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All solid-state batteries (ASSBs) with ceramic electrolytes and alkali metal anodes are a potential future energy storage technology for vehicle electrification and smart grids. However, uncontrollable dendrite growth toward ultimate short circuiting in solid electrolytes (SEs) has become a serious concern in the design of long-cycle, safe ASSBs, and the underlying mechanism has remained unclear. Here through multiscale imaging and morphodynamic tracking we show that Na dendrites grow in β′′-Al2O3 SEs through an alternating sequence of Na deposition and crack propagation. Atomic-scale imaging evidenced that electrochemical cycling causes massive delamination cracking along the Na+ conduction planes, accompanied by the closure of neighboring conduction channels. In situ SEM observations revealed a dynamic interplay between Na deposition and crack propagation: Na deposition accumulates mechanical stress that induces cracking; cracking releases the local stress, which promotes further Na deposition. Thus, Na deposition and cracking alternatingly proceed until short circuits take place. A multiscale phase-field model is developed to recapitulate the morphodynamics of Na dendrite growth, predicting the tree-like fractal morphology of the growing dendrites. Our findings suggest that decoupling between Na deposition and cracking represents an important route to mitigate uncontrollable dendrite growth in ASSBs.

The very high ionic conductivity of Li10GeP2S12 (LGPS) solid electrolyte (SE) makes it a promising candidate SE for solid-state batteries in electrical vehicles. However, chemomechanical failure, whose mechanism remains unclear, has plagued its widespread applications. Here, we report in situ imaging lithiation-induced failure of LGPS SE. We revealed a strong size effect in the chemomechanical failure of LGPS particles: namely, when the particle size is greater than 3 μm, fracture/pulverization occurred; when the particle size is between 1 and 3 μm, microcracks emerged; when the particle size is less than 1 μm, no chemomechanical failure was observed. This strong size effect is interpreted by the interplay between elastic energy storage and dissipation. Our finding has important implications for the design of high-performance LGPS SE, for example, by reducing the particle size to less than 1 μm the chemomechanical failure of LGPS SE can be mitigated.

The increasing demand for safe and dense energy storage has shifted research focus from liquid electrolyte-based Li-ion batteries toward solid-state batteries (SSBs). However, the application of SSBs is impeded by uncontrollable Li dendrite growth and short circuiting, the mechanism of which remains elusive. Herein, we conceptualize a scheme to visualize Li deposition in the confined space inside carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to mimic Li deposition dynamics inside solid electrolyte (SE) cracks, where the high-strength CNT walls mimic the mechanically strong SEs. We observed that the deposited Li propagates as a creeping solid in the CNTs, presenting an effective pathway for stress relaxation. When the stress-relaxation pathway is blocked, the Li deposition-induced stress reaches the gigapascal level and causes CNT fracture. Mechanics analysis suggests that interfacial lithiophilicity critically governs Li deposition dynamics and stress relaxation. Our study offers critical strategies for suppressing Li dendritic growth and constructing high-energy-density, electrochemically and mechanically robust SSBs.

Antimony sulfide (Sb2S3) is a promising electrode material. However, its poor electronic/ionic conductivity severely hinders its practical application. Herein, carbon‐coated Sb2S3 nanorods (Sb2S3@C) are synthesized to address this issue. The electrochemical performance of the Sb2S3@C is evaluated in all‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) using InLi anode and Li10Si0.3PS6.7Cl1.8 solid‐state electrolytes. The Sb2S3@C cathode delivers the 1st cycle discharge capacity of 711 mAh g‐1 and a stable cycling capacity of 431 mAh g‐1, which are much higher than the 1st cycle discharge capacity of 125 mAh g‐1 and a stable cycling capacity of 320 mAh g‐1 for the uncoated Sb2S3 cathode. In situ transmission electron microscopy reveals that the carbon coating layer acts as an electronic/ionic conductive conduit, which boosts the charge transfer in the electrode dramatically. Consequently, the Sb2S3@C electrochemistry quickly evolves from intercalation to conversion to full alloying. However, the Sb2S3 nanorods without carbon coating undergo sluggish intercalation and conversion reactions, and the alloying reaction is almost impeded, severely limiting the capacity. Therefore, the Sb2S3@C electrode is fully utilized thus delivering much higher capacity and rate performance than the non‐coated Sb2S3 electrode. These results demonstrate that Sb2S3@C is a promising high‐energy‐density cathode for ASSLBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium (Li) penetration through solid electrolytes (SEs) induces short circuits in Li solid‐state batteries (SSBs), which is a critical issue that hinders the development of high energy density SSBs. While cracking in ceramic SEs has been often shown to accompany Li penetration, the interplay between Li deposition and cracking remains elusive. Here, we constructed a mesoscale SSB inside a focused ion beam‐scanning electron microscope (FIB‐SEM) for in situ observation of Li deposition‐induced cracking in SEs at nanometer resolution. Our results revealed that Li propagated predominantly along transgranular cracks in a garnet Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 (LLZTO). Cracks appeared to initiate from the interior of LLZTO beneath the electrode surface and then propagated by curving toward the LLZTO surface. The resulting bowl‐shaped cracks resemble those from hydraulic fracture caused by high fluid pressure on the surface of internal cracks, suggesting that the Li deposition‐induced pressure is the major driving force of crack initiation and propagation. The high pressure generated by Li deposition is further supported by in situ observation of the flow of filled Li between the crack flanks, causing crack widening and propagation. This work unveils the dynamic interplay between Li deposition and cracking in SEs and provides insight into the mitigation of Li dendrite penetration in SSBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the fact that there is some little research on drilling fluid used in unconsolidated sandstone reservoir while conventional drilling fluid can not meet the requirements, we developed a new kind of water-based drilling fluid system. In this paper, bentonite, filtrate reducer, inhibitor, and other additives were optimized according to the characteristics of unconsolidated sandstone formation and several properties like rheology, filter loss, inhibition, and so on. A new drilling fluid system was developed and it was finally determined to be 5% Na2CO3 + 4% bentonite +0.2%PAC+ 0.7%FLA1 + 2%IHT1 + 3%GSJ +0.8% WHA1. The density, apparent viscosity, plastic viscosity, and yield point of this system were 1.18 g/cm3, 38.2 mPa·s, 24 mPa·s, and 17.2 Pa, respectively. Its filter loss was 6.2 ml, thickness of filter cake was 0.5 mm, roll recovery of rock samples was 88%, and the expansion amount was 0.18 mm. In immersion experiment, there was no obvious cracks on core samples. The result showed that this drilling fluid system can effectively clean the unconsolidated sandstone borehole and its filter loss performance, rejection capability, and antipollution properties were pretty good. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the study was to characterize the underlying mutation in a large multiplex Chinese family with hereditary nuclear cataract. Methods: A 6-generation Chinese family having hereditary nuclear cataract was recruited and clinically verified. Blood DNA samples were obtained from 53 available family members. Linkage analyses were performed on the known candidate regions for hereditary cataract with 36 polymorphic microsatellite markers. To identify mutations related to cataract, a direct sequencing approach was applied to a candidate gene residing in our linkage locus. Results: A linkage locus was identified with a maximum 2-point LOD score of 4.31 (recombination fraction == 0) at marker D1S498 and a maximum multipoint LOD score of 5.7 between markers D1S2344 and D1S498 on chromosome 1q21.1, where the candidate gene Cx50 is located. Direct sequencing of Cx50 showed a 139 G to A transition occurred in all affected family members. This transitional mutation resulted in a replacement of aspartic acid by asparagine at residue 47 (D47N) and led to a loss-of-function of the protein. Conclusions: The D47N mutation of Cx50 causes the hereditary nuclear cataract in this family in an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance with incomplete penetrance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rechargeable aprotic lithium (Li)-oxygen battery (LOB) is a potential next-generation energy storage technology because of its high theoretical specific energy. However, the role of redox mediator on the oxide electrochemistry remains unclear. This is partly due to the intrinsic complexity of the battery chemistry and the lack of in-depth studies of oxygen electrodes at the atomic level by reliable techniques. Herein, cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) is used to study how the redox mediator LiI affects the oxygen electrochemistry in LOBs. It is revealed that with or without LiI in the electrolyte, the discharge products are plate-like LiOH or toroidal Li 2 O 2 , respectively. The I 2 assists the decomposition of LiOH via the formation of LiIO 3 in the charge process. In addition, a LiI protective layer is formed on the Li anode surface by the shuttle of I 3 - , which inhibits the parasitic Li/electrolyte reaction and improves the cycle performance of the LOBs. The LOBs returned to 2e - oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) to produce Li 2 O 2 after the LiI in the electrolyte is consumed. This work provides new insight on the role of redox mediator on the complex electrochemistry in LOBs which may aid the design LOBs for practical applications., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Solid-electrolyte interface (SEI) is "the most important but least understood (component) in rechargeable Li-ion batteries". The ideal SEI requires high elastic strength and can resist the penetration of a Li dendrite mechanically, which is vital for inhibiting the dendrite growth in lithium batteries. Even though Li 2 CO 3 and Li 2 O are identified as the major components of SEI, their mechanical properties are not well understood. Herein, SEI-related materials such as Li 2 CO 3 and Li 2 O were electrochemically deposited using an environmental transmission electron microscopy (ETEM), and their mechanical properties were assessed by in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) and inverse finite element simulations. Both Li 2 CO 3 and Li 2 O exhibit nanocrystalline structures and good plasticity. The ultimate strength of Li 2 CO 3 ranges from 192 to 330 MPa, while that of Li 2 O is less than 100 MPa. These results provide a new understanding of the SEI and its related dendritic problems in lithium batteries.

High interfacial resistance and uncontrollable lithium (Li) dendrite are major challenges in solid-state Li-metal batteries (SSLMBs), as they lead to premature short-circuiting and failure of SSLMBs. Here, we report the synthesis of a composite anode comprising a three-dimensional LiCu x nanowire network host infiltrated with Li (Li* anode) with low interfacial impedance and superior electrochemical performance. The Li* anode is fabricated by dissolving Cu foil into molten Li followed by solidification. The Li* anode exhibits good wettability with Li 6.4 La 3 Zr 1.4 Ta 0.6 O 12 (LLZTO) and high mechanical strength, rendering low Li*/LLZTO interfacial impedance, homogeneous deposition of Li, and suppression of Li dendrites. Consequently, the Li* anode-based symmetric cells and full cells with LiNi 0.88 Co 0.1 Al 0.02 O 2 (NCA), LiFePO 4 (LFP), and FeF 2 cathodes deliver remarkable electrochemical performance. Specifically, the Li*/LLZTO/Li* symmetrical cell achieves a remarkably long cycle lifetime of 10 000 h with 0.1 mA·cm -2 ; the Li*/LLZTO/NCA full cell maintains capacity retention of 73.4% after 500 cycles at 0.5C; and all-solid-state Li*/LLZTO/FeF 2 full cell achieves a reversible capacity of 147 mAh·g -1 after 500 cycles at 100 mA·g -1 . This work demonstrates potential design tactics for an ultrastable Li*/garnet interface to enable high-performance SSLMBs.

All-solid Li-O 2 batteries have been constructed with Ag nanowire (AgNW) cathodes coated on Au-buffered garnet ceramic electrolytes and Li anodes on the other sides. Benefiting from the clean contacts of Li + , e - , and O 2 on the AgNWs, the surface pathway reactions are demonstrated. Upon discharge, two types of Li 2 O 2 morphologies appear. The film-like Li 2 O 2 forms around the smooth surfaces of AgNWs, and hollow disk-like Li 2 O 2 forms at the joints in between the AgNWs as well as at the garnet/AgNW interfaces. The formation of films and hollow disks is in accordance with the process of O 2 + Li + + e - → LiO 2 and 2LiO 2 → Li 2 O 2 + O 2 , indicating that the disproportionation of LiO 2 occurs at the solid interfaces. During the initial charge, decomposition occurs below the potential of 3.5 V, indicating the process of Li 2 O 2 → LiO 2 + Li + + e - and LiO 2 → Li + + e - + O 2 rather than Li 2 O 2 → 2Li + + 2e - + O 2 . The Li 2 O 2 decomposition starts at the AgNWs/Li 2 O 2 interfaces, causing the film-like Li 2 O 2 to shrink and the gas to release, followed by the collapse of hollow disk-like Li 2 O 2 . The results here clearly disclose the Li-O 2 reaction mechanism at the all-solid interfaces, facilitating a deep understanding of key factors influencing the electrochemical performance of the solid-state Li-O 2 batteries.