Search Results (738)

Halide solid electrolytes (HSE) have shown remarkable stability against high-voltage cathodes. Some HSE, such as Li₃InCl₆ (LIC), can be readily synthesized via aqueous routes. Here, we expand the aqueous synthesis of LIC to include Y substitution, which has different hydration coordination strengths, to form Li₃In_xY_1−xCl₆ (LIYC, 0 ≤ x ≤1). This composition is intended to combine the high ionic conductivity of LIC with the superior stability of Li₃YCl₆ (LYC). We compared solution-synthesized products with those derived mechanochemically. We found that adding ammonium chloride in a 3:1 ratio to YCl₃ + InCl₃ produces a phase-pure product, with X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealing structure similarity for both routes. Through nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and impedance measurements, we evaluate how the synthesis method affects ionic transport, particularly regarding correlated motion. Despite lower initial grain boundary impedance in mechanochemical samples, full cells made from solution-synthesized samples show superior cycling performance. This work establishes a scalable aqueous synthesis route for LIYC that achieves properties comparable to traditional mechanochemical methods. Full article

Designing low-voltage (LV) power distribution systems for mass-sensitive electric vehicles involves several unresolved technical challenges, including parasitic $I^{2}R$ losses, excessive mass of commercial off-the-shelf distribution units, and difficulties in isolating thermal phenomena during vehicle operation. In dynamic racing conditions, temperature measurements of LV components are strongly influenced by external heat sources such as traction batteries, motors, and inverters, complicating accurate assessment of conductor self-heating and distribution losses. This work presents a load-driven methodology for the specification, implementation, and validation of LV architectures, demonstrated using a Formula Student electric race car. The proposed approach combines harness current mapping, resistive loss modeling, and component-level topology optimization to support the development of lightweight and electrically robust systems. Within this framework, a mass-optimized programmable solid-state power distribution unit (PDU), an auxiliary battery system with a battery management system (BMS), and an optimized LV wiring harness were developed and experimentally validated through controlled subsystem tests and in-vehicle operation. The proposed methodology enabled reduction in PDU mass by 40–80% relative to commercially available solutions while maintaining programmable protection, integrated current sensing, and stable thermal operation under representative racing loads. This reduction was achieved through load-driven conductor sizing, application-specific protection threshold optimization, and elimination of redundant protection and interconnection hardware. The developed PDU achieved a mass of 155 g with measured channel resistances of 40–70 m$\mathsf{\Omega }$. The auxiliary battery pack exhibited an average internal resistance of 64.2 m$\mathsf{\Omega }$ at a total mass of 2190 g, while the optimized harness demonstrated resistivity in the range of 14.72–33.98 m$\mathsf{\Omega }$/m. Experimental validation confirmed stable operation below critical thermal limits under both nominal and off-nominal load conditions. The obtained results demonstrate that the proposed methodology enables measurable reductions in both system mass and resistive power losses through application-specific optimization of the LV architecture. However, the presented approach is primarily suited for motorsport and other highly mass-constrained applications, where reduced packaging volume, efficiency, and weight justify the increased design complexity and lower universality compared to commercial off-the-shelf solutions. Full article

Focused-ion-beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) provides site-specific access to buried interfaces, particle interiors, porous electrode architectures, and localized degradation regions in energy materials. This capability is particularly valuable for rechargeable batteries, solid-state ion conductors, alkali-metal electrodes, and reactive solid–liquid interfaces, where the structures governing transport and failure are rarely exposed at a free surface. However, the preparation and imaging steps that reveal these regions may also alter them. Ion milling, environmental transfer, vacuum exposure, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cryogenic handling, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS), and atom probe tomography (APT) can each modify local morphology, chemistry, or phase state. These effects are especially important when the intended evidence involves light elements, metastable phases, nanoscale coatings, reactive interphases, volatile species, or ion-conducting materials. This perspective develops a claim-specific framework for evaluating such results. Preparation- and imaging-induced changes are related to the material feature being interpreted and to the minimum control needed to distinguish the two origins. For porous electrodes, the relevant outputs include pore volume, connectivity, tortuosity, crack geometry, phase fraction, and active surface area. For reactive interfaces and solid electrolytes, the critical questions concern alkali-metal redistribution, surface amorphization, light-element contrast, implanted-species chemistry, and beam-induced phase formation. The discussion further compares conventional Ga-FIB, cryogenic FIB, Xe plasma FIB, low-energy Ar+ polishing, broad-ion-beam preparation, ultramicrotomy, and repeated particle-oriented FIB workflows. Reliable interpretation requires the preparation route, transfer conditions, imaging dose, analytical acquisition, and claim-specific controls to be reported together with the final microscopy result. Full article

Aqueous zinc–iodine batteries (AZIBs) are emerging as highly promising candidates for next-generation, grid-scale energy storage due to the intrinsic safety of water-based electrolytes, the high theoretical capacity of the zinc anode, and the rapid conversion kinetics of the iodine cathode. However, the practical commercialization of AZIBs is severely impeded by formidable interfacial instabilities, including the uncontrollable growth of zinc dendrites, parasitic hydrogen evolution reactions (HER), and the notorious polyiodide (I₃⁻, I₅⁻) shuttle effect. These macroscopic degradation modes are fundamentally rooted in the robust [Zn(H₂O)₆]²⁺ primary solvation sheath and the immense thermodynamic driving force for polyiodide dissolution in highly polar aqueous media. To address these interconnected challenges, electrolyte engineering has evolved into the most potent, holistic strategy. This comprehensive review systematically evaluates the latest advancements in electrolyte engineering for AZIBs. We first deeply decipher the fundamental thermodynamic mechanisms governing Zn²⁺ desolvation and iodine multiphase conversion. Subsequently, we critically analyze cutting-edge regulation paradigms, including water-in-salt (WIS) and localized high-concentration electrolytes (LHCE), cosolvent networks, functional molecular additives, deep eutectic solvents (DES), and quasi-solid-state hydrogels. By integrating in situ/operando spectroscopic characterizations with multiscale theoretical computations (such as MD and DFT), we elucidate the structure–activity relationships at the atomic level. Finally, we provide strategic perspectives on the future trajectories of the field, emphasizing the stabilization of multi-electron (I⁻/I⁰/I⁺) halogen chemistry, AI-driven high-throughput screening, and the rigorous standardization of Ah-level pouch cell engineering for extreme-environment applications. Full article

The performance and durability of lithium metal solid-state batteries are governed by the dynamic evolution of the lithium/solid-electrolyte (Li/SSE) interface, where electrochemical reactions, mass transport, and mechanical constraints are intrinsically coupled. This review presents an integrated electro-chemo-mechanical framework that links interfacial stripping dynamics to distinct degradation regimes controlled by current density, stack pressure, and thermal activation. We show that stable cycling emerges only within a narrow flux-balance window in which lithium creep and vacancy diffusion compensate stripping-induced volume loss without triggering electrolyte fracture or filament penetration. By synthesizing recent experimental, modeling, and materials engineering advances, the review maps the transitions between void-dominated instability, pressure-assisted stabilization, and stress-limited failure. Particular emphasis is placed on adaptive pressure strategies, compliant interlayer design, and microstructural interface engineering as pathways to expand the operational stability window. The analysis highlights that interfacial stability is not solely a materials property but a systems-level outcome arising from coupled electro-mechanical boundary conditions and temperature-dependent transport processes. This perspective provides design principles for developing next-generation solid-state batteries capable of stable high-rate cycling and long-term reliability. Full article

All-solid-state lithium–sulfur batteries (ASSLSBs) couple the high theoretical energy density of sulfur (2600 Wh kg⁻¹) with the safety and polysulfide-shuttle suppression advantages of solid electrolytes (SEs). In practice, however, sluggish solid-state conversion kinetics, chemo-mechanical degradation in composite cathodes, and large solid–solid interfacial resistance remain the principal barriers to practical implementation. This review systematically examines recent progress across the three key components of ASSLSBs: cathodes, solid electrolytes, and interfaces. For cathodes, S/C composite design strategies and alternative active materials—including Li₂S, metal sulfides, and organosulfur compounds—are discussed. For solid electrolytes, inorganic (sulfide, oxide, halide, and hydride), polymer, and hybrid composite systems are compared. For interfaces, physical strategies (stack pressure, compliant interlayers, three-dimensional cathode architectures) and chemical strategies (cathode–SE and Li metal–SE interphase engineering, in situ stabilization) are evaluated. Outstanding challenges and design guidelines for next-generation ASSLSBs are discussed. Full article

The zinc–copper (Zn-Cu) voltaic battery is the first battery made in human history, but the Cu²⁺ dissolution issue leads to the reaction’s irreversibility. To tackle this challenge, solid-state electrolytes, ion exchange membranes, and functional electrolytes have been proposed to mitigate the Cu²⁺ dissolution; however, these approaches incur limitations like cell complexity, high cost, and anode corrosion. Herein, we develop a simple yet effective strategy to mitigate Cu²⁺ dissolution and build a rechargeable voltaic battery from cost-effective materials, including commercially available micro-copper powders and non-corrosive zinc acetate electrolyte. Importantly, the near-neutral Zn(Ac)₂ electrolyte provides some amounts of hydroxide and facilitates the Cu₂O/Cu solid–solid conversion reaction, thereby inhibiting the generation of soluble Cu²⁺ ions. As a result, the Zn-Cu battery exhibits a reversible capacity of ~130 mAh g⁻¹, a feasible voltage of 0.87 V, and a stable cycling life over 100 cycles. Our work provides a feasible strategy for developing rechargeable and cost-effective Zn-Cu batteries. Full article

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are widely used across a range of applications; however, they degrade over time due to various factors, including repeated charge–discharge cycling, material aging, and environmental conditions. Degradation models play a crucial role in predicting the lifespan of LIBs and in optimizing their design and operational strategies. This paper presents a comprehensive review of state-of-the-art degradation models for LIBs. The reviewed models primarily address key degradation mechanisms, including solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation, lithium plating, and particle fracture. For each mechanism, the underlying modeling approaches, their development, advantages, limitations, and associated challenges are critically discussed. Finally, this review identifies existing gaps in battery degradation modeling and proposes the Unified Mechanics Theory (UMT), which is the unification of laws of Newton and the second law of thermodynamics, and uses entropy as a degradation metric, as a promising alternative framework for capturing the coupled and multifaceted nature of battery degradation processes. Full article

N-doped Li₂ZrCl_6−3xN_x chloride solid electrolytes were synthesized via a mechanochemical method, and the effects of N incorporation on crystal structure, Li local environment, and Li⁺ transport were systematically investigated. X-ray diffraction suggested that the main Li₂ZrCl₆-related diffraction features were largely retained, while N introduction induced partial structural evolution toward C2/m-related features. 7Li MAS NMR revealed that N incorporation sharpened Li resonance peaks. Among the series, Li₂ZrCl_5.7N_0.1 exhibited the highest room-temperature ionic conductivity of 1.15 mS cm⁻¹, with the lowest activation energy of 0.237 eV, demonstrating a reduced Li⁺ migration barrier. All-solid-state batteries incorporating Li₂ZrCl_5.7N_0.1 showed stable rate capability and long-term cycling, retaining 85.9% capacity after 500 cycles at 1C and 77.4% after 3000 cycles at 3C. These results suggest that appropriate N modification can tune the Li₂ZrCl₆-based structure and Li local environment, thereby improving Li⁺ transport in all-solid-state lithium batteries. This work provides a feasible strategy for improving chloride-based solid electrolytes for next-generation energy storage. Full article

Understanding lithium distribution and transport within Li-ion battery components is critical in improving battery longevity, safety and performance. This study investigates lithium concentration profiles across the interface of an aluminum-doped Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂ (Al-LLZO) solid electrolyte and a lithium metal anode using Nuclear Reaction Analysis (NRA), a non-destructive depth-profiling technique. The Al-LLZO electrolyte was synthesized via electrospinning, producing nanofibers, which were subsequently sintered into pellets of average thickness 380 µm. These pellets were integrated into a Li|Al-LLZO|NMC-111 half-cell and cycled at 0.1 C for 1, 3, and 10 cycles, indicating pronounced lithium accumulation at the electrolyte–anode interface. Using NRA, this study provided a clear pathway for better understanding lithium transport and interfacial behavior, by quantitatively measuring the lithium distribution at the Al-LLZO electrolyte–electrode interface, and to look at the changes at this interface over the battery cycles. Full article

Solid-state batteries (SSBs) are emerging as a transformative alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) for next-generation electric vehicles (EVs) by replacing flammable liquid electrolytes with solid-state materials. Compared with current LIB systems delivering approximately 160–300 Wh/kg at the pack level, SSBs are projected to achieve 400–800 Wh/kg, enabling improvements in driving range of nearly 50–100% while simultaneously reducing battery pack mass by 10–30%. These improvements directly enhance vehicle-level energy efficiency by lowering energy consumption from typical values of 150–180 Wh/km in present EVs to projected levels of 110–140 Wh/km in optimized SSB-based architectures. Furthermore, reduced internal resistance and improved electrochemical stability can increase round-trip efficiency from approximately 85–95% in conventional LIBs to values approaching 95–98% under optimized solid-state configurations. The enhanced thermal stability of solid electrolytes significantly reduces the need for active cooling systems, decreasing parasitic thermal-management energy consumption from 10–30% of total vehicle energy demand to below 5–15% in advanced SSB systems. Fast-charging capability is also substantially improved, with projected charging times decreasing from 20–40 min to approximately 10–15 min for 10–80% state-of-charge operation, while maintaining improved safety and reduced risk of thermal runaway. In addition, SSBs demonstrate projected cycle lifetimes exceeding 3000–5000 cycles, compared with 1000–2000 cycles for conventional LIBs, thereby lowering battery replacement frequency and lifecycle energy losses. This paper examines the electrochemical fundamentals, thermal behavior, charging/discharging efficiency, and vehicle-level implications of SSB technology for EV applications. Comparative analyses demonstrate that replacing LIBs with SSBs can increase EV driving range from approximately 400 km to 700–800+ km under equivalent battery mass conditions, while also improving coulombic efficiency beyond 99.5% and reducing self-discharge rates to below 1–2% per month. Current industrial case studies from Toyota, Factorial Energy, Mercedes-Benz, CATL, BYD, QuantumScape, and Samsung SDI further confirm accelerating commercialization pathways toward 2027–2030. Overall, the study demonstrates that SSBs are not merely incremental battery improvements but represent a system-level efficiency technology capable of simultaneously enhancing energy density, reducing thermal and electrical losses, extending vehicle range, accelerating charging, and improving long-term sustainability. Despite persistent challenges related to manufacturing scalability, interfacial resistance, and cost, SSBs are positioned to become a critical enabler of highly efficient, long-range, and safer electric mobility systems beyond 2030. Full article

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries are promising for large-scale energy storage due to their intrinsic safety, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, their practical application is severely impeded by water-induced parasitic reactions and uncontrollable dendrite growth at the anode interface. Furthermore, the freezing of aqueous electrolytes at subzero temperature restricts their all-weather viability. Herein, we report a hydrogel electrolyte with interfacial regulation capabilities. By optimizing interfacial ion transport, the hydrogel electrolyte guides uniform Zn²⁺ deposition, effectively mitigating parasitic reactions and dendrite growth while enabling exceptional low-temperature tolerance. Consequently, the symmetric Zn//Zn cell using the hydrogel electrolyte delivers ultra-high cycling stability for 4000 h at 0.5 mA cm⁻² under −30 °C. When assembled into full cells, the Zn//NH₄V₄O₁₀ configuration operates stably for 4000 cycles at 5 A g⁻¹, exhibiting outstanding capacity retention. Furthermore, the assembled flexible pouch cell maintains 86% of initial capacity after 900 cycles at 3 A g⁻¹. Notably, the pouch cells demonstrate reliable operation and structural integrity under severe conditions, such as ice baths, bending, and piercing. This work provides an effective strategy for durable, wide-temperature, and intrinsically safe flexible aqueous energy storage systems. Full article

The need for the rapid advancement of lithium-based energy storage technologies continues to outpace progress in materials development and manufacturing, creating a widening gap between laboratory-scale innovation and industrial deployment. There is a need to examine the key materials and processing challenges that limit the performance, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability of next-generation lithium batteries. For material considerations, many commonly used electrodes face issues of volumetric expansion and performance degradation over charging cycles. To address these issues, binders are a crucial component to consider as they adhere active materials to the electrodes, and their structure can be altered to mitigate undesirable effects from these components. Hence, the selection and exploration of alternative binders are becoming increasingly important in the pursuit of longer-lasting and safer Li-batteries. From a manufacturing perspective, current production lines rely on multistep, energy-intensive processes, e.g., from slurry-mixing to cell assembly, that elevate costs and complicate scale-up. Emerging chemistries incorporating nanomaterials or solid-state components face additional barriers related to yield, process control, and defect management, all of which can exacerbate safety risks related to processing during production and thermal runaway in produced batteries. End-of-life considerations, including disassembly, recycling, and the safe handling of toxic materials, further contribute to the technological and logistical complexity of large-scale deployment. The field is moving toward sustainable material alternatives, more efficient and adaptive manufacturing routes, and advanced technologies such as solid-state electrolytes and nanostructured electrodes. Together, these developments provide a roadmap for overcoming current bottlenecks and enabling the next generation of high-performance, safe, and sustainable lithium battery technologies. This review examines the progress made in finding alternative materials and synthesis methods for the optimization of lithium battery cells, with a focus on the development of novel binders, slurry synthesis and manufacturing framework. In addition, the advantages and limitations of the alternative binder materials and processes are also explored, with a focus on scalability for manufacturing, safety concerns, sustainability and end-of-life challenges. Full article

Quantitative evaluation of the interfacial contact characteristics between the cathode active material (CAM) and solid electrolyte (SE) in all-solid-state battery (ASSB) composite cathodes is essential for improving electrochemical performance. In this study, a previously proposed integrated galvanostatic method (GM)-electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) framework for analyzing the electrochemically active area (EAA) was applied to particle-size-controlled composite cathodes to examine how particle-size design influences interfacial contact in practical ASSB composite cathodes. Specifically, three cathodes were examined: a small-particle Ni-rich layered oxide cathode (SP), a large-particle Ni-rich layered oxide cathode (LP), and a bimodal cathode containing an equal-weight mixture of the two particle fractions (BP). An area-independent lithium diffusion coefficient was first determined from the Warburg-blocking transition in the impedance response. The EAA of each cathode was then obtained by combining this reference value with the area-sensitive galvanostatic response in a one-step constraining procedure. Although bimodal particle-size distributions are often expected to improve interfacial contact by combining the advantages of small and large particles, the EAA increased in the order of SP < BP < LP. This result indicates that under the present electrode configuration, the LP cathode secured the most effective CAM–SE interfacial contact and the highest effective surface coverage. Consistent with this trend, the LP cathode exhibited the best rate capability under high-rate conditions. These results demonstrate that the GM–EIS-based EAA analysis framework provides a practical quantitative tool for evaluating particle-size-dependent interfacial contact and guiding microstructure optimization in ASSB composite cathodes. Full article

Driven by global energy transformation and the progress of artificial intelligence technology, traditional automotive engineering is undergoing profound changes. Transportation is rapidly advancing toward electrification and intelligence. Against this background, this paper identifies three emerging paradigms for the development of electric vehicles: Heart Revolution, Brain Evolution, and Network Integration. This paper points out that automobiles are evolving from traditional one-way energy consumers to dynamic energy nodes in smart grids. With the support of artificial intelligence technology, the role of automobiles is also shifting from a simple means of transportation to an intelligent mobile terminal. At the same time, this paper focuses on analyzing the application of the integration theory of “Four Networks and Four Flows” in automobile upgrading. The theory does not focus on the optimization of a single node unit but emphasizes a systematic perspective to improve overall performance and support sustainable development. This paper suggests that the development of the automobile industry must be deeply integrated with the humanity world, information world and physical world. By building a five-in-one architecture of “Human–Vehicle–Road–Cloud–Satellite”, the automobile industry could follow a practical pathway toward coordinated development. At the same time, breakthroughs in core technologies such as solid-state batteries and wide-bandgap semiconductors are also imminent. This paper aims to provide a sustainable and high-performance automobile development path and integrate the concept of human-oriented design into it. Meanwhile, China’s new energy vehicle industry is used as a representative context to illustrate its engineering and industrial implementation. Full article