Search Results (26)

The depletion of global lithium reserves, coupled with the necessity for environmentally sustainable and economically accessible energy storage systems, has driven the development of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) as a promising alternative to lithium-ion technologies. Among various anode materials for SIBs, hard carbon exhibits obvious advantages and significant commercial potential owing to its high energy density, low operating potential, and stable capacity retention during prolonged cycling. Biomass represents the most attractive source of non-graphitizable carbon from a practical standpoint, being readily available, renewable, and low-cost. However, the complex internal structure of biomass precursors creates significant challenges for precise control of microstructure and properties of the resulting hard carbon materials, requiring further research and optimization of synthesis methodologies. This work reports the synthesis of hard carbon from Sasa kurilensis via pyrolysis at 900 °C and investigates the effect of alkaline pretreatment on the structural and electrochemical characteristics of the anode material for SIBs. Sasa kurilensis is employed for the first time as a source for non-graphitizable carbon synthesis, whose unique natural vascular structure forms optimal hierarchical porosity for sodium-ion intercalation upon thermal treatment. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray microtomography and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption–desorption. Electrochemical properties were evaluated by galvanostatic cycling in the potential range of 0.02–2 V at a current density of 25 mAhg⁻¹ in half-cells with sodium metal counter electrodes. The unmodified sample demonstrated a discharge capacity of 160 mAhg⁻¹ by the 6th cycle, with an initial capacity of 77 mAhg⁻¹. The alkaline-treated material exhibited lower discharge capacity (114 mAhg⁻¹) and initial Coulombic efficiency (40%) due to increased specific surface area, leading to excessive electrolyte decomposition. Full article

Anode-free lithium-ion batteries offer a volumetric energy density approximately 60% higher than that of conventional lithium-ion cells. Despite this advantage, they often experience rapid capacity degradation and a limited cycle life. Optimizing electrolyte formulations—particularly through the use of specific additives, solvents, and lithium salts—is essential to improving these systems. This study explores electrolytes composed of fluorinated and carbonate-based solvents applied in anode-free lithium-ion cells featuring copper as the anode substrate and Li_1.05Ni_0.33Mn_0.33Co_0.33O₂ as the cathode. In the present work, the ionic conductivity of electrolytes was studied by impedance spectroscopy, and the electrochemical parameters of anode-free lithium-ion cells were compared using these electrolyte solutions: lithium difluoro(oxalato)borat (LIDFOB) salts were used in a mixture of solvents such as fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) and dimethoxyethane (DME) in a ratio of 3:7 and in a mixture of propylene carbonate (PC) and dimethoxyethane in a ratio of 3:7. Enhanced performance was observed upon the substitution of conventional carbonates with fluorinated co-solvents. The findings suggest that LiDFOB is a thermostable salt, and its high conductivity contributes to the formation and stabilization of the interface of solid electrolytes. The results indicate that at low temperature conditions, a double salt should be used for lithium current sources, for example, 0.4 M LiDFOB and 0.6 M LiBF₄, as well as electrolyte additives such as fluoroethylene carbonate and lithium nitrate. Full article

The rampant growth of Spartina alterniflora has been wreaking havoc on the coastal ecosystems, leading to a serious environmental challenge in recent years. One potential solution to this issue involves converting Spartina alterniflora into activated carbon, offering a potential remedy for pollution while creating value in energy storage applications. Herein, through a facile carbonization process with sodium hydroxide activation, we successfully transformed obsolete Spartina alterniflora into a porous carbon material (called SAC) and its nitrogen-doped derivative (denoted as SANC) by using melamine as the nitrogen source in a similar procedure. The amorphous structure of these materials was confirmed to enhance lithium-ion storage and electrolyte permeation, making them ideal for use as anodes in lithium-ion batteries. As a result, both SAC and SANC, derived from Spartina alterniflora, exhibited outstanding electrochemical performance including high capacity (456.7 and 780.8 mA h g⁻¹ for SAC and SANC, respectively, at the current density of 6 mA g⁻¹), excellent rate performance (from 6 to 600 mA g⁻¹) and long-term cycling stability. Notably, compared to SAC, its N-doped derivative SANC showed superior properties in the battery (retaining a reversible capacity of 412.9 mA h g⁻¹ at the current density of 6 mA g⁻¹ even after 600 repeated charge–discharge cycles), demonstrating the significantly positive impact of heteroatom doping. This work not only offers a strategy to mitigate environmental challenges but also demonstrates the potential for converting waste biomass into a valuable resource for energy storage applications. Full article

Silicon stands out as an exceptionally viable anode material, distinguished by its substantial capacity, plentiful natural reserves, eco-friendliness, and favorable low working potential. Nonetheless, the material’s pronounced volume fluctuations readily induce particle fragmentation, detachment of active components, and repeated disruption of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer. These factors contribute to a shortened cycle life and rapid capacity fading, thus hindering its practical application. The carbon composite approach can efficiently counteract these issues by capitalizing on silicon’s high capacity and employing carbon as a cushioning agent to diminish volume swelling, thus enhancing the deployment of silicon-based anode materials. This paper offers an exhaustive examination of the lithiation processes involved in Si/C anodes and delves into the strategic utilization of diverse carbon materials, including graphite, graphene, graphdiyne, carbon nanotubes, carbon fibers, MXenes, pitch, heteroatom-doped polymers, biomass-derived carbon, carbon-containing gas-derived carbon, MOFs, and g-C₃N₄ to advance the application of silicon in lithium-ion battery (LIB) anodes. Overall, this paper concentrates on summarizing the current research status and technological advancement and juxtaposes the merits and demerits of various carbon sources in Si/C anodes, thus providing a comprehensive assessment and forward-looking perspective on their future development. Full article

Rechargeable batteries play a crucial role in the utilization of renewable energy sources. Energy storage systems (ESSs) are designed to store renewable energy efficiently for immediate use. The market for energy storage systems heavily relies on lithium-ion batteries due to their high energy density, capacity, and competitiveness. However, the increasing cost and limited availability of lithium make long-term use challenging. As an alternative to Li-ion batteries, rechargeable seawater batteries are gaining attention due to their abundant and complementary sodium ion active materials. This study focuses on the preparation and characterization of Na_3.0Zr₂Si₂PO₁₂- and Na_3.15Zr₂Si₂PO₁₂-type ceramic membranes and testing their stability in seawater batteries used as solid electrolyte. From the surface analysis, it was observed that the Na_3.15Zr₂Si₂PO₁₂ powder showed a specific surface area of 2.94 m²/g compared to 2.69 m²/g for the Na_3.0Zr₂Si₂PO₁₂ powder. The measured NASICON samples achieved ionic conductivities between 7.42 × 10⁻⁵ and 4.4 × 10⁻⁴ S/cm compared to the NASICON commercial membrane with an ionic conductivity of 3.9 × 10⁻⁴ S/cm. Battery testing involved charging/discharging at various constant current values (0.6–2.0 mA), using Pt/C as the catalyst and seawater as the catholyte. Full article

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are essential in modern electronics, particularly in portable devices and electric vehicles. However, the limited design flexibility of current battery shapes constrains the development of custom-sized power sources for advanced applications like wearable electronics and medical devices. Additive manufacturing (AM), specifically Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), presents a promising solution by enabling the creation of batteries with customized shapes. This study explores the use of novel poly(acrylonitrile-co-polyethylene glycol methyl ether acrylate) (poly(AN-co-PEGMEA)) copolymers as solid polymer electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries, optimized for 3D printing using FFF. The copolymers were synthesized with varying AN:PEGMEA ratios, and their physical, thermal, and electrochemical properties were systematically characterized. The study found that a poly(AN-co-PEGMEA) 6:1 copolymer ratio offers an optimal balance between printability and ionic conductivity. The successful extrusion of filaments and subsequent 3D printing of complex shapes demonstrate the potential of these materials for next-generation battery designs. The addition of succinonitrile (SCN) as a plasticizer significantly improved ionic conductivity and lithium cation transference numbers, making these copolymers viable for practical applications. This work highlights the potential of combining polymer chemistry with additive manufacturing to provide new opportunities in lithium-ion battery design and function. Full article

A novel composite consisting of fluorine-doped carbon and graphene double-coated LiMn_0.6Fe_0.4PO₄ (LMFP) nanorods was synthesized via a facile low-temperature solvothermal method that employs a hybrid glucose and polyvinylidene fluoride as carbon and fluorine sources. As revealed by physicochemical characterization, F-doped carbon coating and graphene form a ‘point-to-surface’ conductive network, facilitating rapid electron transport and mitigating electrochemical polarization. Furthermore, the uniform thickness of the F-doped carbon coating alters the growth of nanoparticles and prevents direct contact between the material and the electrolyte, thereby enhancing structural stability. The strongly electronegative F⁻ can inhibit the structural changes in LMFP during charge/discharge, thus reducing the Jahn–Teller effect of Mn³⁺. The distinctive architecture of the LMFP/C-F/G cathode material exhibits excellent electrochemical properties, exhibiting an initial discharge capacity of 163.1 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 C and a constant Coulombic efficiency of 99.7% over 100 cycles. Notably, the LMFP/C-F/G cathode material achieves an impressive energy density of 607.6 Wh kg⁻¹, surpassing that of commercial counterparts. Moreover, it delivers a reversible capacity of 90.3 mAh g⁻¹ at a high current rate of 5 C. The high-capacity capability and energy density of the prepared materials give them great potential for use in next-generation lithium-ion batteries. Full article

As modern society continues to advance, the depletion of non-renewable energy sources (such as natural gas and petroleum) exacerbates environmental and energy issues. The development of green, environmentally friendly energy storage and conversion systems is imperative. The energy density of commercial lithium-ion batteries is approaching its theoretical limit, and even so, it struggles to meet the rapidly growing market demand. Lithium–oxygen batteries have garnered significant attention from researchers due to their exceptionally high theoretical energy density. However, challenges such as poor electrolyte stability, short cycle life, low discharge capacity, and high overpotential arise from the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) during discharge and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) during charging. This article elucidates the fundamental principles of lithium–oxygen batteries, analyzes the primary issues currently faced, and summarizes recent research advancements in air cathodes and anodes. Additionally, it proposes future directions and efforts for the development of lithium–air batteries. Full article

The upcoming energy transition requires not only renewable energy sources but also novel electricity storage systems such as batteries. Despite Li-ion batteries being the main storage systems, other batteries have been proposed to fulfil the requirements on safety, costs, and resource availability. Moving away from lithium, materials such as sodium, magnesium, zinc, and calcium are being considered. Water-based electrolytes are known for their improved safety, environmentally friendliness, and affordability. The key, however, is how to utilize the negative metal electrode, as using water-based electrolytes with these metals becomes an issue with respect to oxidation and/or dendrite formation. This work studied magnesium, where we aimed to determine if it can be electrochemically deposited in aqueous solutions with alginate-based additives to protect the magnesium. In order to do so, atomic force microscopy was used to research the morphological structure of magnesium deposition at the local scale by using a probe—the tip of a cantilever—as the active electrode, during charging and discharging. The second goal of using the AFM probe technology for magnesium deposition and stripping was an extension of our previous study in which we investigated, for lithium, whether it is possible to measure ion current and perform nonfaradaic impedance measurements at the local scale. The work presented here shows that this is possible in a relatively simple way because, with magnesium, no dendrite formation occurs, which hinders the stripping process. Full article

Many countries have started their transition to a net-zero economy. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) play an ever-increasing role towards this transition as a rechargeable energy storage medium. Initially, LIBs were developed for consumer electronics and portable devices but have seen dramatic growth in their use in electric vehicles (EVs) and via the gradual uptake in battery energy storage systems (BESSs) over the last decade. As such, critical metals (Li, Co, Ni, and Mn) and chemicals (polymers, electrolytes, Cu, Al, PVDF, LiPF₆, LiBF₄, and graphite) needed for LIBs are currently in great demand and are susceptible to global supply shortages. Dramatic increases in raw material prices, coupled with predicted exponential growth in global demand (e.g., United States graphite demand from 2022 7000 t to ~145,000 t), means that LIBs will not be sustainable if only sourced from raw materials. LIBs degrade over time. When their performance can no longer meet the requirement of their intended application (e.g., EVs in the 8–12 year range), opportunities exist to extract and recover battery materials for re-use in new batteries or to supply other industrial chemical sectors. This paper compares the challenges, barriers, opportunities, and successes of the United States of America and Australia as they transition to renewable energy storage and develop a battery supply chain to support a circular economy around LIBs. Full article

The energy transition is only feasible by using household or large photovoltaic powerplants. However, efficient use of photovoltaic power independently of other energy sources can only be accomplished employing batteries. The ever-growing demand for the stationary storage of volatile renewable energy poses new challenges in terms of cost, resource availability and safety. The development of Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIB) has been tremendously pushed by the mobile phone industry and the current need for high-voltage traction batteries. This path of global success is primarily based on its high energy density. Due to changing requirements, other aspects come to the fore that require a rebalancing of different technologies in the “Battery Ecosystem”. In this paper we discuss the evolution of zinc and manganese dioxide-based aqueous battery technologies and identify why recent findings in the field of the reaction mechanism and the electrolyte make rechargeable Zn-MnO₂ batteries (ZMB), commonly known as so-called Zinc-Ion batteries (ZIB), competitive for stationary applications. Finally, a perspective on current challenges for practical application and concepts for future research is provided. This work is intended to classify the current state of research on ZMB and to highlight the further potential on its way to the market within the “Battery Ecosystem”, discussing key parameters such as safety, cost, cycle life, energy and power density, material abundancy, sustainability, modelling and cell/module development. Full article

The changes in global energy trends and the high demand for secondary power sources, have led to a renewed interest in aqueous lithium-ion batteries. The selection of a suitable anode for aqueous media is a difficult task because many anode materials have poor cycling performance due to side reactions with water or dissolved oxygen. An effective method for improving the characteristics of anodes in aqueous electrolyte solutions is adding carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to the electrode materials. For a better comprehension of the mechanism of energy accumulation and the reasons for the loss of capacity during the cycling of chemical current sources, it is necessary to understand the behaviour of the constituent components of the anodes. Although CNTs are well studied theoretically and experimentally, there is no information about their behaviour in aqueous solutions during the intercalation/deintercalation of lithium ions. This work reveals the mechanism of operation of untreated and annealed single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) anodes during the intercalation/deintercalation of Li⁺ from an aqueous 5 M LiNO₃ electrolyte. The presence of -COOH groups on the surface of untreated SWCNTs is the reason for the low discharge capacity of the SWCNT anode in 5 M LiNO₃ (3 mAh g⁻¹ after 100 cycles). Their performance was improved by annealing in a hydrogen atmosphere, which selectively removed the -COOH groups and increased the discharge capacity of SWCNT by a factor of 10 (33 mAh g⁻¹ after 100 cycles). Full article

Biopolymers are an emerging class of novel materials with diverse applications and properties such as superior sustainability and tunability. Here, applications of biopolymers are described in the context of energy storage devices, namely lithium-based batteries, zinc-based batteries, and capacitors. Current demand for energy storage technologies calls for improved energy density, preserved performance overtime, and more sustainable end-of-life behavior. Lithium-based and zinc-based batteries often face anode corrosion from processes such as dendrite formation. Capacitors typically struggle with achieving functional energy density caused by an inability to efficiently charge and discharge. Both classes of energy storage need to be packaged with sustainable materials due to their potential leakages of toxic metals. In this review paper, recent progress in energy applications is described for biocompatible polymers such as silk, keratin, collagen, chitosan, cellulose, and agarose. Fabrication techniques are described for various components of the battery/capacitors including the electrode, electrolyte, and separators with biopolymers. Of these methods, incorporating the porosity found within various biopolymers is commonly used to maximize ion transport in the electrolyte and prevent dendrite formations in lithium-based, zinc-based batteries, and capacitors. Overall, integrating biopolymers in energy storage solutions poses a promising alternative that can theoretically match traditional energy sources while eliminating harmful consequences to the environment. Full article

Reduced global warming is the goal of carbon neutrality. Therefore, batteries are considered to be the best alternatives to current fossil fuels and an icon of the emerging energy industry. Voltaic cells are one of the power sources more frequently employed than photovoltaic cells in vehicles, consumer electronics, energy storage systems, and medical equipment. The most adaptable voltaic cells are lithium-ion batteries, which have the potential to meet the eagerly anticipated demands of the power sector. Working to increase their power generating and storage capability is therefore a challenging area of scientific focus. Apart from typical Li-ion batteries, Li-Air (Li-O₂) batteries are expected to produce high theoretical power densities (3505 W h kg⁻¹), which are ten times greater than that of Li-ion batteries (387 W h kg⁻¹). On the other hand, there are many challenges to reaching their maximum power capacity. Due to the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OES), the cathode usually faces many problems. Designing robust structured catalytic electrode materials and optimizing the electrolytes to improve their ability is highly challenging. Graphene is a 2D material with a stable hexagonal carbon network with high surface area, electrical, thermal conductivity, and flexibility with excellent chemical stability that could be a robust electrode material for Li-O₂ batteries. In this review, we covered graphene-based Li-O₂ batteries along with their existing problems and updated advantages, with conclusions and future perspectives. Full article

Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂ is considered to be a promising solid electrolyte for all-solid-state batteries. The problem of the poor wettability of Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂ by metallic Li can be solved by using Li-In alloys as anode materials. Li-In alloys with different Li contents (40–90 at%) were prepared by an in situ method and investigated in symmetric cells with a Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂-based solid electrolyte. The interface resistance between the Li-In alloy (90 at% Li) and solid electrolyte is equal to ~11 Ω cm² at 200 °C. The cells with 80–90 at% Li in the Li-In anode show stable behavior during cycling with an applied current of ±8 mA (40 mA cm⁻²). No degradation of the Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂-based solid electrolyte in contact with the lithium–indium alloy was observed after galvanostatic cycling. Therefore, the Li-In alloy obtained by our in situ method can be applied as an anode material with Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂-based solid electrolyte in lithium power sources. Full article