Biopolymer phytagel-derived porous nanocarbon as efficient electrode material for high-performance symmetric solid-state supercapacitors

Recent Advances in Nanostructured Transition Metal Carbide- and Nitride-Based Cathode Electrocatalysts for Li-O2 Batteries (LOBs): A Brief Review

A large volume of research on lithium-oxygen (Li-O2) batteries (LOBs) has been conducted in the recent decades, inspired by their high energy density and power density. However, these future generation energy-storage devices are still subject to technical limitations, including a squat round-trip efficiency and a deprived rate-capability, due to the slow-moving electrochemical kinetics of both the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) over the surface of the cathode catalyst. Because the electrochemistry of LOBs is rather complex, only a limited range of cathode catalysts has been employed in the past. To understand the catalytic mechanisms involved and improve overall cell performance, the development of new cathode electrocatalysts with enhanced round-trip efficiency is extremely important. In this context, transition metal carbides and nitrides (TMCs and TMNs, respectively) have been explored as potential catalysts to overcome the slow kinetics of electrochemical reactions. To provide an accessible and up-to-date summary for the research community, the present paper reviews the recent advancements of TMCs and TMNs and its applications as active electrocatalysts for LOBs. In particular, significant studies on the rational design of catalysts and the properties of TMC/TMN in LOBs are discussed, and the prospects and challenges facing the continued development of TMC/TMN electrocatalysts and strategies for attaining higher OER/ORR activity in LOBs are presented.

Ionic Liquid-Based Electrolytes for Energy Storage Devices: A Brief Review on Their Limits and Applications

Since the ability of ionic liquid (IL) was demonstrated to act as a solvent or an electrolyte, IL-based electrolytes have been widely used as a potential candidate for renewable energy storage devices, like lithium ion batteries (LIBs) and supercapacitors (SCs). In this review, we aimed to present the state-of-the-art of IL-based electrolytes electrochemical, cycling, and physicochemical properties, which are crucial for LIBs and SCs. ILs can also be regarded as designer solvents to replace the more flammable organic carbonates and improve the green credentials and performance of energy storage devices, especially LIBs and SCs. This review affords an outline of the progress of ILs in energy-related applications and provides essential ideas on the emerging challenges and openings that may motivate the scientific communities to move towards IL-based energy devices. Finally, the challenges in design of the new type of ILs structures for energy and environmental applications are also highlighted.