Solution Synthesis of Porous Silicon Particles as an Anode Material for Lithium Ion Batteries

Nanostructured silicon-based materials with porous structures have recently been found to be impressive anode materials with high capacity and cycling performance for lithium-ion batteries. However, the current methods of preparing porous silicon have generally been confronted with the requirement for multiple steps and complex synthesis. In the present study, porous silicon with high surface area was prepared by using a high yielding and simple reaction in which commercial magnesium powder readily reacts with HSiCl₃ with the help of an amine catalyst under mild conditions. The obtained porous silicon was coated with a nitrogen-doped carbon layer and used as the anode for lithium-ion batteries. The porous Si-carbon nanocomposites exhibited excellent cycling performance with a retained discharge capacity of 1300 mA h g⁻¹ after 200 cycles at 1 A g⁻¹ and a discharge capacity of 750 mA h g⁻¹ at a current density of 2 A g⁻¹ after 250 cycles. Remarkably, the Coulombic efficiency was maintained at nearly 100 % throughout the measurements.     

Free-standing ternary metallic sulphides/Ni/C-nanofiber anodes for high-performance lithium-ion capacitors

As a promising energy-storage device,the hybrid lithium-ion capacitor coupling with both a large energy density battery-type anode and a high power density capacitor-type cathode is attracting great attention.For the sake of improving the energy density of hybrid lithium-ion capacitor,the free-standing anodes with good electrochemical performance are essential.Herein,we design an effective electrospinning strategy to prepare free-standing MnS/Co_4S_3/Ni_3S_2/Ni/C-nanofibers(TMSs/Ni/C-NFs)film and firstly use it as a binder-free anode for hybrid lithium-ion capacitor.We find that the carbon nanofibers can availably prevent MnS/Co_4S_3/Ni_3S_2/Ni nanoparticles from aggregation as well as significantly improve the electrochemical performance.Therefore,the binder-free TMSs/Ni/C-NFs membrane displays an ultrahigh reversible capacity of 1246.9 m Ah g~(-1)at 100 m A g~(-1),excellent rate capability(398 mAh g~(-1) at2000 mA g~(-1)),and long-term cyclic endurance.Besides,we further assemble the hybrid lithium-ion capacitor,which exhibits a high energy density of 182.0 Wh kg~(-1)at 121.1 W kg~(-1)(19.0 Wh kg~(-1) at 3512.5 W kg~(-1))and remarkable cycle life.     

Oleic acid-treated synthesis of MnO@C with superior electrochemical properties

MnO@C nanocomposites are synthesized by annealing MnO microspheres treated with oleic acid as carbon source. The obtained MnO@C nanocomposites exhibit a discharge capacity of 1075 m Ah/g for the initial cycle, and show the excellent cycling performance with a discharge capacity of 421 mAh/g after100 cycles at a current density of 100 mA/g. The total specific capacity of MnO@C nanocomposites is higher than those of pure MnO microspheres in our experiments. Owing to the superior electrochemical behavior, the as-obtained MnO@C nanocomposites are potentially applied as next-generation anode material for lithium-ion batteries.     

Scalable Synthesis of Porous SiFe@C Composite with Excellent Lithium Storage

Utilizing cost-effective raw materials to prepare high-performance silicon-based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is both challenging and attractive. Herein, a porous SiFe@C (pSiFe@C) composite derived from low-cost ferrosilicon is prepared via a scalable three-step procedure, including ball milling, partial etching, and carbon layer coating. The pSiFe@C material integrates the advantages of the mesoporous structure, the partially retained FeSi₂ conductive phase, and a uniform carbon layer (12–16 nm), which can substantially alleviate the huge volume expansion effect in the repeated lithium-ion insertion/extraction processes, effectively stabilizing the solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) film and markedly enhancing the overall electronic conductivity of the material. Benefiting from the rational structure, the obtained pSiFe@C hybrid material delivers a reversible capacity of 1162.1 mAh g⁻¹ after 200 cycles at 500 mA g⁻¹, with a higher initial coulombic efficiency of 82.30 %. In addition, it shows large discharge capacities of 803.1 and 600.0 mAh g⁻¹ after 500 cycles at 2 and 4 A g⁻¹, respectively, manifesting an excellent electrochemical lithium storage. This work provides a good prospect for the commercial production of silicon-based anode materials for LIBs with a high lithium-storage capacity.     

表面活性剂碳化法合成Fe3O4/C复合物及其电化学性能

以水热法合成的包覆油酸的α-Fe₂O₃粒子为前驱体, 在氩气下500 °C煅烧1 h, 得到Fe₃O₄/C纳米复合物. 用傅里叶变换红外(FTIR)光谱, X射线衍射(XRD), 扫描电镜(SEM), X射线能量散射(EDX)谱, 高分辨透射电镜(HRTEM), 元素分析, 循环伏安(CV)和恒流充放电测试等方法对材料的结构、形貌、成分及电化学性能进行了表征. 结果表明: 所制备的Fe₃O₄/C复合物呈长约200 nm, 粗约100 nm的纺锤形, 表面碳层厚约1-2 nm, 碳含量为1.956%(质量分数); 这种复合物作为锂离子电池负极材料具有很好的循环稳定性(在0.2C (1C=928 mA·g^-1)循环80次后具有691.7 mAh·g^-1比容量)和倍率性能(在2C循环20次后依然有520 mAh·g^-1比容量). 相对于未包覆的商业Fe₃O₄粒子, 复合物显著提高的电化学性能是由于碳包覆能防止粒子聚集, 提高导电性以及稳定固体电解质界面(SEI)膜.     

Manganese oxide nanoparticle-loaded porous carbon nanofibers as anode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

Mn-based oxide-loaded porous carbon nanofiber anodes, exhibiting large reversible capacity, excellent capacity retention, and good rate capability, are fabricated by carbonizing electrospun polymer/Mn(CH₃COO)₂ composite nanofibers without adding any polymer binder or electronic conductor. The excellent electrochemical performance of these organic/inorganic nanocomposites is a result of the unique combinative effects of nano-sized Mn-based oxides and carbon matrices as well as the highly-developed porous composite nanofiber structure, which make them promising anode candidates for high-performance rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.     

聚酰亚胺无机纳米杂化材料

聚酰亚胺(PI)作为一种功能材料，具有良好的介电性、优良力学性能，已被广泛应用于航空航天及微电子领域，但其明显的吸水性和热膨胀性限制了其在高温和精密状态下的应用。无机纳米材料具有很低的热膨胀系数和较低的吸水性，非常适合于对PI的改性。本文阐述了PI纳米杂化材料的制备方法。概要介绍了PI纳米杂化材料的类型、特点、性能及应用领域，并对这类材料的发展前景进行了综述。     

核壳结构金属-有机骨架及其衍生物在锂离子电池负极材料中的应用

金属–有机框架(MOFs)材料具有比表面积较大、孔径可调、制备容易、结构与功能多样性等优势,被广泛应用于电化学能源转化与储存领域。其中独特的核壳结构材料由于表面修饰的作用往往更能表现出核内与壳层的协同作用。本文介绍了具有核壳结构MOFs作为锂离子电池负极材料的发展现状,并重点综述其衍生物(多孔碳材料、金属氧化物、金属硫/硒化物以及金属/金属氧化物)的制备方法以及在锂离子电池负极中的应用。MOFs通过高温煅烧或改变化学反应条件的方法,可制备出结构可调的传统无机电极材料并表现出更优异的电化学性能。最后总结了核壳结构MOFs材料作为锂电负极材料存在的问题和挑战,并提出可能的解决途径和未来的应用前景。     

A comprehensive study on the impact of RGO/MWCNT hybrid filler reinforced polychloroprene rubber multifunctional nanocomposites

Flexible dielectric chloroprene rubber (CR) nanocomposites reinforced by one-dimensional carbon nanotube (CNT)/two dimensional reduced graphene oxide hybrids have been prepared using two-roll mill mixing technique. Non-covalent π-π interaction between multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanosheets and the secondary interaction between fillers and chloroprene rubber matrix are responsible for generating the effective load transfer between RGO/MWCNTs and CR. The prepared RGO-MWCNT hybrid nanocomposites with high dielectric constant (≈650), low dielectric loss (≈0.42) and high energy storage efficiency (78.6%) values are practically good enough to use as a low cost polymeric dielectric layer in transistors. Furthermore, the prepared nanocomposites showed excellent electromagnetic effectiveness; a maximum shielding efficiency of 11.87 dB @ 3.5 GHz was achieved at 4 phr of MWCNT loading. This excellent electromechanical performance can be ascribed to the synergistic effect of RGO-MWCNT hybrid suggesting that this novel hybrid nanocomposite serves as an attractive candidate in modern electronics and electric power systems.     

Hydrothermal carbon spheres containing silicon nanoparticles: synthesis and lithium storage performance

Spherically shaped carbon/silicon nanocomposites have been obtained in a one-step procedure using hydrothermal carbonization of glucose in the presence of commercially available silicon nanoparticles and have been tested electrochemically as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries.     

Interdispersed silicon–carbon nanocomposites and their application as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

As an anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), silicon offers among the highest theoretical storage capacity, but is known to suffer from large structural changes and capacity fading during electrochemical cycling. Nanocomposites of silicon with carbon provide a potential material platform for resolving this problem. We report a spray-pyrolysis approach for synthesizing amorphous silicon–carbon nanocomposites from organic silane precursors. Elemental mapping shows that the amorphous silicon is uniformly dispersed in the carbon matrix. When evaluated as anode materials in LIBs, the materials exhibit highly, stable performance and excellent Coulombic efficiency for more than 150 charge discharge cycles at a charging rate of 1 A/g. Post-mortem analysis indicates that the structure of the Si–C composite is retained after extended electrochemical cycling, confirming the hypothesis that better mechanical buffering is obtained when amorphous Si is embedded in a carbon matrix.     

SnS2–graphene nanocomposites as anodes of lithium-ion batteries

SnS₂–graphene nanocomposites are synthesized by a hydrothermal method, and their application as anodes of lithium-ion batteries has been investigated. SnS₂ nanosheets are uniformly coating on the surface of graphene. SnS₂–graphene nanocomposites exhibit high cyclability and capacity. The reversible capacity is 766 mAh/g at 0.2C rate and maintains at 570 mAh/g after 30 cycles. Such a high performance can be attributed to high electron and Li-ion conductivity, large surface area, good mechanical flexibility of graphene nanosheets and the synergetic effect between graphene and SnS₂ nanostructures. The present results indicate that SnS₂–graphene nanocomposites have potential applications in lithium-ion battery anodes.     

A Single‐Step Synthesis of Electroactive Mesoporous ProDOT‐Silica Structures

The single‐step preparation of highly ordered mesoporous silica hybrid nanocomposites with conjugated polymers was explored using a novel cationic 3,4‐propylenedioxythiophene (ProDOT) surfactant (PrS). The method does not require high‐temperature calcination or a washing procedure. The combination of self‐assembly of the silica surfactant and in situ polymerization of the ProDOT tail is responsible for creation of the mesoporosity with ultralarge pores, large pore volume, and electroactivity. As this novel material exhibits excellent textural parameters together with electrical conductivity, we believe that this could find potential applications in various fields. This novel concept of creating mesoporosity without a calcination process is a significant breakthrough in the field of mesoporous materials and the method can be further generalized as a rational preparation of various mesoporous hybrid materials having different structures and pore diameters.     

Few-Layer MoS2 Nanosheets Encapsulated in N-Doped Carbon Hollow Spheres as Long-Life Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) has been recognized as a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its high theoretical capacity, but its rapid capacity decay owing to poor conductivity, structure pulverization, and polysulfide dissolution presents significant challenges in practical applications. Herein, triple-layered hollow spheres in which MoS₂ nanosheets are fully encapsulated between inner carbon and outer nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) were fabricated. Such an architecture provides high conductivity and efficient lithium-ion transfer. Moreover, the NC shell prevents aggregation and exfoliation of MoS₂ nanosheets and thus maintains the integrity of the nanostructure during the charge/discharge process. As anode materials for LIBs, the C@MoS₂@NC hollow spheres deliver a high reversible capacity (747 mA h g⁻¹ after 100 cycles at 100 mA g⁻¹) and excellent long-cycle performance (650 mA h g⁻¹ after 1000 cycles at 1.0 A g⁻¹), which confirm its potential for high-performance LIBs.     

Carbon and Carbon Hybrid Materials as Anodes for Sodium‐Ion Batteries

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have attracted much attention for application in large‐scale grid energy storage owing to the abundance and low cost of sodium sources. However, low energy density and poor cycling life hinder practical application of SIBs. Recently, substantial efforts have been made to develop electrode materials to push forward large‐scale practical applications. Carbon materials can be directly used as anode materials, and they show excellent sodium storage performance. Additionally, designing and constructing carbon hybrid materials is an effective strategy to obtain high‐performance anodes for SIBs. In this review, we summarize recent research progress on carbon and carbon hybrid materials as anodes for SIBs. Nanostructural design to enhance the sodium storage performance of anode materials is discussed, and we offer some insight into the potential directions of and future high‐performance anode materials for SIBs.     

Metal–Organic Frameworks as Metal Ion Precursors for the Synthesis of Nanocomposites for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising materials with fascinating properties. Their widespread applications are sometimes hindered by the intrinsic instability of frameworks. However, this instability of MOFs can also be exploited for useful purposes. Herein, we report the use of MOFs as metal ion precursors for constructing functional nanocomposites by utilizing the instability of MOFs. The heterogeneous growth process of nanostructures on substrates involves the release of metal ions, nucleation on substrates, and formation of a covering structure. Specifically, the synthesized CoS with carbon nanotubes as substrates display enhanced performance in a lithium-ion battery. Such strategy not only presents a new way for exploiting the instability of MOFs but also supplies a prospect for designing versatile functional nanocomposites.     

Electroconductive Green Metal-polyaniline Nanocomposites: Synthesis and Application in Sensors

Polyaniline (PANI) is one of the most extensively used conducting polymer due to its fascinating properties including conducting, thermal, optical, magnetic and electrochemical properties, simple synthesis procedure and low cost of monomer. It has attracted major attention in a variety of applications including electrochemical sensors, catalysts, supercapacitors and biosensors. However, its limitations such as insolubility in common solvents, low process-ability and poor mechanical properties have led to the development of new approaches to improve it properties. Metal nanoparticles (MNPs) such as silver, gold, copper and palladium have been combined with PANI to improve on its properties which has led to a new class of materials known as metal/PANI nanocomposites. These hybrid nanocomposites incorporate advantages of both MNPs and polymers which effectively improves the properties of the individual materials. Various synthesis techniques including in situ polymerization, ɤ-radiolysis, electrodeposition, complexation, vacuum deposition and interfacial polymerization have been used in the formation of metal/PANI nanocomposites. These nanocomposites have been used in various sensor and biosensor applications due to their excellent conductivity, ease of synthesis, excellent redox potentials, chemical and thermal stability. This review highlights the various metal/PANI nanocomposites, their various synthesis techniques and their application in sensors and biosensors. The importance of these nanocomposites in sensing and signaling various toxic heavy metals such as mercury, lead and silver and toxic gases such as hydrogen sulphide, ammonia and chloroform has been discussed. In addition the review covers the applications of metal/PANI nanocomposites in biosensor systems for the detection of glucose, DNA, protein, cholesterol, drugs and hydrogen peroxide.     

Co3O4 Hollow Nanoparticles Embedded in Mesoporous Walls of Carbon Nanoboxes for Efficient Lithium Storage

Confining nanostructured electrode materials in porous carbon represents an effective strategy for improving the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of hybrid hollow nanostructures composed of highly dispersed Co₃O₄ hollow nanoparticles (sub-20 nm) embedded in the mesoporous walls of carbon nanoboxes (denoted as H-Co₃O₄@MCNBs) as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The facile metal–organic framework (MOF)-engaged strategy for the synthesis of H-Co₃O₄@MCNBs involves chemical etching-coordination and subsequent two-step annealing treatments. Owing to the unique structural merits including more active interfacial sites, effectively alleviated volume variation, good and stable electrical contact, and easy access of Li⁺ ions, the H-Co₃O₄@MCNBs exhibit excellent lithium-storage performance in terms of high specific capacity, excellent rate capability, and cycling stability.     

尖晶石型八面体结构锰酸锂的制备及其电化学性能

采用模板导向法和高温固相法制备尖晶石型八面体结构的LiMn₂O₄锂离子电池正极材料,研究了该材料的结构和电化学性能。 电化学性能研究表明,该电极材料具有良好的循环稳定性和倍率性能,在2.5~4.5 V电压范围,电流密度为100 mA/g时,首周充放电比容量分别为147和179 mA·h/g,循环50周后,其充放电比容量仍分别保持在180/181 mA·h/g。 优良的电化学性能可能归因于尖晶石LiMn₂O₄的形貌结构特征,该方法为制备锂离子电池正极材料提供了思路和依据。     

The recent progress of pitch-based carbon anodes in sodium-ion batteries

Sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)have attracted significant attentions as promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries for large-scale energy storage applications.Here carbon materials are considered as the most competitive anodes for SIBs based on their low-cost,abundant availability and excellent structural stability.Pitch,with high carbon content and low cost,is an ideal raw precursor to prepare carbon materials for large-scale applications.Nevertheless,the microstructures of pitch-based carbon are highly ordered with smaller interlayer distances,which are unfavorable for Na ion storage.Many efforts have been made to improve the sodium storage performance of pitch-based carbon materials.This review summarizes the recent progress about the application of pitch-based carbons for SIBs anodes in the context of carbon’s morphology and structure regulation strategies,including morphology adjustment,heteroatoms doping,fabricating heterostructures,and the increase of the degree of disorder.Besides,the advantages,present challenges,and possible solutions to current issues in pitch-based carbon anode are discussed,with the highlight of future research directions.This review will provide a deep insight into the development of low-cost and high-performance pitch-based carbon anode for SIBs.