Sandwich-like Catalyst–Carbon–Catalyst Trilayer Structure as a Compact 2D Host for Highly Stable Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Herein, we propose the construction of a sandwich-structured host filled with continuous 2D catalysis–conduction interfaces. This MoN-C-MoN trilayer architecture causes the strong conformal adsorption of S/Li₂S_x and its high-efficiency conversion on the two-sided nitride polar surfaces, which are supplied with high-flux electron transfer from the buried carbon interlayer. The 3D self-assembly of these 2D sandwich structures further reinforces the interconnection of conductive and catalytic networks. The maximized exposure of adsorptive/catalytic planes endows the MoN-C@S electrode with excellent cycling stability and high rate performance even under high S loading and low host surface area. The high conductivity of this trilayer texture does not compromise the capacity retention after the S content is increased. Such a job-synergistic mode between catalytic and conductive functions guarantees the homogeneous deposition of S/Li₂S_x, and avoids thick and devitalized accumulation (electrode passivation) even after high-rate and long-term cycling.     

Recent Advances of Freestanding Cathodes for Li-S Batteries

Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) with high energy density and low cost have been recognized as one of the most promising next-generation energy storage systems. Although it has taken decades of development, the practical application of LSBs has been hindered by several inherent obstacles, particularly the severe shuttle effect and sluggish reaction kinetics in the sulfur cathode. Various strategies have been proposed to address these problems via rational design of electrode materials and configurations. Freestanding sulfur cathode could be a promising strategy to improve the sulfur mass loading at the cathode level and energy density of LSBs. This minireview will briefly summary the recent advances in freestanding cathodes for LSBs. The advantages and disadvantages of various freestanding cathodes are discussed and the prospects for the development of flexible cathodes are envisioned.     

Direct Intermediate Regulation Enabled by Sulfur Containers in Working Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Polysulfide intermediates (PSs), the liquid-phase species of active materials in lithium–sulfur (Li-S) batteries, connect the electrochemical reactions between insulative solid sulfur and lithium sulfide and are key to full exertion of the high-energy-density Li-S system. Herein, the concept of sulfur container additives is proposed for the direct modification on the PSs species. By reversible storage and release of the sulfur species, the container molecule converts small PSs into large organosulfur species. The prototype di(tri)sulfide-polyethylene glycol sulfur container is highly efficient in the reversible PS transformation to multiply affect electrochemical behaviors of sulfur cathodes in terms of liquid-species clustering, reaction kinetics, and solid deposition. The stability and capacity of Li-S cells was thereby enhanced. The sulfur container is a strategy to directly modify PSs, enlightening the precise regulation on Li-S batteries and multi-phase electrochemical systems.     

Plasticized microporous poly(vinylidene fluoride) separators for lithium-ion batteries. III. Gel properties and irreversible modifications of poly(vinylidene fluoride) membranes under swelling in liquid electrolytes

Microporous poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVdF) separators for lithium-ion batteries, used in liquid organic electrolytes, have been characterized with respect to the swelling phenomena on dense PVdF membranes (obtained through hot pressing). In the first and second parts of this study, we have described the swelling equilibria and swelling kinetics of dense PVdF. Here the thermal properties of PVdF gels and their irreversible modifications induced by swelling are characterized. Particular attention is paid to crystallinity modifications, polymer plasticization, and membrane degradation. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 2308–2317, 2004     

Spectrophotometric Study of Luminol in Dimethyl Sulfoxide–Potassium Hydroxide

The spectrophotometric study of luminol (LH₂) in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), DMSO-water solutions, and alkaline DMSO and DMSO-water solutions has been done, focusing on the effect of the KOH additon on LH₂ absorption and fluorescence properties. The absorption spectra indicate an acid-base equilibrium, and the luminol dianion (L^2–) formation at 3 × 10^–4 – 2.4 × 10^–3 M KOH. The decrease of the fluorescence intensity and the variation of the excitation spectra of LH₂-DMSO-KOH solutions with KOH concentration have been similarly explained. The acid-base process is reversible. The addition of HCl to the solution with 3.0 × 10^–3 M KOH leads to an increase of the fluorescence intensity to its highest value, observed in pure DMSO. The addition of HCl to the LH₂-DMSO solution leads to the decrease of the fluorescence intensity as a result of the LH⁺ ₃ cation formation. In LH₂-DMSO-water, the fluorescence band is shifted from 405 nm to 424 nm and increased in the intensity. In the presence of KOH (in LH₂-DMSO-water-KOH solution) a new band appears, with the maximum at 485 nm and the band at 405 nm decreased. The changes in fluorescence lifetimes also evidence the different chemical species formed.     

Nanometric Antimony Powder Synthesis by Activated Alkaline Hydride Reduction of Antimony Pentachloride

A novel chemical reduction method using an activated alkaline hydride (LiH or NaH-t-BuONa) in tetrahydrofuran solvent has been applied to antimony salt reduction. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy studies have been carried out to characterize the morphology and structure of the materials. Alkali hydride nature influence has been proved. In both cases the process allows to prepare antimony particles in nanometer range from few nanometers to about 20nm which could be used as anodic materials for lithium–ion batteries. With lithium hydride well-crystallized particles inclined to agglomeration were observed whereas finely dispersed amorphous particles were pointing out after activated sodium hydride reduction.     

Deposition conditions in tailoring the morphology of highly porous reticular films prepared by electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) technique

Spongy-like reticular structure is a unique morphology fabricated by electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) technique. The effects of solvent, substrate temperature, precursor feeding rate, static electric field strength, and deposition time on tailoring the reticular structure were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the film morphology. MnO_x or LiMn₂O₄ were selected as the model materials. It is found that in addition to the conventional solvent butyl carbitol, other kinds of solvents such as ethylene glycol and propylene glycol can also be used to obtain reticular films at a suitable substrate temperature. Porous films with a low cross-linking degree pore structure can be prepared by increasing precursor feeding rate or decreasing substrate temperature. Increasing the deposition time or the electric field strength helps to obtain reticular films with more homogeneous pore size distribution. In addition, the addition of a high boiling-point solvent in mixed alcohol solvent results in the increase of proper substrate temperature. It is concluded that the fluidity of the spray droplets on the surface of a hot substrate is an important factor to form a reticular film.