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At least 1,549 records · Page 86

Aqueous solution-based synthesis approach for carbon-disordered rocksalt composite cathode development and its limitations

Disordered rocksalt cathodes exhibit high specific capacities and high energy density; however, their low electronic conductivity poses a great challenge. Herein, we explored an aqueous-solution-based synthesis route that involves controlling the surface charges of Li 1.2 Mn 0.6 Ti 0.2 O 1.8 F 0.2 (LMTOF) to be anchored by a few-layer reduced graphene oxide (rGO) for the first time. The uniform rGO wrapping on the surface of the LMTOF particles is achieved by electrostatic attraction between the negatively charged rGO and positively charged LMTOF particles. Although the initial specific capacity of rGO-LMTOF composite increased by 58 % compared to the pristine LMTOF, the composite experienced a severe capacity fade over cycling. The synthesis process in an aqueous medium resulted in Li + /H + exchange and TM dissolution as evidenced from inductively coupled plasmon analysis and X-ray diffraction analysis. Therefore, this work suggests the search for alternative media or conditions for the synthesis of carbon-disordered rock salt cathode composite.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

An ant-nest-like cathode substrate for lithium-sulfur batteries with practical cell fabrication parameters

We report that electrochemical performances of lithium-sulfur batteries have received much progress in recent years. However, their practical deployment encounters challenges with respect to optimizing the cell-fabrication parameters (e.g., amounts of the active material and electrolyte). We present here an “ant-nest-like” cathode substrate with unique architecture to synchronously attain high electrochemical performance and necessary cell-fabrication parameters. The cells with a high sulfur loading (11.5 mg cm -2 ), a high sulfur content (75 wt.%), and a low electrolyte/sulfur ratio (9 μL mg -1 ) display a high areal capacity and energy density of, respectively, 7 mA h cm -2 and 14 mW h cm -2 with a capacity retention of 70% after 150 cycles. Moreover, the cells exhibit a low self-discharge behavior with a low self-discharge constant of 0.0013 per day and a long rest period of one month. Lastly, these dynamic and static electrochemical stabilities are attributed to the ant-nest-like structure and low surface area of the cathode substrate that allows, respectively, the accommodation and encapsulation of a high amount of active material and reduces the consumption of electrolyte.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Cathode electrolyte interface enabling stable Li–S batteries

A high-concentration, ether-based electrolyte with LiTFSI and LiNO 3 as the co-salts is proposed, which enables stable cycling of a lithium metal battery using sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) as the cathode material. In addition to providing excellent protection for lithium metal anodes by forming the solid electrolyte interface (SEI), the electrolyte promotes the formation of a crystalline cathode electrolyte interface (CEI) on the SPAN surface composed of LiF and LiNO 2 . The CEI effectively prevents the formation of soluble polysulfide species and enables stable cycling of the Li-SPAN battery. The benefit of having effective CEI and SEI layers is also demonstrated in Li-SPAN cells with limited lithium supply, which exhibit lithium cycling efficiency values consistent with or exceeding Li/Cu test results, reaching 99.5%. In conclusion, the development of electrolyte chemistries to enable the formation of effective CEI layers is a promising approach to long-life lithium metal batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Sodium storage property and mechanism of NaCr 1/4 Fe 1/4 Ni 1/4 Ti 1/4 O 2 cathode at various cut-off voltages

Room-temperature sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have attracted extensive interest in large-scale energy storage applications for renewable energy and smart grid, owing to abundant sodium resources and low cost. O3-layered sodium transition metal oxides (i.e., NaMO 2 , M = Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, etc.) are considered as a promising class of cathode materials for SIBs due to their high capacity and ease of synthesis. Here, a quaternary layered material O3–NaCr 1/4 Fe 1/4 Ni 1/4 Ti 1/4 O 2 (O3-NCFNT) is successfully synthesized and investigated as a new cathode material for SIBs. Within the voltage range of 1.5–4.1 V, O3-NCFNT delivers an ultrahigh charge capacity of 213 mA h g –1 but a limited discharge capacity of 107 mA h g –1 in the initial cycle. Ex situ X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption spectroscopy results reveal that an irreversible phase transformation as well as the irreversible redox of Cr 3+ /Cr 6+ within the voltage range of 1.5–4.1 V should be responsible for the capacity decay in the initial cycle. At the same time, O3-NCFNT exhibits the initial charge/discharge capacities of 135.4 and 129.2 mA h g –1 with a high coulombic efficiency of 95.4% as well as good cyclic performance within the voltage range of 1.5–3.4 V at current rate of 0.1C. Especially, O3-NCFNT shows a capacity retention of 77.1% after 300 cycles at a high rate of 1C, indicating that the structural origins of capacity decay caused by excessive sodium extraction are confirmed by XRD and XAS measurements to unlock the potential of this material for sodium-ion battery application.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Boosting energy efficiency of Li-rich layered oxide cathodes by tuning oxygen redox kinetics and reversibility

In developing electrode materials for next-generation Li-ion batteries, significant efforts have been given to the energy, power density and cycling stability, with much less (if any) attention paid to the energy efficiency – arguably, the most important practical measure for large-scale applications. This is particularly true for the oxygen-redox active electrodes, such as Li 1.2 Ni 0.13 Co 0.13 Mn 0.54 O 2 , the notorious energy-inefficient cathode that has an extremely high capacity but comes with large voltage hysteresis and voltage decay. Herein, we report the rational design of an energy-efficient Li-rich layered cathode along with high energy, power density and cycling stability enabled by tuning oxygen redox activity. Specifically, the target material Li 1.12 Ni 0.22 Co 0.13 Mn 0.52 O 2 exhibits an ultrahigh energy efficiency at 1 C (90.6%), high capacity (> 200 mAh g -1 ) with 98.9% retention and less than 150 mV decay at the extended 200 cycles. Overall, through direct comparison between the material and Li 1.2 Ni 0.13 Co 0.13 Mn 0.54 O 2 , we show that the compositional change, although slightly, greatly improves the oxygen redox kinetics and reversibility, thereby boosts energy efficiency. The findings offer a strategy to narrow the gap between scientific interest and practical application of oxygen-redox chemistry.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Constructing O2/O3 homogeneous hybrid stabilizes Li-rich layered cathodes

With the advantages of high energy density and low manufacture cost, lithium-rich layered oxides (LLOs), typically with a layered O3-type structure, are regarded as promising cathodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), but their broad usages are hindered by severe voltage decay over cycling. Although recent progress in O2-type LLOs has aroused interest for their less voltage decay, the critical barrier of unsatisfactory capacity retention has not been overcome yet. In this work, to tackle these handicaps, we design a new type of LLO (O2/O3-type LLO) with a homogeneous hybrid structure, where the O2 and O3 lattice stacking sequences are arranged alternatively. Benefitting from this novel O2/O3 hybrid structure, the designed material shows greatly improved voltage and capacity stability than that of pure O2- and O3-type LLOs. Revealed by in-situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction and operando differential electrochemical mass spectra, the O2/O3-hybrid LLO cathode shows a more reversible structural evolution, smaller volume change and suppressed oxygen loss during the electrochemical processes. Our approach has initiated a new way to reduce the capacity and voltage decay of LLOs, which endows great promise to the development of high-energy-density LIBs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Cross-scale modeling and experimental integration for advancing cathode electrolyte interphase studies in high energy density lithium-ion batteries

Electrochemical interfaces are critical to the performance and durability of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The solid electrode-electrolyte interphase (SEI and CEI) structures that form during cycling can passivate reactive surfaces, ensuring safe operation, but also may contribute to performance degradation. Understanding the microscopic factors influencing interphase formation, growth, and evolution is essential for balanced battery design. While significant research has focused on the anode-electrolyte interphase (SEI), the cathode-electrolyte interphase (CEI) remains less explored, despite its importance in high-voltage and advanced battery technologies. Challenges in conducting in-situ or operando experiments arise from the occluded nature of these interfaces and the long timescales involved, often leading to biased interpretations. A validated multi-scale, multi-physics modeling approach, integrated with advanced characterization techniques, can effectively elucidate the intrinsic stability of electrolyte and cathode surfaces, the impact of chemical heterogeneity, and the role of microstructural features on CEI performance. In conclusion, this article reviews current modeling and simulation strategies for studying CEI in advanced LIBs and highlights opportunities for future methodological advancements and experimental integration.

Cathode-electrolyte interphase↗

Cobalt-free and high-rate stable 5V lithium nickel manganese oxide spinel cathodes enabled via surface oxygen vacancies

Spinel LiNi 0.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 offers both the high-rate, low-cost and safety advantages of LiFePO 4 and the high energy density of LiNiₓMnᵧCo₁₋ₓ₋ᵧO₂ and LiNiₓCoᵧAlzO₂ cathodes. However, the large operating voltage of these materials induces electrolyte oxidation, which degrades the interface and drives Mn dissolution. These reactions are further exacerbated at high rates due to temperature rise. In this study, we discover that ammoniacal treatment followed by annealing introduces a high density of oxygen vacancies in the “near-surface region” of LiNi 0.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 particles. These vacancies release electrons changing the oxidation state of Mn and suppressing its tendency to oxidize the electrolyte. Further, these vacancies enhance the electrode’s electronic conductivity (by ∼3-fold) and Li + diffusivity (by ∼2-fold) greatly improving charge transport, especially when operated at high rates. This results in an across-the-board improvement in self-discharge, specific capacity, energy density, rate capability, coulombic efficiency and cycling stability. When cycled at ∼200 mA g −1 , the capacity fade averaged over 3000 cycles for the surface vacancy-enriched material is ∼0.0167% per cycle compared to an order of magnitude higher fade rate for the baseline material. In conclusion, these findings reveal the potential of targeted surface oxygen vacancy doping to develop cobalt-free and high energy density cathodes that tolerate fast charging and deliver improved cycle life.

Cobalt-free cathodes↗

Influence of electronic transport on electrochemical performance of (Cu,Mn) 3 O 4 solid oxide fuel cell cathodes

Alkaline Earth free spinel oxides provide a potential benefit over Sr-doped perovskite-based materials commonly used as electrodes in high-temperature electrochemical energy conversion devices, e.g., solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Sr-segregation is a known issue leading to performance degradation. In this study, Cu x Mn 3-x O 4 (x = 1, 1.2, and 1.5) porous electrodes were examined as SOFC cathodes using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to investigate the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics in relation to the material's intrinsic conductivity, the extrinsic electrode structure, and the cell test design. Similar to the electronic conducting (La,Sr)MnO 3 SOFC cathodes, the ORR kinetics of Cu x Mn 3-x O 4 spinel electrodes was governed by the oxygen adsorption and diffusion at the particle surface as well as the charge transfer at the triple phase boundaries. The overall electrode polarization resistance was highly dependent on contact density with the metallic current collector, active material particle connectivity, electrode thickness, and the intrinsic electronic materials conductivity. Here, we describe the importance of effective electronic charge transport parallel to the electrode surface in maximizing the electrochemically active electrode volume and enhancing electrode performance. We discuss an approach to optimize cell and electrode design with respect to active materials properties. This aspect is critical to ensure reliable evaluation of new materials, since laboratory-scale button-cells typically exhibit a high degree of electrode microstructure (e.g. porosity, thickness) and electrical contact density variation from sample to sample.

(Cu,Mn)3O4↗

Revisiting the capacity-fading mechanism of P2-type sodium layered oxide cathode materials during high-voltage cycling

We report P2-type sodium layered oxide cathode (Na 2/3 Ni 1/3 Mn 2/3 O 2 , P2-NNMO) has attracted great attention as a promising cathode material for sodium ion batteries because of its high specific capacity. However, this material suffers from a rapid capacity fade during high-voltage cycling. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the capacity fade, including intragranular fracture caused by the P2-O2 phase transion, surface structural change, and irreversible lattice oxygen release. Here we systematically investigated the morphological, structural, and chemical changes of P2-NNMO during high-voltage cycling using a variety of characterization techniques. It was found that the lattice distortion and crystal-plane buckling induced by the P2-O2 phase transition slowed down the Na-ion transport in the bulk and hindered the extraction of the Na ions. The sluggish kinetics was the main reason in reducing the accessible capacity while other interfacial degradation mechanisms played minor roles. Our results not only enabled a more complete understanding of the capacity-fading mechanism of P2-NNMO but also revealed the underlying correlations between lattice doping and the moderately improved cycle performance.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Prospects for spinel-stabilized, high-capacity lithium-ion battery cathodes

Herein we report early results on efforts to optimize the electrochemical performance of a cathode composed of a lithium- and manganese-rich “layered-layered-spinel” material for lithium-ion battery applications. Pre-pilot scale synthesis leads to improved particle properties compared with lab-scale efforts, resulting in high capacities (≳200 mAh/g) and good energy densities (>700 Wh/kg) in tests with lithium-ion cells. Subsequent surface modifications give further improvements in rate capabilities and high-voltage stability. These results bode well for advances in the performance of this class of lithium- and manganese-rich cathode materials.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Structural characterization of layered Na 0.5 Co 0.5 Mn 0.5 O 2 material as a promising cathode for sodium-ion batteries

Layered Na0.5Co0.5Mn0.5O2 material is synthesized through a facile mixed hydroxy-carbonate route using (Co0.5Mn0.5)2(OH)2CO3 precursor and well characterized as a hexagonal layered structure under P63/mmc space group. The lattice parameters and unit cell volume (a ¼ 2.8363 Å, c ¼ 11.3152 Å and V ¼ 78.83 Å3 ) are calculated by Rietveld refinement analysis. A flaky-bundle morphology is obtained to the layered Na0.5Co0.5Mn0.5O2 material with the hexagonal flake size ~30 nm. Advanced transmission electron microscopic images are revealed the local structure of the layered Na0.5Co0.5Mn0.5O2 material with contrasting bright dots and faint dark dots corresponding to the Co/Mn and Na atoms. Two oxidation and reduction peaks are occurred in a cyclic voltammetric analysis corresponding to Co3þ/Co4þ and Mn3þ/Mn4þ redox processes. These reversible processes are attributed to the intercalation/de-intercalation of Naþ ions into the host structure of layered Na0.5Co0.5Mn0.5O2 material. Accordingly, the sodium cell is delivered the initial charge-discharge capacity 53/144 mAh g1 at 0.5 C, which cycling studies are extended to rate capability test at 1 C, 3 C and 5C. Eventually, the Na-ion full-cell is yielded cathode charge-discharge capacity 55/52 mAh g1 at 0.212 mA and exhibited as a high voltage cathode for Na-ion batteries.

Cathode performance↗

Enhanced mechanical strength and electrochemical performance of core–shell structured high–nickel cathode material

Improving capacity retention during cycling and the thermal–abuse tolerance of layered high–nickel cathode material, LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 (NMC811), is a significant challenge. In this work, a series of core–shell structured cathode materials with the overall composition of LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 was prepared via a coprecipitation method in which the nickel–rich composition (LiNi 0.9 Mn 0.05 Co 0.05 O 2 ) is the core and the manganese–rich composition (LiNi 0.33 Mn 0.33 Co 0.33 O 2 ) is the shell. In terms of achieving a higher nickel content (more than 80%) of heterogeneous material, this core–shell structured material is a more practical approach because it has a larger nickel–rich core region and a thicker manganese–rich shell than the full–concentration gradient material, not to mention being more feasible for continuous mass production. Analysis of mechanical strength through nanoindentation shows that the core–shell structured NMC811 has higher stiffness and compressive stress–strain than the commercial homogeneous NMC811 and retains the mechanical strength and the binding force strong enough to prevent crack formation even after 200 cycles. The prepared core–shell structure NMC811 exhibits a greatly improved capacity retention of 76.6% compared to the commercial homogeneous NMC811 with a capacity retention of 39.6% after 200 cycles. This material also exhibits significantly improved thermal stability over the commercial homogeneous NMC811.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Efficient synthesis of high-sulfur-content cathodes for high-performance Li–S batteries based on solvothermal polysulfide chemistry

A novel solvothermal polysulfide (PS) chemistry enables a facile and highly efficient process for synthesizing sulfur-carbon (S–C) composite powders containing up to 90 wt% S for high-performance Li–S batteries. Molecular dynamics calculations and experimental analyses reveal the formation of PSs upon dissolution of elemental S in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) at elevated temperatures and efficient infiltration of the PSs into the carbon host driven by the strong coupling with the C surfaces. The coupling enables extensive contact between S and C in the composite, leading to promising electrochemical properties for Li–S battery applications. In the power-type configuration, the composite cathodes having medium-to-high S contents (55 and 75%) demonstrate stable capacity at high current densities up to 100C (1C = 1670 mA g -1 -S) and no capacity fade up to 1000 cycles at 2C. In the energy-type configuration, a high-S-content and high-loading (90%-S, 4.2 mAh cm -2 ) cathode shows a specific capacity of 1440 mAh g -1 (86% S utilization) and 90% capacity retention after 300 cycles. This synthesis method enables significant advancement in realizing large-scale applications of Li–S batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Electrochemical cleaning: An in-Situ method to reverse chromium poisoning in solid oxide fuel cell cathodes

Chromium poisoning is one of the primary factors that affect solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) durability. In this study, an electrochemical cleaning method has been employed to reverse the effects of chromium poisoning. Two cells were fabricated and poisoned under identical conditions by operating them at 800°C in the presence of a Cr source. Both poisoned cells exhibited a significant reduction in maximum power density and an increase in polarization resistance. One of the poisoned cells, designated as the baseline cell, was cooled to room temperature after poisoning. Microstructural observation of the baseline cell showed significant contamination of the cathode active layer by chromium oxide and (Cr,Mn) spinel deposits. The other poisoned cell was electrochemically cleaned for two hours under a mild electrolytic condition. As a result of the electrochemical cleaning process, the chromium oxide deposits were substantially removed leading to a significant reduction of Cr concentration in the cathode, especially at the cathode/electrolyte interface. Furthermore, a substantial fraction of the cell performance loss was also reversed. To the best of our knowledge, this is a first demonstration of reversing the effects of chromium poisoning using a rapid in-situ process.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗

Using nickel-molybdenum cathode catalysts for efficient hydrogen gas production in microbial electrolysis cells

A low-cost cathode catalyst based on a NiMo alloy was examined here to replace noble metals for the hydrogen production in microbial electrolysis cells (MECs). Two NiMo catalysts were synthesized through either an electrochemical assisted (NiMo Elec) or a hydrothermal (NiMo Ht) approach. The NiMo Ht method enriched the electrocatalyst with Mo atoms compared to the NiMo Elec approach, producing a similar current density with a minimal overpotential of 50mV compared to Pt. Further, in MEC tests using the NiMo Ht catalyst, H 2 was generated at a highest rate of 81±3 L H2 /L-d (current density of 44.4 ± 0.9 A/m 2 ) at a cell voltage of -0.86 V, and a Coulombic efficiency of >97%. Modifying the closely stacked MEC design to include a reference electrode, and analysis of the electrode potentials using the electrode potential slope method, revealed a large contribution of the cathode resistance (5.3±0.5mΩm 2 ) compared to the anode (1.4±0.2mΩm 2 ) and ohmic resistance (0.83mΩm 2 ) for a total internal resistance of 7.6±0.5mΩm 2 . The high performance of the NiMo Ht catalyst coupled with its low cost provides an economically viable approach to advance the generation of biohydrogen in MECs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Synthesis and characterization of La{sub 0.6}Sr{sub 0.4}Fe{sub 0.8}Cu{sub 0.2}O{sub 3−δ} oxide as cathode for Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Nanocrystalline La{sub 0.6}Sr{sub 0.4}Fe{sub 0.8}Cu{sub 0.2}O{sub 3−δ} (LSFCu) material was synthetized by combustion method using EDTA as fuel/chelating agent and NH{sub 4}NO{sub 3} as combustion promoter. Structural characterization using thermodiffraction data allowed to determine a reversible phase transition at 425 °C from a low temperature R-3c phase to a high temperature Pm-3m phase and to calculate the thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) of both phases. Important characteristics for cathode application as electronic conductivity and chemical compatibility with Ce{sub 0.9}Gd{sub 0.1}O{sub 2−δ} (CGO) electrolyte were evaluated. LSFCu presented a p-type conductor behavior with maximum conductivity of 135 S cm{sup −1} at 275 °C and showed a good stability with CGO electrolyte at high temperatures. This work confirmed that as prepared LSFCu has excellent microstructural characteristics and an electrical conductivity between 100 and 60 S cm{sup −1} in the 500–700 °C range which is sufficiently high to work as intermediate temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (IT-SOFCs) cathode. However a change in the thermal expansion coefficient consistent with a small oxygen loss process may affect the electrode-electrolyte interface during fabrication and operation of a SOFC. - Graphical abstract: Nanocrystalline La{sub 0.6}Sr{sub 0.4}Fe{sub 0.8}Cu{sub 0.2}O{sub 3−δ} was prepared by gel combustion and characterized by X-ray thermodiffraction and its conductivity was determined. The phase shows a reversible rhombohedral to cubic structural phase transition at 425 °C and a semiconductor to metallic phase transition at 275 °C. - Highlights: • LSFCu was prepared by gel combustion route using EDTA and NH{sub 4}NO{sub 3}. • LSFCu shows a reversible phase transition at 425 °C from R-3c to Pm-3m phase. • The sample has a maximum conductivity value of 135 S cm{sup −1} at 275 °C. • LSFCu shows a good chemical compatibility with CGO at 900 °C.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Cr{sub 2}O{sub 5} as new cathode for rechargeable sodium ion batteries

Chromium oxide, Cr{sub 2}O{sub 5}, was synthesized by pyrolyzing CrO{sub 3} at 350 °C and employed as a new cathode in rechargeable sodium ion batteries. Cr{sub 2}O{sub 5}/Na rechargeable batteries delivered high specific capacities up to 310 mAh/g at a current density of C/16 (or 20 mA/g). High-resolution solid-state {sup 23}Na NMR both qualitatively and quantitatively revealed the reversible intercalation of Na ions into the bulk electrode and participation of Na ions in the formation of the solid-electrolyte interphase largely at low potentials. Amorphization of the electrode structure occurred during the first discharge revealed by both NMR and X-ray diffraction data. CrO{sub 3}-catalyzed electrolyte degradation and loss in electronic conductivity led to gradual capacity fading. The specific capacity stabilized at >120 mAh/g after 50 charge-discharge cycles. Further improvement in electrochemical performance is possible via electrode surface modification, polymer binder incorporation, or designs of new morphologies. - Graphical abstract: Electrochemical profile of a Cr{sub 2}O{sub 5}/Na battery cell and high-resolution solid-state {sup 23}Na MAS NMR spectrum of a Cr{sub 2}O{sub 5} electrode discharged to 2 V. - Highlights: • Cr{sub 2}O{sub 5} was synthesized and used as a new cathode in rechargeable Na ion batteries. • A high capacity of 310 mAh/g and an energy density of 564 Wh/kg were achieved. • High-resolution solid-state {sup 23}Na NMR was employed to follow the reaction mechanisms.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗