Graphynes (GYs) are a novel set of carbon allotropes with high potential as future catalytic electrodes for oxygen reduction reactions because of their unique physical and chemical properties. In recent years, a number of heteroatom-doped graphdiyne (GDYs) based electrocatalysts have been developed. However, the development of GYs has made slow progress due to their limited synthetic strategies. Here, the first case of nitrogen and sulfur co-doped graphynes (NS-GYs) synthesized through the copolymerization between hydrogen-deficient heterocyclic aromatic monomers via the Sonogashira–Hagihara cross-coupling reaction is reported. The NS-GYs exhibit abundant porosity after heat treatment with large specific area and high heteroatom content for use as potential electrocatalysts. In addition, NS-GY-3-800 with the best electrocatalytic performance shows excellent power density and stability in Zn-air batteries.
Low-cost sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are the star products in grid-scale energy storage applications. Finding befitting anode materials is crucial to the advancement of SIBs. In this study, a novel two-dimension (2D) nanostructured anode material composed of TiO2/C nanodisks and Ni nanoparticles that were synthesized by a facile metal-organic frameworks derived method is reported. By introducing divalent Ni2+ ions in the synthesis process, TiO2/C microblocks were successfully transformed into the desirable 2D nanodisks, enabling the active materials to be more efficiently and fully utilized due to short diffusion path and substantive exposed active sites. Another important role of Ni2+ ions is as a doping source for TiO2, resulting in the formation of a defective and near-amorphous TiO2/C structure, which aids in improving the kinetics. In addition, some Ni nanoparticles formed and attached to the surface of the TiO2/C nanodisks, which not only act as conductive bridges to make all the nanodisks electrically active but also act as pillars to prevent them from stacking. This unique 2D nanostructured anode material manifests high reversible capacities, excellent cycle performance, and impressive rate capability. This work provides a new means for the controllable synthesis of 2D nanostructured materials for energy storage applications.
The application of small organic molecules for sodium-ion batteries is generally plagued by their high solubility, poor conductivity, and sluggish redox dynamics in organic electrolyte, thus developing efficient strategies to restrain solubilization while obtaining fast charge transfer becomes a challenge. Herein, a rational hybridization strategy through hydrogen bond between organic molecule and inorganic substrate has been proposed, employing the terminal –C=H;O of trisodium 1, 2, 4-benzenetricarboxylate (TBC) molecule and –OH groups of inorganic Ti3C2Tx MXene, respectively. In general, such a design evidently mitigates the aggregation of both TBC molecules and Ti3C2Tx MXene. Furthermore, the robust hydrogen bonding significantly mitigates the dissolution of TBC and guarantees the robust coupling between them, thus contributing to the integrity of electrode and modifying the electrochemical sodium storage in both half and full cells. Moreover, the systematic kinetic analysis and mechanism detection reveal improved charge transportation and robust two-electron electrochemical reversibility of the hybrid TBC/Ti3C2Tx. Taken together, this work demonstrates a potential novel strategy toward stable and practical organic battery chemistries through hydrogen bonding with inorganic compounds.
The ingenious structural design of electrode materials has a great influence on boosting the integrated conductivity and improving the electrochemical behavior of energy storage equipment. In this work, a surface-amorphized sandwich-type Ni3S2 nanosheet is synthesized by an easy hydrothermal and solution treatment technique. Because of the in-built defect-rich feature of the amorphous Ni3S2 layer, the constructed crystalline/amorphous heterointerface as well as dual nanopore structure of Ni3S2 nanosheet, the electron/ion transport and interfacial charge transfer is boosted, which contribute to high ionic conductivity and low resistance of the SA-Ni3S2 electrode. The SA-Ni3S2 electrode shows high specific capacitance (1767.6 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1); the SA-Ni3S2//AC device delivers high specific capacitance (131.2 F g−1 at 0.2 A g−1) and outstanding cycle stability (75% capacitance retention after 10000 cycles). In Ni-Zn battery measurement, the SA-Ni3S2//Zn exhibits satisfying specific capacity (211.2 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1) and cycle durability (68% capacity decay after 2000 cycles). The results imply that the rational design of surface-amorphized heterostructure is helpful for fabrication of electrode materials with high electrochemical performance in energy storage applications.
Aqueous sodium-ion batteries (ASIBs) have attracted widespread attention in the energy storage and conversion fields due to their benefits in high safety, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, compared with the sodium-ion batteries born in the same period, the commercialization of ASIB has been significantly delayed. Although great efforts have been made on the electrode/electrode design and interface regulation, the performance of ASIBs is far from the practical requirements. This review first comprehensively compared ASIBs and lead acid batteries in terms of battery structure, performance, sustainable manufacturing, circular economy, and environmental impact. Then, the issues and challenges relevant to the unfavorable behaviors of ASIBs are discussed in detail, such as low energy density caused by narrow electrochemical stability window of water, limited choice of electrode materials, unstable electrode/electrolyte interface, immature battery manufacturing technology, and so forth. We hope that this review provides pertinent insight into the research focus and rational design of applicable ASIBs.
To utilize intermittent renewable energy to achieve carbon neutrality, rechargeable lithium-based batteries have been deemed to be the most promising electrochemical systems for energy supply and storage. However, there still exist safety issues and challenges, especially originating from the intrinsic volatility and flammability of the electrolytes used in lithium-based batteries. Due to the unique advantages of better safety, (quasi) solid-state electrolytes have been exploited. Ionogel (IG), known as ionic liquid (IL) based monolithic quasi-solid-state electrolyte separator, consists of IL and gelling matrix and has become an active area of research in lithium-based battery technology, owing to fascinating exotic characteristics including high safety (thermal stability) under extreme operating conditions, wide processing compatibility, and decent electrochemical performances. Among various gelling matrices, nanomaterials are very promising to simultaneously enhance ionic conductivity, mechanical strength, and thermal and electrochemical properties of IGs, which make the nanocomposite ionogels (NIGs). Herein, several significant advantages of NIGs as monolithic electrolyte membranes are briefly described. Also, recent advances in the NIGs for Li-ion batteries, Li-metal batteries, Li-S batteries, and Li-O2 batteries are timely and systematically overviewed. Finally, the remaining challenges and perspectives on such an interesting and active field are discussed. To the best of our knowledge, there are rare review articles focusing on the NIGs for Li-based batteries till now. This work could offer a comprehensive understanding of recent advances and challenges of NIGs for advanced lithium storage.
Rechargeable lithium-selenium batteries (LSeBs) are promising candidates for next-generation energy storage systems due to their exceptional theoretical volumetric energy density (3253 mAh cm−3). However, akin to lithium-sulfur batteries, the adoption of LSeBs has been hampered by problems such as polyselenides migration in liquid electrolytes, uncontrolled dendrite growth and safety concerns. To overcome these issues, researchers proposed to use the solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) as a method, which could mitigate the formation of polyselenides. However, practical utilization of the all-solid-state Li-Se batteries (ASSLSeBs) face significant obstacles, including sluggish redox kinetics during Se conversion (Se ↔ Li2Se), inadequate interfacial contact and formation of Li dendrites. Scientists have applied strategies to tackle these challenges. This article offers a timely review of emerging strategies. The article begins by conducting a detailed analysis of the working principles of ASSLSeBs and identifying the critical challenges that hinder practical application. Subsequently, the article presents a comprehensive summary of various strategies aimed at boosting the development of ASSLSeBs, which encompass advancements in Se cathode materials, optimization of SSEs, design of stable Li anodes, and approaches in addressing the interfacial challenge. Finally, the article offers further perspectives about promoting the application of ASSLSeBs. It highlights the need for continued research and development to overcome existing limitations. Overall, by understanding these emerging strategies, researchers could enhance the technology of LSeBs, bringing us closer to the practical realization of high-energy storage systems.