Search Results (246)

Lithium metal is a promising anode material for next-generation batteries due to its high specific capacity and low density. However, conventional mechanical processing methods are unsuitable due to lithium’s high reactivity and adhesion. Laser cutting offers a non-contact alternative, but photothermal effects can negatively impact the cutting quality and electrochemical performance. This study investigates the influence of pulse duration on the cutting-edge characteristics and electrochemical behavior of laser-cut 20 µm lithium metal on 10 µm copper foils using nanosecond and picosecond laser systems. It was demonstrated that shorter pulse durations significantly reduce the heat-affected zone (HAZ), resulting in improved cutting quality. Electrochemical tests in symmetric Li|Li cells revealed that laser-cut electrodes exhibit enhanced cycling stability compared with mechanically separated anodes, despite the presence of localized dead lithium “reservoirs”. While the overall pulse duration did not show a direct impact on ionic resistance, the characteristics of the cutting edge, particularly the extent of the HAZ, were found to influence the electrochemical performance. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainable energy and clean water has prompted the exploration of alternative solutions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. In this context, hydrogen production through water electrolysis powered by solar energy presents a promising pathway toward a zero-carbon footprint. This study investigates the potential of copper slag, an abundant industrial waste, as a low-cost electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in contact with saline water such as 0.5 M NaCl and seawater, comparing the electrochemical response when in contact with geothermal water from El Tatio (Atacama Desert). The physicochemical characterisation of copper slag was performed using XRD, Raman, and SEM-EDS to determine its surface properties. Electrochemical evaluations were conducted in 0.5 M NaCl and natural seawater using polarisation techniques to assess the corrosion behaviour and catalytic efficiency of the copper slag electrodes. The results indicate that copper slag exhibits high stability and promising HER kinetics, particularly in seawater, where its mesoporous structure facilitates efficient charge transfer processes. The key novelty of this manuscript lies in the direct revalorisation of untreated copper slag as a functional electrode for HER in real seawater and geothermal water, avoiding the use of expensive noble metals and aligning with circular economy principles. This innovative combination of recycled material and natural saline electrolyte enhances both the technical and economic viability of electrolysis, while reducing environmental impact and promoting green hydrogen production in coastal regions with high solar potential. This research contributes to the value of industrial waste, offering a viable pathway for advancing sustainable hydrogen technologies in real-world environments. Full article

Recent advancements in lithium-metal-based battery technology have garnered significant attention, driven by the increasing demand for high-energy storage devices such as electric vehicles (EVs). Lithium (Li) metal has long been considered an ideal negative electrode due to its high theoretical specific capacity (3860 mAh g⁻¹) and low redox potential. However, the commercialization of Li-metal batteries (LMBs) faces significant challenges, primarily related to the safety and cyclability of the negative electrodes. The formation of lithium dendrites and uneven solid electrolyte interphases, along with volumetric expansion during cycling, severely hinder the commercial viability of LMBs. Among the various strategies developed to overcome these challenges, the introduction of artificial protective layers and the structural engineering of current collectors have emerged as highly promising approaches. These techniques are critical for regulating Li deposition behavior, mitigating dendrite growth, and enhancing interfacial and mechanical stability. This review summarizes the current state of Li-negative electrodes and introduces methods of enhancing their performance using a protective layer and current collector design. Full article

The “shuttle effect” caused by the shuttling of soluble long-chain polysulfides between the anode and cathode electrodes has persistently hindered lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) from achieving stable and high-capacity performance. Numerous materials have been explored to mitigate the adverse effects of this phenomenon, among which metal oxides and metal sulfides are regarded as promising solutions due to their strong adsorption capability toward lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). However, the poor electrical conductivity of the metal oxides and sulfides, coupled with their inherent morphological limitations, makes it challenging to sustainably suppress LiPS shuttling. In this study, we designed a heterostructured catalyst composed of a metal oxide–metal sulfide heterostructure integrated with carbon nanotubes (CNTs). This design addresses the low conductivity issue of metal oxides/sulfides while optimizing the material’s morphology, enabling persistent LiPSs adsorption. Furthermore, the composite successfully facilitates three-dimensional (3D) Li₂S deposition. The assembled battery exhibits stable and high-capacity performance, delivering an initial discharge capacity of 622.45 mAh g⁻¹ at 2C and retaining 569.5 mAh g⁻¹ after 350 cycles, demonstrating exceptional cycling stability. Full article

The use of Li-ion batteries is drastically increasing, especially due to the growing sales of electric vehicles. Simultaneously, there is a shift towards exchanging the traditional Co- and Ni-rich electrode materials with more sustainable alternatives such as LiFePO₄. This transition challenges conventional recycling practices, which typically rely on shredding batteries into a substance known as black mass, which is subsequently processed via hydrometallurgical or pyrometallurgical methods to extract valuable elements. These routes may not be economically viable for future sustainable chemistries with lower contents of high-value metal. Hence, new methods for processing the black mass, allowing, e.g., for physical separation and direct recycling, are direly needed. Such developments require that the black mass is thoroughly understood. In this study, we thoroughly characterize a commercially produced Graphite/LFP black mass sample from real battery waste using a suite of analytical techniques. Our findings reveal detailed chemical, morphological, and structural insights and show that the components in the black mass have different micro-size profiles, which may enable simple size separation. Unfortunately, our analysis also reveals that the employed processing of battery waste into black mass leads to the formation of an unknown Fe-containing compound, which may hamper direct recycling routes. Full article

Pressure significantly influences lithium (Li) deposition behavior. Although previous studies investigating the influence of pressure on Li deposition have often overlooked the impact of mechanical spacer pressure within the cell, this work specifically focuses on this detail. In this study, we explored the effects of mechanical spacer pressure on the electrochemical properties, deposition morphology, solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI), and thermal stability of Li metal deposition, using spacer pressure as a variable in a small-sized electrode half-cell. The experimental results demonstrate that higher spacer pressure positively enhances Li deposition performance across multiple metrics. However, the beneficial effects of higher spacer pressure decrease with increasing deposition capacity. Specifically, at a low deposition capacity (1 mAh/cm²), a higher spacer pressure facilitates Li metal deposition by promoting SEI stabilization, enabling easier deposition, reducing impedance, and enhancing thermal stability. Conversely, at a high deposition capacity (4 mAh/cm²), the spacer pressure does not significantly improve the aforementioned properties. This study combines the morphology of deposited Li with electrochemical and thermal stability assessments, providing valuable research methods and results for evaluating the effects of external pressure on Li metal deposition. Full article

Recycling the positive electrode materials of spent Li-ion batteries is critical for environmental sustainability and resource security. To facilitate the attainment of the goal, this study presents a novel approach for recovering valuable metals from positive electrode materials of spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in an H-shaped cell containing aqueous NaCl electrolyte. The process employs hydrochloric acid that could be derived from the chlorine cycle as the leaching agent. The electrolytic device is engineered to generate a high pH gradient, thereby enhancing the leaching of metal elements and eliminating the requirement for external acid or base addition. This green recycling approach adheres to the principles of a circular economy and provides an environmentally friendly solution for sustainable battery material recycling. Full article

Uneven local electric fields and limited nucleation sites at the reaction interface can lead to the formation of hazardous lithium (Li) dendrites, posing a significant safety risk and impeding the practical utilization of Li metal anodes (LMAs). Here, we present a method utilizing atomic layer deposition (ALD) to create lithiophilic titanium nitride (TiN) sites on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) surfaces, integrated with nanocellulose to form a lithiophilic interlayer (NFCP@TN). This interlayer, which is highly flexible and electrolyte-wettable, functions as a current collector and host material for LMAs. The uniform deposition of Li is facilitated by the synergistic interplay of the lithiophilic active sites TiN, the conductive CNT network, and excellent electrolyte wettability of nanocellulose. As a result, Li preferentially adsorbs on TiN sheaths with lower diffusion barriers, leading to controlled nucleation sites and dendrite-free Li deposition. Furthermore, the well-designed NFCP@TN interlayer exhibits exceptional electrochemical performance and significantly extended cycle life when paired LMA with high areal capacity NCM811 (5.0 mAh cm⁻²) electrodes. Full article

Lithium (Li) metal’s exceptional low electrode potential and high specific capacity for next-gen energy storage devices make it a top contender. However, the unregulated and unpredictable proliferation of Li dendrites and the instability of interfaces during repeated Li plating and stripping cycles pose significant challenges to the widespread commercialization of Li metal anodes. We introduce the creation of a hydrogen bond network solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film that integrates zwitterionic groups, designed to facilitate the stability and longevity of lithium metal batteries (LMBs). Here, we design a PVA/P(SBMA-MBA) hydrogen bond network film (PSM) as an artificial SEI, integrating zwitterions and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to synergistically regulate Li⁺ flux. The distinctive zwitterionic effect in the network amplifies the SEI film’s ionic conductivity to 1.14 × 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹ and attains an impressive Li⁺ ion transfer number of 0.84. In situ Raman spectroscopy reveals dynamic hydrogen bond reconfiguration under strain, endowing the SEI with self-adaptive mechanical robustness. These properties facilitate a homogeneous Li flux and exceptionally suppress dendritic growth. The advanced Li metal anode may endure over 1200 h at 1 mA cm⁻² current density and 1 mAh cm⁻² area capacity in a Li|Li symmetric battery. And in full cells paired with LiFePO₄ cathodes, 93.8% capacity retention is reached after 300 cycles at 1C. Consequently, this work provides a universal strategy for designing dynamic interphases through molecular dipole engineering, paving the way for safe and durable lithium metal batteries. Full article

Li-ion batteries (LIBs) are one of the most deployed energy storage technologies worldwide, providing power for a wide range of applications—from portable electronic devices to electric vehicles (EVs). The growing demand for LIBs, coupled with a shortage of critical battery materials, has prompted the scientific community to seek ways to improve material utilization through the recycling of end-of-life LIBs. While valuable battery metals are already being recycled on an industrial scale, graphite—a material classified as a critical resource—continues to be discarded. In this study, graphite waste recovered from the recycling of LIBs was successfully upcycled into an active graphite/rGO (reduced graphene oxide) composite oxygen electrocatalyst. The precursor graphite for rGO synthesis was also extracted from LIBs. Incorporating rGO into the graphite significantly enhanced the specific surface area and porosity of the resulting composite, facilitating effective doping with residual metals during subsequent nitrogen doping via pyrolysis. These composite catalysts enhanced both the oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions, enabling their use as air electrode catalyst materials in zinc–air batteries (ZABs). The best-performing composite catalyst demonstrated an impressive power density of 100 mW cm⁻² and exceptional cycling stability for 137 h. This research further demonstrates the utilization of waste fractions from LIB recycling to drive advancements in energy conversion technologies. Full article

In this work, hollow dodecahedral carbon structures with abundant N-doping sites and metal nanoparticles (NC-Co-CNTs) based on MOF-derivative materials were designed and prepared as host materials for lithium metal to ensure uniform lithium deposition on a Cu current collector. NC-Co-CNTs have good electrical conductivity, which ensures fast electron transport and Li⁺ transfer. The carbon nanotubes catalytically derived by Co can promote the uniform distribution of Li⁺ along the hollow dodecahedral carbon surface and deposition inside the cavity, and the larger electronegativity of N-doped sites and lithophilic sites such as Co nanoparticles can effectively adsorb lithium, inducing the Li⁺ to be deposited in the form of spherical lithium in a dendrite-free state, inhibiting the growth of dendritic lithium and improving the electrochemical performance of the lithium metal battery. Based on the above advantages, the electrodes of NC-Co-CNT-based symmetric cells present superior cycling performance for more than 1100 h with low overpotential at 1 mAh cm⁻²/1 mAh·cm⁻². Even cycling at high current density of 5 mA cm⁻² and high deposition parameters of 5 mAh cm⁻², it still cycles for up to 800 h at a relatively low overpotential. Full article

With the growing demand for electric vehicles and consumer electronics, lithium-ion batteries with a high energy density are urgently needed. Lithium-rich manganese-based materials (LRMs) are known for their high theoretical specific capacity, rapid electron/ion transfer, and high output voltage. Constructing electrodes with a substantial amount of active materials is a viable method for enhancing the energy density of batteries. In this study, we prepare thick LRM electrodes through a dry process method of binder fibrillation. A point-to-line-to-surface three-dimensional conductive network is designed by carbon agents with various morphologies. This structural design improves conductivity and facilitates efficient ion and electron transport due to close particle contact and tight packing. A high-loading cathode (35 mg cm⁻²) is fabricated, achieving an impressive areal capacity of up to 7.9 mAh cm⁻². Moreover, the pouch cell paired with a lithium metal anode exhibits a remarkable energy density of 949 Wh kg⁻¹. Compared with the cathodes prepared by the wet process, the dry process optimizes the pathways for e⁻/Li⁺ transport, leading to reduced resistance, superior coulombic efficiency, retention over cycling, and minimized side reaction. Therefore, the novel structural adoption of the dry process represents a promising avenue for driving innovation and pushing the boundaries for enhanced energy density for batteries. Full article

The increasing demand for high-specific-energy lithium batteries has stimulated extensive research on the lithium metal anode owing to its high specific capacity and low electrode potential. However, the lithium metal will irreversibly react with the electrolyte during the first cycling process, forming an uneven and unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer, which results in the non-uniform deposition of Li ions and thus the formation of lithium dendrites. This could cause a battery short circuit, resulting in safety hazards such as thermal runaway. In addition, the continuous rupture and repair of the SEIs during the repeated charge/discharge processes will constantly consume the active lithium, which leads to a significant decrease in battery capacity. An effective strategy to address these challenges is to design and construct ideal artificial SEIs on the surface of the lithium metal anode. This review analyzes and summarizes the mathematical modeling of SEI, the functional characteristics of SEIs with different components, and finally discusses the challenges faced by artificial SEIs in practical applications of lithium metal batteries and future development directions. Full article

This study presents a structurally tunable Au-based solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) membrane electrode with significantly enhanced performance in organic hydrogenation reactions. Compared to a Pt-based counterpart, the Au-based electrode achieved a 277% increase in cyclohexane yield and a 4.8% reduction in hydrogen evolution during cyclohexene hydrogenation, demonstrating superior catalytic selectivity and energy efficiency. The improved performance is attributed to synergistic optimization of the electrode’s nanostructure and electronic properties. The Au-based electrode exhibited a 215% increase in specific surface area (SSA) relative to its initial state, along with a markedly enhanced electrochemical active surface area (ECSA). These enhancements stem from its mesoporous architecture, lattice contraction, and high density of zero-dimensional defects. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed a negative shift in Au4f binding energy, a positive shift in Ni⁰ peaks, and an increased concentration of oxygen vacancies (Ov), indicating favorable modulation of the surface electronic structure. This reconstruction promotes H* adsorption and accelerates the hydrogenation reaction, serving as a key mechanism for catalytic enhancement. The core innovation of this work lies in the coordinated engineering of nanoscale structure and surface electronic states, enabling concurrent improvements in reaction rate, selectivity, and energy efficiency. These findings offer valuable guidance for designing noble metal-based membrane electrodes in advanced hydrogen energy conversion and storage systems. Full article

While 1 M LiPF₆ has been widely adopted as the standard electrolyte in current LIBs, its chemical instability has reduced the battery’s cycling stability by, for instance, accelerating the dissolution of transition metals from electrode materials, particularly in high-voltage cathodes. Lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) has emerged as a promising alternative salt for next-generation high-voltage energy-dense LIB electrolytes. However, despite extensive research, the optimal concentration and formulation of LiFSI remain unresolved, with variations typically tested across different Li(Ni_1-x-yMn_xCo_y)O₂ (NMC) series cathodes. Herein, 6:4.5:8.3 LiFSI/EC/DMC (in molar ratio) is proposed as a universal electrolyte for high-voltage NMC series cathodes. The 6:4.5:8.3 LiFSI/EC/DMC electrolyte decomposes to form a uniform cathode–electrolyte interface with abundant inorganic species, resulting in a lower interface resistance. By adopting the 6:4.5:8.3 LiFSI/EC/DMC electrolyte, NMC series Li-ion half-cells are all able to stably cycle up to 200 cycles at a cut-off voltage of 4.4 V. Especially for high Ni content (NMC 811) cathode, the capacity retention was improved from 43.6% to 87.5% when charged to 4.4 V at 1C rate. This work provides a feasible universal electrolyte formulation for developing next-generation high-voltage LIBs. Full article