Search Results (94)

In recent years, the growing demand for resources has driven the development of energy storage devices and related technologies, particularly the application of metal electrode materials, which are of particular importance in lithium, sodium, potassium, and zinc-based ion batteries, metal batteries, and solar energy storage and catalytic technologies [...] Full article

In this work, graphite anodes and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathodes are used to examine the effects of sodium hexafluorophosphate (NaPF₆) and potassium hexafluorophosphate (KPF₆) electrolyte additives on the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase and the performance of lithium-ion batteries in both half-cell and full-cell designs. The objective is to assess whether these additives may increase cycle performance, decrease irreversible capacity loss, and improve interfacial stability. Compared to the control electrolyte (1.22 M Lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF₆)), cells with NaPF₆ and KPF₆ additives produced less SEI products, which decreased irreversible capacity loss and enhanced initial coulombic efficiency. Following the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase, the specific capacity of the control cell was 607 mA·h/g, with 177 mA·h/g irreversible capacity loss. In contrast, irreversible capacity loss was reduced by 38.98% and 37.85% in cells containing KPF₆ and NaPF₆ additives, respectively. In full cell cycling, a considerable improvement in capacity retention was achieved by adding NaPF₆ and KPF₆. The electrolyte, including NaPF₆, maintained 67.39% greater capacity than the LiPF₆ baseline after 20 cycles, whereas the electrolyte with KPF₆ demonstrated a 30.43% improvement, indicating the positive impacts of these additions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy verified that sodium (Na⁺) and potassium (K⁺) ions were present in the SEI of samples containing NaPF₆ and KPF₆. While K⁺ did not intercalate in LFP, cyclic voltammetry confirmed that Na⁺ intercalated into LFP with negligible impact on the energy storage of full cells. These findings demonstrate that NaPF₆ and KPF₆ are suitable additions for enhancing lithium-ion battery performance in the popular artificial graphite/LFP system. Full article

Although lithium-ion batteries are considered an ideal postulant for renewable energy harvesting, storage and applications, these batteries show promising performance; however, at the same time, these harvesting devices suffer from some major limitations, including scarce lithium resources, high cost, toxicity and safety concerns. Potassium ion batteries (PIBs) can be proven a favorable alternative to metal ion batteries because of their widespread potassium reserves, low costs and enhanced protection against sparks. In this study, DFT simulations were employed using the B3LYP/6-311⁺⁺g(d p) method to explore the application of graphene and its doped variants (N,B,P-graphene) as potential anode materials for PIBs. Various key parameters such as adsorption energy, Gibbs free energy, molecular orbital energies, non-covalent interactions, cell voltage, electron density distribution and density of states were computed as a means to evaluate the suitability of materials for PIB applications. Among the four structures, nitrogen- and phosphorus-doped graphene exhibited negative Gibbs free energy values of −0.020056 and −0.021117 hartree, indicating the thermodynamic favorability of charge transfer processes. Doping graphene with nitrogen and phosphorus decreases the HOMO-LUMO gap energy, facilitating efficient ion storage and charge transport. The doping of nitrogen and phosphorus increases the cell voltage from −1.05 V to 0.54 V and 0.57 V, respectively, while boron doping decreases the cell voltage. The cell voltage produced by graphene and its doped variants in potassium ion batteries has the following order: P-graphene (0.57 V) > N-graphene (0.54 V) > graphene (−1.05 V) > B-graphene (−1.54 V). This study illustrates how nitrogen- and phosphorus-doped graphene can be used as a propitious anode electrode for PIBs. Full article

In the pursuit of advancing sustainable energy storage solutions, solid-state batteries (SSBs) have emerged as a formidable contender to traditional lithium-ion batteries, distinguished by their superior energy density, augmented safety measures, and improved cyclability. Amid escalating concerns regarding resource scarcity, environmental ramifications, and the safety hazards posed by lithium-ion technologies, the exploration into non-lithium SSBs has emerged as a crucial frontier for technological breakthroughs. This exhaustive review delves into the latest progressions and persisting challenges within the sphere of sodium (Na), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg) SSBs, spotlighting seminal materials, cutting-edge technologies, and strategic approaches propelling advancements in this vibrant domain. Despite considerable progress, hurdles such as amplifying ionic conductivity, mitigating the intricacies at the electrode–electrolyte interface, and realizing scalable production methodologies continue to loom. Nevertheless, the trajectory for non-lithium SSBs holds considerable promise, poised to redefine the landscape of electric vehicles, portable electronics, and grid stabilization technologies, thereby marking a significant leap toward realizing a sustainable and energy-secure future. This review article aims to provide a detailed overview of the materials and methodologies underpinning the development of these next-generation energy storage devices, underscoring their potential to catalyze a paradigm shift in our approach to energy storage and utilization. Full article

The imperative for sustainable energy has driven the demand for efficient energy storage systems that can harness renewable resources and store surplus energy for off-peak usage. Among the numerous advancements in energy storage technology, polymeric nanofibers have emerged as promising nanomaterials, offering high specific surface areas that facilitate increased charge storage and enhanced energy density, thereby improving electrochemical performance. This review delves into the pivotal role of nanofibers in determining the optimal functionality of energy storage systems. Electrospinning emerged as a facile and cost-effective method for generating nanofibers with customizable nanostructures, making it attractive for energy storage applications. Our comprehensive review article examines the latest developments in electrospun nanofibers for electrochemical storage devices, highlighting their use as separators and electrode materials. We provide an in-depth analysis of their application in various battery technologies, including supercapacitors, lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, potassium-ion batteries, lithium–sulfur batteries, and lithium–oxygen batteries, with a focus on their electrochemical performance. Furthermore, we summarize the diverse fabrication techniques, optimization of key influencing factors, and environmental implications of nanofiber production and their properties. This review aims to offer an inclusive understanding of electrospinning’s role in advancing electrochemical energy storage, providing insights into the factors that drive the performance of these critical materials. Full article

In potassium ion electrode materials, MXenes have garnered significant attention in the energy storage field due to their high conductivity and complex surface chemistry. In this work, thiourea was used as a nitrogen–sulfur composite precursor, and a self-assembly method was employed to synthesize a material, named nitrogen–sulfur– MXene (NS-MXene). During the reaction, thiourea molecules attach to the surface and interlayers of MXene, increasing the interlayer spacing. Upon heating, thiourea molecules decompose into nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S), which then combine with the MXene material. The N and S provide additional capacity for potassium ion storage, while the increased interlayer spacing also facilitates the intercalation and deintercalation of K⁺. Use of NS-MXene as anode material for potassium-ion batteries results in a high-rate performance (final capacity of 205.2 mAhg⁻¹ at 0.1 Ag⁻¹), long-term cycling stability (128.5 mAhg⁻¹ at 0.5 Ag⁻¹), and a good specific capacity (141 mAhg⁻¹ at 0.1 Ag⁻¹). This groundbreaking discovery opens the door to investigating MXene-based energy storage materials with superior performance and creates a new standard for MXene derivatives. Full article

Electrolytes play a vital role in the performance and safety of electrochemical energy storage devices, such as lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). While traditional LIBs rely on organic electrolytes, these flammable solutions pose safety risks and require expensive, moisture-sensitive manufacturing processes. Aqueous electrolytes offer a safer, more cost-effective alternative, but their narrow electrochemical window, corrosivity to electrodes, and enabling of dendritic growth on metal anodes limit their practical applications. Water-in-salt electrolytes (WiSEs) have emerged as a promising solution to these challenges. By significantly reducing water activity and forming a stable solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI), WiSEs can expand the electrochemical stability window, inhibit material dissolution, and suppress dendritic growth. This unique SEI formation mechanism, which is similar to that observed in organic electrolytes, contributes to the improved performance and stability of WiSE-based batteries. Additionally, the altered solvation structure of WiSEs minimizes the presence of free water molecules, further stabilizing the SEI and reducing water activity. This review comprehensively examines the composition, mechanisms, and characterization of WiSEs and their application in monovalent-metal-ion batteries. Full article

Metal-ion capacitors (MICs) have emerged as advanced hybrid energy storage devices that combine the high energy density of batteries with the superior power density and long cycle life of supercapacitors. By leveraging a unique configuration of faradaic and non-faradaic energy storage mechanisms, MICs offer a balanced performance that meets the diverse requirements of modern applications, including renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and portable electronics. MICs employ diverse ions such as lithium, sodium, and potassium, which provide flexibility in material selection, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. For instance, lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) excel in compact and high-performance applications, while sodium-ion (NICs) and potassium-ion capacitors (KICs) provide sustainable and affordable solutions for large-scale energy storage. This review highlights the advancements in electrode materials, including carbon-based materials, transition metal oxides, and emerging candidates like MXenes and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), which enhance MIC performance. The role of electrolytes, ranging from organic and aqueous to hybrid and solid-state systems, is also examined, emphasizing their influence on energy density, safety, and operating voltage. Additionally, the article discusses the environmental and economic benefits of MICs, including the use of earth-abundant materials and bio-derived carbons, which align with global sustainability goals. The review concludes with an analysis of practical applications, commercialization challenges, and future research directions, including AI-driven material discovery and integration into decentralized energy systems. As versatile and transformative energy storage devices, MICs are poised to play a critical role in advancing sustainable and efficient energy solutions for the future. Full article

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are considered the next-generation candidates for partially substituting for commercial lithium-ion batteries in future energy storage systems because of the abundant sodium/potassium reserves and these batteries’ cost-effectiveness and high safety. Gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) have become a popular research focus due to their advantages in terms of safety and performance in research on quasi-solid-state sodium-ion batteries (QSSIBs). Building on previous studies that incorporated MOF fillers into polymer-based gel electrolytes, we propose a 3D sandwich structure in which MOF materials are first pressed into thin films and then coated and protected by polymer materials. Using this approach, we achieved an ion conductivity of 1.75 × 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹ at room temperature and an ion transference number of 0.69. Solid-state sodium-ion batteries using this gel film electrolyte exhibited long cycling stability at a 2 C current density, retaining 75.2% of their specific capacity after 500 cycles. Full article

Bismuth-based materials that adhere to the alloy/dealloy reaction mechanism are regarded as highly promising anode materials for potassium-ion batteries due to their high volume-specific capacity and moderate reaction potentials. However, their commercial viability has been limited by the effects of structural collapse due to volume distortion and impeded electron conduction, resulting in rapid capacity decline. In this work, a carbon-coated nanosized BiPO₄ rod (BiPO₄@C) was designed and fabricated to overcome the aforementioned challenges through the architecture engineering and anionic-tuning strategy. In particular, the nanosized nanorods significantly reduce the volume expansion; the incorporation of the bulk and open-skeleton anion PO₄³⁻ serves to mitigate the considerable volume distortion and generates the high ionic conductivity product (K₃PO₄) to ameliorate the poor ionic transport due to the structural deformation. The elaborated BiPO₄ rods exhibit high specific capacity (310.3 mAh g⁻¹, at 500 mA g⁻¹), excellent cycling stability (over 700 cycles at 500 mA g⁻¹) and superior rate performance (137.8 mAh g⁻¹, at 1000 mA g⁻¹). Systematic ex-situ XRD and TEM, as well as kinetic tests, have revealed the “conversion-multistep alloying” reaction process and the “battery-capacitance dual-mode” potassium storage mechanism. Moreover, the thick electrodes showed excellent specific capacity and rate performance, demonstrating their significant application potential in the next generation of SIBs. Full article

Discharge treatment is a vital process in the pretreatment of spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This paper focuses on the effects of ultrasonic pretreatment on the discharge of spent LIBs from the perspective of electrolyte concentration and ultrasonic power. By integrating characterizations such as pH measurement and X-ray fluorescence (XRF), the effect of ultrasonic pretreatment on the discharge of spent LIBs is evaluated. Experimental results show that sodium chloride (NaCl) solution and potassium chloride (KCl) solution have a more significant and better discharge efficiency (DE) under ultrasonic treatment, while organic electrolyte solutions which mainly contain formate and acetate generally show a less ideal DE. Under experimental conditions of using electrolyte discharge solutions with various electrolyte concentrations with the same ultrasonic power of 300 W, the DE generated from the experimental condition with KCl solution in 30 g/200 mL deionized water is the highest, 64.9%; under different ultrasonic powers in the same electrolyte solutions, the DE of 10 wt.% HCOONa solution is the highest at ultrasonic power of 500 W, at 4.7%. This work provides a reference for the efficient and cost-effective pretreatment of spent LIBs and the discharge mechanism in different electrolyte solutions with ultrasonic treatment is also explored to support the recycling of spent LIBs. Full article

Quantum dots (QDs) are emerging as a new class of zero-dimensional nanomaterials with semiconducting properties. Among many applications, QDs find useful employment in high-capacity electrodes in secondary batteries by virtue of their nanodimension. The recent advancements of QDs and their application as QD-based nanocomposites in electrodes are published in numerous accounts. Well-dispersed QDs in conductive carbonaceous materials can lead to the formation of nanocomposites with excellent cyclic stabilities and large reversible capacities, which are suitable for applications in many batteries. Inorganic QDs are also being investigated as potential candidates to fabricate nanocomposites in different secondary batteries. However, there are not many review articles available detailing the synthetic methodologies used to fabricate such QD-based nanocomposites along with their electrochemical properties. In this article, we are documenting a comprehensive review of a variety of QD nanocomposites with their manufacturing processes and successful utilization in battery applications. We will be highlighting the application of QD-based nanocomposites as anode and cathode materials for applications in different secondary batteries and discussing the enhancement of the electrochemical performances of such batteries in terms of energy density and cyclability. Full article

Potassium-ion batteries (KIBs) have attracted significant attention in recent years as a result of the urgent necessity to develop sustainable, low-cost batteries based on non-critical raw materials that are competitive with market-available lithium-ion batteries. KIBs are excellent candidates, as they offer the possibility of providing high power and energy densities due to their faster K⁺ diffusion and very close reduction potential compared with Li⁺/Li. However, research on KIBs is still in its infancy, and hence, more investigation is required both at the materials level and at the device level. In this work, we focus on recent strategies to enhance the electrochemical properties of intercalation anode materials, i.e., carbon-, titanium-, and vanadium-based compounds. Hitherto, the most promising anode materials are those carbon-based, such as graphite, soft, or hard carbon, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Although a wide variety of strategies have been reported with excellent results, there is still a need to improve the standardization of the best carbon properties, electrode formulation, and electrolyte composition, given the impossibility of a direct comparison. Therefore, additional effort should be made to understand what are the crucial carbon parameters to develop a reference electrode and electrolyte formulation to further boost their performance and move a step forward in the commercialization of KIBs. Full article

Potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) are regarded as a potential substitute for LIBs owing to the benefits of potassium’s abundance, low cost, and high safety. Nonetheless, the practical implementation of potassium-ion batteries still encounters numerous challenges, with the selection and design of anode materials standing out as a key factor impeding their progress. Hard carbon, characterized by its amorphous structure, high specific surface area, and well-developed pore structure, facilitates the insertion/extraction of potassium ions, demonstrating excellent rate performance and cycling stability. This review synthesizes the recent advancements in hard carbon materials utilized in PIB anodes, with a particular focus on the potassium storage mechanism, electrochemical properties, and modification strategies of hard carbon. Ultimately, we present a summary of the current challenges and future development directions of hard carbon materials, with the objective of providing a reference for the design and optimization of hard carbon materials for PIBs. Full article

Known for their high energy density, lithium-ion batteries have become ubiquitous in today’s technology landscape. However, they face critical challenges in terms of safety, availability, and sustainability. With the increasing global demand for energy, there is a growing need for alternative, efficient, and sustainable energy storage solutions. This is driving research into non-lithium battery systems. This paper presents a comprehensive literature review on recent advancements in non-lithium battery technologies, specifically sodium-ion, potassium-ion, magnesium-ion, aluminium-ion, zinc-ion, and calcium-ion batteries. By consulting recent peer-reviewed articles and reviews, we examine the key electrochemical properties and underlying chemistry of each battery system. Additionally, we evaluate their safety considerations, environmental sustainability, and recyclability. The reviewed literature highlights the promising potential of non-lithium batteries to address the limitations of lithium-ion batteries, likely to facilitate sustainable and scalable energy storage solutions across diverse applications. Full article