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Li metal anode with high capacity, negative potential and low density is regarded as the most promising anode material. Unfortunately, its commercialization is greatly limited by Li dendrites. Here, a 3D carbon paper scaffold with lithiophilic carbon nanoparticles is synthesized as a Li host via the carbonization of metal-organic framework and the doping of oxygen atom. Carbon nanoparticles effectively improve the specific surface area of carbon paper that can low the local current density and provide rich internal spaces for Li reservoir. In addition, the rich lithiophilic groups (such as ZnO, nitrogen atom and oxygen atom) can regulate a uniform Li+ flux and achieve a controllable Li deposition. Based on these structural advantages, uniform nucleation and growth of Li metal have been realized. Especially, the symmetric cell renders an outstanding cyclic stability for 750 h with an ultra-low polarization voltage of 14 mV at 1 mA/cm2. Additionally, the full cell partied with a LiFePO 4 cathode displays an initial specific capacity of 138.1 mAh/g, and even maintains 97.7 % capacity retention after 120 cycles at 0.5C. Therefore, this strategy presents a universal approach to construct porous hosts with abundant lithiophilic sites for long-lifespan Li metal batteries. [Display omitted] • We propose a strategy to construct porous hosts with abundant lithiophilic sites. • Zn–O@CP host can regulate uniform Li ionic flux and dendrite-free Li deposition. • Zn–O@CP host displays a low polarization voltage of 14 mV for 750 h. • Zn–O@CP host can be applied to both in anode-free cells and in Li metal cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protonic solid oxide fuel cells (P–SOFCs) is an active field in development of intermediate-temperature fuel cells to render high power density and durability. The use of pulsed laser deposition (PLD) to deposit the functional layers and interlayers of P–SOFCs supported on anode substrates offers advantages in reducing both the ohmic and polarization resistances of the cell, which however critically depends on the substrate microstructure. Here we use ashless paper fibers as pore former mixed with NiO and BaCe 0.7 Zr 0.1 Y 0.1 Yb 0.1 O 3-δ (BCZYYb) powders to prepare anode substrates with large, interconnected cylindrical pores, followed by using electrophoretic deposition to deposit NiO-BCZYYb as pore filler to fill the pores exposed on the top surface. With an anode substrate made using 20 wt% paper fiber and PLD-deposited NiO-BCZYYb anode functional layer (AFL), NiO-BCZYYb anode interlayer, and BCZYYb electrolyte layer, the peak power density reaches 550 mW/cm2 at 600 °C, which is 30 % higher than that of the cell with a commercial half-cell composed of NiO-BCZYYb substrate and spin-coated BCZYYb electrolyte layer but the same cathode interlayer and cathode layer. Furthermore, the insertion of a PLD-deposited graded anode interlayer between the AFL and electrolyte layer is found to be critical for high cell durability. [Display omitted] • Ashless paper fiber is used as pore former in fabricating P–SOFC anode substrate. • Paper fiber produces long, thick interconnected pores with higher gas permeability. • Electrophoretic deposition of pore filler effectively fills exposed surface pores. • Graded anode interlayer deposited by pulsed laser deposition raises cell durability. • Cell with 20 wt% paper fiber exhibits the highest cell power density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal dissolution and solid electrolyte interface layer growth are the most challenging issues in a reversible aqueous Zn-ion battery. To address this issue, an electrolyte-material marriage must be devise. Herein, we have develop the unique hydrate WO 3 .0.33H 2 O nanorods that integrate the layers and hexagonal tunnel structures for an aqueous Zn-ion battery. However, the one-dimensional morphology and confinement of the hydrate molecules of WO 3 .0.33H 2 O nanorods enable the superhighway and sub-second electron transport. Owing to this unique property, WO 3 .0.33H 2 O nanorods exhibit a capacity of 91 mAh g−1, which is two-fold higher than the three-dimensional WO 3 cube in 1 M ZnCl 2 electrolyte. Additionally, WO 3 .0.33H 2 O nanorods exhibit excellent durability and coulombic efficiency of 94 % and 99 % after 3000 cycles, respectively. To further examine the electrolyte suitability, the WO 3 .0.33H 2 O nanorods show excellent reversibility of the insertion and deinsertion of the Zn2+ ion in 1 m ZnCl 2 compares to 1 M ZnSO 4 and 1 M Zn(CH 3 COO) 2 electrolytes. Therefore, this unique construction of hydrates WO 3 .0.33H 2 O nanorods would be a new avenue for designing the anode materials for a reversible aqueous Zn-ion battery. Dendrite growth and the irreversibility of on Zn ion cause Zn-ion battery failure. As a result, alternative anode materials are in high demand to address this issue. In this paper, we present new anode materials that exhibit the most stable and reversible Zn ion intercalation and deintercation. This new hydrated WO 3 architecture demonstrates the outstanding life span and coulombic efficiency for aqueous Zn-ion batteries. [Display omitted] • WO 3 .0.33H 2 O nanorod exhibits integrated 2D layered and hexagonal tunnel structure. • It shows the two fold capacity of 91 mAh/g higher than 3D WO3 (41 mAh/g). • These nanorod is highly compatible in 1 M ZnCl 2 electrolyte than other electrolytes. • These nanorod exhibit excellent life span and coulombic efficiency after 3 k cycles. • Ex-situ test highlights the reversible intercalation at surface and layered side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon-based composite anodes continue to raise interest for their high theoretical specific capacity, but the complexity of their behaviour during battery operation presents an obstacle to both their characterization and their practical application. In this paper we present a comprehensive multiscale model of a Si-based composite anode, based on a detailed characterization and encompassing nano-, micro-, and meso-scale details. The model is used to explore the relationship between the chemo-mechanical changes in the anode components and the electrode stability during battery operation, through the prediction of the morphological evolution of the material during the lithiation process. Through the combined analysis of DFT, FEM, and DEM models we highlight the influence of Si and SiO 2 lithiation on electrode swelling and damage, and the predominant influence of particle-level morphology on electrochemical behaviour. [Display omitted] • Multiscale model of a SiO x /C composite anode for lithium-ion batteries. • Direct correlation of nano- and micro-scale morphology with electrode stability. • Ab initio theoretical volumetric expansion value for Li 3.75 Si validated at +244%. • Morphology-specific SiO x /C particle volumetric expansion in the range 60%–100%. • Low-swelling SiO x /C particles preserve up to 90% binder upon lithiation at 875 mAh/g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Screening green corrosion inhibitors to prevent Al anode corrosion is essential for the development of high-performance Al-air batteries. This paper explores the potential of amide derivative, thiobenzamide (TBA), as the corrosion inhibitor for Al anode, and provides a universal and preferred option for improving Al-air batteries. An array of techniques were employed to probe the inhibition effect of TBA for Al-air battery in 4 M NaOH electrolyte. It is encouraging that TBA as a mixed-type corrosion inhibitor reached the inhibition efficiency of 67.8 % at an optimum addition of 0.07 M, and the specific capacity of Al-air battery dramatically increased from 461.9 mAh·g−1 (for the uninhibited system) to 1532.6 mAh·g−1 (for the TBA added system). The results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) combined with ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) confirm that TBA can be adsorbed on the surface of Al to form a protective film, thus preventing the hydrogen evolution self-corrosion of Al anode. Herein the adsorption behavior occurred mainly through the Al–S–Al and N–Al bonding interaction between S/N atoms in TBA and Al atoms on Al surface based on the investigation of coordination numbers. The computational modeling analysis has revealed an electrolyte regulation way to improve the performance of Al-air batteries in alkaline medium. [Display omitted] • TBA can restrain self-corrosion of Al anode in alkaline Al-air battery. • TBA protective film can be formed on Al surface with Al–S–Al and N–Al bonds. • The corrosion inhibition mechanism is revealed by ab initio molecular dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum-air batteries (AAB) are regarded as one of the most promising beyond-lithium high-energy-density storage candidates. This paper introduces a three-dimensional (3D) Al 7075 anode enabled by femtosecond laser and friction-stir process which, along with a special double-face anode architecture provides world-class performance. Electrochemical characterizations prove that the corrosion resistance of the modified 3D Al 7075 FSP anode was enhanced, and electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) was increased compared with that of normal Al 7075 anode. Friction-stir processing reduced the mean grain size from 30 μm to 3 μm. The discharge performance of 3D Al 7075 FSP anode is shown to be quite stable, and the average values of energy density are significantly increased from 2256 mWh g−1 to 2941 mWh g−1 at 100 mA cm−2. In a double-face flowing Al-air battery system, the 3D Al 7075 FSP anode exhibited significantly better electrocatalytic performance (discharge voltage of 0.76 V at 400 mA cm−2, and power density of 337.8 mW cm−2) than that of a commercial Al 7075 anode. • Al-air batteries based on three-dimensional (3D) structured Al anodes. • Periodic grooving for enhanced electrochemically active surface area (ECSA). • Friction stirring for grain refinement and improved corrosion resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]