Search Results (2,627)

The development of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) capable of extreme fast charging (XFC) while preserving safety, durability, and practical energy density remains a central challenge for next-generation electric transportation and grid-scale storage. Conventional graphite anodes are fundamentally limited at high current densities by sluggish intercalation kinetics, which cause lithium plating, motivating the exploration of alternative insertion materials. This review provides a comprehensive and internally consistent assessment of titanium-based oxide anodes, encompassing TiO₂ polymorphs, lithium titanate (Li₄Ti₅O₁₂), and Wadsley–Roth titanium niobium oxides, through the combined lenses of crystal topology, diffusion pathways, redox chemistry, interfacial behavior, and resource scalability. By systematically comparing structural frameworks and electrochemical mechanisms across these material classes, we demonstrate that fast-charging performance is governed not by nano-structuring alone, but by the intrinsic coupling between operating potential, framework rigidity, and multi-electron redox activity. While Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ establishes the benchmark for safety and cyclability, and TiO₂ polymorphs provide structural versatility, titanium niobium oxides uniquely reconcile high theoretical capacity with minimal lithiation strain and open diffusion channels, positioning them as highly promising candidates for sub-10 min charging without catastrophic degradation. This review highlights the persistent obstacles these materials suffer, such as limited round-trip energy efficiency (RTE), interfacial gas evolution, poor dopant stability, and unsustainable extraction, while simultaneously exploring targeted design strategies to overcome them. Finally, this review provides a materials design and comparison framework for the development of safe, high-power, and commercially viable ultrafast-charging LIBs. Full article

Owing to its high theoretical sodium-storage capacity of approximately 1000 mAh g⁻¹ and cost-efficient characteristics, Fe₂VO₄ has emerged as a highly attractive anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). In this work, MXene-incorporated Fe₂VO₄ composites were successfully synthesized. Comprehensive electrochemical characterization demonstrates that MXene incorporation significantly enhances the electronic conductivity and sodium-ion diffusion kinetics of Fe₂VO₄, while effectively mitigating volume expansion during cycling. The synthetic substantially improves its cycling stability and rate capability. When the MXene loading ratio is optimized at 5 wt%, the composite exhibits outstanding cyclic durability, with a remarkable reversible specific capacity of 323.3 mAh g⁻¹ maintained after 200 cycles at a current density of 0.1 A g⁻¹. Furthermore, the composite demonstrates outstanding rate performance, with a specific capacity of 164.5 mAh g⁻¹ achieved at a current density of 2 A g⁻¹. The synergistic integration of Fe₂VO₄ and MXene not only constructs a three-dimensional electrically conductive framework for efficient charge transport but also reinforces strong structural stability against cycling-induced degradation. This work proposes a versatile engineering strategy that can be adapted for other conversion-type electrode materials in the context of advanced energy storage technologies. Full article

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is a versatile material that exhibits a high refractive index, strong light-scattering capability, effective UV-absorption, wide band gap semiconductor behavior (3.0–3.2 eV), and excellent chemical stability. Owing to this unique combination of properties, TiO₂ is widely used in applications such as cosmetic and healthcare products, architectural and automotive coatings, and photocatalytic degradation of environmental pollutants. In photocatalytic applications, the crystal structure, phase composition and electronic properties of TiO₂ play a critical role in determining its performance. In the present study, TiO₂ nanotubes were synthesized by anodization of Ti° coatings deposited via a semi-industrial arc-PVD process. A post-anodization heat treatment was carried out at 430 °C for 1 h to promote the formation of the anatase phase within the TiO₂ nanotube structures. The structural characterization of the synthesized film was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld refinement. This methodology enabled the identification of the formed oxide phases, structure, and crystalline, confirming the formation of mixed oxides in the coating. To address the difficulty of refinement of these crystalline phases, the Le Bail method was applied. This refinement strategy allowed the identification of the crystalline phases that are present in the Ti_xO_y coating, including a hexagonal structure characteristic of α-Ti (space group P63/mmc, No. 194), the tetragonal anatase TiO₂ (space group I41/amd, No. 141) phase, and the trigonal Ti₂O₃ phase (space group R-3/c No. 167). Key crystallographic parameters such as lattice constants, bond lengths and angles, crystallite sizes, unit cell distortion and electron density were systematically evaluated for each phase. In addition, the Wyckoff positions and interatomic distances of the constitutive atoms were calculated, providing a comprehensive description of the TiO₂+Ti₂O₃/Ti° crystallographic system. The topographic and surface oxidation states were recorded by using profilometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. Full article

Developing sustainable electrode materials from renewable biomass is important for improving the environmental sustainability of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Sugarcane bagasse lignin, an abundant agricultural byproduct, is a promising precursor for lignin-derived carbon anode materials, yet systematic comparative studies on catalyst-dependent structure evolution and LIB performance remain limited. In this study, lignin extracted from sugarcane bagasse by an ethanosolv process was converted into Fe- and Ni-catalyzed lignin-derived carbon materials via catalytic pyrolysis at 900 °C. The effects of catalyst type, metal-to-lignin ratio, and pyrolysis holding time on textural properties, structural features, and electrochemical behavior were systematically investigated. Among the studied conditions, the Fe-catalyzed sample prepared at a metal-to-lignin ratio of 1:2.5 and a holding time of 3 h (GLKL-2.5Fe-3h) exhibited the highest BET surface area (332.71 m² g⁻¹) and the most developed porous morphology. SEM, TEM, Raman, and XRD analyses indicated catalyst-dependent differences in pore development, carbon domain morphology, and local graphitic ordering, with Fe- and Ni-catalyzed samples following distinct structural evolution pathways. Electrochemical testing showed that GLKL-2.5Fe-3h delivered the highest initial discharge capacity (759 mAh g⁻¹), retained 165 mAh g⁻¹ after 500 cycles, and exhibited more favorable rate performance and lower apparent interfacial resistance than the other tested samples under the same conditions. In contrast, the Ni-catalyzed and solvothermally treated samples showed lower capacity retention and/or less favorable electrochemical behavior. These results demonstrate the strong effect of catalyst type on the structure-performance relationship of bagasse lignin-derived carbon anodes and support Fe-catalyzed lignin-derived carbon as a promising sustainable anode candidate for LIB applications. Full article

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are promising for large-scale grid storage due to inherent safety, low cost, environmental compatibility, high theoretical capacity (820 mAhg⁻¹), and suitable redox potential (−0.763 V vs. SHE). However, practical deployment is hindered by coupled challenges at the zinc anode–hydrogen evolution, dendrite growth, and corrosion/passivation, which severely limit cycle life and coulombic efficiency. This review systematically summarizes key advances in AZIB research. It first elucidates working principles and four cathode energy storage mechanisms: Zn²⁺ insertion/extraction, H⁺/Zn²⁺ co-insertion, chemical conversion, and dissolution/deposition. Second, it examines four mainstream cathodes (manganese-based, vanadium-based, Prussian blue analogs, and organic compounds), analyzing performance bottlenecks and corresponding optimization via structural modification. Third, it explores functional mechanisms of advanced separators (polymer, inorganic/ceramic composite, MOF-based, and cellulose-based) in regulating uniform Zn²⁺ deposition and suppressing dendrites. Fourth, it summarizes anode optimization strategies: artificial protective layers for interface stabilization, electrolyte additives to modulate Zn²⁺ solvation/deposition, and 3D porous structures to reduce local current density and provide nucleation sites. Finally, key scientific challenges and future directions are discussed—multi-strategy synergy, in situ characterization, practical battery construction, and sustainable technological development, offering theoretical guidance for advancing AZIBs toward large-scale applications. This review aims to provide a comprehensive perspective spanning from materials to systems, and from mechanisms to applications. Its core objective is not merely to list the types of cathode materials, but to establish a logical bridge directly connecting “key challenges” to “optimization strategies,” with a particular emphasis on the issues and solutions related to the cathode side. Full article

Supercapacitors (SCs) are highly attractive energy storage devices, and modern research is focused on using waste materials to reduce environmental impact. This study processed biowaste from local brewery production to produce a highly specific mesoporous activated carbon (AC) for SC electrode scaffolds. Polyaniline (PANI) was synthesized and incorporated into the AC scaffold, thereby enhancing performance. The AC and PANI combination (ACP) achieved a specific capacitance of 173.7 F/g at 1 A/g, with 92% retention after 5000 cycles. Using NdFeB (ACN) particles, the anode showed a specific capacitance of 127 F/g and over 99% retention. An asymmetrical ACN//ACP cell demonstrated promising performance with 70% efficiency. This study highlights the potential of using biowaste for high-performance SC electrodes and the effective synergy between AC and PANI. Full article

Nickel-oxide-based anodic electrochromic materials are extensively utilized as counter electrodes in smart window systems due to their reversible optical response during ion insertion and extraction. This study systematically investigates the influence of substrate temperature on the electrochromic properties of sputtered nickel-tungsten oxide thin films. The deposited thin films exhibit an amorphous structure. An increase in substrate temperature results in a decrease in nickel-vacancy concentration. Raman spectroscopy verifies the amorphous nature. Films deposited at lower substrate temperatures exhibit superior electrochromic performance, characterized by improved optical contrast of 64% and rapid coloration (2.21 s) and bleaching (0.93 s) dynamics. The enhanced performance is ascribed to the disordered amorphous structure and the existence of enough nickel vacancies, which collectively facilitate efficient and reversible lithium-ion transfer. This study illustrates that meticulous regulation of substrate temperature is an effective method for adjusting the microstructure and defect chemistry of nickel–tungsten oxide thin films, rendering them appropriate as effective counter electrodes for energy-efficient smart window applications. Full article

Anode-less battery architectures, which eliminate the host anode material, have attracted considerable attention as a promising approach to increase energy density, simplify cell manufacturing, and improve safety in next-generation energy storage systems. This review provides a structured and integrative overview on the current research landscape of anode-less cells, spanning both liquid- and solid-electrolyte technologies. It first introduces the fundamental principles, key advantages, and inherent challenges of the anode-less concept. Advanced characterization techniques, including electrochemical, interfacial, morphological, and operando approaches, are then discussed as essential tools for probing metal plating/stripping behavior and degradation mechanisms. The core of the review examines how system design governs performance, addressing strategies for liquid electrolytes, including current collector design, electrolyte formulation, and deposition control, as well as solid electrolytes, with an emphasis on interfacial engineering, fundamental limitations, and extensions to Na- and K-based batteries. By integrating insights across these systems, the review identifies critical challenges, including unstable solid-electrolyte interphases, dendrite formation, and interfacial contact loss. Finally, a development pyramid is introduced as a conceptual framework linking fundamental research to practical implementation, outlining key priorities from interface control and full-cell compatibility to long-term reliability while also highlighting industrial pathways toward hybrid and fully solid-state anode-less batteries. Full article

Hollow graphitic nanoshells (HGSs) are widely investigated as battery materials because their conductive shells and internal voids can simultaneously influence ion transport, electron percolation, and mechanical stress accommodation. Yet, the field remains largely morphology-driven, with performance often attributed generically to “hollowness” rather than to structural parameters. This review examines HGSs from a parameter-oriented perspective. It highlights key structural features, including graphitization degree, shell thickness, cavity size, pore architecture, and defect or dopant chemistry. These features collectively shape electrochemical behavior. We discuss how these features influence transport kinetics, interphase stability, volumetric efficiency, and mechanical resilience across insertion, metal anode, multivalent, solid-state, and halogen chemistries. Major synthesis approaches, including hard-templated, soft-templated, self-templated, and biomass-derived routes, are evaluated based on the structural control they provide and the influence of synthesis conditions on shell architecture, graphitic ordering, and pore structure. Special attention is given to how these structural features develop during processing and how they affect ion accessibility, conductivity, and stability. Finally, we outline a shift toward quantitative, parameter-driven engineering supported by operando diagnostics, electrode-level modeling, and standardized reporting. HGSs will only achieve practical relevance when structural optimization extends beyond particle morphology to transport uniformity, interfacial stability, network connectivity, and life-cycle responsibility. Full article

Soluble cutting fluids (SCFs) from metalworking processes pose significant treatment challenges. Here, SCFs were treated using a monopolar electrochemical (EC) system, using turning scrap generated from metalworking operations as the anode. The system was operated for 60 min under various conditions, including different anode materials, electrolyte addition, aeration, and initial pH. Treatment performance was evaluated in terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD_Cr) and total organic carbon (TOC) removal efficiencies and specific energy consumption (SEC) for COD_Cr removal. The Al scrap (20 g/L) showed the optimal overall performance, achieving COD_Cr and TOC removal efficiencies of 29.28% and 25.62%, respectively, with an SEC comparable to that of the Al electrode. Electrolyte addition improved the energy efficiency under all conditions, with NaNO₃ 10 mM yielding the lowest SEC (0.57 kWh/kg-COD_Cr), and aeration negatively affected both removal efficiency and energy consumption. Although acidic conditions (pH 2) resulted in high apparent removal, most of the reduction occurred during pre-treatment pH adjustment, and the highest energy efficiency was achieved at pH 7 (0.47 kWh/kg-COD_Cr). These results demonstrate that Al turning scrap is a promising alternative anode material for electrochemical treatment of SCFs with optimized electrolyte addition and operating pH enabling improved energy efficiency. Full article

This article provides an overview of modern surface engineering technologies used in the manufacturing of dental components, with a particular focus on dental implants, abutments, and crowns. The main objective of the study is to critically evaluate selected surface treatment and coating deposition methods applied to materials such as titanium, zirconia, hydroxyapatite, and NiTi alloys, and to discuss their relevance in terms of functionality, biocompatibility, and sustainability. The analyzed technologies include anodic oxidation, alkaline oxidation, electrochemical coating deposition, and other surface modification approaches aimed at improving osseointegration, corrosion resistance, and antibacterial performance. This literature review was conducted as a narrative review supported by the PRISMA framework, using the Scopus and Web of Science databases for the period 2016–2025. The findings highlight the increasing importance of surface treatments as a key factor influencing the durability and clinical success of dental implant systems. At the same time, the results indicate that the environmental aspects and energy efficiency of manufacturing and surface treatment processes are still addressed only marginally or qualitatively in the available literature. The identified research gaps include the lack of quantitative data on the energy demand of individual technologies, the absence of standardized indicators for environmental impact assessment, and the limited number of comparative studies evaluating different surface modification techniques in the context of dental manufacturing. Overall, the results emphasize the need for a more systematic sustainability assessment of surface engineering as an integral part of modern dental manufacturing practice. Full article

Urea electrolysis has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional water electrolysis for hydrogen production, owing to low electrical energy consumption as well as organic wastewater. However, the practical implementation of this approach is primarily constrained by the lack of cost-effective and efficient electrocatalysts. Thus, the development of earth-abundant, non-precious metal-based bifunctional electrocatalysts toward both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the urea oxidation reaction (UOR) is of critical importance. In this context, nanostructured, reduced nickel-cobalt tungstate supported on Ni foam is fabricated as a binder-free, freestanding electrode via a two-step hydrothermal process followed by partial thermal reduction. By systematically tuning the precursor concentrations of Ni, Co, and W, the morphology and electronic structure of the material are effectively modulated. The introduction of oxygen vacancies through partial thermal reduction plays a key role in enhancing charge transport properties. The optimized NiCo@W_0.5/NF electrode exhibits a porous, flower-like architecture and demonstrates excellent bifunctional electrocatalytic activity toward both UOR and HER, accompanied by improved mass transport behavior. When employed as both the anode and cathode for overall urea electrolysis, NiCo@W_0.5/NF requires a low cell voltage of only 1.68 V to achieve a current density of 100 mA cm⁻² and delivers impressive operational stability in an optimized electrolyte composed of 3 M KOH and 0.33 M urea. These results indicate that NiCo@W_0.5/NF is a highly promising and efficient bifunctional electrode material for urea assisted hydrogen production. Full article

Potassium-ion batteries hold great promise for large-scale energy storage, but their commercialization is hindered by the large ionic radius of potassium, which causes sluggish kinetics and severe volume expansion in anode materials. To address this, we present a scalable spray-drying strategy coupled with NaCl salt-templating to synthesize hierarchical porous carbon/vanadium sulfide microspheres (p-V₃S₄/C MS). In this structure, V₃S₄ nanoparticles are uniformly encapsulated within a dextrin-derived amorphous carbon matrix, and pores are formed via selective NaCl etching. This unique architecture accommodates volume fluctuations while providing rapid ion diffusion pathways. As a result, the p-V₃S₄/C MS anode exhibits outstanding electrochemical performance, maintaining a reversible capacity of 107 mA h g⁻¹ after 2000 cycles at 2.0 A g⁻¹, and achieves a high pseudocapacitive contribution of 93% at 2.0 mV s⁻¹. Furthermore, a full cell paired with a Prussian blue (PB) cathode demonstrates practical viability and robust reversibility. Our findings demonstrate that this structural engineering effectively mitigates internal resistance and structural degradation, offering a cost-effective route for mass-producing high-performance anodes for next-generation energy storage. Full article

The ionic liquids are increasingly used as versatile media capable of reshaping the electrochemical environment for hydrogen production. Their wide electrochemical windows, thermal stability, and customizable solvation structures enable these liquids to tailor the electrode–electrolyte interface in such a way that the traditional alkaline and polymer-membrane systems cannot. These features allow for reductions in the hydrogen evolution overpotentials, improved catalyst stability, and effective suppression of gas crossover, positioning the ionic liquids as promising components for advanced electrolysis systems. Despite these benefits, their broader deployment remains constrained by certain challenges. The elevated viscosity and associated mass-transport limitations complicate the cell design and energy efficiency, whereas the cost and long-term stability of many ionic liquids limit their competitiveness in industrial hydrogen production. Also, the hydrolysable anions and other reactive species increase the burden, particularly in environments where moisture and anodic potential are present. As a result, the ionic liquids electrolysis has its most promising prospects in niche and hybrid configurations like the renewable integrated systems and configurations where the tailored interfacial chemistry and long operational lifetimes outweigh the investment cost and maintenance requirements. Future progress will depend on the development of greener, task-specific ionic liquids with improved stability and lower synthesis costs, alongside hybrid electrolyte designs that balance the unique interfacial benefits of ionic liquids with the practicality of aqueous systems. Advancing these materials from laboratory research to large-scale sustainable hydrogen production will require coordinated advances in the materials compatibility, device and infrastructural architecture, and techno-economic optimization. Full article

Although tin disulfide (SnS₂) possesses a theoretical specific capacity (645 mAh g⁻¹) significantly superior to that of commercial graphite, along with the merits of Earth abundance and cost-effectiveness, its commercial application as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is severely hindered by substantial volume expansion during cycling. Herein, N-doped SnS₂ composites featuring a stacked hexagonal nanosheet architecture were synthesized via a facile one-step hydrothermal strategy. The incorporation of nitrogen significantly bolsters the long-term cycling stability of the electrode during charge/discharge processes. Electrochemical tests results reveal that the composite delivers an initial specific capacity of 500.8 mAh g⁻¹ at a current density of 0.5 A g⁻¹. Following 10 stabilization cycles, the capacity is recorded at 394.9 mAh g⁻¹, and notably, it increases to 481.66 mAh g⁻¹ after 500 cycles, corresponding to a high capacity retention of 96.17%. This superior performance is attributed to the introduced nitrogen, which provides abundant active sites and facilitates the formation of a robust solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that N-doping narrows the band gap of SnS₂, thereby improving electrical conductivity and electron transport efficiency. Full article