Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Huibo Wang, De Ning, Litong Wang, Heng Li, Qingyuan Li, Mingzheng Ge, Junyan Zou, Shi Chen, Huaiyu Shao, Yuekun Lai, Yanyan Zhang, Guichuan Xing, Wei Kong Pang, Yuxin Tang
Summary: This review highlights the recent advances in the real-time investigation of lithium-ion batteries using neutron techniques. Neutron scattering, with its unique advantages, provides valuable insights into the battery mechanisms. Various neutron-based techniques have been applied in different scales and battery components.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ilya A. Shkrob, Pavan Badami, John S. Okasinski, Marco-Tulio F. Rodrigues, Daniel P. Abraham
Summary: In this study, an operando X-ray crystallography method is used to visualize lithiation gradients and electrode assembly movement in a Li-metal cell. It is found that deposition and stripping of Li+ ions during charge and discharge lead to thickness changes and periodic movement of the Li foil. Additionally, continuous build-up of mossy Li on the anode causes irreversible drift of the assembly.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhaohui Li, Yongcheng Zhang, Xiangkun Li, Fangchao Gu, Leqing Zhang, Hengjun Liu, Qingtao Xia, Qinghao Li, Wanneng Ye, Chen Ge, Hongsen Li, Han Hu, Shandong Li, Yun-Ze Long, Shishen Yan, Guo-Xing Miao, Qiang Li
Summary: This study investigates the effect of ion-embedding mechanisms on the electrochemical properties of FeS2/Na (Li) cells through a combination of operando magnetometry and electrochemical measurements. It is found that the smaller iron grains produced by the conversion reaction in SIBs lead to more serious pulverization and worse cycle performance. The sluggish kinetics in SIBs caused by the larger Na-ion radius is identified as the underlying reason for the observed phenomena.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Chen-Jui Huang, Ya-Ching Hsu, Kassie Nigus Shitaw, Yu-Jhen Siao, She-Huang Wu, Chia-Hsin Wang, Wei-Nien Su, Bing Joe Hwang
Summary: Researchers have extended the lifespan of anode-free lithium metal batteries (AFLMBs) by introducing lithium oxalate as an electrode additive in the cathode. AFLMBs with a composite cathode containing 20% lithium oxalate and LiNi0.3Co0.3Mn0.3O2 exhibited >80% and 40% capacity retention after 50 and 100 cycles, respectively, outperforming AFLMBs using a pure LiNi0.3Co0.3Mn0.3O2 cathode. Surprisingly, the Coulombic efficiency of AFLMBs improved with an increased amount of lithium oxalate in the composite cathode.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Lanxin Xue, Yaoyao Li, Anjun Hu, Mingjie Zhou, Wei Chen, Tianyu Lei, Yichao Yan, Jianwen Huang, Chengtao Yang, Xianfu Wang, Yin Hu, Jie Xiong
Summary: This article summarizes the recent applications of in situ/operando Raman techniques for monitoring the real-time variations in Li-S batteries, aiming to reveal the reaction mechanism and guide the design of strategies for improving battery performances.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Daxian Cao, Yuxuan Zhang, Tongtai Ji, Hongli Zhu
Summary: This article discusses the application of neutron imaging for operando characterization of all-solid-state batteries. It compares neutron imaging to other techniques and highlights its advantages in visualizing light elements such as lithium. It also covers recent progress in using neutron imaging to investigate reaction mechanisms, lithium dynamics, and failure modes in all-solid-state lithium metal and lithium sulfur batteries. It also analyzes the future outlook for neutron imaging as a powerful nondestructive tool to gain insights into interfacial phenomena in all-solid-state batteries.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Elliot J. Fuller, Evgheni Strelcov, Jamie L. Weaver, Michael W. Swift, Joshua D. Sugar, Andrei Kolmakov, Nikolai Zhitenev, Jabez J. McClelland, Yue Qi, Joseph A. Dura, A. Alec Talin
Summary: The performance of solid-state electrochemical systems is closely related to the potential and lithium distributions across electrolyte-electrode junctions. By combining KPFM and NDP methods to analyze Si-LiPON-LiCoO2 solid-state batteries, it was observed that the largest potential drop and lithium concentration variation occur at the anode-electrolyte interface, indicating a rate-limiting interfacial process in batteries.
ACS ENERGY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wei Zhang, Seoung-Bum Son, Harvey Guthrey, Chunmei Ban
Summary: Si-based materials are promising anode materials for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries. However, the use of Si-Gr blended anodes often leads to rapid capacity decay in full cells. This study investigates the potential of Si-Gr blended anodes in full-cell configuration and finds that voltage slippage reduces the graphite component utilization and exacerbates side reactions. By tuning the open circuit voltage of the prelithiated anode and stabilizing the surface, the full cells achieve a highly reversible full-cell energy density and cycling efficiency.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Electrochemistry
Gerrit Michael Overhoff, Roman Noelle, Vassilios Siozios, Martin Winter, Tobias Placke
Summary: The study evaluates the beneficial impact of pre-lithiated Si/C electrodes in NCM111 and their effects on battery performance. It shows that pre-lithiation techniques can significantly improve both capacity and cycling efficiency of the batteries.
BATTERIES & SUPERCAPS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shakir Bin Mujib, Francois Ribot, Christel Gervais, Gurpreet Singh
Summary: The study investigates three little-known precursor-derived ceramic fibers as potential high-capacity electrode materials for energy storage applications. The SiOC ceramic fibers exhibit excellent performance in lithium-ion battery half-cells and supercapacitors, demonstrating high electronic conductivity, ion storage capacity, and cycle stability.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bingxin Shen, Ning Fu, Yuwen Chen, Wei Shao, Yurong Yan, Jia Huang, Zhenglong Yang
Summary: This study proposes a method to encapsulate low-cost micron-sized silicon suboxide (m-SiOx) into amorphous B, N co-doped carbon nanotube network (SSBCN) through metal cation-assisted carbonization. The encapsulation enables stable volume variation, efficient electron and Li-ion transfer, and fast electrolyte penetration. The SSBCN exhibits high reversible capacities, excellent rate performance, and long-term cycle stability, surpassing other SiOx-based anodes and presenting a new opportunity for m-SiOx in high-performance LIBs.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shibabrata Basak, Amir H. Tavabi, Krzysztof Dzieciol, Vadim Migunov, Violetta Arszelewska, Hermann Tempel, Hans Kungl, Erik M. Kelder, Marnix Wagemaker, Chandramohan George, Joachim Mayer, Rafal E. Dunin-Borkowski, Ruediger-A Eichel
Summary: Operando transmission electron microscopy reveals that thickness-dependent rupture of TiO2 coatings on Si/SiO2 particles occurs during battery cycling, with thicker coatings crumbling more readily than thinner coatings, supporting the difference in their capacities.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hongsen Li, Zhengqiang Hu, Qingtao Xia, Hao Zhang, Zhaohui Li, Huaizhi Wang, Xiangkun Li, Fengkai Zuo, Fengling Zhang, Xiaoxiong Wang, Wanneng Ye, Qinghao Li, Yunze Long, Qiang Li, Shishen Yan, Xiaosong Liu, Xiaogang Zhang, Guihua Yu, Guo-Xing Miao
Summary: Research has found that cobalt oxide has larger storage capacity in lithium-ion batteries. The anomalous capacity is associated with the formation of a spin capacitor and the growth of a polymeric film. Operando magnetometry technology provides direct evidence of the catalytic role of metallic cobalt in assisting the polymeric film formation.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Liqiang Zhang, Chenxi Zhu, Sicheng Yu, Daohan Ge, Haoshen Zhou
Summary: This review discusses four representative anode materials for rechargeable lithium batteries, detailing their characteristics and challenges. It also summarizes recent advances, primarily focusing on modification strategies of anode materials and optimization of the electrode/electrolyte interface.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Electrochemistry
Oliver Lohrberg, Sebastian Maletti, Christian Heubner, Michael Schneider, Alexander Michaelis
Summary: Zero-excess Li metal batteries (ZELMB) have the potential to increase energy density and simplify battery production. However, the non-uniform deposition behavior of lithium has limited their application. This study demonstrates the use of operando electrochemical dilatometry (OED) to understand lithium deposition and dissolution in ZELMB, providing insights into thickness changes, morphology evolution, and quantification of dead lithium.
JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Erwin Hueger, Jochen Stahn, Harald Schmidt
Summary: A new method for determining self-diffusivities in solids and the corresponding activation energy using in-situ Neutron Reflectometry is presented. The method allows for a single experiment based on ramping the temperature with a constant rate, reducing the amount of experimental time and samples required. The results obtained are in good agreement with the classical approach.
MATERIALS RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dusica Maysinger, Issan Zhang, Pei You Wu, Marten Kagelmacher, Haiming Daniel Luo, Jayachandran N. Kizhakkedathu, Jens Dernedde, Matthias Ballauf, Rainer Haag, Adeola Shobo, Gerhard Multhaup, R. Anne McKinney
Summary: The objective of this study was to investigate the interaction between polyglycerols with sulfate or sialic acid functional groups and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). The study aimed to determine if polyglycerols could prevent the loss of morphological plasticity in excitatory neurons in the hippocampus. The results suggest that dendritic and linear polyglycerols can interact with HMGB1 and prevent dendritic spine loss in excitatory neurons.
ACS CHEMICAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Electrochemistry
Kai Zhang, Erwin Hueger, Yong Li, Harald Schmidt, Fuqian Yang
Summary: This work aims to review and understand the behavior of the electrochemical lithiation onset of amorphous silicon (a-Si) films as electrochemically active material for new generation lithium-ion batteries. The article includes a review on the lithiation onset of silicon films and a mechanochemical model with numerical results on the depth-resolved mechanical stress during the lithiation onset of silicon films. Recent experimental studies have revealed peculiarities in the lithiation onset of a-Si films, such as the build-up of high mechanical stress, linear increase in mechanical stress with lithiation, minute volume increase during Li incorporation, largest heat generation with minor parasitic heat contribution, and unexpected enhanced brittleness. The literature review points to the important role of mechanical stresses in the formation of the Li-poor phase and the propagation of the reaction front. A mechanochemical model for the lithiation onset of a-Si film is developed and its numerical results are in good accord with experimental data.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Daniel Uxa, Kevin Meyer, Lars Doerrer, Harald Schmidt
Summary: Lithium diffusion in LiCoO2 is mainly controlled by grain boundary diffusion and bulk diffusion, with grain boundary diffusion not playing a dominant role in overall lithium-ion migration. Diffusivities along the c-axis are orders of magnitude slower compared to diffusion along the ab-plane, indicating sluggish lithium diffusion along the c-axis.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Uwe Freudenberg, Passant Atallah, Jens-Uwe Sommer, Carsten Werner, Matthias Ballauff
Summary: A model is proposed to explain the interaction between biological signaling proteins and highly charged polymer networks. The model takes into account the immobilization of counterions on highly charged chains and the Donnan equilibrium between the network and the aqueous solution. The model accurately compares with experimental data on biohybrid polymer networks interacting with signaling proteins.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
U. Yakhnevych, C. Kofahl, S. Hurskyy, S. Ganschow, Y. Suhak, H. Schmidt, H. Fritze
Summary: By studying the solid solutions of LNT, the fundamental material properties of polar oxides can be investigated. LNT crystals, with their tuneable structure and high thermal stability and piezoelectric coefficients, have potential applications in high-temperature actuators. The electrical conductivity and acoustic loss of LNT at high temperatures were investigated using impedance spectroscopy and resonant piezoelectric spectroscopy.
SOLID STATE IONICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Claudia Kofahl, Lars Doerrer, Brendan Muscutt, Simone Sanna, Stepan Hurskyy, Uliana Yakhnevych, Yuriy Suhak, Holger Fritze, Steffen Ganschow, Harald Schmidt
Summary: Lithium niobate and lithium tantalate crystals are important metal oxides with various properties. This study investigates the self-diffusion of lithium in these crystals and finds that the diffusivities and conductivities are consistent with theoretical predictions and experimental measurements. The findings provide insights into the electrical conductivity of these materials.
PHYSICAL REVIEW MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Electrochemistry
Erwin Hueger, Lukas Riedel, Jing Zhu, Jochen Stahn, Paul Heitjans, Harald Schmidt
Summary: Li-Nb-O-based insertion layers are used in Li-ion batteries to protect electrodes and electrolytes and enhance Li transport. This study reviews the suitability of different Li-Nb-O-based compounds for battery operation, especially amorphous LiNbO3 films. Experimental results show that the amorphous LiNbO3 films have higher porosity and better Li diffusivity compared to other similar metal oxides. The films exhibit high reversible capacity and fast cycling, which make them suitable for improved battery performance.
Article
Physics, Condensed Matter
A. S. Cameron, Y. Tymoshenko, P. Y. Portnichenko, A. S. Sukhanov, M. Ciomaga Hatnean, D. McK Paul, G. Balakrishnan, R. Cubitt, D. S. Inosov
Summary: In previous studies, the noncentrosymmetric superconductor Ru7B3 has shown unusual behavior in its vortex lattice, with vortices dissociating from the crystal lattice and exhibiting a complex field-history dependence. In this study, the vortex lattice form factor of Ru7B3 was investigated to check for deviations from established models. The results suggest that the anisotropic London model is a good fit, indicating minimal alterations to the vortex structure due to broken inversion symmetry. Penetration depth and coherence length were also extracted from the data.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS-CONDENSED MATTER
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Makoto Uyama, Roland Steitz, Marcus Trapp, Laurence Noirez, Sebastian Bayer, Michael Gradzielski
Summary: Surfactant systems in cosmetic formulations dry on skin as a surface, forming concentrated systems. The self-assembled structures of the water/glycerol/polyoxyethylene(30) phytosteryl ether (EO30PS) system in bulk and on a solid substrate were investigated. Results showed that ellipsoidal micelles of EO30PS become more ordered in bulk during the drying process, while on a Si substrate, EO30PS molecules adsorb in the form of bilayers, indicating a different structure. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the structural properties of practical cosmetic formulations.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Felicitas Schwoerer, Marcus Trapp, Luca Silvi, Philipp Gutfreund, Roland Steitz, Reiner Dahint
Summary: Osteoarthritis is caused by cartilage degeneration, and hyaluronic acid and phospholipids can reduce friction and protect the cartilage. A previous study found that poly(allylamine hydrochloride) can enhance the stability of phospholipid bilayers. This study used neutron reflectivity measurements to uncover the location and mechanism of poly(allylamine hydrochloride).
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Stepan Hurskyy, Uliana Yakhnevych, Claudia Kofahl, Eva Tichy-Racs, Harald Schmidt, Steffen Ganschow, Holger Fritze, Yuriy Suhak
Summary: It is found that VTE-treated Li(Nb,Ta)O3 samples have lower conductivity and better thermal stability. After 330 hours of thermal treatment, the conductivity of VTE-treated LiNb0.94Ta0.06O3 specimen decreased by about 10%, while the conductivity of congruent LiNbO3 specimen decreased by about 15%.
SOLID STATE IONICS
(2023)
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
S. Brechelt, H. Wiche, J. Junge, R. Gustus, H. Schmidt, V. Wesling
Summary: High electrode forces are required in resistance spot welding of aluminum alloys to reduce electrical contact resistances. However, these high resistances and the resulting thermal load cause electrode degradation and poor weld quality. Surface patterning and thin-film diffusion barriers can improve electrode life and weld quality.
WELDING IN THE WORLD
(2023)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
M. Crisanti, A. O. Leonov, R. Cubitt, A. Labh, H. Wilhelm, Marcus P. Schmidt, C. Pappas
Summary: This study systematically investigates the stability and ordering of the tilted spiral state in the B20 cubic helimagnet Cu2OSeO3. The temperature and field dependencies of this state are analyzed, and it is found that the tilted spiral state can persist up to temperatures higher than previously reported. The observed behavior is explained by the temperature dependence of the anisotropy constants.
PHYSICAL REVIEW RESEARCH
(2023)