Adhesive Sulfide Solid Electrolyte Interface for Lithium Metal Batteries

Uniform Deposition of Li-Metal Anodes Guided by 3D Current Collectors with In Situ Modification of the Lithiophilic Matrix

The lithium (Li)-metal anode is deemed as the "holy gray" of the next-generation Li-metal system because of its high theoretical specific capacity, minimal energy density, and lowest standard electrode potential. Nevertheless, its commercial application has been limited by the large volume variation during charge and discharge, the unstable interface between the Li metal and electrolyte, and uneven deposition of Li. Herein, we present a 3D host (Cu) with lithiophilic matrix (CuO and SnO₂) in situ modification via a facile ammonia oxidation method to serve as a current collector for the Li-metal anode. The 3D Cu host embellished by CuO and SnO₂ is abbreviated as 3D CSCC. By increasing interfacial activity, lowering the nucleation barrier, and accommodating changes in volume of the Li metal, the 3D CSCC electrode effectively demonstrates a homogeneous and dendrite-free deposition morphology with an excellent cycling performance up to 3000 h at a 1.0 mA cm^-2 current density. Additionally, the full cells paired with Li@3D CSCC anodes and LiCoO₂ cathodes show good capacity retention performance at 0.2 C.

9,10-Anthraquinone/K2CuFe(CN)6: A Highly Compatible Aqueous Aluminum-Ion Full-Battery Configuration

Temporally intermittent and spatially dispersed renewable energy sources strongly call for large-scale energy storage devices. Aqueous aluminum-ion batteries show great potential for application due to their safety and low cost. Thus far, however, the ideal full-battery configuration is beyond the scope due to shortcomings with regards to suitable anode and cathode materials. Herein, we report a pioneering aqueous aluminum-ion battery system consisting of a Prussian white cathode, 1 M Al₂(SO₄)₃ aqueous electrolyte, and an organic 9,10-anthraquinone anode. The oxidation capability of the Prussian white cathode during the first charging allows for the fabrication of the full battery without pre-inserting aluminum ions, thus making the rocking-chair-type battery feasible. Importantly, the open-framework structure of the Prussian white and distinct enolization charge storage mechanism of 9,10-anthraquinone ensure fast reaction kinetics. The full battery exhibits cycling stability with a capacity retention of 89.1% over 100 cycles at 500 mA g^-1, finishing a cycle in about 10 min. This work provides a pathway for developing rechargeable aqueous aluminum-ion batteries.