Featured
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| Open AccessOperando monitoring of thermal runaway in commercial lithium-ion cells via advanced lab-on-fiber technologies
Operando monitoring of thermal runaway in Li-ion batteries is critical. Here, authors develop an optical fiber sensor capable of insertion into 18650 batteries to monitor internal temperature and pressure during thermal runaway, facilitating battery safety assessment and early warning capability.
- Wenxin Mei
- , Zhi Liu
- & Tuan Guo
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Article
| Open AccessTuning electron delocalization of hydrogen-bonded organic framework cathode for high-performance zinc-organic batteries
The practical use of zinc-organic batteries has been hindered by their low energy density and rapid capacity decay. Here, the authors introduce a super electron-delocalized hydrogen-bonded organic framework by tuning electron delocalization as a cathode material for high-performance zinc-organic batteries.
- Wenda Li
- , Hengyue Xu
- & Shaohua Liu
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Article
| Open AccessDesign principles for NASICON super-ionic conductors
Na Super Ionic Conductor (NASICON) materials are an important class of solid-state electrolytes. Here, authors combine calculations, experimental synthesis and testing, and text-mined historical data on NASICON ionic conductivity to understand how composition influences the Na-ion conductivity.
- Jingyang Wang
- , Tanjin He
- & Gerbrand Ceder
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Article
| Open AccessMultiscale dynamics of charging and plating in graphite electrodes coupling operando microscopy and phase-field modelling
Improved understanding of the spatial dynamics in graphite electrodes is needed to improve fast-charging protocols for Li-ion batteries. Here, authors highlight that lithiation heterogeneity leads to early lithium plating onset and find distinct relaxation behaviors at various states of charge.
- Xuekun Lu
- , Marco Lagnoni
- & Paul R. Shearing
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Article
| Open AccessAn aqueous electrolyte densified by perovskite SrTiO3 enabling high-voltage zinc-ion batteries
Conventional electrolytes of aqueous zinc-ion batteries suffer from serious side reactions. Here, the authors develop a densified electrolyte with perovskite additives to achieve reversible zinc plating/stripping with robust interface and improved performance of full cells at an extended voltage range.
- Rongyu Deng
- , Zhenjiang He
- & Feixiang Wu
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Perspective
| Open AccessA reflection on polymer electrolytes for solid-state lithium metal batteries
Polymer electrolytes are attractive candidates for rechargeable lithium metal batteries. Here, the authors give a personal reflection on the structural design of coupled and decoupled polymer electrolytes and possible routes to further enhance their performance in rechargeable batteries.
- Ziyu Song
- , Fangfang Chen
- & Heng Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessDevelopment of high-voltage and high-energy membrane-free nonaqueous lithium-based organic redox flow batteries
Redox flow batteries are promising energy storage systems but are limited in part due to high cost and low availability of membrane separators. Here, authors develop a membrane-free, nonaqueous 3.5 V all-organic lithium-based battery and demonstrate its operation in both static and flow conditions.
- Rajeev K. Gautam
- , Xiao Wang
- & Jianbing “Jimmy” Jiang
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Article
| Open AccessReaction-passivation mechanism driven materials separation for recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries
Separating active cathode materials from current collectors poses a critical challenge in battery recycling. Here, the authors develop a facile strategy that relies on a reaction-passivation mechanism to effectively separate the aluminum foil and cathode active material in spent lithium-ion batteries.
- Zihe Chen
- , Ruikang Feng
- & Yongming Sun
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Article
| Open AccessNon-flammable solvent-free liquid polymer electrolyte for lithium metal batteries
Although solid polymer electrolytes show promise as alternatives to organic liquid electrolytes, they are hampered by interface and ionic conduction issues. Here, the authors develop a solvent-free liquid polymer electrolyte to enhance the safety and electrochemical performance of lithium metal batteries.
- Guo-Rui Zhu
- , Qin Zhang
- & Yu-Zhong Wang
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Article
| Open AccessTemperature-dependent interphase formation and Li+ transport in lithium metal batteries
High-performance lithium metal batteries operating below −20 °C are desired but hindered by slow reaction kinetics. Here, the authors uncover the temperature-dependent Li+ behavior and interphase formation in liquid electrolytes and provide directions to enhance the low temperature performance.
- Suting Weng
- , Xiao Zhang
- & Xuefeng Wang
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Article
| Open AccessA recyclable biomass electrolyte towards green zinc-ion batteries
Functional hydrogel electrolytes show promising potential for enhancing the sustainability of aqueous zinc-ion batteries. Here, the authors introduce a biomass-based hydrogel electrolyte that not only prevents side reactions on the zinc anode but also enables easy retrieval from the zinc batteries.
- Hongyu Lu
- , Jisong Hu
- & Bingang Xu
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Article
| Open AccessAluminum foil negative electrodes with multiphase microstructure for all-solid-state Li-ion batteries
Aluminum-based negative electrodes could enable high-energy-density batteries, but their charge storage performance is limited. Here, the authors show that dense aluminum electrodes with controlled microstructure exhibit long-term cycling stability in all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries.
- Yuhgene Liu
- , Congcheng Wang
- & Matthew T. McDowell
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Article
| Open AccessProduction of gas-releasing electrolyte-replenishing Ah-scale zinc metal pouch cells with aqueous gel electrolyte
The production of large-format aqueous Zn batteries is hindered by electrolyte consumption, hydrogen gas evolution and Zn dendrites growth during cycling. Here, the authors propose a specific pouch cell design capable of releasing hydrogen gas and refilling the electrolyte components.
- Feifei Wang
- , Jipeng Zhang
- & Quan-Hong Yang
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Article
| Open Access3D hierarchical graphene matrices enable stable Zn anodes for aqueous Zn batteries
Uncontrolled dendrite growth and severe side reactions at high capacities and rates impede its practical application for zinc metal anodes. Here, the authors propose a composite zinc anode with 3D hierarchical graphene matrix as a multifunctional host to regulate zinc deposition for aqueous zinc batteries.
- Yongbiao Mu
- , Zheng Li
- & Lin Zeng
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Article
| Open AccessRealizing long-cycling all-solid-state Li-In||TiS2 batteries using Li6+xMxAs1-xS5I (M=Si, Sn) sulfide solid electrolytes
Stable inorganic solid-state electrolytes are crucial for reliable all-solid-state battery development. Here, the authors report a Li-In|Li6.8Si0.8As0.2S5I|Ti2S lab-scale cell with a long cycle life of almost 62500 cycles at 2.44 mA cm−2, 30 °C and 30 MPa.
- Pushun Lu
- , Yu Xia
- & Fan Wu
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Article
| Open AccessWeakly coordinated Li ion in single-ion-conductor-based composite enabling low electrolyte content Li-metal batteries
The reactivity between lithium and a liquid electrolyte leads to degradation of a lithium metal battery, resulting in the depletion of the liquid electrolyte. Here, authors develop a composite layer that can mitigate the reactivity and consequently enable long-cycling lithium metal batteries.
- Hyeokjin Kwon
- , Hyun-Ji Choi
- & Hee-Tak Kim
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Article
| Open AccessDynamic gel as artificial interphase layer for ultrahigh-rate and large-capacity lithium metal anode
Achieving stable lithium metal anodes under large current densities over 10 mA cm−2 and area capacities over 10 mAh cm−2 remains a critical challenge. Here, authors propose a dynamic gel as protect layer for lithium metal anode to facilitate with the Young’s modulus, flexibility and ionic conductivity, thus to stabilize the lithium metal anode.
- Chao Chen
- , Jiaming Zhang
- & Xunhui Xiong
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Article
| Open AccessLaser maskless fast patterning for multitype microsupercapacitors
Miniature asymmetric supercapacitors have higher voltage and energy density but are often limited by a complex manufacturing process and difficulties in further miniaturization. Here, the authors demonstrate a maskless method for the patterned fabrication of submicron-scale symmetric and asymmetric supercapacitors.
- Yongjiu Yuan
- , Xin Li
- & Liangti Qu
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Article
| Open AccessA solution-to-solid conversion chemistry enables ultrafast-charging and long-lived molten salt aluminium batteries
Conventional solid-to-solid conversion cathodes in rechargeable aluminium batteries suffer from sluggish reaction kinetics and cumulative structural degradation. Here the authors disclose a solution-to-solid conversion chemistry using molten salt electrolytes to achieve fast-charging capability and good cycling stability.
- Jiashen Meng
- , Xuhui Yao
- & Quanquan Pang
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Article
| Open AccessLean-water hydrogel electrolyte for zinc ion batteries
Excess water in hydrogel-based zinc ion batteries causes side reactions, but reduced water content results in low conductivities. Here, authors develop a lean-water hydrogel based on molecular lubrication mechanism for fast ion transportation, extended stability, and reversible Zinc plating/stripping.
- Yanbo Wang
- , Qing Li
- & Chunyi Zhi
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Article
| Open AccessFundamental investigations on the ionic transport and thermodynamic properties of non-aqueous potassium-ion electrolytes
K-ion batteries may have rate advantages over Li-ion batteries due to the larger size of the cation. Here, the authors characterize the ionic transport and thermodynamic properties of non-aqueous K-ion electrolyte solutions demonstrating higher K-ion mobility than the Li-ion counterpart.
- Shobhan Dhir
- , Ben Jagger
- & Mauro Pasta
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Article
| Open AccessA family of oxychloride amorphous solid electrolytes for long-cycling all-solid-state lithium batteries
Developing amorphous solid electrolytes for solid state lithium batteries is challenging due to limited understanding of disordered structures. Here, the authors report a family of oxychloride amorphous solid electrolytes with high ionic conductivities and promising electrochemical characteristics.
- Shumin Zhang
- , Feipeng Zhao
- & Xueliang Sun
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Article
| Open AccessBridging multiscale interfaces for developing ionically conductive high-voltage iron sulfate-containing sodium-based battery positive electrodes
Sluggish kinetics is a major challenge for iron-based sulfate electrode materials. Here, the authors report multiscale interface engineering to build continuous Na-ion transfer channels at all length scales by designing ionic conductors inside bulk and low-electron-density exposed crystal surfaces.
- Jiyu Zhang
- , Yongliang Yan
- & Weihua Chen
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Article
| Open AccessCarbon neutral hydrogen storage and release cycles based on dual-functional roles of formamides
The search for new carbon-based hydrogen storage materials attracts scientists from various disciplines. Now, carbon-neutral hydrogen storage-release is reported based on dual-functional roles of formamides and uses non-noble, Fe-based catalyst.
- Duo Wei
- , Xinzhe Shi
- & Matthias Beller
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Article
| Open AccessA fluorinated cation introduces new interphasial chemistries to enable high-voltage lithium metal batteries
Fluorides have been identified as a key ingredient in interphases supporting aggressive battery chemistries. Here, the authors show a positive charged organic cation carrying fluorine populates at the inner Helmholtz layer of the electrode and contributes to the interphasial chemistry.
- Qian Liu
- , Wei Jiang
- & Zhengcheng Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessProduction of high-energy 6-Ah-level Li | |LiNi0.83Co0.11Mn0.06O2 multi-layer pouch cells via negative electrode protective layer coating strategy
Stable lithium metal electrodes are needed to produce high-energy batteries. Here, authors reported poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate-co-sodium benzenesulfonate) as a lithium metal protective layer and the production of a 490 Wh/kg class Li | |LiNi0.83Co0.11Mn0.06O2 pouch cell.
- Yangyang Feng
- , Yong Li
- & Yaobing Wang
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Article
| Open AccessFe/Cu diatomic catalysts for electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonia
Nitrate electroreduction to ammonia can decrease pollutants and produce high-value ammonia. Here, the authors design a Fe/Cu diatomic catalyst on nitrogen-doped graphene, which exhibits high catalytic activities of and selectivity for ammonia.
- Shuo Zhang
- , Jianghua Wu
- & Jun Lu
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Article
| Open AccessUnderstanding capacity fade in organic redox-flow batteries by combining spectroscopy with statistical inference techniques
Organic redox-flow batteries have the potential to cheaply store renewable electricity at grid scale but require further development. Here, the authors show that combining spectroscopic measurements with statistical inference techniques can shed light on why these batteries lose capacity over time.
- Sanat Vibhas Modak
- , Wanggang Shen
- & David G. Kwabi
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Article
| Open AccessEnabling long-cycling aqueous sodium-ion batteries via Mn dissolution inhibition using sodium ferrocyanide electrolyte additive
Mn-based Prussian blue is an ideal positive electrode material for aqueous sodium-ion batteries but still suffers from Mn dissolution. Here, the authors introduce an Mn-ion trapping agent as an electrolyte additive to produce a 94 Wh kg−1 Na-ion aqueous battery with a long lifespan.
- Zhaoheng Liang
- , Fei Tian
- & Chengxin Wang
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Article
| Open AccessResolving nanostructure and chemistry of solid-electrolyte interphase on lithium anodes by depth-sensitive plasmon-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
The solid-electrolyte interphase is crucial for most batteries, but its characterization is challenging. Here, authors develop a depth-sensitive plasmon-enhanced Raman spectroscopy method to enable in-situ and nondestructive resolving of its structure and chemistry as well as formation mechanisms.
- Yu Gu
- , En-Ming You
- & Bing-Wei Mao
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Article
| Open AccessCoordination modulation of hydrated zinc ions to enhance redox reversibility of zinc batteries
Zinc-based batteries suffer from the dendrite growth and surface passivation of zinc derived from the unfavourable deposition and side reactions. Here, the authors modulate the coordination chemistry of hydrated zinc ions via electrolyte-design and gain insights into the reversible cycling of long-lived zinc electrode.
- Song Chen
- , Deluo Ji
- & Jintao Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessExtreme fast charging of commercial Li-ion batteries via combined thermal switching and self-heating approaches
A significant barrier to the mass adoption of electric vehicles is the long charge time (>30 min) of high-energy Li-ion batteries. Here, the authors propose a practical solution to enable fast charging of commercial Li-ion batteries by combining thermal switching and self-heating.
- Yuqiang Zeng
- , Buyi Zhang
- & Ravi S. Prasher
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Article
| Open AccessHigh-rate and selective conversion of CO2 from aqueous solutions to hydrocarbons
Electrochemical CO2 conversion to methane offers a promising solution for the large-scale storage of renewable electricity, yet the catalytic selectivity at high current density still needs to be refined. Here the authors report to use both dissolved CO2 and in-situ generated CO2 from bicarbonate to sustain high local CO2 concentration around Cu electrode and thus achieve selective CO2 conversion to methane.
- Cornelius A. Obasanjo
- , Guorui Gao
- & Cao-Thang Dinh
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Article
| Open AccessCross-linked polyaniline for production of long lifespan aqueous iron||organic batteries with electrochromic properties
Aqueous iron batteries are safe and cost-effective candidates for large-scale energy storage. However, their long-term cycling stability is inadequate. Here, the authors propose a crosslinked polyaniline-based positive electrode for high-power aqueous iron batteries with electrochromic properties.
- Haiming Lv
- , Zhiquan Wei
- & Hongfei Li
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Article
| Open AccessData-driven direct diagnosis of Li-ion batteries connected to photovoltaics
Li-ion batteries are used to store energy harvested from photovoltaics. However, battery use is sporadic and standard diagnostic methods cannot be applied. Here, the authors propose a methodology for diagnosing photovoltaics-connected Li-ion batteries that use trained machine learning algorithms.
- Matthieu Dubarry
- , Nahuel Costa
- & Dax Matthews
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Article
| Open AccessBioinspired design of Na-ion conduction channels in covalent organic frameworks for quasi-solid-state sodium batteries
Quasi-solid-state polymer electrolytes are ideal candidates for practical secondary battery applications. Here, the authors propose a negatively charged (–COO–)-modified covalent organic framework as a Na-ion quasi-solid-state electrolyte with sub-nanometric Na-ion transport zones.
- Yingchun Yan
- , Zheng Liu
- & Zhuangjun Fan
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Article
| Open AccessEnabling selective zinc-ion intercalation by a eutectic electrolyte for practical anodeless zinc batteries
Achieving high-performance aqueous Zn-metal batteries is a challenge. Here, authors report a eutectic electrolyte that concurrently enables selective Zn2+ intercalation at the cathode and highly reversible Zn metal plating/stripping, resulting in a benchmark high-areal capacity Zn anode-free cell.
- Chang Li
- , Ryan Kingsbury
- & Linda F. Nazar
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Article
| Open AccessSurface modification using heptafluorobutyric acid to produce highly stable Li metal anodes
Development of lithium metal anodes is limited due to the dendritic growth and high reactivity of metal lithium. Here authors propose a surface modification strategy using heptafluorobutyric acid to form a lithiophilic interface, which enables uniform Li deposition and improving battery performance.
- Yuxiang Xie
- , Yixin Huang
- & Shigang Sun
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Article
| Open AccessMachine learning-guided discovery of ionic polymer electrolytes for lithium metal batteries
Ionic polymer electrolytes containing non-flammable ionic liquids and polyelectrolytes have the potential to create safe and high-energy batteries. Here, the authors propose a machine-learning approach to identify ionic liquids suitable for such electrolytes in lithium metal batteries.
- Kai Li
- , Jifeng Wang
- & Ying Wang
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Article
| Open AccessDeep learning to estimate lithium-ion battery state of health without additional degradation experiments
Estimation of Li-ion battery state of health is crucial but requires time- and resource-consuming degradation tests for development. Here, authors propose a deep-learning method that enables accurate estimations without additional tests, ensuring absolute errors of less than 3% for 89.4% of samples.
- Jiahuan Lu
- , Rui Xiong
- & Fengchun Sun
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Article
| Open AccessSolvent control of water O−H bonds for highly reversible zinc ion batteries
The electrochemical performance of aqueous zinc ion batteries is limited by water activity. Here, the authors propose a hybrid electrolyte that incorporate strongly polar molecules to strengthen the water O–H bonds, thus reduce water activity and improve the electrochemical performance of the batteries.
- Yanyan Wang
- , Zhijie Wang
- & Zaiping Guo
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Article
| Open AccessOrigin of dendrite-free lithium deposition in concentrated electrolytes
The origin of dendrite growth and lithium deposition behavior remains not well understood. Here, authors use a single-salt and single-solvent model electrolyte system to study the correlations between the electrolyte solvation structure, interphase structure and lithium deposition morphology.
- Yawei Chen
- , Menghao Li
- & Ruiguo Cao
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Article
| Open AccessDesigning tailored combinations of structural units in polymer dielectrics for high-temperature capacitive energy storage
Polymer dielectrics face huge challenges in the harsh environments of emergent applications. Now, increased energy storage of polymer dielectrics at temperatures up to 250 °C by designing tailored combinations of structural units is reported.
- Rui Wang
- , Yujie Zhu
- & Qi Li
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Article
| Open AccessUnravelling rechargeable zinc-copper batteries by a chloride shuttle in a biphasic electrolyte
The zinc-copper (Zn-Cu) Daniell cell is regarded as primary battery due to the crossover of the copper species. Here, the authors report a rechargeable Zn-Cu battery with the combination of chloride shuttle chemistry in a ZnCl2 aqueous/organic biphasic electrolyte, delivering a high energy density with stable cycling performance
- Chen Xu
- , Chengjun Lei
- & Xiao Liang
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Article
| Open AccessRapid determination of solid-state diffusion coefficients in Li-based batteries via intermittent current interruption method
The galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) is the state-of-the-art method for determining the Li+ diffusion coefficients in battery materials. Here, authors propose the intermittent current interruption method as a reliable, accurate and faster alternative to GITT-based methods.
- Yu-Chuan Chien
- , Haidong Liu
- & Matthew J. Lacey
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Article
| Open AccessBuilding electrode skins for ultra-stable potassium metal batteries
Metal potassium anodes show great potential in high energy density batteries. However, their practical application is hindered by the unstable nature of the highly active metal surface. Here, authors propose a “metal skin” approach that stabilizes the surface of the metal, resulting in improved cycle life of potassium metal anode-based batteries.
- Hongbo Ding
- , Jue Wang
- & Bingan Lu
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Article
| Open AccessPolyfluorinated crosslinker-based solid polymer electrolytes for long-cycling 4.5 V lithium metal batteries
Solid polymer electrolytes are commonly used in lithium-metal batteries, but their capacity and energy density cannot be easily increased beyond a charging cut-off voltage of 4.5 V due to the presence of easily oxidized oxygen-bearing polar groups. Here, authors apply a polyfluorinated crosslinker to enhance the oxidation resistance to solve this issue
- Lingfei Tang
- , Bowen Chen
- & Liwei Chen
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Article
| Open AccessExploiting nonaqueous self-stratified electrolyte systems toward large-scale energy storage
The use of energy-dense materials is inherently limited in biphasic self-stratified batteries due to the aqueous electrolyte environment. Here, the authors extended the concept of biphasic self-stratified batteries to non-aqueous systems, resulting in increased energy density and output voltage.
- Zhenkang Wang
- , Haoqing Ji
- & Chenglin Yan
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Article
| Open AccessA non-Newtonian fluid quasi-solid electrolyte designed for long life and high safety Li-O2 batteries
Lithium dendrite growth and liquid electrolyte volatilization limit the further development of lithium-oxygen batteries. Here, authors report a non-Newtonian fluid quasi-solid electrolyte to address those issues, which improve the life duration of the lithium-oxygen batteries.
- Guangli Zheng
- , Tong Yan
- & Huiyu Song