Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sang Yun Han, Chanhee Lee, John A. Lewis, David Yeh, Yuhgene Liu, Hyun-Wook Lee, Matthew T. McDowell
Summary: The study investigates stress evolution within batteries with composite alloy anodes, highlighting the relationship between stress changes and lithium transfer, as well as the impact of electrode structure and active materials. Furthermore, it demonstrates that composite alloy anodes enable stable long-term cycling in solid-state batteries, providing new understanding of the electrochemistry-mechanics relationship.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Masahiro Shimizu, Kohei Kimoto, Takuya Kawai, Toshinori Taishi, Susumu Arai
Summary: The research on using P or B doped silicon materials as negative electrode materials can effectively improve their electrical conductivity and mechanical properties, enabling lithium insertion reactions to occur at higher potentials and improving cycling performance.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yuhgene Liu, Congcheng Wang, Sun Geun Yoon, Sang Yun Han, John A. A. Lewis, Dhruv Prakash, Emily J. J. Klein, Timothy Chen, Dae Hoon Kang, Diptarka Majumdar, Rajesh Gopalaswamy, Matthew T. T. McDowell
Summary: Non-pre-lithiated aluminum-foil-based negative electrodes with engineered microstructures exhibit long-term cycling stability in all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries, providing a possible route for improving high-energy-density batteries.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yu Fu, Xuyun Guo, Zhenglong Xu, Guangming Zhao, Chao Xu, Ye Zhu, Limin Zhou
Summary: This study investigates the nanostructure-mediated lithiation mechanism in Co3O4 anodes for lithium-ion batteries, revealing two different lithiation pathways and the reasons for capacity loss in different nanostructures.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yasuhiro Domi, Hiroyuki Usui, Tasuku Hirosawa, Kai Sugimoto, Takuma Nakano, Akihiro Ando, Hiroki Sakaguchi
Summary: This study investigates the charge and discharge properties of Si-based electrodes in ionic liquid electrolytes at low temperatures. It is found that the reversible capacity at low temperature is influenced by the properties of the surface film on the electrodes and/or the ionic conductivity of the electrolytes. Precoating Si-only electrodes with a surface film at room temperature improves the cycle life at low temperatures in ionic liquid electrolytes. Doping phosphorus into Si enhances the cycling performance, especially at lower temperatures.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Huili Wang, Cheng Liu, Yu Cao, Shuo Liu, Baoshan Zhang, Zhenpeng Hu, Jie Sun
Summary: In this work, the lithiation mechanism of green phosphorus (GP) with different layers as anode materials in Li-ion batteries was investigated using first-principles calculations. The results showed that single-layer GP has a higher specific capacity and faster Li diffusion rate compared to double-layer and bulk GP. The lithiation voltage also increases with the number of GP layers. Additionally, the specific capacity of GP is higher than that of black phosphorus anode.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Electrochemistry
Matachan Oupatam, Panupol Untarabut, Kiettipong Banlusan
Summary: Optimizing the oxygen content of silicon oxides used as anode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries is critical for improving lithium storage properties. However, the effect of oxygen content on the structural evolution of the materials is still not well understood. This study uses molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the dynamic processes of silicon oxides and highlights the impact of oxygen content on lithium storage properties. The results show that increasing oxygen content can reduce volume expansion during lithiation but leads to trapped lithium and irreversible structural changes.
JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Giichiro Uchida, Kodai Masumoto, Mikito Sakakibara, Yumiko Ikebe, Shinjiro Ono, Kazunori Koga, Takahiro Kozawa
Summary: Si/Sn nanowires with high capacity were fabricated using He plasma sputtering in a single-step procedure. The Si/Sn nanowires had different structures depending on the plasma conditions. The anodes prepared with Si/Sn nanowire films exhibited excellent cycle stability and high Li-storage capacity.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jinran Sun, Lang Huang, Gaojie Xu, Shamu Dong, Chunsheng Wang, Guanglei Cui
Summary: Pre-lithiation is crucial for improving the performance of lithium-ion batteries, including increasing energy density and enhancing initial coulombic efficiency. However, it also affects the cycle life of the batteries. Therefore, finding a balance between high energy density and long cycle life is important.
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Kai Zhang, Junwu Zhou, Tian Tian, Yue Kai, Yong Li, Bailin Zheng, Fuqian Yang
Summary: Currently, there is a lack of analysis methods to quantitatively study the effects of cycling-induced damage on the stress evolution and capacity loss in silicon-based batteries. We propose a comprehensive model to address this issue, which is validated through comparisons with experimental results. Contrary to common belief, we suggest a concept of training batteries by introducing sufficient damage to improve retention performance, and its effectiveness is experimentally confirmed. Optimization of the training method is also discussed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FATIGUE
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Andrew M. Colclasure, Xuemin Li, Lei Cao, Donal P. Finegan, Chuanbo Yang, Kandler Smith
Summary: The study investigates the use of metallic lithium reservoirs to supplement lost cyclable lithium in lithium-ion batteries, demonstrating significant capacity recovery and extension of lifetime for traditional graphite and Si/graphite-based cells. Post-mortem characterization and modeling provide insights into the lithium distribution variations with recovery rate from the reservoir. The potential of passive control to potentially eliminate the need for extra wiring for the third electrode is explored using a simple resistor.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yibo Liu, Xinyu Liu, Yuanlong Zhu, Jiawei Wang, Weiwei Ji, Xizheng Liu
Summary: In this study, Si/graphite composites with high capacity and conductivity were prepared using a simplified chemical dealloying and pitch coating process. The composite showed excellent cyclic stability and high energy density, making it a promising anode material for next-generation LIBs.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Khryslyn G. Arano, Beth L. Armstrong, Ethan Boeding, Guang Yang, Harry M. Meyer III, Evelyna Wang, Rachel Korkosz, Katie L. Browning, Thomas Malkowski, Baris Key, Gabriel M. Veith
Summary: Vinylene carbonate (VC) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) are used as functional agents to mimic the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) chemistry of silicon. Covalent surface functionalization of silicon particles was achieved through ball-milling with sacrificial VC and PEO. The additives are strongly bound to silicon, resulting in improved stability and dispersion of the functionalized particles. Raman mapping and capacity measurements show that VC-milled silicon exhibits higher capacity and improved electrode processing compared to neat silicon.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yang He, Lin Jiang, Tianwu Chen, Yaobin Xu, Haiping Jia, Ran Yi, Dingchuan Xue, Miao Song, Arda Genc, Cedric Bouchet-Marquis, Lee Pullan, Ted Tessner, Jinkyoung Yoo, Xiaolin Li, Ji-Guang Zhang, Sulin Zhang, Chongmin Wang
Summary: A correlated structural and chemical evolution of silicon and the solid-electrolyte interphase was unveiled in three dimensions by integrating sensitive elemental tomography, an advanced algorithm and cryogenic scanning transmission electron microscopy. The study demonstrated progressive electrolyte permeation and SEI growth along the percolation channel of the nanovoids due to vacancy injection and condensation during the delithiation process, leading to the formation of a 'plum-pudding' structure and the disruption of electron conduction pathways.
NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY
(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
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chunhao Li, Shuibin Tu, Xin Ai, Siwei Gui, Zihe Chen, Wenyu Wang, Xiaoxiao Liu, Yuchen Tan, Hui Yang, Yongming Sun
Summary: A GeSn electrode with an undulating structure was fabricated and shown to improve the mechanical stability, homogenize electrochemical reactions, and compensate for lithium loss, resulting in enhanced electrochemical performance. Experimental results from symmetric cells and full cells demonstrated the feasibility and superiority of the GeSn electrode.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Huijuan Huang, Yunlei Wang, Menghao Li, Hai Yang, Zhihao Chen, Yang Jiang, Shufen Ye, Yaxiong Yang, Shengnan He, Hongge Pan, Xiaojun Wu, Yu Yao, Meng Gu, Yan Yu
Summary: A Ni3S2/Ni3P heterostructure with high work function is constructed to suppress electrolyte decomposition in long-term sodiation process, improving the cyclability and safety of rechargeable sodium-metal batteries. The heterostructure also enhances ion-transport kinetics and enables the formation of stable solid electrolyte interphase for dendrite-free sodium anode.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Menghao Li, Qing Zhang, Xuming Yang, Yuanmin Zhu, Yifeng Cheng, Shaocheng Shen, Meng Gu
Summary: By characterizing the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) using cryogenic electron microscopy (Cryo-EM), we investigated the influence of solvation structure on SEI formation and electrochemical performance. The SEI formed in low-concentration electrolytes exhibited a mosaic-type structure, leading to uneven lithium deposition and poor cycle stability. In contrast, high-concentration electrolytes generated an amorphous monolayer SEI, resulting in improved Coulombic efficiency and cycle stability.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ruoyu Xiong, Yue Yu, Shuyi Chen, Maoyuan Li, Longhui Li, Mengyuan Zhou, Wen Zhang, Bo Yan, Dequn Li, Hui Yang, Yun Zhang, Huamin Zhou
Summary: Identifying and decoupling overpotential components in electrochemical systems can provide crucial insights into the performance and optimization of batteries.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jianwen Liang, Yuanmin Zhu, Xiaona Li, Jing Luo, Sixu Deng, Yang Zhao, Yipeng Sun, Duojie Wu, Yongfeng Hu, Weihan Li, Tsun-Kong Sham, Ruying Li, Meng Gu, Xueliang Sun
Summary: Layered oxide cathode active materials suffer from interfacial structural instability when coupled with sulfide solid-state electrolytes. Here, the authors propose a gradient coating with a lithium oxythiophosphate layer that can stabilize the cathode|solid-state electrolyte interface. This coating effectively hinders structural degradation and allows for a specific discharge capacity of 128mAh/g after almost 250 cycles.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhuyang Chen, Chen Xu, Fu Zhao, Shibo Xi, Weixuan Li, Mingcheng Huang, Bijun Cai, Meng Gu, Hsing-Lin Wang, X-D Xiang
Summary: A combinatorial high-throughput aerogel synthesis method was developed to study the synergistic catalytic effects of multiple non-noble metal elements. Various aerogels with different compositions were synthesized and ternary phase diagrams of composition-electrocatalytic performance were constructed. Outstanding aerogel catalysts with excellent catalytic performance and stability for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) were discovered.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Qian Yang, Menghao Li, Kaixiang Lei, Siyuan Li, Zheng Liu, Shenxu Chu, Yangyang Zhang, Kezhu Jiang, Meng Gu, Fujun Li, Shijian Zheng
Summary: Graphite anodes face challenges in potassium-ion batteries due to volume fluctuation and dendrite growth. In this study, an anion-derived interphase with high strength and conductivity is created using an amide-based electrolyte. The interphase buffers volume change, suppresses dendrite propagation, and facilitates ion diffusion. Stable plating and stripping of symmetric K//K cells with low polarization is achieved. The graphite electrode shows highly reversible phase transition and high discharge capacity, and the assembled full battery exhibits high energy density. This work emphasizes the importance of interfacial structure and provides a new strategy for designing high-performance electrolytes.
SCIENCE CHINA-MATERIALS
(2023)
Letter
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jing Wang, Yian Wang, Chao Cai, Yushen Liu, Duojie Wu, Maoyu Wang, Menghao Li, Xianbin Wei, Minhua Shao, Meng Gu
Summary: The electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) is a promising alternative route to produce ammonia (NH3) sustainably. Cu-doped Fe3O4 flakes are fabricated and demonstrated to be excellent catalysts for electrochemical conversion of NO3- to NH3, with high Faradaic efficiencies and NH3 yields. Theoretical calculations show that Cu doping facilitates the reaction thermodynamically. These results highlight the feasibility of improving NO3RR activity using heteroatom doping strategies.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qing Zhang, Chuan Zhou, Menghao Li, Yuanmin Zhu, Xianbin Wei, Shaocheng Shen, Zongwei Ji, Guangfu Luo, Yifeng Cheng, Xuming Yang, Zhijie Wang, Lingfeng Zou, Lin Zeng, Junhao Lin, Lei Li, Joseph S. Francisco, Meng Gu
Summary: High-concentrated non-flammable electrolytes (HCNFE) in lithium metal batteries can prevent thermal runaway accidents, and the microstructure of their solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) has been explored using cryo-HRTEM. The SEI in HCNFE exhibits a uniform laminated crystalline-amorphous structure that prevents further reaction between the electrolyte and lithium. Li2S2O7, the inorganic SEI component, is precisely identified using cryo-HRTEM. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that the final Li2S2O7 phase has suitable natural transmission channels for Li-ion diffusion and excellent ionic conductivity of 1.2 x 10(-5) S cm(-1).
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yaqi He, Cheng Zhen, Menghao Li, Xianbin Wei, Cheng Li, Yuanmin Zhu, Xuming Yang, M. Danny Gu
Summary: Fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) significantly improves the cycle stability and Coulombic efficiency of dual-graphite batteries. FEC participates in anodic side reactions and forms a thin and uniform solid-electrolyte interphase layer, reducing graphite exfoliation and enhancing stability. Its impact on cation and anion intercalation differs, and it overturns the paradigm of attributing cathodic performance to cathode-electrolyte interphase (CEI) features.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaona Li, Yang Xu, Changtai Zhao, Duojie Wu, Limin Wang, Matthew Zheng, Xu Han, Simeng Zhang, Junyi Yue, Biwei Xiao, Wei Xiao, Ligen Wang, Tao Mei, Meng Gu, Jianwen Liang, Xueliang Sun
Summary: By utilizing LaCl3 and CeCl3 lattice and a multiple-cation mixed strategy, a series of solid-state electrolytes with high ionic conductivity and good compatibility have been developed. These electrolytes enable fast multiple ion conduction, resulting in a solid-state lithium battery with high stability and reversibility, even at low temperatures.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yiyang Chen, Hao Ren, Xiangyu Kong, Hao Wu, Zhenmei Lu
Summary: In this study, an MTBE-degrading enzyme, prmABCD, was identified and its role in MTBE metabolism was revealed. Transcriptome analysis showed that the expression of prmABCD was upregulated by MTBE. Functional characterization demonstrated that prmABCD could catalyze the degradation of MTBE, and the loss of genes encoding the oxygenase subunits, coupling protein, or reductase disrupted MTBE degradation. The catalytic capacity of PRM was influenced by specific amino acid residues in the active site and substrate tunnel.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guangdong Liu, Yang He, Zhixiao Liu, Hui Wan, Yaobin Xu, Huiqiu Deng, Hui Yang, Ji-Guang Zhang, Peter V. V. Sushko, Fei Gao, Chongmin Wang, Yingge Du
Summary: By using in situ transmission electron microscopy and density functional theory calculations, the influence of planar defects on the diffusion pathways and transport kinetics of Li ions in a tungsten trioxide lattice is revealed. It is found that planar defects disrupt the continuity of ion conduction channels by altering the charge distribution and lattice spacing, leading to a significant increase in energy barrier for Li diffusion. This atomic-level understanding has important implications for rational interface design in solid-state batteries and solid oxide fuel cells.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Canhui Zhang, Xingkun Wang, Zhentao Ma, Hanxu Yao, Hengjun Liu, Cheng Li, Jian Zhou, Ren Xu, Xusheng Zheng, Huanlei Wang, Qiang Li, Meng Gu, Heqing Jiang, Minghua Huang
Summary: This study deliberately constructs Fe/Ni-NHCS as an ORR catalyst, which achieves excellent ORR performance and ultra-long-term stability by optimizing the electron spin state and reducing the energy barrier. It opens up a new avenue for energy conversion technologies.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yu Chen, Song Gao, Jingwen Zhou, Weizhu Zeng
Summary: This study investigates the mechanism of Eaf3p, a chromatin regulator, in regulating nitrogen metabolism in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The results show that Eaf3p regulates the expression of multiple nitrogen metabolic genes by modifying histone acetylation of the promoter regions via the histone acetyltransferase NuA4 complex. Eaf3p binds to the promoters of GAT1, CAN1, LYP1, GLN3, and HIP1 to regulate their expression. This research contributes to the understanding of S. cerevisiae nitrogen metabolism regulation and provides insights for future metabolic engineering and industrial applications.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
