Search Results (7)

The increasing demand for safe, cost-effective, and sustainable energy storage solutions has spotlighted aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) as promising alternatives to lithium-ion systems. However, the practical deployment of AZIBs remains hindered by dendritic growth, hydrogen evolution, and surface corrosion at the zinc metal anode, which severely compromise electrochemical stability. In this study, we propose an interfacial engineering strategy involving ultrathin diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings applied to Zn anodes. The DLC films serve as conformal, ion-permeable barriers that mitigate parasitic side reactions and facilitate uniform Zn plating/stripping behavior. Materials characterizations of the DLC layer on the Zn anodes revealed the tunability of sp²/sp³ hybridization and surface morphology depending on DLC thickness. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy demonstrated a significant reduction in interfacial resistance, particularly in the optimally coated sample (DLC2, ~20 nm), which achieved a favorable balance between mechanical integrity and ionic transport. Symmetric-cell tests confirmed enhanced cycling stability over 160 h, while full-cell configurations with an ammonium vanadate nanofiber-based cathode exhibited superior capacity retention over 900 cycles at 2 A g⁻¹. The DLC2-coated Zn anodes demonstrated the most effective performance, attributable to its moderate surface roughness, reduced disorder, and minimized charge-transfer resistance. These results provide insight into the importance of fine-tuning the DLC thickness and carbon bonding structure for suppressing dendrite formation and enhancing electrochemical stability. Full article

With the rapid development of electrical energy storage technologies, traditional battery systems are limited in practical applications by insufficient energy density and short cycle life. This review provides a comprehensive and critical summary of MXene or MXene-based composites as electrode materials for high-performance energy storage devices. By integrating the synthesis techniques of MXenes that have been studied, this paper systematically illustrates the physicochemical properties, synthesis strategies, and mechanisms of MXenes, and analyzes the bottlenecks in their large-scale preparation. Meanwhile, it collates the latest research achievements of MXenes in the field of metal–ion batteries in recent years, focusing on integrating their latest progress in lithium–ion, sodium–ion, lithium–sulfur, and multivalent ion (Zn²⁺, Mg²⁺, Al³⁺) batteries, and reveals their action mechanisms in different electrode material cases. Combining DFT analysis of the effects of surface functional groups on adsorption energy with experimental studies clarifies the structure–activity relationships of MXene-based composites. However, the development of energy storage electrode materials using MXenes and their hybrid compounds remains in its infancy. Future development directions for MXene-based batteries should focus on understanding and regulating surface chemistry, investigating specific energy storage mechanisms in electrodes, and exploring and developing electrode materials related to bimetallic MXenes. Full article

Sodium batteries are receiving increasing interest as an alternative to reduce dependence on lithium-based systems. Furthermore, the development of solid-state electrolytes will lead to higher-performing and safer devices. In this work, a Zn-based metal–organic framework (Zn-MOF-74) is combined as a physical barrier against the growth of dendrites, together with 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([EMIm][TFSI]) ionic liquid, which provides improved mobility to sodium ions. It is demonstrated that the incorporation of the appropriate amount of ionic liquid within the pores of the MOF produces a considerable increase in ionic conductivity, achieving values as high as 5 × 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹ at room temperature, in addition to an acceptable Na⁺ transference number. Furthermore, the developed Na[EMIm][TFSI]@Zn-MOF-74 hybrid solid electrolyte contributes to stable and dendrite-free sodium plating/stripping for more than 100 h. Finally, a more than notable extension of the electrochemical stability window of the electrolyte has been determined, being useful even above 7 V vs. Na⁺/Na. Overall, this work presents a suitable strategy for the next generation of solid-state sodium batteries. Full article

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have gained significant recognition as highly promising rechargeable batteries for the future due to their exceptional safety, low operating costs, and environmental advantages. Nevertheless, the widespread utilization of ZIBs for energy storage has been hindered by inherent challenges associated with aqueous electrolytes, including water decomposition reactions, evaporation, and liquid leakage. Fortunately, recent advances in solid-state electrolyte research have demonstrated great potential in resolving these challenges. Moreover, the flexibility and new chemistry of solid-state electrolytes offer further opportunities for their applications in wearable electronic devices and multifunctional settings. Nonetheless, despite the growing popularity of solid-state electrolyte-based-ZIBs in recent years, the development of solid-state electrolytes is still in its early stages. Bridging the substantial gap that exists is crucial before solid-state ZIBs become a practical reality. This review presents the advancements in various types of solid-state electrolytes for ZIBs, including film separators, inorganic additives, and organic polymers. Furthermore, it discusses the performance and impact of solid-state electrolytes. Finally, it outlines future directions for the development of solid-state ZIBs. Full article

Zinc–air batteries (ZABs) have garnered significant interest as a viable substitute for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), primarily due to their impressive energy density and low cost. However, the efficacy of zinc–air batteries is heavily dependent on electrocatalysts, which play a vital role in enhancing reaction efficiency and stability. This scholarly review article highlights the crucial significance of electrocatalysts in zinc–air batteries and explores the rationale behind employing Fe-Co-Ni-Zn-based metal–organic framework (MOF)-derived hybrid materials as potential electrocatalysts. These MOF-derived electrocatalysts offer advantages such as abundancy, high catalytic activity, tunability, and structural stability. Various synthesis methods and characterization techniques are employed to optimize the properties of MOF-derived electrocatalysts. Such electrocatalysts exhibit excellent catalytic activity, stability, and selectivity, making them suitable for applications in ZABs. Furthermore, they demonstrate notable capabilities in the realm of ZABs, encompassing elevated energy density, efficacy, and prolonged longevity. It is imperative to continue extensively researching and developing this area to propel the advancement of ZAB technology forward and pave the way for its practical implementation across diverse fields. Full article

The hybrid ion capacitor (HIC) is a hybrid electrochemical energy storage device that combines the intercalation mechanism of a lithium-ion battery anode with the double-layer mechanism of the cathode. Thus, an HIC combines the high energy density of batteries and the high power density of supercapacitors, thus bridging the gap between batteries and supercapacitors. Two-dimensional (2D) carbon materials (graphite, graphene, carbon nanosheets) are promising candidates for hybrid capacitors owing to their unique physical and chemical properties, including their enormous specific surface areas, abundance of active sites (surface and functional groups), and large interlayer spacing. So far, there has been no review focusing on the 2D carbon-based materials for the emerging post-lithium hybrid capacitors. This concept review considers the role of 2D carbon in hybrid capacitors and the recent progress in the application of 2D carbon materials for post-Li (Na⁺, K⁺, Zn²⁺) hybrid capacitors. Moreover, their challenges and trends in their future development are discussed. Full article

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) with the characteristics of low production costs and good safety have been regarded as ideal candidates for large-scale energy storage applications. However, the nonconductive and non-redox active polymer used as the binder in the traditional preparation of electrodes hinders the exposure of active sites and limits the diffusion of ions, compromising the energy density of the electrode in ZIBs. Herein, we fabricated vanadium pentoxide nanofibers/carbon nanotubes (V₂O₅/CNTs) hybrid films as binder-free cathodes for ZIBs. High ionic conductivity and electronic conductivity were enabled in the V₂O₅/CNTs film due to the porous structure of the film and the introduction of carbon nanotubes with high electronic conductivity. As a result, the batteries based on the V₂O₅/CNTs film exhibited a higher capacity of 390 mAh g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹, as compared to batteries based on V₂O₅ (263 mAh g⁻¹). Even at 5 A g⁻¹, the battery based on the V₂O₅/CNTs film maintained a capacity of 250 mAh g⁻¹ after 2000 cycles with a capacity retention of 94%. In addition, the V₂O₅/CNTs film electrode also showed a high energy/power density (e.g., 67 kW kg⁻¹/267 Wh kg⁻¹). The capacitance response and rapid diffusion coefficient of Zn²⁺ (~10⁻⁸ cm⁻² s⁻¹) can explain the excellent rate capability of V₂O₅/CNTs. The vanadium pentoxide nanofibers/carbon nanotubes hybrid film as binder-free cathodes showed a high capability and a stable cyclability, demonstrating that it is highly promising for large-scale energy storage applications. Full article