Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Naroa Almenara, Robin Gueret, Alberto J. Huertas-Alonso, Unnimaya Thalakkale Veettil, Mika H. Sipponen, Erlantz Lizundia
Summary: Electrochemical energy storage technologies can contribute to achieving a carbon-neutral society by 2050. Aqueous zinc-ion chemistries, using environmentally benign and bio-based materials, show promise in addressing climate change and supply chain issues. This study explores the use of lignin and chitosan to create gel polymer electrolytes for zinc-ion chemistries. The resulting electrolytes demonstrate good mechanical properties, high ionic conductivity, and electrochemical stability, enabling stable cycling of zinc anodes. Compared to traditional configurations, these gel polymer electrolytes exhibit improved performance in terms of short-circuit resistance and Coulombic efficiency. This research highlights the potential of underutilized biomass and marine waste as electrolytes for sustainable energy storage beyond lithium-ion batteries.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Sundas Iqbal, Yue Ma, Bingqing Wei, Mustehsin Ali, Tingkai Zhao
Summary: The study developed Sb2S3 microrods as a template for regulating the nucleation of metallic Na and used nanoconfinement effect to spatially control the propagation of deposited metal. The study also investigated the seed effect of Na-Sb and Na-S alloys formed within the hard carbon sheath. The Sb2S3@C composite anode achieved dendrite-free cycling and mitigated nucleation overpotential, while the pairing of NVPF cathode with the Sb2S3@C composite prototype delivered high energy density and power density.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Syam Kandula, Eunji Kim, Chi Won Ahn, Jinwoo Lee, Bongjun Yeom, Seung Woo Lee, Jinhan Cho, Hyung-Kyu Lim, Yonghee Lee, Jeong Gon Son
Summary: Anode-free sodium-metal batteries are a promising alternative for high-end batteries due to their high theoretical capacity, low cost, and high abundance. However, they suffer from poor long-term cyclic stability. In this study, mechanically resilient MXene/CNT nano-accordion frameworks (NAFs) were engineered to address this issue and enable efficient sodium deposition.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wen Zhu, Hendrix Demers, Gabriel Girard, Daniel Clement, Feng Zimin, Abdelbast Guerfi, Michel Trudeau, Ashok Vijh, Andrea Paolella
Summary: This study used conventional X-ray diffraction technique to monitor the lithium metal plating and stripping in anode free lithium batteries. It was observed that the lithium metal was not completely stripped off from the substrate and still existed even under constant voltage. This provides important information for reducing dead lithium metal and prolonging cycling life.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Afshana Afroj Bristi, Alfred Junio Samson, Abinaya Sivakumaran, Shantel Butler, Venkataraman Thangadurai
Summary: A high sodium-ion conductive, filler-less composite solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) film has been successfully fabricated for solid-state sodium-ion batteries (ss-SIBs) using a facile solution casting process. The study demonstrates the potential applicability of the SPE in next-generation high-power rechargeable SIBs.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Electrochemistry
Marco Melzi d'Eril, Magdalena Graczyk-Zajac, Ralf Riedel
Summary: Sodium-ion batteries offer a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries, with potential independence from rare raw materials, although they have lower energy density. Sodium metal batteries present a possible solution. In this study, porous silicon carbonitride (SiCN(O)) ceramic is used as an anodic matrix for reversible sodium plating. The role of pores is investigated, and a mechanism for reversible and uniform sodium plating/stripping is proposed. Electrochemical studies demonstrate a stable and reversible capacity gain of about 60 mAh/g beyond the insertion capacity of the SiCN(O) ceramic over 100 cycles.
BATTERIES & SUPERCAPS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lin Zhang, Xiaolong Zhu, Guanyao Wang, Gang Xu, Minghong Wu, Hua-Kun Liu, Shi-Xue Dou, Chao Wu
Summary: By embedding bismuth nanoparticles in 2D carbon nanosheets, a robust nucleation buffer layer is created to enable sodium metal anodes with high Coulombic efficiencies and dendrite-free deposition during long-term cycling. The cycling stability is closely related to the Na utilization of SMAs and current rate.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
M. P. dos Santos, Ivan Aritz Aldaya Garde, Carolina Magda Bassoto Ronchini, Lucio Cardozo Filho, Guilherme Botelho Meireles de Souza, Marcelo Luis Francisco Abbade, Natal Nerimio Regone, Veeriah (Jega) Jegatheesan, Jose Augusto de Oliveira
Summary: The proposed technology for recycling LIB cells, named RecycLib, demonstrates high efficiency in recovering active materials and elements, with low environmental impact and operating costs. Experimental characterization shows high recovery rates and low potential environmental hazards, indicating potential for industrial scalability.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Sohyun Park, Jinju Song, Suhyeon Jang, Jeongmi Lee, Jaekook Kim, Hyun-Kyung Kim, Kyoungseon Min
Summary: With the exacerbation of the climate crisis, there is a growing momentum in the development of zero-waste biorefineries that efficiently utilize all biomass components for valuable fuels, materials, and chemicals. However, the challenge lies in utilizing biorefinery waste, particularly lignin, due to its recalcitrance. This review explores the potential use of biomass-derived electrode materials for energy storage devices and discusses recent advances in biomass-derived supercapacitors, lithium-ion, and sodium-ion batteries.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sonal Choudhary, Kashma Sharma, Pawan Kumar Mishra, Vijay Kumar, Vishal Sharma
Summary: The present study aims to fabricate edible biofilm by blending agarose, gum neem, nano-hydroxyapatite, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, which showed excellent mechanical properties, thermal stability, water and oxygen barrier abilities, and prolonged the shelf life of food items. The edible film also exhibited complete biodegradability and can be a greener and potential alternative to conventional food packaging films.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wenxin Mei, Lihua Jiang, Chen Liang, Jinhua Sun, Qingsong Wang
Summary: This study uses experimental methods and finite element models to uncover the mechanism of lithium plating on graphite electrodes under over-lithiation conditions, providing diagnostic and quantification methods. The results show that lithium plating leads to battery capacity degradation and safety issues, emphasizing the importance of tight control to prevent adverse effects.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Mirko Cucina, Gabriele Soggia, Patrizia De Nisi, Andrea Giordano, Fabrizio Adani
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anaerobic degradability and potential recovery of biomethane from different bioplastics. The results showed that certain polylactic acid-based items can degrade completely and contribute positively to biomethane production. Starch-based items showed a faster degradation of the starch component compared to the polyester component. Anaerobic digestion and/or anaerobic digestion coupled to digestate composting may be the best strategy for disposing of these wastes while meeting the principles of Circular Economy.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ruole Yuan, Peng Liu, Xiaomei Wang, Jisheng Zhou
Summary: A vdW-layered carbon/QDs hybrid superlattice nanosheets (Fe7S8@CNS) with a large vdW gap of 3 nm was synthesized using a chemical-vapor Oriented Attachment (OA) growth strategy. The Fe7S8@CNS exhibited suppressed Na dendrite growth and showed excellent cycle stability in sodium metal anode cells.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yahan Meng, Mingming Wang, Ke Li, Zhengxin Zhu, Zaichun Liu, Taoli Jiang, Xinhua Zheng, Kai Zhang, Weiping Wang, Qia Peng, Zehui Xie, Yu Wang, Wei Chen
Summary: We propose a strategy for constructing an ultrathin aluminophilic interface layer (AIL) to enable highly reversible and dendrite-free Al plating/stripping in rechargeable batteries. The Pt-AIL@Ti electrode demonstrates stable plating/stripping of Al at a high areal capacity and exhibits an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.9%. This work provides valuable insights for the development of high-performance rechargeable Al metal batteries.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Narjes Fallah, Colin Fitzpatrick
Summary: While electric vehicles aim to reduce carbon emissions, additional consideration is needed for the environmental impact of battery production and end-of-life management. Circular end-of-life thinking has been promoted to extend retired batteries' lifetime, particularly for cobalt-containing cathode Li-ion batteries such as NMC and the alternative technology LFPs. This study evaluates the financial return of repurposing retired Li-ion NMC and LFP batteries for energy arbitrage applications in power systems, finding that LFP batteries have higher potential for repurposing due to their higher financial return and greater integration in new vehicles.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Neeru Mittal, Alazne Ojanguren, Dipan Kundu, Erlantz Lizundia, Markus Niederberger
Summary: This study presents the design of a fully transient zinc-ion battery made of nontoxic and abundant materials, which can lessen the environmental impact of traditional batteries. The battery exhibits stable cycling performance, high capacity, and biodegradable characteristics.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Naroa Almenara, Robin Gueret, Alberto J. Huertas-Alonso, Unnimaya Thalakkale Veettil, Mika H. Sipponen, Erlantz Lizundia
Summary: Electrochemical energy storage technologies can contribute to achieving a carbon-neutral society by 2050. Aqueous zinc-ion chemistries, using environmentally benign and bio-based materials, show promise in addressing climate change and supply chain issues. This study explores the use of lignin and chitosan to create gel polymer electrolytes for zinc-ion chemistries. The resulting electrolytes demonstrate good mechanical properties, high ionic conductivity, and electrochemical stability, enabling stable cycling of zinc anodes. Compared to traditional configurations, these gel polymer electrolytes exhibit improved performance in terms of short-circuit resistance and Coulombic efficiency. This research highlights the potential of underutilized biomass and marine waste as electrolytes for sustainable energy storage beyond lithium-ion batteries.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lucas J. Andrew, Emma R. Gillman, Christopher M. Walters, Erlantz Lizundia, Mark J. MacLachlan
Summary: This paper presents a novel chiral nematic activated carbon aerogel material based on renewable cellulose, which exhibits high specific surface area and superparamagnetic behavior, making it suitable for supercapacitor applications.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Aintzane Esturo, Erlantz Lizundia, Estibaliz Saez de Camara
Summary: This research aims to understand the views of the worldwide fruit juice industry towards sustainability and identify the current sustainability priorities and information gaps within the sector. Based on a questionnaire launched among members of the International Fruit Juice and Vegetable Association, key stakeholders from 20 countries provided data on their perception of sustainability and measures to reduce environmental impacts. The results highlight carbon footprint and social aspects as main concerns. The findings suggest an increasing focus on holistic sustainability and the importance of customer-driven sustainability measures rather than mere compliance with regulations. This work provides a foundation for future studies on sustainability in the food sector and can guide the industry in meeting their climate targets for 2023 and 2050.
Article
Polymer Science
Samira Sang Bastian, Felix Rechberger, Sabrina Zellmer, Markus Niederberger, Georg Garnweitner
Summary: In this study, ITO aerogels were synthesized through two different methods and then dried using liquid CO2. The synthesis of ITO aerogels was achieved by a one-pot sol-gel process in benzylamine (BnNH2) or by controlled destabilization of a concentrated dispersion in benzyl alcohol (BnOH). The electrical conductivity of the synthesized ITO aerogels was improved significantly through annealing, and the aerogels showed potential for various applications in energy storage and optoelectronic devices.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Eldho Edison, Annapaola Parrilli, Elena Tervoort, Henrik Eliasson, Markus Niederberger
Summary: Researchers have developed a sodium superionic conductor (NASICON) as a solid electrolyte for sodium-metal batteries, using freeze-casting technique to create an oriented porous framework of sodium aluminum titanium phosphate (NATP). They achieved high mass loadings of sodium vanadium phosphate (NVP) cathode nanoparticles in the porous NATP scaffolds, resulting in short sodium ion diffusion path lengths. The resulting hybrid cells showed a capacity of around 90mAh g(-1) at a specific current of 50 mA g(-1) (about 300 Wh kg(-1)) with over 94% capacity retention after 100 cycles, indicating improved electrochemical performance.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aamod V. Desai, Erlantz Lizundia, Andrea Laybourn, Daniel N. Rainer, Anthony R. Armstrong, Russell E. Morris, Stefan Wuttke, Romy Ettlinger
Summary: To ensure a prosperous future on Earth, academia and industry must transform the synthesis of novel materials to be more environmentally sustainable. This review highlights the importance of choosing starting materials, solvents, and synthetic methodologies in line with Green Chemistry principles, and emphasizes the importance of considering circular economy strategies such as reuse, regeneration, and recycling. Furthermore, it explores the impact of Green Chemistry principles and life cycle assessment metrics on the rational sustainable design and discovery of materials.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Diego Ruiz, Veronica F. Michel, Markus Niederberger, Erlantz Lizundia
Summary: Rechargeable batteries that consider the trade-offs between material renewability, processability, thermo-mechanical and electrochemical performance, as well as transiency, can help achieve carbon neutrality. This study demonstrates the fabrication of environmentally sustainable zinc-ion batteries using fungal chitin nanofibril gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs). These GPEs outperform conventional non-renewable/non-biodegradable glass microfibre separator-liquid electrolyte pairs with high ionic conductivities and a stable Zn electrodeposition. By replacing metallic current collectors with biodegradable materials, the batteries can become completely transient. This work showcases the potential applications of bio-based materials in the development of green and electrochemically competitive batteries for sustainable portable electronics or biomedicine.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Huu-Quang Nguyen, My-Chi Thi Nguyen, Hyojin Kang, Hongxia Chen, David Kiwic, Fabian Matter, Elena Tervoort, Markus Niederberger, Jaebeom Lee
Summary: This study demonstrates the fabrication of chiral active structures from achiral nanoscale components by controlling the handedness and absorptive characteristics of chiral materials. The self-assembly of magnetoplasmonic nanowires into chiral active superstructures is achieved through the effect of an externally applied magnetic field. This concept can be applied to the design of optically active chiral 3D superstructures for optical filters, sensing devices, and chiral photocatalysts.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Neeru Mittal, Tae-Min Jang, Suk-Won Hwang, Markus Niederberger
Summary: Progress in transient electronics relies on the availability of components and materials that can decompose in water. A new water-soluble polymer composite has been developed as a packaging material that releases a chemical etchant to decompose copper and aluminum. The dissolution behavior of copper and aluminum films can be adjusted by varying the composition of the composite, making it a promising approach for transient electronic devices.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aitor Larranaga, Carlos Bello-Alvarez, Erlantz Lizundia
Summary: Fungal nanochitin shows environmental benefits and potential for biomedical applications, but careful assessment of its toxicity is necessary. Cytotoxicity studies reveal relatively safe behavior in human fibroblasts, but inflammatory effects in murine brain cells. These findings shed light on the potential of fungal nanochitin for a circular biobased economy.
