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Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) suffer from rampant Zn dendrites growth, corrosion and sluggish transport kinetics, all of which have a serious impact on their performance and practical applications. Therefore, porous carbon nanofibers (BTO@PCNFs) loaded with BaTiO3 nanoparticles (BTO NPs) are constructed as a multifunctional interlayer for stabilizing the Zn anodes. Owing to the synergistic effect of BTO NPs and 3D porous carbon framework, this interlayer can achieve uniform electric field distribution, accelerate Zn2+ migration, and promote ion flux homogenization, thus leading to uniform Zn deposition. Meanwhile, the BTO@PCNFs interlayer demonstrates excellent anti‐corrosion effect, which can effectively prevent the side reactions. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of interlayers, the BTO@PCNFs multifunctional interlayers achieve a comprehensive optimization of the Zn anodes. The BTO@PCNFs‐Zn electrode exhibits lower nucleation overpotential (33.5 mV) at 0.5 mA cm−2. The Zn//Zn symmetrical cell with BTO@PCNFs interlayer exhibits ultra‐low overpotential (14 mV) and ultra‐long cycle life (5250 h at 0.5 mA cm−2). Even at high current density (30 mA cm−2), the BTO@PCNFs‐Zn electrode can be stably cycled for more than 830 h, achieving an ultra‐high cumulative capacity of 12 450 mAh cm−2. The multifunctional interlayers can provide a reference for the design of high‐performance Zn anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In aqueous electrolytes, the uncontrollable interfacial evolution caused by a series of factors such as pH variation and unregulated Zn2+ diffusion would usually result in the rapid failure of metallic Zn anode. Considering the high correlation among various triggers that induce the anode deterioration, a synergistic modulation strategy based on electrolyte modification is developed. Benefitting from the unique pH buffer mechanism of the electrolyte additive and its capability to in situ construct a zincophilic solid interface, this synergistic effect can comprehensively manage the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of Zn anode by inhibiting the pH variation and parasitic side reactions, accelerating de‐solvation of hydrated Zn2+, and regulating the diffusion behavior of Zn2+ to realize uniform Zn deposition. Thus, the modified Zn anode can achieve an impressive lifespan at ultra‐high current density and areal capacity, operating stably for 609 and 209 hours at 20 mA cm−2, 20 mAh cm−2 and 40 mA cm−2, 20 mAh cm−2, respectively. Based on this exceptional performance, high loading Zn||NH4V4O10 batteries can achieve excellent cycle stability and rate performance. Compared with those previously reported single pH buffer strategies, the synergistic modulation concept is expected to provide a new approach for highly stable Zn anode in aqueous zinc‐ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The undesirable side reactions and uncontrolled deposition leads to the electrochemical failure of Zn metal anodes. Herein, driven by theory calculations, a surface texture engineering and passivation layer protection dual‐interface strategy is developed. Benefiting from the complementary interface effect, such a dual‐interface can realize the integrated regulation of interfacial transport and deposition. That is, inhibiting water‐induced side reactions, accelerating the de‐solvation of hydrated zinc ions, homogenizing the ion flux, and guiding the Zn(002)‐preferred orientation deposition. As a result, such a dual‐interface modulated Zn electrode enables a significantly extended stability and a smaller nucleation barrier and polarization effect. Unexpectedly, it can steadily operate for 6600 h at 0.5 mA cm−2 and 0.5 mA h cm−2, corresponding to a lifespan >9 months. Highly reversible Zn plating and stripping can be still retained when the current density is improved up to 1, 5, 10, and even 20 mA cm−2. Beyond that, when it is applied to Zn metal batteries, enhanced rate capability, and cyclic stability can be realized in both aqueous Zn/MnO2 batteries and solid‐state Zn/VO2 batteries. This design concept of complementary interface effect is expected to provide a new insight into high reversibility Zn metal anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: The design concept of 3D artificial array interface engineering was proposed to achieve eliminated volume stress, preferred orientation growth and dendrite-free Zn metal anode. The mechanism of MXene array interface on modulating the growth kinetics and deposition behavior of Zn atoms were firstly uncovered at a multiscale level. The engineered electrode exhibits comprehensive enhancements in the resistance of corrosion and hydrogen evolution reaction, as well as the rate capability and cyclic stability. 3D MXene array@Zn/VO2 batteries with enhanced rate performance (214.1 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1) and cycle lifespan can be demonstrated. The ripple effect induced by uncontrollable Zn deposition is considered as the Achilles heel for developing high-performance aqueous Zn-ion batteries. For this problem, this work reports a design concept of 3D artificial array interface engineering to achieve volume stress elimination, preferred orientation growth and dendrite-free stable Zn metal anode. The mechanism of MXene array interface on modulating the growth kinetics and deposition behavior of Zn atoms were firstly disclosed on the multi-scale level, including the in-situ optical microscopy and transient simulation at the mesoscopic scale, in-situ Raman spectroscopy and in-situ X-ray diffraction at the microscopic scale, as well as density functional theory calculation at the atomic scale. As indicated by the electrochemical performance tests, such engineered electrode exhibits the comprehensive enhancements not only in the resistance of corrosion and hydrogen evolution, but also the rate capability and cyclic stability. High-rate performance (20 mA cm−2) and durable cycle lifespan (1350 h at 0.5 mA cm−2, 1500 h at 1 mA cm−2 and 800 h at 5 mA cm−2) can be realized. Moreover, the improvement of rate capability (214.1 mAh g−1 obtained at 10 A g−1) and cyclic stability also can be demonstrated in the case of 3D MXene array@Zn/VO2 battery. Beyond the previous 2D closed interface engineering, this research offers a unique 3D open array interface engineering to stabilize Zn metal anode, the controllable Zn deposition mechanism revealed is also expected to deepen the fundamental of rechargeable batteries including but not limited to aqueous Zn metal batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sluggish transport kinetics and rapid dendrite growth are considered the main obstacles that impair the performance of Zn metal batteries. This work has developed a unique strategy of dual‐interface engineering (DIE) to design the separator as efficient ions transport modulator. The dual function of spontaneous polarization effect and high zincophilicity of BaTiO3 (BTO) is revealed by combining the theoretical and experimental studies. Benefiting from the decoration of BTO on glass fiber and well filling of the surface interspace, the DIE‐modified separator can not only effectively capture and accelerate Zn2+ transport between the fiber–electrolyte interface, but also redistribute the ions transport into homogenization in the separator–anode interface. Therefore, the modified Zn anodes perform highly reversible Zn plating/stripping with ultrahigh cumulative capacity even up to 9500 mAh cm−2 at the high current density of 10 mA cm−2. Meanwhile, the modified Zn‐MnO2 battery can retain a specific capacity of 108 mAh g−1 after 1800 cycles at 1 A g−1. Furthermore, the capacity retention of the battery also can be improved from 37.5% up to 115% at 0.2 A g−1 after 100 cycles. Such a novel concept for separator engineering provides a new perspective to enable ultra‐stable Zn metal anodes and high‐performance Zn metal batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendrite growth and parasitic side reactions are thorny issues that seriously damage the anode–electrolyte interface during Zn plating/stripping process, leading to uncontrollable Zn deposition and restraining application of aqueous Zn‐ion batteries (AZIBs). Here, a unique facile strategy to in situ build indium (In) metal interphase on the Zn anode is first proposed. The combination of experimental and theoretical investigations demonstrate that such metallic interphase prevents the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and Zn corrosion, and guides preferential growth along the Zn(002) plane to achieve smooth Zn deposition. As a result, the modified Zn anodes achieve the ultrahigh cumulative capacities of 5600 and 5000 mAh cm−2 at the high current densities of 2 and 5 mA cm−2, respectively, demonstrating an ultrastable plating/stripping behavior. More encouragingly, the rate performance and cyclic stability of the Zn–V2O5 battery with the electrolyte additive can still deliver a specific capacity of 383.6 mAh g−1 after 5000 cycles at the high current density of 5 A g−1. The strategy presented here as well as the in‐depth understanding of modified mechanism can not only provide an effective solution to address the Zn anode concerns, but also deepen the understanding of AZIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesophase microporous carbon spheres (MMCS), are the anode materials of spent lithium‐ion batteries (LIB), existing in large amounts on the earth that result in resource wastes and ecological pollution. In order to utilize the above waste resources, a new idea of recycling scrapped LIB anode materials was exploited to apply for capacitive deionization (CDI). Herein, the activated microporous carbon spheres (AMCS) were synthesized by a one‐step KOH activation of mesophase microporous carbon spheres (MMCS). By controlling the weight ratios of KOH to MMCS, the fabricated AMCS with the optimal specific surface area of 2626 m2 g−1 and the pore volume of 0.98 cm3 g−1 were fabricated. The AMCS3‐1 with a weight ratio of KOH to MMCS of 3 : 1 exhibits higher specific capacitance (196.9 F g−1) and lower charge transfer resistance. Importantly, the AMCS3‐1 electrode demonstrates excellent electrosorption capacity of 12.73 mg g−1 and fast salt adsorption rate of 2.64 mg g−1 min−1 at 1.2 V. In addition, the excellent repeatability over 50 regeneration cycles could be obtained for AMCS3‐1 electrode compared with commercial activated carbon electrode. The results reveal that the AMCS3‐1 is a promising candidate as high‐performance electrodes for CDI. The strategy of recycling MMCS from waste LIB anode materials for CDI is desirable, which displays great potential in the removal of sodium chloride (NaCl). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon (Si) is an attractive anode material for lithium-ion batteries due to its high gravimetric and volumetric capacity. However, the challenges for Si anodes are low conductivity, unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer and big volume expansion during the charge/discharge process. Inspired by the structure of carob, we propose a yolk–shell structured Si anode which tackles all the problems mentioned above. The non-filling Si clusters protected by atomic layer-deposited TiO2 are embedded in highly conductive one-dimensional carbon nanofibers, which leaves enough space for the expansion and contraction of Si during lithiation/delithiation. Moreover, the SEI layer will form at the outer surface of carbon nanofibers instead of on individual Si nanoparticles and can remain stable and spatially confined. Therefore, the yolk–shell composite electrode exhibits good electrochemical performance and reversible capacities of 1156 mA h g−1 at a current density of 600 mA g−1 after 500 cycles and 485 mA h g−1 at the current density of 9600 mA g−1 after 2000 cycles are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Ni–Ti memory alloy was introduced to alleviate the huge volume change in red-P anodes for Na-ion batteries. The Ni–Ti–P delivered a high initial coulombic efficiency of 80%, and retained almost 100% of the initial reversible capacity after 20 cycles. Utilizing the shape memory effect to accommodate a huge volumetric change favors the recovery of the anode structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high theoretical capacity of approximately 1400 mA h g−1 makes SnO2 a promising anode material for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). However, large volume expansion, poor intrinsic conductivity, and sluggish reaction kinetics have greatly hindered its practical application. The controlled creation of oxygen vacancy (OV) defects allows the intrinsic properties of SnO2 to be effectively modulated, but related work concerning SIBs is still lacking. In this Minireview, the mechanism of failure of SnO2 electrodes is discussed and an overview of recent progress in the general synthesis of OV‐containing SnO2 materials and the feasible detection of OVs in SnO2 is presented. The use of OV‐containing SnO2‐based anode materials in SIBs is also reviewed. Finally, challenges and future opportunities to engineer OVs for semiconductor oxides are examined. Say it ain't so...dium: The controlled creation of oxygen vacancy (OV) defects can be effective in modulating the intrinsic properties of SnO2, and the as‐prepared materials are promising anodes for advanced sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). In this minireview, recent progress in the general synthesis of OV‐containing SnO2 materials is sumarized, and the use of OV‐containing SnO2‐based anode materials in SIBs is examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Si/Ni 3 Si-encapulated carbon nanofiber composites are synthesized by a facile one-pot electrospinning method and employed as three-dimensional network structured anode materials for lithium ion batteries. It is demonstrated that the composite exhibited increased cycling performance with a reversible capacity of 1132.4 mAh g −1 after 200 cycles, which is 45% higher compared to the bare Si. The improved battery performance is attributed to the alloying of Si with Ni, which could effectively alleviate the volume expansion during lithium insertion/extraction. In addition, the formation of one dimensional nanofiber in which Si/Ni 3 Si nanoparticles are well distributed not only increases the electronic conductivity, but also enhances the mechanical strength of the electrodes, resulting in increased cycle stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Ag nanoflakes are used to control Zn anode texture via a facile drop-casting method. • The nanoflake morphology allows for horizontal arrangement of Ag at Zn foil surface. • Horizontal Zn deposition is ensured with considerably inhibited parasitic reaction. • Zn metal corrosion can be suppressed and electrochemical kinetics can be enhanced. • The performance of Zn//Zn cell and Zn//MnO 2 battery is significantly improved. The escalating popularity of aqueous zinc-ion batteries has prompted substantial research efforts directed at mitigating zinc dendrites and parasitic reactions. Modifying Zn foil electrodes with Ag metal/alloy has emerged as an efficacious strategy owing to the exceptional zincophilicity and remarkable electrical conductivity of Ag. Nevertheless, previous studies predominantly rely on either 3D architectures or Ag nanowires/particles. The former approach may increase costs and compromise energy density, while the latter inadequately guides planar zinc deposition. In this work, Ag nanoflakes synthesized by a solution method are employed to control Zn anode texture through a facile drop-casting technique. The nanoflake morphology facilitates the horizontal arrangement of Ag modification layer, thereby readily promoting horizontal zinc deposition. It is also found that the Ag nanoflakes can improve electrolyte wettability, augment anti-corrosion ability, homogenize electric field, diminish nucleation overpotential, reduce desolvation activation energy, impede two-dimensional Zn2+ ion diffusion, reduce exchange current density, lower electrochemical impedances, and result in the formation of AgZn 3 alloy. Correspondingly, the zinc stripping/plating reversibility is significantly improved, accompanied by considerably inhibited parasitic reaction, contributing to the realization of deep cycling for both Zn//Zn cell and Zn//MnO 2 battery. This study unveils a viable morphology-tailored methodology to achieve dendrite-free characteristic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2) exhibits additional reversible capacity beyond their theoretical value is promising candidates for electrodes of lithium ion batteries (LIBs). However, the sluggish kinetics, low conductivity and self-aggregating of MoS 2 nanosheets hinder the practical application. Herein, ultra small few layer MoS 2 combined with carbon hybrids of macro-micro-mesoporous structure (MoS 2 /MmC) is prepared via a simple and scalable liquid-solid-gas three-phase interface self-assembly process. When employed as anode for lithium ion batteries, such a clever structure possesses superior performance: exhibits discharge capacity of 938 mAh g−1 at current density of 200 mA g−1 following 100 cycles, and reveals reversible capacity of 843 mAh g−1 at current density of 2 A g−1 after 1000 cycles. The excellent performance is attributed to the rational design of electrode structure: ultra small few layer MoS 2 nanosheets offer abundant active sites, while the 3D porous architectures are in favor of enhancing the mass-transportation and alleviating the volume expansion. These structural features greatly enhance surface reaction kinetics and facilitate the charge transport. Furthermore, Ex-situ XRD, FESEM are used to confirm the phase transformation of MoS 2 /MmC and verify the structure stability during the cycling. It is believed that our work opens up a new possible route for the industrial production of MoS 2 based anode materials. Ultra small few layer MoS2 combined with carbon hybrids of macro-micro-mesoporous structure (MoS2/MmC) is prepared via a simple and scalable liquid-solid-gas three-phase interface self-assembly process. When employed as anode for lithium ion batteries, such a clever structure possesses superior performance: exhibits discharge capacity of 938 mAh g-1 at current density of 200 mA g-1 following 100 cycles, and reveals reversible capacity of 843 mAh g-1 at current density of 2 A g-1 after 1000 cycles. Image 1 • Ultra small few layer MoS 2 had been synthesized by a simple and scalable method. • Abundant active sites of MoS 2 /MmC derived from rich edges can enhance lithium storage capacity. • The feature of MoS 2 /MmC combine with MoS 2 nanosheets and macro-micro-mesoporous carbon boosting the LIBs performance. • Ex-situ XRD was used to explore the essence of the excellent electrochemical properties. • We conceived the structural transformation mechanism of MoS 2 /MmC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its high specific capacity, silicon (Si) is considered as the most promising alternative anode material for high energy density lithium-ion batteries, but it suffers from dramatic volume expansion during the charge/discharge process. Fabricating yolk-shell structure is regarded as an essential way to improve the conductivity and cycle stability of Si-based anode. In this work, we proposed a “self-sacrifice template strategy” by using polyethyleneimine (PEI) to form the void space during carbonation without acid or base etching, which was different from the colloidal templates method. The yolk-shell structured silicon@void@carbon (Si@void@C) composites were synthesized to enhance cycle stability for lithium-ion batteries, which delivered a capacity of 854.1 mAh·g −1 at the current density of 0.2 A·g −1 after 200 cycles. Our work is also expected to be extended to the synthesis of other yolk-shell structured composites and the application in energy storage, catalysis, biomedicine and other fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ternary copper oxides/reduced graphene oxide (Cu 2 O-CuO-RGO) composites were successfully synthesized in situ by a self-assembly solvothermal method in a water-ethanol mixture and used directly as the anode material for lithium ion batteries. The Cu 2 O-CuO-RGO composites delivered a reversible capacity of 842.5 mAh g −1 after 80 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g −1 , and after every 10 cycles at current densities of 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and 100 mA g −1 , respectively, the specific capacities of the composites were approximately 840, 723, 511, 402, 336, 224, and 703 mAh g −1 , respectively. The improved electrochemical performance of the composites is closely related to its sandwich structure, with multicomponent Cu 2 O-CuO nanospheres adhering tightly to both sides of RGO nanosheets. This structure could shorten the transport pathways for both electrons and lithium ions, prevent the RGO nanosheets from stacking, enhance the electrical conductivity and accommodate the volume expansion that occurs during prolonged cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ag–Sb composite anode was prepared by chemical reductive method. The structure, morphology, chemical composition and electrochemical properties of synthesized Ag–Sb composite anode were evaluated by XRD, FE-SEM, EDS and galvanostatical charge–discharge tests. The results indicated that the changes of structure and volume were alleviated effectively by using metal phase instead of intermetallic phase and restraining the lithiation reaction of Ag at high current density (0.2mAcm−2). The electrochemical reactions took place in a stable and highly conductive Ag framework, which ensured the good cyclability of the Ag–Sb composite electrode. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A scale-like NiO/Ni composite was developed via a facile solvothermal method. The NiO/Ni composite showed high capacity retention and superior rate capability, resulting from its unique scale-like structure and the presence of conductive metallic Ni. The composite delivered high initial discharge and charge capacities of 1224.4 and 782.7 mAh g−1 at a current density of 200 mA g−1, with a high capacity retention of 107.92% after 80 cycles, far higher than that of pure NiO (28.2%) prepared using a similar method. Even at an elevated current density of 500 mA g−1, the NiO/Ni composite still maintained desirable cycling stability, with its discharge specific capacity remaining at 552.8 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles. Moreover, the NiO/Ni composite also exhibited much higher rate performance than pure NiO. Our work provides a facile method for the fabrication of a NiO/Ni composite with an engineered structure and improved electrochemical performance. This shows further development potential for similar metal oxides/metal composites as anode candidates for lithium-ion batteries. • A scale-like NiO/Ni composite was developed via a facile solvothermal method. • NiO/Ni composite shows high capacity and superior rate capability as a LIB anode. • We provide an easy method for incorporating Ni in NiO with an engineered structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]