Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hanlin Liu, Wang Yang, Sai Che, Yun Li, Cong Xu, Xin Wang, Guang Ma, Guoyong Huang, Yongfeng Li
Summary: A silicon doped graphene material (SiG) with twice specific capacity of pristine graphene was synthesized through a microwave irradiation treatment. SiG showed improved Li+ storage and diffusion, enhanced energy density and power density. The full cell assembled with SiG/LiFePO4 retained 86% capacity after 200 cycles.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rongrong Qin, Zhuang Wang, Jinlei Li, Lingfeng Deng
Summary: Silicon-based materials are promising anode materials for the next generation of lithium-ion batteries. However, their low conductivity, large volume effect, and continuous formation of solid-electrolyte-interface film limit their practical application. In this study, sulfur-doped carbon is used as a carbon matrix to confine and encapsulate nano silicon particles, effectively improving the cycle stability of silicon-based composites.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Zongle Huang, Wenting Sun, Zhipeng Sun, Rui Ding, Xuebin Wang
Summary: With the increasing demand for electrochemical energy storage, commercial lithium-ion and metal battery systems have been developed. The separator, an essential component of batteries, plays a crucial role in determining their electrochemical performance. However, conventional polymer separators have limitations that hinder the development of electric vehicle power batteries. Advanced graphene-based materials have emerged as a solution to these challenges. Incorporating advanced graphene-based materials into the separator of batteries can overcome these issues and enhance their capacity, stability, and safety. This review provides an overview of the preparation and applications of graphene-based materials in different types of batteries, and outlines future research directions in this field.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jinzhi Wang, Junzhe Du, Jingwen Zhao, Yantao Wang, Yue Tang, Guanglei Cui
Summary: The study revealed a sequential conversion reaction involving H+/Zn2+ with 6e(-) transfer for tellurium-based cathodes, achieving outstanding capacity in aqueous zinc electrolytes. Two distinct redox processes of TeO2 <-> Te and Te <-> ZnTe were explicitly revealed within the electrochemical window of routine aqueous Zn electrolytes.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Min Li, Xianxian Zhou, Xiaotao Ma, Liang Chen, Ding Zhang, Shoudong Xu, Donghong Duan, Chengmeng Chen, Qinbo Yuan, Shibin Liu
Summary: The newly designed NG/CNTs-SO3- three-dimensional electrode effectively improves the performance of lithium-sulfur batteries by enhancing cycling stability and rate capability through the formation of a continuous ion-electronic conductive network and accelerating redox reaction kinetics.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Zhouting Sun, Yangchang Jiang, Zhi Cong, Bin Zhao, Fei Shen, Xiaogang Han
Summary: An ultra-fast and facile method using microwave assistance has been proposed to prepare sulfur/graphene composites for lithium-sulfur batteries. This method allows sulfur to quickly and uniformly deposit on the surface of graphene within just 30 seconds, producing nano-sized sulfur particles. The lithium-sulfur batteries made with these composites exhibit good cycling life with a capacity of 503.5 mAh g(-1) at 0.2 C, making practical application possible.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jianguo Sun, Tuo Wang, Yulin Gao, Zhenghui Pan, Runpeng Hu, John Wang
Summary: Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in portable electronic devices, electric vehicles, and stationary energy storage, but there is a need for beyond lithium-ion batteries with higher energy density and lower cost. Lithium-sulfur batteries have been extensively pursued due to their high energy density, but poor cyclability remains a major challenge. This perspective examines the challenges and opportunities faced by lithium-sulfur batteries and proposes approaches at different levels to transform them into leading champions in the pursuit of beyond lithium-ion batteries. Suggestions for near-future research directions for both liquid and solid state lithium-sulfur batteries are also provided.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Fengjiao Liu, Shailendra Chiluwal, Anthony S. Childress, Christopher Etteh, Kymani Miller, Marlena Washington, Apparao M. Rao, Ramakrishna Podila
Summary: Graphene foams (GFs) are shown to be an ideal 3D lightweight current collector for lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs), enabling high sulfur loading and increased capacity. GF-SPAN cathodes demonstrate capacities of up to 200 mAh g(electrode)(-1) at the electrode level, surpassing conventional Al/C electrodes by 3 times.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tian Yang, Jun Xia, Zhihong Piao, Lin Yang, Shichao Zhang, Yalan Xing, Guangmin Zhou
Summary: The increasing demand for wearable electronic devices has led to a growing interest in flexible batteries with high stability and desirable energy density. Graphene, known for its good conductivity and flexibility, has been used in various components of flexible lithium-sulfur batteries to improve their flexibility, energy density, and cycling stability.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mao Qian, Yakun Tang, Lang Liu, Yang Gao, Xiaohui Li
Summary: Cubic spinel Li4Ti5O12 is a desired anode material for lithium-ion batteries due to high stability and good safety, while Li2CoTi3O8 with added cobalt shows enhanced performance as both anode material for LIBs and sulfur host material for LSBs. The nanoparticles of Li2CoTi3O8 exhibit improved specific capacity and rate capability for LIBs, as well as stable capacity retention for LSBs, making it a promising material for advanced energy storage systems.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhaolin Li, Hailei Zhao, Xin Tao, Yaozong Yang, Jie Wang, Zhao Yang
Summary: In this study, a graphene-modified lithium silicate (LS) nanodots decorated SiOx-C material was prepared using a sol-gel approach and subsequent heat treatment. The material exhibited fast Li-ion and electron transport, enhancing the electrode reaction kinetics of SiOx. The highly-conductive network of graphene also mitigated the structural stress of SiOx, resulting in excellent structural durability. The electrode showed a reversible capacity of 400 mAh g-1 at 0.5 A g-1 for 200 cycles without obvious capacity degradation.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fangqi Tang, Tingting Jiang, Yu Tan, Xinyi Xu, Yingke Zhou
Summary: Silicon/graphene composites have attracted increasing attention as promising negative electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries, showing excellent electrochemical performance and cycle stability. Silicon offers high specific charge capacity, while graphene provides good electrical conductivity and space for silicon expansion, resulting in stable electrode material.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Poonam Sehrawat, Abgeena Shabir, Abid, C. M. Julien, S. S. Islam
Summary: This review discusses the progress made in silicon/graphene nanocomposite chemistry for improving LIBs performance in the last five years, as well as the impact of different structural innovations on electrode properties.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zan Huang, Peifang Luo, Honghong Zheng, Zhaochun Lyu
Summary: A sulfur-doped graphene modified Li4Ti5O12@C nanocomposite (SG-T@C) was successfully fabricated via a sol-gel method assisted with solid-state route. The composite showed homogeneously dispersed Li4Ti5O12@C nanocrystals and the introduced sulfur-doped graphene acted as a conductive bridge, improving the electrical conductivity. The SG-T@C exhibited excellent high-rate performance and cycling stability, making it a promising electrode material for lithium-ion batteries.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Dan Zhang, Weizhuo Zhang, Shengrui Zhang, Xiaohui Ji, Le Li
Summary: This article reviews the synthesis methods and composite strategies of expanded graphite in high-performance lithium-based batteries, and introduces the latest research findings on expanded graphite-based composite materials. The important role of expanded graphite-based composite materials in this field is emphasized, and the remaining challenges are discussed to accelerate the advancement and commercialization of lithium-based battery technology.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fernando Luna Lama, Vittorio Marangon, Alvaro Caballero, Julian Morales, Jusef Hassoun
Summary: Activated carbon enhances the diffusion processes in the electrode/electrolyte interphase of lithium-sulfur batteries, and its effectiveness depends on the adopted techniques and the reaction mechanism. The study used various techniques to measure the diffusion coefficient of Li+ ions and observed a correlation with the state of charge.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Vittorio Marangon, Luca Minnetti, Edoardo Barcaro, Jusef Hassoun
Summary: A solid polymer electrolyte with high ionic conductivity and compatibility with different cathode materials has been developed and used in solid-state lithium-metal batteries. The electrolyte shows excellent electrochemical stability, minimal overvoltage, and low interphase resistance. The cells demonstrate reversible operation at room temperature and high capacity for various cathodes. This electrolyte has potential for application in room-temperature solid polymer cells.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Luca Minnetti, Vittorio Marangon, Paolo Andreotti, Antunes Staffolani, Francesco Nobili, Jusef Hassoun
Summary: This study synthesized a layered LiNi0.2Co0.2Al0.1Mn0.45O2 cathode and investigated its properties. The morphology of the composite powder was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the achieved stoichiometry was confirmed using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). X-ray diffraction (XRD) identified the layered structure unit cell, while Raman spectroscopy revealed the motions of M-O bonds. The electrochemical process of LiNi0.2Co0.2Al0.1Mn0.45O2 in a lithium half-cell was characterized by an irreversible oxidation at 4.6 V vs. Li+/Li and a reversible Li (de)intercalation at 3.8 V vs. Li+/Li. A proof-of-concept Li-ion battery utilizing the LiNi0.2Co0.2Al0.1Mn0.45O2 cathode and a silicon oxide composite (SiOx-C) anode without any pretreatment demonstrated a cycling behavior strongly influenced by the anode/cathode ratio.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Francisco Javier Soler-Pina, Julian Morales, Alvaro Caballero
Summary: Due to higher energy density, lower prices, and more environmentally friendly components, Li-S batteries will soon compete with Li-ion batteries. However, the poor conductivity of sulfur and slow kinetics hinder their implementation. In this study, Ni nanocrystals encapsulated in a C matrix were obtained at low-to-moderate temperatures. The C/Ni composite obtained at 700°C showed improved electrochemical properties compared to the one obtained at 500°C and others based on high-temperature calcined amorphous C, attributed to increased electrical conductivity.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Giorgia Greco, Giuseppe Antonio Elia, Daniel Hermida-Merino, Robert Hahn, Simone Raoux
Summary: The reaction mechanism of aluminum graphite dual ion cell during anion intercalation process is investigated using operando X-ray scattering. The research directly measures the repeated intercalation distance and microporosity of the cathode graphite, and observes the staging behavior, phase transitions, and reversibility of graphite intercalation compound formation. The study demonstrates complete reversibility of electrochemical intercalation process and nano- and micro-structural reorganization of natural graphite induced by intercalation. This work provides new thermodynamic insights into the intermediate phase transitions in graphite intercalation compound formation.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
M. Falco, G. Lingua, M. Destro, L. Silvestri, G. Meligrana, R. Lin, S. Fantini, G. Maresca, A. Paolone, S. Brutti, G. B. Appetecchi, G. A. Elia, C. Gerbaldi
Summary: Silicon is an attractive anode material for Li-ion batteries due to its high capacities and abundance. However, its poor cycling stability is a major challenge. In this study, we investigated different room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL)-based electrolytes and found that FSI-based RTILs exhibited superior performance in supporting Si-based electrodes.
MATERIALS TODAY SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Stanislav Levchenko, Vittorio Marangon, Sebastiano Bellani, Lea Pasquale, Francesco Bonaccorso, Vittorio Pellegrini, Jusef Hassoun
Summary: Li-O-2 batteries are attractive energy storage systems due to high theoretical capacity and transition-metal-free cathodes. However, limited understanding of the relationships between cell components and performances hinders their practical application. In this study, different gas diffusion layers (GDLs) were screened and characterized to investigate Li-O-2 batteries. The electrochemical characterization revealed the occurrence of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at specific potentials. The study also investigated the Li+ diffusion coefficient (D) and improved battery performance by using a substrate of few-layer graphene and multiwalled carbon nanotubes.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Valentin Garcia-Caballero, Sebastian Lorca, Marta Villa-Moreno, Alvaro Caballero, Juan J. Giner-Casares, Antonio J. Fernandez-Romero, Manuel Cano
Summary: This study investigates the use of human hemoglobin (Hb) as a catalytic component in the air electrode of a primary zinc-air battery. Three different electrode modifications using Hb and Nafion were tested, and the Hb-Nafion modified electrode showed the best performance and long-term stability for oxygen electroreduction (ORR). The Hb-Nafion-based air electrode also provided higher specific capacity and discharge time compared to the Nafion-Hb modification.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Juan Amaro-Gahete, Valentin Garcia-Caballero, Almudena Benitez, Dolores G. Gil-Gavilan, Raul Rojas-Luna, Dolores Esquivel, Antonio J. Fernandez-Romero, Manuel Cano, Juan J. Giner-Casares, Francisco J. Romero-Salguero
Summary: The growing global electricity demand requires the development of cost-effective energy conversion and storage systems with inexpensive, eco-friendly, and high-efficiency catalysts. This study focuses on the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which is crucial for high-power density fuel cells and Zn-air batteries. The researchers have successfully developed a non-noble iron-nitrogen-carbon catalyst with excellent activity for ORR processes, providing a potential alternative to the expensive commercial Pt-C catalysts. The catalyst showed promising performance as an electrode in a flooded ZAB, outperforming the benchmark Pt-C electrocatalyst.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Alvaro Y. Tesio, Jorge de Haro Niza, Laura M. Sanchez, Alejandro Rodriguez, Alvaro Caballero
Summary: In this study, a non-activated carbon derived from waste yerba mate was used as a matrix for the development of a carbon-sulfur composite cathode. The composite showed a remarkable initial capacity and high reversible capacity at a low charge/discharge rate. It also demonstrated good rate capability even when subjected to an increased C-rate during long cycling.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Natarajan Angulakhsmi, Bebin Ambrose, Swamickan Sathya, Murugavel Kathiresan, Gabriele Lingua, Stefania Ferrari, Erathimmanna Bhoje Gowd, Wenyang Wang, Cai Shen, Giuseppe Antonio Elia, Claudio Gerbaldi, Arul Manuel Stephan
Summary: Hybrid solid polymer electrolytes (HSPE) containing poly(ethyleneoxide) (PEO), LiTFSI, barium titanate (BaTiO3), and viologen are prepared by hot press and studied for their physical and electrochemical properties. The results show that LiTFSI provides ionic species, while BaTiO3 and viologen enhance thermal stability, ionic conductivity, and transport number in the PEO host. The improved Li+ transport number in HSPE is attributed to the electrostatic attraction of TFSI anions and viologen positive charges. The addition of BaTiO3 and viologen synergistically improves the electrochemical properties for all-solid-state lithium polymer batteries.
Article
Electrochemistry
N. Amponsah Kyeremateng, Giuseppe A. A. Elia, Robert Hahn, Peter R. R. Slater
Summary: Although lithium-ion batteries are widely used, there is no international organization governing their development, leading to a lack of consensus on nomenclature for certain aspects, such as interphases. This absence of proper nomenclature is a long-standing issue, causing confusion for emerging scientists and hindering progress in emerging technologies like solid-state batteries. Therefore, this article critically addresses the nomenclature problem of interphases in lithium-ion batteries.
BATTERIES & SUPERCAPS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Uxua Jimenez-Blasco, Jose Carlos Arrebola, Alvaro Caballero, Federico Bella
Summary: The development of energy storage systems is crucial for replacing fossil fuels with clean energy. Zinc-bromine flow batteries offer attractive features and low cost, but require the use of bromine complexing agents to prevent corrosion and toxicity issues.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alvaro Bonilla, Almudena Benitez, Juan Luis Gomez-Camer, Alvaro Caballero
Summary: Due to their lower prices, higher energy density, and more environmentally friendly active components, Lithium-Sulfur batteries will soon compete with the current Lithium-ion batteries. However, issues persist that hinder this implementation. The use of carbon@sulfur (C@S) composites as the cathode of the battery is the most common strategy to solve these problems. The melt diffusion method gives the composite the ideal properties for superior electrochemical performance in tests under different current densities.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
