Magnesium–lithium alloys with TiB and Sr additions

The ultralight hypoeutectic α-phase Mg–4.5Li–1.5Al alloy and hypereutectic β-phase Mg–12Li–1.5Al alloy in as-cast state were fabricated and subjected to modification by 0.2 mass% TiB and 0.2 mass% Sr grain modifiers. The crystallisation sequence of Mg–Li–Al alloys has been investigated in detail by using thermal-derivative analysis and microstructural observations. The presented work includes the effects of grain refiners on grain size and microstructure and thermal events registered during crystallisation of ultralight Mg–Li–Al alloys by recording and analysis of the temperature vs time, i.e. as T_N, T_α, T_β, T_η(LiAl) and T_SOL. Microstructure and phase observation has been done by light microscope, X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The changes of characteristic temperature points for phase transformation are studied in detail. Due to the addition of 0.2 mass% TiB and 0.2 mass% Sr, the grain structure of the alloy was refined, and mechanical properties were improved. When a TiB and Sr added simultaneously, the average grain size of the analysed alloys strongly decreases. When the TiB or Sr content was severally added, a low effect of improvements of mechanical properties was observed. With the TiB and Sr content, the liquidus and solidus decrease gradually.

     

Sol–gel synthesis of sodium and lithium based materials

Sodium and lithium cobaltates are important materials for thermoelectric and battery applications due to their large thermoelectric power and ability to (de-) intercalate the alkali metal. For these applications, phase pure materials with controlled microstructure are required. We report on the sol?Cgel synthesis of sodium- and lithium-based materials by using acetate precursors. The produced Na_2/3CoO₂, Li(Ni_1/3Mn_1/3Co_1/3)O₂, and Li(Ni_1/2Co_1/2)O₂ powders are phase pure with grain sizes below 1???m. X-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive spectral analyses show that the cation stoichiometry is preserved in the lithium-based compounds. Despite the low temperatures, the sodium content is reduced by 1/3 as compared to the initial value. Chemical phases of the investigated powders are formed in the sol?Cgel route at temperatures typically 100?C200?K lower than those used in the conventional solid-state synthesis of these materials. The suggested sol?Cgel synthesis is a low temperature process suited for production of phase pure and homogeneous materials with volatile cations.     

Quantum-chemical modeling of lithium removal from lithium–silicon–silicon carbide composite

The quantum-chemical modeling of the delithiation-induced reorganization of a Li _m Si _n layer applied to the surface of nitrogen-doped silicon carbide is performed by means of non-empirical molecular dynamics in the frame of the gradient-corrected density functional method with the goal for finding promising anode materials for lithium ion batteries. The ratios Li/Si are considered from 8/3 to 1/4. Partial removal of lithium atoms from the surface of the Li _m Si _n layer and annealing at a moderate temperature (400 K) is found to recover rapidly (as soon as within 10 ps) the uniform metal distribution over the layer when the ratio Li/Si is at least 3/4. At lower values of this ratio, the equalization slows down dramatically.     

Underpinning energetics of lithium bonding and stability in the Li–Pt–Sn system

Within the Li–Pt–Sn system, we examine the electronic structures and Li-binding of LiPtSn₂, Li₂PtSn and Li₃Pt₂Sn₃ with fluorite-related crystal structures. The structures with totally de-intercalated lithium keep the characteristics of the pristine ternary compound with a reduction of the volume. In Li₃Pt₂Sn₃ the binding energies of lithium belonging to three crystallographically inequivalent Wyckoff sites are different and point to distinct activities of de-intercalation concomitant with site-selective bonding magnitudes. The derived potentials are within the range of non-oxide binary and ternary lithium based compounds and indicate the possibility of at least partial delithiation.     

Synthesis and electrochemical performance of sulfur–carbon composite cathode for lithium–sulfur batteries

In this paper, porous carbon was synthesized by an activation method, with phenolic resin as carbon source and nanometer calcium carbonate as activating agent. Sulfur–porous carbon composite material was prepared by thermally treating a mixture of sublimed sulfur and porous carbon. Morphology and electrochemical performance of the carbon and sulfur–carbon composite cathode were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS), and galvanostatic charge–discharge test. The composite containing 39 wt.% sulfur obtained an initial discharge capacity of about 1,130 mA?h g^?1 under the current density of 80 mA?g^?1 and presented a long electrochemical stability up to 100 cycles.     

Nanocarbons and their hybrids as catalysts for non-aqueous lithium–oxygen batteries

Rechargeable lithium-oxygen(Li–O_2) batteries have been considered as the most promising candidates for energy storage and conversion devices because of their ultra high energy density. Until now, the critical scientific challenges facing Li–O_2batteries are the absence of advanced electrode architectures and highly efficient electrocatalysts for both oxygen reduction reaction(ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction(OER), which seriously hinder the commercialization of this technology. In the last few years, a number of strategies have been devoted to exploring new catalysts with novel structures to enhance the battery performance. Among various of oxygen electrode catalysts, carbon-based materials have triggered tremendous attention as suitable cathode catalysts for Li–O_2batteries due to the reasonable structures and the balance of catalytic activity, durability and cost. In this review, we summarize the recent advances and basic understandings related to the carbon-based oxygen electrode catalytic materials, including nanostructured carbon materials(one-dimensional(1D) carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers, 2D graphene nanosheets, 3D hierarchical architectures and their doped structures), and metal/metal oxide-nanocarbon hybrid materials(nanocarbon supporting metal/metal oxide and nanocarbon encapsulating metal/metal oxide). Finally, several key points and research directions of the future design for highly efficient catalysts for practical Li–O_2batteries are proposed based on the fundamental understandings and achievements of this battery field.     

Surface tension of lead–lithium melts

The temperature and concentration dependences of the surface tension of lithium alloys based on lead are experimentally determined for the first time in a field of compositions with up to 20 at % lithium in lead in the temperature range from the liquidus up to 700 K. The isotherm of surface tension of the studied alloys in the range of compositions with ~10 at % Li in lead contains a minimum, as does the adsorption isotherm of lithium in the sub-eutectic area of PbLi compounds.     

Borate,lithium borate,and borophosphate powders by sol–gel precipitation

Borate, lithium borate and borophosphate powders were synthesized by the sol–gel method. Triethyl borate, lithium methoxide, and orthophosphoric acid were used as precursors for B₂O_3, Li₂O, and P₂O₅, respectively. Powders were characterized by FTIR, DTA, XRD and SEM techniques. Powders from the Li₂O–B₂O₃ system exhibited glassy features while borate and borophosphate powders contained mainly crystalline B₂O₃ according to XRD analysis. However, a 500 °C heat treatment transformed these crystalline powders into glass powders. Conversely, heat treatment of Li₂O–B₂O₃ powders transformed their structure from glassy to crystalline (Li₂B₄O₇). Chemical durability studies conducted in water at 60 °C showed that minor additions of P₂O₅ into borate and lithium borate powders improved their chemical durability significantly. Furthermore, Li₂O and P₂O₅ acted synergistically on the chemical durability when added simultaneously to borate compositions.     

Thermal and odd–even behaviour in a homologous series of lithium n-alkanoates

Thermotropic phase transition temperatures, enthalpies and entropies of phase changes and odd–even alternation, in a homologous series of anhydrous lithium n-alkanoates, LiC_nH_2n?1O₂ (LiC_8–19 inclusive), have been investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (d.s.c.), hot stage polarizing microscopy and solid state ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. The number of phases observed, between the room temperature microcrystalline solid and isotropic melt, shows a clear dependence on chain length. For LiC_8–13, only one intermediate lamellar II crystalline phase is observed. For LiC_14–19, a lamellar II and high temperature phase are evident. The high temperature phase is characterized by pre-melting and disordering of hydrocarbon chains as they change from nearly all-trans to one with increased gauche conformers. It is probably a solid rotator phase. Odd–even alternation in melting temperature, density and some thermodynamic data result from the relative distance between methyl groups, from opposite layers in a bi-layer. Molecular models indicate that the methyl groups in odd chains are more favourably orientated which lead to a more energetically favoured staggered conformer. As a consequence, the methyl groups, for odd chains, are in closer proximity than even chains. This subtle change in the molecular lattice could account for the presence of polymorphic structures on cooling from the melt.     

Post lithium–sulfur battery era:challenges and opportunities towards practical application

Lithium–sulfur(Li–S) batteries have been regarded as a promising next-generation energy storage system owing to the high theoretical energy density and natural abundance of sulfur. Abundant fundamental researches have pushed the flourishing development on electrochemical behaviors in recent 20 years. It is time to evolve into post-Li–S battery era with the pursuit towards practical application. During the landmark leap, numerous new challenges appear under harsh conditions, such as high sulfur l...     

Electrodeposition and lithium storage performance of novel three-dimensional porous Fe–Sb–P amorphous alloy electrode

The three-dimensional porous Fe–Sb–P amorphous alloy electrodes were prepared by electroplating on porous copper current collector. The structure and electrochemical performance of the electroplated Fe–Sb–P amorphous alloy electrodes have been investigated in detail. XRD results showed that the as-deposited Fe–Sb–P alloy electrode exhibits an amorphous nature. Electrochemical tests indicated that at the 50th cycle, the Fe–Sb–P amorphous alloy electrodes can deliver a discharge capacity of 448 mAh g^?1. The porous and amorphous structure of electrode of Fe–Sb–P alloy was beneficial in relaxing the volume expansion during cycling, which improved the cycle ability of Fe–Sb–P alloy electrode.     

Synthesis and electrochemical performance of TiO2–sulfur composite cathode materials for lithium–sulfur batteries

Titania–sulfur (TiO₂–S) composite cathode materials were synthesized for lithium–sulfur batteries. The composites were characterized and examined by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption/desorption measurements, scanning electron microscopy, and electrochemical methods, such as cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and galvanostatic charge–discharge tests. It is found that the mesoporous TiO₂ and sulfur particles are uniformly distributed in the composite after a melt-diffusion process. When evaluating the electrochemical properties of as-prepared TiO₂–S composite as cathode materials in lithium–sulfur batteries, it exhibits much improved cyclical stability and high rate performance. The results showed that an initial discharge specific capacity of 1,460 mAh/g at 0.2 C and capacity retention ratio of 46.6 % over 100 cycles of composite cathode, which are higher than that of pristine sulfur. The improvements of electrochemical performances were due to the good dispersion of sulfur in the pores of TiO₂ particles and the excellent adsorbing effect on polysulfides of TiO₂.     

Synthesis and application of single-atom catalysts in sulfur cathode for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries

Lithium–sulfur(Li-S) batteries are regarded as one of the most promising energy storage devices because of their low cost, high energy density, and environmental friendliness. However, Li-S batteries suffer from sluggish reaction kinetics and serious “shuttle effect” of lithium polysulfides(LiPSs), which causes rapid decay of battery capacity and prevent their practical application. To address these problems, introducing single-atom catalysts(SACs) is an effective method to improve the electroch...     

Emerging energy chemistry in lithium–sulfur pouch cells

正On pursuing high-energy-density energy storage systems beyond the current lithium-ion battery technique, lithium–sulfur(Li–S) batteries have attracted worldwide attention due to their ultrahigh theoretical energy density up to 500 Wh kg~(-1)[1]. The unique Li–S chemistry based on the conversion reactions between solid sulfur, dissolved lithium polysulfides, and solid lithium sulfide affords thermodynamic advantages including high cathode specific capacity and low anode potential [2]. However,     

Preparing graphene oxide–copper composite material from spent lithium ion batteries and catalytic performance analysis

The wide use of lithium ion batteries (LIBs) has created much waste, which has become a global issue. It is vital to recycle waste LIBs considering their environmental risks and resource characteristics. Anode graphite from spent LIBs still possess a complete layer structure and contain some oxygen-containing groups between layers, which can be reused to prepare high value-added products. Given the intrinsic defect structure of anode graphite, copper foils in LIB anode electrodes, and excellent properties of graphene, graphene oxide–copper composite material was prepared in this work. Anode graphite was firstly purified to remove organic impurities by calcination and remove lithium. Purified graphite was used to prepare graphene oxide–copper composite material after oxidation to graphite oxide, ultrasonic exfoliation to graphene oxide (GO), and Cu²⁺ adsorption. Compared with natural graphite, preparing graphite oxide using anode graphite consumed 40% less concentrated H₂SO₄ and 28.6% less KMnO₄. Cu²⁺ was well adsorbed by 1.0 mg L^?1 stable GO suspension at pH 5.3 for 120 min. Graphene oxide–copper composite material could be successfully obtained after 6 h absorption, 3 h bonding between GO and Cu²⁺ with 3/100 of GO/CuSO₄ mass ratio. Compared to CuO, graphene oxide–copper composite material had better catalytic photodegradation performance on methylene blue, and the electric field further improved the photodegradation efficiency of the composite material.     

Combining piracetam and lithium salts: ionic co-crystals and co-drugs?

Mechanochemical reaction of solid piracetam with the inorganic salts LiCl and LiBr yields ionic co-crystals which are also co-drugs, characterized by markedly different thermal properties with respect to pure components, also depending on the method for preparation and/or conditions of measurements; single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction at variable temperatures, DSC, TGA, hot stage microscopy (HSM) and intrinsic dissolution rate have been used to fully characterize the solid products.     

P_4S_(10) modified lithium anode for enhanced performance of lithium–sulfur batteries

To address the corrosion and dendrite issues of lithium metal anodes, a protective layer was ex-situ constructed by P_4S_(10) modification. It was determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectra that the main constituents of the protective layer were P_4S_(10), Li_3PS_4 and other LixPySztype derivatives. The protective layer was proved to be effective to stabilize the interphase of lithium metal. With the modified Li anodes, symmetric cells could deliver stable Li plating/stripping for 16000 h; Li–S batteries exhibited a specific capacity of 520 m A h g~(-1) after 200 cycles at 1000 m A g~(-1) with average Coulombic efficiency of 97.9%. Therefore, introducing LixPySzbased layer to protect Li anode provides a new strategy for the improvement of Li metal batteries.     

Application of capillary affinity electrophoresis and density functional theory to the investigation of valinomycin–lithium complex

Capillary affinity electrophoresis (CAE) and quantum mechanical density functional theory (DFT) have been applied to the investigation of interactions of valinomycin (Val), a macrocyclic dodecadepsipeptide antibiotic ionophore, with lithium cation Li⁺. Firstly, from the dependence of effective electrophoretic mobility of Val on the Li⁺ ion concentration in the background electrolyte (BGE) (methanolic solution of 50 mM chloroacetic acid, 25 mM Tris, pH_MeOH 7.8, 0–40 mM LiCl), the apparent binding (stability) constant (K_b) of Val–Li⁺ complex in methanol was evaluated as log K_b = 1.50 ± 0.24. The employed CAE method include correction of the effective mobilities measured at ambient temperature, at different input power (Joule heating) and at variable ionic strength of the BGEs to the mobilities related to the reference temperature 25 °C and to the constant ionic strength 25 mM. Secondly, using DFT calculations, the most probable structures of the non-hydrated Val–Li⁺ and hydrated Val–Li⁺·3H₂O complex species were predicted.     

Hierarchically porous nitrogen-doped carbon as cathode for lithium–sulfur batteries

Porous nitrogen-doped carbon is an especially promising material energy storage due to its excellent conductivity, stable physicochemical properties, easy processability, controllable porosity and low price.Herein, we reported a novel well-designed hierarchically porous nitrogen-doped carbon(HPNC) via a combination of salt template(ZnCl_2) and hard template(SiO_2) as sulfur host for lithium–sulfur batteries. The low-melting ZnCl_2 is boiled off and leaves behind micropores and small size mesopores during pyrolysis process, while the silica spheres are removed by acid leaching to generate interconnected 3D network of macropores. The HPNC-S electrode exhibits an initial specific capacity of 1355 mAh g~(–1) at 0.1 C(1 C = 1675 m Ah g~(–1)), a high-rate capability of 623 m Ah g~(–1) at 2 C, and a small decay of 0.13% per cycle over 300 cycles at 0.2 C. This excellent rate capability and remarkable long-term cyclability of the HPNC-S electrode are attributed to its hierarchical porous structures for confining the soluble lithium polysulfide as well as the nitrogen doping for high absorbability of lithium polysulfide.