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Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) is known for its zero-strain characteristic in electrochemical applications, making it a suitable material for fast-charging applications. Here, we systematically studied the quasi-equilibrium and non-equilibrium lithium-ion transportation kinetics in LTO thin-film electrodes, across a range of scales from the crystal lattice to the microstructured electrodes. At the crystal lattice scale, during the non-equilibrium lithiation process, lithium ions are dispersedly embedded into the 16c position, resulting in more 8a → 16c migration compared with the quasi-equilibrium lithiation, and forming numerous fast lithium diffusion channels inside the LTO lattice. At the microstructural electrode scale, optical spectrum characterizations supported the "nano-filaments" lithiation model in polycrystalline LTO thin-film electrodes during the lithiation process. Our results reveal the patterns of lithium migration and distribution within the LTO thin film electrode under the non-equilibrium and quasi-equilibrium lithiation process, offering profound insights into the potential optimization strategies for enhancing the performance of fast-charging thin film batteries. Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) is an ideal battery material for fastcharging applications. The authors examine Li+ transport in LTO thin film electrodes, revealing that nonequilibrium processes result in unique Li+ occupation states that enhance Li+ diffusion. Findings suggests engineering Li+ occupations in LTO crystal lattice can improve battery performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diglyme molecular solvated sodium ion complexes enable the superfast co-intercalation/de-intercalation into graphite interlayers, providing unprecedented prospects for the application of low-dimensional graphitic carbon as fast-charge sodium ion battery anode materials. A thorough understanding of this novel co-intercalation process and resulting solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) is essential for improving the electrochemical performance of co-intercalation-based high-capacity energy storage systems. This work presents the real-space operando observation of SEI formation and Na-diglyme co-intercalation in the few-layer graphene (FLG) anode as a relevant model of a graphitic anode. The micrometer-sized FLG grid on a nickel current collector was fabricated as a model sample, allowing direct comparative studies using complementary techniques. A reversible sodium-diglyme co-intercalation into the graphene grid was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy, the nanomechanical properties of electrolyte decomposition products on graphene anode and Ni current collector surfaces were studied by ultrasonic force microscopy, and the chemical components of the SEI were confirmed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy mapping. We observed a mechanically soft SEI layer formed on the carbon anode surface compared with the electrode current collector surface within the low voltage region (<0.3 V vs Na+/Na), this SEI layer does not affect the reversible Na-diglyme co-intercalations into FLG. At the same time, the SEI layer formed on the Ni current collector mainly contains stiff and thin inorganic species and is electrochemically stable at low voltage regions. Our results clarify the SEI formation behavior on the FLG anode surface in the diglyme electrolyte, providing experimental evidence for the fundamental understanding of Na-diglyme co-intercalation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photo‐rechargeable batteries represent a synergistic concept that integrates both energy harvesting and energy storage modalities based on dual‐functional materials. Electrospun vanadium oxide nanofibers (VNFs) seamlessly coated with conductive carbon (VNF‐C‐120) as dual‐action cathode materials for photo‐rechargeable lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are reported. The materials deliver a high discharge capacity of 160 mAh g−1, which could be increased up to 184 mAh g−1 (C rate of 0.75) under light illumination that confirmed the photoresponsive behavior. Long‐term stability tests (300 cycles at 0.75C) and the post‐mortem analysis show that besides being a conductive sheath, the carbon coating is also essential in retaining the structural and morphological stability of V2O5 fibers, which was manifested in a higher capacity retention upon cycling compared to the non‐carbon‐coated VNF (43.85% capacity retention VNF and 61.13% capacity retention for VNF‐C‐120 after 300 cycles). In contrast, the pristine VNF electrode cannot reach 400 cycles, due to the failure of the cell, which, however, is prevented in cells operating with carbon‐coated electrodes. Further, the photo‐rechargeability of the cell is demonstrated under a UV lamp that delivered an overall conversion efficiency of 4.24% for VNF and 5.07% for the VNF‐C‐120. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Colloidal lignin particle binds zein nanoparticle via electrostatic attraction. • Colloidal lignin particle bound zein nanoparticle is less charged, more wettable. • Optimized emulsion gained with 1% composite particles at pH 4–5 and 40–60% oil. • Lignin particle enhances interfacial adsorption, steric barrier, viscous network. Zein nanoparticle (ZNP) is at the forefront of research on Pickering emulsions, valued for its self-assembling and surfactant-free nature. Nevertheless, its emulsion stability is undermined by inadequate amphiphilicity. Colloidal lignin particle (CLP), characterized by its antithetical charge and amphiphilic nature, appears the promising for augmenting the stability of ZNP-based emulsion. This study meticulously investigated the impact of CLP on the colloidal properties and emulsifying performance of ZNP. The results revealed that electrostatic interactions between ZNP and CLP significantly mitigated the charge of ZNP and improved its hydrophilic/lipophilic balance. Under optimized conditions (1.0 wt% particle concentration, pH 4.0, 50% oil content), CLP notably reduced droplet sizes (41–225 μm) and enhanced the stability of ZNP-based Pickering emulsion, particularly at ZNP/CLP ratios of 6:4 and 5:5. In nature, CLP improved the stability ZNP-based Pickering emulsions via increased interfacial adsorption, enhanced steric hindrance, and reinforced viscous structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relieving the stress or strain associated with volume change is highly desirable for high‐performance SiOx anodes in terms of stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI)‐film growth. Herein, a Si‐valence gradient is optimized in SiOx composites to circumvent the large volume strain accompanied by lithium insertion/extraction. SiOx@C annealed at 850°C has a gentle Si‐valence gradient along the radial direction and excellent electrochemical performances, delivering a high capacity of 506.9 mAh g−1 at 1.0 A g−1 with a high Coulombic efficiency of ~99.8% over 400 cycles. Combined with the theoretical prediction, the obtained results indicate that the gentle Si‐valence gradient in SiOx@C is useful for suppressing plastic deformation and maintaining the inner connection integrity within the SiOx@C particle. Moreover, a gentle Si‐valence gradient is expected to form a stress gradient and affect the distribution of dangling bonds, resulting in local stress relief during the lithiation/delithiation process and enhanced Li‐ion kinetic diffusion. Furthermore, the lowest interfacial stress variation ensures a stable SEI film at the interface and consequently increases cycling stability. Therefore, rational design of a Si‐valence gradient in SiOx can provide further insights into achieving high‐performance SiOx anodes with large‐scale production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignin is the second most abundant biorenewable polymers only next to cellulose and is ubiquitous in various plant foods. In food industry, lignin often presented as a major component of by-products from plant foods. In the last decade, the food and nutritional interests of lignin attracted more and more attentions and great progresses have been accomplished. In the present review, the structure, physicochemical properties, dietary occurrence and preparation methods of lignin from food resources were summarized. Then, the versatile activities of food lignin were introduced under the subtitles of antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, antidiabetic and other activities. Finally, the potential applications of food lignin were proposed as a food bioactive ingredient, an improver of food package films and a novel material in fabricating drug delivery vehicles and contaminant passivators. Hopefully, this review could bring new insights in exploiting lignin from nutrition- and food-directed views. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]