A Mechanistic Overview of the Current Status and Future Challenges in Air Cathode for Aluminum Air Batteries

Aluminum air batteries (AABs) are a desirable option for portable electronic devices and electric vehicles (EVs) due to their high theoretical energy density (8100 Wh K⁻¹), low cost, and high safety compared to state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, numerous unresolved technological and scientific issues are preventing AABs from expanding further. One of the key issues is the catalytic reaction kinetics of the air cathode as the fuel (oxygen) for AAB is reduced there. Additionally, the performance and price of an AAB are directly influenced by an air electrode integrated with an oxygen electrocatalyst, which is thought to be the most crucial element. In this study, we covered the oxygen chemistry of the air cathode as well as a brief discussion of the mechanistic insights of active catalysts and how they catalyze and enhance oxygen chemistry reactions. There is also extensive discussion of research into electrocatalytic materials that outperform Pt/C such as nonprecious metal catalysts, metal oxide, perovskites, metal-organic framework, carbonaceous materials, and their composites. Finally, we provide an overview of the present state, and possible future direction for air cathodes in AABs.     

锂离子电池合金负极材料的研究进展

本文综述了锂离子电池合金负极材料的研究现状,对比了各种合金负极材料的制备方法,并指出了合金负极材料目前面临的主要问题及现有的解决方案,最后提出纳米锂合金复合物将是合金负极材料发展的最终出路.     

The Rechargeable Aluminum Battery: Opportunities and Challenges

Aluminum battery systems are considered as a system that could supplement current lithium batteries due to the low cost and high volumetric capacity of aluminum metal, and the high safety of the whole battery system. However, first the use of ionic liquid electrolytes leading to AlCl₄^? instead of Al³⁺, the different intercalation reagents, the sluggish solid diffusion process and the fast capacity fading during cycling in aluminum batteries all need to be thoroughly explored. To provide a good understanding of the opportunities and challenges of the newly emerging aluminum batteries, this Review discusses the reaction mechanisms and the difficulties caused by the trivalent reaction medium in electrolytes, electrodes, and electrode–electrolyte interfaces. It is hoped that the Review will stimulate scientists and engineers to develop more reliable aluminum batteries.     

锂离子电池Sn基合金负极材料

发展高安全性、高能量、低成本、长寿命锂离子电池是当前动力电池应用面临的巨大挑战。电池的性能主要取决于正负极电极材料的性能。Sn基合金负极具有高能量和安全特性,是一种很有产业化前景的锂离子电池负极材料。本文综述了Sn基合金电极作为锂离子电池负极的最新研究进展,对Sn基合金负极的不同制备方法进行了总结,重点介绍了锡基合金负极材料在电化学性能方面所存在的问题及其原因,包括锡基活性物质的损失、SEI膜和氧化膜的形成、纳米粒子的团聚和锂离子嵌入过程中死锂的产生等影响合金充放电性能的因素,最后展望了以提高Sn基合金负极电化学性能为目的的研究趋势。     

A Designed Durable Electrolyte for High-Voltage Lithium-Ion Batteries and Mechanism Analysis

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) dominate the energy market, from electronic devices to electric vehicles, but pursuing greater energy density remains challenging owing to the limited electrode capacity. Although increasing the cut-off voltage of LIBs (>4.4 V vs. Li/Li⁺) can enhance the energy density, the aggravated electrolyte decomposition always leads to a severe capacity fading and/or expiry of the battery. Herein, a new durable electrolyte is reported for high-voltage LIBs. The designed electrolyte is composed of mixed linear alkyl carbonate solvent with certain cyclic carbonate additives, in which use of the ethylene carbonate (EC) co-solvent was successfully avoided to suppress the electrolyte decomposition. As a result, an extremely high cycling stability, rate capability, and high-temperature storage performance were demonstrated in the case of a graphite|LiNi_0.6Co_0.2Mn_0.2O₂ (NCM622) battery at 4.45 V when this electrolyte was used. The good compatibility of the electrolyte with the graphite anode and the mitigated structural degradation of the NCM622 cathode are responsible for the high performance at high potentials above 4.4 V. This work presents a promising application of high-voltage electrolytes for pursuing high energy LIBs and provides a straightforward guide to study the electrodes/electrolyte interface for higher stability.     

A Perovskite Electrolyte That Is Stable in Moist Air for Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Solid‐oxide Li⁺ electrolytes of a rechargeable cell are generally sensitive to moisture in the air as H⁺ exchanges for the mobile Li⁺ of the electrolyte and forms insulating surface phases at the electrolyte interfaces and in the grain boundaries of a polycrystalline membrane. These surface phases dominate the total interfacial resistance of a conventional rechargeable cell with a solid–electrolyte separator. We report a new perovskite Li⁺ solid electrolyte, Li_0.38Sr_0.44Ta_0.7Hf_0.3O_2.95F_0.05, with a lithium‐ion conductivity of σ_Li=4.8×10^?4 S cm^?1 at 25 °C that does not react with water having 3≤pH≤14. The solid electrolyte with a thin Li⁺‐conducting polymer on its surface to prevent reduction of Ta⁵⁺ is wet by metallic lithium and provides low‐impedance dendrite‐free plating/stripping of a lithium anode. It is also stable upon contact with a composite polymer cathode. With this solid electrolyte, we demonstrate excellent cycling performance of an all‐solid‐state Li/LiFePO₄ cell, a Li‐S cell with a polymer‐gel cathode, and a supercapacitor.     

高安全、高比能固态锂硫电池电解质

锂硫电池具有理论能量密度高、成本低廉和环境友好等优点,是最有前途的下一代高比能二次电池系统之一。当前,基于有机电解液的液态锂硫电池存在多硫化锂穿梭效应、电解液易燃以及锂枝晶等问题,致使电池的库仑效率低、循环性能差,且存在严重的安全隐患。采用固态电解质(如凝胶聚合物、固态聚合物、陶瓷、复合电解质等)替代有机电解液是解决上述问题的有效途径。本文总结了近年来固态锂硫电池电解质的研究现状,评述了各类固态电解质的优缺点及改性策略,重点介绍了陶瓷固态电解质的研究进展。最后,对固态锂硫电池的未来发展趋势进行预测与展望。     

力曲线用于硅负极材料表面膜的研究

利用原子力显微镜（AFM）力曲线模式来研究锂离子电池硅负极材料在含碳酸亚乙烯酯添加剂（VC）电解质首周循环时固态电解质相表面膜（SEI膜）的三维结构. 测试表明SEI膜具有多层结构,同时得到SEI膜厚度、杨氏模量以及覆盖度在首周循环过程中的变化,采用三维图呈现了硅材料表面膜的分布.     

Influence of Electrolyte on the Electrode/Electrolyte Interface Formation on InSb Electrode in Mg-Ion Batteries

Achieving the full potential of magnesium-ion batteries (MIBs) is still a challenge due to the lack of adequate electrodes or electrolytes. Grignard-based electrolytes show excellent Mg plating/stripping, but their incompatibility with oxide cathodes restricts their use. Conventional electrolytes like bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ((Mg(TFSI)₂) solutions are incompatible with Mg metal, which hinders their application in high-energy Mg batteries. In this regard, alloys can be game changers. The insertion/extraction of Mg²⁺ in alloys is possible in conventional electrolytes, suggesting the absence of a passivation layer or the formation of a conductive surface layer. Yet, the role and influence of this layer on the alloys performance have been studied only scarcely. To evaluate the reactivity of alloys, we studied InSb as a model material. Ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to investigate the surface behavior of InSb in both Grignard and conventional Mg(TFSI)₂/DME electrolytes. For the Grignard electrolyte, we discovered an intrinsic instability of both solvent and salt against InSb. XPS showed the formation of a thick surface layer consisting of hydrocarbon species and degradation products from the solvent (THF) and salt (C₂H₅MgCl−(C₂H₅)₂AlCl). On the contrary, this study highlighted the stability of InSb in Mg(TFSI)₂ electrolyte.     

室温钠离子电池关键材料研究进展

钠离子电池凭借钠资源丰富、价格低廉在大规模储能领域有着重要应用前景. 然而,钠离子相对锂离子较大的半径和质量限制了它在电极材料中的可逆脱嵌,导致其电化学性能不佳. 因此研发稳定、高效储钠的高比能电极材料是钠离子电池实用化的关键. 另外,进一步优化与电极材料相匹配的电解质来实现高安全、长寿命钠离子电池的构建,推动其商业化进程,也是迫切需要解决的问题. 本文主要对室温钠离子电池关键材料（包括正极、负极和电解质材料）的研究进展进行简要综述,并探讨了其面临的困难及可行的解决方案,为钠离子电池的发展提供一定参考依据.     

Recent Theoretical and Experimental Advancements of Aluminum-Sulfur Batteries

Aluminum-sulfur batteries (AlSBs) exhibit significant potential as energy storage systems due to their notable attributes, including a high energy density, cost-effectiveness, and abundant availability of aluminum and sulfur. In order to commercialize AlSBs, an understanding of their working principles is necessary. In this review, we examine the current advancements in cathodes, both in theory and practice, as well as the progress made in aqueous and nonaqueous electrolytes. We also explore the modifications made to separators and the theoretical understanding of problems associated with AlSBs. Furthermore, we discuss future research directions aimed at resolving these issues. Our aim is to summarize the current progress in AlSBs and, based on recent progress and understanding of the mechanism, help design a battery to overcome the challenges that such batteries have been facing.     

锂离子聚合物常温固体电解质的研究进展

综述了锂离子电池聚合物常温固体电解质的最新研究进展。主要关注的是电化学性能,尤其是室温下的离子电导率。对性能较好的聚合物固体电解质体系进行了概述。     

A Plastic–Crystal Electrolyte Interphase for All‐Solid‐State Sodium Batteries

The development of all‐solid‐state rechargeable batteries is plagued by a large interfacial resistance between a solid cathode and a solid electrolyte that increases with each charge–discharge cycle. The introduction of a plastic–crystal electrolyte interphase between a solid electrolyte and solid cathode particles reduces the interfacial resistance, increases the cycle life, and allows a high rate performance. Comparison of solid‐state sodium cells with 1) solid electrolyte Na₃Zr₂(Si₂PO₄) particles versus 2) plastic–crystal electrolyte in the cathode composites shows that the former suffers from a huge irreversible capacity loss on cycling whereas the latter exhibits a dramatically improved electrochemical performance with retention of capacity for over 100 cycles and cycling at 5 C rate. The application of a plastic–crystal electrolyte interphase between a solid electrolyte and a solid cathode may be extended to other all‐solid‐state battery cells.     

锂离子电池负极硅-热解碳-石墨复合材料的制备及性能

以沥青为碳前驱物,通过加热分解法制备了具有不同热解碳含量的硅-热解碳-石墨复合材料,并测试及分析了材料的形貌、结构及电化学性能。结果表明,沥青质量在320～560℃的温度区间内迅速减小,沥青质量的减小是由于氢元素的去除。经过高温分解制得的热解碳与沥青的质量比率为65%。在硅-热解碳-石墨复合材料中,硅颗粒分散在石墨表面,热解碳覆盖在硅颗粒表面,热解碳增强了硅颗粒与石墨间的界面结合力。适当含量的热解碳增大了复合材料的放电比容量且改善了循环稳定性;过量的热解碳不能进一步提升复合材料的放电容量。     

Deep-Eutectic-Solvent-Based Self-Healing Polymer Electrolyte for Safe and Long-Life Lithium-Metal Batteries

The deployment of high-energy-density lithium-metal batteries has been greatly impeded by Li dendrite growth and safety concerns originating from flammable liquid electrolytes. Herein, we report a stable quasi-solid-state Li metal battery with a deep eutectic solvent (DES)-based self-healing polymer (DSP) electrolyte. This electrolyte was fabricated in a facile manner by in situ copolymerization of 2-(3-(6-methyl-4-oxo-1,4-dihydropyrimidin-2-yl)ureido)ethyl methacrylate (UPyMA) and pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (PETEA) monomers in a DES-based electrolyte containing fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) as an additive. The well-designed DSP electrolyte simultaneously possesses non-flammability, high ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability, and dendrite-free Li plating. When applied in Li metal batteries with a LiMn₂O₄ cathode, the DSP electrolyte effectively suppressed manganese dissolution from the cathode and enabled high-capacity and a long lifespan at room and elevated temperatures.     

钠离子电池先进功能材料的研究进展

钠离子电池作为一种新型的化学电源,因钠资源储量丰富、成本低廉等优势,在规模储能领域具有应用前景,近年来受到了人们的广泛关注.为了获得比能量高、循环寿命长和快速充放电能力强的先进钠离子电池,人们正致力于开发比容量高、循环性能好和倍率性能佳的储钠电极材料和离子电导率高、电化学窗口宽的功能电解液,并取得了重要进展.目前,有前景的正极材料主要有高容量的层状氧化物、高电位的氟磷酸盐和长寿命的磷酸盐;可用的负极材料主要包括循环稳定性强的钛基层状氧化物和碳材料、比容量大的金属/非金属单质和低成本的金属化合物;有效的功能电解液有酯类电解液和醚类电解液.本综述详细总结了上述几类电极材料和电解液的最新研究进展,重点介绍了它们的电化学性质、科学难题及解决策略.     

金属铝燃料电池的研究

铝是一种丰富廉价的有色金属，金属铝电池作为一种新型燃料电池，具有低成本、无毒害、高功率、高能量密度等优点。本文简述了金属铝电池的工作原理，并对铝阳极、空气阴极、催化剂、电解液和铝燃料电池的应用等方面的研究概况进行了叙述。     

Ultra-Thin Wrinkled Carbon Sheet as an Anode Material of High-Power-Density Potassium-Ion Batteries

Although K⁺ is readily inserted into graphite, the volume expansion of graphite of up to 60% upon the formation of KC₈, together with its slow diffusion kinetics, prevent graphite from being used as an anode for potassium-ion batteries (PIBs). Soft carbon with low crystallinity and an incompact carbon structure can overcome these shortcomings of graphite. Here, ultra-thin two-dimensional (2D) wrinkled soft carbon sheets (USCs) are demonstrated to have high specific capacity, excellent rate capability, and outstanding reversibility. The wrinkles themselves prevent the dense stacking of micron-sized sheets and provide sufficient space to accommodate the volume change of USCs during the insertion/extraction of K⁺. The ultra-thin property reduces strain during the formation of K-C compounds, and further maintains structural stability. The wrinkles and heteroatoms also introduce abundant edge defects that can provide more active sites and shorten the K⁺ migration distance, improving reaction kinetics. The optimized USC₂₀₋₁ electrode exhibits a reversible capacity of 151 mAh g⁻¹ even at 6400 mA g⁻¹, and excellent cyclic stability up to 2500 cycles at 1000 mA g⁻¹. Such comprehensive electrochemical performance will accelerate the adoption of PIBs in electrical energy applications.     

第一性原理计算在锂离子电池负极材料中的应用

本文综述了第一性原理计算在锂离子电池负极材料中的应用,包括锂离子在负极材料上的吸附和相互作用、结构稳定性、锂离子的扩散、电池反应过程的模拟和实验现象的解释. 第一性原理计算在研究和设计锂离子电池负极材料,特别是其容量、电压、反应过程、扩散、倍率充放电、结够与性能对应关系等方面,已发挥了重要的作用. 随着计算机技术的发展,第一性原理计算将可更深刻地反映负极材料的电化学可逆嵌/脱锂本质.