Carbon Energy

Abstract Polymer electrolytes (PEs) have been long recognized as the key materials to enable energy‐dense batteries and render flexible energy devices practically viable, owing to their chemical and mechanical reliability. However, much of their promise is yet to be realized. The room‐temperature ion conductivity of existing PEs still falls short of the implementation criterion of 10 −4 S cm −1 on the promise of acceptable mechanical properties, thereby precluding their practical application. The twin but inversely related duties of polymers, that is, functioning as both an ion‐conducting medium and a structural backbone, underlie this issue but are less elucidated systematically. The polyacrylate (PA) family is among promising polymer matrices on account of ester polarity, electrode compatibility, chemical tunability, and mechanical durability. The extensive applicability of PA in plasticized gels, dry solids, and emerging composites makes PA‐based PEs representative to illustrate the trade‐off between ion conduction and mechanical strength. We herein seek to outline the stated long‐standing conflict exemplified by PA‐based PEs, focusing on crucial strategies toward balancing and reconciling the two mutually exclusive properties, with the intention of offering designing guidelines for next‐generation PEs.

Guoli Lu

Yaojian Zhang

Jianjun Zhang

Xiaofan Du

Zhaolin Lv

Junzhe Du

Zhiming Zhao

Yue Tang

Jingwen Zhao

Guanglei Cui

Trade‐offs between ion‐conducting and mechanical properties: The case of polyacrylate electrolytes

Qi Liu

Rigan Xu

Daobin Mu

Guoqiang Tan

Hongcai Gao

Ning Li

Renjie Chen

Feng Wu

Progress in electrolyte and interface of hard carbon and graphite anode for sodium‐ion battery

Abstract The scarcity of wettability, insufficient active sites, and low surface area of graphite felt (GF) have long been suppressing the performance of vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs). Herein, an ultra‐homogeneous multiple‐dimensioned defect, including nano‐scale etching and atomic‐scale N, O co‐doping, was used to modify GF by the molten salt system. NH 4 Cl and KClO 3 were added simultaneously to the system to obtain porous N/O co‐doped electrode (GF/ON), where KClO 3 was used to ultra‐homogeneously etch, and O‐functionalize electrode, and NH 4 Cl was used as N dopant, respectively. GF/ON presents better electrochemical catalysis for VO 2+ /VO 2 + and V 3+ /V 2+ reactions than only O‐functionalized electrodes (GF/O) and GF. The enhanced electrochemical properties are attributed to an increase in active sites, surface area, and wettability, as well as the synergistic effect of N and O, which is also supported by the density functional theory calculations. Further, the cell using GF/ON shows higher discharge capacity, energy efficiency, and stability for cycling performance than the pristine cell at 140 mA cm −2 for 200 cycles. Moreover, the energy efficiency of the modified cell is increased by 9.7% from 55.2% for the pristine cell at 260 mA cm −2 . Such an ultra‐homogeneous etching with N and O co‐doping through “boiling” molten salt medium provides an effective and practical application potential way to prepare superior electrodes for VRFB.

Yingqiao Jiang

Yinhui Wang

Gang Cheng

Yuehua Li

Lei Dai

Jing Zhu

Wei Meng

Jingyu Xi

Ling Wang

Zhangxing He

Multiple‐dimensioned defect engineering for graphite felt electrode of vanadium redox flow battery

多维度缺陷工程用于钒流电池石墨毡电极

Abstract Worldwide trends in mobile electrification, largely driven by the popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) will skyrocket demands for lithium‐ion battery (LIB) production. As such, up to four million metric tons of LIB waste from EV battery packs could be generated from 2015 to 2040. LIB recycling directly addresses concerns over long‐term economic strains due to the uneven geographic distribution of resources (especially for Co and Li) and environmental issues associated with both landfilling and raw material extraction. However, LIB recycling infrastructure has not been widely adopted, and current facilities are mostly focused on Co recovery for economic gains. This incentive will decline due to shifting market trends from LiCoO 2 toward cobalt‐deficient and mixed‐metal cathodes (eg, LiNi 1/3 Mn 1/3 Co 1/3 O 2 ). Thus, this review covers recycling strategies to recover metals in mixed‐metal LIB cathodes and comingled scrap comprising different chemistries. As such, hydrometallurgical processes can meet this criterion, while also requiring a low environmental footprint and energy consumption compared to pyrometallurgy. Following pretreatment to separate the cathode from other battery components, the active material is dissolved entirely by reductive acid leaching. A complex leachate is generated, comprising cathode metals (Li + , Ni 2+ , Mn 2+ , and Co 2+ ) and impurities (Fe 3+ , Al 3+ , and Cu 2+ ) from the current collectors and battery casing, which can be separated and purified using a series of selective precipitation and/or solvent extraction steps. Alternatively, the cathode can be resynthesized directly from the leachate.

Tyler Or

Storm W. D. Gourley

Karthikeyan Kaliyappan

Aiping Yu

Zhongwei Chen

Recycling of mixed cathode lithium‐ion batteries for electric vehicles: Current status and future outlook

电动汽车混合 cathode 锂离子电池的回收：现状与未来展望

Abstract In the realm of sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), Mn‐based layered oxide cathodes have garnered considerable attention owing to their anionic redox reactions (ARRs). Compared to other types of popular sodium‐ion cathodes, Mn‐based layered oxide cathodes with ARRs exhibit outstanding specific capacity and energy density, making them promising for SIB applications. However, these cathodes still face some scientific challenges that need to be addressed. This review systematically summarizes the composition, structure, oxygen‐redox mechanism, and performance of various types of Mn‐based cathodes with ARRs, as well as the main scientific challenges they face, including sluggish ion diffusion, cationic migration, O 2 release, and element dissolution. Currently, to resolve these challenges, efforts mainly focus on six aspects: synthesis methods, structural design, doped modification, electrolyte design, and surface engineering. Finally, this review provides new insights for future direction, encompassing both fundamental research, such as novel cathode types, interface optimization, and interdisciplinary research, and considerations from an industrialization perspective, including scalability, stability, and safety.

Chao Zheng

Shengnan He

Jiantuo Gan

Zhijun Wu

Liaona She

Yong Gao

YaXiong Yang

Jiatao Lou

Zhijin Ju

Hongge Pan

Scientific challenges faced by Mn‐based layered oxide cathodes with anionic redox for sodium‐ion batteries

钠离子电池中基于阴离子氧化还原的锰基层状氧化物正极面临的科学挑战

Abstract Electrochemical nitrogen looping represents a promising carbon‐free and sustainable solution for the energy transition, in which electrochemical ammonia oxidation stays at the central position. However, the various nitrogen‐containing intermediates tend to poison and corrode the electrocatalysts, even the state‐of‐the‐art noble‐metal ones, which is worsened at a high applied potential. Herein, we present an ultrarapid laser quenching strategy for constructing a corrosion‐resistant and nanostructured CuNi alloy metallic glass electrocatalyst. In this material, single‐atom Cu species are firmly bonded with the surrounding Ni atoms, endowing exceptional resistance against ammonia corrosion relative of conventional CuNi alloys. Remarkably, a record‐high durability for over 300 h is achieved. Ultrarapid quenching also allows a much higher Cu content than typical single‐atom alloys, simultaneously yielding a high rate and selectivity for ammonia oxidation reaction (AOR). Consequently, an outstanding ammonia conversion rate of up to 95% is achieved with 91.8% selectivity toward nitrite after 8 h. Theoretical simulations reveal that the structural amorphization of CuNi alloy could effectively modify the electronic configuration and reaction pathway, generating stable single‐atom Cu active sites with low kinetic barriers for AOR. This ultrarapid laser quenching strategy thus provides a new avenue for constructing metallic glasses with well‐defined nanostructures, presenting feasible opportunities for performance enhancement for AOR and other electrocatalytic processes.

Yunrui Tian

Rui Chen

Xiaoqing Liu

Zixian Mao

Haotian Tan

De'an Yang

Feng Hou

Xiaoguang Liu

Lichang Yin

Xiao Yan

Ji Liang

Highly stabilized and selective ammonia electro‐oxidation over CuNi metallic glass nanoarray

铜镍金属玻璃纳米阵列上高度稳定且选择性的氨电氧化

Abstract Plasma, the fourth state of matter, is characterized by the presence of charged particles, including ions and electrons. It has been shown to induce unique physical and chemical reactions. Recently, there have been increased applications of plasma technology in the field of multiscale functional materials' preparation, with a number of interesting results. This review will begin by introducing the basic knowledge of plasma, including the definition, typical parameters, and classification of plasma setups. Following this, we will provide a comprehensive review and summary of the applications (phase conversion, doping, deposition, etching, exfoliation, and surface treatment) of plasma in common energy conversion and storage systems, such as electrocatalytic conversion of small molecules, batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors. This article summarizes the structure–performance relationships of electrochemical energy conversion and storage materials (ECSMs) that have been prepared or modified by plasma. It also provides an overview of the challenges and perspectives of plasma technology, which could lead to a new approach for designing and modifying electrode materials in ECSMs.

Chen Li

Tengfei Zhang

Zhong Qiu

Beirong Ye

Xinqi Liang

Xin Liu

Minghua Chen

Xinhui Xia

Chen Wang

Wangjun Wan

Yongqi Zhang

Plasma‐assisted fabrication of multiscale materials for electrochemical energy conversion and storage

等离子体辅助制备多尺度材料用于电化学能量转换与存储

Abstract Constructing silicon (Si)‐based composite electrodes that possess high energy density, long cycle life, and fast charging capability simultaneously is critical for the development of high performance lithium‐ion batteries for mitigating range anxiety and slow charging issues in new energy vehicles. Herein, a thick silicon/carbon composite electrode with vertically aligned channels in the thickness direction (VC‐SC) is constructed by employing a bubble formation method. Both experimental characterizations and theoretical simulations confirm that the obtained vertical channel structure can effectively address the problem of sluggish ion transport caused by high tortuosity in conventional thick electrodes, conspicuously enhance reaction kinetics, reduce polarization and side reactions, mitigate stress, increase the utilization of active materials, and promote cycling stability of the thick electrode. Consequently, when paired with LiNi 0.6 Co 0.2 Mn 0.2 O 2 (NCM622), the VC‐SC||NCM622 pouch type full cell (~6.0 mAh cm −2 ) exhibits significantly improved rate performance and capacity retention compared with the SC||NCM622 full cell with the conventional silicon/carbon composite electrode without channels (SC) as the anode. The assembled VC‐SC||NCM622 pouch full cell with a high energy density of 490.3 Wh kg −1 also reveals a remarkable fast charging capability at a high current density of 2.0 mA cm −2 , with a capacity retention of 72.0% after 500 cycles.

Wen Zhang

Zihan Zhang

Xinxin Wang

Wanming Li

Qin Chen

Wangting Zhong

Junhong Wei

Zihe Chen

Shuibin Tu

Xiancheng Wang

Yuchen Tan

Yun Zhang

Huiqiao Li

Yongming Sun

Huamin Zhou

Hui Yang

Vertical channels enable excellent lithium storage kinetics and cycling stability in silicon/carbon thick electrode

垂直通道使硅/碳厚电极具有优异的锂存储动力学和循环稳定性

Abstract Conventional monometallic sulfides are usually conversion or conversion‐alloying‐dominated anodes, while the sluggish kinetics and severe volume variation greatly hamper their electrochemical properties in sodium‐ion batteries. Herein, bimetallic sulfides (V s ‐ZnIn 2 S 4 ) are developed with S vacancies, which are verified via electron paramagnetic resonance. A possible reaction mechanism (intercalation–conversion–alloying) is proposed, which is characterized by in situ X‐ray diffraction. In addition, the small volume change during (de)sodiation of V s ‐ZnIn 2 S 4 is also observed by in situ transmission electron microscopy. The V s ‐ZnIn 2 S 4 anode shows ultrastable and superfast sodium storage performance, such as outstanding long‐term cycling durability at 10 A g −1 (349.6 mAh g −1 after 2000 cycles) and rate property at 80 A g −1 (222.7 mAh g −1 ). Moreover, the full cell [V s ‐ZnIn 2 S 4 //Na 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 /C] achieves an excellent property after 300 cycles (185.9 mAh g −1 ) at 5 A g −1 , showing significant potential for real‐world applications.

Yu Wang

He He Zhang

Zi Wen

Chang Ning Sun

Guo Yong Wang

Ming‐Sheng Wang

Chun Cheng Yang

Qing Jiang

ZnIn<sub>2</sub>S<sub>4</sub> with a hybrid reaction mechanism and sulfur vacancies for sustainable sodium storage

具有混合反应机制和硫空位的ZnIn₂S₄用于可持续钠存储

Abstract Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have many excellent properties that make them ideally suited for use in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). In this review, the recent research on applications of CNTs in LIBs, including their usage as freestanding anodes, conductive additives, and current collectors, are discussed. Challenges, strategies, and progress are analyzed by selecting typical examples. Particularly, when CNTs are used with relatively large mass fractions, the relevant interfacial electrochemistry in such a CNT‐based electrode, which dictates the quality of the resulting solid–electrolyte interface, becomes a concern. Hence, in this review the different lithium‐ion adsorption and insertion mechanisms inside and outside of CNTs are compared; the influence of not only CNT structural features (including their length, defect density, diameter, and wall thickness) but also the electrolyte composition on the solid–electrolyte interfacial reactions is analyzed in detail. Strategies to optimize the solid–solid interface between CNTs and the other solid components in various composite electrodes are also covered. By emphasizing the importance of such a structure–performance relationship, the merits and weaknesses of various applications of CNTs in various advanced LIBs are clarified.

Zhen Tong

Chao Lv

Guo‐Dong Bai

Zu‐Wei Yin

Yao Zhou

Jun‐Tao Li

A review on applications and challenges of carbon nanotubes in lithium‐ion battery

碳纳米管在锂离子电池中的应用与挑战综述

Abbreviation
Journal Impact	19.63
Quartiles(Global)	NANOSCIENCE & NANOTECHNOLOGY(Q1)

ISSN	2096-9570, 2637-9368
h-index	53

Publication Information	Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc.，Publishing cycle: ，Journal Type: journal，Open Access Journals: No
Basic data	Year of publication: 2019，Proportion of original research papers: ，Self Citation Rate:， Gold OA Rate:

Carbon Energy

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Trade‐offs between ion‐conducting and mechanical properties: The case of polyacrylate electrolytes

Progress in electrolyte and interface of hard carbon and graphite anode for sodium‐ion battery

Multiple‐dimensioned defect engineering for graphite felt electrode of vanadium redox flow battery

Recycling of mixed cathode lithium‐ion batteries for electric vehicles: Current status and future outlook

Scientific challenges faced by Mn‐based layered oxide cathodes with anionic redox for sodium‐ion batteries

Highly stabilized and selective ammonia electro‐oxidation over CuNi metallic glass nanoarray

Plasma‐assisted fabrication of multiscale materials for electrochemical energy conversion and storage

Vertical channels enable excellent lithium storage kinetics and cycling stability in silicon/carbon thick electrode

ZnIn₂S₄ with a hybrid reaction mechanism and sulfur vacancies for sustainable sodium storage

A review on applications and challenges of carbon nanotubes in lithium‐ion battery

Carbon Energy

Journal Citation Format

A journal article with 1 author

A journal article with 2 authors

A journal article with 3 authors

A journal article with 5 or more authors

Books Citation Format

Thesis Citation Format

Web sites Citation Format

Patent Citation Format

Staying up late manually editing references? ivySCI automatically matches journals and helps you generate references with a single click.

Share Submission Experience

Trade‐offs between ion‐conducting and mechanical properties: The case of polyacrylate electrolytes

Progress in electrolyte and interface of hard carbon and graphite anode for sodium‐ion battery

Multiple‐dimensioned defect engineering for graphite felt electrode of vanadium redox flow battery

Recycling of mixed cathode lithium‐ion batteries for electric vehicles: Current status and future outlook

Scientific challenges faced by Mn‐based layered oxide cathodes with anionic redox for sodium‐ion batteries

Highly stabilized and selective ammonia electro‐oxidation over CuNi metallic glass nanoarray

Plasma‐assisted fabrication of multiscale materials for electrochemical energy conversion and storage

Vertical channels enable excellent lithium storage kinetics and cycling stability in silicon/carbon thick electrode

ZnIn2S4 with a hybrid reaction mechanism and sulfur vacancies for sustainable sodium storage

A review on applications and challenges of carbon nanotubes in lithium‐ion battery

ZnIn₂S₄ with a hybrid reaction mechanism and sulfur vacancies for sustainable sodium storage