Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shan Guo, Liping Qin, Tengsheng Zhang, Miao Zhou, Jiang Zhou, Guozhao Fang, Shuquan Liang
Summary: Electrolyte additive is a key technology in energy storage, especially for aqueous zinc-ion batteries, but there is a lack of systematic research on its features and mechanisms. A comprehensive review on commonly used zinc-ion electrolyte additives is essential for further improvements in this field.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Jianhang Huang, Xuan Qiu, Nan Wang, Yonggang Wang
Summary: The development of zinc batteries is booming due to the increasing demand for large-scale energy storage systems to integrate renewable energy into the power grid. However, commercialization of aqueous zinc batteries still faces challenges such as parasitic reactions, zinc dendrite formation, and cathode material dissolution. Understanding the Zn2+ storage mechanism and challenges of electrode materials and aqueous electrolytes, as well as actively discussing solutions for commercialization, are the key points of current research.
CURRENT OPINION IN ELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Titi Li, Sanlue Hu, Chenggang Wang, Dun Wang, Minwei Xu, Caiyun Chang, Xijin Xu, Cuiping Han
Summary: By introducing a fluorine-rich double protective layer strategy and establishing a ZnF2-rich solid electrode/electrolyte interface layer, high reversibility and excellent cycling life of AZIBs have been achieved.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xiangyang Zhou, Penghui Cao, Anran Wei, Aiting Zou, Han Ye, Weiping Liu, Jingjing Tang, Juan Yang
Summary: Coating mesoporous TiO2 on Zn foil can reduce interface resistance and improve performance of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs), enabling faster ion transfer and longer cycling stability. The analysis of ion-transfer kinetics at the interface provides valuable insights for the study of metal anodes.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Guoqiang Ma, Licheng Miao, Yang Dong, Wentao Yuan, Xueyu Nie, Shengli Di, Yuanyuan Wang, Liubin Wang, Ning Zhang
Summary: In this study, the stability of metallic zinc anode in aqueous batteries was significantly improved by using a non-concentrated aqueous zinc trifluoromethanesulfonate electrolyte with 1,2-dimethoxyethane additive. The introduction of DME disrupted the original hydrogen-bond network of water and created a unique Zn2+-solvation structure, effectively suppressing water-induced side reactions. The in-situ formation of an organic-inorganic hybrid interphase on the zinc anode further prevented water penetration and dendrite growth. This novel electrolyte enabled the zinc anodes to achieve unprecedented cycling stability and high reversibility.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kuo Wang, Tong Qiu, Lu Lin, Xiao-Xia Liu, Xiaoqi Sun
Summary: This study introduces a novel interface stabilizer, 2,3,4,5-tetrahydrothiophene-1,1-dioxide (TD), in the 3 m ZnSO4 electrolyte for zinc batteries. The adsorption of TD molecules on Zn surface inhibits the spontaneous chemical corrosions and ensures a homogeneous electrode surface. The stable solid-electrolyte interface (SEI) induced by the adsorbed TD further suppresses parasitic reactions and leads to uniform Zn deposition.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Miao Zhou, Yue Chen, Guozhao Fang, Shuquan Liang
Summary: Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are a promising alternative for large-scale energy storage due to their environmental friendliness, low cost, and safety. However, the understanding of the electrolyte/electrode interfacial electrochemical behaviors, which significantly affect the performance of ZIBs, is still in the early stage. This review focuses on the characteristics and formation mechanism of the electrode/electrolyte interface (EEI) and discusses the various ionic electrochemical behaviors at EEI and interfacial optimization strategies. Practical considerations and future perspectives for manipulating EEI in aqueous ZIBs are also proposed.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fuhua Yang, Junnan Hao, Jun Long, Sailin Liu, Tian Zheng, Wilford Lie, Jun Chen, Zaiping Guo
Summary: Concentrated electrolyte is used to improve the cycling stability of potassium metal and potassium-ion batteries, mitigating the capacity degradation of metal phosphides and providing a feasible strategy for building high-energy-density potassium-ion batteries.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Bin Liu, Tian Wu, Fuyuan Ma, Cheng Zhong, Wenbin Hu
Summary: After decades of development, zinc-based batteries have been considered as a promising battery system for energy storage due to their high energy density, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, the poor cycle performance of zinc anode limits the cycle life of zinc-based batteries and hinders their large-scale application. This study investigates the electrochemical behavior of organic additives and zinc species in the electrolyte, focusing on the effects of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and vanillin additives on zinc plating and zinc anode. The results reveal that PVA improves anode utilization and performance but promotes corrosion and shape change of the zinc anode, while vanillin maintains anode structure but hinders battery performance. Coaddition of PVA and vanillin improves cycle life, rate performance, active material utilization, and discharge energy retention of the zinc anode. These findings provide insights for the development of electrolyte additives in zinc-based batteries.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wei Zhang, Guanjie He
Summary: Aqueous zinc metal batteries (AZMBs) are a promising electrochemical energy storage technology due to their high safety, low cost, and high energy density. However, they suffer from side reactions such as dendrite formation and hydrogen evolution. Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a novel electrolyte using dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) as a solvent to create a stable and uniform phosphate-based solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer on the zinc surface. This results in improved Coulombic efficiencies and capacity retentions.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fangjia Zhao, Zhuanfang Jing, Xiaoxia Guo, Jianwei Li, Haobo Dong, Yeshu Tan, Longxiang Liu, Yongquan Zhou, Rhodri Owen, Paul R. Shearing, Dan J. L. Brett, Guanjie He, Ivan P. Parkin
Summary: Researchers have discovered that adding trace amounts of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) to aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) can effectively address issues such as side reactions and poor performance. The PFOA additives reduce the surface tension of electrolytes and improve the wettability of electrolytes on the electrode, thereby enhancing the electrochemical stability and lifespan of the battery.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Runzhi Qin, Yuetao Wang, Lu Yao, Luyi Yang, Qinghe Zhao, Shouxiang Ding, LeLe Liu, Feng Pan
Summary: Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries face the challenge of poor cycling performance of the zinc anode, and the strategy of interface modification on the zinc anode has been explored as a solution. This article provides an overview of the methods, structures, mechanisms, and technical issues of zinc anode interface modification, and presents prospects for future development.
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yan Li, Zhouhao Wang, Yi Cai, Mei Er Pam, Yingkui Yang, Daohong Zhang, Ye Wang, Shaozhuan Huang
Summary: A comprehensive analysis of the design principles and promising strategies for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) is presented. Various reaction mechanisms, existing issues, and design strategies for electrodes/electrolyte/separator optimization are discussed. The effect of design strategies on electrochemical performance and the relationship between current issues and strategies are also unveiled.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiangye Li, Lu Wang, Yihan Fu, Hao Dang, Dahui Wang, Fen Ran
Summary: This comprehensive review systematically summarizes the design principles and optimization strategies for aqueous zinc-ion batteries, addressing issues such as dissolution of cathode materials and electrolyte consumption. It also provides insights into the impact of design strategies on electrochemistry and proposes future trends in cathode, anode, electrolyte, and separator development.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Liyu Zhou, Rui Yang, Siqi Xu, Xin Lei, Yongping Zheng, Jianfeng Wen, Fan Zhang, Yongbing Tang
Summary: Despite the widespread use of additives in aqueous electrolytes, there is a lack of understanding on how to select suitable additives to regulate reversible Zn plating/stripping chemistry. This study reveals that the electrostatic polarity of non-sacrificial additives is crucial for stabilizing Zn anodes. Sucrose, with high electrostatic polarity, shows the best performance in terms of cycling stability and long-term reversible plating/stripping cycle life for ZIBs.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sujin Kim, Gyuleen Park, Seung Jong Lee, Samuel Seo, Kyounghan Ryu, Chang Hwan Kim, Jang Wook Choi
Summary: Lithium-metal batteries (LMBs) have the potential to significantly increase energy density by utilizing metallic lithium's low operating voltage and high specific capacity. This review provides an overview of strategies to address the inherent shortcomings of LMBs, such as dendritic growth and parasitic reactions. It also discusses efforts and concerns related to scaling up knowledge and expertise for commercialization at the cell level. The review aims to encourage collaboration between researchers in fundamental research institutions and industry to ensure the continued evolution of LMB technology.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yan Zhao, Tianhong Zhou, Mounir Mensi, Jang Wook Choi, Ali Coskun
Summary: Fluorination of ether solvents is an effective strategy to improve the electrochemical stability of non-aqueous electrolyte solutions in lithium metal batteries. However, excessive fluorination detrimentally impacts the ionic conductivity of the electrolyte, thus limiting the battery performance.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Eunseok Park, Jongseok Park, Kyunam Lee, Yan Zhao, Tianhong Zhou, Gyuleen Park, Min-Gi Jeong, Minseok Choi, Dong-Joo Yoo, Hun-Gi Jung, Ali Coskun, Jang Wook Choi
Summary: A new low-dielectric solvent, 1,2-dimethoxypropane (DMP), was introduced as an electrolyte solvent. Compared to 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME), DMP has decreased solvation power and increased solvation polarity, promoting anion-Li+ interactions and improving the cycling stability of the battery.
ACS ENERGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yan Zhao, Tianhong Zhou, Lars P. H. Jeurgens, Xian Kong, Jang Wook Choi, Ali Coskun
Summary: By using a specific electrolyte, high electron transfer efficiency can be achieved, improving the stability of the lithium metal surface and its operation at high voltages.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Seung-Jae Shin, Jamie W. W. Gittins, Matthias J. J. Golomb, Alexander C. C. Forse, Aron Walsh
Summary: The electrochemical interface of Cu-3(HHTP)(2) with an organic electrolyte was investigated using simulations and experimental measurements. The excess charges mainly formed on the organic ligand, and cation-dominated charging mechanisms led to greater capacitance. By changing the ligand, the spatially confined electric double-layer structure and self-diffusion coefficients of in-pore electrolytes were improved. The performance of MOF-based supercapacitors can be controlled by modifying the ligating group.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yaejun Baik, Minjae Kwen, Kyungho Lee, Seunghyuck Chi, Susung Lee, Kanghee Cho, Hyungjun Kim, Minkee Choi
Summary: Ba-Ru/MgO catalysts are synthesized with an optimal Ru particle size and tailored BaO-Ru interfacial structures, which create a promoting effect through the separate storage of H+/e(-) pairs at the BaO-Ru interface. Chemisorbed H atoms on Ru dissociate into H+/e(-) pairs at the BaO-Ru interface, where selective capture of H(+) by strongly basic, nonreducible BaO leaves e(-) on Ru. The resulting electron accumulation in Ru facilitates N-2 activation and inhibits hydrogen poisoning during NH(3) synthesis.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Minsoo Kim, Inwoo Kim, Jisub Kim, Jang Wook Choi
Summary: Lithium ion batteries for electric vehicles require high-level monitoring of their safety and long-term cyclability. The heterogeneity of lithium ion intercalation into graphite, as indicated by the peak intensity of the differential voltage (DV) profile during charge, can be used as a useful tool to inspect and grade as-manufactured cells. This heterogeneity analysis is closely correlated with cycle life, enabling early-stage prediction. Accurately grading as-manufactured cells allows the construction of high-performance battery modules by integrating cells with low heterogeneity and minor performance deviations.
ACS ENERGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hyunjeong Oh, Seung-Jae Shin, Eunjin Choi, Hirona Yamagishi, Toshiaki Ohta, Naoaki Yabuuchi, Hun-Gi Jung, Hyungjun Kim, Hye Ryung Byon
Summary: The incompatibility of lithium intercalation electrodes with water has been a hindrance to the development of aqueous Li-ion batteries. We addressed this issue by developing liquid-phase protective layers on LiCoO2 (LCO) using a moderate concentration of lithium sulfate. The sulfate ion strengthened the hydrogen-bond network and formed ion pairs with Li+, providing strong kosmotropic and hard base characteristics.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Nohjoon Lee, Jieun Lee, Taegeun Lee, Jihoon Oh, Insu Hwang, Gyuwon Seo, Hyuntae Kim, Jang Wook Choi
Summary: A solution-processible coating of zinc oxide on carbon fiber can reduce the contact between the carbon additive and the solid electrolyte, improving the cycling performance and rate capability of sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hyeonju Lee, William A. Goddard III, JinHyeok Cha, Won Jae Choi, Seung Hyo Noh, Hyeyoung Shin, Hyungjun Kim
Summary: In this study, molecular dynamics simulations were used to investigate the effect of different functional group types and conversion ratios on conductivity in polymer electrolytes. It was found that Grotthuss-type hopping transport dominated the overall conductivity, and stronger ion-pair interactions hindered proton conductivity. Therefore, optimizing ion-pair interactions is crucial for balancing stability and proton conductivity.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jihyeong Lee, Junsoo Lee, Xiaoyan Jin, Hyungjun Kim, Seong-Ju Hwang
Summary: The defect engineering of inorganic solids is leveraged in this study to synthesize atomically-thin holey 2D nanosheets of a MoN-Mo5N6 composite. Precise control of the interlayer distance is crucial for synthesizing sub-nanometer-thick holey MoN-Mo5N6 nanosheets. The holey MoN-Mo5N6 nanosheets serve as efficient immobilization matrices for Pt single atoms, leading to enhanced electron injection efficiency and electrochemical stability.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yan Zhao, Tianhong Zhou, Dominika Baster, Mario El Kazzi, Jang Wook Choi, Ali Coskun
Summary: Understanding the degradation pathways and reactivity of electrolytes is crucial for addressing the limitations of conventional electrolytes and developing new electrolytes for high-voltage lithium metal batteries. By tuning the electronic properties of 1,3-dioxolane (DOL) through the introduction of methyl and trifluoromethyl groups, 4-methyl-1,3-dioxolane (MDOL) and 4-(trifluoromethyl)-1,3-dioxolane (TFDOL) solvents were developed. The TFDOL-based electrolyte exhibited excellent oxidation stability up to 5.0 V, while the MDOL-based electrolyte showed side reactions with metallic Li. The weak solvation power of TFDOL, along with the formation of an inorganic-rich solid electrolyte interphase, enabled a robust cycling stability in a Li|NCM811 full cell (20 μm Li foil, N/P ratio of 2.5).
ACS ENERGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hyuntae Kim, Ji Hyeon Lim, Taegeun Lee, Jiwoo An, Hyunjin Kim, Hannah Song, Hyeonha Lee, Jang Wook Choi, Jong Hun Kang
Summary: In this study, ozone treatment of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is demonstrated to enhance the electrochemical performance of dry-processed cathodes containing high-loading (30 mg/cm(2) or higher) NCM811 active material. The improved performance of single-walled (SW) CNT-based cathodes is attributed to the formation of a cathode-electrolyte interphase with favorable protective abilities and the ability to suppress microcrack formation within NCM811 particles. This research presents a promising strategy for the development of cost-effective and environmentally friendly dry battery manufacturing.
ACS ENERGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ju Huang, Seung-Jae Shin, Kasper Tolborg, Alex Ganose, Gabriel Krenzer, Aron Walsh
Summary: Through molecular dynamics simulations, it is found that the local structures of layered covalent organic frameworks (COFs) deviate from the average crystal structures determined by X-ray diffraction experiments. The simulations using a machine learning force field show that the stacking behavior of COFs is more complex than previously understood.
MATERIALS HORIZONS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Nohjoon Lee, Jihoon Oh, Jang Wook Choi
Summary: Anode-less all-solid-state batteries have gained attention for their potential to further reduce cell volume and cost. This perspective article summarizes recent research trends in anode-less all-solid-state batteries based on different types of solid electrolytes and encourages researchers to address remaining issues through the use of advanced materials and cell designs.