Search Results (149)

Aqueous aluminum-ion batteries (AAIBs) face significant challenges due to interfacial instability and parasitic side reactions during the reversible deposition of aluminum. Here, we introduce a hybrid electrolyte incorporating triethyl phosphate (TEP), a non-flammable co-solvent that reconstructs the Al³⁺ solvation environment by suppressing water activity. This design extends the electrochemical stability window and enables uniform Al–Zn alloy formation at the anode interface. As a result, symmetric Al–Zn cells achieve over 4000 h of stable cycling. In full-cell configurations with V₂O₅/C cathodes, the system demonstrates high capacity retention (~96% over 450 cycles at 2 A g⁻¹) and coulombic efficiency. This work underscores the potential of solvation structure engineering via functional, flame-retarding co-solvent to advance the development of safe and durable aqueous electrolytes. Full article

With the rapid advancement of new energy electric vehicles, high-capacity nickel-rich layered oxides have emerged as predominant cathode materials in lithium-ion battery systems. However, their widespread implementation necessitates rigorous investigation into cycling stability. We synthesized nickel-manganese-aluminum hydroxide precursors as raw materials by co-precipitation method, and synthesized ultrathin Al₂O₃-coated LiNi_0.9Mn_0.05Al_0.05O₂ cathode materials by hydrolysis reaction. The cathode material was uniformly covered by an Al₂O₃ layer with an average thickness of 5–10 nm by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Electrochemical performance tests showed that the modified cathode material exhibited significantly enhanced reversible capacity, cycling stability, and rate performance, and a more favorable differential capacity curve. In particular, the LNMA-2 samples were able to maintain 90.6% and 88.3% of their initial capacity after 100 cycle tests (with cutoff voltages of 4.3 and 4.5 V, respectively) at 0.5 C charge/discharge rate. These improved electrochemical properties are mainly attributed to the advantages offered by the unique Al₂O₃ coating structure. This study provides significant theoretical value for designing and optimizing the production of high-nickel cobalt-free cathode materials with high cycling performance. Full article

The development of high-performance solid electrolytes is critical to advancing solid-state lithium-ion batteries (SSBs), with lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide (LLZO) emerging as a leading candidate due to its chemical stability and wide electrochemical window. In this study, we systematically investigated the effects of cation dopants, including aluminum (Al³⁺), tantalum (Ta⁵⁺), gallium (Ga³⁺), and rubidium (Rb⁺), on the structural, electronic, and ionic transport properties of LLZO using density functional theory (DFT) and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations. It appeared that, among all simulated results, Al-LLZO exhibits the highest ionic conductivity of 1.439 × 10⁻² S/cm with reduced activation energy of 0.138 eV, driven by enhanced lithium vacancy concentrations and preserved cubic-phase stability. Ta-LLZO follows, with a conductivity of 7.12 × 10⁻³ S/cm, while Ga-LLZO and Rb-LLZO provide moderate conductivity of 3.73 × 10⁻³ S/cm and 3.32 × 10⁻³ S/cm, respectively. Charge density analysis reveals that Al and Ta dopants facilitate smoother lithium-ion migration by minimizing electrostatic barriers. Furthermore, Al-LLZO demonstrates low electronic conductivity (1.72 × 10⁻⁸ S/cm) and favorable binding energy, mitigating dendrite formation risks. Comparative evaluations of radial distribution functions (RDFs) and XRD patterns confirm the structural integrity of doped systems. Overall, Al emerges as the most effective and economically viable dopant, optimizing LLZO for scalable, durable, and high-conductivity solid-state batteries. Full article

MXenes, a family of two-dimensional carbide and nitride nanomaterials, have demonstrated significant promise across various technological domains, particularly in energy storage applications. This review critically examines scalable synthesis techniques for MXenes and their potential integration into next-generation rechargeable battery systems. We highlight both top-down and emerging bottom-up approaches, exploring their respective efficiencies, environmental impacts, and industrial feasibility. The paper further discusses the electrochemical behavior of MXenes in lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and aluminum-ion batteries, as well as their multifunctional roles in solid-state batteries—including as electrodes, additives, and solid electrolytes. Special emphasis is placed on surface functionalization, interlayer engineering, and ion transport properties. We also compare MXenes with conventional graphite anodes, analyzing their gravimetric and volumetric performance potential. Finally, challenges such as diffusion kinetics, power density limitations, and scalability are addressed, providing a comprehensive outlook on the future of MXenes in sustainable energy storage technologies. Full article

The conventional spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) recycling method suffers from complex processes and excessive chemical consumption. Hence, this study proposes an electrochemical strategy for achieving reductant-free leaching of high-valence transition metals and efficient separation of valuable components from spent cathode sheets (CSs). An innovatively designed sandwich-structured electrochemical reactor achieved efficient reductive dissolution of cathode materials (CMs) while maintaining the structural integrity of aluminum (Al) foils in a dilute sulfuric acid system. Optimized current enabled leaching efficiencies exceeding 93% for lithium (Li), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni), with 88% metallic Al foil recovery via cathodic protection. Multi-scale characterization systematically elucidated metal valence evolution and interfacial reaction mechanisms, validating the technology’s tripartite innovation: simultaneous high metal extraction efficiency, high value-added Al foil recovery, and organic removal through single-step electrochemical treatment. The process synergized the dissolution of CM particles and hydrogen bubble-induced physical liberation to achieve clean separation of polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) and carbon black (CB) layers from Al foil substrates. This method eliminates crushing pretreatment, high-temperature reduction, and any other reductant consumption, establishing an environmentally friendly and efficient method of comprehensive recycling of battery materials. Full article

This study explores the development of aluminum-doped MgV₂O₄ spinel cathodes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs), addressing the challenges of poor Zn²⁺ ion diffusion and structural instability. Al³⁺ ions were pre-inserted into the spinel structure using a sol-gel method, which enhanced the material’s structural stability and electrical conductivity. The doping of Al³⁺ mitigates the electrostatic interactions between Zn²⁺ ions and the cathode, thereby improving ion diffusion and facilitating efficient charge/discharge processes. While pseudocapacitive behavior plays a dominant role in fast charge storage, the diffusion of Zn²⁺ within the bulk material remains crucial for long-term performance and stability. Our findings demonstrate that Al-MgV₂O₄ exhibits enhanced Zn²⁺ diffusion kinetics and robust structural integrity under high-rate cycling conditions, contributing to its high electrochemical performance. The Al-MgVO cathode retains a capacity of 254.3 mAh g⁻¹ at a high current density of 10 A g⁻¹ after 1000 cycles (93.6% retention), and 186.8 mAh g⁻¹ at 20 A g⁻¹ after 2000 cycles (90.2% retention). These improvements, driven by enhanced bulk diffusion and the stabilization of the crystal framework through Al³⁺ doping, make it a promising candidate for high-rate energy storage applications. Full article

Pyrometallurgical recycling of lithium-ion batteries presents distinct advantages including streamlined processing, simplified pretreatment requirements, and high throughput capacity. However, its industrial implementation faces challenges associated with high energy demands and lithium loss into slag phases. This investigation develops an integrated reduction smelting–chloridizing volatilization process for the comprehensive recovery of strategic metals (Li, Mn, Cu, Co, Ni) from spent ternary lithium-ion batteries; calcium chloride was selected as the chlorinating agent for this purpose. Thermodynamic analysis was performed to understand the phase evolution during reduction smelting and to design an appropriate slag composition. Preliminary experiments compared carbon and aluminum powder as reducing agents to identify optimal operational parameters: a smelting temperature of 1450 °C, 2.5 times theoretical CaCl₂ dosage, and duration of 120 min. The process achieved effective element partitioning with lithium and manganese volatilizing as chloride species, while transition metals (Cu, Ni, Co) were concentrated into an alloy phase. Process validation in an induction furnace with N₂-O₂ top blowing demonstrated enhanced recovery efficiency through optimized oxygen supplementation (four times the theoretical oxygen requirement). The recovery rates of Li, Mn, Cu, Co, and Ni reached 94.1%, 93.5%, 97.6%, 94.4%, and 96.4%, respectively. This synergistic approach establishes an energy-efficient pathway for simultaneous multi-metal recovery, demonstrating industrial viability for large-scale lithium-ion battery recycling through minimized processing steps and maximized resource utilization. Full article

We present the performance and application of a commercial off-the-shelf Si PIN diode (Hamamatsu S14605) as a charged particle detector in a compact ion beam system (IBS) capable of generating D–D and p–B fusion charged particles. This detector is inexpensive, widely available, and operates in photoconductive mode under a reverse bias voltage of 12 V, supplied by an A23 battery. A charge-sensitive preamplifier (CSP) is mounted on the backside of the detector’s four-layer PCB and powered by two ±3 V lithium batteries (A123). Both the detector and CSP are housed together on the vacuum side of the IBS, facing the fusion target. The system employs a CF-2.75-flanged DB-9 connector feedthrough to supply the signal, bias voltage, and rail voltages. To mitigate the high sensitivity of the detector to optical light, a thin aluminum foil assembly is used to block optical emissions from the ion beam and target. Charged particles generate step responses at the preamplifier output, with pulse rise times in the order of 0.2 to 0.3 µs. These signals are recorded using a custom-built data acquisition unit, which features an optical fiber data link to ensure the electrical isolation of the detector electronics. Subsequent digital signal processing is employed to optimally shape the pulses using a CR-RCⁿ filter to produce Gaussian-shaped signals, enabling the accurate extraction of energy information. Performance results indicate that the detector’s baseline RMS ripple noise can be as low as 0.24 mV. Under actual laboratory conditions, the estimated signal-to-noise ratios (S/N) for charged particles from D–D fusion—protons, tritons, and helions—are approximately 225, 75, and 41, respectively. Full article

As the crucial core material in aluminum–plastic-laminated films, aluminum foil serves as a barrier and shaping element for lithium-ion battery soft packaging. However, its thinness, measuring only tens of microns, makes it susceptible to the formation of pinholes during the manufacturing process, which can significantly impact the barrier performance and properties of the aluminum–plastic-laminated film. The morphology and composition of foreign particles that lead to pinholes were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Additionally, the formation mechanism and evolution law of pinholes were investigated using a laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM). The results revealed that foreign particles responsible for pinholes originated from the inclusions in the aluminum alloy melt, filter aid particles from rolling oil, and environmental dust particles. To address this issue, potential strategies for controlling foreign particles were proposed. These included purifying the aluminum alloy melt, filtering the rolling oil, and maintaining a clean production environment. The simulated experiments showed that foreign particles were gradually embedded in the aluminum matrix during plastic deformation, leading to damage in the aluminum matrix. When the cumulative rolling reduction ratio exceeded 38%, the aluminum foil and foreign particles began to separate along the rolling direction, resulting in the formation of pinholes. The mechanism of uncoordinated deformation between foreign particles and aluminum foil was elaborated in detail. In addition, the simulation experiment indicated that once the cumulative reduction ratio surpassed 50%, the aspect ratio of the pinhole increased rapidly. When the cumulative reduction ratio increased to 83%, the pinhole began to gradually heal. Consequently, a quantitative relationship model between the pinhole area and the rolling reduction ratio was constructed. The pinhole evolution model enables a rough prediction of the actual pinhole area change and meets the requirements for engineering applications. This research provides both engineering applications and theoretical prediction approaches that can aid in the production of high-quality aluminum foil for lithium-ion battery soft packaging. Full article

The development of environmentally friendly pretreatment processes for spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is crucial for optimizing direct recycling methods. This study explores alternative approaches for recovering active cathode materials from end-of-life LIBs, focusing on environmentally safer options compared to the usually employed toxic solvent N-methyl-pyrrolidone (NMP), using disassembled batteries as test subjects. Various pretreatment methods, including thermal treatment, selective aluminum foil dissolution with a NaOH solution, and the use of eco-friendly solvents such as triethyl phosphate (TEP), are examined on the cathode sheets. The results show that thermal pretreatment combined with TEP provides the most effective approach, achieving a recovery efficiency of 95% while maintaining the morphology and purity of the recovered materials, making them suitable for direct recycling. These methods are further tested on complete battery cells, simulating industrial-scale operations. The TEP treatment proves particularly promising, ensuring high recovery efficiency and preserving the structural integrity of the materials, with a mean particle diameter of approximately 8 µm. Additionally, when applied to cycled batteries, this pretreatment successfully recovers active materials without contamination. This study provides valuable insights into various pretreatment strategies, contributing to the development of a greener, more efficient direct recycling pretreatment process for spent LIBs. Full article

Aluminum ion batteries (AIBs) exhibit a promising development prospect due to their advantages such as high theoretical specific capacity, high safety, low cost, and sufficient raw material sources. In this work, nanosheet tin disulfide (SnS₂) was successfully prepared using the hydrothermal method and then used as a cathode material for AIBs. The synthesized nano-flake SnS₂ has a large size and thin thickness, with a size of about 900 nm and a thickness of about 150 nm. This electrode material effectively enhances the contact interface with the electrolyte and shortens the depth and travel distance of ion deintercalation. As an electrode, the battery obtained a residual discharge specific capacity of about 55 mAh g⁻¹ and a coulombic efficiency of about 83% after 600 cycles. Furthermore, the first-principles calculation results show that the energy storage mechanism is the deintercalation behavior of Al³⁺. Based on model analysis and calculation results, it can be seen that compared with the position between two sulfur atoms, Al³⁺ is more inclined to be deintercalated directly above the sulfur atom. This study provides fundamental data for the large-scale preparation of AIBs using SnS₂ as an electrode material and the application research of AIBs. Full article

Aluminum solid-state batteries are emerging as one of the most promising energy storage systems, offering advantages such as low cost and high safety. This study adopts a safe and cost-effective approach by alloying and doping the all-solid-state aluminum-ion battery to enhance its electrochemical performance. This research further explores the electrochemical impacts of these modifications on the performance of solid-state aluminum batteries. In this experiment, aluminum-based anodes were deposited onto nickel foil using the thermal evaporation (TE) method. At the same time, the graphite film (GF) cathode material was enriched with sodium (GFN) through a solution-based process. The system was combined with magnesium silicate solid electrolytes to investigate the all-solid-state aluminum-carbon battery′s structural characteristics and charge–discharge mechanisms. The experimental results demonstrate that the aluminum-coated electrode alloying effects and the graphite film modification significantly improve battery performance. The system achieved a maximum specific capacity of approximately 700 mAh g⁻¹, with a cycle life exceeding 100 cycles. Furthermore, the microstructural characteristics and phase structure of the aluminum evaporation film were confirmed. Analysis of ion transport pathways during the charge–discharge cycles of the all-solid-state aluminum-carbon battery revealed that both aluminum and magnesium ions play critical roles in the electrode processes. Full article

Recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries is important due to the increasing demand for electric vehicles and efforts to realize a circular economy. There is a need to develop environmentally friendly processes for the refining of nickel, cobalt, and other metals contained in the batteries. Electrodialysis is an appealing method for recycling of battery metals with selective separation and low chemical input. In this study, sodium sulfate was used in an electrodialysis metathesis procedure to sequentially separate EDTA-chelated nickel and cobalt. Replacing hitherto used sulfuric acid with sodium sulfate mitigates membrane fouling caused by precipitation of EDTA. It was possible to separate up to 97.9% of nickel and 96.6% of cobalt at 0.10 M, a 30-times higher concentration than previously reported for electrodialysis of similar solutions. Through the thermally activated persulfate method, new to this application, 99.7% of nickel and 87.0% of cobalt could be precipitated from their EDTA chelates. Impurity behavior during electrodialysis of battery leachates has not previously been described in the literature. It is paramount to remove copper, iron, and phosphorous prior to electrodialysis since they contaminate the nickel product. Aluminum was difficult to remove in the solution purification step and ended up in all electrodialysis products. Full article

Despite their high specific capacity, magnetron-sputtered Si/Al thin films face rapid capacity decay due to stress-induced cracking, delamination, and detrimental electrolyte reactions. This study introduces a carbon-coated composite anode that overcomes these limitations, delivering superior reversible capacity, exceptional rate capability, and stable cycling performance. An electrochemical evaluation reveals that the CF-Si/Al@C-500-1h composite exhibits marked enhancements in capacity retention (43.5% after 100 cycles at 0.6 A·g⁻¹) and rate capability, maintaining 579.1 mAh·g⁻¹ at 3 A·g⁻¹ (1 C). The carbon layer enhances electrical conductivity, buffers volume expansion during lithiation/delithiation, and suppresses silicon aggregation and electrolyte side reactions. Coupled with an aluminum framework, this architecture ensures robust structural integrity and efficient lithium-ion transport. These advancements position CF-Si/Al@C-500-1h as a promising anode material for next-generation lithium-ion batteries, while insights into scalable fabrication and carbon integration strategies pave the way for practical applications. Full article

The transition to renewable energy sources from fossil fuels requires that the harvested energy be stored because of the intermittent nature of renewable sources. Thus, lithium-ion batteries have become a widely utilized power source in both daily life and industrial applications due to their high power output and long lifetime. In order to ensure the safe operation of these batteries at their desired power and capacities, it is crucial to implement a thermal management system (TMS) that effectively controls battery temperature. In this study, the thermal performance of a 1S14P lithium-ion battery module composed of cylindrical 18650 cells was compared for distinct cases of natural convection (no cooling), forced air convection, and phase change material (PCM) cooling. During the tests, the greatest temperatures were reached at a 2C discharge rate; the maximum module temperature reached was 55.4 °C under the natural convection condition, whereas forced air convection and PCM cooling reduced the maximum module temperature to 46.1 °C and 52.3 °C, respectively. In addition, contacting the battery module with an aluminum mass without using an active cooling element reduced the temperature to 53.4 °C. The polyamide battery housing (holder) used in the module limited the cooling performance. Thus, simulations on alternative materials document how the cooling efficiency can be increased. Full article