Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery using a graphite (Gr.) anode and a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4, LFP) cathode (Gr.||LFP) has been widespread in energy storage. To match the warranty period of energy storage systems, the lifespan of this kind of Li-ion battery, not only under room temperature but also under relatively high temperature, is critical. Exploration of functional electrolyte additive provides an efficient approach to address this issue. This study reports the usage of pyridine (Py) as a new electrolyte functional additive for Gr.||LFP. In the first cycle, it was found that Py can be reduced before ethylene carbonate and vinylene carbonate, forming a dense and homogeneous solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer containing rich nitrogen and fluorine elements. Owing to the merits of the SEI layer, the parasitic reactions which occur at the graphite anode and consume the active lithium ion during cycling were suppressed. With the amount of 0.5wt% Py additive in the electrolyte, the Gr.||LFP pouch cell achieved a capacity of 3.2 Ah, exhibiting remarkablly enhanced cycling stability and high-temperature storage capability. Under the experimental conditions of 25 ℃and 0.5 P, the capacity retention of the pouch cell reached 95.64% after 500 cycles, while still maintained 82.75% of the initial capacity after 1000 cycles under 45 °C and 1 P. After the 30-day storage at 45 °C and 60 °C, the capacity retention rates were 87.38% and 80.56%, respectively, which are significantly higher than those of the pouch cells with the blank control electrolyte. This work identifies Py as a highly promising electrolyte additive in stabilizing the graphite-based anode of Li-ion battery under both room temperature and high temperature.
Electrochemical processes lie at the core of biological function, governing energy transduction, metabolic flux, and molecular signaling. Recent advances in electrochemical science now allow these processes to be probed and controlled with unprecedented spatial, temporal, and chemical resolution. In this review, we present an integrated framework that progresses from fundamental mechanisms to analytical technologies and functional modulation. We begin by outlining electron transfer pathways in mitochondrial respiration, microbial extracellular electron transfer, and DNA- and protein-based charge conduction, followed by the principles of photon-electron conversion in photosynthesis and the central role of redox equilibrium in coordinating cellular responses. We then highlight electrochemical analytical strategies that enable multiscale biological characterization, including biosensing, electrochemical and scanning probe imaging, electrogenerated chemiluminescence detection, and measurements of membrane potentials and neurotransmitter dynamics. Emerging platforms such as flexible biointerfaces, ultramicroelectrodes, and nanopore systems further extend these capabilities to in vivo and single-molecule contexts. Finally, we discuss how electrochemical inputs can be used to regulate metabolic pathways, microbial and protein activities, and neural signaling, enabling precision therapeutic and bioengineering applications. Together, these developments establish electrochemistry as a powerful foundation for decoding and directing biological systems.