Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yajing Yan, Yanxu Chen, Zhifeng Wang, Chunling Qin, Zhumabay Bakenov, Yan Zhao
Summary: Lithium sulfur batteries are promising for energy storage, but the low utilization efficiency of sulfur and shuttle effect of polysulfides hinder their development. This study utilized porous Ni3S2 hollow microspheres as sulfur hosts, improving cycling performance and rate capability. The research offers a simple route for developing transition metal sulfides with hollow structures as superior sulfur hosts for Li-S batteries.
MICROPOROUS AND MESOPOROUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yanlu Mu, Tianyi Zhou, Shuai Zhang, Dexing Li, Peng Jiang, Wen Liu, Henghui Zhou, Lan Chen, Guanglu Ge
Summary: The fabricated h-CNS/S electrode demonstrates excellent rate capability with a capacity of 1311 mAh g(-1) at 0.1 C and 962 mAh g(-1) at 1 C. Moreover, it also shows satisfactory cycle performance with 622 mAh g(-1) at 0.5 C and 400 mAh g(-1) at 4 C over 600 cycles. The superior performance is attributed to the wedge-shape micro-containers which improve sulfur dispersion and inhibit polysulfide loss, as well as enhance the transfer of lithium ions and electrons.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dongjiu Xie, Oumeima Jouini, Shilin Mei, Ting Quan, Yaolin Xu, Zdravko Kochovski, Yan Lu
Summary: The hollow C@MnO nanoparticles can serve as highly efficient sulfur host materials, providing an effective solution to suppress the shuttle effect in Li-S battery.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jianwei Liu, Jianan Wang, Lei Zhu, Xin Chen, Qianyue Ma, Zhicheng Xu, Shiyi Sun, Ning Wang, Qinqin Chai, Wei Yan
Summary: Hollow urchin-like Mn3O4 microspheres were synthesized as sulfur hosts to prevent polysulfide dissolution and alleviate sulfur volume expansion, while promoting rapid ion/electron transfer and improving sulfur redox kinetics. The S@HU-Mn3O4 cathode showed high initial capacity and slow capacity decay, even under lean electrolyte and low N/P ratio conditions, demonstrating great potential for future practical Li-S battery materials.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Xiaoqin Hu, Kemin Shen, Chun Han, Xiangyu Cao, Jin Guo, Mingang Zhang
Summary: This study successfully synthesized the HMCS@Mo2C structure, with Mo2C nanoparticles as catalysts grown on the surface of hollow mesoporous carbon spheres, as the sulfur host for lithium-sulfur batteries. The hybrid structure exhibited high cyclic stability and specific capacity, offering potential for high sulfur loading applications.
JOURNAL OF SOLID STATE CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiaoqin Hu, Kemin Shen, Chun Han, Mengyao Li, Jin Guo, Minyan Yan, Mingang Zhang
Summary: In this study, a novel multifunctional sulfur host composed of hollow carbon spheres and ultrathin Mo2C/C nanosheets embedded with Mo2C nanocrystals has been developed. The sulfur host exhibits excellent electrochemical performance with high initial capacity and outstanding cycling stability.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Li Su, Jinqiang Zhang, Yi Chen, Wu Yang, Jing Wang, Zhipeng Ma, Guangjie Shao, Guoxiu Wang
Summary: The rational design of cobalt-embedded nitrogen-doped hollow carbon microspheres as a multifunctional sulfur host for lithium-sulfur batteries shows excellent performance in improving the efficiency and cycle life of the batteries. The unique porous architecture and chemical adsorption capabilities contribute to the enhanced electrochemical performances achieved in the batteries.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wenjuan Wang, Jing Li, Qianwen Jin, Yanyu Liu, Yongguang Zhang, Yan Zhao, Xin Wang, Arailym Nurpeissova, Zhumabay Bakenov
Summary: By combining architectural design with defect engineering, defect-rich yolk-shell hollow spheres of ultrafine NiCo2S4-x nanoparticles as sulfur hosts were prepared using an anion-exchange method. The design of sulfur defects endows the hollow spheres with enhanced electronic conductivity and affinity for polysulfides, while the yolk-shell structure provides large cavities for increased sulfur storage and relief of electrode volume expansion during cycling. As a result, the NiCo2S4-x-hosted sulfur cathode showed enhanced cycling stability with a negligible capacity fading rate of 0.0754% per cycle after 500 cycles at 1 C, and achieved an outstanding rate capability of 628.9 mAh g(-1) up to 5 C.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haoxian Chen, Jiayi Wang, Yan Zhao, Qindan Zeng, Guofu Zhou, Mingliang Jin
Summary: A novel three-dimensionally ordered macro/mesoporous Nb2O5/Nb4N5 heterostructure was developed, combining the strong adsorption of Nb2O5 and remarkable catalysis effect of Nb4N5 in sulfur reaction to improve the performance of lithium-sulfur batteries. This new design demonstrates great potential for commercial high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qingye Zhao, Xinjun Bao, Lishun Meng, Shunhong Dong, Yicheng Zhang, Chen Qing, Ting Zhu, Hong-En Wang
Summary: Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) are a promising next-generation electrochemical energy storage system with high theoretical specific capacity and low cost. However, the shuttling effect of soluble polysulfides has hindered their commercial applications. In this study, tin disulfide nanosheets were anchored on nitrogen-doped hollow carbon to form a bipolar dynamic host (SnS2@NHCS), effectively confining the polysulfides and promoting their conversion. The assembled LSBs exhibited high capacity, superior rate, and cyclability. This work provides new insights for the development of novel composite electrode materials for rechargeable batteries with emerging applications.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Huijie Wei, Jing Liu, Yong Liu, Li Wang, Lele Li, Fei Wang, Xinyuan Ren, Fengzhang Ren
Summary: Co-Fe LDH as a cathode material for lithium-sulfur batteries effectively inhibits the diffusion of LiPSs and accelerates their redox reaction kinetics, demonstrating excellent performance and stability.
COMPOSITES COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhitian Chen, Jia Huang, Jiaming Zhao, Yanzi Jin, Jiucun Chen
Summary: In this study, a cobalt nanoparticles-loaded three-dimensional mesoporous carbon composite was developed as a multifunctional host for lithium-sulfur batteries. It effectively addresses the issues of poor electrical conductivity of sulfur, the shuttling effect of polysulfide, and the slow redox kinetics of sulfur species.
DIAMOND AND RELATED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Xishan Zhao, De-An Zhang, Chuxiao Sun, Jiajun Liu, Tianming Zhao, Meng Wang, Yutong Song, Haowen Xu, Qi Wang
Summary: In this study, hollow S/FeS2@CNTs microspheres were synthesized by loading sulfur into hollow FeS2 microspheres with carbon nanotubes. The resulting cathode material for lithium-sulfur batteries exhibited high initial discharge capacity and excellent long-term cycling performance.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wei Xu, Ruyi Bi, Mei Yang, Jiangyan Wang, Ranbo Yu, Dan Wang
Summary: The titanium nitride hollow multishelled structure (TiN HoMS) acts as a multi-functional catalytic host, enabling efficient conversion of sulfur and lithium polysulfides while preventing shuttle effect. It also buffers the volume expansion of sulfur, resulting in high specific capacity and cycling stability.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Lei Zhou, Dmitri L. Danilov, Ruediger-A. Eichel, Peter H. L. Notten
Summary: Lithium-sulfur batteries are seen as a viable alternative to future energy storage devices due to their high theoretical energy density. However, the main challenge lies in the leakage and migration of sulfur species. Recent research has focused on developing sulfur host materials that can effectively anchor polysulfides for improved battery performance.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yuting Wu, Long Yang, Bo Wu, Jie Li, Binyao Liu, Gaili Ke, Faqin Dong, Yong Zhou, Huichao He
Summary: The catalytic role of β-MnO2 for the oxidative coupling of 2-naphthols into 1,1'-bi-2-naphthols was systematically investigated in both dark and under visible-light irradiation. Results showed that β-MnO2 catalysis had optimal performance, with high selectivity and stability even after multiple uses. This study provided a comprehensive understanding of the catalytic mechanism of MnO2 for this reaction.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wa Gao, Yong Zhou, Xinglong Wu, Qing Shen, Jinhua Ye, Zhigang Zou
Summary: Black phosphorus is considered to be one of the most promising catalysts in the field of renewable energy, owing to its unique physicochemical properties. Recent research has focused on utilizing black phosphorus-based materials for photo- and electrocatalysis, particularly in the areas of water splitting, CO(2) conversion, and nitrogen fixation. Challenges and future perspectives on the development of these BP-based catalysts are also emphasized.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shuo Zhang, Qingwen Zhou, Zihan Shen, Xin Jin, Yuchen Zhang, Man Shi, Jian Zhou, Jianguo Liu, Zhenda Lu, Yong-Ning Zhou, Huigang Zhang
Summary: The research reports a sulfophobic phenomenon of electrocatalysts weakly interacting with sulfur species, developing a self-cleaning NiS2 electrode to avoid passivation issues, and engineering sulfur vacancies to synthesize v-NiS2 for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wa Gao, Shi Li, Huichao He, Xiaoning Li, Zhenxiang Cheng, Yong Yang, Jinlan Wang, Qing Shen, Xiaoyong Wang, Yujie Xiong, Yong Zhou, Zhigang Zou
Summary: Artificial photosynthesis, converting CO2 into hydrocarbon fuels using light energy, is a promising approach to address global warming and energy-supply challenges. By engineering sulfur defects, the CO2 photoreduction pathway can be altered to increase ethene production.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jiajia Wu, Lijun Xiong, Yingjie Hu, Yong Yang, Xiaoyue Zhang, Tianyu Wang, Zheng Tang, Aiwu Sun, Yong Zhou, Jinyou Shen, Zhigang Zou
Summary: The study developed a hierarchical erythroid-like BiVO4/hm-C4N3 direct Z-Scheme heterojunction, achieving overall photocatalytic CO2 and H2O conversion to CO and O2 without any sacrificial reagent and co-catalyst. The optimized catalyst demonstrated high CO production rate and selectivity.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Qian Liu, Xiaoke Li, Shouhai Zhang, Zhaoqi Wang, Yuning Chen, Shengyang Zhou, Chenghao Wang, Kaiwen Wu, Jianguo Liu, Qing Mao, Xigao Jian
Summary: Novel sulfonated poly(bis-phthalazinone ether ketone ketone)s containing pendant phenyl moieties (SP-BNPs) exhibit excellent properties, including high proton conductivity, tensile strength, and superior oxidation stability compared to other sulfonated membranes. The introduction of phthalazinone units and sulfonated pendant phenyl groups effectively improves membrane performance.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Liyuan Long, Gangyang Lv, Qiutong Han, Xianchen Wu, Yu Qian, Dunhui Wang, Yong Zhou, Zhigang Zou
Summary: The research presents a well-designed alpha-Fe2O3@CdS bilayer heterostructure with effective interfacial electronic coupling, enhanced photoinduced charge separation, and extended photoelectron lifetime for efficient photocatalytic CO2 conversion. The Z-scheme charge transfer path and dynamics achieved by favorable internal built-in electric field at the heterointerface contribute to the excellent performance. The work provides insights into the construction and interface electronic mechanism of direct Z-scheme heterostructures for future solar energy conversion applications.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Heng Zhu, Shuyu Xiao, Wenguang Tu, Shicheng Yan, Tingchao He, Xi Zhu, Yingfang Yao, Yong Zhou, Zhigang Zou
Summary: This study reveals the behavior of charge carriers in rutile TiO2 nanorod photoanodes using a novel spectroelectrochemistry technique, and demonstrates the impact of tuning the density of surface polaron states through electrochemical protonation on the photogenerated electrons in the electrode.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Liang Li, Yong Yang, Boye Zhou, Yong Zhou, Zhigang Zou
Summary: A dimensional matched ultrathin BiVO4/Ti3C2Tx MXene 2D/2D heterosystem was developed through a simple electrostatic self-assembly process, which exhibited increased CO2 uptake capacity compared to bare BiVO4 nanosheets. Furthermore, the well-collaborated 2D/2D heterogeneous structure efficiently enhanced photoexcited charge transfer and separation, leading to a photocatalytic CH3OH production rate 4.1 times higher than pristine BiVO4.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhiwei Wang, Heng Zhu, Wenguang Tu, Xi Zhu, Yingfang Yao, Yong Zhou, Zhigang Zou
Summary: Photoelectrochemical hydrogen production from water splitting is a green technology that can convert solar energy into renewable hydrogen fuel, addressing environmental and energy issues. The construction of host/guest architecture in semiconductor photoanodes is an effective strategy to improve solar-to-fuel conversion efficiency by enhancing light-harvesting and charge collection and separation efficiency.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Han Gao, Qianwen Lu, Ke Xiao, Qiaolei Han, Renxing Lin, Zhou Liu, Hongjiang Li, Ludong Li, Xin Luo, Yuan Gao, Yurui Wang, Jin Wen, Zhigang Zou, Yong Zhou, Hairen Tan
Summary: All-perovskite tandem solar cells show rapid efficiency improvement but face thermal instability issues. Comprehensive device design strategies can achieve thermal stability, retain high efficiency, and move towards commercial viability.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yiqing Wei, Huichao He, Chang Liu, Liuqing Yang, Xiaoyong Wang, Aidong Li, Yujie Xiong, Qing Shen, Yong Zhou, Zhigang Zou
Summary: A new type of α-Fe2O3/Ag/CdS ternary heterojunction film was constructed and investigated for solar water oxidation, achieving higher photocurrent density by enhancing charge separation and transfer efficiency as well as reducing electron-hole recombination through surface plasmon resonance effect.
CATALYSIS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiao Zhao, Takao Gunji, Fan Lv, Bolong Huang, Rui Ding, Jianguo Liu, Mingchuan Luo, Zhigang Zou, Shaojun Guo
Summary: Direct observation of catalytic roles of surface defects and their in situ restructuring through storing catalytic trajectories and collectively presenting reactivity profiles on solid surfaces using in situ transmission electron microscopy reveals promising catalytic surface defects with a fine balance between reactivity and stability. DFT calculations result in a novel rhombohedral Volcano-type Zebra-crossing plot for the structure-activity relation regarding the improved reactivity by strained defect sites, different from a conventional Volcano-type plot in catalysis studies. The current in situ method is expected to assist the design and synthesis of more nanocatalysts in the future.
ACS MATERIALS LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xintong Ling, Feng Du, Yintong Zhang, Yan Shen, Wa Gao, Bo Zhou, Zhiyuan Wang, Guoling Li, Tao Li, Qing Shen, Yujie Xiong, Xiaoyong Wang, Yong Zhou, Zhigang Zou
Summary: In this study, a Fe2Co-MIL-88B MOF on nickel foam was prepared through a solvothermal process, exhibiting superior OER activity due to the in situ formation of Fe0.67Co0.33OOH as the real active species during OER. The electron transfer between Fe and Co, positive coupling effect between Co and Fe, and the change of electronic structure caused by Fe metal ion substitution of Co were identified as key factors contributing to the significantly improved electrocatalytic performance.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jie Lin, Jiale He, Jianqiang Hu, Jiaqi Dong, Anyu Liu, Yong Yang, Lanqin Tang, Liang Li, Yong Zhou, Zhigang Zou
Summary: The direct 2D/2D Z-scheme heterostructures of ZnIn2S4/Bi2MoO6 were constructed for photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction, showing enhanced activity by effectively promoting spatial separation and migration of photoinduced carriers. The optimized ZnIn2S4/Bi2MoO6 photocatalyst exhibited close to 100% Cr(VI) reduction after 60 min of irradiation, with a reaction rate constant more than one order of magnitude higher than that of pure Bi2MoO6, contributing to high-efficiency photocatalytic materials for environmental pollution remediation applications.
CATALYSIS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
