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The article focuses on a study which examines the potential of sodium or Na+/vacancy disordering in improving the cycling stability, kinetics and capability of Na-ion batteries (NIBs). The study involved methods including the synthesis of P2-NaNM and P2-NaNMT compounds, electrochemistry, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Results are provided with information on P2-NaNM and P2-NaNMT crystal structures, electrochemical performance and charge compensation mechanism.

Recent progress in improving Li–S batteries’ cathodes, anodes, and electrolytes via different approaches is summarized. The poor conductivity of sulfur cathodes, the dissolution of polysulfide intermediates, and the high reactivity of metal Li anodes currently motivate a great deal of research. Urgent challenges concerning Li anodes are also emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Size-related properties of novel lithium battery materials, arising from kinetics, thermodynamics, and newly discovered lithium storage mechanisms, are reviewed. Complementary experimental and computational investigations of the use of the size effects to modify electrodes and electrolytes for lithium ion batteries are enumerated and discussed together. Size differences in the materials in lithium ion batteries lead to a variety of exciting phenomena. Smaller-particle materials with highly connective interfaces and reduced diffusion paths exhibit higher rate performance than the corresponding bulk materials. The thermodynamics is also changed by the higher surface energy of smaller particles, affecting, for example, secondary surface reactions, lattice parameter, voltage, and the phase transformation mechanism. Newly discovered lithium storage mechanisms that result in superior storage capacity are also briefly highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rechargeable magnesium batteries have attracted recent research attention because of abundant raw materials and their relatively low-price and high-safety characteristics. However, the sluggish kinetics of the intercalated Mg2+ ions in the electrode materials originates from the high polarizing ability of the Mg2+ ion and hinders its electrochemical properties. Here we report a facile approach to improve the electrochemical energy storage capability of the Li4Ti5O12 electrode in a Mg battery system by the synergy between Mg2+ and Li+ ions. By tuning the hybrid electrolyte of Mg2+ and Li+ ions, both the reversible capacity and the kinetic properties of large Li4Ti5O12 nanoparticles attain remarkable improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rechargeable magnesium batteries have attracted recent research attention because of abundant raw materials and their relatively low-price and high-safety characteristics. However, the sluggish kinetics of the intercalated Mg2+ ions in the electrode materials originates from the high polarizing ability of the Mg2+ ion and hinders its electrochemical properties. Here we report a facile approach to improve the electrochemical energy storage capability of the Li4Ti5O12 electrode in a Mg battery system by the synergy between Mg2+ and Li+ ions. By tuning the hybrid electrolyte of Mg2+ and Li+ ions, both the reversible capacity and the kinetic properties of large Li4Ti5O12 nanoparticles attain remarkable improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]