Impact of carbon structure and morphology on the electrochemical performance of LiFePO4/C composites

Reaction Atmosphere-Controlled Thermal Conversion of Ferrocene to Hematite and Cementite Nanomaterials-Structural and Spectroscopic Investigations

Recently, we have reported the influence of various reaction atmospheres on the solid-state reaction kinetics of ferrocene, where oxalic acid dihydrate was used as a coprecursor. In this light, present study discusses on the nature of decomposed materials of the solid-state reactions of ferrocene in O2, air, and N2 atmospheres. The ambient and oxidative atmospheres caused the decomposition to yield pure hematite nanomaterials, whereas cementite nanomaterials along with α-Fe were obtained in N2 atmosphere. The obtained materials were mostly agglomerated. Elemental composition of each material was estimated. Using the absorbance data, the energy band gap values were estimated and the related electronic transitions from the observed absorption spectra were explored. Urbach energy was calculated for hematite, which described the role of defects in the decomposed materials. The nanostructures exhibited photoluminescence due to self-trapped states linked to their optical characteristics. Raman spectroscopy of hematite detected seven Raman modes, confirming the rhombohedral structure, whereas the D and G bands were visible in the Raman spectra for cementite. Thus, the reaction atmosphere significantly influenced the thermal decomposition of ferrocene and controls the type of nanomaterials obtained. Plausible reactions of the undergoing solid-state decomposition have been proposed.

Strain engineering of Li+ ion migration in olivine phosphate cathode materials LiMPO4 (M = Mn, Fe, Co) and (LiFePO4)n(LiMnPO4)m superlattices

The olivine phosphate family has been widely utilized as cathode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries. However, limited energy density and poor rate performance caused by low electronic and ionic conductivities are the main obstacles that need to be overcome for their widespread application. In this work, atomic simulations have been performed to study the effects of lattice strains on the Li⁺ ion migration energy barrier in olivine phosphates LiMPO₄ (M = Mn, Fe, Co) and (LiFePO₄)_n(LiMnPO₄)_m superlattices (SLs). The (LiFePO₄)_n(LiMnPO₄)_m superlattices include three ratios of LFP/LMP, namely SL3 + 1, SL1 + 1 and SL1 + 3, each of which is along three typical (100), (010) and (001) orientations. We mainly discuss two migration paths of Li⁺ ions: the low-energy path A channel parallel to the b-axis and the medium-energy path B channel parallel to the c-axis. It is found that the biaxial tensile strain perpendicular to the migration path is most beneficial to reduce the migration energy barrier of Li⁺ ions, and the strain on the b-axis has a dominant effect on the energy barrier of Li⁺ ion migration. For path A, SL3 + 1 alternating periodically along the (010) orientation can obtain the lowest Li ion migration energy barrier. For path B, SL1 + 3 is the most favorable for Li⁺ ion migration, and there is no significant difference among the three orientations. Our work provides reference values for cathode materials and battery design.

Bio-Inspired Graphitic Carbon-Based Large-Area (10 × 10 cm2) Perovskite Solar Cells: Stability Assessments under Indoor, Outdoor, and Water-Soaked Conditions

In the emerging photovoltaic (PV) technologies, the golden triangle rule includes higher efficiency, longevity (or stability), and low cost, which are the foremost criteria for the root of commercial feasibility. Accordingly, a unique low-cost, ecofriendly, all-solution-processed, "bio-inspired" graphitic carbon (extracted from the most invasive plant species of Eichhornia crassipes: listed as one of the 100 most dangerous species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature) and a mixed halide perovskite interface-engineered, unique single-cell large-scale (10 × 10 sq.cm with an active area of 88 cm²) carbon-based perovskite solar cell (C-PSC) are demonstrated for the first time, delivering a maximum PCE of 6.32%. Notable performance was observed under low light performance for the interface-engineered champion device fabricated using the layer-to-layer approach, which, even when tested under fluorescent room light condition (at 200 lux of about ∼0.1 SUN illumination), exhibited a significant PCE. In terms of addressing the stability issues in the fabricated PSC devices, the present work has adopted a two-step strategy: the instability toward the extrinsic factors is addressed by encapsulation, and the subsequent intrinsic instability issue is also addressed through interfacial engineering. Surprisingly, when tested under various stability conditions (STC) such as ambient air, light (continuous 1 SUN, under room light illumination (0.1 SUN) and direct sunlight), severe damp up to a depth of ∼25 mm water (cold (∼15 °C) and hot (∼65 °C)), acidic pH (∼5), and alkaline pH (∼11)) conditions, the fabricated large-scale carbon-based perovskite solar cells (C-LSPSCs) retained unexpected long-term stability in their performance for over 50 days. As to appraise the performance superiority of the fabricated C-LSPSC devices under various aforesaid testing conditions, a working model of a mini-fan has been practically powered and demonstrated.

Perovskite Solar Cells: A Porous Graphitic Carbon based Hole Transporter/Counter Electrode Material Extracted from an Invasive Plant Species Eichhornia Crassipes

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) composed of organic polymer-based hole-transporting materials (HTMs) are considered to be an important strategy in improving the device performance, to compete with conventional solar cells. Yet the use of such expensive and unstable HTMs, together with hygroscopic perovskite structure remains a concern - an arguable aspect for the prospect of onsite photovoltaic (PV) application. Herein, we have demonstrated the sustainable fabrication of efficient and air-stable PSCs composed of an invasive plant (Eichhornia crassipes) extracted porous graphitic carbon (EC-GC) which plays a dual role as HTM/counter electrode. The changes in annealing temperature (~450 °C, ~850 °C and ~1000 °C) while extracting the EC-GC, made a significant impact on the degree of graphitization - a remarkable criterion in determining the device performance. Hence, the fabricated champion device-1c: Glass/FTO/c-TiO2/mp-TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3-xClx/EC-GC10@CH3NH3PbI3-x Clx/EC-GC10) exhibited a PCE of 8.52%. Surprisingly, the introduced EC-GC10 encapsulated perovskite interfacial layer at the perovskite/HTM interface helps in overcoming the moisture degradation of the hygroscopic perovskite layer in which the same champion device-1c evinced better air stability retaining its efficiency ~94.40% for 1000 hours. We believe that this present work on invasive plant extracted carbon playing a dual role, together as an interfacial layer may pave the way towards a reliable perovskite photovoltaic device at low-cost.

One-Step Catalytic Synthesis of CuO/Cu2O in a Graphitized Porous C Matrix Derived from the Cu-Based Metal-Organic Framework for Li- and Na-Ion Batteries

The hybrid composite electrode comprising CuO and Cu2O micronanoparticles in a highly graphitized porous C matrix (CuO/Cu2O-GPC) has a rational design and is a favorable approach to increasing the rate capability and reversible capacity of metal oxide negative materials for Li- and Na-ion batteries. CuO/Cu2O-GPC is synthesized through a Cu-based metal-organic framework via a one-step thermal transformation process. The electrochemical performances of the CuO/Cu2O-GPC negative electrode in Li- and Na-ion batteries are systematically studied and exhibit excellent capacities of 887.3 mAh g(-1) at 60 mA g(-1) after 200 cycles in a Li-ion battery and 302.9 mAh g(-1) at 50 mA g(-1) after 200 cycles in a Na-ion battery. The high electrochemical stability was obtained via the rational strategy, mainly owing to the synergy effect of the CuO and Cu2O micronanoparticles and highly graphitized porous C formed by catalytic graphitization of Cu nanoparticles. Owing to the simple one-step thermal transformation process and resulting high electrochemical performance, CuO/Cu2O-GPC is one of the prospective negative active materials for rechargeable Li- and Na-ion batteries.

Three-dimensional Li3V2(PO4)3/C nanowire and nanofiber hybrid membrane as a self-standing, binder-free cathode for lithium ion batteries

A three-dimensional (3D) mace-like Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃/C nanowire and nanofiber hybrid membrane was prepared for self-standing, bind-free electrodes.

Reducing Li-diffusion pathways via “adherence” of ultra-small nanocrystals of LiFePO4 on few-layer nanoporous holey-graphene sheets for achieving high rate capability

A unique 3D configuration comprising ultra-small LFP particles “adhered” to few-layer reduced holey-graphene oxide sheets allows Li⁺-ions to traverse shorter non-tortuous pathways leading to excellent battery performance.

Bicontinuous Structure of Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃ Clustered via Carbon Nanofiber as High-Performance Cathode Material of Li-Ion Batteries

In this work, the composite structure of Li3V2(PO4)3 (LVP) nanoparticles with carbon nanofibers (CNF) is designed. The size and location of LVP particles, and the degree of graphitization and diameter of carbon nanofibers, are optimized by electrospinning and heat treatment. The bicontinuous morphologies of LVP/CNF are dependent on the carbonization of PVP and simultaneous growing of LVP, with the fibers shrunk and the LVP crystals grown toward the outside. LVP nanocystals clustered via carbon nanofibers guarantee improving the diffusion ability of Li(+), and the carbon fiber simultaneously guarantees the effective electron conductivity. Compared with the simple carbon-coated LVP and pure LVP, the particle-clustered structure guarantees high rate capability and long-life cycling stability of NF-LVP as cathode for LIBs. At 20 C rate in the range 3.0-4.3 V, NF-LVP delivers the initial capacity of 122.6 mAh g(-1) close to the theoretical value of 133 mAh g(-1), and maintains 97% of the initial capacity at the 1000th cycle. The bead-like structure of cathode material clustered via carbon nanofibers via electrospinning will be further applied to high-performance LIBs.

Facile synthesis of high-crystallinity graphitic carbon/Fe₃C nanocomposites as counter electrodes for high-efficiency dye-sensitized solar cells

Because of the advantages of both rapid electron transport of graphitic carbon and high catalytic performance of Fe3C nanoparticle, highly crystalline graphitic carbon (GC)/Fe3C nanocomposites have been prepared by a facile solid-state pyrolysis approach and used as counter electrode materials for high-efficiency dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The content of Fe3C in the composites can be modified by different hydrochloric acid treatment time. In comparison with pure highly crystalline GC, the DSSC based on GC/Fe3C nanocomposite with 13.5 wt % Fe3C content shows higher conversion efficiency (6.04%), which indicates a comparable performance to the Pt-based DSSC (6.4%) as well. Moreover, not only does our DSSCs have comparable performance to that of the Pt-based DSSC (6.4%), but also is more cost-effective as well. To evaluate the chemical catalysis and stability of nanocomposite counter electrodes toward I3(-) reduction and the interfacial charge transfer properties, GC/Fe3C nanocomposites have been quantitatively characterized by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectra, and Tafel polarization curve. All the results have revealed that the GC/Fe3C nanocomposite counter electrodes can exhibit high catalytic performance and fast interfacial electron transfer, which can be acted as a very promising and high cost-effective materital for DSSCs.

Iron-based 1D nanostructures by electrospinning process

Iron-based 1D nanostructures have been successfully prepared using an electrospinning technique and varying the pyrolysis atmospheres. Hematite (Fe(2)O(3)) nanotubes and polycrystalline Fe(3)C nanofibers were obtained by simple air or mixed gas (H(2), Ar) annealing treatments. Using the air annealing treatment, a high control of the morphology as well as of the wall thickness of the nanotubes was demonstrated with a direct influence of the starting polymer concentration. When mixed gases (H(2) and Ar) were used for the annealing treatments, for the first time polycrystalline Fe(3)C nanofibers composed of carbon graphitic planes were obtained, ensuring Fe(3)C nanoparticle stability and nanofiber cohesion. The morphology and structural properties of all these iron-based 1D nanostructures were fully characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD and Raman spectroscopy.