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Abstract: A NiO–graphene hybrid film with 3D hierarchically porous structure has been rationally designed and constructed through a series of controlled fabrication processes. Multilayered porous graphene sheet network with the pore size of several micrometers is created via a so-called “on-water spreading” method, which is facile, economical, efficient and scalable. Then, the cross-like NiO nanoflakes film is uniformly grown onto the porous graphene sheet framework by a chemical bath deposition. The NiO–graphene hybrid film exhibits specific capacitance of 540 F g−1 at 2 A g−1 with 80% capacitance retention after 2000 cycles in 2 M KOH aqueous solution, which is much higher than that achieved from the bare NiO nanoflakes film (370 F g−1, with 66% capacitance retention). Moreover, chronoamperometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements reveal that the NiO–graphene hybrid demonstrates enhanced reaction kinetics with about only 50% of respond time for NiO/NiOOH reaction and 79% of charge-transfer resistance compared with those of the bare NiO film. The proposed strategy could offer an effective way to fabricate graphene-based electrode materials for applications in various energy-storage devices. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Porous tin-based films are electrodeposited on copper foils from a choline chloride/ethylene glycol based electrolyte containing SnCl2·2H2O without any complexing agent or additive. Increasing the deposition time and voltage produces thicker films. The initially deposited Sn grains are relatively uniform with an average size of 200–300 nm and a kind of self-assembly distribution constructing an open and bicontinuous porous network. The architecture of these films possesses a double-layer structure, i.e. SnO2 (superficial layer)/Sn–Cu alloy (bottom layer), which is revealed by X-ray diffractometer and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electrochemical performance of the porous tin-based films as anode for lithium-ion batteries is measured. Although the capacity fades gradually with repeated cycling, a reversible capacity of 300-350 mAh g−1 is maintained for more than 50 cycles, which suggests that the in situ formed Sn--Cu alloy could provide an interlocking interface between active materials and current collector. Therefore, the tin''s shedding from the current collector can be restrained. Moreover, the inactive materials, such as the oxide in the superficial layer and the Cu in the bottom layer, could also act as buffers to relieve the induced volume expansion of Sn during the repeated lithiathion/delithiation process, thus giving the good cycle performances. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The surface of graphene is modified by nickel nanoparticles which are in-situ reduced from NiO nanoparticles by graphene. The nickel nanoparticles obtained are up to 10nm in size and are strongly anchored on the surface of graphene sheets. As an anode material for lithium ion batteries, the graphene–Ni hybrid material delivers a reversible capacity of 675mAhg−1 after 35 discharge/charge cycles at a current density of 100mAg−1, corresponding to 85% retention of the initial charge capacity. In addition, the graphene–Ni hybrid electrode exhibits much better rate capability compared to its pure counterpart operated at various rates between 200 and 800mAg−1. Such enhanced lithium storage performance of the graphene–Ni hybrid electrode can be ascribed to the enhanced electronic transport and Li+ migration through the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film as a consequence of that the anchored nickel nanoparticles increase the electronic conductivity and modify the structure of SEI film covering the surface of graphene. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Integral construction of lithium sulfide (Li 2 S) cathode is indispensable and vital for developing high-performance lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. Herein we have demonstrated a facile strategy for fabricating free-standing carbon paper supported Li 2 S@C (P-Li 2 S@C) integrated cathode. The P-Li 2 S@C cathode is synthesized through simple pyrolysis of low-cost lithium sulfate (Li 2 SO 4 ) and chitosan, and embedded in the double carbon matrixes with carbon paper support and outer CVD-carbon layer. Li 2 S nanoparticles are homogeneously dispersed in the above designed double carbon matrixes. The P-Li 2 S@C cathode exhibits an initial discharge capacity of 820 mAh g −1 at 0.1 C and still maintains 430 mAh g −1 after 100 cycles, superior to the P-Li 2 S counterpart (480 mAh g −1 at 0.1 C and 150 mAh g −1 after 100 cycles). Our research verifies the effectiveness of double carbon modification on the Li 2 S, especially, the outer carbon coating not only improves the electrical conductivity of electrode, but also further prohibits the “shuttle effect” of polysulfides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To meet the requirements for high-rate battery with desirable performance, a self-supported Ni 2 P@Ni sponge electrode is synthesized via simple steps, in which the Ni sponge substrate is synthesized by a one-pot hydrothermal method and the Ni 2 P nanosheets grown on the novel substrate are converted from Ni(OH) 2 via a phosphorization reaction. This hybrid composite combines the 3D porous structure of Ni sponge and high capacity of Ni 2 P nanosheets, which exhibits lightweight, flexible and highly-conductive properties, resulting in an excellent specific capacity of 430.3 mAh g −1 at a current density of 1 A g −1 and remaining as high as 77.0% capacity even at 40 A g −1 . More importantly, the Ni 2 P@Ni sponge//C cell exhibits the maximum energy density of 182.1 W h kg −1 at a power density of 205 W kg −1 along with superior capacity retention of 85.2% after 3000 cycles. It is suggested that the Ni 2 P nanosheet@ Ni sponge composite is a promising electrode material for high-rate batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To meet the design requirements for high-rate battery electrodes, self-supporting hierarchical rGO@Ni nanosheet@Co 3 O 4 nanowire array film with light weight is synthesized via a series of controllable fabrication processes. Due to modifying the highly conductive nickel nanosheets onto the surface of rGO film, the energy storage performance of this hybrid film is enhanced, especially in rate capability. The whole high-rate battery, which is fabricated by using this film as the positive electrode, manifests the maximum energy density of 20.3 Wh kg −1 at a power density of 326 W kg −1 along with excellent capacity retention of 81.4% after 5000 cycles. Therefore, the rGO-Ni-Co 3 O 4 hybrid film is a promising electrode material for flexible long-life cycling high-rate batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface conductive engineering on Li 2 S is critical for construction of advanced cathodes of lithium-sulfur batteries. Herein, we construct a high-performance Li 2 S-based composite cathode with the help of three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide (3D-rGO) network and outer carbon coating. Typically, the Li 2 S@C particles are uniformly embedded into 3D-rGO to form a binder-free 3D-rGO-Li 2 S@C cathode by the combination of a liquid solution-evaporation coating and PVP (Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone) carbonization. The 3D-rGO-Li 2 S@C cathode exhibits a high initial discharge capacity of 856 mAh g −1 at 0.1C, superior cycling stability with a capacity of 388.4 mAh g −1 after 200 cycles at 1C, corresponding to a low capacity fading rate. It is demonstrated that the outer conductive coating is effective and necessary for electrochemical enhancement of Li 2 S cathodes by improving electrical conductivity and prohibiting polysulfide from shuttling during cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A unique MoS 2 -based composite composed of MoS 2 nanosheets wrapped by a conductive polypyrrole (PPY) layer and closely incorporated within reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets is prepared by all-solution method. As a free-binder electrode for lithium-ion batteries, the ternary electrode delivers an initial discharge capacity of 1428 mAh g −1 , maintains 1070 mAh g −1 after 400 cycles at a current density of 200 mA g −1 , and also exhibits superior rate capacity of 600 mAh g −1 at a high current density of 2000 A g −1 . The enhanced electrochemical performance is attributed to the advantageous combination of the 3D hierarchically rGO skeleton and in-situ formed conductive PPY coating. This design route represents a new direction for high-performance lithium ion batteries and related energy storage application with advanced nanostructured materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of advanced cathode materials is indispensable and vital for developing high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries. Herein, we develop a facile in-situ route to synthesize three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide supported Li 2 S/carbon composite (3D-rGO-Li 2 S/C). The Li 2 S/C nanoparticles are intimately anchored on the surface of 3D-rGO forming an integrated 3D porous composite. Due to the improved conductivity and reduced polysulfide dissolution, the 3D-rGO-Li 2 S/C cathode exhibits enhanced electrochemical performances with a high initial capacity of 819 mAh g −1 at 0.1C, as well as good cycling stability with a capacity retention of 415 mAh g −1 after 100 cycles at 1C. The integrated 3D conductive network is responsible for the enhancement of the electrochemical properties by providing fast ion/electron transfer and high mechanical stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scrupulous design and fabrication of advanced anode materials are of great importance for developing high-performance lithium ion batteries. Herein, we report a facile strategy for construction of free-standing and free-binder 3D porous carbon coated MoS 2 /nitrogen-doped graphene (C-MoS 2 /N-G) integrated electrode via a hydrothermal-induced self-assembly process. The preformed carbon coated MoS 2 is strongly anchored on the porous nitrogen-doped graphene aerogel architecture. As an anode for lithium ion batteries, the C-MoS 2 /N-G electrode delivers a high first discharge capacity of 1600 mAh g −1 and maintains 900 mAh g −1 after 500 cycles at a current density of 200 mA g −1 . Impressively, superior high-rate capability is achieved for the C-MoS 2 /N-G with a reversible capacity of 500 mAh g −1 at a high current density of 4000 mA g −1 . Furthermore, the lithium storage mechanism of the obtained integrated electrode is investigated by ex-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel of Si/porous reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite is fabricated by steam etching of Si/rGO aerogel. The rGO sheets with nano-holes build a unique three-dimensional porous network and can encapsulate the Si nanoparticles. The porous structure of Si/rGO composite can reduce the transfer distance of Li ions and restrain the aggregation and destruction of Si particles. The in-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation demonstrates that the porous rGO sheets help the entire electrode to maintain highly conductive and facilitate the lithiation of Si nanoparticles. The composite electrode presents high specific capacity and good cycling stability (1004 mAh g −1 at 50 mA g −1 up to 100 cycles). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel 2Li 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 ·LiV 3 O 8 composite with short rod and thin plate shapes is synthesized through sol–gel method followed by hydrothermal and solid–state reaction. LiV 3 O 8 is used as an additive to improve the capacity of Li 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 . In the composite cathode, active impurity phase Li 0.3 V 2 O 5 is also present, which has little impact on the whole electrochemical properties. The 2Li 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 ·LiV 3 O 8 composite delivers a high initial capacity of 162.8 mAh g −1 at a current density of 100 mA g −1 in the voltage range of 2.0–4.3 V. Furthermore, the composite with high crystallinity also shows high electrochemical reversibility and good rate capability. The diffusion coefficient of Li ions in the composite is in the range of 10 −11 –10 −9 cm 2 s −1 obtained from galvanostatic intermittent titration technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe 2 O 3 nanospindles assembled with nanoparticles as primary building blocks are directly synthesized by a versatile ionothermal strategy in the choline chloride/urea mixture-based deep eutectic solvent system. The proposed ionothermal protocol is attractive and environmental friendly because choline chloride and urea are both naturally biocompatible compounds. As an anode material for lithium-ion batteries, the resultant Fe 2 O 3 nanospindles show high capacity and good cycle stability (921.7 mAh g −1 at a current density of 200 mA g −1 up to 50 cycles), as well as the excellent rate capability. The good electrochemical performance can be attributed to the nanospindle structure with high sufficient interfacial contact area between the active material and electrolyte, the short diffusion distance of Li ions. The environmentally benign strategy proposed in this study is expected to offer an attractive technique for the ionothermal synthesis of electrochemical energy storage materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: All the Li metal anode-based batteries suffer from a high propensity to form Li dendrites. To prevent the formation of dendritic lithium on the electrodes, amorphous carbon coatings are deposited onto the surface of metallic lithium foil by magnetron sputtering technique. The electrochemical performances of the amorphous carbon-coated lithium (Li/C) electrodes are investigated by galvanostatic charge/discharge tests, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The compact carbon coatings on the surface of lithium foil can suppress the growth of dendritic lithium during charge–discharge process. The thickness of amorphous carbon coating affects the electrode from two aspects; the thick coating can prevent the formation of dendritic lithium much efficiently, but lead to a large impedance of Li+ transfer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Novel Li1.2Mn0.5Co0.25Ni0.05O2 microcube is prepared through a simple binary template method. After calcined at 800 °C, lithium and nickel are permeated into the cathode material and a well-crystallized Li-rich layered oxide is obtained. Furthermore, hollow circle cube architecture is formed due to the decomposing of the carbonate. As a cathode material for lithium ion batteries (LIBs), the oxide with such architecture can deliver high initial discharge capacity of 272.9 mAh g−1 at a current density of 20 mA g−1. High reversible discharge capacities of 208 mAh g−1 and 110 mAh g−1 are obtained at a current density of 200 mA g−1 and 2000 mA g−1, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) are performed to further study the hollow Li1.2Mn0.5Co0.25Ni0.05O2 microcube. It is remarkable that such architecture makes the Li-rich layered oxide Li1.2Mn0.5Co0.25Ni0.05O2 a promising cathode material for LIBs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A porous Co3O4 nanoflake array film grown on nickel foam is prepared by a hydrothermal synthesis for pseudo-capacitor application. The pseudocapacitive behavior of the Co3O4 nanoflake array is investigated by cyclic voltammograms (CV), galvanostatic charge–discharge tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in 2 M KOH at different temperatures. The specific capacity is 210, 289 and 351 F g−1 at 2 A g−1 tested at −5 °C, 25 °C and 60 °C, respectively, corresponding to that of 184, 243 and 242 F g−1 at 20 A g−1. After 4000 cycles at 2 A g−1, the remaining specific capacity is 187, 342 and 124 F g−1 tested at −5 °C, 25 °C and 60 °C. It shows that with increasing the temperature from −5 °C to 60 °C, the specific capacity increases, while the cycling stability becomes worse. The operation temperature has a pronounced influence on the pseudocapacitive performance of Co3O4 nanoflake array. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: CoFe2O4 flower-like microspheres are prepared via a surfactant- and template-free method, involving the controlled hytrothermal synthesis firstly and a subsequent thermal decomposition treatment. The microspheres with diameters of 3–4 μm are characterized by the assembly of numerous porous and inter-connected lamella structures. Lithium-ion batteries electrodes based on the as-prepared CoFe2O4 microspheres show a high specific capacity of 733.5 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles at a current density of 200 mA g−1 and a good cyclic stability, as well as excellent rate capability. The enhanced electrochemical performance can be attributed to the hierarchical microsphere structure with high sufficient interfacial contact area between the microspheres and electrolyte, the short diffusion distance of Li+, better accommodation of structural stress and volume change with the lithiation/delithiation process. It is suggested that the CoFe2O4 microsphere is one of the most promising candidates for high-performance lithium-ion batteries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: LiVO3 materials are synthesized by combustion method with oxalic acid as fuel. Owing to its relatively low crystallization and small particle size, the LiVO3 calcined at 450 °C for 2 h displays optimal electrochemical performances, delivering a high discharge capacity of 298.4 mAh g−1 and 262.5 mAh g−1 between 1.0 and 3.5 V at a current density of 50 mA g−1 and 500 mA g−1 respectively, and exhibiting good cyclic stability. In this work, the chemical diffusion coefficient of Li+ (D Li+) in the LiVO3 electrode is determined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT). The value calculated by EIS is in the range of 10−9–10−8 cm2 s−1, while it calculated by GITT is 10−9.5–10−8 cm2 s−1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Surface modified-LiV3O8 cathode materials with Al2O3 are successfully synthesized via a facile thermolysis process. The 0.5 wt.% Al2O3-coated LiV3O8 exhibits an enhanced cyclic stability at various charge–discharge current densities. At a current density of 100 mA g−1, it delivers an initial specific discharge capacity of 283.1 mAh g−1 between 2.0 and 4.0 V. Moreover, high capacities of 139.4 and 118.5 mAh g−1 are obtained at the 100th cycle at current densities of 2000 and 3000 mA g−1, respectively. The improved electrochemical performance is attributed to the Al2O3 coating, which can hinder the irreversible phase transformation and act as a protective layer to prevent the active material from direct contact with electrolyte. Furthermore, the formation of a Li–V–Al–O solid solution at the LiV3O8/Al2O3 interface provides a fast Li+ diffusion path which is of benefit to the electrochemical behaviors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cube-like and plate-like Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2 particles are obtained after treated in LiCl and KCl molten salts at 800 °C, respectively, comparing to the ball-like original particles calcined in air. The oxide treated in KCl molten salt with large specific area of 17.05 m2 g−1 delivers high discharge capacities of 254.1 mAh g−1 and 168.5 mAh g−1 at current densities of 200 mA g−1 and 2000 mA g−1, respectively. In addition, enhanced cycle stability with capacity retention of 94.9% after 80 cycles at charge–discharge current densities of 200 mA g−1 is obtained for the oxide treated in LiCl molten salt with sacrifice of a little capacity. Such electrochemical performance change is proved to be independent of Li+ diffusion coefficient. It appears that the treatment in molten salts can effectively reform the electrochemical performances of Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2 cathode materials for various applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Macroporous Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 cathode materials with high crystallinity and hexagonal ordering are synthesized by aerogel template followed by solid state reaction. High discharge capacities of 244.0 mA h g−1 and 153.9 mA h g−1 are obtained for the Li-rich layered oxide synthesized at 800 °C at current densities of 200 mA g−1 and 2000 mA g−1 between 2.0 V and 4.8 V. Increasing the synthesis temperature to 900 °C, the macroporous Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 delivers a high discharge capacity of 220.2 mA h g−1 at a current density of 200 mA g−1 with a capacity retention of 89.1% after 50 cycles, 129.8 mA h g−1 at a current density of 2000 mA g−1 and almost no capacity fading after 120 cycles. The diffusion coefficients of Li+ in the Li-rich layered oxide determined by galvanostatic intermittent titration technique are in the range of 5.0 × 10−18−8.0 × 10−14 cm2 s−1. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicates that the macroporous structure with good particle contact of the layered oxide can improve its rate capability and cyclic stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A hierarchically Fe2O3@Co3O4 nanowire array is prepared by the aid of hydrothermal synthesis and sacrificial hydrolysis method. The obtained nanowire array shows hierarchical porosity and large surface area. The resulted Fe2O3@Co3O4 nanowire array is evaluated as an anode material for Li ion batteries, which exhibits high capacity and good cycle stability (1005.1 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles at a current density of 200 mA g−1) and an excellent rate performance, mainly owing to the unique hierarchical nanowire architecture and an elegant synergistic effect of two electrochemically active materials. The developed strategy can be readily generalized to construct other multifunctional hybrid nanostructures, which will be promising materials for high-performance electrochemical devices. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Porous NiCo2O4 hetero-structure arrays on nickel foam are prepared by a facile hydrothermal method. The morphology of the arrays changes with the growth time. After hydrothermal synthesis for 8 h in combination with annealing treatment, the NiCo2O4 array presents a nanoflake–nanowire hetero-structure. The porous NiCo2O4 hetero-structure array exhibits the excellent pseudocapacitive properties in 2 M KOH, with a high capacitance of 891 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and 619 F g−1 at 40 A g−1 before activation as well as excellent cycling stability. The specific capacitance can achieve a maximum of 1089 F g−1 at a current density of 2 A g−1, which can still retain 1058 F g−1 (97.2% retention) after 8000 cycles. The enhanced pseudocapacitive performances are mainly attributed to its unique hetero-structure which provides fast ion and electron transfer, large reaction surface area and good strain accommodation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: LiVO3 is synthesized via a ball-milling route followed by a solid-state reaction at different temperatures. As cathode materials for lithium ion batteries, the electrochemical performances of LiVO3 are investigated by galvanostatic charge–discharge test and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The LiVO3 compound synthesized at 350 °C possesses the optimal performance, delivering an initial discharge capacity of 302.5 mAh g−1 between 1.0 V and 3.5 V at a current density of 50 mA g−1, and exhibiting a good cycling stability. Li-ion diffusion coefficient of 10−9.5–10−8 cm2 s−1 in the LiVO3 electrode is calculated by galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT). The good performances can be attributed to its relatively low crystallization and small particle size. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hierarchical plate-arrayed LiV3O8 is synthesized by freeze drying method with polyacrylamide (PAM) as surfactant followed by calcination at 500 °C. As a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries, the plate-arrayed LiV3O8 delivers an initial discharge capacity of 255.2 mAh g−1 between 2.0 and 4.0 V at the current density of 50 mA g−1, and possesses a capacity retention of 88.7% after 60 cycles. Moreover, high discharge capacities of 145.2, 133.7 and 111.8 mAh g−1 can still be obtained after the 200th cycle at current densities of 600, 1500 and 3000 mA g−1, respectively. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) test indicates that the LiV3O8 electrode always has very low impedance during the 3rd to 180th cycles. The improved electrochemical performance is attributed to the high crystallinity and uniform arrayed structure of LiV3O8, which can facilitate the fast electron transport and Li ion diffusion in the electrode. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Li-rich layered oxide Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2 is synthesized by combustion reaction using alcohol as both solvent and fuel. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) show that the oxide synthesized at 800 °C exhibits perfect crystallinity and lattice ordering, and has particle sizes of 50–150 nm. The layered oxide delivers an initial discharge capacity of 290.1 mAh g−1 at a current density of 20 mA g−1 after activation, and exhibits improved rate capability with high discharge capacities of 238.6 and 165.0 mAh g−1 at current densities of 200 and 2000 mA g−1 in the voltage range of 2.0–4.8 V, respectively. Low Li-ion diffusion coefficient of 1.07 × 10−14−1.01 × 10−16 cm2 s−1 is calculated by galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) during the initial discharge process, indicating that the improved rate capability is mainly attributed to the small particle sizes of the Li-rich oxide. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: LiF is successful used to modify the surface of layered LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 via a wet chemical method followed by an annealing process. The lattice structure of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 is not changed distinctly after modification and part of F− dopes into the surface lattice of the oxide. The LiF-modified oxide exhibits capacity retentions of 97.5% at 0.1 C at room temperature and 93.5% at 1 C at 60 °C after 50 cycles, and delivers a high discharge capacity of 137 mAh g−1 at 10 C at room temperature. Furthermore, it has reversible capacities of 124.4 mAh g−1 at 1 C at 0 °C and 85.6 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C at −20 °C, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests show that the LiF-modified layer can reduce the dissolution of metal ions in the electrode and enhance the conductivity of the oxide surface through partly F-substitution. LiF modification will be promising for the application of layered oxide for lithium ion batteries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Relatively small hysteresis in voltage, appropriate electromotive force and low average delithiation voltage make MnO, among many transition metal oxides. MnO/reduced graphene oxide sheet (MnO/RGOS) hybrid is synthesized by a two-step electrode design consisting of liquid phase deposition of MnCO3 nanoparticles on the surface of graphene oxide sheets followed by heat treatment in flowing nitrogen. As an anode for Li-ion batteries, the MnO/RGOS hybrid electrode shows a reversible capacity of 665.5 mA h g−1 after 50 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g−1 and delivers 454.2 mA h g−1 at a rate of 400 mA g−1, which is obviously better than that of bare MnO electrode. Those reasons for such enhanced electrochemical properties are investigated by galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) as well as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The probable origins, in the term of thermodynamic and kinetic factors, for the marked hysteresis in voltage observed between charge and discharge are also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A NiO–graphene hybrid is synthesized by a liquid phase deposition method. As an anode material for lithium ion batteries, the cyclic stability and rate capability of NiO is significantly improved after the incorporation of graphene sheets. The NiO–graphene hybrid electrode delivers a capacity of 646.1mAhg−1 after 35cycles at a current density of 100mAg−1, corresponding to 86.3% capacity retention. When the current density is increased to 400 and 800mAg−1, it still maintains a capacity of 509 and 368.5mAhg−1, respectively. The thermodynamic and kinetic properties of NiO electrodes with and without graphene are investigated by galvanostatic intermittent titration technique. The relationship between the rate and voltage hysteresis is also discussed. The polarization of both the electrodes in all cases obeys ohmic rule in the present rate range. The incorporation of graphene sheets can partly reduce the voltage polarization thereby the voltage hysteresis with increasing the current density. However, the extrapolation to zero current ends up in an approximate residual voltage for both the NiO electrodes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A hierarchically porous NiO film on nickel foam substrate is prepared by a facile ammonia-evaporation method. The self-assembled film possesses a structure consisting of NiO triangular prisms and randomly porous NiO nanoflakes. The pseudocapacitive behaviors of the porous NiO film are investigated by cyclic voltammograms and galvanostatic charge–discharge tests in 1M KOH. The hierarchically porous NiO film exhibits a high discharge capacitance and excellent rate capability with 232Fg−1, 229Fg−1, 213Fg−1 and 200Fg−1 at 2, 4, 10, and 20Ag−1, respectively. The specific capacitance of 87% is maintained from 2Ag−1 to 20Ag−1. The porous NiO film also shows rather good cycling stability and exhibits a specific capacitance of 348Fg−1 after 4000 cycles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Li3V2(PO4)3/C cathode material is synthesized by a carbon-thermal reduction method using polyvinyl alcohol as carbon source at 700°C. The Li3V2(PO4)3/C electrode presents a high initial discharge capacity of 84.3, 111.1, 128.7, 129.2 and 132.1mAhg−1 at −20, 0, 25, 40 and 65°C between 3.0 and 4.3V, and 118.9, 132.1, 187.6, 180.3 and 172.2mAhg−1 between 3.0 and 4.8V at 0.1C, respectively. However, the electrode only delivers small discharge capacities at −20°C at 10C rate. The capacity fade at low temperatures is mainly attributed to the reduced ionic and electronic conductivity of the electrolyte, the increased impendence of solid electrolyte interface (SEI) and charge-transfer resistance on the electrolyte–electrode interfaces. At higher temperatures, the capacity increases with increasing temperature between 3.0 and 4.3V, but decreases between 3.0 and 4.8V. In the potential range of 3.0–4.8V, the larger crystal structural distortion and non-uniformity of SEI layer at high temperatures may be the main reasons for the capacity loss. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Rod-like LiV3O8 composites have been fabricated by using a carbamide-assisted rheological phase reaction method. The electrochemical performances of the LiV3O8 materials prepared under different conditions are investigated by cyclic voltammograms, galvanostatic charge–discharge tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The rod-like LiV3O8 calcined at 500°C has the optimal performance, delivering an initial discharge capacity of 273.6 and 250.4mAhg−1 between 2.0V and 4.0V at a current density of 50 and 120mAg−1, respectively. After 60 cycles by applying 50mAg−1, a discharge capacity of 213.0mAhg−1 is obtained, showing a good cycling performance. The EIS studies show that the 500°C-LiV3O8 electrode has very low impedance increase during 1st to 240th discharge-charge cycles. All these results indicate that the rod-like LiV3O8 compound has a promising application as the cathode material for rechargeable lithium batteries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Plate-like Li3V2(PO4)3/C composite is synthesized via a solution route followed by solid-state reaction. The Li3V2(PO4)3/C plates are 40–100nm in thicknesses and 2–10μm in lengths. TEM images show that a uniform carbon layer with a thickness of 5.3nm presents on the surfaces of Li3V2(PO4)3 plates. The apparent Li-ion diffusion coefficient of the plate-like Li3V2(PO4)3/C is calculated to be 2.7×10−8 cm2 s−1. At a charge–discharge rate of 3C, the plate-like Li3V2(PO4)3/C exhibits an initial discharge capacity of 125.2 and 133.1mAhg−1 in the voltage ranges of 3.0–4.3 and 3.0–4.8V, respectively. After 500 cycles, the electrodes still can deliver a discharge capacity of 111.8 and 97.8mAhg−1 correspondingly, showing a good cycling stability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A nanosized LiFePO4/C composite with a complete and thin carbon-shell is synthesized via a ball-milling route followed by solid-state reaction using poly(vinvl alcohol) as carbon source. The LiFePO4/C nanocomposite delivers discharge capacities of 159, 141, 124 and 112mAhg−1 at 1C, 5C, 15C and 20C, respectively. Even at a charge–discharge rate of 30C, there is still a high discharge capacity of 107mAhg−1 and almost no capacity fading after 1000 cycles. Based on the analysis of cyclic voltammograms, the apparent diffusion coefficients of Li ions in the composite are in the region of 2.42×10−11 cm2 s−1 and 2.80×10−11 cm2 s−1. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic intermittent titration technique are also used to calculate the diffusion coefficients of Li ions in the LiFePO4/C electrode, they are in the range of 10−11–10−14 cm2 s−1. In addition, at −20°C, it can still deliver a discharge capacity of 122mAhg−1, 90mAhg−1 and 80mAhg−1 at the charge–discharge rates of 0.1C, 0.5C and 1C, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Spherical Li3V2(PO4)3/C composites are synthesized by a soft chemistry route using hydrazine hydrate as the spheroidizing medium. The electrochemical properties of the materials are investigated by galvanostatic charge–discharge tests, cyclic voltammograms and electrochemical impedance spectrum. The porous Li3V2(PO4)3/C spheres exhibit better electrochemical performances than the solid ones. The spherical porous Li3V2(PO4)3/C electrode shows a high discharge capacity of 129.1 and 125.6mAhg−1 between 3.0 and 4.3V, and 183.8 and 160.9mAhg−1 between 3.0 and 4.8V at 0.2 and 1C, respectively. Even at a charge–discharge rate of 15C, this material can still deliver a discharge capacity of 100.5 and 121.5mAhg−1 in the potential regions of 3.0–4.3V and 3.0–4.8V, respectively. The excellent electrochemical performance can be attributed to the porous structure, which can make the lithium ion diffusion and electron transfer more easily across the Li3V2(PO4)3/electrolyte interfaces, thus resulting in enhanced electrode reaction kinetics and improved electrochemical performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Co-doped NiO nanoflake arrays with a cellular-like morphology are fabricated by low temperature chemical bath deposition. As anode material for lithium ion batteries (LIBs), the array film shows a capacity of 600mAhg−1 after 50 discharge/charge cycles at low current density of 100mAg−1, and it retains 471mAhg−1 when the current density is increased to 2Ag−1. Appropriate electrode configuration possesses some unique features, including high electrode–electrolyte contact area, direct contact between each naonflake and current collector, fast Li+ diffusion. The Co2+ partially substitutes Ni3+, resulting in an increase of holes concentration, and therefore improved p-type conductivity, which is useful to reduce charge transfer resistance during the charge/discharge process. The synergetic effect of these two parts can account for the improved electrochemical performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Interfacial issues have been the main obstacle to the development of solid-state batteries. In this work, we design a solid hybrid polymer electrolyte based on poly-(ethylene glycol) diacrylate and succinonitrile (PSSE) with a liquid state precursor. An intimate interface between PSSE and Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 @vertical graphene (LTO@VG) electrode with three-dimensional array structure is cleverly constructed by infiltrating fluid precursor of PSSE into vertical pores of LTO@VG followed by polymerization and solidification of PSSE. The quasi-solid-state LTO@VG//PSSE//Li and LiFePO 4 //PSSE//LTO@VG full cells exhibit superior electrochemical performance since the active materials are closely contacted by the conductive skeleton and ion-conductive electrolyte. The LTO@VG//PSSE//Li cells maintain 85.7% capacity retention after 400 cycles at 2 C and the LFP//PSSE//LTO@VG full cells still reach 99.0% capacity retention after 200 cycles at 0.5 C. This novel strategy for interface engineering paves the way for achieving high-performance solid-state batteries. • A hybrid solid polymer electrolyte with fluid precursor is fabricated. • Intimate interface between 3D-array electrode and solid electrolyte is constructed. • Quasi-solid-state battery with excellent electrochemical performance is realized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]