Development of Advanced Nanomaterials and Electrolytes for Batteries and Supercapacitors

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy and Catalysis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 8276

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School of Materials Science and Physics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China
Interests: development and application of new materials
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Dear Colleagues,

Electrochemical energy conversion and storage is a promising solution to overcome the drawbacks and limitations of existing fossil-fuel-based technologies. The development of electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices has two main directions: the development of high-energy batteries and the development of high-power supercapacitors. The former have high-energy densities through the faradaic lithium redox reaction, while the latter exhibit high-power densities and a long cycling life owing to the fast physical adsorption/desorption of electrolyte ions on the electrode surface. With the advancements in 5G, electric vehicles, and clean energy, the properties of high energy and power, high safety level, long cycling life, low cost, green characteristics, and abundant resources are needed for batteries and supercapacitors. The exploration of advanced electrode nanomaterials, as well as the electrolyte’s composition, determines the crucial electrochemical device parameters. Accordingly, the development of optimized nanomaterials and electrolytes used for the batteries and supercapacitors is expected to have a great impact on device performance and further promote their commercialization.

This Special Issue will attempt to cover the most recent advances in “Advanced Nanomaterials and Electrolytes for Batteries and Supercapacitors”, concerning not only the design, synthesis, and characterization of such electrode materials and electrolytes but also reports of their functional and smart properties to be applied in energy-storage devices.

Dr. Jiangmin Jiang
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • energy storage and conversion
  • batteries
  • Li/Na/K/Zn/Mg-ion batteries
  • supercapacitors
  • hybrid-ion capacitors
  • electrode materials
  • nanocomposite materials
  • electrolytes
  • biomaterials
  • porous carbon materials

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 3110 KiB  
Article
Electrochemical Synthesis of Polyaniline and Sheet-like Structure of Molybdenum Selenide (PANI@2D-MoSe2) Binary Composite for Solar Cell Applications
by Alagumalai Manimekalai, Vediyappan Thirumal, Jinho Kim, Bathula Babu and Kuppu Sakthi Velu
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(5), 384; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15050384 - 1 Mar 2025
Viewed by 773
Abstract
In this work, a promising material of polyaniline (PANI) and two-dimensional molybdenum diselenides consisting of a PANI@2D-MoSe2 binary composite was prepared by an electrochemical polymerization ethod. The as-prepared PANI@2D-MoSe2, the polymer covered in the sheet-like structure of 2D-MoSe2 surface [...] Read more.
In this work, a promising material of polyaniline (PANI) and two-dimensional molybdenum diselenides consisting of a PANI@2D-MoSe2 binary composite was prepared by an electrochemical polymerization ethod. The as-prepared PANI@2D-MoSe2, the polymer covered in the sheet-like structure of 2D-MoSe2 surface morphologies, was observed through FE-SEM and HR-TEM studies. The SAED pattern of PANI@2D-MoSe2 was observed to be in an octahedral phase. The octahedral crystalline phase was also confirmed based on the XRD pattern. In addition, EIS studies of the PANI@2D-MoSe2 binary composite counter electrode (CE) revealed the highest electrical conductivity of 3.47 × 10−4 S/cm at room temperature. The DSSCs assembled the PANI@2D-MoSe2 CE, which amounted to a 7.38% efficiency. Pristine PANI, 2D-MoSe2, and Pt CEs exhibited efficiencies of 5.07%, 5.82%, and 6.61%. The PANI integrated with 2D (MoSe) combines influences of conductivity and stability for future energy conversion technologies. Full article
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14 pages, 4571 KiB  
Article
High-Breakdown and Low-Leakage 4H-SiC MOS Capacitor Based on HfO2/SiO2 Stacked Gate Dielectric in Trench Structures
by Qimin Huang, Yunduo Guo, Anfeng Wang, Lin Gu, Zhenyu Wang, Chengxi Ding, Yi Shen, Hongping Ma and Qingchun Zhang
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(5), 343; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15050343 - 22 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 814
Abstract
The progression of SiC MOSFET technology from planar to trench structures requires optimized gate oxide layers within the trench to enhance device performance. In this study, we investigated the interface characteristics of HfO2 and SiO2/HfO2 gate dielectrics grown by [...] Read more.
The progression of SiC MOSFET technology from planar to trench structures requires optimized gate oxide layers within the trench to enhance device performance. In this study, we investigated the interface characteristics of HfO2 and SiO2/HfO2 gate dielectrics grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) on SiC trench structures. The trench structure morphology was revealed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements showed that the roughness of both films was below 1nm. Spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) indicated that the physical thicknesses of HfO2 and SiO2/HfO2 were 38.275 nm and 40.51 nm, respectively, demonstrating their comparable thicknesses. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of the gate dielectrics revealed almost identical Hf 4f core levels for both HfO2 and the SiO2/HfO2 composite dielectrics, suggesting that the SiO2 interlayer and the SiC substrate had minimal impact on the electronic structure of the HfO2 film. The breakdown electric field of the HfO2 film was recorded as 4.1 MV/cm, with a leakage current at breakdown of 1.1 × 10−3A/cm2. The SiO2/HfO2 stacked film exhibited significantly better performance, with a breakdown electric field of 6.5 MV/cm and a marked reduction in leakage current to 3.7 × 10−4 A/cm2. A detailed extraction and analysis of the leakage current mechanisms were proposed, and the data suggested that the introduction of thin SiO2 interfacial layers effectively mitigated small bandgap offset issues, significantly reducing leakage current and improving device performance. Full article
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14 pages, 5967 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Oxygen Evolution Catalysis by Tuning the Electronic Structure of NiFe-Layered Double Hydroxides Through Selenization
by Ze Wang, Yifang Liang, Taifu Fang, Xinyu Song, Luobai Yang, Liying Wen, Jinnong Wang, Dongye Zhao and Shifeng Wang
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(4), 294; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15040294 - 14 Feb 2025
Viewed by 783
Abstract
Electrocatalytic water splitting is a critical approach for achieving carbon neutrality, playing an essential role in clean energy conversion. However, the slow kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) remains a major bottleneck hindering energy conversion efficiency. Although noble metal catalysts (e.g., IrO [...] Read more.
Electrocatalytic water splitting is a critical approach for achieving carbon neutrality, playing an essential role in clean energy conversion. However, the slow kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) remains a major bottleneck hindering energy conversion efficiency. Although noble metal catalysts (e.g., IrO2 and RuO2) show excellent catalytic activity, their high cost and scarcity limit their applicability in large-scale industrial processes. In this study, we introduce a novel electrocatalyst based on selenized NiFe-layered double hydroxides (NiFe-LDHs), synthesized via a simple hydrothermal method. Its key innovation lies in the selenization process, during which Ni atoms lose electrons to form selenides, while selenium (Se) gains electrons. This leads to a significant increase in the concentration of high-valent metal ions, enhances electronic mobility, and improves the structural stability of the catalyst through the formation of Ni-Se bonds. Experimental results show that selenized NiFe-LDHs exhibit excellent electrocatalytic performance in 1 M KOH alkaline solution. In the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), the catalyst achieved an ultra-low overpotential of 286 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm⁻2, with a Tafel slope of 63.6 mV dec⁻1. After 60 h of continuous testing, the catalyst showed almost no degradation, far outperforming conventional catalysts. These results highlight the potential of NiFe-LDH@selenized catalysts in large-scale industrial water electrolysis applications, providing an effective solution for efficient and sustainable clean energy production. Full article
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14 pages, 5445 KiB  
Article
Nitrogen-Doped Porous Carbon Derived from Coal for High-Performance Dual-Carbon Lithium-Ion Capacitors
by Jiangmin Jiang, Qianqian Shen, Ziyu Chen and Shijing Wang
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(18), 2525; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13182525 - 9 Sep 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1652
Abstract
Lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) are emerging as one of the most advanced hybrid energy storage devices, however, their development is limited by the imbalance of the dynamics and capacity between the anode and cathode electrodes. Herein, anthracite was proposed as the raw material to [...] Read more.
Lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) are emerging as one of the most advanced hybrid energy storage devices, however, their development is limited by the imbalance of the dynamics and capacity between the anode and cathode electrodes. Herein, anthracite was proposed as the raw material to prepare coal-based, nitrogen-doped porous carbon materials (CNPCs), together with being employed as a cathode and anode used for dual-carbon lithium-ion capacitors (DC-LICs). The prepared CNPCs exhibited a folded carbon nanosheet structure and the pores could be well regulated by changing the additional amount of g-C3N4, showing a high conductivity, abundant heteroatoms, and a large specific surface area. As expected, the optimized CNPCs (CTK-1.0) delivered a superior lithium storage capacity, which exhibited a high specific capacity of 750 mAh g−1 and maintained an excellent capacity retention rate of 97% after 800 cycles. Furthermore, DC-LICs (CTK-1.0//CTK-1.0) were assembled using the CTK-1.0 as both cathode and anode electrodes to match well in terms of internal kinetics and capacity simultaneously, which displayed a maximum energy density of 137.6 Wh kg−1 and a protracted lifetime of 3000 cycles. This work demonstrates the great potential of coal-based carbon materials for electrochemical energy storage devices and also provides a new way for the high value-added utilization of coal materials. Full article
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11 pages, 2581 KiB  
Article
High-Performance Layered CaV4O9-MXene Composite Cathodes for Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries
by Luan Fang, Li Lin, Zhuomei Wu, Tianhao Xu, Xuxu Wang, Limin Chang and Ping Nie
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(9), 1536; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13091536 - 3 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2322
Abstract
Due to their reliability, affordability and high safety, rechargeable aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) have garnered a lot of attention. Nevertheless, undesirable long-term cycle performance and the inadequate energy density of cathode materials impede the development of ZIBs. Herein, we report a layered [...] Read more.
Due to their reliability, affordability and high safety, rechargeable aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) have garnered a lot of attention. Nevertheless, undesirable long-term cycle performance and the inadequate energy density of cathode materials impede the development of ZIBs. Herein, we report a layered CaV4O9-MXene (Ti3C2Tx) composite assembled using CaV4O9 nanosheets on Ti3C2Tx and investigate its electrochemical performance as a new cathode for ZIBs, where CaV4O9 nanosheets attached on the surface of MXene and interlamination create a layered 2D structure, efficiently improving the electrical conductivity of CaV4O9 and avoiding the stacking of MXene nanosheets. The structure also enables fast ion and electron transport. Further discussion is conducted on the effects of adding MXene in various amounts on the morphology and electrochemical properties. The composite shows an improved reversible capacity of 274.3 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, superior rate capabilities at 7 A g−1, and a high specific capacity of 107.6 mA h g−1 can be delivered after 2000 cycles at a current density of 1 A g−1. The improvement of the electrochemical performance is due to its unique layered structure, high electrical conductivity, and pseudo capacitance behavior. Full article
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15 pages, 5654 KiB  
Article
Ion Transport and Electrochemical Reaction in LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2-Based High Energy/Power Lithium-Ion Batteries
by Jinmei Xu, Jiandong Yang, Shaofei Wang, Jiangmin Jiang, Quanchao Zhuang, Xiangyun Qiu, Kai Wu and Honghe Zheng
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(5), 856; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13050856 - 25 Feb 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1609
Abstract
The high energy/power lithium-ion battery using LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (NCM523 HEP LIB) has an excellent trade-off between specific capacity, cost, and stable thermal characteristics. However, it still brings a massive challenge for power improvement under low temperatures. Deeply [...] Read more.
The high energy/power lithium-ion battery using LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (NCM523 HEP LIB) has an excellent trade-off between specific capacity, cost, and stable thermal characteristics. However, it still brings a massive challenge for power improvement under low temperatures. Deeply understanding the electrode interface reaction mechanism is crucial to solving this problem. This work studies the impedance spectrum characteristics of commercial symmetric batteries under different states of charge (SOCs) and temperatures. The changing tendencies of the Li+ diffusion resistance Rion and charge transfer resistance Rct with temperature and SOC are explored. Moreover, one quantitative parameter, § ≡ Rct/Rion, is introduced to identify the boundary conditions of the rate control step inside the porous electrode. This work points out the direction to design and improve performance for commercial HEP LIB with common temperature and charging range of users. Full article
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