shitao Wang, Fun Sun, Lixin Qiao, Shanmu Dong, Guanglei Cui
Summary: A novel additive of potassium perfluoropinacolatoborate (KFPB) is synthesized to improve the compatibility between Li anode and carbonate electrolyte. KFPB additive can regulate the solvation structure of the electrolyte and promote the formation of stable solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on Li anode surface. With trace amount of KFPB, Li dendrites' growth can be suppressed and Li-metal batteries exhibit excellent cycling stability.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Di Lu, Shenghang Zhang, Jiedong Li, Lang Huang, Xiaohu Zhang, Bin Xie, Xiangchun Zhuang, Zili Cui, Xiulin Fan, Gaojie Xu, Xiaofan Du, Guanglei Cui
Summary: The use of noncoordinating flame retardant FPPN improves the compatibility and stability of PC-based electrolytes with graphite anode, enhancing the safety performance of high-energy-density LIBs.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tiantian Dong, Huanrui Zhang, Lang Huang, Jun Ma, Pengzhou Mu, Xiaofan Du, Xiaohu Zhang, Xiaogang Wang, Chenglong Lu, Shanmu Dong, Qian Zhou, Gaojie Xu, Wei Liu, Guanglei Cui
Summary: In this article, a smart polymer electrolyte is developed through in-situ radical random polymerization of monomers. It provides a balance between thermal safety and energy density of lithium batteries by creating a highly crosslinking network. The polymer electrolyte exhibits superior performance in terms of both thermal shutdown and cycle performance due to enhanced interface compatibility and water-scavenging ability.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Mengting Gao, Zelin Li, Baozheng Zhao, Shitao Yu, Lang Huang, Qiong Wu
Summary: Nickel-tungsten co-doped spherical carbon-based catalysts (m%Ni-n%W-GCT) were synthesized using glucose as a carbon host via one-pot hydrothermal-carbonization. The presence of Ni during hydrogen reduction led to the transformation of tungsten structural composition from WOx -> W -> WCx, attributed to the carburizing reaction. The carbon-based catalysts exhibited developed porous structures with acidity that increased with increasing tungsten loading content and showed promising catalytic activity in cellulose hydrogenolysis, with high selectivity for ethylene glycol achieved under optimized reaction conditions.
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shenghang Zhang, Fu Sun, Xiaofan Du, Xiaohu Zhang, Lang Huang, Jun Ma, Shanmu Dong, Andre Hilger, Ingo Manke, Longshan Li, Bin Xie, Jiedong Li, Zhiwei Hu, Alexander C. Komarek, Hong-Ji Lin, Chang-Yang Kuo, Chien-Te Chen, Pengxian Han, Gaojie Xu, Zili Cui, Guanglei Cui
Summary: By employing thermal-induced in situ polymerization of lithium perfluoropinacolatoaluminate, a novel interface-compatible and safe single-ion conductive 3D polymer electrolyte (3D-SIPE-LiFPA) has been developed. It is demonstrated that 3D-SIPE-LiFPA promotes the formation of a protective electrode/electrolyte interface and inhibits the dissolution-migration-deposition of transition metals. 3D-SIPE-LiFPA significantly enhances the cycle life and safety of NCM811/Li LMBs.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qiong Wu, Shouyun Zhang, Shuang Li, Yan Yan, Shitao Yu, Ruiyang Zhao, Lang Huang
Summary: In this study, phosphoric acid was used as a solvent and dopant to synthesize P and N co-doped carbon dots (N,P-R-CQDs) with multi-color-emissive tunable fluorescence. It was demonstrated that N,P-R-CQDs could effectively narrow the energy gap of g-C3N4 when composited together, leading to higher visible light capture ability and broader light response region for photocatalytic applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qiong Wu, Chen Jiang, Shouyun Zhang, Shitao Yu, Lang Huang
Summary: In this study, lignin materials from black liquor are crosslinked with graphene oxide to prepare flexible hybrid hydrogels, which are then used as electrode materials for manufacturing supercapacitors. The research reveals that lignin effectively inhibits the aggregation of graphene oxide, increases the ordered structure, and introduces sulfur-containing groups in the composite. The incorporation of carbon dots enhances electrical conductivity and reduces charge transfer resistance.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
Article
Electrochemistry
Huanrui Zhang, Lang Huang, Hantao Xu, Xiaohu Zhang, Zhou Chen, Chenhui Gao, Chenglong Lu, Zhi Liu, Meifang Jiang, Guanglei Cui
Summary: Lithium metal batteries are considered one of the most promising energy storage systems due to their high capacity and low potential. However, safety issues caused by lithium dendrite growth and pulverization have limited their practical application. To address this, researchers have developed an in situ polymer electrolyte with thermally induced interfacial ion-blocking ability, resulting in improved safety and cyclability of lithium metal batteries.
