Towards Reversible High-Voltage Multi-Electron Reactions in Alkali-Ion Batteries Using Vanadium Phosphate Positive Electrode Materials

Vanadium phosphate positive electrode materials attract great interest in the field of Alkali-ion (Li, Na and K-ion) batteries due to their ability to store several electrons per transition metal. These multi-electron reactions (from V²⁺ to V⁵⁺) combined with the high voltage of corresponding redox couples (e.g., 4.0 V vs. for V³⁺/V⁴⁺ in Na₃V₂(PO₄)₂F₃) could allow the achievement the 1 kWh/kg milestone at the positive electrode level in Alkali-ion batteries. However, a massive divergence in the voltage reported for the V³⁺/V⁴⁺ and V⁴⁺/V⁵⁺ redox couples as a function of crystal structure is noticed. Moreover, vanadium phosphates that operate at high V³⁺/V⁴⁺ voltages are usually unable to reversibly exchange several electrons in a narrow enough voltage range. Here, through the review of redox mechanisms and structural evolutions upon electrochemical operation of selected widely studied materials, we identify the crystallographic origin of this trend: the distribution of PO₄ groups around vanadium octahedra, that allows or prevents the formation of the vanadyl distortion (O^…V⁴⁺=O or O^…V⁵⁺=O). While the vanadyl entity massively lowers the voltage of the V³⁺/V⁴⁺ and V⁴⁺/V⁵⁺ couples, it considerably improves the reversibility of these redox reactions. Therefore, anionic substitutions, mainly O²⁻ by F⁻, have been identified as a strategy allowing for combining the beneficial effect of the vanadyl distortion on the reversibility with the high voltage of vanadium redox couples in fluorine rich environments.     

Preparation of ammonium intercalated vanadyl phosphate by redox intercalation and ion exchange

Redox intercalation of NH₄⁺ into vanadyl phosphate dihydrate (VOPO₄·2H₂O) leads to a two-phase (NH₄)_xVOPO₄·H₂O (x=0.2−0.9) compound with interlayer distances of 6.7 and 6.4 Å. Ammonium ions can be incorporated into the interlayer space of VOPO₄ also by an ion exchange, starting from alkali-metal redox-intercalated vanadyl phosphate Me_xVOPO₄·yH₂O (Me=Li, Na, K, Rb). Several phases are formed during the ion exchange, one of them with the interlayer distance corresponding to the original Me_xVOPO₄·yH₂O phase, the second one corresponding to formed (NH₄)_xVOPO₄·H₂O. In addition, a third phase is formed by the ion exchange when Li_0.98VOPO₄·1.98H₂O or Rb_0.60VOPO₄·1.3H₂O are used as starting compounds. An opposite ion exchange of NH₄⁺ for Me⁺ starting from (NH₄)_xVOPO₄·H₂O does not proceed.     

Stabilization and Binding of [V4O12]4− and Unprecedented [V20O54(NO3)]n− to Lysozyme upon Loss of Ligands and Oxidation of the Potential Drug VIVO(acetylacetonato)2

High-resolution crystal structures of lysozyme in the presence of the potential drug V^IVO(acetylacetonato)₂ under two different experimental conditions have been solved. The crystallographic study reveals the loss of the ligands, the oxidation of V^IV to V^V and the subsequent formation of adducts of the protein with two different polyoxidovanadates: [V₄O₁₂]⁴⁻, which interacts with lysozyme non-covalently, and the unprecedented [V₂₀O₅₄(NO₃)]ⁿ⁻, which is covalenty bound to the side chain of an aspartate residue of symmetry related molecules.     

Reversible Oxygen Redox Chemistry in Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries

Rechargeable aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) are promising energy‐storage devices owing to their low cost and high safety. However, their energy‐storage mechanisms are complex and not well established. Recent energy‐storage mechanisms of ZIBs usually depend on cationic redox processes. Anionic redox processes have not been observed owing to the limitations of cathodes and electrolytes. Herein, we describe highly reversible aqueous ZIBs based on layered VOPO₄ cathodes and a water‐in‐salt electrolyte. Such batteries display reversible oxygen redox chemistry in a high‐voltage region. The oxygen redox process not only provides about 27 % additional capacity, but also increases the average operating voltage to around 1.56 V, thus increasing the energy density by approximately 36 %. Furthermore, the oxygen redox process promotes the reversible crystal‐structure evolution of VOPO₄ during charge/discharge processes, thus resulting in enhanced rate capability and cycling performance.     

Electrospun V2O5 Nanostructures with Controllable Morphology as High‐Performance Cathode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Porous V₂O₅ nanotubes, hierarchical V₂O₅ nanofibers, and single‐crystalline V₂O₅ nanobelts were controllably synthesized by using a simple electrospinning technique and subsequent annealing. The mechanism for the formation of these controllable structures was investigated. When tested as the cathode materials in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), the as‐formed V₂O₅ nanostructures exhibited a highly reversible capacity, excellent cycling performance, and good rate capacity. In particular, the porous V₂O₅ nanotubes provided short distances for Li⁺‐ion diffusion and large electrode–electrolyte contact areas for high Li⁺‐ion flux across the interface; Moreover, these nanotubes delivered a high power density of 40.2 kW kg^?1 whilst the energy density remained as high as 201 W h kg^?1, which, as one of the highest values measured on V₂O₅‐based cathode materials, could bridge the performance gap between batteries and supercapacitors. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first preparation of single‐crystalline V₂O₅ nanobelts by using electrospinning techniques. Interestingly, the beneficial crystal orientation provided improved cycling stability for lithium intercalation. These results demonstrate that further improvement or optimization of electrochemical performance in transition‐metal‐oxide‐based electrode materials could be realized by the design of 1D nanostructures with unique morphologies.     

Inhibiting VOPO4⋅x H2O Decomposition and Dissolution in Rechargeable Aqueous Zinc Batteries to Promote Voltage and Capacity Stabilities

VOPO₄?x H₂O has been proposed as a cathode for rechargeable aqueous zinc batteries. However, it undergoes significant voltage decay in conventional Zn(OTf)₂ electrolyte. Investigations show the decomposition of VOPO₄?x H₂O into VO_x in the electrolyte and voltage drops after losing the inductive effect from polyanions.PO₄^3? was thus added to shift the decomposition equilibrium. A high concentration of cheap, highly soluble ZnCl₂ salt in the electrolyte further prevents VOPO₄?x H₂O dissolution. The cathode shows stable capacity and voltage retentions in 13 m ZnCl₂/0.8 m H₃PO₄ aqueous electrolyte, in direct contrast to that in Zn(OTf)₂ where the decomposition product VO_x provides most electrochemical activity over cycling. Sequential H⁺ and Zn²⁺ intercalations into the structure are revealed, delivering a high capacity (170 mAh g^?1). This work shows the potential issue with polyanion cathodes in zinc batteries and proposes an effective solution using fundamental chemical principles.     

A High-Energy NASICON-Type Na3.2MnTi0.8V0.2(PO4)3 Cathode Material with Reversible 3.2-Electron Redox Reaction for Sodium-Ion Batteries

Na superionic conductor (NASICON) structured cathode materials with robust structural stability and large Na⁺ diffusion channels have aroused great interest in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). However, most of NASICON-type cathode materials exhibit redox reaction of no more than three electrons per formula, which strictly limits capacity and energy density. Herein, a series of NASICON-type Na_3+xMnTi_1−xV_x(PO₄)₃ cathode materials are designed, which demonstrate not only a multi-electron reaction but also high voltage platform. With five redox couples from V^5+/4+ (≈4.1 V), Mn^4+/3+ (≈4.0 V), Mn^3+/2+ (≈3.6 V), V^4+/3+ (≈3.4 V), and Ti^4+/3+ (≈2.1 V), the optimized material, Na_3.2MnTi_0.8V_0.2(PO₄)₃, realizes a reversible 3.2-electron redox reaction, enabling a high discharge capacity (172.5 mAh g⁻¹) and an ultrahigh energy density (527.2 Wh kg⁻¹). This work sheds light on the rational construction of NASICON-type cathode materials with multi-electron redox reaction for high-energy SIBs.     

Recent Progress of P2-Type Layered Transition-Metal Oxide Cathodes for Sodium-Ion Batteries

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have attracted much attention due to their abundance, easy accessibility, and low cost. All of these advantages make them potential candidates for large-scale energy storage. The P2-type layered transition-metal oxides (Na_xTMO₂; TM=Mn, Co, Ni, Ti, Fe, V, Cr, and a mixture of multiple elements) exhibit good Na⁺ ion conductivity and structural stability, which make them an excellent choice for the cathode materials of SIBs. Herein, the structural evolution, anionic redox reaction, some challenges, and recent progress of Na_xTMO₂ cathodes for SIBs are reviewed and summarized. Moreover, a detailed understanding of the relationship of chemical components, structures, phase compositions, and electrochemical performance is presented. This Review aims to provide a reference for the development of P2-type layered transition-metal oxide cathode materials for SIBs.     

Structure Design and Performance of LiNixCoyMn1‐x‐yO2 Cathode Materials for Lithium‐ion Batteries: A Review

Lithium‐ion batteries are now considered to be the technology of choice for future hybrid electric and full electric vehicles to address global warming. One of the challenges for improving the performance of lithium ion batteries to meet increasingly demanding requirements for energy storage is the development of suitable cathode materials. The recent advancement of lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxides are investigated as advanced positive cathode materials for lithium‐ion batteries. This review aims at providing the reader with an understanding of the critical scientific challenges facing the development of LiNi_xCo_yMn_1‐x‐yO₂ materials, the latest developments in crystal structure, synthesis methods, and structure designs to unravel the mechanisms of charge and mass transport processes associated with battery performance, and the outlook for future‐generation batteries that exploit gradient structures materials for significantly improved performance to meet the ever‐increasing demands of emerging technologies.     

A bi-component polyoxometalate-derivative cathode material showed impressive electrochemical performance for the aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries are recently gaining incremental attention because of low cost and material abundance, but their development is plagued by limited choices of cathode materials with satisfactory cycling performance. The polyoxometalates perform formidable redox stability and able to participate in multi-electron transfer, which was well-suited for energy storage. Herein, a bi-component polyoxometalate-derivative KNiVO (K₂[Ni(H₂O)₆]₂[V₁₀O₂₈]·4H₂O polyoxometalates after annealing) is firstly demonstrated as a cathode material for aqueous ZIBs. The layered KV₃O₈ (KVO) In the bi-component material constitutes Zn²⁺ migration and storage channels (K⁺ were substantially replaced by Zn²⁺ in the activation phase), and the three-dimensional NiV₃O₈ (NiVO) part acts as skeleton to stabilize the ion channels, which assist the cell to demonstrate a high-rate capacity and specific energy of 229.4 mAh/g and satisfactory cyclability (capacity retention of 99.1% after 4500 cycles at a current density of 4 A/g). These results prove the feasibility of POM as cathode materials precursor and put forward a novel pattern of the Zn²⁺ storage mechanism in the activated-KNiVO clusters, which also provide a new route for selecting or designing high-performance cathode for aqueous ZIBs and other advanced battery systems.     

Reversible Ammonium Ion Intercalation/de-intercalation with Crystal Water Promotion Effect in Layered VOPO4⋅2 H2O**

The non-metal NH₄⁺ carrier has attracted tremendous interests for aqueous energy storage owing to its light molar mass and fast diffusion in aqueous electrolytes. Previous study inferred that NH₄⁺ ion storage in layered VOPO₄⋅2 H₂O is impossible due to the removal of NH₄⁺ from NH₄VOPO₄ leads to a phase change inevitably. Herein, we update this cognition and demonstrated highly reversible intercalation/de-intercalation behavior of NH₄⁺ in layered VOPO₄⋅2 H₂O host. Satisfactory specific capacity of 154.6 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 A g⁻¹ and very stable discharge potential plateau at 0.4 V based on reference electrode was achieved in VOPO₄⋅2 H₂O. A rocking-chair ammonium-ion full cell with the VOPO₄⋅2 H₂O//2.0 M NH₄OTf//PTCDI configuration exhibited a specific capacity of 55 mAh g⁻¹, an average operating voltage of about 1.0 V and excellent long-term cycling stability over 500 cycles with a coulombic efficiency of ≈99 %. Theoretical DFT calculations suggest a unique crystal water substitution process by ammonium ion during the intercalation process. Our results provide new insight into the intercalation/de-intercalation of NH₄⁺ ions in layered hydrated phosphates through crystal water enhancement effect.     

Effect of para-Substituents on meso-Functionalized Oxidovanadium(IV) Porphyrins as Catalysts for Oxygen Atom Transfer Mediated Oxidation of Benzoin to Benzil under Mild Conditions

Systematic analysis of the effect of para-substituents (H, Cl, Br and OMe) on the meso-phenyl group in vanadyl meso-tetraphenylporphyrins ([V^IVO(TPP)] (R=H, 1 ), [V^IVO(TCPP)] (R=Cl, 2 ), [ V^IVO(TBPP)] (R=Br, 3 ) and [V^IVO(TMPP)] (R=OMe, 4 )) on their properties and catalytic oxygen atom transfer (OAT) for oxidation of benzoin to benzil using DMSO as well as 30 % aqueous H₂O₂ as the sacrificial oxygen source have been studied. Electrochemical and theoretical (density functional theory) studies are in good agreement with the influence of these substituents on the catalytic property of these complexes. Complex [V^IVO(TCPP)] ( 2 ) displayed the best catalytic activity for the conversion (92 %) of benzoin to benzil in 30 h with >99 % product selectivity when DMSO was used as an oxygen source, whereas excellent conversion (~100 %) of benzoin to benzil was noticed in 18 h with 95 % product selectivity when 30 % aqueous H₂O₂ was used as a source of oxygen. Furthermore, among these complexes, the electron-withdrawing nature of the chloro substituent at the p-position of meso-phenyl group significantly influences the oxygen atom transfer. Experimental and simulated EPR studies confirmed the +4 oxidation of vanadium in these complexes. The structure of 2 , 3 and 4 , confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction method, are domed in shape, and the displacement of V(IV) ion from the mean porphyrin plane follows the order: 2 (0.458 Å) < 3 (0.459 Å) < 4 (0.479 Å). We observed that the electron-withdrawing nature of chloro substituent at the p-position of meso-phenyl group influence the oxygen atom transfer from vanadyl porphyrin to dimethyl sulfide much.     

Local atomic and electronic structure in the LiVPO4(F,O) tavorite-type materials from solid-state NMR combined with DFT calculations

⁷Li, ³¹P, and ¹⁹F solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to investigate the local arrangement of oxygen and fluorine in LiVPO₄F_1-yO_y materials, interesting as positive electrode materials for Li-ion batteries. From the evolution of the 1D spectra versus y, 2D ⁷Li radiofrequency-driven recoupling (RFDR) experiments combined, and a tentative signal assignment based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations, it appears that F and O are not randomly dispersed on the bridging X position between two X–VO₄–X octahedra (X = O or F) but tend to segregate at a local scale. Using DFT calculations, we analyzed the impact of the different local environments on the local electronic structure. Depending on the nature of the VO₄X₂ environments, vanadium ions are either in the +III or in the +IV oxidation state and can exhibit different distributions of their unpaired electron(s) on the d orbitals. Based on those different local electronic structures and on the computed Fermi contact shifts, we discuss the impact on the spin transfer mechanism on adjacent nuclei and propose tentative signal assignments. The O/F clustering tendency is discussed in relation with the formation of short V^IVO vanadyl bonds with a very specific electronic structure and possible cooperative effect along the chain.     

钠离子电池磷酸盐正极材料研究进展

近年来,钠离子电池因其原材料丰富、资源成本低廉及安全环保等突出优点,在电化学规模储能领域和低速电动车中具有广阔的应用前景。聚阴离子型磷酸盐具有稳定的框架结构、合适的工作电压和快速的离子扩散路径等特征,是一类极具研究价值和应用前景的钠离子电池正极材料。但是,磷酸盐正极材料电子导电性差和比能量偏低等缺陷限制了其走向实际应用。研究工作者通过体相结构调控和微纳结构设计等手段进行改性研究,旨在提升磷酸盐正极材料的性能表现、推动钠离子储能体系的研究开发。本文综述了钠离子电池磷酸盐正极材料的最新进展,包括正磷酸盐、焦磷酸盐、氟磷酸盐和混合磷酸盐化合物,通过对磷酸盐材料的晶体结构、储钠机理和改性策略等方面的综述,揭示材料成分、结构与电化学性能之间的本征关系,为聚阴离子磷酸盐正极材料的持续改性和新型磷酸盐高压正极材料的探索开发提供指导。     

Exchange coupling in alkoxy-polyoxovanadates [VIVnVV6?nO7(OR)12]4?n (n = 4, 3, 2)

The molecular structure and magnetic properties of alkoxy-polyoxovanadates [V^IV _n V^V _6−n O₇(OR)₁₂]⁴⁻ⁿ (n = 4, 3, 2) were studied within the framework of the DFT approach. The equilibrium geometric configurations of all complexes studied in this work are characterized by a distorted octahedral hexavanadate core; the unpaired d-electrons are localized on the metal centers (V^IV). The localized spin density distribution is also retained in the low-temperature crystal structures of the compounds whose magnetic properties are described by the Heisenberg-Dirac-van Vleck exchange spin Hamiltonian. The exchange parameters calculated using the broken symmetry formalism suggest predominance of ferromagnetic coupling between vanadium(IV) ions in the μ-OR bridged dimeric units {V^IVO(OR)V^IV} and in the diagonal pairs {V^IVOV^IV} (n = 4). The results obtained indicate that the magnitude and sign of the exchange parameters in the isostructural dimeric units within the hexavanadate core depend on the total number of unpaired electrons in the system.     

Research progress on Na3V2(PO4)2F3-based cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have received significant attention in large-scale energy storage due to their low cost and abundant resources. To obtain high-performance SIBs, many intensive studies about electrode materials have been carried out, especially the cathode material. As various types of cathode material for SIBs, a 3D open framework structural Na₃V₂(PO₄)₂F₃ (NVPF) with Na superionic conductor (NASICON) structure is a promising cathode material owing to its high operating potential and high energy density. However, its electrochemical properties are severely limited by the poor electronic conductivity due to the insulated [PO₄] tetrahedral unit. In this review, the challenges and strategies for NVPF are presented, and the synthetic strategy for NVPF is also analyzed in detail. Furthermore, recent developments of modification research to enhance their electrochemical performance are discussed, including designing the crystal structure, adjusting the electrode structure, and optimizing the electrolyte components. Finally, further research and application for future development of NVPF are prospected.     

Pre-potassiated hydrated vanadium oxide as cathode for quasi-solid-state zinc-ion battery

Zinc-ion batteries（ZIBs）, in particular quasi-solid-state ZIBs, occupy a crucial position in the field of energy storage devices owing to the superiorities of abundant zinc reserve, low cost, high safety and high theoretical capacity of zinc anode. However, as divalent Zn²⁺ions experience strong electrostatic interactions when intercalating into the cathode materials, which poses challenges to the structural stability and higher demand in Zn²⁺ions diffusion kinetics of the ...     

Carbon Nitride Pillared Vanadate Via Chemical Pre-Intercalation Towards High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries

Vanadium based compounds are promising cathode materials for aqueous zinc (Zn)-ion batteries (AZIBs) due to their high specific capacity. However, the narrow interlayer spacing, low intrinsic conductivity and the vanadium dissolution still restrict their further application. Herein, we present an oxygen-deficient vanadate pillared by carbon nitride (C₃N₄) as the cathode for AZIBs through a facile self-engaged hydrothermal strategy. Of note, C₃N₄ nanosheets can act as both the nitrogen source and pre-intercalation species to transform the orthorhombic V₂O₅ into layered NH₄V₄O₁₀ with expanded interlayer spacing. Owing to the pillared structure and abundant oxygen vacancies, both the Zn²⁺ ion (de)intercalation kinetics and the ionic conductivity in the NH₄V₄O₁₀ cathode are promoted. As a result, the NH₄V₄O₁₀ cathode delivers exceptional Zn-ion storage ability with a high specific capacity of about 370 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.5 A g⁻¹, a high-rate capability of 194.7 mAh g⁻¹ at 20 A g⁻¹ and a stable cycling performance of 10 000 cycles.     

Zur heterogenkatalytischen Oxydation und Ammoxydation von Isobuten. 5. Gasphasenoxydation von Methacrolein zu Methacrylsäure an definierten 1:1-Vanadiumphosphaten

On the Heterogen-Catalytical Oxidation and Ammoxidation of Isobutene. 5. Gas-Phase Oxidation of Methacrolein to Methacrylic Acid on Definite 1:1 Vanadium Phosphates For the Oxidation of Methacrolein (MA) to Methacrylic Acid (MAA) definite 1:1 vanadium phosphates were used as test catalysts. (V^IVO)₂P₂O₇ ( 1 ) is directing the reaction with high selectivity to MAA. On using the V^V monophosphates α-( 2 ) and β-VOPO₄ ( 3 ), a valence-mixed “H-V/P mica” (with α-based structure; 46.5% V^IV portion) ( 4 ), and also the new phosphate V^IVO(HPO₄) ( 5 ), however, only a modest selectivity is observed. Whereas the diphosphate 1 was found to be unchanged after the catalytical reaction, in the case of the monophosphates solid state reactions occured during the catalysis: 2 was reduced to a H-V/P mica ( 6 ) with 29% V^IV portion, 4 to the hemi-hydrate V^IV O(HPO₄) · 0.5 H₂O ( 7 ); and from 3 , as new compounds, 5 (see above) and a V^III/V^IV phosphate ( 8 ) were formed. On preparing 5 as a pure phase and using it for the catalysis it mostly remained unchanged; only a minor part was reduced to 8 . – The catalytical action of 1 is discussed.     

Hewettite ZnV6O16 ⋅ 8H2O with Remarkably Stable Layers and Ultralarge Interlayer Spacing for High-Performance Aqueous Zn-Ion Batteries

Aqueous Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs) are promising candidates for grid-scale energy storage because of their intrinsic safety, low-cost and high energy-intensity. Vanadium-based materials are widely used as the cathode of ZIBs, especially A₂V₆O₁₆ ⋅ nH₂O (AVO, A=NH₄⁺, Na, K). However, AVO suffers from serious dissolution, phase transformation and narrow gallery spacing (∼3 Å), leading to poor cycling stability and rate capability. Herein, we unveiled the root cause of the performance degradation in the AVO cathode and therefore developed a new high-performance cathode of ZnV₆O₁₆ ⋅ 8H₂O (ZVO) for ZIB. Through a method of ion exchange induced phase transformation, AVO was converted to hewettite ZVO with larger gallery spacing (∼6 Å) and more stable V₆O₁₆ layers. ZVO cathode thus constructed delivers a high capacity of 365 and 170 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.5 and 15 A g⁻¹, while 86 % and 70 % of its capacity are retained at 0.5 A g⁻¹ after 300 cycles and at 15 A g⁻¹ after 10000 cycles, substantially better than conventional AVO.