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Fully lithiated lithium sulfide (Li2S) has become a promising cathode material for Li/S cells due to its high theoretic capacity (1166 mA h g-1) and specific energy (2600 W h kg-1). However, low utilization of sulfur and poor rate capability still hinder the practical application of Li/S cells. In this paper, a carbon coated Li2S/graphene composite (Li2S/G@C) was developed by incorporating Li2S nano spheres with single-layered graphene and further forming a durable protective carbon layer on the surface of the Li2S particles using a facile CVD method. The high rate capability and remarkable cycle life of the Li2S/G@C cathode were demonstrated, which was mainly attributed to the unique structure of the Li2S/G@C that can significantly improve not only the electrical conductivity, but also the mechanical stability of the sulfur cathode.

Solid‐state electrolytes paired with lithium‐metal anodes is considered a next‐generation energy storage technology. However, the slow ionic transportation of the solid‐state electrolyte and the instability against the lithium‐metal anode impede their practical application. Here a cellulose separator modified with highly uniform boric oxide solid acid, contributing to a high transference number (0.75) and good ionic conductivity of 0.52 mS cm−1 due to the strengthened binding of the salt anions with this solid acid, is reported. Moreover, the boron ions with occupied interstitial sites can release free electrons to regulate the electrochemical dynamics of the electrolyte, in situ inducing the formation of Li2CO3/LiF‐rich heterostructured solid electrolyte interphase layer. The cellulose/B2O3‐based composite electrolyte paired with LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (NCM622) cathode and Li‐metal anode displays a specific capacity of 155 mAh g−1 with a capacity retention of 92% in 200 cycles. Additionally, this electrolyte paired with high‐mass‐loading NCM622 cathode (10 mg cm−2) in a pouch cell can be stably operated for 50 cycles with a capacity retention of over 90%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taken the unlimited Na reservoir worldwide, battery technology based on Na-ion chemistry poses as an ideal candidate for large-scale energy storage systems. Especially, with metallic Na replacing traditional carbon anodes, it's able to maximize the energy density inexpensively. Nevertheless, sodium metal batteries (SMBs) face intrinsically poor stability due to their highly-reactive nature, where low Coulombic efficiency and short lifetime are often witnessed. The situation can be further aggravated at low temperatures due to insurmountable kinetic barriers. Herein, a 1,3-dioxolane-based quasi-solid-state electrolyte (PDGE) is proposed with a high ionic conductivity of3.68 mS cm-1 even at -20 °C for SMBs. Moreover, a weak solvation environment is tailored by PDGE, which possesses a high Na+ transference number of 0.7. Concurrently, the solid electrolyte interphase induced from PDGE presents inorganic Na2O, NaF as the major components, which offers accelerated Na+ diffusion and superior stability upon long-term cycling. With such a quasi-solid-state electrolyte, the Na/Na3V2(PO4)3 full cell exhibits great stability over 1000 cycles at -20 °C. This study has significant implications to the development for SMBs under low-temperature conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon hollow sphere encapsulated Ni3Se4 (Ni3Se4@CHS) nanocrystals are prepared using the Ni-soc-MOF by pyrolysis and further selenization. Ni3Se4@CHS exhibits a capacitance of 1720 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and a capacitance retention of 97% after 6000 cycles at 5 A g−1. Moreover, the asymmetric supercapacitor of Ni3Se4@CHS//AC displays a wide potential window of 1.6 V, an energy density of 45.2 W h kg−1 at a power density of 800 W kg−1, and excellent cycling stability (89% capacitance retention) after 5000 cycles. Overall, this work establishes a significant step to synthesize a new carbon-based material with appreciable capacitance and long cycling durability for potential applications in energy storage and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium metal batteries (SMBs) are promising for large scale energy storage due to the remarkable capacity of sodium metal anode (SMA) and the natural abundance of Na‐containing resources. However, multiple challenges exist with regards to the usage of SMBs, including dendritic Na growth, poor cyclability of SMA, and severe safety hazards stemming from the employment of the highly flammable liquid electrolytes. Herein, by introducing two functional fluorinated solvents, 1,1,2,2‐tetra‐fluoroethyl 2,2,3,3‐tetrafluoropropyl ether (HFE) and fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) into trimethyl phosphate (TMP)‐based electrolyte, a SMA‐compatible flame‐retardant electrolyte is enabled, in which Na/Na symmetrical cells can cycle for 800 h at 1.0 mA cm−2 or 3.0 mAh cm−2. Specifically, the non‐solvating HFE plays a critical role in increasing the local electrolyte concentration and reducing the unfavorable decomposition of TMP molecules. By introducing FEC as the co‐solvent simultaneously, its preferential defluorination induces a fluoride‐rich solid‐electrolyte interphase that prevents Na metal surface against the continuous parasitic reactions. More importantly, the designed electrolyte is endowed with an intrinsic non‐flammability, which manifests a prerequisite for the real‐life application of SMBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkali metal–chalcogen batteries (ACBs) have attracted significant attention as next‐generation energy storages because of high energy density and reasonable cost as compared to the up‐to‐date lithium‐ion batteries. Nevertheless, their practical applications are harshly inhibited by some drawbacks, such as shuttle effects resulting from dissolved polysulfides and polyselenides, chalcogen volume expansion, and dendrite growth on metal anodes. Functional components, such as chalcogen host, binder, and interlayer, using various polar materials have been introduced to address these issues. Among them, bio‐derived materials are regarded as novel eco‐friendly alternatives. In this report, the authors focus on the unique physical/chemical/environmental properties of bio‐derived materials used in ACBs, including active host materials, polymer binders, separators, and additives. The authors hope that the present report can provide some new insights and directions for future research on high‐performance ACBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interface is a critical factor of electrochemical performance for all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs). Comprehending the composition, structure, morphology, and their evolution in the interface during charge/discharge cycling is greatly important for the development and practical application of ASSBs. The characterization techniques are very crucial and powerful for investigating the interface properties of ASSBs. This review briefly describes how the interface is generated in ASSBs, and then emphatically summarizes some important advanced techniques used to characterize the interface in ASSBs. The principle, advantage, and application of the techniques in the interface investigation are systematically discussed. This review provides fundamental insights and perspectives for developing the characterization techniques to deeply understand the interfacial behaviors of ASSBs, which is valuable for accelerating the commercialization of ASSBs used in electronic devices, electric vehicles, and large‐scale energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the power mismatches between residential load and rooftop residential photovoltaic (PV) generation, voltage profile of low-voltage distribution system (LVDN) may exceed the allowable limit during the daytime and is well below the lower limit at night. To solve this problem, an optimal configuration of battery energy storage (BES) systems is used for rooftop residential PV to improve the voltage profile of LVDN. Firstly, typical curves of residential electric load and PV generation are analysed to demonstrate the principle of integrated voltage regulation method. Secondly, two-stage voltage regulation strategy is proposed to minimise the installed capacity of BES. More specifically, to limit the voltage with reasonable level, the reactive power capability of PV inverter can be utilised in inner stage, and BES is used in outer stage in term of storage charging at off-peak time and discharging at the peak time. Finally, optimal configuration model is achieved by combining the two-stage voltage control method and the constraint condition of total reduced PV generation. Simulation results indicate that the voltage level in LVDN could be controlled in a proper range by the proposed optimal configuration scheme and the total installed capacity of BES is the minimum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Unique nanostructures always lead to extraordinary electrochemical energy storage performance. Here, the authors report a new strategy for using Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) derived cobalt sulfide in a carbon matrix with a 3D honeycombed porous structure, resulting in a high‐performance supercapacitor with unrivalled capacity of ≈1887 F g‐1 at the current density of 1 A g‐1. The honeycomb‐like structure of Co9S8@C composite is loosely adsorbed, with plentiful surface area and high conductivity, leading to improved Faradaic processes across the interface and enhanced redox reactions at active Co9S8 sites. Therefore, the heterostructure‐fabricated hybrid supercapacitor, using activated carbon as the counter electrode, demonstrates a high energy density of 58 Wh kg‐1 at the power density of 1000 W kg‐1. Even under an ultrahigh power density of 17 200 W kg‐1, its energy density maintains ≈38 Wh kg‐1. The hybrid supercapacitor also exhibits suitable cycling stability, with ≈90% capacity retention after 10 000 continuous cycles at the current density of 5 A g‐1. This work presents a practical method for using MOFs as sacrificial templates to synthesize metal‐sulfides for highly efficient electrochemical energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dielectric capacitors are irreplaceable energy-storage components in pulsed power systems, but the low energy density ( U e ) of existing material systems restricts their miniaturization and further application. In this work, a novel polymer/ceramic nanocomposite is fabricated using core-shell BaTiO 3 @SiO 2 (BT@SO) structures with a diameter less than 10 nm. Such ultrafine nanostructure not only provides a high insulating SiO 2 layer to optimize the microstructure and dielectric response as normal core-shell structures, but also has almost tenfold larger interfaces than conventional 100 nm fillers to realize a high polarization, which can effectively improve the breakdown strength as well as the electrical displacement of the composite simultaneously. With a simple and universal 0–3 type structure, in which 0-dimentional nanoparticles are embedded in a 3-dimentional connected polymer matrix, the BT@SO/PVDF nanocomposite shows outstanding energy storage performance with U max = 11.5 J/cm 3 at 420 kV/mm. Experimental result and phase field simulation both confirm the superiority of the ultrafine nanostructures in enhancing the energy density of the dielectric nanocomposite, providing a new technological way for the design of high energy-density composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are considered to be a low‐cost complement or competitor to Li‐ion batteries for large‐scale electric energy storage applications; however, their development has been less successful due to the lack of suitable host materials to enable reversible Na+ insertion reactions. Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) appear to be attractive candidates for SIB cathodes because of their open channel structure, compositional and electrochemical tunability. In this paper, the authors present a comprehensive review on the recent advances in the development of PBA frameworks as SIB cathodes with particular attention to the structure‐performance correlation of the PBA materials, and discuss the possible strategies to address the problems present in the SIB applications of PBAs. Also, the development of the PBA frameworks for the insertion cathodes of other monovalent and multivalent ions is briefly introduced, with the aim of providing a new insight into the design and development of new host materials for the next‐generation advanced batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coralline-like N-doped hierarchically porous carbon (CNHPC) was prepared through a hydrothermal carbonization process using a sea pollutant enteromorpha as the starting material. The addition of a small amount of glucose during carbonization improved the yield of carbon, and the inherent N contents, especially for pyrrolic N and pyridinic N atoms. After loading 40 wt. % sulfur, the CNHPC/S composite, as a cathode in a Li-S battery, exhibited an initial discharge capacity of 1617 mAh g−1 (96.5 % of theoretical capacity) at 0.1 C and a capacity loss of 0.05 % per charge-discharge cycle after 500 cycles at 0.5 C with a stable Coulombic efficiency of 100 % in carbonate based electrolyte. Such a great performance can be attributed to the coralline-like hierarchically porous infrastructure and inherently abundant N doping. Given the conversion of waste pollutants into valuable energy-storage materials and the easy process, this work features a promising approach to prepare C/S cathodes for Li-S batteries. The special structural and textural characteristics of CNHPC might be attractive to other practical applications such as supercapacitors and catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of complex heterostructured electrode materials that deliver superior electrochemical performances to their individual counterparts has stimulated intensive research on configuring supercapacitors with high energy and power densities. Herein we fabricate hierarchical tectorum-like α-Fe2O3/polypyrrole (PPy) nanoarrays (T-Fe2O3/PPy NAs). The 3D, and interconnected T-Fe2O3/PPy NAs are successfully grown on conductive carbon cloth through an easy self-sacrificing template and in situ vapor-phase polymerization route under mild conditions. The electrode made of the T-Fe2O3/PPy NAs exhibits a high areal capacitance of 382.4 mF cm−2 at a current density of 0.5 mA cm−2 and excellent reversibility. The solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor consisting of T-Fe2O3/PPy NAs and MnO2 electrodes achieves a high energy density of 0.22 mWh cm−3 at a power density of 165.6 mW cm−3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer nanocomposite that consists of dispersed particle fillers and a flexible polymer matrix shows comprehensive excellent dielectric properties and thus is considered as promising dielectric layers in high-performance energy-storage capacitors. However, the commonly employed high permittivity particle fillers cause inevitable dielectric strength deterioration and seriously impede the energy density and reliability of the nanocomposite. To solve this problem, ultimate sized ferroelectric nanofillers, 6.9 nm BaTiO 3 nanocrystals, are introduced into a poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoro propylene) (PVDF-HFP) polymer matrix to realize both the high dielectric constant and enhanced breakdown strength. The influence of nanoparticle fraction on the microstructure and dielectric properties of the composite films is investigated. Compared to the polymer-ceramic composites with coarse particle fillers, significantly enhanced breakdown strengths (≥330 kV/mm) are observed in the nanocomposite films containing 10–40 vol.% BaTiO 3 nanofillers. In consequence, a maximal discharged energy density of 9.7 J/cm 3 is obtained, which confirms that these ultimate sized nanocrystals can perform as superior high permittivity fillers in the nanocomposites for energy storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium storage in both solid-liquid and solid-solid interfaces is expected to extend the horizon of sodium-ion batteries, leading to a new strategy for developing high-performance energy-storage materials. Here, a novel composite aerogel with porous Li4Ti5O12 (PLTO) nanofibers confined in a highly conductive 3D-interconnected graphene framework (G-PLTO) is designed and fabricated for Na storage. A high capacity of 195 mA h g-1 at 0.2 C and super-long cycle life up to 12 000 cycles are attained. Electrochemical analysis shows that the intercalation-based and interfacial Na storage behaviors take effect simultaneously in the G-PLTO composite aerogel. An integrated Na storage mechanism is proposed. This study ascribes the excellent performance to the unique structure, which not only offers short pathways for Na+ diffusion and conductive networks for electron transport, but also guarantees plenty of PLTO-electrolyte and PLTO-graphene interfacial sites for Na+ adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hierarchical N/S‐codoped carbon microspheres with expanded interlayer distance and enhanced conductivity are fabricated facilely from cellulose/polyaniline composite in a “green” and low‐cost route. This material achieves a high reversible capacity of ≈280 mA h g−1 at 30 mA g−1 and superior rate performance of ≈130 mA h g−1 at 10 A g−1, and ultralong cycle life of more than 3000 cycles as an anode material for sodium‐ion batteries, holding great promise for economic large‐scale energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are now being actively developed as low cost and sustainable alternatives to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) for large-scale electric energy storage applications. In recent years, various inorganic and organic Na compounds, mostly mimicked from their Li counterparts, have been synthesized and tested for SIBs, and some of them indeed demonstrate comparable specific capacity to the presently developed LIB electrodes. However, the lack of suitable cathode materials is still a major obstacle to the commercial development of SIBs. Here, we present a brief review on the recent developments of SIB cathodes, with a focus on low cost and high energy density materials (> 450 Wh kg−1 vs Na) together with discussion of their Na-storage mechanisms. The considerable differences in the structural requirements for Li- and Na-storage reactions mean that it is not sufficient to design SIB cathode materials by simply mimicking LIB materials, and therefore great efforts are needed to discover new materials and reaction mechanisms to further develop variable cathodes for advanced SIB technology. Some directions for future research and possible strategies for building advanced cathode materials are also proposed here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of advanced energy storage devices is at the forefront of research geared towards a sustainable future. Nanostructured materials are advantageous in offering huge surface to volume ratios, favorable transport features, and attractive physicochemical properties. They have been extensively explored in various fields of energy storage and conversion. This review is focused largely on the recent progress in nanostructured Mo-based electrode materials including molybdenum oxides (MoOx, 2 ≤x≤ 3), dichalconides (MoX2, X = S, Se), and oxysalts for rechargeable lithium/sodium-ion batteries, Mg batteries, and supercapacitors. Mo-based compounds including MoO2, MoO3, MoO3−y (0 ＜ y ＜ 1), MMoxOy (M = Fe, Co, Ni, Ca, Mn, Zn, Mg, or Cd; x = 1, y = 4; x = 3, y = 8), MoS2, MoSe2, (MoO2)2P2O7, LiMoO2, Li2MoO3, etc. possess multiple valence states and exhibit rich chemistry. They are very attractive candidates for efficient electrochemical energy storage systems because of their unique physicochemical properties, such as conductivity, mechanical and thermal stability, and cyclability. In this review, we aim to provide a systematic summary of the synthesis, modification, and electrochemical performance of nanostructured Mo-based compounds, as well as their energy storage applications in lithium/sodium-ion batteries, Mg batteries, and pseudocapacitors. The relationship between nanoarchitectures and electrochemical performances as well as the related charge-storage mechanism is discussed. Moreover, remarks on the challenges and perspectives of Mo-containing compounds for further development in electrochemical energy storage applications are proposed. This review sheds light on the sustainable development of advanced rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors with nanostructured Mo-based electrode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During that time, his group discovered lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO SB 2 sb ) in 1980 and lithium manganese oxide (LiMn SB 2 sb O SB 4 sb ) in 1984 as cathode materials for LIBs. On July 25, 2020, Wiley organized an online virtual symposium "Create a Rechargeable World" to celebrate Professor Goodenough's 98th birthday and discuss the development of rechargeable batteries. Prof. Michael M. Thackeray (Argonne National Laboratory), Prof. Peter G. Bruce (Oxford University), Prof. Joachim Maier (Max Planck Institute), Prof. Linda Nazar (University of Waterloo), and Prof. Yang Shao-Horn (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) gave talks on topics related to rechargeable batteries. [Extracted from the article]

Searching for new‐type cathodes to enhance the capacity of Na‐ion batteries is one of the hot spots in energy storage systems. Many sodium insertion transition metal oxides, i.e., Na‐Mn‐O compounds, are intensively studied owing to their high voltage, abundant resources, and low toxicity. However, its relatively low capacity greatly limits its application. Here, a new synergistic composite, 0.44Na4Mn2O5•0.56Na0.7MnO2, is developed by a feasible method of organic‐acid‐assisted drying and heat treatment. This synergistic composite cathode delivers a reversible sodium storage capacity as high as 278.0 mAh g−1 and stable framework structure due to the synergistic effect. It is achieved by the synergistic effect of high capacity Na4Mn2O5 with multiple Na+ ions insert/extract sites and stable Na0.7MnO2 with layered structure. Even when tested at a high mass loading of 7.42 mg cm−2, this composite cathode demonstrates stable cycling over 400 cycles for sodium storage. Moreover, when coupled with hard carbon anode, Na‐ion full battery delivers excellent charge/discharge performance with capacity retention of 84.0%, showing great application potential in the large‐scale energy storage field. Synergistic composite structured xNa4Mn2O5•(1−x)Na0.7MnO2 is synthesized for the first time. The synergistic composite cathode delivers high reversible sodium storage capacity and stable framework structure due to the synergistic effect. The new synergistic composite structured 0.44Na4Mn2O5•0.56Na0.7MnO2 is a promising cathode material for high‐energy density Na‐ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium ion batteries have attracted much attention in recent years. In article number 1502197, Yuliang Cao, Yunhui Huang, Hanxi Yang, and co‐workers report 3D graphene decorated NaTi2(PO4)3 microspheres as anode material for sodium ion batteries, which exhibits outstanding electrochemical performance with high reversible capacity, long cycling life and high rate capability. In addition, an all‐NASION‐type NaTi2(PO4)3@rGO//Na3V2(PO4)3/C full cell also shows high electrochemical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In article number 1501929, Jia Xie, Lina Zhang, and co‐workers present the construction of a hierarchical N/S‐codoped carbon anode via a cost‐effective and “green” route by pyrolyzing the cellulose/polyaniline composite microspheres. The micro‐nanometer and atomic‐level structure, designed via fabrication of the cellulose porous microspheres and N/S heteroatoms co‐doping, ensures the carbon electrode an excellent rate capability and ultra‐long cycle life in sodium‐ion batteries, making it highly promising for large‐scale energy storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A tremella-like NiCo 2 O 4 @graphene quantum dots (GQDs) composite is prepared where the tremella-like NiCo 2 O 4 is homogeneously encapsulated by GQDs. Herein, the GQDs based on π-conjugated core with abundant edge sites, make NiCo 2 O 4 favorable for advanced electric energy storage (EES). In terms of the synergistic effect between the conductive GQDs and tremella-like NiCo 2 O 4 , the as prepared NiCo 2 O 4 @GQDs composite exhibits an excellent specific capacitance of 1242 F g−1 at 30 A g−1 in 2.0 M KOH electrolytes, much higher than that of pristine NiCo 2 O 4 (790 F g−1 at 30 A g−1). Also, it manifests outstanding cycle stability (99% capacitance retention after 4000 cycles). Furthermore, an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) is assembled by pairing NiCo 2 O 4 @GQDs composite as positive electrode and activated carbon (AC) as negative electrode (NiCo 2 O 4 @GQDs//AC), and its specific energy density is as high as 38 W h kg−1 at a power density of 800 W kg−1. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A clear classification of the current deep eutectic solvents (DESs) recycling technologies is established. • Both traditional DESs leaching and direct repairing technologies are critically assessed. • The mechanisms of traditional DESs leaching and direct repairing technologies are outlined. • The challenges and perspectives of DESs-based recycling for spent batteries are discussed. As one of the most important energy storage devices, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have experienced a booming development due to the increasing demands of electronics, especially the tremendous growth of electric vehicles. Consequently, a large amount of end-of-life (EOL) LIBs are generated with the massive use of LIBs, bringing the global concerns of environmental pollutions and the waste of critical materials. Thus, the proper handling of EOL LIBs is necessarily required, especially the recycling of electrode materials. This review summarizes the recent development of cathode recycling for EOL LIBs mainly based on the technologies by using deep eutectic solvents (DESs) which are considered as green solvents because of the low cost and biocompatibility. Herein, we establish a clear classification of the current DESs recycling technologies. The merits and weaknesses of traditional DESs leaching and direct DESs repairing technologies are critically assessed. Moreover, their mechanisms are outlined. We provide an available information for EOL LIBs recycling through DESs, and present the corresponding challenges and future perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hybrid aqueous rechargeable battery with Na 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 as cathode and metal Zn as anode has been proposed. Na 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 is co-incorporated by carbon and reduced graphene oxide. The battery delivers a capacity of 92 mAh g −1 at a current density of 50 mA g −1 with a high and flat operating voltage of 1.42 V. It exhibits a capacity of 60 mAh g −1 at a high current density of 2000 mA g −1 , indicative of excellent rate capability. Such inexpensive and safe battery shows an energy density as high as 112 Wh kg −1 , demonstrating that it is potential for future application in large-scale energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] In situ synthesis of sheet-like CuO on Cu substrate via a facile one-step route. [•] CuO nanosheets serve as anode materials for both sodium and lithium ion batteries. [•] The effects of preparation conditions on electrochemical performance are investigated. [•] The mechanisms of electrochemical processes are explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]