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Moghaddam M, Godeffroy L, Jasielec JJ, Kostopoulos N, Noël JM, Piquemal JY, Lemineur JF, Peljo P, Kanoufi F. Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy Meets Optical Microscopy: Probing the Local Paths of Charge Transfer Operando in Booster-Microparticles for Flow Batteries. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2309607. [PMID: 38757541 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202309607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the oxidation/reduction dynamics of secondary microparticles formed from agglomerated nanoscale primary particles is crucial for advancing electrochemical energy storage technologies. In this study, the behavior of individual copper hexacyanoferrate (CuHCF) microparticles is explored at both global and local scales combining scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), for electrochemical interrogation of a single, but global-scale microparticle, and optical microscopy monitoring to obtain a higher resolution dynamic image of the local electrochemistry within the same particle. Chronoamperometric experiments unveil a multistep oxidation/reduction process with varying dynamics. On the one hand, the global SECM analysis enables quantifying the charge transfer as well as its dynamics at the single microparticle level during the oxidation/reduction cycles by a redox mediator in solution. These conditions allow mimicking the charge storage processes in these particles when they are used as solid boosters in redox flow batteries. On the other hand, optical imaging with sub-particle resolution allows the mapping of local conversion rates and state-of-charge within individual CuHCF particles. These maps reveal that regions of different material loadings exhibit varying charge storage capacities and conversion rates. The findings highlight the significance of porous nanostructures and provide valuable insights for designing more efficient energy storage materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Moghaddam
- Research Group of Battery Materials and Technologies, Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Turku, Turun Yliopisto, 20014, Finland
| | | | - Jerzy J Jasielec
- Research Group of Battery Materials and Technologies, Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Turku, Turun Yliopisto, 20014, Finland
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Modelling, Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics, AGH University of Science and Technology, Al. Mickiewicza 30, Kraków, 30-059, Poland
| | | | - Jean-Marc Noël
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, ITODYS, Paris, F-75013, France
| | | | | | - Pekka Peljo
- Research Group of Battery Materials and Technologies, Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Turku, Turun Yliopisto, 20014, Finland
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2
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Lu J, Xu C, Dose W, Dey S, Wang X, Wu Y, Li D, Ci L. Microstructures of layered Ni-rich cathodes for lithium-ion batteries. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:4707-4740. [PMID: 38536022 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00741c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Millions of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road are powered by lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) based on nickel-rich layered oxide (NRLO) cathodes, and they suffer from a limited driving range and safety concerns. Increasing the Ni content is a key way to boost the energy densities of LIBs and alleviate the EV range anxiety, which are, however, compromised by the rapid performance fading. One unique challenge lies in the worsening of the microstructural stability with a rising Ni-content in the cathode. In this review, we focus on the latest advances in the understanding of NLRO microstructures, particularly the microstructural degradation mechanisms, state-of-the-art stabilization strategies, and advanced characterization methods. We first elaborate on the fundamental mechanisms underlying the microstructural failures of NRLOs, including anisotropic lattice evolution, microcracking, and surface degradation, as a result of which other degradation processes, such as electrolyte decomposition and transition metal dissolution, can be severely aggravated. Afterwards, we discuss representative stabilization strategies, including the surface treatment and construction of radial concentration gradients in polycrystalline secondary particles, the fabrication of rod-shaped primary particles, and the development of single-crystal NRLO cathodes. We then introduce emerging microstructural characterization techniques, especially for identification of the particle orientation, dynamic changes, and elemental distributions in NRLO microstructures. Finally, we provide perspectives on the remaining challenges and opportunities for the development of stable NRLO cathodes for the zero-carbon future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Lu
- School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Chao Xu
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Wesley Dose
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Sunita Dey
- School of Natural and Computing Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, UK
| | - Xihao Wang
- School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Yehui Wu
- School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Deping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Lijie Ci
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China.
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3
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Zhao L, Liu X, Li H, Zhang X, Li J, Quan W, Wang S, Tang Z, Diao X, Wang R, Zhang J. Niobium Oxide Anode with Lattice Structure Self-Optimization for High-Power and Nearly Zero-Degeneration Battery Operation. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2308305. [PMID: 38059736 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202308305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Li+ insertion-induced structure transformation in crystalline electrodes vitally influence the energy density and cycle life of secondary lithium-ion battery. However, the influence mechanism of structure transformation-induced Li+ migration on the electrochemical performance of micro-crystal materials is still unclear and the strategy to profit from such structure transformation remains exploited. Here, an interesting self-optimization of structure evolution during electrochemical cycling in Nb2O5 micro-crystal with rich domain boundaries is demonstrated, which greatly improves the charge transfer property and mechanical strength. The lattice rearrangement activates the Li+ diffusion kinetics and hinders the particle crack, thus enabling a nearly zero-degeneration operation after 8000 cycles. Full cell paired with lithium cobalt oxides displays an exceptionally high capacity of 176 mA h g-1 at 8000 mA g-1 and excellent long-term durability at 6000 mA g-1 with 63% capacity retention over 2000 cycles. Interestingly, a unique fingerprint based on the intensity ratio of two X-ray diffraction peaks is successfully extracted as a measure of Nb2O5 electrochemical performance. The structure self-optimization for fast charge transfer and high mechanical strength exemplifies a new battery electrode design concept and opens up a vast space of strategy to develop high-performance lithium-ion batteries with high energy density and ultra-long cycle life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijiang Zhao
- School of Physics, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xinghua Liu
- School of Physics, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hao Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Materials Genome Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Magneto-Photoelectrical Composite and Interface Science, State Key Laboratory for Advanced Metals and Materials, School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiaofang Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Materials Genome Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Magneto-Photoelectrical Composite and Interface Science, State Key Laboratory for Advanced Metals and Materials, School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jinsong Li
- School of Physics, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Wei Quan
- China Automotive Battery Research Institute Co., Ltd, Beijing, 101407, China
- General Research Institute for Nonferrous Metals, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Shitong Wang
- State Key Laboratoty of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Zilong Tang
- State Key Laboratoty of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xungang Diao
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Rongming Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Materials Genome Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Magneto-Photoelectrical Composite and Interface Science, State Key Laboratory for Advanced Metals and Materials, School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Junying Zhang
- School of Physics, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
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4
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Robertson DD, Cumberbatch H, Pe DJ, Yao Y, Tolbert SH. Understanding How the Suppression of Insertion-Induced Phase Transitions Leads to Fast Charging in Nanoscale Li xMoO 2. ACS NANO 2024; 18:996-1012. [PMID: 38153208 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c10169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Fast-charging Li-ion batteries are technologically important for the electrification of transportation and the implementation of grid-scale storage, and additional fundamental understanding of high-rate insertion reactions is necessary to overcome current rate limitations. In particular, phase transformations during ion insertion have been hypothesized to slow charging. Nanoscale materials with modified transformation behavior often show much faster kinetics, but the mechanism for these changes and their specific contribution to fast-charging remain poorly understood. In this work, we combine operando synchrotron X-ray diffraction with electrochemical kinetics analyses to illustrate how nanoscale crystal size leads to suppression of first-order insertion-induced phase transitions and their negative kinetic effects in MoO2, a tunnel structure host material. In electrodes made with micrometer-scale particles, large first-order phase transitions during cycling lower capacity, slow charge storage, and decrease cycle life. In medium-sized nanoporous MoO2, the phase transitions remain first-order, but show a considerably smaller miscibility gap and shorter two-phase coexistence region. Finally, in small MoO2 nanocrystals, the structural evolution during lithiation becomes entirely single-phase/solid-solution. For all nanostructured materials, the changes to the phase transition dynamics lead to dramatic improvements in capacity, rate capability, and cycle life. This work highlights the continuous evolution from a kinetically hindered battery material in bulk form to a fast-charging, pseudocapacitive material through nanoscale size effects. As such, it provides key insight into how phase transitions can be effectively controlled using nanoscale size and emphasizes the importance of these structural dynamics to the fast rate capability observed in nanostructured electrode materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel D Robertson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095-1569, United States
| | - Helen Cumberbatch
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095-1569, United States
| | - David J Pe
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095-1569, United States
| | - Yiyi Yao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095-1569, United States
| | - Sarah H Tolbert
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095-1569, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095-1595, United States
- The California NanoSystems Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
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5
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Zhang M, Pei C, Xiang Q, Liu L, Dai Z, Ma H, Ni S. Insights into the multi-functional lithium difluoro(oxalate)borate additive in boosting the Li-ion reaction kinetics for Li 3VO 4 anodes. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:1148-1155. [PMID: 38099451 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp04952c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
The rational design of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) with high ionic conductivity and high electrochemical stability is significantly important in improving the electrochemical performance of anode materials. Herein, lithium difluoro(oxalate)borate (LiDFOB) is used as an electrolyte additive to generate protective SEI films on Li3VO4 (LVO) anodes. The addition of LiDFOB is beneficial to form a dense, uniform, stable and LiF-richer SEI, which is helpful to boost the Li-ion storage kinetics. In addition, the generated SEI can inhibit the further decomposition of electrolytes and maintain the morphology of LVO anodes during charge/discharge processes. As a result, LVO-based anodes exhibit a much higher capacity (769.5 mA h g-1 at 0.5 A g-1), enhanced rate performance (243.3 mA h g-1 at 5.0 A g-1) and excellent long-term cycling stability (209.9 mA h g-1 after 5000 cycles) when cycled in 1 wt% LiDFOB addition electrolyte. This work confirms that LiDFOB is a promising multi-functional additive for LiPF6 electrolytes and provides new insights into SEI construction towards high-performance LVO anodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Zhang
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Inorganic Nonmetallic Crystalline and Energy Conversion Materials, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China.
| | - Cunyuan Pei
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Inorganic Nonmetallic Crystalline and Energy Conversion Materials, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China.
| | - Qiqi Xiang
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Inorganic Nonmetallic Crystalline and Energy Conversion Materials, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China.
| | - Lintao Liu
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Inorganic Nonmetallic Crystalline and Energy Conversion Materials, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China.
| | - Zhongxu Dai
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Inorganic Nonmetallic Crystalline and Energy Conversion Materials, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China.
| | - Huijuan Ma
- Hubei Three Gorges Laboratory, Yichang, 443007, China
| | - Shibing Ni
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Inorganic Nonmetallic Crystalline and Energy Conversion Materials, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China.
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6
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Xue Z, Sharma N, Wu F, Pianetta P, Lin F, Li L, Zhao K, Liu Y. Asynchronous domain dynamics and equilibration in layered oxide battery cathode. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8394. [PMID: 38110430 PMCID: PMC10728132 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44222-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
To improve lithium-ion battery technology, it is essential to probe and comprehend the microscopic dynamic processes that occur in a real-world composite electrode under operating conditions. The primary and secondary particles are the structural building blocks of battery cathode electrodes. Their dynamic inconsistency has profound but not well-understood impacts. In this research, we combine operando coherent multi-crystal diffraction and optical microscopy to examine the chemical dynamics in local domains of layered oxide cathode. Our results not only pinpoint the asynchronicity of the lithium (de)intercalation at the sub-particle level, but also reveal sophisticated diffusion kinetics and reaction patterns, involving various localized processes, e.g., chemical onset, reaction front propagation, domains equilibration, particle deformation and motion. These observations shed new lights onto the activation and degradation mechanisms of state-of-the-art battery cathode materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichen Xue
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, 410083, Changsha, China
- Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | - Nikhil Sharma
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47906, USA
| | - Feixiang Wu
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, 410083, Changsha, China.
| | - Piero Pianetta
- Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | - Feng Lin
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Luxi Li
- X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA.
| | - Kejie Zhao
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47906, USA.
| | - Yijin Liu
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
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7
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Fan Y, Walls M, Salzemann C, Noël JM, Kanoufi F, Courty A, Lemineur JF. Metal Core-Shell Nanoparticle Supercrystals: From Photoactivation of Hydrogen Evolution to Photocorrosion. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2305402. [PMID: 37492940 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202305402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Gas nanobubbles are directly linked to many important chemical reactions. While they can be detrimental to operational devices, they also reflect the local activity at the nanoscale. Here, supercrystals made of highly monodisperse Ag@Pt core-shell nanoparticles are first grown onto a solid support and fully characterized by electron microscopies and X-ray scattering. Supercrystals are then used as a plasmonic photocatalytic platform for triggering the hydrogen evolution reaction. The catalytic activity is measured operando at the single supercrystal level by high-resolution optical microscopy, which allows gas nanobubble nucleation to be probed at the early stage with high temporal resolution and the amount of gas molecules trapped inside them to be quantified. Finally, a correlative microscopy approach and high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy help to decipher the mechanisms at the origin of the local degradation of the supercrystals during catalysis, namely nanoscale erosion and corrosion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinan Fan
- MONARIS, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 8233, 4 Place Jussieu, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Michael Walls
- Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Orsay, 91405, France
| | - Caroline Salzemann
- MONARIS, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 8233, 4 Place Jussieu, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Jean-Marc Noël
- ITODYS, Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Paris, F-75013, France
| | | | - Alexa Courty
- MONARIS, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 8233, 4 Place Jussieu, Paris, 75005, France
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8
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Zhang Z, Faez S. Iontronic microscopy of a tungsten microelectrode: "seeing" ionic currents under an optical microscope. Faraday Discuss 2023; 246:426-440. [PMID: 37404127 PMCID: PMC10568260 DOI: 10.1039/d3fd00040k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Optical methods for monitoring electrochemical reactions at an interface are advantageous because of their table-top setup and ease of integration into reactors. Here we apply EDL-modulation microscopy to one of the main components of amperometric measurement devices: a microelectrode. We present experimental measurements of the EDL-modulation contrast from the tip of a tungsten microelectrode at various electrochemical potentials inside a ferrocene-dimethanol Fe(MeOH)2 solution. Using the combination of the dark-field scattering microscope and the lock-in detection technique, we measure the phase and amplitude of local ion-concentration oscillations in response to an AC potential as the electrode potential is scanned through the redox-activity window of the dissolved species. We present the amplitude and phase map of this response, as such this method can be used to study the spatial and temporal variations of the ion-flux due to an electrochemical reaction close to metallic and semiconducting objects of general geometry. We discuss the advantages and possible extensions of using this microscopy method for wide-field imaging of ionic currents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu Zhang
- Nanophotonics, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, 3584CC Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Sanli Faez
- Nanophotonics, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, 3584CC Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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9
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Li R, Makogon A, Galochkina T, Lemineur JF, Kanoufi F, Shkirskiy V. Unsupervised Analysis of Optical Imaging Data for the Discovery of Reactivity Patterns in Metal Alloy. SMALL METHODS 2023; 7:e2300214. [PMID: 37382395 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Operando wide-field optical microscopy imaging yields a wealth of information about the reactivity of metal interfaces, yet the data are often unstructured and challenging to process. In this study, the power of unsupervised machine learning (ML) algorithms is harnessed to analyze chemical reactivity images obtained dynamically by reflectivity microscopy in combination with ex situ scanning electron microscopy to identify and cluster the chemical reactivity of particles in Al alloy. The ML analysis uncovers three distinct clusters of reactivity from unlabeled datasets. A detailed examination of representative reactivity patterns confirms the chemical communication of generated OH- fluxes within particles, as supported by statistical analysis of size distribution and finite element modelling (FEM). The ML procedures also reveal statistically significant patterns of reactivity under dynamic conditions, such as pH acidification. The results align well with a numerical model of chemical communication, underscoring the synergy between data-driven ML and physics-driven FEM approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- Université Paris Cité, ITODYS, CNRS, Paris, 75013, France
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10
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Pandya R, Valzania L, Dorchies F, Xia F, Mc Hugh J, Mathieson A, Tan HJ, Parton TG, Godeffroy L, Mazloomian K, Miller TS, Kanoufi F, De Volder M, Tarascon JM, Gigan S, de Aguiar HB, Grimaud A. Three-dimensional operando optical imaging of particle and electrolyte heterogeneities inside Li-ion batteries. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 18:1185-1194. [PMID: 37591934 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01466-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Understanding (de)lithiation heterogeneities in battery materials is key to ensure optimal electrochemical performance. However, this remains challenging due to the three-dimensional morphology of electrode particles, the involvement of both solid- and liquid-phase reactants and a range of relevant timescales (seconds to hours). Here we overcome this problem and demonstrate the use of confocal microscopy for the simultaneous three-dimensional operando measurement of lithium-ion dynamics in individual agglomerate particles, and the electrolyte in batteries. We examine two technologically important cathode materials: LixCoO2 and LixNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2. The surface-to-core transport velocity of Li-phase fronts and volume changes are captured as a function of cycling rate. Additionally, we visualize heterogeneities in the bulk and at agglomerate surfaces during cycling, and image microscopic liquid electrolyte concentration gradients. We discover that surface-limited reactions and intra-agglomerate competing rates control (de)lithiation and structural heterogeneities in agglomerate-based electrodes. Importantly, the conditions under which optical imaging can be performed inside the complex environments of battery electrodes are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj Pandya
- Laboratoire Kastler Brossel, ENS-Université PSL, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Collège de France, Paris, France.
- Department of Physics, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Lorenzo Valzania
- Laboratoire Kastler Brossel, ENS-Université PSL, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Collège de France, Paris, France
| | - Florian Dorchies
- Chimie du Solide et de l'Energie, UMR 8260, Collège de France, Paris, France
- Réseau sur le stockage Electrochimique de l'Energie (RS2E), Amiens, France
| | - Fei Xia
- Laboratoire Kastler Brossel, ENS-Université PSL, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Collège de France, Paris, France
| | - Jeffrey Mc Hugh
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiology and Pathologies, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Labex Memolife, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Angus Mathieson
- Department of Physics, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hwee Jien Tan
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Thomas G Parton
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Katrina Mazloomian
- Electrochemical Innovation Lab Department of Chemical Engineering, UCL, London, UK
| | - Thomas S Miller
- Electrochemical Innovation Lab Department of Chemical Engineering, UCL, London, UK
| | | | | | - Jean-Marie Tarascon
- Chimie du Solide et de l'Energie, UMR 8260, Collège de France, Paris, France
- Réseau sur le stockage Electrochimique de l'Energie (RS2E), Amiens, France
| | - Sylvain Gigan
- Laboratoire Kastler Brossel, ENS-Université PSL, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Collège de France, Paris, France.
| | - Hilton B de Aguiar
- Laboratoire Kastler Brossel, ENS-Université PSL, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Collège de France, Paris, France.
| | - Alexis Grimaud
- Chimie du Solide et de l'Energie, UMR 8260, Collège de France, Paris, France.
- Réseau sur le stockage Electrochimique de l'Energie (RS2E), Amiens, France.
- Department of Chemistry, Merkert Chemistry Center, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA.
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11
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Chen C, Pei C, Yang S, Ma H, Zhang D, Sun B, Ni S. Heterostructured Li 3VO 4-Ga 2O 3-embedded porous carbon nanofibers as advanced anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 25:24789-24796. [PMID: 37671644 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp03370h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
The development of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is still facing challenges due to the design and optimization of anode materials and their Li-ion storage mechanisms. In this study, we aimed to address this issue by constructing three-dimensional hierarchical heterojunction structures using a double needle electrospinning strategy. The heterostructure was composed of insertion-type Li3VO4 and conversion/alloying-type Ga2O3 embedded porous carbon nanofibers (Li3VO4-Ga2O3@PCNF). The designed heterostructured Ga2O3 and Li3VO4 materials were found to effectively enhance charge transfer dynamics, thereby improving capacity and rate capability. Additionally, the facilitated efficient contact between the electrode and electrolyte, enabling the diffusion of ions and electrons. When applied as an anode material in LIBs, the Li3VO4-Ga2O3@PCNF composite achieved a high capacity of 630.0 mA h g-1 at 0.5 A g-1, and full capacity recovery after 6 periods of rate testing over 480 cycles. When simulating the practical application under a high discharge current of 6.0 A g-1, the Li3VO4-Ga2O3@PCNF could still deliver a high discharge capacity of 322.0 mA h g-1 after 2000 cycles. Furthermore, the composite exhibited a remarkable capacity retention of 77.2% after 2000 cycles at 6.0 A g-1. This research provides valuable guidance for the design of high-performance Li3VO4-based anodes, particularly in addressing the issue of inferior electronic conductivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Canyang Chen
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Inorganic Nonmetallic Crystalline and Energy Conversion Materials, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China.
| | - Cunyuan Pei
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Inorganic Nonmetallic Crystalline and Energy Conversion Materials, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China.
| | - Song Yang
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Inorganic Nonmetallic Crystalline and Energy Conversion Materials, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China.
| | - Huijuan Ma
- Hubei Three Gorges Laboratory, Yichang, 443007, China
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Inorganic Nonmetallic Crystalline and Energy Conversion Materials, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China.
| | - Bing Sun
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Inorganic Nonmetallic Crystalline and Energy Conversion Materials, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China.
| | - Shibing Ni
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Inorganic Nonmetallic Crystalline and Energy Conversion Materials, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China.
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12
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Pandya R, Mathieson A, Boruah BD, de Aguiar HB, de Volder M. Interrogating the Light-Induced Charging Mechanism in Li-Ion Batteries Using Operando Optical Microscopy. NANO LETTERS 2023; 23:7288-7296. [PMID: 37552026 PMCID: PMC10450808 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c01148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Photobatteries, batteries with a light-sensitive electrode, have recently been proposed as a way of simultaneously capturing and storing solar energy in a single device. Despite reports of photocharging with multiple different electrode materials, the overall mechanism of operation remains poorly understood. Here, we use operando optical reflection microscopy to investigate light-induced charging in LixV2O5 electrodes. We image the electrode, at the single-particle level, under three conditions: (a) with a closed circuit and light but no electronic power source (photocharging), (b) during galvanostatic cycling with light (photoenhanced), and (c) with heat but no light (thermal). We demonstrate that light can indeed drive lithiation changes in LixV2O5 while maintaining charge neutrality, possibly via a combination of faradaic and nonfaradaic effects taking place in individual particles. Our results provide an addition to the photobattery mechanistic model highlighting that both intercalation-based charging and lithium concentration polarization effects contribute to the increased photocharging capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj Pandya
- Laboratoire
Kastler Brossel, ENS-Université PSL, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Collège de France, 24 rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
- Department
of Physics, Cavendish Laboratory, University
of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Angus Mathieson
- Department
of Physics, Cavendish Laboratory, University
of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
- Department
of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0FS, U.K.
| | - Buddha Deka Boruah
- Department
of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0FS, U.K.
- Institute
for Materials Discovery, University College
London, London WC1E 7JE, U.K.
| | - Hilton B. de Aguiar
- Laboratoire
Kastler Brossel, ENS-Université PSL, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Collège de France, 24 rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Michael de Volder
- Department
of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0FS, U.K.
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13
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Jousseaume T, Colin JF, Chandesris M, Lyonnard S, Tardif S. How Beam Damage Can Skew Synchrotron Operando Studies of Batteries. ACS ENERGY LETTERS 2023; 8:3323-3329. [PMID: 37588015 PMCID: PMC10426324 DOI: 10.1021/acsenergylett.3c00815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
With the advent of high-brilliance synchrotron sources, the issue of beam damage on the samples deserves proper attention. It is especially true for operando studies in batteries, since the intense photon fluxes are commonly used to probe ever finer effects. Here we report on the causes and consequences of synchrotron X-ray beam damage in batteries, based on the case study of operando X-ray diffraction. We show that beam damage is caused by the mingled actions of dose and dose rate. The aftereffects can lie in a broad range, from mild modifications of the crystalline structure to artificial phase transitions, and can thus impede or bias the understanding of the mechanisms at play. We estimate the doses at which the different effects appear in two materials, suggesting that it could be expanded to other materials with the same technology. We also provide recommendations for the design of operando synchrotron experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Samuel Tardif
- Univ.
Grenoble Alpes, CEA, IRIG, F-38000, Grenoble, France
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14
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Godeffroy L, Makogon A, Gam Derouich S, Kanoufi F, Shkirskiy V. Imaging and Quantifying the Chemical Communication between Single Particles in Metal Alloys. Anal Chem 2023. [PMID: 37327768 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c01258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The communication within particle agglomerates in industrial alloys can have a significant impact on the macroscopic reactivity, putting a high demand on the adaptation of wide-field methodologies to clarify this phenomenon. In this work, we report the application of correlated optical microscopies probing operando both local pH and local surface chemical transformation correlated with identical location scanning electron microscopy to quantify in situ the structure reactivity of particle agglomerates of foreign elements in the Al alloy. The optical operando analyses allow us (i) to reveal and quantify the local production of OH- from proton and oxygen reduction at individual Si- or Fe-rich microparticles and (ii) to quantify (and model) the chemical communication between these active sites, within a few micrometer range, on the local chemical transformation of the material. Wide-field image analysis highlights the statistical importance of chemical communication that may introduce a new conceptual framework for the understanding of the mechanisms in related fields of charge transfer, electrocatalysis, and corrosion.
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15
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Liu F, Fan Z. Defect engineering of two-dimensional materials for advanced energy conversion and storage. Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:1723-1772. [PMID: 36779475 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00931e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
In the global trend towards carbon neutrality, sustainable energy conversion and storage technologies are of vital significance to tackle the energy crisis and climate change. However, traditional electrode materials gradually reach their property limits. Two-dimensional (2D) materials featuring large aspect ratios and tunable surface properties exhibit tremendous potential for improving the performance of energy conversion and storage devices. To rationally control the physical and chemical properties for specific applications, defect engineering of 2D materials has been investigated extensively, and is becoming a versatile strategy to promote the electrode reaction kinetics. Simultaneously, exploring the in-depth mechanisms underlying defect action in electrode reactions is crucial to provide profound insight into structure tailoring and property optimization. In this review, we highlight the cutting-edge advances in defect engineering in 2D materials as well as their considerable effects in energy-related applications. Moreover, the confronting challenges and promising directions are discussed for the development of advanced energy conversion and storage systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu Liu
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China.
| | - Zhanxi Fan
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China. .,Hong Kong Branch of National Precious Metals Material Engineering Research Center (NPMM), City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China
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16
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Zhang Y, Nguyen M, Schnedermann C, Keene ST, Jacobs I, Rao A, Sirringhaus H. Transmission-based charge modulation microscopy on conjugated polymer blend field-effect transistors. J Chem Phys 2023; 158:034201. [PMID: 36681638 DOI: 10.1063/5.0132426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Charge modulation microscopy (CMM) is an electro-optical method that is capable of mapping the spatial distribution of induced charges in an organic field-effect transistor (OFET). Here, we report a new (and simple) implementation of CMM in transmission geometry with camera-based imaging. A significant improvement in data acquisition speed (by at least an order of magnitude) has been achieved while preserving the spatial and spectral resolution. To demonstrate the capability of the system, we measured the spatial distribution of the induced charges in an OFET with a polymer blend of indacenodithiophene-co-benzothiadiazole and poly-vinylcarbazole that shows micrometer-scale phase separation. We were able to resolve spatial variations in the accumulated charge density on a length scale of 500 nm. We demonstrated through a careful spectral analysis that the measured signal is a genuine charge accumulation signal that is not dominated by optical artifacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yansheng Zhang
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Malgorzata Nguyen
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Christoph Schnedermann
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Scott T Keene
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Jacobs
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Akshay Rao
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Henning Sirringhaus
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
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17
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Xu X, Valavanis D, Ciocci P, Confederat S, Marcuccio F, Lemineur JF, Actis P, Kanoufi F, Unwin PR. The New Era of High-Throughput Nanoelectrochemistry. Anal Chem 2023; 95:319-356. [PMID: 36625121 PMCID: PMC9835065 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c05105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangdong Xu
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K.
| | | | - Paolo Ciocci
- Université
Paris Cité, ITODYS, CNRS, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Samuel Confederat
- School
of Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Pollard Institute, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.,Bragg
Centre for Materials Research, University
of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.
| | - Fabio Marcuccio
- School
of Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Pollard Institute, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.,Bragg
Centre for Materials Research, University
of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.,Faculty
of Medicine, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | | | - Paolo Actis
- School
of Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Pollard Institute, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.,Bragg
Centre for Materials Research, University
of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.,
| | | | - Patrick R. Unwin
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K.,
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18
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Mao J, Li G, Saqib M, Xu J, Hao R. Super-resolved dynamics of isolated zinc formation during extremely fast electrochemical deposition/dissolution processes. Chem Sci 2022; 13:12782-12790. [PMID: 36519049 PMCID: PMC9645385 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc04877a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of zinc-air batteries with high-rate capability and long lifespan is critically important for their practical use, especially in smart grid and electric vehicle application. The formation of isolated zinc (i-Zn) on the zinc anode surface, however, could easily lead to deteriorated performance, such as rapid capacity decay. In particular, under the fast charging/discharging conditions, the electrochemical activities on the anode surface are complicated and severely suppressed. Thus, it is highly desirable to deeply understand the formation mechanism of i-Zn and its relationship with the electrochemical performance during extremely high-rate cycling. Herein, we employed a super-resolution dark-field microscope to in situ analyze the evolution dynamics of the electrolyte-Zn interface during the extremely fast electrochemical deposition/dissolution processes. The unique phenomenon of nanoscopic i-Zn generation under the condition is unveiled. We discovered that the rapid conversion of nanoscopic i-Zn fragments into passivated products could greatly exacerbate the concentration polarization process and increase the overpotential. In addition, the role of large-sized i-Zn fragments in reducing the coulombic efficiency is further elucidated. This information could aid the rational design of highly effective anodes for extremely high-rate zinc-based batteries and other battery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Mao
- Department of Chemistry, Research Center for Chemical Biology and Omics Analysis, Southern University of Science and Technology Shenzhen 518055 China
| | - Guopeng Li
- Department of Chemistry, Research Center for Chemical Biology and Omics Analysis, Southern University of Science and Technology Shenzhen 518055 China
| | - Muhammad Saqib
- Department of Chemistry, Research Center for Chemical Biology and Omics Analysis, Southern University of Science and Technology Shenzhen 518055 China
- Institute of Chemistry, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering & Information Technology Rahim Yar Khan 64200 Pakistan
| | - Jiantie Xu
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology Guangzhou 510640 China
| | - Rui Hao
- Department of Chemistry, Research Center for Chemical Biology and Omics Analysis, Southern University of Science and Technology Shenzhen 518055 China
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