Research

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13 pages, 8442 KiB

Open AccessArticle

PPy-Coated Mo₃S₄/CoMo₂S₄ Nanotube-like Heterostructure for High-Performance Lithium Storage

by Fei Tang, Wei Jiang, Jingjing Xie, Deyang Zhao, Yanfeng Meng, Zhenglong Yang, Zhiqiang Lv, Yanbin Xu, Wenjuan Sun and Ziqiao Jiang

Molecules 2024, 29(1), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29010234 - 31 Dec 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 659

Abstract

Heterostructured materials show great potential to enhance the specific capacity, rate performance and cycling lifespan of lithium-ion batteries owing to their unique interfaces, robust architectures, and synergistic effects. Herein, a polypyrrole (PPy)-coated nanotube-like Mo₃S₄/CoMo₂S₄ heterostructure is [...] Read more.

Heterostructured materials show great potential to enhance the specific capacity, rate performance and cycling lifespan of lithium-ion batteries owing to their unique interfaces, robust architectures, and synergistic effects. Herein, a polypyrrole (PPy)-coated nanotube-like Mo₃S₄/CoMo₂S₄ heterostructure is prepared by the hydrothermal and subsequent in situ polymerization methods. The well-designed nanotube-like structure is beneficial to relieve the serious volume changes and facilitate the infiltration of electrolytes during the charge/discharge process. The Mo₃S₄/CoMo₂S₄ heterostructure could effectively enhance the electrical conductivity and Li⁺ transport kinetics owing to the refined energy band structure and the internal electric field at the heterostructure interface. Moreover, the conductive PPy-coated layer could inhibit the obvious volume expansion like a firm armor and further avoid the pulverization of the active material and aggregation of generated products. Benefiting from the synergistic effects of the well-designed heterostructure and PPy-coated nanotube-like architecture, the prepared Mo₃S₄/CoMo₂S₄ heterostructure delivers high reversible capacity (1251.3 mAh g⁻¹ at 300 mA g⁻¹), superior rate performance (340.3 mAh g⁻¹ at 5.0 A g⁻¹) and excellent cycling lifespan (744.1 mAh g⁻¹ after 600 cycles at a current density of 2.0 A g⁻¹). Such a design concept provides a promising strategy towards heterostructure materials to enhance their lithium storage performances and boost their practical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion)

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13 pages, 6724 KiB

Open AccessArticle

MoS₂/SnS/CoS Heterostructures on Graphene: Lattice-Confinement Synthesis and Boosted Sodium Storage

by Ruyao Zhang, Yan Dong, Yu Su, Wenkai Zhai and Sailong Xu

Molecules 2023, 28(16), 5972; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28165972 - 09 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 930

Abstract

The development of high-efficiency multi-component composite anode nanomaterials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) is critical for advancing the further practical application. Numerous multi-component nanomaterials are constructed typically via confinement strategies of surface templating or three-dimensional encapsulation. Herein, a composite of heterostructural multiple sulfides (MoS [...] Read more.

The development of high-efficiency multi-component composite anode nanomaterials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) is critical for advancing the further practical application. Numerous multi-component nanomaterials are constructed typically via confinement strategies of surface templating or three-dimensional encapsulation. Herein, a composite of heterostructural multiple sulfides (MoS₂/SnS/CoS) well-dispersed on graphene is prepared as an anode nanomaterial for SIBs, via a distinctive lattice confinement effect of a ternary CoMoSn-layered double-hydroxide (CoMoSn-LDH) precursor. Electrochemical testing demonstrates that the composite delivers a high-reversible capacity (627.6 mA h g⁻¹ after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g⁻¹) and high rate capacity of 304.9 mA h g⁻¹ after 1000 cycles at 5.0 A g⁻¹, outperforming those of the counterparts of single-, bi- and mixed sulfides. Furthermore, the enhancement is elucidated experimentally by the dominant capacitive contribution and low charge-transfer resistance. The precursor-based lattice confinement strategy could be effective for constructing uniform composites as anode nanomaterials for electrochemical energy storage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion)

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15 pages, 5130 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electrospun Sandwich-like Structure of PVDF-HFP/Cellulose/PVDF-HFP Membrane for Lithium-Ion Batteries

by Xingfu Zi, Hongming Wu, Jiling Song, Weidi He, Lu Xia, Jianbing Guo, Sihai Luo and Wei Yan

Molecules 2023, 28(13), 4998; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28134998 - 26 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1452

Abstract

Cellulose membranes have eco-friendly, renewable, and cost-effective features, but they lack satisfactory cycle stability as a sustainable separator for batteries. In this study, a two-step method was employed to prepare a sandwich-like composite membrane of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP)/cellulose/ PVDF-HFP (PCP). The method involved [...] Read more.

Cellulose membranes have eco-friendly, renewable, and cost-effective features, but they lack satisfactory cycle stability as a sustainable separator for batteries. In this study, a two-step method was employed to prepare a sandwich-like composite membrane of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP)/cellulose/ PVDF-HFP (PCP). The method involved first dissolving and regenerating a cellulose membrane and then electrospinning PVDF-HFP on its surface. The resulting PCP composite membrane exhibits excellent properties such as high porosity (60.71%), good tensile strength (4.8 MPa), and thermal stability up to 160 °C. It also has exceptional electrolyte uptake properties (710.81 wt.%), low interfacial resistance (241.39 Ω), and high ionic conductivity (0.73 mS/cm) compared to commercial polypropylene (PP) separators (1121.4 Ω and 0.26 mS/cm). Additionally, the rate capability (163.2 mAh/g) and cycling performance (98.11% after 100 cycles at 0.5 C) of the PCP composite membrane are superior to those of PP separators. These results demonstrate that the PCP composite membrane has potential as a promising separator for high-powered, secure lithium-ion batteries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion)

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9 pages, 2121 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tannin-Derived Hard Carbon for Stable Lithium-Ion Anode

by Ming-Jun He, Lai-Qiang Xu, Bing Feng, Jin-Bo Hu, Shan-Shan Chang, Gong-Gang Liu, Yuan Liu and Bing-Hui Xu

Molecules 2022, 27(20), 6994; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27206994 - 18 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1718

Abstract

Graphite anodes are well established for commercial use in lithium-ion battery systems. However, the limited capacity of graphite limits the further development of lithium-ion batteries. Hard carbon obtained from biomass is a highly promising anode material, with the advantage of enriched microcrystalline structure [...] Read more.

Graphite anodes are well established for commercial use in lithium-ion battery systems. However, the limited capacity of graphite limits the further development of lithium-ion batteries. Hard carbon obtained from biomass is a highly promising anode material, with the advantage of enriched microcrystalline structure characteristics for better lithium storage. Tannin, a secondary product of metabolism during plant growth, has a rich source on earth. But the mechanism of hard carbon obtained from its derivation in lithium-ion batteries has been little studied. This paper successfully applied the hard carbon obtained from tannin as anode and illustrated the relationship between its structure and lithium storage performance. Meanwhile, to further enhance the performance, graphene oxide is skillfully compounded. The contact with the electrolyte and the charge transfer capability are effectively enhanced, then the capacity of PVP-HC is 255.5 mAh g⁻¹ after 200 cycles at a current density of 400 mA g⁻¹, with a capacity retention rate of 91.25%. The present work lays the foundation and opens up ideas for the application of biomass-derived hard carbon in lithium anodes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion)

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12 pages, 2269 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Simple Route to Produce Highly Efficient Porous Carbons Recycled from Tea Waste for High-Performance Symmetric Supercapacitor Electrodes

by Xiaoxiao Qu, Weiwei Kang, Changwei Lai, Chuanxiang Zhang and Suck Won Hong

Molecules 2022, 27(3), 791; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27030791 - 25 Jan 2022

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 2956

Abstract

High-performance porous carbons derived from tea waste were prepared by hydrothermal treatment, combined together with KOH activation. The heat-treatment-processed materials possess an abundant hierarchical structure, with a large specific surface of 2235 m² g⁻¹ and wetting-complemental hydrophilicity for electrolytes. In a [...] Read more.

High-performance porous carbons derived from tea waste were prepared by hydrothermal treatment, combined together with KOH activation. The heat-treatment-processed materials possess an abundant hierarchical structure, with a large specific surface of 2235 m² g⁻¹ and wetting-complemental hydrophilicity for electrolytes. In a two-electrode system, the porous carbon electrodes’ built-in supercapacitor exhibited a high specific capacitance of 256 F g⁻¹ at 0.05 A g⁻¹, an excellent capacitance retention of 95.4% after 10,000 cycles, and a low leakage current of 0.014 mA. In our work, the collective results present that the precursor crafted from the tea waste can be a promising strategy to prepare valuable electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors, which offers a practical strategy to recycle biowastes into manufactured materials in energy storage applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion)

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12 pages, 4184 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Electrochemical Performance of Three-Dimensional Vertically Aligned Graphene by Unidirectional Freezing Method

by Peng Xia, Zhenwang Zhang, Zhihong Tang, Yuhua Xue, Jing Li and Guangzhi Yang

Molecules 2022, 27(2), 376; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27020376 - 08 Jan 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1594

Abstract

Three-dimensional vertically aligned graphene (3DVAG) was prepared by a unidirectional freezing method, and its electrochemical performances were evaluated as electrode materials for zinc−ion hybrid supercapacitors (ZHSCs). The prepared 3DVAG has a vertically ordered channel structure with a diameter of about 20−30 μm and [...] Read more.

Three-dimensional vertically aligned graphene (3DVAG) was prepared by a unidirectional freezing method, and its electrochemical performances were evaluated as electrode materials for zinc−ion hybrid supercapacitors (ZHSCs). The prepared 3DVAG has a vertically ordered channel structure with a diameter of about 20−30 μm and a length stretching about hundreds of microns. Compared with the random structure of reduced graphene oxide (3DrGO), the vertical structure of 3DVAG in a three−electrode system showed higher specific capacitance, faster ion diffusion, and better rate performance. The specific capacitance of 3DVAG reached 66.6 F·g⁻¹ and the rate performance reached 92.2%. The constructed 3DVAG zinc−ion hybrid supercapacitor also showed excellent electrochemical performance. It showed good capacitance retention up to 94.6% after 3000 cycles at the current density of 2 A·g⁻¹. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion)

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Review

Jump to: Research

16 pages, 5132 KiB

Open AccessReview

Electrolyte Design Strategies for Non-Aqueous High-Voltage Potassium-Based Batteries

by Hong Tan and Xiuyi Lin

Molecules 2023, 28(2), 823; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28020823 - 13 Jan 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4120

Abstract

High-voltage potassium-based batteries are promising alternatives for lithium-ion batteries as next-generation energy storage devices. The stability and reversibility of such systems depend largely on the properties of the corresponding electrolytes. This review first presents major challenges for high-voltage electrolytes, such as electrolyte decomposition, [...] Read more.

High-voltage potassium-based batteries are promising alternatives for lithium-ion batteries as next-generation energy storage devices. The stability and reversibility of such systems depend largely on the properties of the corresponding electrolytes. This review first presents major challenges for high-voltage electrolytes, such as electrolyte decomposition, parasitic side reactions, and current collector corrosion. Then, the state-of-the-art modification strategies for traditional ester and ether-based organic electrolytes are scrutinized and discussed, including high concentration, localized high concentration/weakly solvating strategy, multi-ion strategy, and addition of high-voltage additives. Besides, research advances of other promising electrolyte systems, such as potassium-based ionic liquids and solid-state-electrolytes are also summarized. Finally, prospective future research directions are proposed to further enhance the oxidative stability and non-corrosiveness of electrolytes for high-voltage potassium batteries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion)

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39 pages, 11429 KiB

Open AccessReview

Innovative Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion

by Shi Li, Shi Luo, Liya Rong, Linqing Wang, Ziyang Xi, Yong Liu, Yuheng Zhou, Zhongmin Wan and Xiangzhong Kong

Molecules 2022, 27(13), 3989; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27133989 - 21 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1884

Abstract

The metal chalcogenides (MCs) for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have gained increasing attention owing to their low cost and high theoretical capacity. However, the poor electrochemical stability and slow kinetic behaviors hinder its practical application as anodes for SIBs. Hence, various strategies have been [...] Read more.

The metal chalcogenides (MCs) for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have gained increasing attention owing to their low cost and high theoretical capacity. However, the poor electrochemical stability and slow kinetic behaviors hinder its practical application as anodes for SIBs. Hence, various strategies have been used to solve the above problems, such as dimensions reduction, composition formation, doping functionalization, morphology control, coating encapsulation, electrolyte modification, etc. In this work, the recent progress of MCs as electrodes for SIBs has been comprehensively reviewed. Moreover, the summarization of metal chalcogenides contains the synthesis methods, modification strategies and corresponding basic reaction mechanisms of MCs with layered and non-layered structures. Finally, the challenges, potential solutions and future prospects of metal chalcogenides as SIBs anode materials are also proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion)

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