Litchi-like structured MnCo2S4@C as a high capacity and long-cycling time anode for lithium-ion batteries

Study on Energy Storage of ZnCo2Sx Based on Sulfur Vacancy Modulation of Ion Transport Rate

Nowadays, high-rate, high-cycle anode materials for lithium batteries are a research hotspot, and defect engineering for electronic structure modulation is expected to be an effective strategy to improve electrochemical performance. In this paper, we controlled the concentration of ZnCo2S4 sulfur vacancies by regulating the hydrothermal time and performed density functional theory (DFT) calculations on ZnCo2S3.125 with vacancies. The results showed that ZnCo2S3.125 exhibited metallic properties, and the vacancies helped to accelerate the diffusion of carriers and improve the storage capacity. The discharge capacity of ZCS-6 initially reached 2,503.2 mAhg-1 in the first cycle, then maintained at 1,529.8 mAhg-1 after 200 cycles. The excellent cycling performance was attributed to the vacancies that enhanced the carrier transport and adsorption capacity of ZnCo2Sx. Notably, the sulfur vacancy-based surface defect strategy in this study had a greater impact on the electrochemical performance than the morphology optimization strategy.

Efficiently Re-Utilizing the High-Value Metals in the Spent LiNi1-x-yMnxCoyO2 for the Trifunctional Electrocatalysts by a Novel One-Pot Method

Traditional hydrometallurgy methods for recycling the spent lithium-ion battery materials face some challenges, including the complex processes, and difficulties in separating Ni/Co/Mn. To address these issues, this work proposes a simple one-pot method to achieve a high Li leaching efficiency (99.2%) and simultaneously transform the majority of Ni (99.5%) and Co (99.9%) into a high-performance multifunctional electrocatalyst (LNMCO-HS-180). LNMCO-HS-180 with single-phase structure shows a hollow microsphere morphology. LNMCO-HS-180 can efficiently catalyze the oxygen reduction (ORR), oxygen evolution (OER), and methanol oxidation reactions (MOR), with the ORR half-wave potential of 0.732 V and, OER potential of 1.469 V at 10 mA cm-2. This is mainly attributed to the unique hollow microsphere morphology, suitable Ni/Co/Mn oxidation states, and reduction in the free energy barriers for OER and ORR. Additionally, LNMCO-HS-180 exhibits an MOR potential of only 1.43 V at 100 mA cm-2 and excellent formate selectivity (>99%).

Advancing sustainable materials in a circular economy for decarbonisation

This research paper delves into the intricate interplay between decarbonisation and sustainability, focusing on adopting chemical looping technologies. Deep decarbonisation scenarios necessitate a profound transformation in various sectors to mitigate climate change, and oil refineries, as pivotal players, must adapt to these changes. Employing the BLUES integrated assessment model, we evaluate the evolution of the refining sector in decarbonisation pathways, emphasising its potential for sustainability through repurposing and emissions mitigation. Additionally, we delve into chemical looping technologies, including Solar Thermal Chemical Looping (STCL), Reverse Water Gas Shift Chemical Looping (RWGS-CL), Chemical Looping Reforming (CLR), and Super Dry Reforming (SDR), elucidating their principles and contributions to carbon dioxide (CO2) conversion. These technologies offer promising routes for CO2 capture and present opportunities for sustainable carbon loop cycles, potentially revolutionising industries' emissions reduction efforts. In a world of climate change, this research illuminates a sustainable path forward by integrating decarbonisation and innovative CO2 management strategies.

Synthesis and Characterization of MnIn2S4/Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Composites as an Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries

In this study, we synthesized a transition metal sulfide (TMS) with a spinel structure, i.e., MnIn2S4 (MIS), using a two-step hydrothermal and sintering process. In the context of lithium-ion battery (LIB) applications, ternary TMSs are being considered as interesting options for anode materials. This consideration arises from their notable attributes, including high theoretical capacity, excellent cycle stability, and cost-effectiveness. However, dramatic volume changes result in the electrochemical performance being severely limited, so we introduced single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and prepared an MIS/SWCNT composite to enhance the structural stability and electronic conductivity. The synthesized MIS/SWCNT composite exhibits better cycle performance than bare MIS. Undergoing 100 cycles, MIS only yields a reversible capacity of 117 mAh/g at 0.1 A/g. However, the MIS/SWCNT composite exhibits a reversible capacity as high as 536 mAh/g after 100 cycles. Moreover, the MIS/SWCNT composite shows a better rate capability. The current density increases with cycling, and the SWCNT composite exhibits high reversible capacities of 232 and 102 mAh/g at 2 A/g and 5 A/g, respectively. Under the same conditions, pristine MIS can only deliver reversible capacities of 21 and 4 mAh/g. The results indicate that MIS/SWCNT composites are promising anode materials for LIBs.

Insights into the enhanced electrochemical performance of MnV2O6 nanoflakes as an anode material for advanced lithium storage

Binary transition metal oxides (BTMOs) are regarded as potential anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to their low cost, high specific capacities, and environmental friendliness. In this work, MnV₂O₆ nanoflakes are successfully synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. When evaluated as an anode material for LIBs, benefiting from the activation process, the as-prepared MnV₂O₆ nanoflake electrode delivers a high reversible specific capacity of 1439 mA h g^-1 after 300 cycles at a current density of 200 mA g^-1, and especially presents a specific capacity of 1010 mA h g^-1 after 700 cycles at a higher current density of 1 A g^-1. Furthermore, MnV₂O₆ shows a pleasurable rate capability; a reversible specific capacity of 867 mA h g^-1 can be obtained at a current density of 2000 mA g^-1, and when the current density is returned to 200 mA g^-1 and continues for another 80 cycles, the specific capacity can still reach 1499 mA h g^-1. Meanwhile, the morphology variation and electrochemical kinetic behavior of the MnV₂O₆ electrode during cycling are scrutinized in detail. After that, the electrochemical reaction mechanism of MnV₂O₆ during the discharge/charge process is corroborated by in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD), which involves the coexistence of a conversion reaction and solid solution behavior. The practical application of MnV₂O₆ nanoflakes as an anode material is examined as well. Sure enough, the NCM811//MnV₂O₆ full-cell exhibits excellent lithium-storage performance.

DFT investigation of BN, AlN, and SiC fullerene sensors for arsine gas detection and removal

 Quantum chemical density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to investigate the adsorption of arsine (AsH3) gaseous substance at the surface of representative models of boron nitride (B16N16), aluminum nitride (Al16N16), and silicon carbide (Si16C16) fullerene-like nanocages. The results indicated that the adsorption processes of AsH3 could be taken place by each of B16N16, Al16N16, and Si16C16 nanocages. Moreover, the electronic molecular orbital properties indicated that the electrical conductivity of nanocages were changed after the adsorption processes enabling them to be used for sensor applications. To analyze the strength of interacting models, the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) was employed. As a typical achievement of this work, it could be mentioned that the investigated Si16C16 fullerene-like nanocage could work as a suitable adsorbent for the AsH3 gaseous substance proposing gas-sensor role for the Si16C16 fullerene-like nanocage.

Performance Comparison of EGSB and IC Reactors for Treating High-Salt Fatty Acid Organic Production Wastewater

This study used the EGSB and IC reactors to treat the high-salt and high-concentration organic wastewater (high-salt fatty acid production wastewater) and compared their performances The experimental results showed that the optimal influent water quality thresholds for both bioreactors to treat this wastewater were a COD concentration of 18,000 mg/L and a sulfate ion concentration of about 8000 mg/L. The reactor operated well when C/S was greater than 2.8. In addition, the value of C/S should not be less than 1.5. This is due to that under this condition, the sulfate reduction process has a significant impact on the removal of COD, and MPB may be inhibited by sulfides. The organic load OLR should not be greater than 10 kgCOD/(m3·d). It was also found that the start-up time of the IC reactor with external circulation was slightly shorter, and the COD removal effect, gas production rate, and load tolerance were slightly better than those of the EGSB reactor, the best reflux ratio of the two reactors was 6:1. The appropriate rising flow rate was 0.4 m/h.

Perovskite-derived structure modulation in the iron sulfate family

We report the first example of a perovskite sulfate [Na₃(H₂O)]Fe(SO₄)₃. Further structure modulation, by dimensional reduction or ligand extension, has resulted in two related layered perovskite-like compounds Na₆Fe(SO₄)₄ and Na₁₂Fe₃(SO₄)₆F₈. Taken together, these results open up a more general strategy for the future design of more complex perovskite-related materials.

Rational Design Strategy of Novel Energy Storage Systems: Toward High-Performance Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries

Rechargeable magnesium batteries (RMBs) are promising candidates to replace currently commercialized lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in large-scale energy storage applications owing to their merits of abundant resources, low cost, high theoretical volumetric capacity, etc. However, the development of RMBs is still facing great challenges including the incompatibility of the electrolyte and the lack of suitable cathode materials with high reversible capacity and fast kinetics of Mg²⁺ . While tremendous efforts have been made to explore compatible electrolytes and appropriate electrode materials, the rational design of unconventional Mg-based battery systems is another effective strategy for achieving high electrochemical performance. This review specifically discusses the recent research progress of various Mg-based battery systems. First, the optimization of electrolyte and electrode materials for conventional RMBs is briefly discussed. Furthermore, various Mg-based battery systems, including Mg-chalcogen (S, Se, Te) batteries, Mg-halogen (Br₂ , I₂ ) batteries, hybrid-ion batteries, and Mg-based dual-ion batteries are systematically summarized. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of different Mg-based battery systems, which can inspire latecomers to explore new strategies for the development of high-performance and practically available RMBs.

A Review of High-Energy Density Lithium-Air Battery Technology: Investigating the Effect of Oxides and Nanocatalysts

In vehicles that require a lot of electricity, such as electric vehicles, it is necessary to use high-energy batteries. Among the developed batteries, the lithium-ion battery has shown better performance. This battery has an energy density of 10 equal to that of a lithium-ion battery and uses air oxygen as the active material of the cathode and anode like a lithium-ion battery made of lithium metal. The cathode used in these batteries must have special properties such as strong catalytic activity and high conductivity, and nanotechnology has greatly helped to improve the materials used in the cathode of lithium-air batteries. The importance of proper catalyst distribution and the relationship between the oxide product and the catalyst and the indirect effect of the ORR catalyst on the OER reaction is not present in the fuel cell. The maximum capacity of lithium-air battery theory using graphene under optimal electron conduction conditions and the experimental maximum obtained for graphene by optimizing the structure geometry, examples of structural engineering using carbon fiber and carbon nanotubes in cathode fabrication with the ability to perform the reaction properly while providing space for lithium oxide placement, are examined. This article describes the mechanism of this battery, and its components are examined. The challenges of using this battery and the application of nanotechnology to solve these challenges are also discussed.