Heteroatom Doping Strategy Enables Bi-functional Electrode with Superior Electrochemical Performance

Machine Learning-Assisted High-Donor-Number Electrolyte Additive Screening toward Construction of Dendrite-Free Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries

The utilization of electrolyte additives has been regarded as an efficient strategy to construct dendrite-free aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). However, the blurry screening criteria and time-consuming experimental tests inevitably restrict the application prospect of the electrolyte additive strategy. With the rise of artificial intelligence technology, machine learning (ML) provides an avenue to promote upgrading of energy storage devices. Herein, we proposed an intriguing ML-assisted method to accelerate the development efficiency of electrolyte additives on dendrite-free AZIBs. Concretely, we selected the Gutmann donor number (DN value) as a screen parameter, which can reflect the interaction between solvent molecules and ions, and proposed an integrated ML model that can predict the DN values of organic molecules via molecular fingerprints, thereby achieving the screening of electrolyte additives. Then, combined with experimental tests and theoretical calculations, the influence law of three additive molecules with different DN values on the thermodynamic stability of the Zn anode and its corresponding optimization mechanisms were revealed; the DN values of the additives are in positive correlation with the electrochemical performance of the Zn anode. Especially, an isopropyl alcohol (IPA) additive with a high DN value (36) integrated with various Zn-based cells presented a superior electrochemical performance, including a high calendar life (1500 h), a stable Coulombic efficiency (99% within 450 cycles), and a favorable cycling retention. This work pioneers ML techniques for predicting DN values for electrolyte additives, offering a compelling investigation method for the investigation of AZIBs.

A label-free H1N1 influenza virus immunosensor based on an N-LIG/Au laser induced graphene microelectrode

A label-free immunosensor based on an N-doped laser direct graphene (N-LIG)/Au electrode was proposed for H1N1 influenza virus detection. By utilizing the instantaneous high temperature of laser irradiation, N atoms are generated by the decomposition of melamine dripped onto the surface of an LIG electrode to obtain N-LIG with higher conductivity. The doping of N atoms provides a large number of active sites for LIG microelectrodes. Combined with the electrodeposition of Au NPs, and covalently crosslinking antibodies, a simple, highly sensitive and stable immunosensing interface is constructed. The proposed H1N1 influenza virus immunosensor has a detection range of 0.01 fg mL-1 to 10 ng mL-1 with a detection limit as low as 0.004 fg mL-1. The constructed sensor has ultra-high sensitivity and good selectivity and can be used for complex biological sample analysis, with potential application prospects in preventing the large-scale spread of influenza. Taking advantage of N-LIG electrode's properties will provide opportunities for developing portable electrochemical biosensors for health and environmental applications.

Synergistic Modulation of Mass Transfer and Parasitic Reactions of Zn Metal Anode via Bioinspired Artificial Protection Layer

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries are regarded as promising energy storage devices due to their attractive economic benefits and extraordinary electrochemical performance. However, the sluggish Zn2+ mass transfer behavior and water-induced parasitic reactions that occurred on the anode-electrode interface inevitably restrain their applications. Herein, inspired by the selective permeability and superior stability of plasma membrane, a thin UiO-66 metal-organic framework layer with smart aperture size is ex-situ decorated onto the Zn anode. Experimental characterizations in conjunction with theoretical calculations demonstrate that this bio-inspired layer promotes the de-solvation process of hydrated Zn2+ and reduces the effective contact between the anode and H2 O molecules, thereby boosting Zn2+ deposition kinetics and restraining interfacial parasitic reactions. Hence, the Zn||Zn cells could sustain a long lifespan of 1680 h and the Zn||Cu cells yielded a stable coulombic efficiency of over 99.3% throughout 600 cycles under the assistance of the bio-inspired layer. Moreover, pairing with δ-MnO2 cathode, the full cells also demonstrate prominent cycling stability and rate performance. From the bio-inspired design philosophy, this work provides a novel insight into the development of aqueous batteries.