Mesoporous carbon/sulfur composite with N-doping and tunable pore size for high-performance Li-S batteries

Mesoporous carbons (MCs) were used as the matrixes to load sulfur for lithium sulfur (Li-S) batteries, and pore sizes were tuned by heat treatment at different high temperatures. The cathode material shows the highest discharge capacity of 1158.2 mAh g^?1 at the pore size of 4.1 nm among as-prepared nitrogen-free materials with different sizes. Meanwhile, the nitrogen doping of mesoporous carbon helps to inhibit the diffusion of polysulfide species via an enhanced surface adsorption. The carbon/sulfur containing N (4.56%) shows a high initial discharge capacity of 1315.8 mAh g^?1 and retains about 939 mAh g^?1 after 100 cycles at 0.2 C. The improved electrochemical performance is ascribed to the proper pore size, surface chemical property, and conductivity of the N-doped carbon material.     

Unveiling the redox electrochemistry of 1D,urchin-like vanadium sulfide electrodes for high-performance hybrid supercapacitors

Exploring novel versatile electrode materials with outstanding electrochemical performance is the key to the development of advanced energy conversion and storage devices. In this work, we aim to construct new-fangled one-dimensional(1D) quasi-layered patronite vanadium tetrasulfide(VS₄) nanostructures by using different sulfur sources, namely thiourea, thioacetamide, and L-cysteine through an ethyleneaminetetraacetic-acid(EDTA)-mediated solvothermal process. The as-prepared VS_4<...     

A three-dimensional crosslinked chitosan sulfate network binder for high-performance Li-S batteries

Poor cycling performance caused by the shuttle effect of polysulfides is the main obstacle in the development of advanced lithium-sulfur(Li-S)batteries.Functional polymer binders with polar groups can effectively adsorb polysulfides chemically,thereby suppressing the shuttle effect.Herein,a robust three-dimensional crosslinked polymer network,which demonstrates excellent mechanical property and strong affinity for polysulfides,is prepared by the aldimine condensation and coordination reactions.The crosslinked chitosan sulfate network(CCSN)significantly enhances the cycling performance and rate capability of the sulfur cathode.The CCSN-based sulfur cathode exhibits a high initial discharge capacity of 824 m Ah g^-1 with only 0.082%average capacity loss per cycle at 1 C.At a high rate of 4 C,the cathode exhibits a high capacity retention of 84.8%after 300 cycles.Moreover,the CCSN-based sulfur cathode exhibits an excellent cycling performance at a high sulfur loading of 2.5 mg cm^-2,which indicates the excellent mechanical strength and binding performance of the CCSN binder for high-energy density Li-S batteries.This study demonstrates a viable approach for developing high-performance Li-S batteries for practical application.     

Recent progress in nickel oxide-based electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors

In recent years, interest in nanostructured electrode materials for use in supercapacitors has been on the rise. Nickel oxide has been reported as a good candidate for supercapacitor applications due to its high theoretical capacitance and low cost. However, its poor electrical conductivity has resulted in actual poor specific capacitance and cycling ability. Over the years, researchers have studied various techniques to modify the structure and composition of NiO with the aim of improving its electrochemical performance. In this review, we opine that NiO-based electrodes can be fabricated using different approaches and different composite forms in order to obtain cells of high efficiency and specific capacitances. We discuss the recent advances in NiO-based electrodes fabricated using different approaches.     

SILAR synthesized nanostructured ytterbium sulfide thin film electrodes for symmetric supercapacitors

Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry - A simple and inexpensive successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method was used for synthesis of ytterbium sulfide (Yb2S3) thin film. The...     

Copper sulfides and their composites for high-performance rechargeable batteries

Copper sulfides (Cu_xS) are widely used as the promising electrode materials for secondary batteries because of the rich abundance, low cost, excellent capacity (～337/560 mA h/g for Cu₂S/CuS) as well as favorable electrical conductivity (10^?3 S/cm). Moreover, nanostructure designing and compounding with other conductive materials can enhance the electrochemical performance of Cu_xS. In this review, the up-to-date progress in the synthesis method as well as the application for secondary batteries (lithium-ion batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, sodium-ion batteries, magnesium-ion batteries, and so on) of Cu_xS and their relevant composites have been discussed detailly. In the end, the challenges, feasible strategies, and application prospects for the Cu_xS are also summarized.     

Coaxial Cu-Si@C array electrodes for high-performance lithium ion batteries

A new concept for fabricating novel triple-layered nanorod array electrodes made of coaxial Cu-Si@C arrays has been developed. They exhibit excellent electrochemical performance resulting from peculiar new sandwiched architectures: robust Cu nanopillar cores/amorphous Si layers/elastic carbon shells.     

Graphene and carbon nanotube composite electrodes for supercapacitors with ultra-high energy density

We describe a graphene and single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) composite film prepared by a blending process for use as electrodes in high energy density supercapacitors. Specific capacitances of 290.6 F g(-1) and 201.0 F g(-1) have been obtained for a single electrode in aqueous and organic electrolytes, respectively, using a more practical two-electrode testing system. In the organic electrolyte the energy density reached 62.8 Wh kg(-1) and the power density reached 58.5 kW kg(-1). The addition of single-walled carbon nanotubes raised the energy density by 23% and power density by 31% more than the graphene electrodes. The graphene/CNT electrodes exhibited an ultra-high energy density of 155.6 Wh kg(-1) in ionic liquid at room temperature. In addition, the specific capacitance increased by 29% after 1000 cycles in ionic liquid, indicating their excellent cyclicity. The SWCNTs acted as a conductive additive, spacer, and binder in the graphene/CNT supercapacitors. This work suggests that our graphene/CNT supercapacitors can be comparable to NiMH batteries in performance and are promising for applications in hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles.     

Kilogram scale inverse vulcanization of elemental sulfur to prepare high capacity polymer electrodes for Li-S batteries

The synthesis of high content sulfur copolymers via the inverse vulcanization of elemental sulfur and 1,3-diisopropenylbenzene (DIB) on a one-kilogram scale is reported in a single step process. Investigation into the effects of temperature, reaction scale, and comonomer feed ratios on the inverse vulcanization process of S₈ and DIB were explored to suppress the Trommsdorf effect and enable large scale synthesis of these copolymers. The copolymers were then successfully used as the active cathode materials in Li-S batteries, exhibiting enhanced capacity retention and battery lifetimes (608 mAh/g at 640 cycles) at a C/10 rate. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015 , 53, 173–177     

Perspective on ultramicroporous carbon as sulphur host for Li-S batteries

Lithium-sulphur (Li-S) batteries are currently considered as next-generation battery technology.Sulphur is an attractive positive electrode for lithium metal ba...     

Halide/sulfide composite solid-state electrolyte for Li-anode based all-solid-state batteries

Li₂ZrCl₆ (LZC) solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) have been recognized as a candidate halide SSEs for all-solid-state Li batteries (ASSLBs) with high energy density and safety due to its great compatibility with 4 V-class cathodes and low bill-of-material (BOM) cost. However, despite the benefits, the poor chemical/electrochemical stability of LZC against Li metal causes the deterioration of Li/LZC interface, which has a detrimental inhibition on Li⁺ transport in ASSLBs. Herein, we report a composite SSE combining by LZC and argyrodite buffer layer (Li₆PS₅Cl, LPSC) that prevent the unfavorable interaction between LZC and Li metal. The Li/LPSC-LZC-LPSC/Li symmetric cell stably cycles for over 1000 h at 0.3 mA/cm² (0.15 mAh/cm²) and has a high critical current density (CCD) value of 2.1 mA/cm² at 25 °C. Under high temperature (60 °C) which promotes the reaction between Li and LZC, symmetric cell fabricated with composite SSE also display stable cycling performance over 1200 h at 0.3 mAh/cm². Especially, the Li/NCM ASSLBs fabricated with composite SSE exhibit a high initial coulombic efficiency, as well as superior cycling and rate performance. This simple and efficient strategy will be instrumental in the development of halide-based high-performance ASSLBs.     

Synthesis of TiO2/S@PPy composite for chemisorption of polysulfides in high performance Li-S batteries

Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry - The commercial application of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery is hampered by the insulating characteristic and dissolution problem of sulfur and lithium...     

Scalable fabrication of sheet-type electrodes for practical all-solid-state batteries employing sulfide solid electrolytes

The limited safety and energy density of conventional lithium-ion batteries have triggered the research and development of all-solid-state Li or Li-ion batteries (ASLBs). Sulfide solid electrolytes possess the remarkable advantages combining high ionic conductivity and mechanical deformability that allows for simple cold-pressing based fabrication of the cells. For this reason, these electrolytes find promising application in practical ASLBs. However, the large gap between experimental laboratory research and practical applications poses a formidable challenge. Herein, recent studies on scalable fabrication strategies for ASLBs employing sulfide solid electrolytes are discussed. The critical factors for wet-slurry and dry-film fabrication methods are reviewed. Based on these results, recent developments in slurry-processing solvents, polymeric binders, and fabrication protocols are summarized. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of the two fabrication protocols are summarized, along with prospects for future research.     

Towards high-performance anodes:Design and construction of cobalt-based sulfide materials for sodium-ion batteries

Sodium-ion batteries are increasingly becoming important in the energy storage field owing to their low cost and high natural abundance of sodium.Cobalt-based sulfide materials have been extensively studied as anode materials owing to their remarkable Na storage capability.Nevertheless,the application of cobalt-based sulfides is hampered by their serious capacity degradation and unsatisfactory cycling stability due to severe structural changes during cycling.Therefore,it is important to comprehensively summarize advances in the understanding and modification of cobalt-based sulfides from various perspectives.In the present review,recent advances on various cobalt-based sulfides,such as CoS,CoS₂,Co₃S₄,Co₉S₈,NiCo₂S₄,CUCo₂S₄,and SnCoS₄,are outlined with particular attention paid to strategies that improve their sodium storage performance.First,the mechanisms of charge storage are introduced.Subsequently,the key barriers to their extensive application and corresponding strategies for designing high-performance cobalt-based sulfide anode materials are discussed.Finally,key developments are summarized and future research directions are proposed based on recent advancements,aiming to offer possible fascinating strategies for the future promotion of cobalt-based sulfides as anode materials applied in sodium-ion batteries.     

Electrochemical characterization on cobalt sulfide for electrochemical supercapacitors

High capacitance at a high charge–discharge current density of 50 mA/cm² for a new type of electrochemical supercapacitor cobalt sulfide (CoS_x) have been studied for the first time. The CoS_x was prepared by a very simply chemical precipitation method. The electrochemical capacitance performance of this compound was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic charge–discharge tests with a three-electrode system. The results show that CoS_x has excellent electrochemical capacitive characteristic with potential range −0.3 ∼ 0.35 V (versus SCE) in 6 M KOH solution. Charge–discharge behaviors have been observed with the highest specific capacitance values of 475 F/g at the current density of 5 mA/cm², even at the high current density of 50 mA/cm², CoS_x also shows the high specific capacitance values of 369 F/g.     

Ag-integrated mixed metallic Co-Fe-Ni-Mn hydroxide composite as advanced electrode for high-performance hybrid supercapacitors

Direct growth of redox-active noble metals and rational design of multifunctional electrochemical active materials play crucial roles in developing novel electrode materials for energy storage devices. In this regard, silver(Ag) has attracted great attention in the design of efficient electrodes. Inspired by the house/building process, which means electing the right land, it lays a strong foundation and building essential columns for a complex structure. Herein, we report the construction of mul...     

Reed straw derived active carbon/graphene hybrids as sustainable high-performance electrodes for advanced supercapacitors

Reed straw-derived active carbon@graphene (AC@GR) hybrids were prepared by one-step carbonization/activation process using a mixture of reed straw and graphene oxide (GO) as raw materials and ZnCl₂ as activation agent. The as-prepared hybrids exhibit high specific surface area in a range of 1971–2497 m² g^?1, abundant porosity, as well as excellent energy storage capability. The symmetric C//C supercapacitor using the hybrid obtained at 700 °C as electrodes demonstrates superior cycling durability, ca. 90 % retention after 6000 cycles at 2 A g^?1, and a high energy density of 6.12 Wh kg^?1 at a power density of up to 4660 W kg^?1 in 6 M KOH aqueous electrolyte. The excellent capacitive performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of AC and GR.     

超级电容器石墨烯-聚苯胺复合材料的研究进展

超级电容器具有功率密度高、充放电速度快、循环寿命长和维护成本低的特点,在电动车动力电池领域具有潜在的应用前景。超级电容器性能主要由其电极材料所决定。聚苯胺易合成、理论比容量高,而且导电性能优异,作为超级电容器电极材料有很高的应用价值。但是,在长期使用过程中,它的体积容易发生膨胀或收缩,循环寿命差。为了解决这个问题,将聚苯胺与石墨烯复合可以扬长避短,充分利用两者之间的协同效应,赋予复合材料优异电化学电容性能。本文综述了超级电容器用石墨烯-聚苯胺复合材料的制备方法,包括原位聚合法、油水界面合成法、电化学合成法、层层自组装法等;提出了三维网状石墨烯和对石墨烯-聚苯胺复合材料进行改性来提高复合材料的电化学电容性能的思路。     

Promising activated carbons derived from cabbage leaves and their application in high-performance supercapacitors electrodes

In this paper, cabbage leaves (CLs) were used to synthesize porous activated carbon by the carbonization and activation processes. The material for CLs were carbonized at 600 °C and activated at 800 °C with the KOH/C-600 mass ratio 4 (denoted as AC-800) show typical amorphous character and display porous structures with high specific surface areas 3102 m²/g via XRD and BET measurements. As the electro-active material, AC-800 electrode exhibit ideal capacitive behaviors in aqueous electrolytes and the maximal specific capacitance is as high as 336 F/g at the current density of 1 A/g. Furthermore, AC-800 electrode shows excellent electrochemical cycle stability with ～95 % initial capacitance being retained after 2000 cycles. The desirable capacitive performances enable the CLs to act as a new biomass source of carbonaceous materials for high-performance supercapacitors and low-cost electrical energy storage devices.