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The practical application of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) is limited by serious side reactions, such as the hydrogen evolution reaction and Zn dendrite growth. Here, the study proposes a novel adoption of a biodegradable electrolyte additive, γ‐Valerolactone (GVL), with only 1 vol.% addition (GVL‐to‐H2O volume ratio) to enable a stable Zn metal anode. The combination of experimental characterizations and theoretical calculations verifies that the green GVL additive can competitively engage the solvated structure of Zn2+ via replacing a H2O molecule from [Zn(H2O)6]2+, which can efficiently reduce the reactivity of water and inhibit the subsequent side reactions. Additionally, GVL molecules are preferentially adsorbed on the surface of Zn to regulate the uniform Zn deposition and suppress the Zn dendrite growth. Consequently, the Zn anode exhibits boosted stability with ultralong cycle lifespan (over 3500 h) and high reversibility with 99.69% Coulombic efficiency. The Zn||MnO2 full batteries with ZnSO4‐GVL electrolyte show a high capacity of 219 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and improved capacity retention of 78% after 550 cycles. This work provides inspiration on bio‐based electrolyte additives for aqueous battery chemistry and promotes the practical application of AZIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advent of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the selection and application of electrode materials have been the subject of much discussion and study. Among them, graphite has been widely investigated for use as electrode materials in LIBs due to its abundant resources, low cost, safety and electrochemical diversity. While it is commonly recognized that conventional graphite materials utilized for commercial purposes have a limited theoretical capacity, there has been a steady emergence of new and improved carbonaceous materials for use as anodes in light of the progressive development of LIBs. In this paper, the latest research progress of various carbon materials in LIBs is systematically and comprehensively reviewed. Firstly, the rocking chair charging and discharging mechanism of LIBs is briefly introduced in this paper, using graphite anodes as an example. After that, the general categories of carbonaceous materials are highlighted, and the recent research on the recent progress of various carbonaceous materials (graphite-based, amorphous carbon-based, and nanocarbon-based) used in LIB anodes is presented separately based on the classification of the structural morphology, emphasizing the influence of the morphology and structure of carbon-based materials on the electrochemical performance of the batteries. Finally, the current challenges of carbonaceous materials in LIB applications and the future development of other novel carbonaceous materials are envisioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a honeycomb-shaped meso@mesoporous carbon nanofiber material incorporating homogeneously dispersed ultra-fine Fe2O3 nanoparticles (denoted as Fe2O3@g-C3N4@H-MMCN) is synthesised through a pyrolysis process. The honeycomb-shaped configuration of the meso@mesoporous carbon nanofiber material derived from a natural bio-carbon source (crab shell) acts as a support for an anode material for Li-ion batteries. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is produced via the one-step pyrolysis of urea at high temperature under an N2 atmosphere without the assistance of additives. The resulting favorable electrochemical performance, with superior rate capabilities (1067 mA h g−1 at 1000 mA g−1), a remarkable specific capacity (1510 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1), and steady cycling performance (782.9 mA h g−1 after 500 cycles at 2000 mA g−1), benefitted from the advantages of both the host material and the Fe2O3 nanoparticles, which play an important role due to their ultra-fine particle size of 5 nm. The excellent cycle life and high capacity demonstrate that this strategy of strong synergistic effects represents a new pathway for pursuing high-electrochemical-performance materials for lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gallium oxide as a novel electrode material has attracted attention because of its high stability and conductivity. In addition, Ga2O3 will be converted to Ga during the charge and discharge process, and the self-healing behavior of Ga can improve the cycling stability. In this paper, we synthesized Ga2O3 nanoparticles with a size of about 4 nm via a facile sol–gel method. Meanwhile, we employed three types of carbon materials (reduced graphene oxide, mesoporous carbon nanofiber arrays, and carbon nanotubes) to avoid the aggregation of Ga2O3 nanoparticles and improve the conductivity of Ga2O3 during the discharge/charge process as well. Among the three samples, the deactivating defective sites and special carbon matrix of reduced graphene oxide can provide more attachment points for Ga ions, so the Ga2O3 nanoparticles can be more closely and uniformly distributed on rGO. Benefitting from the perfect combination of reduced graphene oxide sheets and Ga2O3 nanoparticles, a stable capacity of the Ga2O3/rGO electrode can be maintained at 411 mA h g−1 at a current density of 1000 mA g−1 after 600 cycles. We believe that this work provides a novel and efficient way to improve the electrochemical stability of Li-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a novel and facile strategy to load low-cost and earth-abundant oxygen evolution catalyst NiFeO x by spin-coating on Ti-doped α-Fe 2 O 3 films was reported. The NiFeO x modified hematite photoanode was prepared by a two-step process, which consisted of a hydrothermal method and a subsequent NiFeO x loading step. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to characterize the resulting photoanode. The highest photocurrent increment and lowest onset potential were observed with 30 mM NiFe precursor treatment. Increasing the loading content in a range from 10 to 90 mM, the photocurrent density increases from 0.998 for the pristine α-Fe 2 O 3 to 1.126 mA/cm 2 at 1.23 V vs RHE (i.e., 12.7% increment) with 30 mM NiFe precursor treatment. Concomitant with this improvement was a cathode shift in the onset potential by nearly 55 mV and higher incident-photon-to-current efficiencies. Hematite photoanodes after NiFeO x deposition showed better performance than pristine samples, because of a lower overpotential for water oxidation resulted from NiFeO x modifying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc-cobalt layered double hydroxide (LDH) was electrodeposited on Ti-doped hematite photoanodes for the first time, and a significant enhanced performance for photoelectrochemical water splitting was demonstrated over the composite photoanodes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were characterized with the resulted photoanodes. With the electrodepositing treatment, the photocurrent density increased from 1.27 mA/cm 2 for pristine hematite to 1.73 mA/cm 2 for modified materials at 1.23 V vs. RHE (i.e. 36% improvement). The photocurrent improvement is mainly attributed to a suppression of electron–hole recombination and reduced overpotential for water oxidation at the hematite-electrolyte interface due to the formation of Zn-Co LDH layer on hematite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) as a potential Na‐storage material relies upon its special layered structure and high volumetric capacity. However, the electrochemical activity of pure Bi2S3 is greatly limited during the sodiation/desodiation process. The integration of Bi2S3 with reduced graphene and a particular carbon is explored to acquire active composite anodes for sodium ion batteries (SIBs). This special carbon is based on trimesic acid (H3BTC) as a carbon source, which effectively prevents the aggregation of Bi2S3 particles in the synthesis process. Compared with other carbon sources, this type of carbon source is more likely to diffuse into the interior of the precursor hole. Hence, the Bi2S3/C indicates higher reversible capacities (368 and 314 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles and 200 cycles at 100 mA g−1) than bare Bi2S3 or Bi2S3@RGO. Thus, Bi2S3/C is considered as a prospective electrode material for rechargeable batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Non-metallic materials as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. • Defects caused by hydrogen bonding facilitate the intercalation reaction in LIBs. • High self-healing properties facilitate real-time repair of reactive interfaces. • Simple preparation method and abundant elemental storage meet the economic cost. The replacement of metallic materials with non-metallic materials as anode electrodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is an increasing hot spot for constructing a new generation of energy storage field. Here, a novel deep eutectic composites material consisting of quaternary ammonium salts (QASs) and N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) on the basis of hydrogen bonding reaction is used as the anode material of LIBs, boasting numerous advantages, including facile synthesis, environmental friendliness, superb conductivity, self-healing property, and multiple active sites to provide capacity. Typically, tetraethylammonium chloride (TEACl)/NMP delivered a reversible specific capacity of 764.8 mAh/g at 100 mA/g after cycling 420 times and coulombic efficiency is maintained near 100 % after 1000 cycles at 100 mA/g. The availability of hydrogen bonding network reduces the lattice energy of its components and creates defects, which is more favorable for the intercalation reaction in LIBs. Concurrently, the effect of hydrogen bonding reaction and the natural mobility of the deep eutectic composites exhibit high self-healing properties, facilitating the repair of the reaction interface in real time. An abundance of active sites that can bind Li+ to form LiH is used to provide capacity, which is also confirmed by density functional theory (DFT) method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimony/reduced graphene oxide (Sb/rGO) composite is prepared successfully with the addition of rGO nanosheets via a facile one-step chemical deposition route using SbCl 3 as the precursor, which could form metallic Sb nanoparticles anchored on the rGO sheets submerging in N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) without any other addition of surfactant. Microstructure characterization tests reveal the sheet-like Sb/rGO composite consisting of the ultrafine Sb nanoparticles uniformly and intimately dispersed on the rGO nanosheets. In this special structure, rGO nanosheets with the preponderance of ultra-thin and flexible not only restrain the tremendous volume change of Sb nanoparticles but also have a brilliant synergistic effect and strong bonding effect along with Sb nanoparticles and improve the conductivity of active material. Therefore, as an anode material with promoted electrochemical performance for lithium-ion batteries, Sb/rGO composite shows the high reversible capacity of 797.5 mAh g−1 and 562.9 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at the current density of 80 mA g−1 and 430 mA g−1, respectively. And the rate performance is also improved due to the existence of rGO nanosheets as an indispensable role in the Sb/rGO composite. • Sb nanoparticles are anchored on rGO by one-step chemical deposition route. • Spherality metallic Sb particles are prepared by a novel method. • The Sb/rGO composite displays excellent electrochemical performance. • This new route can provide an idea to explore other metal/rGO composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Advanced SMS-FeX 3 anodes show promising performance in LIBs. • Fe trihalides (FeF 3 , FeCl 3 , FeBr 3) synergize with NMP, yielding SMS-FeX 3 materials of exceptional electrochemical performance. • SMS-FeX 3 anodes exemplify easy synthesis, sustainability, and leverage solid molten salts' electrochemical strengths. • SMS-FeX 3 anodes present a promising outlook for LIBs anodes, demonstrating substantial potential for practical utilization. Cost-effective metal trihalides exhibiting high specific capacity hold significant promise as anodes in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Within this study, the spotlight falls on innovative anode materials, denoted as solid molten salts (SMS-FeX 3 , X = F, Cl, Br), which are synthesized through the utilization of transition metal trihalides. SMS-FeX 3 anodes offer a range of advantages, including facile synthesis, environmental sustainability, and the electrochemical benefits stemming from the superior conductivity and electrochemical performance of solid molten salts. Leveraging the synergistic interaction between Fe trihalides (FeF 3 , FeCl 3 , FeBr 3) and N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP), these SMS materials exhibit exceptional electrochemical performance and remarkable cycle stability. Furthermore, a comprehensive comparison among the three Fe trihalides underscores their distinct characteristics: SMS-FeF 3 showcases a consistent Coulombic Efficiency of approximately 100 % throughout 400 cycles. SMS-FeCl 3 stands out with an initial specific capacity of 1258 mAh/g at 100 mA g−1, sustaining at 900 mAh/g after 400 cycles. Meanwhile, SMS-FeBr 3 , serving as a comparative material, exhibits commendable rate performance even at 2000 mA g−1. These captivating and pioneering SMS-FeX 3 anode materials offer a fresh perspective on the anode fabrication of LIBs, bearing exceptional promise for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract SnO x is considered as a promising anode candidate for lithium-ion batteries, but suffers from the low electrical conductivity and severe volume expansion during cycling. To solve these issues, we develop a simple and facile process of incipient wetness impregnation followed by pyrolysis gel molecules to prepare SnO x /mesoporous carbon nanofiber arrays, SnO x /graphene, SnO x /carbon nanotubes and SnO x /three-dimensionally ordered macroporous carbon materials. Notably, SnO x nanoparticles about 5 nm are prepared by a nonaqueous sol-gel method. We also explore the effect of different morphologies and pore structures of four carbon substrates on the electrochemical performance of the composites. Benefiting from the small size of SnO x nanoparticles and the synergistic effect between SnO x and the different carbon matrix materials, SnO x -Carbon electrode materials display excellent rate capability and cycle stability. SnO x /mesoporous carbon nanofiber arrays exhibits the best rate (522 mA h g−1 at 2000 mA g−1) and cycling performances (1327 mA h g−1 after 200 cycles at 100 mA g−1). The superior electrochemical performance, facile synthesized method and low cost of the Sn-based materials exhibit promising application for SnO x /mesoporous carbon nanofiber arrays as anode materials for next-generation lithium-ion batteries. Furthermore, the ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies on this electrode material under different states suggest that the Sn and Li 2 O could reversibly react to form SnO x during the charging process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The Cl-doped ZIF-67-derived carbon microspheres were prepared by a novel chlorination method in high-temperature. • The electrochemical performance of CCH@CM has been greatly improved compared to ZIF-67. • CCH@CM continues the microporous structure of ZIF-67 while minimizes volume expansion. • Cobalt Chloride Hydrate (CCH) grown in situ provides maximum active sites for electrochemical reactions with Li-ions. In this work, the carbon-microsphere loaded with cobalt chloride hydrate (CCH@CM) was prepared via a collaborative and chlorination strategy derived from ZIF-67 precursor, which exhibits a superior electrochemical performance as a lithium-ion battery anode material. The synthesized CCH@CM obtained a high initial discharge capacity (947 mAh g−1) and the capacity attenuation rate is close to zero after 200 cycles at the current density of 100 mA g−1. The porous structure derived from ZIF-67 not only can provide a conductive path, which increases the transport of electrons and lithium ions, but also alleviate volume expansion. The presences of -Cl-/H 2 O groups provide active sites for the anchoring of Li+. As the first successful synthesizing the cobalt chloride hydrate (CCH) from ZIF-67, good electrochemical performance provides a promising for the large-scale application in lithium ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We report a one-step strategy for the synthesis based on non-aqueous sol-gel PPy-encapsulated SnO 2 nanoparticles. • Benefiting from this interesting carbon decorated and non-agglomeration strategy, SnO 2 @Pyy-2 demonstrated excellent rate performance and cycle performance when it was evaluated as anode material for lithium-ion batteries. [Display omitted] SnO 2 has been considered a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) based on its high theoretical capacity (1494 mA h g−1). Unfortunately, the electrochemical properties, including rate performance and stability for SnO 2 -based materials, are still restrained by huge volume expansion and weak electron dynamics. Hence, we developed a one-step strategy for the synthesis based on non-aqueous sol-gel polypyrrole (PPy)-encapsulated SnO 2 nanoparticles to solve the above issues. The synthesized material exhibits excellent dispersibility, and the SnO 2 nanoparticles are encapsulated by the conductive coating (SnO 2 @PPy-2). As an anode, SnO 2 @PPy-2 demonstrates excellent electrochemical capabilities compared to pure SnO 2 and SnO 2 @PPy-1(based on pure SnO 2 encapsulated PPy). SnO 2 @PPy-2 not only exhibits 783.8 mAh g−1 and 932.6 mAh g−1 capacities at 0.5 A g−1(200 cycles) and 0.2 A g−1(100 cycles) but also retains an excellent rate performance for 560.2 mA h g−1 at 2 A g−1. This superior Li-storage performance can be ascribed to the reduced nanosize for SnO 2 and the conductive polymer coating, which significantly enhances mass transfer efficiency. The existence of PPy dramatically restricts volume expansion and the agglomeration of Sn intermediates during charge/discharge. This work has also provided novel ways for the preparation of other disperse metal oxide/conductive-polymer composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrite FeS 2 , which has abundant reserves, is widely regarded as an excellent anode material for lithium-ion batteries. However, FeS 2 is prone to volume expansion and low conductivity during charging and discharging, resulting in poor electrochemical performance. In this paper, a fast non-hydrogel method was used to synthesize the precursor of FeS 2 @C (carbon nanotubes, graphene, crab shell carbon, and sucrose carbon), and the obtained FeS 2 @CNT has a relatively best electrochemical performance. Benefiting from its structural advantages, FeS 2 @CNT exhibits a good rate performance (1200, 1125, 1020, 920 and 820 mA h g−1 at five levels of the current density of 100–2000 mA g−1). And it has an excellent cycle performance (1200 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at 100 mA g−1). It shows that this method has considerable advantages in the process of preparing composites. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, 3D-conductive supramolecular gel and derivates were synthesized and the performance of lithium storage were explored. In sol or gel state of iron-based metal-organic gel (Fe-MOG), the redox reaction of Fe3+ will generate free radicals which can catalyze the polymerization of pyrrole. Meanwhile, the conductive polymer could be more uniformly and closely coated on the internal structure of Fe-MOG. Systematic electrochemical analysis demonstrated that 3D-conductive supramolecular gel anode performed a stable reversible specific capacity of 1304.9 mAh g−1 at the current density of 0.1 A g−1, and outstanding cycle performance with high reversible specific capacity of 824.5 mAh g−1 at the current density of 0.4 A g−1 after 300 cycles and 422.3 mAh g−1 at the current density of 2 A g−1 after 100 cycles. At the same time, supramolecular gel-derived N-doped Fe–C could also show excellent performance of lithium storage as a novel carbon material, demonstrating that 3D-conductive supramolecular gel has a broad application prospect in the field of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). • 3D-conductive supramolecular gel and derivates were synthesized and the performance of lithium storage were explored. • 3D-conductive supramolecular gel can maximize the synergy effect between Fe-MOG and PPy. • 3D-conductive supramolecular gel can effectively restrain volume expansion. • 3D-conductive supramolecular gel and derivates have high reversible specific capacity and excellent cycle performance. • The method of fabricating 3D-conductive supramolecular gel can also be applied to other metal atoms and ligands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amorphous metal-organic gel (MOG) can be applied as anode for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) due to its advantages of the controllable structure and the adjustable pore size. In this work, M-MOGs (M=Ni, Zr, Fe, Al, Cr) membranes were fabricated by drop casting method and used as LIB anodes for the first time. They exhibited the excellent electrochemical performance, which were much better than metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) or MOGs without membrane formation of the same metal atom. There was no need to add carbon black, binder or organic solvent when fabricating the membrane electrode which can be attributed to the excellent electronic conductibility of membrane and the viscosity of MOGs. At the same time, the prepared MOGs have the self-healable property which can effectively restrain volume expansion during the lithium ion intercalation/extraction process. In five membrane electrodes, Ni-MOG membrane had a great specific capacity reaching to 1710.1 mA h g−1 at the current density of 100 mA g−1, and remained at 1245.5 mA h g−1 after 30 cycles with high rate performance. Furthermore, the coulombic efficiency was nearly 100% after 100 cycles at a high current density of 2 A g−1 or 5 A g−1. The conductivities of the five MOG membranes were between 10−8 and 10−7 S m−1, indicating that the membrane anodes had semiconductor property. It can be seen that amorphous MOG membrane is a promising anode material for LIBs. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]