Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Feipeng Yang, Xuefei Feng, Y. -Sheng Liu, Li Cheng Kao, P. -A. Glans, Wanli Yang, Jinghua Guo
Summary: Researchers are aiming to develop alternative battery systems with low cost and high material abundance beyond lithium-ion batteries, emphasizing the importance of understanding the chemical and electronic structure of materials. Soft X-ray spectroscopy, as an element-specific technique, can be applied to study electronic and structural changes in electrode and electrolyte species through operando experiments, serving as a powerful tool for the development of beyond lithium-ion batteries.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
M. Schellenberger, R. Golnak, W. G. Quevedo Garzon, S. Risse, R. Seidel
Summary: Silicon anodes have a higher theoretical storage capacity than commercial graphite anodes in Li-ion batteries, but the Solid Electrolyte Interphase (SEI) on silicon fails to stabilize the electrolyte sufficiently due to the large volume changes. Researchers have developed a novel X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) method to study the SEI on silicon anodes, revealing the main components and possible liquid inclusions within a porous SEI morphology.
MATERIALS TODAY ADVANCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hideaki Oka, Takamasa Nonaka, Yasuhito Kondo, Yoshinari Makimura
Summary: In this study, an electrochemical cell capable of controlled overcharging and temperature regulation is developed, and the reactions between the electrodes and the electrolyte are investigated during heated overcharging. The results show that higher temperatures during overcharging lead to increased side reactions in the positive electrode, while the negative electrode gradually increases side reactions with increasing temperature in the normal charge-discharge region. The side reactions are induced by the oxidative decomposition of the electrolyte at the positive electrode.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yufei Yang, Jiangyan Wang, Sang Cheol Kim, Wenbo Zhang, Yucan Peng, Pu Zhang, Rafael A. Vila, Yinxing Ma, You Kyeong Jeong, Yi Cui
Summary: This study presents an in situ prelithiation method by integrating a Li metal mesh into the cell assembly to spontaneously prelithiate Si with electrolyte addition. The prelithiation amount can be precisely controlled by using Li meshes with different porosities, and the uniformity of prelithiation is enhanced by the patterned mesh design. With optimized prelithiation amount, the in situ prelithiated Si-based full cell exhibits a constant >30% capacity improvement in 150 cycles.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alec S. Ho, Dilworth Y. Parkinson, Donal P. Finegan, Stephen E. Trask, Andrew N. Jansen, Wei Tong, Nitash P. Balsara
Summary: The research found that during fast charging, mossy lithium metal forms a layer between the graphite electrode and separator, causing some graphite particles to be underlithiated. This lithium plating layer inhibits further lithiation of the underlying electrode.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Natthapong Kamma, Patcharapohn Chantrasuwan, Sunisa Buakeaw, Songyoot Kaewmala, Jeffrey Nash, Pimpa Limthongkul, Wanwisa Limphirat, Nonglak Meethong
Summary: The influence of dopants on improving electrical properties of insulating and semi-conducting materials is well-known. In this study, Co2+ was used as a substitutional defect in LiFePO4, and techniques including electrochemical studies, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) were used to identify Co2+ occupancies. The results showed that Co2+ can occupy both Li and Fe sites in LiFePO4, affecting its electrochemical characteristics and structural properties, leading to a deeper understanding of the role of doping and defect types and charge compensation mechanisms.
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Chen Liang, Wenhua Zhang, Zesen Wei, Zhaoyu Wang, Qingsong Wang, Jinhua Sun
Summary: Based on synchrotron soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy experiments, the electronic structures of layered LiNixCoyMnzO2 (NCM) were systematically investigated, revealing the dependence of Ni and Co oxidation states on Ni content, while Mn stability remained unchanged. With increasing Ni content, O 2p holes near the Fermi level increased, indicating enhanced O 2p-TM 3d hybridization. Delithiated NCMs with higher Ni content released O-2 upon heating, leading to decreased thermal stability.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Lin-Hui Wang, Xiao-Ling Teng, Yu-Feng Qin, Qiang Li
Summary: The CoO nanosheets/CoO film designed in this study as self-supported anodes for lithium-ion batteries exhibited better electrochemical performance and structural stability compared to previous CoO-based electrode materials. The CoO film firmly fixed the nanosheets and prevented them from crushing and falling off, greatly improving the electrochemical performance of the material. This novel electrode material has great potential applications in lithium-ion batteries.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Huiya Yang, Xiangbang Kong, Jiyang Li, Pengpeng Dai, Jing Zeng, Yang Yang, Jinbao Zhao
Summary: It has been found that constructing a thermodynamically stabilized interface layer on the surface of nickel-rich LiNixCoyMn1-x-yO2 cathode materials can suppress the generation of microcracks and interfacial parasitic side reactions, thereby improving the cycling stability and calendar life of batteries.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xinyan Zhou, Sifan Qiao, Nailin Yue, Wei Zhang, Weitao Zheng
Summary: This paper summarizes the application and unique advantages of soft X-ray emission spectroscopy in the field of energy storage, and prospects its development and application in materials science.
MATERIALS RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Tsung-Yi Chen, Ho Viet Thang, Tien-Yu Yi, Shao-Chu Huang, Chia-Ching Lin, Yu-Ming Chang, Pei-Lin Chen, Ming-Hsien Lin, Jyh-Fu Lee, Hsin-Yi Tiffany Chen, Chi-Chang Hu, Han-Yi Chen
Summary: In this study, Ni-containing heteropolyvanadate, Na6[NiV14O40], was successfully synthesized as a negative electrode material for high-energy lithium storage applications. The material can be prepared using a simple solution process that is suitable for mass production. The as-prepared electrode exhibited high capacity and excellent cycling stability, maintaining its amorphous structure with minimal volume change during cycling. Na6[NiV14O40] showed promise as a negative electrode material for Li-ion batteries and Li-ion capacitors.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tianyi Li, Xinwei Zhou, Yi Cui, Melissa L. Meyerson, Jason A. Weeks, C. Buddie Mullins, Vincent De Andrade, Francesco De Carlo, Yuzi Liu, Likun Zhu
Summary: This study investigates the dynamic morphological and phase changes of selenium-doped germanium at the single particle level using synchrotron-based in-situ transmission X-ray microscopy. The results demonstrate good reversibility of the material at high cycling rates, aiding in understanding its cycling performance and rate capability. The technique based on a single particle battery cell provides an approach to understanding dynamic electrochemical processes of battery materials at the particle level.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shahabeddin Dayani, Henning Markoetter, Jonas von Krug von Nidda, Anita Schmidt, Giovanni Bruno
Summary: This paper investigates the overdischarge phenomenon in lithium-ion cells, focusing on the behavior of copper dissolution and deposition. The concentration of dissolved and deposited copper is quantified using nondestructive imaging, revealing a nonuniform distribution pattern for copper deposition on the cathode. The research provides insights for safer battery cell design.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Suguru Uemura, Shohei Komiyama, Toshikazu Kotaka, Osamu Aoki, Sohei Suga, Yuichiro Tabuchi, Shuichiro Hirai
Summary: This study successfully achieved quantitative measurements of lithium ion concentrations in a lithium-ion battery using low-energy X-ray microscopy and NMR spectroscopy, revealing steep ion concentration gradients during high discharge rates. By measuring the diffusion coefficient of ions through NMR and calculating the lithium-ion flux from concentration gradient, the results showed good agreement with theoretical values, indicating that ion transport phenomena in operating LIB electrodes can be evaluated quantitatively with this combination of techniques.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kefu Zhu, Shiqiang Wei, Quan Zhou, Shuangming Chen, Yunxiang Lin, Pengjun Zhang, Yuyang Cao, Changda Wang, Yixiu Wang, Yujian Xia, Dengfeng Cao, Zeinab Mohamed, Xin Guo, Xiya Yang, Xiaojun Wu, Li Song
Summary: Transition metal selenides have received great attention due to their high theoretical capacity, but the fluctuation in volume during charge/discharge process leads to significant reduction in electrochemical performance. In this study, carbon-regulated copper(I) selenide (Cu2Se@C) is designed to enhance the stability and ion diffusion in selenide electrodes, resulting in improved storage kinetics. The experimental results show that the capacitance process plays a crucial role in the Cu2Se@C material.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Decai Yang, Yachao Xu, Kai Pan, Chuanxin Yu, Jiaxing Wu, Mingxia Li, Fan Yang, Yang Qu, Wei Zhou
Summary: Surface oxygen vacancy defects of mesoporous CeO2 nanosheets assembled microspheres (D-CeO2) are engineered, resulting in enhanced photocatalytic performance with improved degradation rate.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yongqian Cui, Zipeng Xing, Meijun Guo, Yalu Qiu, Bin Fang, Zhenzi Li, Shilin Yang, Wei Zhou
Summary: A hollow core-shell potassium phosphomolybdate (KMoP)@cadmium sulfide (CdS)@bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) Z-scheme tandem heterojunction with a narrow band gap and excellent photothermal performance was fabricated. This structure showed outstanding photocatalytic performance in H-2 production, Cr-VI reduction, and degradation of tetracycline (TC). The high stability and boosted photocatalytic performance were attributed to the core-shell Z-scheme tandem heterojunction design strategy.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dengke Zhao, Yuguang Zhu, Qikai Wu, Wei Zhou, Jiacheng Dan, Hao Zhu, Wen Lei, Li-Jun Ma, Ligui Li
Summary: A low-loading of Ir-coated cobalt nanoparticles embedded in nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube/porous carbon sheets was prepared as a trifunctional electrocatalyst for OER, HER, and ORR. The resulting composites showed excellent catalytic activity in both acidic and alkaline electrolytes, with low overpotentials and high half-wave potential. Moreover, it demonstrated outstanding performance as an air cathode for rechargeable Zn-air battery, with high specific capacity, low charge-discharge polarization, and long cycling stability.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qikai Wu, Dengke Zhao, Xiaolong Yu, Jinchang Xu, Nan Wang, Wei Zhou, Ligui Li
Summary: Reasonable construction of heterostructure is important and challenging for efficient pH-universal catalysts. In this study, a new method was developed to synthesize Mo3N2@NC NR heterostructure, which exhibited excellent catalytic activity and stability. The results showed that Mo3N2@NC NR achieved high current densities at low overpotentials in alkaline, acidic, and neutral electrolytes, and showed comparable performance to noble metal materials in electrocatalytic water splitting under alkaline conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jianan Liu, Xuemeng Sun, Baojiang Jiang, Mingyang Liu, Qi Li, Xudong Xiao, Hongli Wang, Mang Zheng, Shien Guo, Jie Wu, Yanhong Zhang, Keying Shi, Wei Zhou
Summary: In this study, ZnFe2O4/UiO-66-NH2 composites were fabricated via an electrostatic self-assembly process for photocatalytic selective oxidation of alcohols. The optimized composite exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity and stability, providing a strategy for optimizing nanoscale catalysts under mild conditions.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Weifeng Kong, Zipeng Xing, Bin Fang, Yongqian Cui, Zhenzi Li, Wei Zhou
Summary: Three-dimensional flower-shaped plasmon Ag/Na-doped defective graphitic carbon nitride/NiFe layered double hydroxides (Ag/NaCNN/NiFe-LDH) Z-scheme heterojunction with enhanced utilization of sunlight and excellent photothermal effect is fabricated, showing promising applications in photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants and hydrogen generation under visible light.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yichao Wang, Zipeng Xing, Huanan Zhao, Sijia Song, Meijie Liu, Zhenzi Li, Wei Zhou
Summary: Oxygen-doped MoS2@In2S3/Bi2S3 core-shell dual Z-scheme tandem heterojunctions exhibit excellent photothermal effect and photocatalytic performance.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bojing Sun, Jiaqi Bu, Xiaoyu Chen, Dingge Fan, Siwei Li, Zhenzi Li, Wei Zhou, Yunchen Du
Summary: In this study, ultrathin nanosheets were successfully fabricated with in-situ interstitial zinc doping and short-range disordered structure, enabling overall water splitting without cocatalysts under visible light irradiation. The material possesses abundant active sites and adjustable electronic configurations, enhancing the photocatalytic efficiency.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuguang Zhu, Shunlian Ning, Xiaolong Yu, Xiaojun Niu, Minzhe Chen, Wei Zhou, Dengke Zhao, Zilong Li, Nan Wang, Nanwen Li, Ligui Li
Summary: In this study, a cheap and high-efficiency bifunctional electrocatalyst for ORR and OER was successfully fabricated. The catalyst showed excellent catalytic activities and durability. The synergistic effect between cobalt nanoparticles and Fe-Nx/C substrates enabled fast electron transfer and prevented the oxidation and agglomeration of cobalt nanoparticles, thus improving the electrocatalytic activities.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fan Yang, Shijie Wang, Zhenzi Li, Yachao Xu, Wutao Yang, Chuanxin Yv, Decai Yang, Ying Xie, Wei Zhou
Summary: A polydopamine/defective ultrathin mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride (PDA/DCN) Z-scheme organic assembly was successfully fabricated through high-temperature surface hydrogenation and ultrasonic freeze-dried strategies. The assembly exhibited high photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and organic contaminant removal rates under visible and near-infrared light irradiation. The enhanced performance can be attributed to the defects of DCN that enhance interactions with PDA, leading to effective charge separation and rapid transfer. Additionally, PDA extends the photoresponse to the near-infrared region and induces photothermal effect, further increasing the reaction rate of the photocatalytic system.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhenzi Li, Decai Yang, Hongqi Chu, Liping Guo, Tao Chen, Yifan Mu, Xiangyi He, Xueyan Zhong, Baoxia Huang, Shiyu Zhang, Yue Gao, Yuxiu Wei, Shijie Wang, Wei Zhou
Summary: Interface engineering is an efficient strategy to improve photocatalytic performance. In this study, reduced graphene oxide/mesoporous titanium dioxide nanotube heterojunction assemblies (rGO/TiO2) were fabricated via a hydrothermal method. The heterojunction interface formed between rGO and TiO2 nanotubes acts as efficient charge transfer channels, which leads to enhanced photocatalytic performance. The rGO/TiO2 heterojunction assemblies exhibit extended photoresponse to visible light and a significantly higher photocatalytic hydrogen production rate compared to TiO2 nanotubes alone. This enhancement is attributed to effective charge transfer channels, spatial charge separation, and the electron acceptor properties of rGO, as well as the large surface area and sufficient surface active sites provided by the two-dimensional mesoporous nanosheets structure. This heterojunction assembly holds potential applications in energy fields.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yu Liu, Zhenzi Li, Ying Xie, Yan Tao, Jiaxing Wu, Shijie Wang, Wei Zhou
Summary: In this study, a surface domain potential difference induced by surface S vacancies was proposed to mediate charge separation in defective ZnIn2S4 microspheres, leading to enhanced visible light absorption and photocatalytic activity. This engineering strategy provides new insights for fabricating highly efficient and stable sulfide photocatalysts.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shijie Wang, Dongxue Song, Lijun Liao, Bo Wang, Zhenzi Li, Mingxia Li, Wei Zhou
Summary: Doping engineering of metallic elements is important in photocatalysis, especially in the transition element range, as it increases carrier concentration and absorption in the light region. Mn doping changes the local structure of BiOCl, increasing the specific surface area and mesoporous distribution. The combination of Mn doping and metal Bi reduces the forbidden bandwidth, strengthening the photocatalytic ability. The dual-technology combination of Mn doping and Bi metal has promising applications in environmental remediation.
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wei Zhou
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Siran Zhang, Wei Zhou, Jianing Mao, Kang An, Ningyan Li, Tian Qin, Liwei Chen, Xi Liu, Bingbao Mei, Zheng Jiang, Zhong-Li Wang, Yusuke Yamauchi, Yuan Liu
Summary: This study demonstrates that the introduction of Ru ions in the LaNiO3 support can result in super anti-sintering performance of Pt nanoparticle catalyst. The experimental and theoretical evidence shows that Ru ions form stable interface bonding with Pt and enhance the Pt-O bonding on LaNiO3, preventing the sintering of Pt particles.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)