Improving rate capability of lithium-ion batteries using holey graphene as the anode material

Synthesis of holey graphene for advanced nanotechnological applications

Holey or porous graphene, a structural derivative of graphene, has attracted immense attention due to its unique properties and potential applications in different branches of science and technology. In this review, the synthesis methods of holey or porous graphene/graphene oxide are systematically summarized and their potential applications in different areas are discussed. The process–structure–applications are explained, which helps relate the synthesis approaches to their corresponding key applications. The review paper is anticipated to benefit the readers in understanding the different synthesis methods of holey graphene, their key parameters to control the pore size distribution, advantages and limitations, and their potential applications in various fields.

The review paper presents a systematic understanding of different synthesis routes to obtain holey graphene, its properties, and key applications in different fields. The article also evaluates the current progress and future opportunities of HG.

Functionalization Mechanism of Reduced Graphene Oxide Flakes with BF3·THF and Its Influence on Interaction with Li+ Ions in Lithium-Ion Batteries

Doping of graphene and a controlled induction of disturbances in the graphene lattice allows the production of numerous active sites for lithium ions on the surface and edges of graphene nanolayers and improvement of the functionality of the material in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This work presents the process of introducing boron and fluorine atoms into the structure of the reduced graphene during hydrothermal reaction with boron fluoride tetrahydrofuran (BF₃·THF). The described process is a simple, one-step synthesis with little to no side products. The synthesized materials showed an irregular, porous structure, with an average pore size of 3.44–3.61 nm (total pore volume (BJH)) and a multi-layer structure and a developed specific surface area at the level of 586–660 m²/g (analysis of specific surface Area (BET)). On the external surfaces, the occurrence of irregular particles with a size of 0.5 to 10 µm was observed, most probably the effect of doping the graphene structure and the formation of sp³ hybridization defects. The obtained materials show the ability to store electric charge due to the development of the specific surface area. Based on cyclic voltammetry, the tested material showed a capacity of 450–550 mAh/g (charged up to 2.5 V).

Experimental and Modeling Analysis of Holey Graphene Electrodes for High-Power-Density Li-Ion Batteries

The performances of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) using holey graphene (HGNS) as the anode material are compared with those using non-holey graphene (GNS). The effects of graphene holes on ion transport are analyzed with a combined experiment/modeling approach involving molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The large aspect ratio of GNS leads to long transport paths for Li ions, and hence a poor rate capability. We demonstrate by both experiments and simulations that the holey structure can effectively improve the rate capability of LIBs by providing shortcuts for Li ion diffusion through the holes in fast charge/discharge processes. The HGNS anode exhibits a high specific capacity of 745 mAh/g at 0.1 A/g (after 80 cycles) and 141 mAh/g at a large current density of 10 A/g, which are higher than the capacity values of the GNS counterpart by 75% and 130%, respectively. MD simulations also reveal the difference in lithium ion transport between GNS and HGNS anodes. The calculations indicate that the HGNS system has a higher diffusion coefficient for lithium ions than the GNS system. In addition, it shows that the holey structure can improve the uniformity and quality of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer, which is important for Li ion conduction across this layer to access the electrode surface. Moreover, quantum chemistry (QC) computations show that ethylene carbonate (EC), a cyclic carbonate electrolyte with five-membered-ring molecules, has the lowest electron binding energy of 1.32 eV and is the most favorable for lithium-ion transport through the SEI layer. A holey structure facilitates uniform dispersion of EC on graphene sheets and thus enhances the Li ion transport kinetics.

Approaches to Enhancing Gas Sensing Properties: A Review

A gas nanosensor is an instrument that converts the information of an unknown gas (species, concentration, etc.) into other signals (for example, an electrical signal) according to certain principles, combining detection principles, material science, and processing technology. As an effective application for detecting a large number of dangerous gases, gas nanosensors have attracted extensive interest. However, their development and application are restricted because of issues such as a low response, poor selectivity, and high operation temperature, etc. To tackle these issues, various measures have been studied and will be introduced in this review, mainly including controlling the nanostructure, doping with 2D nanomaterials, decorating with noble metal nanoparticles, and forming the heterojunction. In every section, recent advances and typical research, as well mechanisms, will also be demonstrated.