Search Results (32)

Gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) typically suffer from sluggish kinetics and interfacial instability at elevated temperatures and high voltages. Herein, 3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole (TTA) is employed to construct an ultrathin (~25 μm), robust, and homogeneous GPE. TTA acts as a molecular bridge, significantly improving compatibility between the PVDF-HFP (Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene)) matrix and LLZTO (Li_6.4La₃Zr_1.4Ta_0.6O₁₂) fillers to create continuous ion-conducting pathways. Consequently, the TTA-GPEs exhibits high ionic conductivity (0.267 mS cm⁻¹ at room temperature), low activation energy (0.181 eV), and an increased lithium-ion transference number (0.425). Advanced surface analysis reveals that TTA preferentially reacts to form a dense, gradient hierarchical interphase (solid electrolyte interphase/cathode electrolyte interphase, SEI/CEI) enriched with inorganic species (LiF, Li₃N, and Li₂S) on the inner side. This architecture suppresses parasitic reactions and lithium dendrite growth. Accordingly, NCM811(LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂)//Li batteries with TTA-GPEs demonstrate stable cycling at 80 °C and 1C, retaining 57.68% capacity after 125 cycles—significantly outperforming benchmarks. This study offers a molecular engineering strategy to simultaneously optimize bulk transport and interfacial stability for high-energy-density solid-state batteries. Full article

Hydrogels have attracted significant interest in multifunctional applications. Among them, self-healing hydrogel stands out for its ability to autonomously repair damage through reversible interactions, yet achieving both rapid self-healing and superior mechanical strength remains challenging. In this study, we report the fabrication of a dual cross-linked hydrogel (PAA-Alg-B) prepared via free radical polymerization of acrylic acid and alginic acid, employing N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide, or vinyl-modified nanocellulose as primary cross-linker, with Fe³⁺ or borax serving as an additional dynamic cross-linker. The resulting borax based hydrogel (PAA-Alg-B) exhibits remarkable fast self-healing efficiency enabled by reversible borate ester bonds and hydrogen bonding. It demonstrates tunable mechanical strength with toughness of 137 kJ/m³ and elongation at break up to 1117%, alongside exceptional swelling capacity (448 g/g). The adsorption studies reveal high removal efficiencies for heavy metals, with maximum capacities of 87.57 mg/g (Cr³⁺), 114.02 mg/g (Ni²⁺), and 99.42 mg/g (Cu²⁺), governed by chemisorption kinetics. The PAA-Alg-B can also be used as a promising solid-state electrolyte and separator for flexible supercapacitors. Protonic modulation via H₂SO₄ soaking significantly enhances ionic conductivity, electrochemical performance, and cycling stability. These findings highlight the potential of natural polymer-based, mechanically robust, self-healing hydrogels for sustainable wastewater treatment and advanced energy storage applications. Full article

Silicon-graphite anodes offer a practical route to increase the energy density of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), but their widespread adoption is hampered by cyclic instability due to huge volume changes of silicon during lithiation/delithiation process. Another fallout of LIBs capacity gain is growing safety concerns due to fire risks, associated with the uncontrolled release of chemical energy. Herein, we test a hexakis(fluoroethoxy)phosphazene (HFEPN) as a multifunctional electrolyte additive designed to mitigate both issues. The flammability of HFEPN-containing electrolytes was evaluated using a self-extinguishing time test, while the electrochemical performance was assessed in Si/C composite||NMC pouch cells under a progressively accelerated cycling protocol. It is shown that the additive fully imparts flame-retardant properties to the electrolyte at a 15 wt% loading. Despite forming a more stable solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) with enhanced interfacial kinetics the additive did not improve the cycling stability of the Si/C-based cells. The cells with 15 wt% HFEPN retained 43% of capacity after 70 cycles, comparable to 46.5% for the reference electrolyte. The diffusion limitations imposed by the increased electrolyte viscosity are assumed to offset the interfacial benefits of the additive. Thus, alongside the improved synthetic route, this study demonstrates that while HFEPN functions as an effective flame retardant and SEI modifier, its practical benefits for silicon anodes are limited at high concentrations by detrimental effects on electrolyte transport properties and should be improved in future molecular design efforts. Full article

Electricity is currently essential for the operation of most modern devices, with significant electrification being observed in all areas. This development has led to an increased demand for solutions that enable energy storage appropriate for a given application, which is currently solved by installing batteries with adequate capacity. This article presents an approach utilizing composite materials that combine both structural and energy storage features. The most frequently discussed components of such materials in the literature are compared, divided into those that contribute to the structural functions of the composite and those that provide additional functionality. The methodology for developing our literature analysis and for comparing materials is given. The results of our publication analysis are then presented, based on the type of integration of multifunctional elements, structural materials, resins, electrolytes, and production methods. The influence of these parameters on the mechanical and electrochemical properties of multifunctional composites is examined. The different materials are compared, and the best ones selected based on appropriate criteria. The current state of knowledge regarding simulations of such materials is presented, and the potential applications of multifunctional composites are reviewed. Finally, key research gaps are identified, suggesting directions for future work. Full article

The elevated needs for high-performance energy storage, dictated by electrification, renewable sources integration, and the global increase in interconnected devices, have placed batteries to the forefront of technological research. Additive manufacturing is increasingly recognized as a compelling approach to advance battery research and application by enabling tailored control over design, pore geometry, materials, and integration. This perspective work examines the opportunities and challenges associated with utilizing additive manufacturing as an enabling battery manufacturing technology. Recent advances in the additive fabrication of electrodes, electrolytes, separators, and integrated devices are examined, exhibiting the potential to acheive electrochemical performance, design adaptability, and sustainability. At the same time, key challenges—including materials formulation, reproducibility, economic feasibility, and regulatory uncertainty—are discussed as limiting factors that must be addressed for achieving the expected results. Rather than being viewed as a replacement for conventional gigafactory-scale production, additive manufacturing is positioned as a complementary fabrication technique that can deliver value in niche, distributed, and application-specific contexts. This work concludes by outlining research and policy priorities that could accelerate the maturation of 3D-printed batteries, stressing the importance of hybrid manufacturing, multifunctional printable materials, circular economy integration, and carefully phased timelines for deployment. Moreover, by enabling customized form factors, improved device–user interfaces, and seamless integration into smart, automated environments, additive manufacturing has the potential to significantly enhance user experience across emerging battery applications. In this context, this perspective provides a grounded assessment of how additive fabrication methods may contribute to next-generation battery technologies that not only improve electrochemical performance but also enhance user interaction, reliability, and seamless integration within automated and control-driven systems. Full article

Solid-state lithium batteries (SSLBs) have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional lithium-ion systems due to their superior safety profile, higher energy density, and potential compatibility with lithium metal anodes. However, a major challenge hindering their widespread deployment is the formation and growth of lithium dendrites, which compromise both performance and safety. This review provides a comprehensive and structured overview of recent advances in dendrite suppression strategies, with special emphasis on the role played by the nature of the solid electrolyte. In particular, we examine suppression mechanisms and material innovations within the three main classes of solid electrolytes: sulfide-based, oxide-based, and polymer-based systems. Each electrolyte class presents distinct advantages and challenges in relation to dendrite behavior. Sulfide electrolytes, known for their high ionic conductivity and good interfacial wettability, suffer from poor mechanical strength and chemical instability. Oxide electrolytes exhibit excellent electrochemical stability and mechanical rigidity but often face high interfacial resistance. Polymer electrolytes, while mechanically flexible and easy to process, generally have lower ionic conductivity and limited thermal stability. This review discusses how these intrinsic properties influence dendrite nucleation and propagation, including the role of interfacial stress, grain boundaries, void formation, and electrochemical heterogeneity. To mitigate dendrite formation, we explore a variety of strategies including interfacial engineering (e.g., the use of artificial interlayers, surface coatings, and chemical additives), mechanical reinforcement (e.g., incorporation of nanostructured or gradient architectures, pressure modulation, and self-healing materials), and modifications of the solid electrolyte and electrode structure. Additionally, we highlight the critical role of advanced characterization techniques—such as in situ electron microscopy, synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction, vibrational spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)—for elucidating dendrite formation mechanisms and evaluating the effectiveness of suppression strategies in real time. By integrating recent experimental and theoretical insights across multiple disciplines, this review identifies key limitations in current approaches and outlines emerging research directions. These include the design of multifunctional interphases, hybrid electrolytes, and real-time diagnostic tools aimed at enabling the development of reliable, scalable, and dendrite-free SSLBs suitable for practical applications in next-generation energy storage. Full article

Electrochromic devices (ECDs) capable of modulating both visible color and infrared (IR) emissivity are promising for applications in smart thermal camouflage and multifunctional displays. However, conventional transmissive ECDs suffer from limited IR modulation due to the low IR transmittance of transparent electrodes. Here, we report a reflection-type electrochromic zinc-ion battery (HWEC-ZIB) using a self-doped polyaniline nanorod film (SP(ANI-MA)) as the active layer. By positioning the active material at the device surface, this structure avoids interference from transparent electrodes and enables broadband and efficient IR emissivity tuning. To prevent electrolyte-induced IR absorption, a thermal lamination encapsulation method is employed. The optimized device achieves emissivity modulation ranges of 0.28 (3–5 μm) and 0.19 (8–14 μm), delivering excellent thermal camouflage performance. It also exhibits a visible color change from earthy yellow to deep green, suitable for various natural environments. In addition, the HWEC-ZIB shows a high areal capacity of 72.15 mAh cm⁻² at 0.1 mA cm⁻² and maintains 80% capacity after 5000 cycles, demonstrating outstanding electrochemical stability. This work offers a versatile device platform integrating IR stealth, visual camouflage, and energy storage, providing a promising solution for next-generation adaptive camouflage and defense-oriented electronics. Full article

MXenes, a family of two-dimensional carbide and nitride nanomaterials, have demonstrated significant promise across various technological domains, particularly in energy storage applications. This review critically examines scalable synthesis techniques for MXenes and their potential integration into next-generation rechargeable battery systems. We highlight both top-down and emerging bottom-up approaches, exploring their respective efficiencies, environmental impacts, and industrial feasibility. The paper further discusses the electrochemical behavior of MXenes in lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and aluminum-ion batteries, as well as their multifunctional roles in solid-state batteries—including as electrodes, additives, and solid electrolytes. Special emphasis is placed on surface functionalization, interlayer engineering, and ion transport properties. We also compare MXenes with conventional graphite anodes, analyzing their gravimetric and volumetric performance potential. Finally, challenges such as diffusion kinetics, power density limitations, and scalability are addressed, providing a comprehensive outlook on the future of MXenes in sustainable energy storage technologies. Full article

Modern research technology’s goal is to produce multifunctional materials that require low energy. In this work, we have applied polypyrrole (PPy) doped with dodecyl benzenesulfonate (DBS-) with the addition of polyoxometalates (POM) such as phosphotungstic acid (PTA) forming PPyDBS-PT composites. Two different PTA concentrations (4 mM and 8 mM) were used to form PPyDBS-PT4 and PPyDBS-PT8. The higher concentration of PTA created a highly dense and compact film which can be observed from scanning electron microscopy (SEM cross-section image), and also contains fewer phosphotungstate anions (PT³⁻) inclusion (via energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, EDX). Three different aqueous electrolytes, LiCl (lithium chloride), NaCl (sodium chloride), and KCl (potassium chloride), were applied to investigate how those alkali metal ions perform as typical cation-driven actuators. Cyclic voltammetry with linear actuation revealed the tendency LiCl > NaCl > KCl in view of better strain, charge density, electronic conductivity, and Young’s modulus of PPyDBS-PT4 outperformed PPyDBS-PT8. Chronopotentiometric measurements showed high specific capacitance for PPyDBS-PT4 at 260.6 ± 21 F g⁻¹ with capacity retention after 5000 cycles of 88.5%. The sensor calibration of PPyDBS-PT4 revealed that the alkali cations (Li⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺) can be differentiated from each other. The PPyDBS-PT4 has multifunctional applications such as actuators, sensors, and energy storage. Full article

Compared to traditional liquid electrolytes, solid electrolytes have received widespread attention due to their higher safety. In this work, a vinyl functionalized metal–organic framework porous material (MIL-101(Cr)-NH-Met, noted as MCN-M) is synthesized by postsynthetic modification. A novel three-dimensional hybrid gel composite solid electrolyte (GCSE-P/MCN-M) is successfully prepared via in situ gel reaction of a mixture containing multifunctional hybrid crosslinker (MCN-M), lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), ethylene carbonate (EC), diethylene glycol monomethyl ether methacrylate (EGM) and polyethylene (vinylidene fluoridee) (PVDF). Benefiting from the excellent mechanical properties, rich pore structure, and numerous unsaturated metal sites of GCSE-P/MCN-M, our GCSE-P/MCN-M exhibits excellent mechanical modulus (953 MPa), good ionic conductivity (9.3 × 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹) and wide electrochemical window (4.8 V). In addition, Li/LiFePO₄ batteries based on GCSE-P/MCN-M have also demonstrated excellent cycling performance (a high-capacity retention of 87% after 200 cycles at 0.5 C). This work provides a promising approach for developing gel solid-state electrolytes with high ion conduction and excellent safety performance. Full article

Wearable sensors for sweat trace metal monitoring have the challenges of effective sweat collection and the real-time recording of detection signals. The existing detection technologies are implemented by generating enough sweat through exercise, which makes detecting trace metals in sweat cumbersome. Generally, it takes around 20 min to obtain enough sweat, resulting in dallied and prolonged detection signals that cannot reflect the endogenous fluctuations of the body. To solve these problems, we prepared a multifunctional hydrogel as an electrolyte and combined it with a flexible patch electrode to realize real-time monitoring of sweat Zn²⁺. Such hydrogel has magnetic and porous properties, and the porous structure of hydrogel enables a fast absorption of sweat, and the magnetic property of the addition of fabricated Fe₃O₄ NPs not only improves the conductivity but also ensures the adjustable internal structures of the hydrogel. Such a sensing platform for sweat Zn²⁺ monitoring shows a satisfied linear relationship in the concentration range of 0.16–16 µg/mL via differential pulsed anodic striping voltammetry (DPASV) and successfully detects the sweat Zn²⁺ of four volunteers during exercise and resting, displaying a promising path for commercial application. Full article

Dendrite formation and water-triggered side reactions on the surface of Zn metal anodes severely restrict the commercial viability of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). In this work, we introduce erythritol (Et) as an electrolyte additive to enhance the reversibility of zinc anodes, given its cost-effectiveness, mature technology, and extensive utilization in various domains such as food, medicine, and other industries. By combining multiscale theoretical simulation and experimental characterization, it was demonstrated that Et molecules can partially replace the coordination H₂O molecules to reshape the Zn²⁺ solvation sheath and destroy the hydrogen bond network of the aqueous electrolyte. More importantly, Et molecules tend to adsorb on the zinc anode surface, simultaneously inhibit water-triggered side reactions by isolating water and promote uniform and dense deposition by accelerating the Zn²⁺ diffusion and regulating the nucleation size of the Zn grain. Thanks to this synergistic mechanism, the Zn anode can achieve a cycle life of more than 3900 h at 1 mA cm⁻² and an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.77%. Coupling with δ-MnO₂ cathodes, the full battery delivers a high specific capacity of 228.1 mAh g⁻¹ with a capacity retention of 76% over 1000 cycles at 1 A g⁻¹. Full article

Graphite anode materials and carbonate electrolyte have been the top choices for commercial lithium-ion batteries (LIBS) for a long time. However, the uneven deposition and stripping of lithium cause irreversible damage to the graphite structure, and the low flash point and high flammability of the carbonate electrolyte pose a significant fire safety risk. Here, we proposed a multifunctional electrolyte additive diphenylphosphoryl azide (DPPA), which can construct a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) with high ionic conductivity lithium nitride (Li₃N) to ensure efficient transport of Li⁺. This not only protects the artificial graphite (AG) electrode but also inhibits lithium dendrites to achieve excellent electrochemical performance. Meanwhile, the LIBS with DPPA offers satisfactory flame retardancy performance. The AG//Li half cells with DPPA-0.5M can still maintain a specific capacity of about 350 mAh/g after 200 cycles at 0.2 C. Its cycle performance and rate performance were better than commercial electrolyte (EC/DMC). After cycling, the microstructure surface of the AG electrode was complete and flat, and the surface of the lithium metal electrode had fewer lithium dendrites. Importantly, we found that the pouch cell with DPPA-0.5M had low peak heat release rate. When exposed to external conditions of continuous heating, DPPA significantly improved the fire safety of the LIBS. The research of DPPA in lithium electrolyte is a step towards the development of safe and efficient lithium 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

This paper proposes a different strategy for deriving carbon materials from biomass, abandoning traditional strong corrosive activators and using a top−down approach with a mild green enzyme targeted to degrade the pectin matrix in the inner layer of pomelo peel cotton wool, inducing a large number of nanopores on its surface. Meanwhile, the additional hydrophilic groups produced via an enzymatic treatment can be used to effectively anchor the metallic iron atoms and prepare porous carbon with uniformly dispersed Fe−N_x structures, in this case optimizing sample PPE−FeNPC−900’s specific surface area by up to 1435 m² g⁻¹. PPE−FeNPC−900 is used as the electrode material in a 6 M KOH electrolyte; it manifests a decent specific capacitance of 400 F g⁻¹. The assembled symmetrical supercapacitor exhibits a high energy density of 12.8 Wh kg⁻¹ at a 300 W kg⁻¹ power density and excellent cycle stability. As a catalyst, it also exhibits a half−wave potential of 0.850 V (vs. RHE) and a diffusion-limited current of 5.79 mA cm⁻² at 0.3 V (vs. RHE). It has a higher electron transfer number and a lower hydrogen peroxide yield compared to commercial Pt/C catalysts. The green, simple, and efficient strategy designed in this study converts abundant, low−cost waste biomass into high-value multifunctional carbon materials, which are critical for achieving multifunctional applications. Full article