Advances in Energy Storage Materials/Devices and Solid-State Batteries

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Dear Colleagues,

Efficient, clean, and versatile energy storage has become one of the most critical issues governing society’s ability to realize sustainability. Breakthroughs in materials and methods involving sustainable resources are crucial to protecting humankind from the most serious consequences of climate change. Against this background, energy storage systems including rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors can play a crucial role in the development of a sustainable future. Numerous research efforts are underway to explore new chemistries based on various elements, including Li, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, and Al, and depending on the field of application, different elements inherit different advantages and challenges. Furthermore, new opportunities arise from the perspective of developing novel electrolytes and all-solid-state systems.

The Second Italian Workshop on Energy Storage (IWES 2023), organized by the Italian Group for Electrochemical Energy Storage, GISEL (http://www.giselnetwork.it/), is the main Italian scientific event in the field of electrochemical energy storage technology-related materials and advanced characterization tools. IWES aims at gathering scientists and engineers developing batteries in public institutions (universities and national labs) and in private companies from the Italian community and beyond. The goal is to provide a clear, organized, and interactive forum, where research achievements and goals can be shared easily and safely among all battery stakeholders. The scientific program will feature selected presentations related to topics that cover fundamental and applied research in electrochemical energy storage.

We welcome you to share up-to-date knowledge, developed in your research group, with the Second Italian Workshop on Energy Storage (IWES) 2023 community, which will allow us to collect high-level contributions so as to create a valuable, unique Topic collection for MDPI journals.

Prof. Dr. Claudio Gerbaldi
Dr. Federico Poli
Dr. Cataldo Simari
Dr. Akiko Tsurumaki
Dr. Francesca Soavi
Dr. Alessandro Piovano
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Batteries batteries	4.6	4.0	2015	19.7 Days	CHF 2700
Electrochem electrochem	-	6.3	2020	20.5 Days	CHF 1000
Energies energies	3.0	6.2	2008	16.8 Days	CHF 2600
Materials materials	3.1	5.8	2008	13.9 Days	CHF 2600
Polymers polymers	4.7	8.0	2009	14.5 Days	CHF 2700

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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17 pages, 1963 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Thermoplastic Material Selection for Hybrid Vehicle Battery Packs in the Automotive Industry: A Comparative Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach

by Mustafa Sefa Bulut, Muhammed Ordu, Oguzhan Der and Gokhan Basar

Polymers 2024, 16(19), 2768; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16192768 - 30 Sep 2024

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 1860

Abstract

This research study employs a comparative Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approach to select optimal thermoplastic materials for hybrid vehicle battery packs in the automotive industry, addressing the challenges posed by high-temperature environments. Through a detailed evaluation of materials based on criteria such as thermal [...] Read more.

This research study employs a comparative Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approach to select optimal thermoplastic materials for hybrid vehicle battery packs in the automotive industry, addressing the challenges posed by high-temperature environments. Through a detailed evaluation of materials based on criteria such as thermal stability, mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and environmental impact, the research identifies materials that enhance battery efficiency, longevity, and vehicle performance. Utilizing SWARA-ARAS, SWARA-EDAS, and SWARA-TOPSIS methods, the study systematically assesses and ranks various polymers, providing recommendations that prioritize safety, performance, and sustainability. The findings offer valuable insights for manufacturers in making informed material selection decisions, contributing to the advancement of sustainable automotive technologies. This research not only highlights the importance of material selection in the context of hybrid vehicle battery packs but also sets a foundation for future studies to explore emerging materials and decision-making frameworks, aiming to further enhance the efficiency and sustainability of hybrid vehicles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Energy Storage Materials/Devices and Solid-State Batteries)

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13 pages, 3509 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Ceria Quantum Dot Filler-Modified Polymer Electrolytes for Three-Dimensional-Printed Sodium Solid-State Batteries

by Yi Zhang, Haoran Zheng, Honggeng Ding, Khan Abdul Jabbar, Ling Gao and Guowei Zhao

Polymers 2024, 16(12), 1707; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16121707 - 14 Jun 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1533

Abstract

Solid polymer electrolytes have been considered as promising candidates for solid-state batteries (SSBs), owing to their excellent interfacial compatibility and high mechanical toughness; however, they suffer from intrinsic low ionic conductivity (lower than 10⁻⁶ S/cm) and large thickness (usually surpassed over 100 [...] Read more.

Solid polymer electrolytes have been considered as promising candidates for solid-state batteries (SSBs), owing to their excellent interfacial compatibility and high mechanical toughness; however, they suffer from intrinsic low ionic conductivity (lower than 10⁻⁶ S/cm) and large thickness (usually surpassed over 100 μm or even 500 μm), which has a negative influence on the interface resistance and ionic migration. In this work, ceria quantum dot (CQD)-modified composite polymer electrolyte (CPE) membranes with a thickness of 20 μm were successfully manufactured via 3D printing technology. The CQD fillers can reduce the crystallinity of the polymer, and the oxygen vacancies on CQDs can facilitate the dissociation of ion pairs in the NaTFSI salt to release more free Na⁺, improving the ionic conductivity. Meanwhile, tailoring the thickness of the CPE-CQDs membrane via 3D printing can further promote the migration and transport of Na⁺. Furthermore, the printed NNM//CPE-CQDs//Na SSB exhibited outstanding rate capability and cycling stability. The combination of CQD modification and thickness tailoring through 3D printing paves a new avenue for achieving high performance solid electrolyte membranes for practical application in Na SSBs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Energy Storage Materials/Devices and Solid-State Batteries)

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10 pages, 2566 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Sputtering Sequence Engineering in Superlattice-like Sb-Rich-Based Phase Change Materials

by Anding Li, Ruirui Liu, Liu Liu, Yukun Chen and Xiao Zhou

Materials 2024, 17(11), 2773; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112773 - 6 Jun 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 980

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the thermal stability of superlattice-like (SLL) thin films fabricated by varying the sputtering sequences of the SLL [Ge₈Sb₉₂(25nm)/GeTe(25nm)]₁ and SLL [GeTe(25nm)/Ge₈Sb₉₂(25nm)]₁ configurations. Our results reveal significantly [...] Read more.

This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the thermal stability of superlattice-like (SLL) thin films fabricated by varying the sputtering sequences of the SLL [Ge₈Sb₉₂(25nm)/GeTe(25nm)]₁ and SLL [GeTe(25nm)/Ge₈Sb₉₂(25nm)]₁ configurations. Our results reveal significantly enhanced ten-year data retention (T_ten) for both thin films measured at 124.3 °C and 151.9 °C, respectively. These values surpass the T_ten of Ge₂Sb₂Te₅ (85 °C), clearly demonstrating the superior thermal stability of the studied SLL configurations. Interestingly, we also observe a distinct difference in the thermal stability between the two SLL configurations. The superior thermal stability of SLL [GeTe(25nm)/Ge₈Sb₉₂(25nm)]₁ is attributed to the diffusion of the Sb precipitated phase from Ge₈Sb₉₂ to GeTe. This diffusion process effectively reduces the impact of the Sb phase on the thermal stability of the thin film. In contrast, in the case of SLL [Ge₈Sb₉₂(25nm)/GeTe(25nm)]₁, the presence of the Sb precipitated phase in Ge₈Sb₉₂ facilitates the crystallization of GeTe, leading to reduced thermal stability. These findings underscore the significant influence of the sputtering sequence on the atomic behavior and thermal properties of superlattice-like phase change materials. Such insights provide a robust foundation for the design and exploration of novel phase change materials with improved thermal performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Energy Storage Materials/Devices and Solid-State Batteries)

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13 pages, 4015 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

MnO/Mn₂O₃ Aerogels as Effective Materials for Supercapacitor Applications

by Ramya Ramkumar, Sanjeevamuthu Suganthi, Ahamed Milton, Jungbin Park, Jae-Jin Shim, Tae Hwan Oh and Woo Kyoung Kim

Energies 2024, 17(10), 2258; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17102258 - 8 May 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1463

Abstract

Mixed-oxide transition-metal aerogels (AGLs), particularly manganese-based AGLs, have attracted considerable interest over the past decade owing to their extraordinary properties, including high porosity, good surface area, and ultralow density. To develop easy and lightweight materials for the ever-increasing energy storage demands of the [...] Read more.

Mixed-oxide transition-metal aerogels (AGLs), particularly manganese-based AGLs, have attracted considerable interest over the past decade owing to their extraordinary properties, including high porosity, good surface area, and ultralow density. To develop easy and lightweight materials for the ever-increasing energy storage demands of the near future, we designed a novel Mn-based electrode material to meet these rising requirements. MnO/Mn₂O₃ AGLs were synthesized using a novel borohydride hydrolysis method and then annealed at 200, 400, and 550 °C. The as-synthesized AGLs yielded flower-like network structures, but their porosity increased with increasing temperatures, to a high temperature of 400 °C. This increased porosity and network structure facilitate a high capacitance. A supercapacitor (SC) constructed with the three-electrode material yielded 230 F/g for the Mn_AGL@400 sample, followed by yields from the Mn_AGL@200 and Mn_AGL@550 electrodes. Furthermore, the device constructed with Mn_AGL@400 exhibited an energy density of 9.8 Wh/kg and a power density of ~16,500 W/kg at a current density of 20 A/g. The real-time applicability of the AGL was demonstrated by engineering a two-electrode device employing Mn_AGL@400 as the positive electrode, which exhibited 97% capacity retention and 109% Coulombic efficiency over 20,000 cycles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Energy Storage Materials/Devices and Solid-State Batteries)

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11 pages, 5790 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Chlorine-Rich Na_6−xPS_5−xCl_1+x: A Promising Sodium Solid Electrolyte for All-Solid-State Sodium Batteries

by Yi Zhang, Haoran Zheng, Jiale You, Hongyang Zhao, Abdul Jabbar Khan, Ling Gao and Guowei Zhao

Materials 2024, 17(9), 1980; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17091980 - 24 Apr 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2127

Abstract

Developing argyrodite-type, chlorine-rich, sodium-ion, solid-state electrolytes with high conductivity is a long-term challenge that is crucial for the advancement of all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs). In this study, chlorine-rich, argyrodite-type Na_6−xPS_5−xCl_1+x solid solutions were successfully developed with [...] Read more.

Developing argyrodite-type, chlorine-rich, sodium-ion, solid-state electrolytes with high conductivity is a long-term challenge that is crucial for the advancement of all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs). In this study, chlorine-rich, argyrodite-type Na_6−xPS_5−xCl_1+x solid solutions were successfully developed with a solid solution formation range of 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5. Na_5.5PS_4.5Cl_1.5 (x = 0.5), displaying a highest ionic conductivity of 1.2 × 10⁻³ S/cm at 25 °C, which is more than a hundred times higher than that of Na₆PS₅Cl. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results demonstrated that the rich chlorine significantly enhanced the ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability, in addition to causing a reduction in activation energy. The Na_5.5PS_4.5Cl_1.5 composite also showed the characteristics of a pure ionic conductor without electronic conductivity. Finally, the viability of Na_5.5PS_4.5Cl_1.5 as a sodium electrolyte for all-solid-state sodium batteries was checked in a lab-scale ASSB, showing stable battery performance. This study not only demonstrates new composites of sodium-ionic, solid-state electrolytes with relatively high conductivity but also provides an anion-modulation strategy to enhance the ionic conductivity of argyrodite-type sodium solid-state ionic conductors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Energy Storage Materials/Devices and Solid-State Batteries)

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20 pages, 4200 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

All-Solid-State Li-Metal Cell Using Nanocomposite TiO₂/Polymer Electrolyte and Self-Standing LiFePO₄ Cathode

by Asia Patriarchi, Hamideh Darjazi, Luca Minnetti, Leonardo Sbrascini, Giuseppe Antonio Elia, Vincenzo Castorani, Miguel Ángel Muñoz-Márquez and Francesco Nobili

Batteries 2024, 10(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries10010011 - 29 Dec 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3420

Abstract

Li-ion batteries (LIBs) represent the most sophisticated electrochemical energy storage technology. Nevertheless, they still suffer from safety issues and practical drawbacks related to the use of toxic and flammable liquid electrolytes. Thus, polymer-based solid electrolytes may be a suitable option to fulfill the [...] Read more.

Li-ion batteries (LIBs) represent the most sophisticated electrochemical energy storage technology. Nevertheless, they still suffer from safety issues and practical drawbacks related to the use of toxic and flammable liquid electrolytes. Thus, polymer-based solid electrolytes may be a suitable option to fulfill the safety and energy density requirements, even though the lack of high ionic conductivity at 25 °C (10⁻⁸–10⁻⁷ S cm⁻¹) hinders their performance. To overcome these drawbacks, herein, we present an all-solid-state Li-metal full cell based on a three-component solid poly(ethylene oxide)/lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide/titanium dioxide composite electrolyte that outclasses the conventional poly(ethylene oxide)-based solid electrolytes. Moreover, the cell features are enhanced by the combination of the solid electrolyte with a self-standing LiFePO₄ catholyte fabricated through an innovative, simple and easily scalable approach. The structural, morphological and compositional properties of this system are characterized, and the results show that the electrochemical performance of the solid composite electrolyte can be considerably improved by tuning the concentration and morphology of TiO₂. Additionally, tests performed with the self-standing LiFePO₄ catholyte underline a good cyclability of the system, thus confirming the beneficial effects provided by the novel manufacturing path used for the preparation of self-standing electrodes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Energy Storage Materials/Devices and Solid-State Batteries)

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12 pages, 2695 KiB  

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Percolation Behavior of a Sulfide Electrolyte–Carbon Additive Matrix for Composite Cathodes in All-Solid-State Batteries

by Elias Reisacher, Pinar Kaya and Volker Knoblauch

Batteries 2023, 9(12), 595; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries9120595 - 15 Dec 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3190

Abstract

To achieve high energy densities with sufficient cycling performance in all-solid-state batteries, the fraction of active material has to be maximized while maintaining ionic and electronic conduction throughout the composite cathode. It is well known that low-surface-area carbon additives added to the composite [...] Read more.

To achieve high energy densities with sufficient cycling performance in all-solid-state batteries, the fraction of active material has to be maximized while maintaining ionic and electronic conduction throughout the composite cathode. It is well known that low-surface-area carbon additives added to the composite cathode enhance the rate capability; however, at the same time, they can lead to rapid decomposition of the solid electrolyte in thiophosphate-based cells. Thus, the fraction of such conductive additives has to be well balanced. Within this study we determined the electronic percolation threshold of a conducting matrix consisting of Li₆PS₅Cl and C65. Furthermore, we systematically investigated the microstructure and effective conductivity (σ_eff) of the conducting matrix. The percolation threshold p_c was determined as ~4 wt.-% C65, and it is suggested that below p_c, the ionic contribution is dominant, which can be seen in temperature-dependent σ_eff and blocked charge transport at low frequencies. Above p_c, the impedance of the conducting matrix becomes frequency-independent, and the ohmic law applies. Thus, the conducting matrix in ASSB can be regarded as an electronic and ionic conducting phase between active material particles. Additionally, guidelines are provided to enable electronic conduction in the conducting matrix with minimal C65 content. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Energy Storage Materials/Devices and Solid-State Batteries)

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14 pages, 4900 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

A Sustainable Gel Polymer Electrolyte for Solid-State Electrochemical Devices

by Serena Tombolesi, Niccolò Zanieri, Luca Bargnesi, Martina Mernini, Giampaolo Lacarbonara and Catia Arbizzani

Polymers 2023, 15(14), 3087; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15143087 - 19 Jul 2023

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3746

Abstract

Nowadays, solid polymer electrolytes have attracted increasing attention for their wide electrochemical stability window, low cost, excellent processability, flexibility and low interfacial impedance. Specifically, gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) are attractive substitutes for liquid ones due to their high ionic conductivity (10⁻³–10 [...] Read more.

Nowadays, solid polymer electrolytes have attracted increasing attention for their wide electrochemical stability window, low cost, excellent processability, flexibility and low interfacial impedance. Specifically, gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) are attractive substitutes for liquid ones due to their high ionic conductivity (10⁻³–10⁻² S cm⁻¹) at room temperature and solid-like dimensional stability with excellent flexibility. These characteristics make GPEs promising materials for electrochemical device applications, i.e., high-energy-density rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors, electrochromic displays, sensors, and actuators. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the viability of a sustainable GPE, prepared without using organic solvents or ionic liquids and with a simplified preparation route, that can substitute aqueous electrolytes in electrochemical devices operating at low voltages (up to 2 V). A polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based GPE has been cast from an aqueous solution and characterized with physicochemical and electrochemical methods. Its electrochemical stability has been assessed with capacitive electrodes in a supercapacitor configuration, and its good ionic conductivity and stability in the atmosphere in terms of water loss have been demonstrated. The feasibility of GPE in an electrochemical sensor configuration with a mediator embedded in an insulating polymer matrix (ferrocene/polyvinylidene difluoride system) has also been reported. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Energy Storage Materials/Devices and Solid-State Batteries)

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14 pages, 3096 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Towards Determining an Engineering Stress-Strain Curve and Damage of the Cylindrical Lithium-Ion Battery Using the Cylindrical Indentation Test

by George Z. Voyiadjis, Edris Akbari, Bartosz Łuczak and Wojciech Sumelka

Batteries 2023, 9(4), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries9040233 - 18 Apr 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3066

Abstract

Mechanical internal short circuit (ISC) is one of the significant safety issues in lithium-ion battery design. As a result, it is possible to subject LIB cells to thorough mechanical abuse tests to determine when and why failure may occur. The indentation test is [...] Read more.

Mechanical internal short circuit (ISC) is one of the significant safety issues in lithium-ion battery design. As a result, it is possible to subject LIB cells to thorough mechanical abuse tests to determine when and why failure may occur. The indentation test is a recommended loading condition for evaluating mechanical damage and ISC. In this study, 18,650 cylindrical battery cells underwent indentation tests and a voltage reduction following the peak force identified by the ISC. Due to the complexity of the contact surface shape between two cylinders (LIB cell and indenter), a new phenomenological analytical model is proposed to measure the projected contact area, which the FEM model confirms. Moreover, the stress-strain curve and Young’s modulus reduction were calculated from the load-depth data. In contrast to previously published models, the model developed in this paper assumes anisotropic hyperelasticity (the transversely isotropic case) and predicts the growing load-carrying capacity (scalar damage), whose variation is regulated by the Caputo-Almeida fractional derivative. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Energy Storage Materials/Devices and Solid-State Batteries)

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