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17 pages, 4623 KiB

Open AccessArticle

On the Electrochemical Properties of Carbon-Coated NaCrO₂ for Na-Ion Batteries

by Zhepu Shi, Ziyong Wang, Leon L. Shaw and Maziar Ashuri

Batteries 2023, 9(9), 433; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries9090433 - 24 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1303

Abstract

NaCrO₂ is a promising cathode for Na-ion batteries. However, further studies of the mechanisms controlling its specific capacities and cycle stability are needed for real-world applications in the future. This study reveals, for the first time, that the typical specific capacity of [...] Read more.

NaCrO₂ is a promising cathode for Na-ion batteries. However, further studies of the mechanisms controlling its specific capacities and cycle stability are needed for real-world applications in the future. This study reveals, for the first time, that the typical specific capacity of ~110 mAh/g reported by many researchers when the charge/discharge voltage window is set between 2.0 and 3.6 V vs. Na/Na⁺ is actually controlled by the low electronic conductivity at the electrode/electrolyte interface. Through wet solution mixing of NaCrO₂ particles with carbon precursors, uniform carbon coating can be formed on the surface of NaCrO₂ particles, leading to unprecedented specific capacities at 140 mAh/g, which is the highest specific capacity ever reported in the literature with the lower and upper cutoff voltages at the aforementioned values. However, such carbon-coated NaCrO₂ with ultrahigh specific capacity does not improve cycle stability because with the specific capacity at 140 mAh/g the Na deintercalation during charge is more than 50% Na ions per formula unit of NaCrO₂ which leads to irreversible redox reactions. The insights from this study provide a future direction to enhance the long-term cycle stability of NaCrO₂ through integrating carbon coating and doping. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rechargeable Batteries)

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25 pages, 8490 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Conditioning Solid-State Anode-Less Cells for the Next Generation of Batteries

by Manuela C. Baptista, Beatriz Moura Gomes, Diana Capela, Miguel F. S. Ferreira, Diana Guimarães, Nuno A. Silva, Pedro A. S. Jorge, José J. Silva and Maria Helena Braga

Batteries 2023, 9(8), 402; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries9080402 - 2 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2068

Abstract

Anode-less batteries are a promising innovation in energy storage technology, eliminating the need for traditional anodes and offering potential improvements in efficiency and capacity. Here, we have fabricated and tested two types of anode-less pouch cells, the first using solely a copper negative [...] Read more.

Anode-less batteries are a promising innovation in energy storage technology, eliminating the need for traditional anodes and offering potential improvements in efficiency and capacity. Here, we have fabricated and tested two types of anode-less pouch cells, the first using solely a copper negative current collector and the other the same current collector but coated with a nucleation seed ZnO layer. Both types of cells used the same all-solid-state electrolyte, Li_2.99Ba_0.005ClO composite, in a cellulose matrix and a LiFePO₄ cathode. Direct and indirect methods confirmed Li metal anode plating after charging the cells. The direct methods are X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), a technique not divulged in the battery world but friendly to study the surface of the negative current collector, as it detects lithium. The indirect methods used were electrochemical cycling and impedance and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It became evident the presence of plated Li on the surface of the current collector in contact with the electrolyte upon charging, both directly and indirectly. A maximum average lithium plating thickness of 2.9 µm was charged, and 0.13 µm was discharged. The discharge initiates from a maximum potential of 3.2 V, solely possible if an anode-like high chemical potential phase, such as Li, would form while plating. Although the ratings and energy densities are minor in this study, it was concluded that a layer of ZnO, even at 25 °C, allows for higher discharge power for more hours than plain Cu. It was observed that where Li plates on ZnO, Zn is not detected or barely detected by XPS. The present anode-less cells discharge quickly initially at higher potentials but may hold a discharge potential for many hours, likely due to the ferroelectric character of the electrolyte. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rechargeable Batteries)

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Review

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22 pages, 4793 KiB

Open AccessReview

High-Entropy Materials for Lithium Batteries

by Timothy G. Ritter, Samhita Pappu and Reza Shahbazian-Yassar

Batteries 2024, 10(3), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries10030096 - 8 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1803

Abstract

High-entropy materials (HEMs) constitute a revolutionary class of materials that have garnered significant attention in the field of materials science, exhibiting extraordinary properties in the realm of energy storage. These equimolar multielemental compounds have demonstrated increased charge capacities, enhanced ionic conductivities, and a [...] Read more.

High-entropy materials (HEMs) constitute a revolutionary class of materials that have garnered significant attention in the field of materials science, exhibiting extraordinary properties in the realm of energy storage. These equimolar multielemental compounds have demonstrated increased charge capacities, enhanced ionic conductivities, and a prolonged cycle life, attributed to their structural stability. In the anode, transitioning from the traditional graphite (372 mAh g⁻¹) to an HEM anode can increase capacity and enhance cycling stability. For cathodes, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) can be replaced with new cathodes made from HEMs, leading to greater energy storage. HEMs play a significant role in electrolytes, where they can be utilized as solid electrolytes, such as in ceramics and polymers, or as new high-entropy liquid electrolytes, resulting in longer cycling life, higher ionic conductivities, and stability over wide temperature ranges. The incorporation of HEMs in metal–air batteries offers methods to mitigate the formation of unwanted byproducts, such as Zn(OH)₄ and Li₂CO₃, when used with atmospheric air, resulting in improved cycling life and electrochemical stability. This review examines the basic characteristics of HEMs, with a focus on the various applications of HEMs for use as different components in lithium-ion batteries. The electrochemical performance of these materials is examined, highlighting improvements such as specific capacity, stability, and a longer cycle life. The utilization of HEMs in new anodes, cathodes, separators, and electrolytes offers a promising path towards future energy storage solutions with higher energy densities, improved safety, and a longer cycling life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rechargeable Batteries)

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