Mechanical Alloying of Metal–Organic Frameworks

The solvent‐free mechanical milling process for two distinct metal–organic framework (MOF) crystals induced the formation of a solid solution, which is not feasible by conventional solution‐based syntheses. X‐ray and STEM‐EDX studies revealed that performing mechanical milling under an Ar atmosphere promotes the high diffusivity of each metal ion in an amorphous solid matrix; the amorphous state turns into the porous crystalline structure by vapor exposure treatment to form a new phase of a MOF solid solution.     

A Plastic–Crystal Electrolyte Interphase for All-Solid-State Sodium Batteries

The development of all-solid-state rechargeable batteries is plagued by a large interfacial resistance between a solid cathode and a solid electrolyte that increases with each charge–discharge cycle. The introduction of a plastic–crystal electrolyte interphase between a solid electrolyte and solid cathode particles reduces the interfacial resistance, increases the cycle life, and allows a high rate performance. Comparison of solid-state sodium cells with 1) solid electrolyte Na₃Zr₂(Si₂PO₄) particles versus 2) plastic–crystal electrolyte in the cathode composites shows that the former suffers from a huge irreversible capacity loss on cycling whereas the latter exhibits a dramatically improved electrochemical performance with retention of capacity for over 100 cycles and cycling at 5 C rate. The application of a plastic–crystal electrolyte interphase between a solid electrolyte and a solid cathode may be extended to other all-solid-state battery cells.     

One‐Dimensional Cuprous Selenide Nanostructures with Switchable Plasmonic and Super‐ionic Phase Attributes

Cuprous selenide nanocrystals have hallmark attributes, especially tunable localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) and super‐ionic behavior. These attributes of cuprous selenide are now integrated with a one‐dimensional morphology. Essentially, Cu₂Se nanowires (NWs) of micrometer‐scale lengths and about 10 nm diameter are prepared. The NWs exhibit a super‐ionic phase that is stable at temperatures lower than in the bulk, owing to compressive lattice strain along the radial dimension of the NWs. The NWs can be switched between oxidized and reduced forms, which have contrasting phase transition and LSPR characteristics. This work thus makes available switchable, one‐dimensional waveguides and ion‐conducting channels.     

Revealing an Interconnected Interfacial Layer in Solid‐State Polymer Sodium Batteries

Replacing the commonly used nonaqueous liquid electrolytes in rechargeable sodium batteries with polymer solid electrolytes is expected to provide new opportunities to develop safer batteries with higher energy densities. However, this poses challenges related to the interface between the Na‐metal anode and polymer electrolytes. Driven by systematically investigating the interface properties, an improved interface is established between a composite Na/C metal anode and electrolyte. The observed chemical bonding between carbon matrix of anode with solid polymer electrolyte, prevents delamination, and leads to more homogeneous plating and stripping, which reduces/suppresses dendrite formation. Full solid‐state polymer Na‐metal batteries, using a high mass loaded Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃ cathode, exhibit ultrahigh capacity retention of more than 92 % after 2 000 cycles and over 80 % after 5 000 cycles, as well as the outstanding rate capability.     

A Smart Flexible Zinc Battery with Cooling Recovery Ability

Flexible batteries are essential for wearable electronic devices. To meet practical applications, they need to be mechanically robust and stable. However, strong or multiple bending may sever the interfacial contact between electrode and electrolyte, causing capacity fading or even battery failure. Herein we present a new cooling‐recovery concept for flexible batteries, which involves a temperature‐sensitive sol–gel transition behavior of the thermoreversible polymer hydrogel electrolyte. Once a battery has suffered from strong mechanical stresses, a simple cooling process can refresh the electrode–electrolyte interface. The energy‐storage capability can be recovered with a healing efficiency higher than 98 %. It is believed that this study not only offers new valuable insights, but also opens up new perspectives to develop functional wearable devices.