Search Results (80)

Sodium metal batteries (SMBs) with ceramic solid electrolytes offer a promising route to improve the energy density of conventional Na-ion batteries (SIBs). Silicate-based ceramics have recently gained attention for their favourable properties, including better ionic conduction and wider stability windows. In this study, 10% Pr³⁺ and Nd³⁺ were doped into sodium gadolinium silicate ceramics to examine the effects on phase purity, ionic conductivity, and interfacial compatibility with sodium metal anodes. The materials were synthesized via solid-state methods and sintered at 950–1075 °C to study the impact of sintering temperature on densification and microstructure. Na₅Gd_0.9Pr_0.1Si₄O₁₂ (NGPS) and Na₅Gd_0.9Nd_0.1Si₄O₁₂ (NGNS) sintered at 1075 °C showed the highest room temperature total ionic conductivities of 1.64 and 1.74 mS cm⁻¹, respectively. The highest critical current density of 0.5 mA cm⁻² is achieved with a low interfacial area-specific resistance of 29.47 Ω cm² for NGPS and 22.88 Ω cm² for NGNS after Na plating/stripping experiments. These results highlight how doping enhances phase purity, ionic conductivity, and interfacial stability of silicates with Na metal anodes. Full article

The integration of microstructured current collectors offers a potential pathway to enhance interface properties in solid-state battery architectures. In this work, we investigate the influence of surface morphology on the electrochemical performance of Zn/Na_2.99Ba_0.005OCl/Cu electrodeless pouch cells by fabricating copper thin films on microstructured parylene-C substrates using a combination of colloidal lithography and reactive ion etching. O₂ plasma etching times ranging from 0 to 15 min were used to tune the surface topography, resulting in a systematic increase in root-mean-square roughness and a surface area enhancement of up to ~30% for the longest etching duration, measured via AFM. Kelvin probe force microscopy-analyzed surface potential showed maximum differences of 270 mV between non-etched and 12-minute-etched Cu collectors. The results revealed that the chemical potential is the property that relates the surface of the Cu current collector/electrode with the cell’s ionic transport performance, including the bulk ionic conductivity, while four-point sheet resistance measurements confirmed that the copper layers’ resistivity maintained values close to those of bulk copper (1.96–4.5 µΩ.cm), which are in agreement with electronic mobilities (−6 and −18 cm²V⁻¹s⁻¹). Conversely, the charge carrier concentrations (−1.6 to −2.6 × 10²³ cm⁻³) are indirectly correlated with the performance of the cell, with the samples with lower CCC_bulk (fewer free electrons) performing better and showing higher maximum discharge currents, interfacial capacitance, and first-cycle discharge plateau voltage and capacity. The data were further consolidated with Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy analyses. These results highlight that the correlation between the surface morphology and the cell is not straightforward, with the microstructured current collectors’ surface chemical potential and the charge carriers’ concentration being determinant in the performance of all-solid-state electrodeless sodium battery systems. Full article

The advancement of high-performance sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) necessitates cathode materials that exhibit both structural robustness and long-term electrochemical stability. Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃ (NVP), with its NASICON-type framework, is a promising candidate; however, its inherently low electronic conductivity restricts full capacity utilization. In this study, carbon-coated and Cu-substituted Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃ (NVCP) composites were synthesized via a solid-state reaction using agarose as a carbon source. Structural and morphological analyses confirmed the successful incorporation of Cu²⁺ ions into the rhombohedral lattice without disrupting the crystal structure and the formation of uniform conductive carbon layers. The substitution of Cu²⁺ induced increased carbon disorder and partial oxidation of V³⁺ to V⁴⁺, contributing to enhanced electronic conductivity. Consequently, NVCP exhibited excellent long-term cycling performance, maintaining over 99% of its initial capacity after 500 cycles at 0.5 C. Furthermore, the electrode demonstrated outstanding high-rate capabilities, with a capacity recovery of 97.98% after cycling at 20 C and returning to lower current densities. These findings demonstrate that Cu substitution combined with carbon coating synergistically enhances structural integrity and Na⁺ transport, offering an effective approach to engineer high-performance cathodes for next-generation SIBs. Full article

All-solid-state anode-free sodium batteries present a special and especially important kind of energy storage device. Unfortunately, the industrial production of such batteries has been absent up to now, although the prospects of their development seem to be rather optimistic. The present mini review considers the fundamental advantages of all-solid-state anode-free sodium batteries as well as challenges in their creation. The advantages of all-solid-state anode-free sodium batteries reveal themselves when comparing them with ordinary sodium-ion batteries, sodium metal batteries, sodium batteries with liquid electrolyte, and their lithium counterparts. 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

Gel-polymer electrolytes offer a promising route toward safer and more stable sodium-ion batteries, but conventional polymer systems often suffer from low ionic conductivity and limited voltage stability. In this study, we developed composite GPEs by embedding methylammonium lead chloride (CH₃NH₃PbCl₃, MPCl) into a UV-crosslinked ethoxylated trimethylolpropane triacrylate (ETPTA) matrix, with sodium alginate (SA) as an ionic conduction enhancer. Three types of membranes—GPE-P, GPE-El, and GPE-Eh—were synthesized and systematically compared. Among them, the high-MPCl formulation (GPE-Eh) exhibited the best performance, achieving a high ionic conductivity of 2.14 × 10⁻³ S·cm⁻¹, a sodium-ion transference number of 0.66, and a wide electrochemical window of approximately 4.9 V vs. Na⁺/Na. In symmetric Na|GPE|Na cells, GPE-Eh enabled stable sodium plating/stripping for over 600 h with low polarization. In Na|GPE|NVP cells, it delivered a high capacity retention of ~79% after 500 cycles and recovered ~89% of its initial capacity after high-rate cycling. These findings demonstrate that the perovskite–polymer composite structure significantly improves ion transport, interfacial stability, and electrochemical durability, offering a viable path for the development of next-generation quasi-solid-state sodium-ion batteries. Full article

Na₂Ti₃O₇ (NTO), with low sodium insertion potential (~0.3 V vs. Na⁺/Na) and potential for high-energy-density batteries, is regarded as one of the most promising anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). However, its practical application is hindered by poor electronic conductivity, sluggish Na⁺ (de)intercalation kinetics, and interfacial instability, leading to inferior cycling stability, low initial Coulombic efficiency, and poor rate capability. In this work, micron-sized rod-like NTO and Al-doped NTO (NTO-Al) samples were synthesized via a one-step high-temperature solid-state method. Al doping slightly reduced the size of NTO microrods while introducing oxygen vacancies and generating Ti³⁺, thereby enhancing electronic conductivity and reducing ionic diffusion resistance. H₂-TPR confirms that doping activates lattice oxygen and promotes its participation in the reaction. The optimized NTO-Al0.03 electrode delivered a significantly improved initial charge capacity of 147.4 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.5 C, surpassing pristine NTO (124.7 mA h g⁻¹). Moreover, it exhibited the best cycling stability (49.5% capacity retention after 100 cycles) and rate performance (36.3 mA h g⁻¹ at 2 C). 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

Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)-based separators have garnered significant attention as high-performance components for next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), driven by their exceptional thermal stability (>260 °C), chemical inertness, and mechanical durability. This review comprehensively examines advances in PPS separator design, focusing on two structurally distinct categories: porous separators engineered via wet-chemical methods (e.g., melt-blown spinning, electrospinning, thermally induced phase separation) and nonporous solid-state separators fabricated through solvent-free dry-film processes. Porous variants, typified by submicron pore architectures (<1 μm), enable electrolyte-mediated ion transport with ionic conductivities up to >1 mS·cm⁻¹ at >55% porosity, while their nonporous counterparts leverage crystalline sulfur-atom alignment and trace electrolyte infiltration to establish solid–liquid biphasic conduction pathways, achieving ion transference numbers >0.8 and homogenized lithium flux. Dry-processed solid-state PPS separators demonstrate unparalleled thermal dimensional stability (<2% shrinkage at 280 °C) and mitigate dendrite propagation through uniform electric field distribution, as evidenced by COMSOL simulations showing stable Li deposition under Cu particle contamination. Despite these advancements, challenges persist in reconciling thickness constraints (<25 μm) with mechanical robustness, scaling solvent-free manufacturing, and reducing costs. Innovations in ultra-thin formats (<20 μm) with self-healing polymer networks, coupled with compatibility extensions to sodium/zinc-ion systems, are identified as critical pathways for advancing PPS separators. By addressing these challenges, PPS-based architectures hold transformative potential for enabling high-energy-density (>500 Wh·kg⁻¹), intrinsically safe energy storage systems, particularly in applications demanding extreme operational reliability such as electric vehicles and grid-scale storage. Full article

With the rapid growth of renewable energy integration, battery energy storage technologies are playing an increasingly pivotal role in modern power systems. Among these, electric vehicle distributed energy storage systems (EV-DESSs) using vehicle-to-grid technology and commercial battery energy storage systems (BESSs) exhibit substantial potential for user-side energy storage applications. A comparative analysis of the cost competitiveness between these two types of energy storage systems is crucial for understanding their roles in the evolving power system. However, existing studies lack a unified framework for techno-economic comparisons between EV-DESSs and commercial BESSs. To address this research gap, we conduct a comprehensive, technology-rich techno-economic assessment of EV-DESSs and commercial BESSs, comparing their economic feasibility across various grid services. Based on the technical modeling, this research simulates the operational processes and the additional battery degradation of EV-DESSs and commercial BESSs for providing frequency regulation as well as peak shaving and valley filling services. Building on this foundation, the study evaluates the cost competitiveness and profitability of both technologies. The results indicate that the levelized cost of storage (LCOS) of EV-DESSs and commercial BESSs ranges from 0.057 to 0.326 USD/kWh and from 0.123 to 0.350 USD/kWh, respectively, suggesting significant overlap and thus intense competition. The benefit–cost ratio of EV-DESSs and commercial BESSs ranges from 26.3% to 270.1% and from 19.3% to 138.0%, respectively. Battery cost and cycle life are identified as the key factors enabling EV-DESSs to outperform commercial BESSs. This drives a strong preference for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in V2G applications, allowing for LCOS reductions of up to 4.2%–76.3% compared to commercial BESSs across different grid services. In contrast, ternary lithium-ion batteries exhibit weaker cost competitiveness in EV-DESSs compared to commercial BESSs. While solid-state and sodium–ion batteries are promising alternatives, they are less competitive in V2G applications due to higher costs or a shorter cycle life. These findings highlight the superiority of LFP batteries in current V2G applications and the need to align cost, cycle life, and safety performance in the development of next-generation battery chemistries. Full article

Aluminum solid-state batteries are emerging as one of the most promising energy storage systems, offering advantages such as low cost and high safety. This study adopts a safe and cost-effective approach by alloying and doping the all-solid-state aluminum-ion battery to enhance its electrochemical performance. This research further explores the electrochemical impacts of these modifications on the performance of solid-state aluminum batteries. In this experiment, aluminum-based anodes were deposited onto nickel foil using the thermal evaporation (TE) method. At the same time, the graphite film (GF) cathode material was enriched with sodium (GFN) through a solution-based process. The system was combined with magnesium silicate solid electrolytes to investigate the all-solid-state aluminum-carbon battery′s structural characteristics and charge–discharge mechanisms. The experimental results demonstrate that the aluminum-coated electrode alloying effects and the graphite film modification significantly improve battery performance. The system achieved a maximum specific capacity of approximately 700 mAh g⁻¹, with a cycle life exceeding 100 cycles. Furthermore, the microstructural characteristics and phase structure of the aluminum evaporation film were confirmed. Analysis of ion transport pathways during the charge–discharge cycles of the all-solid-state aluminum-carbon battery revealed that both aluminum and magnesium ions play critical roles in the electrode processes. Full article

The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and guarantee a stable and reliable energy supply has resulted in an increase in the demand for sustainable energy storage solutions over the last decade. Rechargeable batteries with solid-state electrolytes (SSE) have become a focus area due to their potential for increased energy density, longer cycle life, and safety over conventional liquid electrolytic batteries. The superionic sodium conductor (NASICON) Na₃Zr₂Si2PO₁₂ has gained a lot of attention among ESS because of its exceptional electrochemical properties, which make it a promising candidate for solid-state sodium-ion batteries. NASICON’s open frame structure makes it possible to transport sodium ions efficiently even at room temperature, while its wide electrochemical window enables high-voltage operation and reduces side reactions, resulting in safer battery performance. Furthermore, NASICON is more compatible with sodium ion systems, can help with electrode interface issues, and is simple to process. The characteristics of NASICON make it a highly desirable and vital material for solid-state sodium-ion batteries. The aim of this study is to prepare and characterize ceramic membranes that contain Na_3.06Zr₂Si₂PO₁₂ and Na_3.18Zr₂Si₂PO₁₂, and measure their stability in seawater batteries that serve as solid electrolytes. The surface analysis revealed that the Na_3.06Zr₂Si₂PO₁₂ powder has a specific surface area of 7.17 m² g⁻¹, which is more than the Na_3.18Zr₂Si₂PO₁₂ powder’s 6.61 m² g⁻¹. During measurement, the NASICON samples showed ionic conductivities of 8.5 × 10⁻⁵ and 6.19 × 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹. Using platinum/carbon (Pt/C) as a catalyst and seawater as a source of cathodes with sodium ions (Na⁺), batteries were charged and discharged using different current values (50 and 100 µA) for testing. In an electrochemical cell, a battery with a NASICON membrane and Pt/C catalysts with 0.00033 g platinum content was used to assess reproducibility at a constant current of 2 h. After 100 h of operation, charging and discharging voltage efficiency was 71% (50/100 µA) and 83.5% (100 µA). The electric power level is observed to increase with the number of operating cycles. 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

Room-temperature all-solid-state sodium–sulfur (Na-S) batteries are being regarded as a promising technology for large-scale energy storage. However, the low ionic conductivity of existing sulfide solid electrolytes has been hindering the potential and commercialization of Na-S batteries. Na₃PS₄ has garnered extensive attention among sulfide solid electrolytes due to its potential ionic conductivity (primarily predominated by vacancies) and ease of fabrication. Herein, we demonstrated a combined melt-quenching with Br doping technique to pre-generate abundant defects (vacancies) in the Na₃PS₄, which expanded ion transport channels and facilitated Na⁺ migration. The quenched Na_2.9PS_3.9Br_0.1 holds an ionic conductivity of 8.28 × 10⁻⁴ S/cm at room temperature. Followed by the hot-pressed fabrication at 450 °C was conducted on the quenched Na_2.9PS_3.9Br_0.1 to reduce interface resistance, the resultant Na_2.9PS_3.9Br_0.1 pellet shows an ionic conductivity up to 1.15 × 10⁻³ S/cm with a wide electrochemical window and chemical stability towards Na alloy anodes. The assembled all-solid-state Na₂S/Na_2.9PS_3.9Br_0.1/Na₁₅Sn₄ cell delivers an initial reversible capacity of 550 mAh/g at a current density of 0.1 mA/cm². After 50 cycles, it still maintains 420 mAh/g with a capacity retention of 76.4%. The integration of melt-quenching, doping, and hot-pressing provides a new strategy to enable sulfide electrolytes with high ionic conductivity and all-solid-state Na-S batteries with high performance. 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