Potential Controllable Redox Couple for Mild and Efficient Lithium Recovery from Spent Batteries

The prosperity of the lithium-ion battery market is dialectically accompanied by the depletion of corresponding resources and the accumulation of spent batteries. It is an urgent priority to develop green and efficient battery recycling strategies for helping ease resources and environmental pressures at the current stage. Here, we propose a mild and efficient lithium extracting strategy based on potential controllable redox couples. Active lithium in the spent battery without discharging is extracted using a series of tailored aprotic solutions comprised of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and ethers. This ensures a safe yet efficient recycling process with nearly ≈100 % lithium recovery. We further investigate the Li⁺-electron concerted redox reactions and the effect of solvation structure on kinetics during the extraction, and broaden the applicability of the Li-PAHs solution. This work can stimulate new inspiration for designing novel solutions to meet efficient and sustainable demands in recycling batteries.     

Mobility-Modulated Sequential Dissociation Analysis Enables Structural Lipidomics in Mass Spectrometry Imaging

Spatial lipidomics based on mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is a powerful tool for fundamental biology studies and biomarker discovery. But the structure-resolving capability of MSI is limited because of the lack of multiplexed tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) method, primarily due to the small sample amount available from each pixel and the poor ion usage in MS/MS analysis. Here, we report a mobility-modulated sequential dissociation (MMSD) strategy for multiplex MS/MS imaging of distinct lipids from biological tissues. With ion mobility-enabled data-independent acquisition and automated spectrum deconvolution, MS/MS spectra of a large number of lipid species from each tissue pixel are acquired, at no expense of imaging speed. MMSD imaging is highlighted by MS/MS imaging of 24 structurally distinct lipids in the mouse brain and the revealing of the correlation of a structurally distinct phosphatidylethanolamine isomer (PE 18 : 1_18 : 1) from a human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissue. Mapping of structurally distinct lipid isomers is now enabled and spatial lipidomics becomes feasible for MSI.     

Low Concentration Sulfolane-Based Electrolyte for High Voltage Lithium Metal Batteries

Electrolyte engineering is crucial for the commercialization of lithium metal batteries. Here, lithium metal is stabilized in the highly reactive sulfolane-based electrolyte under low concentration (0.25 M) for the first time. Inorganic-polymer hybrid solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) with high ionic conductivity, low bonding with lithium and high flexibility enables dense chunky lithium deposition and high plating/stripping efficiency. Low concentration electrolyte (LCE) also enables excellent cycling stability of LiNi_0.5Co_0.2Mn_0.3O₂ (NCM523)/Li cells at 1 C (90.7 % retention after 500 cycles) and 0.3 C (83.3 % retention after 1000 cycles). With a low N/P ratio (≈2), the capacity retention for NCM523/Li cells can achieve 94.3 % after 100 cycles at 0.3 C. Exploring the LCE is of paramount significance because it provides more possibilities of the lithium salt selections, especially reviving some lithium salts that are excluded before due to their low solubility. More importantly, LCE has the significant advantage of commercialization due to its cost-effectiveness.     

Unveiling the Critical Role of Ion Coordination Configuration of Ether Electrolytes for High Voltage Lithium Metal Batteries

Albeit ethers are favorable electrolyte solvents for lithium (Li) metal anode, their inferior oxidation stability (<4.0 V vs. Li/Li⁺) is problematic for high-voltage cathodes. Studies of ether electrolytes have been focusing on the archetype glyme structure with ethylene oxide moieties. Herein, we unveil the crucial effect of ion coordination configuration on oxidation stability by varying the ether backbone structure. The designed 1,3-dimethoxypropane (DMP, C3) forms a unique six-membered chelating complex with Li⁺, whose stronger solvating ability suppresses oxidation side reactions. In addition, the favored hydrogen transfer reaction between C3 and anion induces a dramatic enrichment of LiF (a total atomic ratio of 76.7 %) on the cathode surface. As a result, the C3-based electrolyte enables greatly improved cycling of nickel-rich cathodes under 4.7 V. This study offers fundamental insights into rational electrolyte design for developing high-energy-density batteries.     

Supramolecular Polymer Ion Conductor with Weakened Li Ion Solvation Enables Room Temperature All-Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries

Improved durability, enhanced interfacial stability, and room temperature applicability are desirable properties for all-solid-state lithium metal batteries (ASSLMBs), yet these desired properties are rarely achieved simultaneously. Here, in this work, it is noticed that the huge resistance at Li metal/electrolyte interface dominantly impeded the normal cycling of ASSLMBs especially at around room temperature (<30 °C). Accordingly, a supramolecular polymer ion conductor (SPC) with “weak solvation” of Li⁺ was prepared. Benefiting from the halogen-bonding interaction between the electron-deficient iodine atom (on 1,4-diiodotetrafluorobenzene) and electron-rich oxygen atoms (on ethylene oxide), the O-Li⁺ coordination was significantly weakened. Therefore, the SPC achieves rapid Li⁺ transport with high Li⁺ transference number, and importantly, derives a unique Li₂O-rich SEI with low interfacial resistance on lithium metal surface, therefore enabling stable cycling of ASSLMBs even down to 10 °C. This work is a new exploration of halogen-bonding chemistry in solid polymer electrolyte and highlights the importance of “weak solvation” of Li⁺ in the solid-state electrolyte for room temperature ASSLMBs.     

High-Throughput Optimization of Photochemical Reactions using Segmented-Flow Nanoelectrospray-Ionization Mass Spectrometry**

Within the realm of drug discovery, high-throughput experimentation techniques enable the rapid optimization of reactions and expedited generation of drug compound libraries for biological and pharmacokinetic evaluation. Herein we report the development of a segmented flow mass spectrometry-based platform to enable the rapid exploration of photoredox reactions for early-stage drug discovery. Specifically, microwell plate-based photochemical reaction screens were reformatted to segmented flow format to enable delivery to nanoelectrospray ionization-mass spectrometry analysis. This approach was demonstrated for the late-stage modification of complex drug scaffolds, as well as the subsequent structure–activity relationship evaluation of synthesized analogs. This technology is anticipated to expand the robust capabilities of photoredox catalysis in drug discovery by enabling high-throughput library diversification.     

Anion-modulated Ion Conductor with Chain Conformational Transformation for stabilizing Interfacial Phase of High-Voltage Lithium Metal Batteries

In solid-state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs), the inhomogeneous electrolyte-electrode interphase layer aggravates the interfacial stability, leading to discontinuous interfacial ion/charge transport and continuous degradation of the electrolyte. Herein, we constructed an anion-modulated ionic conductor (AMIC) that enables in situ construction of electrolyte/electrode interphases for high-voltage SSLMBs by exploiting conformational transitions under multiple interactions between polymer and lithium salt anions. Anions modulate the decomposition behavior of supramolecular poly (vinylene carbonate) (PVC) at the electrode interface by changing the spatial conformation of the polymer chains, which further enhances ion transport and stabilizes the interfacial morphology. In addition, the AMIC weakens the “Li⁺-solvation” and increases Li⁺ vehicle sites, thereby enhancing the lithium-ion transport number (t_Li⁺=~0.67). Consequently, Li || LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ cell maintains about 85 % capacity retention and Coulombic efficiency >99.8 % in 200 cycles at a charge cut-off voltage of 4.5 V. This study provides a new understanding of lithium salt anions regulating polymer chain segment behavior in the solid-state polymer electrolyte (SPE) and highlights the importance of the ion environment in the construction of interfacial phases and ionic conduction.     

同轴式电化学电喷雾质谱离子源研究蒽电化学衍生十二胺

提出一种同轴式电化学电喷雾质谱离子源, 用于电化学与质谱分析在线联用. 离子源结构简单, 造价低廉, 容易制作. 离子源内的电化学反应器工作在两电极模式, 利用自制的悬浮在电喷雾高压上的无线电化学工作站控制. 使用二苯基蒽或三乙胺的乙腈溶液作为分析物, 全面测试了离子源的性能, 包括电势控制精度、电化学转化率、响应时间和抗污能力等. 测试溶液添加浓度约10 mmol·L^-1的银盐作为电解质和去极剂, 将溶液电阻降至250 Ω, 提高了在线联用的电势控制精度. 所测二苯基蒽溶液流动时的伏安曲线与常规三电极体系的循环伏安曲线基本一致. 在3.6 μL·min^-1的流速下, 离子源的响应时间不超过5 s, 三乙胺的电化学转化率高达77%. 利用此离子源, 研究了蒽的电化学衍生反应, 衍生试剂为十二胺. 蒽作为一种非极性物质, 不能为常规电喷雾质谱检测. 而利用电化学电喷雾质谱离子源, 蒽首先发生电化学氧化反应, 进而与衍生试剂作用生成各种极性物质, 被电喷雾质谱检测. 依据质谱检测到的主要反应产物的相对分子质量与结构提出了衍生反应的机理, 有助于理解蒽的复杂电化学行为.     

Eutectic-Based Polymer Electrolyte with the Enhanced Lithium Salt Dissociation for High-Performance Lithium Metal Batteries

The deployment of lithium metal anode in solid-state batteries with polymer electrolytes has been recognized as a promising approach to achieving high-energy-density technologies. However, the practical application of the polymer electrolytes is currently constrained by various challenges, including low ionic conductivity, inadequate electrochemical window, and poor interface stability. To address these issues, a novel eutectic-based polymer electrolyte consisting of succinonitrile (SN) and poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate (PEGMEA) is developed. The research results demonstrate that the interactions between SN and PEGMEA promote the dissociation of the lithium difluoro(oxalato) borate (LiDFOB) salt and increase the concentration of free Li⁺. The well-designed eutectic-based PAN_1.2-SPE (PEGMEA: SN=1: 1.2 mass ratio) exhibits high ionic conductivity of 1.30 mS cm⁻¹ at 30 °C and superior interface stability with Li anode. The Li/Li symmetric cell based on PAN_1.2-SPE enables long-term plating/stripping at 0.3 and 0.5 mA cm⁻², and the Li/LiFePO₄ cell achieves superior long-term cycling stability (capacity retention of 80.3 % after 1500 cycles). Moreover, Li/LiFePO₄ and Li/LiNi_0.6Co_0.2Mn_0.2O₂ pouch cells employing PAN_1.2-SPE demonstrate excellent cycling and safety characteristics. This study presents a new pathway for designing high-performance polymer electrolytes and promotes the practical application of high-stable lithium metal batteries.     

高能量密度的锂离子混合型电容器

锂离子混合型电容器兼有锂离子电池和超级电容器的优点,在电化学储能领域具有广泛的应用前景. 但其产业化仍存在一系列的基础及工艺方面的问题,具体包括器件结构设计、电极材料筛选、预嵌锂工艺和电解液与电极的界面等. 本文结合作者课题组的研究工作介绍了近年来高能量密度的锂离子混合型电容器的研究进展,内容涉及锂离子电容器正/负极材料的筛选、预嵌锂工艺的优化、内并联结构的锂离子电池型超级电容器复合正极组成材料的调控、隔膜的选择、电解液的组成、以及器件的高/低温性能,分析了锂离子电容器的容量衰减机制,探讨了锂离子电池型超级电容器的储能机制,提出了未来对高能量密度的锂离子混合型电容器研究的展望.     

Suppressing Universal Cathode Crossover in High-Energy Lithium Metal Batteries via a Versatile Interlayer Design**

The universal cathode crossover such as chemical and oxygen has been significantly overlooked in lithium metal batteries using high-energy cathodes which leads to severe capacity degradation and raises serious safety concerns. Herein, a versatile and thin (≈25 μm) interlayer composed of multifunctional active sites was developed to simultaneously regulate the Li deposition process and suppress the cathode crossover. The as-induced dual-gradient solid-electrolyte interphase combined with abundant lithiophilic sites enable stable Li stripping/plating process even under high current density of 10 mA cm⁻². Moreover, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and synchrotron X-ray experiments revealed that N-rich framework and CoZn dual active sites can effectively mitigate the undesired cathode crossover, hence significantly minimizing Li corrosion. Therefore, assembled lithium metal cells using various high-energy cathode materials including LiNi_0.7Mn_0.2Co_0.1O₂, Li_1.2Co_0.1Mn_0.55Ni_0.15O₂, and sulfur demonstrate significantly improved cycling stability with high cathode loading.     

三元锂离子电池容量衰减机理研究进展

三元锂离子电池主要是指使用镍钴锰酸锂(NCM)或镍钴铝酸锂(NCA)作为正极材料的锂离子电池,三元锂离子电池广泛应用于电动汽车、3C电子产品、储能等领域。然而,三元锂离子电池的循环寿命已成为其进一步发展的最大障碍,因此了解三元锂离子电池的容量衰退机理具有重要意义。三元锂离子电池的衰退机理主要包括五个方面:晶体结构的改变和相变、活性材料的损失、电解质的分解和消耗、可脱嵌锂离子的损耗以及固体电解质界面的形成。本文总结了近年来相关方面的研究进展,以期更全面地总结三元锂离子电池的容量衰减机理,并对三元锂离子电池的应用前景进行了展望。     

气相二茂铁双电荷离子的动能谱研究

The unimolecular charge separation reactions of the doubly charged ions FeC_(10)H_(10)~(2+)、FeC_(10)H_9~(2+)、FeC_(10)H_8~(2+) produced in the ion source by electron impact from ferrocene have been studied using Mass analyzed Ion Kinetic Energy Spectrometry (MIKES) technique. From the values of the kinetic energy releases (T), the intercharge distances (R) of the exploding doubly charged ions in their transition structures have been estimated and some structural informations about the transition states can be obtained. The collision induced reactions of the FeC_(10)H_(10)~(2+) ion with Ar have been studied using MIKES, we postulate a new type of continuing reaction which may be "collisional charge separation induced dissociation".     

韭菜挥发油主要成份的气相色谱／质谱分析

韭菜是我国最常见的蔬菜之一，有特别的嗅味和很高的药用价值，本文用气相色谱和质谱联用的方法分析了韭菜挥发油中的主要成份，检出了二甲基二硫醚，甲基丙烯基二硫醚和二丙烯基三硫醚等２３种化合物。     

高氯酸锂甲醇溶液中离子溶剂化和离子缔合现象

通过红外光谱技术探讨了高氯酸锂甲醇溶液中离子与溶剂、离子与离子之间的相互作用。红外光谱分析结果表明:锂离子与溶剂发生了相互作用导致甲醇分子的O-H伸缩振动区蓝移,ClO4-的特征谱带的变化表明了溶液中存在离子缔合。根据密度泛函理论,对不同溶剂化数的配合物结构和两种离子对形式进行优化及热力学性质的计算。     

A Comparison Of Measurement of Homovanillic Acid in Brain Tissue by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry and Liquid Chromatography with Electrochemical Detection

Abstract

A comparison of liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (LCEC) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) has been made for analysis of homovanillic acid (HVA) in rat brain tissue. The LCEC procedure gave slightly higher average values of HVA in the samples measured; however, the HVA content determined by both methods related significantly. Rat brain meostriatum was used as representative samples for comparison of the two analytical procedures.     

Electrochemical Attributes of Electrochemistry in Tandem with Electrospray Mass Spectrometry

Electrolytic efficiency of battery‐operated flow‐through thin‐layer electrochemical (EC; echem) cell used in EC/ESI‐MS was investigated. Two stainless steel capillaries joined by PTFE tubing formed the thin‐layer EC cell. Echem reaction efficiency of ferrocyanide, dopamine and hydroquinone oxidation in the EC cell was low and decreased with increasing MeOH volume fraction in the MeOH/H₂O carrier solutions with low conductivity. Water oxidation dominated the cell current and migration of ferrocyanide was observed. Flow rate of 50–200 µL/h had a very small effect on EC cell current. Dopamine oxidation current in the EC cell and dopamine ion intensity in EC/ESI‐MS showed a direct correlation.     

含聚苯胺类锂离子电池复合电极材料研究进展

聚苯胺是目前研究最为广泛的导电高分子材料之一,具有特殊的电学、光学性能,在电子工业、信息工程、国防工程等的应用开发进行了深入研究。聚苯胺经掺杂后可形成P型和N型导电态,这种掺杂机制使得聚苯胺的掺杂和脱掺杂完全可逆,而掺杂度受pH值和电位等因素的影响,且电化学活性同比传统锂电极材料在充放电过程中具有更优异的可逆性能,因此有关在设计聚苯胺参与锂电池电极复合材料的研究也越来越受到重视。本文综述了不同结构聚苯胺锂离子电池复合材料的制备方法,并着重介绍了聚苯胺基复合材料锂离子电池等领域研究的电化学性能,最后展望了聚苯胺基复合材料的应用前景。