In recent years, researchers have increasingly sought batteries as an efficient and cost-effective solution for energy storage and supply, owing to their high energy density, low cost, and environmental resilience. However, the issue of dendrite growth has emerged as a significant obstacle in battery development. Excessive dendrite growth during charging and discharging processes can lead to battery short-circuiting, degradation of electrochemical performance, reduced cycle life, and abnormal exothermic events. Consequently, understanding the dendrite growth process has become a key challenge for researchers. In this study, we investigated dendrite growth mechanisms in batteries using a combined machine learning approach, specifically a two-dimensional artificial convolutional neural network (CNN) model, along with computational methods. We developed two distinct computer models to predict dendrite growth in batteries. The CNN-1 model employs standard CNN techniques for dendritic growth prediction, while CNN-2 integrates additional physical parameters to enhance model robustness. Our results demonstrate that CNN-2 significantly enhances prediction accuracy, offering deeper insights into the impact of physical factors on dendritic growth. This improved model effectively captures the dynamic nature of dendrite formation, exhibiting high accuracy and sensitivity. These findings contribute to the advancement of safer and more reliable energy storage systems.

Aluminum-based aqueous batteries are considered one of the most promising candidates for the upcoming generation energy storage systems owing to their high mass and volume-specific capacity, high stability, and abundant reserves of Al. But the side reactions of self-corrosion and passive film severely impede the advancement of aluminum batteries. Besides, the ideal matched electrolyte system and cathode working mechanism still need to be explored. Herein, a high specific energy aqueous aluminum-manganese battery is constructed by interfacial modified aluminum anode, high concentration electrolyte and layered manganese dioxide cathode. At the anode, in addition to boosting the wettability of the interface between the electrolyte and aluminum electrode, the altered surface of aluminum anode can also retard side reactions. At the same time, high concentration electrolyte (5 mol L⁻¹ Al(OTF)₃) with a broad electrochemical window allows the battery system to attain a specific capacity of 452 mAh g⁻¹ at 50 mA g⁻¹ and an energy density of 542 Wh kg⁻¹, with greatly increased cycle stability. At the cathode, the mechanism investigation reveals that δ-MnO₂ is reduced to soluble Mn²⁺ during the first cycle discharge, whereas Al_xMn_(1−x)O₂ generates during the charging process, acting as a highly reversible active material in the succeeding cycle. This comprehensive study paves the way for the development of aluminum-based energy storage devices.

MXene materials exhibit outstanding pseudocapacitive performance, holding great potential for application in zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitors (Zn-HSCs). Exploring the effect of the surface terminal regulation on the performance of MXene is crucial yet challenging. In this study, the phosphorus-terminal groups (P─C and P─O) with a P concentration of 2.71 at% are successfully tailored and interlayer spacing is enhanced during the ultraviolet light irradiation process of Ti₃C₂T_x MXene, which is the first report of photoinduced P-doped MXene modification. Density functional theory calculations show that P doping is more likely to be adsorbed by ─O groups than to replace Ti vacancy, and the stability of the MXene electrode can be improved by the introduction of a phosphorus terminal. The resulting P-doped Ti₃C₂T_x MXene shows a significant increased pseudocapacitance performance, achieving superior results compared with traditional resistance furnace heating methods. The specific capacitance achieves 500.5 F g⁻¹, due to the ─P functional group and Ti atom double reoxidation sites. Furthermore, a Zn-HSC device of P-doped Ti₃C₂T_x exhibits a specific capacitance of 207.4 F g⁻¹ and energy densities of 56.5 Wh kg⁻¹. This study also provides valuable insights and a reference for the realization of phosphorus doping in other MXene materials.

Cobalt nickel sulfide (Ni-Co-S), a typical bimetallic sulfide, is regarded as a promising electrode material for supercapacitors (SCs). In this study, the electrodeposition process is employed to grow vertically aligned Ni-Co-S nanosheets on a carbon film (CF) substrate derived from cotton fabrics. The conductive and porous CF film not only ensures the uniform distribution of Ni-Co-S nanosheets but also offers an efficient pathway for the transportation of electrons and electrolyte ions. The Ni-Co-S nanosheet arrays, characterized by their small thickness and open pores, facilitate to provide a rapid diffusion path for electrolyte ions and expose sufficient active surfaces for charge storage. The synergistic effect resulting from the rational combination of Ni-Co-S nanosheets and the CF film substrate endows the film electrode with a high areal capacitance of 1800 mF cm⁻² at 2 mV s⁻¹ and remarkable mechanical flexibility. Furthermore, when an all-solid-state asymmetric SC device is assembled, a high energy density of 324.1 mWh cm⁻² is achieved at a power density of 2252.4 mW cm⁻².

Photo-galvanic cells operate through photo-induced processes occurring in the electrolyte. Reported work has focused mainly on the electrochemical properties of complete electrolyte without any insight of the necessity of complete electrolyte and contribution of thermal processes and individual electrolyte components towards the electrical output. Therefore, in present research, the electrochemical properties of complete electrolyte and its individual chemical components (Amido black 10 B, Iso-amyl alcohol, H₃PO₄, KOH) have been investigated. It is observed that each chemical individually has some inherent electrical properties (zero or non-zero potential/current) due to thermal processes. Photo-illuminated complete electrolyte shows 13,750 μA current and 855 mV potential as a result of photogalvanics. In illuminated conditions, the role of thermal process in current/potential generation of about maximum possible 3715 μA/347 mV cannot be denied. Therefore, the rest current/potential generation, i.e., ~10,000 μA/500 mV may be attributed to photo-induced processes in the complete electrolyte. Thus, on the basis of these observations, it may be concluded that the reductant or sensitizer or alkali or surfactant individually shows only thermal-induced potential and current. But, the complete electrolyte is able to show photogalvanics (i.e., conversion of solar energy into electrical energy) in the presence of the sunlight. In photogalvanics, the obtained current and potential may be attributed to combined effect of thermal and photo-processes. Hence, it may be concluded that use of complete electrolyte in photo-galvanic cells is a necessary condition for harvesting solar energy commercially through photogalvanics. Photogalvanic cells based on complete electrolyte only may be of industrial relevance.

This paper introduces an advanced framework to enhance power system flexibility through AI-driven dynamic load management and renewable energy integration. Leveraging a transformer-based predictive model and MATPOWER simulations on the IEEE 14-bus system, the study achieves significant improvements in system efficiency and stability. Key contributions include a 44% reduction in total power losses, enhanced voltage stability validated through the Fast Voltage Stability Index (FVSI), and optimized renewable energy utilization. Comparative analyses demonstrate the superiority of AI-based approaches over traditional models such as ARIMA, with the transformer model achieving significantly lower forecasting errors. The proposed methodology highlights the transformative potential of AI in addressing the challenges of modern power grids, paving the way for more resilient, efficient, and sustainable energy systems.

Aqueous rechargeable zinc-iodine (Zn-I₂) batteries have emerged as a promising energy storage solution, offering benefits such as affordability, high energy density, and enhanced safety. However, challenges like the thermodynamic instability of the iodine cathode and undesirable interfacial reactions at the zinc anode lead to issues such as slow redox kinetics, multiple iodide shuttles, and zinc dendrites. This paper reviews the basic working principles of Zn-I₂ batteries, describes the scientific problems within the iodine conversion and zinc stripping-plating processes, and details specific strategies to solve the Zn-I₂ battery problems with a focus on the electrolyte optimization. In view of the fact that aqueous Zn-I₂ batteries are still in their infancy, the review aims to provide insights for optimizing their design and advancing their real-world applications.

Although lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have found an unprecedented place among portable electronic devices owing to their attractive properties such as high energy density, single cell voltage, long shelf-life, etc., their application in electric vehicles still requires further improvements in terms of power density, better safety, and fast-charging ability (i.e., 15 min charging) for long driving range. The challenges of fast charging of LIBs have limitations such as low lithium-ion transport in the bulk and solid electrode/electrolyte interfaces, which are mainly influenced by the ionic conductivity of the electrolyte. Therefore, electrolyte engineering plays a key role in enhancing the fast-charging capability of LIBs. Here, we synthesize a novel propionic acid-based viologen that contains a 4,4′-bipyridinium unit and a terminal carboxylic acid group with positive charges that confine PF₆^‒ anions and accelerate the migration of lithium ions due to electrostatic repulsion, thus increasing the overall rate capability. The LiFePO₄/Li cells with 0.25% of viologen added to the electrolyte show a discharge capacity of 110 mAh g^‒1 at 6C with 95% of capacity retention even after 500 cycles. The added viologen not only enhances the electrochemical properties, but also significantly reduces the self-extinguishing time.

In this study, the focus is on ethanol nano biosensors based on alcohol oxidase (AOX) enzymatic reactions and the feasibility of generating electric current for biobatteries. The aim is to convert the latent energy in ethanol into electrical energy through the enzymatic oxidation process in the presence of an AOX enzyme. The release of electrons and the creation of a potential difference make the use of ethanol as a biofuel cell/self-power biosensor in biologically sensitive systems feasible. To achieve this, glassy carbon electrodes were modified with gold nanoparticles to enhance conductivity, and the AOX enzyme was immobilized on the working electrode. The current generated through the enzymatic process was measured in various pH and analyte concentration conditions. Afterward, machine-learning models, including multilayer perceptron (MLP), deep neural network, decision tree, and random forest, were employed to assess the impact of parameters on electric current generation, evaluate the error rate, and compare the results. The results indicated that the MLP model was the most suitable method for predicting the electric current produced under different pH, temperature, and ethanol concentration values. These findings can be utilized to identify optimal conditions and increase the current output for use as a reliable energy source in self-powered biosensors. In conclusion, this study suggests a promising way to generate electricity by oxidizing ethanol with the AOX enzyme. The use of machine learning to analyze experimental data has provided insight into optimal conditions for maximizing electric current output for developing sustainable energy sources in biologically sensitive systems and biobattery technology.

Silicon (Si)-based materials have emerged as promising alternatives to graphite anodes in lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries due to their exceptionally high theoretical capacity. However, their practical deployment remains constrained by challenges such as significant volume changes during lithiation, poor electrical conductivity, and the instability of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). This review critically examines recent advancements in Si-based nanostructures to enhance stability and electrochemical performance. Distinct from prior studies, it highlights the application of Si anodes in commercial domains, including electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and renewable energy storage systems, where prolonged cycle life and improved power density are crucial. Special emphasis is placed on emerging fabrication techniques, particularly scalable and cost-effective methods such as electrospinning and sol-gel processes, which show promise for industrial adoption. By addressing both the technical innovations and economic considerations surrounding Si anodes, this review provides a comprehensive roadmap for overcoming existing barriers, paving the way for next-generation, high-performance batteries.

Although lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) are promising next-generation secondary batteries, their mass commercialization has not yet been achieved primarily owing to critical issues such as the “shuttle effect” of soluble lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and uncontrollable Li dendrite growth. Thus, most reviews on LSBs are focused on strategies for inhibiting shuttle behavior and achieving dendrite-free LSBs to improve the cycle life and Coulombic efficiency of LSBs. However, LSBs have various promising advantages, including an ultrahigh energy density (2600 Wh kg⁻¹), cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, low weight, and flexible attributes, which suggest the feasibility of their current and near-future practical applications in fields that require these characteristics, irrespective of their moderate lifespan. Here, for the first time, challenges impeding the current and near-future applications of LSBs are comprehensively addressed. In particular, the latest progress and novel materials based on their electrochemical characteristics are summarized, with a focus on the gravimetric/volumetric energy density (capacity), loading mass and sulfur content in cathodes, electrolyte-to-sulfur ratios, rate capability, and maximization of these advantageous characteristics for applications in specific areas. Additionally, potential areas for practical applications of LSBs are suggested, with insights for improving LSB performances from a different standpoint and facilitating their integration into various application domains.

Redox flow batteries (RFBs) are attractive electrochemical systems for large-scale energy storage. Despite the most developed ones being those based on vanadium, the search for new chemistries is essential to overcome several problems associated with this metal identified as a critical raw material. All-iron redox flow battery (A-IRFB) is an interesting device due to iron abundance and worldwide distribution. However, the poor performance of its negative half-cell, due to the sluggish plating/stripping processes related to the Fe²⁺/Fe⁰ redox pair, negatively impacts its energy efficiency and long-term performance. Here, it is demonstrated that the addition of a low concentration of NaHSO₃ (10 mM), as a novel additive, to an electrolyte formulation based on 0.5 M FeCl₂, 3 M NaCl, and 10 mM citric acid (H₃Cit) remarkably improves the electrochemical behavior of the negative half-cell. The enhanced performance can be explained as the additive guarantees a low oxygen solution content (reductant agent), promotes the plating/stripping reactions (improving the kinetics of the Fe⁰ deposit through the formation of a FeHSO₃⁺ complex), and diminishes the contribution of the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction. The use of this key additive opens up a promising scenario for the development of A-IRFBs with significantly enhanced electrochemical performance, thus boosting their potential commercial development.

Polymer electrolytes (PEs) compatible with NCM cathodes in solid-state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs) are gaining recognition as key candidates for advanced electrochemical storage, offering significant safety and stability. Nevertheless, the inherent properties of PEs and interactions at the interface with NCM cathodes are pivotal in influencing SSLMBs' overall performance. This review offers an in-depth examination of PEs, focusing on design strategies that leverage electron-group electronegativity for molecular structure adjustments. Furthermore, it delves into the challenges presented by the interface between PEs and NCM cathodes, including issues like poor interface contact, interface reactions, and elevated resistance. The review also discusses a range of strategies aimed at stabilizing these interfaces, such as applying surface coatings to NCM, optimizing the structure of PEs, and employing in situ polymerization techniques to improve compatibility and battery efficiency. The conclusion offers insights into future developments, highlighting the importance of electron-group optimization and the adoption of effective methods to enhance interface stability and contact, thus advancing the practical implementation of high-performance SSLMBs.

This study introduces a novel method for the effective doping of hexagonal molybdenum trioxide (h-MoO₃) microstructures with different contents of nickel, significantly enhancing its electrochemical performance in aluminum-ion batteries (AIBs). Ni doping does not alter the high crystallinity and phase purity of the pristine oxide but modifies its defective structure and electronic properties. Electrochemical tests, including cyclic voltammograms and charge-discharge cycling, showed improvements in capacity and stability for Ni-doped samples as compared with undoped ones. Moreover, the incorporation of Ni was found to enhance the structural integrity and electrochemical stability of h-MoO₃, preventing the formation of intermediate phases during cycling and reducing resistance at the electrode-electrolyte interface. The existence of an optimal Ni doping of about 1 at% is evidenced. Samples with this Ni content attain a stabilized specific capacity of 230 mAh g⁻¹ over 100 cycles, doubling that reported in previous works for h-MoO₃ composites with carbon nanotubes. Nickel-doped h-MoO₃ shows exciting potential for advanced AIB applications, paving the way for further energy storage technology advancements.

Cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) materials with broadband reflective properties have garnered much attention because of their light-selective reflective properties. In this study, broadband reflective films were prepared by doping a novel UV absorber, ZIF-8, into a CLC system to take advantage of the formation of a UV intensity gradient. The effects of ZIF-8 content, C6M content, UV intensity, UV irradiation time, and diffusion temperature on the reflection bandwidth of the samples were systematically investigated. The reflection bandwidth was expanded from 277 to 429 nm under optimum conditions. In addition, the ZIF-8-doped broadband reflective films not only have IR thermal control and UV shielding capabilities but also have the optical property of third-order nonlinear saturable absorption, which makes the preparation of multifunctional broadband reflective films possible. The above results show that the developed thin films have a broad application prospect in building energy saving, UV protection, and laser protection.

Micro-supercapacitors (mSCs) have emerged as next-generation energy storage components suitable for portable, flexible, and eco-friendly electronic device system. In particular, electric double-layer (EDL) mSCs utilizing flexible graphene electrodes have gained significant attention due to their quick and efficient charge/discharge capabilities. Despite significant progress in fabricating mSCs, particularly through the development of laser-induced graphene (LIG) for creating 3D porous electrodes, challenges remain in increasing both energy and power densities. One promising strategy to address these challenges is the incorporation of pseudo-capacitive materials into the 3D graphene structure. However, conventional methods for embedding pseudo-capacitive materials often involve complex and additional labor-intensive steps to the manufacturing process. In this work, we introduce a high-speed mSC fabrication method (< 5 min) that employs a continuous laser-scribing process to directly integrate Mn₂O₃, a pseudo-capacitive material, onto LIG electrodes, forming hierarchical Mn₂O₃/LIG structure. By precisely controlling the fabrication parameter, this approach can significantly improve the electrochemical performance by optimizing the density and thickness of Mn₂O₃, leading to 550.5% increase in capacitance and energy density compared to the LIG electrode. Additionally, the mSCs exhibit outstanding cyclic (> 88% @ 20,000 cycles) and mechanical stability (@ bending radius of 5 mm), confirming their potential for seamless integration into electronic circuits. This innovation not only simplifies the production process of high-performance mSCs but also broadens their potential applications in sustainable and compact electronic device system.

Employing functional additives can facilitate the formation of stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), which has emerged as a promising strategy to improve the electrochemical properties of lithium metal batteries (LMBs). Typical SEI containing inorganic components, such as lithium fluoride (LiF) and lithium nitride (LiN_xO_y and Li₃N), have been confirmed to construct an ideal SEI for LMBs. Here, we designed and synthesized a novel molecule named BTFN to act as an SEI-forming additive containing fluorine and nitro groups. The strong electron-withdrawing effect greatly reduces the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy, facilitating its preferential decomposition during the SEI-forming process. An SEI with rich LiF, LiN_xO_y, and Li₃N forms after its preferential and complete decomposition, greatly enhancing stabilization and uniformity. The lifespan of symmetric LMBs with BTFN significantly increases more than 12 times under the same conditions; the Li/SPE/LFP full batteries cycle more than four times the contrast batteries with a capacity retention of 99.7%. This work provides some experiences and opinions for exploring complex SEI-forming additives.

The study of the Casson electrolyte in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is important because of their complexities due to tougher operational conditions and other challenges during charging-discharging challenges with their improved thermal management capacity and enhanced safety. This further optimizes the thermal management avoiding chances of hot spots or thermal runaway, thereby making LIBs safer. In this investigation, convective loads for non-Newtonian fluid as electrolyte Casson-type boundary layer flow related to plate and flat surfaces in non-Darcy permeable porous electrodes have been deliberated. We have employed the Optimal Homopotic Asymptotic Method technique to solve the equation of the system. The effects and influences of Casson factors, permeability, flow constraints, Prandtl values related to flow and thermal dissipation, and boundary layer profiles have been studied. From the results, it is concluded that thermal parameters and porousness have affected the system, and the upsurge in the porousness actually decreases heat transport effects and proportions. The results of this study are relevant to the development of more effective porous electrodes for achieving high performance with long cycle life. These studies help improve the utilization of mass and heat transfer properties, as affected by the non-Newtonian behavior of the electrolyte, to help in the design of next-generation LIBs with higher energy density along with fast charge/discharge rates.

The increasing amounts of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries (EOL LIBs) require novel and safe solutions allowing for the minimisation of health and environmental hazards. Arguably, the best approach to the problem of EOL LIBs is recycling and recovery of the metals contained within the cells. This allows the diversion of the EOL battery cells from the environment and the recovery of precious metals that can be reused in the manufacturing of new products, allowing the reduction of the requirements of virgin materials from the mining industry. The most significant hindrance to the recycling process of EOL LIBs is their unstable chemical nature and significant safety hazards related to opening the air-tight casings. To minimise these issues, the end-of-life cells must be stabilised in one of the few available ways. This review aims at a comprehensive presentation of the studied chemical methods of EOL LIB cell discharge and stabilisation. The advantages and disadvantages of the method and its variations are discussed based on the literature published to date. The literature review found that a significant number of authors make use of chemical stabilisation techniques without proper comprehension of the associated risks. Many authors focus solely on the cheapest and fastest way to stop a cell from producing an electrical charge without extra thought given to the downstream recycling processes of safety hazards related to the proposed stabilisation method. Only a few studies highlighted the risks and problems associated with chemical stabilisation techniques.

A large number of spent sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) will be produced as SIBs become more widely used. However, components of spent SIBs, such as the cathode Prussian white Na₂Mn[Fe(CN)₆], are toxic and hazardous, leading to water and soil pollution and posing a threat to human health. Therefore, recycling spent SIBs cathode is important and meaningful. Here, we use phytic acid-based low-melting mixture solvents (LoMMSs) for the efficient recovery of toxic and hazardous SIBs cathode Prussian white at mild temperatures. Results show that the highest Na leaching efficiency from Prussian white could reach 94.7% by polyethylene glycol 200:phytic acid (14:1) at 80°C for 24 h with a liquid/solid ratio of 50:1. Furthermore, the metal extracted from the leachate is found to precipitate when water is used as the anti-solvent, with ammonium hydroxide achieving the highest precipitation efficiency of 89.3% at room temperature.

Potassium-ion batteries as a suitable alternative to lithium-ion batteries have drawn attention due to available sources of potassium, low reduction potential, better diffusion through electrolyte/electrode interface, and good ionic conductivity. Here, a photopolymerized porous gel polymer electrolyte based on poly(poly[ethylene glycol] methyl ether methacrylate) and poly(methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles shows superior thermal and electrochemical properties. After swelling in a KPF₆ and EC/PC solution, the best GPE demonstrates high ionic conductivity of 2.9 × 10⁻² S cm⁻¹, potassium transference number of 0.88, and high electrochemical stability of > 6 V. This excellent electrochemical property could be related to high solvent uptake, high surface area, K⁺ pathway channels, low T_g, and the electron donor groups of the porous poly(poly[ethylene glycol] methyl ether methacrylate). Also, this GPE shows an initial capacity of 155 mAh g⁻¹, an initial Coulombic efficiency of ~100%, and capacity retention of 99.9% after 100 cycles in a high current density of 5 C with high-voltage FeFe(CN)₆ as the cathode and graphite as the anode. FE-SEM images show the ability to suppress dendrites after 100 cycles of charge-discharge at 5 C. Additionally, this GPE demonstrates 143 mAh g⁻¹ capacity at a very high C-rate of 10, showing its ability for use in high-performing rechargeable potassium batteries.

Due to the strong affinity between the solvent and Li⁺, the desolvation process of Li⁺ at the interface as a rate-controlling step slows down, which greatly reduces the low-temperature electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and thus limits its wide application in energy storage. Herein, to improve the low-temperature tolerance, a localized high-concentration electrolyte based on weak solvation (Wb-LHCE) has been designed by adding a diluent hexafluorobenzene (FB) in a weak solvating solvent tetrahydrofuran (THF). Combining theoretical calculations with characterization tests, it is found that with the addition of diluent FB, the dipole-dipole interaction between the diluent and the solvent causes FB to compete with Li⁺ for THF. This competition causes the solvent to move away from Li⁺, weakening the binding energy between Li⁺ and THF, whereas the anions are transported into the solvation shell of Li⁺, forming an anion-rich solvation structure. In addition to accelerating the Li⁺ desolvation process, this unique solvation structure optimizes the composition of the CEI film, making it thin, dense, homogeneous, and rich in inorganic components, and thus improving the interfacial stability of the battery. As a result, the assembled LiFePO₄/Li half-cell shows excellent electrochemical performances at low temperature. That is, it can maintain a high discharge specific capacity of 124.2 mAh g⁻¹ after 100 cycles at a rate of 0.2C at −20°C. This provides an attractive avenue for the design of advanced low-temperature electrolytes and improvement of battery tolerance to harsh conditions.