Most Download

    Published in last 1 year | In last 2 years| In last 3 years| All| Most Downloaded in Recent Month | Most Downloaded in Recent Year|

    In last 2 years
    Please wait a minute...
    For Selected: Toggle Thumbnails
    Rational Design of Atomic Site Catalysts for Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction Reaction: One Step Closer to Optimum Activity and Selectivity
    Yiran Ying, Ke Fan, Jinli Qiao, Haitao Huang
    Electrochemical Energy Reviews    2022, 5 (3): 6-.   DOI: 10.1007/s41918-022-00164-4
    Abstract1646)      PDF       Save
    The electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) has been one of the most intriguing catalytic reactions in recent years, providing an energy-saving and environmentally friendly alternative to the conventional Haber-Bosch process for ammonia production. However, the activity and selectivity issues originating from the activation barrier of the NRR intermediates and the competing hydrogen evolution reaction result in the unsatisfactory NH3 yield rate and Faradaic efficiency of current NRR catalysts. Atomic site catalysts (ASCs), an emerging group of heterogeneous catalysts with a high atomic utilization rate, selectivity, and stability, may provide a solution. This article undertakes an exploration and systematic review of a highly significant research area:the principles of designing ASCs for the NRR. Both the theoretical and experimental progress and state-of-the-art techniques in the rational design of ASCs for the NRR are summarized, and the topic is extended to double-atom catalysts and boron-based metal-free ASCs. This review provides guidelines for the rational design of ASCs for the optimum activity and selectivity for the electrocatalytic NRR.
    Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    Photochemical Systems for Solar-to-Fuel Production
    Ya Liu, Feng Wang, Zihao Jiao, Shengjie Bai, Haoran Qiu, Liejin Guo
    Electrochemical Energy Reviews    2022, 5 (3): 5-.   DOI: 10.1007/s41918-022-00132-y
    Abstract1687)      PDF       Save
    The photochemical system, which utilizes only solar energy and H2O/CO2 to produce hydrogen/carbon-based fuels, is considered a promising approach to reduce CO2 emissions and achieve the goal of carbon neutrality. To date, numerous photochemical systems have been developed to obtain a viable solar-to-fuel production system with sufficient energy efficiency. However, more effort is still needed to meet the requirements of industrial implementation. In this review, we systematically discuss a typical photochemical system for solar-to-fuel production, from classical theories and fundamental mechanisms to raw material selection, reaction condition optimization, and unit device/system advancement, from the viewpoint of ordered energy conversion. State-of-the-art photochemical systems, including photocatalytic, photovoltaic-electrochemical, photoelectrochemical, solar thermochemical, and other emerging systems, are summarized. We highlight the existing bottlenecks and discuss the developing trend of this technology. Finally, optimization strategies and new opportunities are proposed to enhance photochemical systems with higher energy efficiency.
    Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    Lead-Carbon Batteries toward Future Energy Storage: From Mechanism and Materials to Applications
    Jian Yin, Haibo Lin, Jun Shi, Zheqi Lin, Jinpeng Bao, Yue Wang, Xuliang Lin, Yanlin Qin, Xueqing Qiu, Wenli Zhang
    Electrochemical Energy Reviews    2022, 5 (3): 2-.   DOI: 10.1007/s41918-022-00134-w
    Abstract1843)      PDF       Save
    The lead acid battery has been a dominant device in large-scale energy storage systems since its invention in 1859. It has been the most successful commercialized aqueous electrochemical energy storage system ever since. In addition, this type of battery has witnessed the emergence and development of modern electricity-powered society. Nevertheless, lead acid batteries have technologically evolved since their invention. Over the past two decades, engineers and scientists have been exploring the applications of lead acid batteries in emerging devices such as hybrid electric vehicles and renewable energy storage; these applications necessitate operation under partial state of charge. Considerable endeavors have been devoted to the development of advanced carbon-enhanced lead acid battery (i.e., lead-carbon battery) technologies. Achievements have been made in developing advanced lead-carbon negative electrodes. Additionally, there has been significant progress in developing commercially available lead-carbon battery products. Therefore, exploring a durable, long-life, corrosion-resistive lead dioxide positive electrode is of significance. In this review, the possible design strategies for advanced maintenance-free lead-carbon batteries and new rechargeable battery configurations based on lead acid battery technology are critically reviewed. Moreover, a synopsis of the lead-carbon battery is provided from the mechanism, additive manufacturing, electrode fabrication, and full cell evaluation to practical applications.
    Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    Effects of Crystallinity and Defects of Layered Carbon Materials on Potassium Storage: A Review and Prediction
    Xiaoxu Liu, Tianyi Ji, Hai Guo, Hui Wang, Junqi Li, Hui Liu, Zexiang Shen
    Electrochemical Energy Reviews    2022, 5 (2): 401-433.   DOI: 10.1007/s41918-021-00114-6
    Abstract3006)      PDF       Save
    Layered carbon materials (LCMs) are composed of basic carbon layer units, such as graphite, soft carbon, hard carbon, and graphene. While they have been widely applied in the anode of potassium-ion batteries, the potassium storage mechanisms and performances of various LCMs are isolated and difficult to relate to each other. More importantly, there is a lack of a systematic understanding of the correlation between the basic microstructural unit (crystallinity and defects) and the potassium storage behavior. In this review, we explored the key structural factors affecting the potassium storage in LCMs, namely, the crystallinity and defects of carbon layers, and the key parameters (La, Lc, d002, ID/IG) that characterize the crystallinity and defects of different carbon materials were extracted from various databases and literature sources. A structure-property database of LCMs was thus built, and the effects of these key structural parameters on the potassium storage properties, including the capacity, the rate and the working voltage plateau, were systematically analyzed. Based on the structure-property database analysis and the guidance of thermodynamics and kinetics, a relationship between various LCMs and potassium storage properties was established. Finally, with the help of machine learning, the key structural parameters of layered carbon anodes were used for the first time to predict the potassium storage performance so that the large amount of research data in the database could more effectively guide the scientific research and engineering application of LCMs in the future.
    Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    Self-Supported Graphene Nanosheet-Based Composites as Binder-Free Electrodes for Advanced Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage
    Bowen Ren, Hao Cui, Chengxin Wang
    Electrochemical Energy Reviews    2022, 5 (S2): 32-.   DOI: 10.1007/s41918-022-00138-6
    Abstract258)      PDF       Save
    Graphene is composed of single-layered sp2 graphite and has been widely used in electrochemical energy conversion and storage due to its appealing physical and chemical properties. In recent years, a new kind of the self-supported graphene nanosheet-based composite (GNBC) has attracted significant attention. Compared with conventional powdered materials, a binder-free electrode architecture has several strengths, including a large surface area, enhanced reaction kinetics, and great structural stability, and these strengths allow users to realize the full potential of graphene. Based on these findings, this review presents preparation strategies and properties of self-supported GNBCs. Additionally, it highlights recent significant developments with integrated binder-free electrodes for several practical applications, such as lithium-ion batteries, lithium-metal batteries, supercapacitors, water splitting and metal-air batteries. In addition, the remaining challenges and future perspectives in this emerging field are also discussed.
    Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    Electrospun Materials for Batteries Moving Beyond Lithium-Ion Technologies
    Jie Wang, Zhenzhu Wang, Jiangfeng Ni, Liang Li
    Electrochemical Energy Reviews    2022, 5 (2): 211-241.   DOI: 10.1007/s41918-021-00103-9
    Abstract3050)      PDF       Save
    Innovation and optimization have shifted battery technologies beyond the use of lithium ions and fostered the demand for enhanced materials, which are vital factors determining the energy, power, durability, and safety of systems. Current battery materials vary in their sizes, shapes, and morphology, and these have yet to meet the performance standards necessary to prevent deterioration in regard to the efficiency and reliability of beyond-lithium technologies. As a versatile and feasible technique for producing ultrathin fibers, electrospinning has been extensively developed to fabricate and engineer nanofibers of functional materials for battery applications. In this review, the basic concepts and characteristics of beyond-lithium batteries are expounded, and the fundamentals of electrospinning are reviewed. The aim is to provide a guide to researchers going into this field. Focuses are placed on how electrospinning can address some of the key technical challenges facing beyond-lithium technologies. We hope the knowledge presented in this work will stimulate the design of electrospun materials for future battery applications.
    Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    Copper-Based Catalysts for Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Reduction to Multicarbon Products
    Fangfang Chang, Meiling Xiao, Ruifang Miao, Yongpeng Liu, Mengyun Ren, Zhichao Jia, Dandan Han, Yang Yuan, Zhengyu Bai, Lin Yang
    Electrochemical Energy Reviews    2022, 5 (3): 4-.   DOI: 10.1007/s41918-022-00139-5
    Abstract1688)      PDF       Save
    Electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide into fuel and chemicals with added value represents an appealing approach to reduce the greenhouse effect and realize a carbon-neutral cycle, which has great potential in mitigating global warming and effectively storing renewable energy. The electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) usually involves multiproton coupling and multielectron transfer in aqueous electrolytes to form multicarbon products (C2+ products), but it competes with the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), which results in intrinsically sluggish kinetics and a complex reaction mechanism and places higher requirements on the design of catalysts. In this review, the advantages of electrochemical CO2 reduction are briefly introduced, and then, different categories of Cu-based catalysts, including monometallic Cu catalysts, bimetallic catalysts, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) along with MOF-derived catalysts and other catalysts, are summarized in terms of their synthesis method and conversion of CO2 to C2+ products in aqueous solution. The catalytic mechanisms of these catalysts are subsequently discussed for rational design of more efficient catalysts. In response to the mechanisms, several material strategies to enhance the catalytic behaviors are proposed, including surface facet engineering, interface engineering, utilization of strong metal-support interactions and surface modification. Based on the above strategies, challenges and prospects are proposed for the future development of CO2RR catalysts for industrial applications.
    Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    Toward alkaline-stable anion exchange membranes in fuel cells: cycloaliphatic quaternary ammonium-based anion conductors
    Jiandang Xue, Junfeng Zhang, Xin Liu, Tong Huang, Haifei Jiang, Yan Yin, Yanzhou Qin, Michael D. Guiver
    Electrochemical Energy Reviews    2022, 5 (2): 348-400.   DOI: 10.1007/s41918-021-00105-7
    Abstract2996)      PDF       Save
    Anion exchange membrane (AEM) stability has been a long-standing challenge that limited the widespread development and adoption of AEM fuel cells (AEMFCs). The past five years have been a period of exceptional progress in the development of several alkaline-stable AEMs with remarkable both ex situ and in situ AEMFC stability. Certain cycloaliphatic quaternary ammonium (cQA) (mainly five- and six-membered) based AEMs appear to be among those having the most promising overall performance. In this review, we categorize cQAs as cage-like (such as quaternized 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, (QDABCO) and quinuclidinium), non-cage-like (such as pyrrolidinium and piperidinium) and N-spirocyclic (such as 6-azonia-spiro[5.5]undecane (ASU)). The degradation mechanisms of categorized cQAs are first elucidated. Through an understanding of how the cations are attacked by strongly nucleophilic OH-, improved structural design of incorporating alkaline-stable cations into AEMs is facilitated. Before a detailed description and comparison of the alkaline stability of cQAs and their respective AEMs, current protocols for the assessment of alkaline stability are discussed in detail. Furthermore, the initial AEMFC performance and fuel cell performance stability based on cQA AEMs are also examined. The main focus and highlight of this review are recent advances (2015-2020) of cQA-based AEMs, which exhibit both excellent cation and membrane alkaline stability. We aim to shed light on the development of alkaline-stable cQA-type AEMs, which are trending in the AEM community, and to provide insights into possible solutions for designing long-lived AEM materials.
    Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    Metal–Organic Frameworks and Their Derivatives as Cathodes for Lithium-Ion Battery Applications: A Review
    R. Chenna Krishna Reddy, Xiaoming Lin, Akif Zeb, Cheng-Yong Su
    Electrochemical Energy Reviews    2022, 5 (2): 312-347.   DOI: 10.1007/s41918-021-00101-x
    Abstract2998)      PDF       Save
    The development of energy storage technology is important for resolving the issues and challenges of utilizing sustainable green energy in modern-day society. As an emerging technology, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are a common source of power for a wide variety of electronic devices, and major advances require the development and exploitation of new electrode materials; thus, fundamental knowledge of their atomic and nanoscale properties is necessary. By moving beyond conventional cathode candidates, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) chemistry provides an excellent direction for designing and developing promising high-performance cathode materials for use in LIBs. Here, we carry out an overarching discussion on the development and application of MOFs and their derivatives as cathodes for lithium-ion battery applications. A timely overview of the exciting progress of MOFs as well as MOF-derived metallic components is highlighted. The unique characteristics of MOFs, such as their large surface area, high tunable porosity with uniform pore size, unique structural and morphological features, controllable framework composition and low densities, combine together to provide good interfacial charge transport properties and short diffusion lengths for electrons and/or ions that adequately support electrochemical redox reactions. The progress of MOFs and their derived composites as cathode candidates for LIBs is emphasized based on their electrochemical results, while also discussing the remaining issues and potential upcoming research directions.
    Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    Air Stability of Solid-State Sulfide Batteries and Electrolytes
    Pushun Lu, Dengxu Wu, Liquan Chen, Hong Li, Fan Wu
    Electrochemical Energy Reviews    2022, 5 (3): 3-.   DOI: 10.1007/s41918-022-00149-3
    Abstract1751)      PDF       Save
    Sulfides have been widely acknowledged as one of the most promising solid electrolytes (SEs) for all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) due to their superior ionic conductivity and favourable mechanical properties. However, the extremely poor air stability of sulfide SEs leads to destroyed structure/performance and release of toxic H2S gas, which greatly limits mass-production/practical application of sulfide SEs and ASSBs. This review is designed to serve as an all-inclusive handbook for studying this critical issue. First, the research history and milestone breakthroughs of this field are reviewed, and this is followed by an in-depth elaboration of the theoretical paradigms that have been developed thus far, including the random network theory of glasses, hard and soft acids and bases (HSAB) theory, thermodynamic analysis and kinetics of interfacial reactions. Moreover, the characterization of air stability is reviewed from the perspectives of H2S generation, morphology evolution, mass change, component/structure variations and electrochemical performance. Furthermore, effective strategies for improving the air stabilities of sulfide SEs are highlighted, including H2S absorbents, elemental substitution, design of new materials, surface engineering and sulfide-polymer composite electrolytes. Finally, future research directions are proposed for benign development of air stability for sulfide SEs and ASSBs.
    Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    Solid-State Electrochemistry and Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Status and Future Prospects
    San Ping Jiang
    Electrochemical Energy Reviews    2022, 5 (S1): 21-.   DOI: 10.1007/s41918-022-00160-8
    Abstract251)      PDF       Save
    Solid-state electrochemistry (SSE) is an interdisciplinary field bridging electrochemistry and solid-state ionics and deals primarily with the properties of solids that conduct ions in the case of ionic conducting solid electrolytes and electrons and/or electron holes in the case of mixed ionic and electronic conducting materials. However, in solid-state devices such as solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), there are unique electrochemical features due to the high operating temperature (600-1 000℃) and solid electrolytes and electrodes. The solid-to-solid contact at the electrode/electrolyte interface is one of the most distinguished features of SOFCs and is one of the fundamental reasons for the occurrence of most importance phenomena such as shift of the equipotential lines, the constriction effect, polarization-induced interface formation, etc. in SOFCs. The restriction in placing the reference electrode in solid electrolyte cells further complicates the SSE in SOFCs. In addition, the migration species at the solid electrode/electrolyte interface is oxygen ions, while in the case of the liquid electrolyte system, the migration species is electrons. The increased knowledge and understanding of SSE phenomena have guided the development of SOFC technologies in the last 30-40 years, but thus far, no up-to-date reviews on this important topic have appeared. The purpose of the current article is to review and update the progress and achievements in the SSE in SOFCs, largely based on the author's past few decades of research and understanding in the feld, and to serve as an introduction to the basics of the SSE in solid electrolyte devices such as SOFCs.
    Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    Prussian Blue Analogues as Electrodes for Aqueous Monovalent Ion Batteries
    Shen Qiu, Yunkai Xu, Xianyong Wu, Xiulei Ji
    Electrochemical Energy Reviews    2022, 5 (2): 242-262.   DOI: 10.1007/s41918-020-00088-x
    Abstract3081)      PDF       Save
    Aqueous batteries have engendered increasing attention as promising solutions for stationary energy storage due to their potentially low cost and innate safety. In various aqueous battery systems, Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) represent a class of promising electrode materials with fascinating electrochemical performance, owing to their large open frameworks, abundant ion insertion sites, and facile preparation. To date, PBAs have shown substantial progress towards storage of alkali metal ions (Li+, Na+, and K+), H+, and NH4+ in aqueous electrolytes, which, however, has yet not been specifically summarized. This review selects some representative research to introduce the progress of PBAs in these battery systems and aims to discuss the crucial role of ionic charge carrier in affecting the overall electrode performance. Besides, some critical knowledge gaps and challenges of PBA materials have been pointed out for future development.
    Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    Catalyst Design for Electrolytic CO2 Reduction Toward Low-Carbon Fuels and Chemicals
    Yipeng Zang, Pengfei Wei, Hefei Li, Dunfeng Gao, Guoxiong Wang
    Electrochemical Energy Reviews    2022, 5 (S1): 29-.   DOI: 10.1007/s41918-022-00140-y
    Abstract193)      PDF       Save
    Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is an attractive way to simultaneously convert CO2 into value-added fuels and chemicals as well as to store intermittent electricity derived from renewable energy. However, this process involves multiple proton and electron transfer steps and is kinetically sluggish, thus leading to low conversion efficiency from electrical energy to chemical energy. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop highly efficient CO2RR catalysts with high activity, selectivity and stability. In this review, we firstly introduce the fundamentals of CO2RR and then discuss the synthesis, characterization, catalytic performance and reaction mechanism of various catalysts based on specific CO2RR products. The structure-performance relationships of some representative catalyst systems are highlighted, benefiting from advanced electrochemical in situ and operando spectroscopic characterizations. At the end, we illustrate existing challenges and emerging research directions, to design new generation of highly efficient catalysts and to advance both fundamental research and practical application of CO2RR to low-carbon fuels and chemicals.
    Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    Recent Progress in Surface Coatings for Sodium-Ion Battery Electrode Materials
    Tyler Or, Storm W. D. Gourley, Karthikeyan Kaliyappan, Yun Zheng, Matthew Li, Zhongwei Chen
    Electrochemical Energy Reviews    2022, 5 (S1): 20-.   DOI: 10.1007/s41918-022-00137-7
    Abstract279)      PDF       Save
    Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are an emerging technology regarded as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), particularly for stationary energy storage. However, due to complications associated with the large size of the Na+ charge carrier, the cycling stability and rate performance of SIBs are generally inadequate for commercial applications. Due to their similar chemistry and operating mechanism to LIBs, many improvement strategies derived from extensive LIB research are directly translatable to SIBs. In addition to doping and tailoring of the particle morphology, applying coatings is a promising approach to improve the performance of existing electrode materials. Coatings can mitigate side reactions at the electrode-electrolyte interface, restrict active material dissolution, provide reinforcement against particle degradation, and/or enhance electrode kinetics. This review provides a comprehensive overview and comparison of coatings applied to SIB intercalation cathodes and anodes. Coatings are categorized based on their mechanism of action and deposition method. Key classes of SIB electrode materials are introduced, and promising coating strategies to improve the performance of each material are then discussed. These insights can help guide rational design of high-performance SIB electrodes.
    Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    Engineering Gas–Solid–Liquid Triple-Phase Interfaces for Electrochemical Energy Conversion Reactions
    Chen-Chen Weng, Xian-Wei Lv, Jin-Tao Ren, Tian-Yi Ma, Zhong-Yong Yuan
    Electrochemical Energy Reviews    2022, 5 (S1): 19-.   DOI: 10.1007/s41918-022-00133-x
    Abstract182)      PDF       Save
    The fundamental water cycle, carbon cycle and nitrogen cycle relying on heterogeneous gas-involving electrocatalytic processes have attracted extensive attention due to their critical contributions to clean, sustainable and energy-environmental electrochemical devices. The development of electrocatalytic materials has afforded gradually improved electrocatalytic reaction efficiency and increasingly promising implementation of electrochemical techniques. In gas-involving electrocatalytic reactions, apart from the intrinsic reaction kinetics, the microenvironment at the triple-phase interfaces of the solid catalyst, liquid electrolyte and gaseous reactant or product under reaction conditions can exert a significant effect on the eventual electrochemical performance since the key issues, including mass transport, electron conduction and accessibility of active sites, are highly sensitive to the electrocatalytic processes. Herein, we systematically summarize the up-to-date progress in energy-related electrocatalysts based on gas-liquid-solid triple-phase interface engineering in terms of an active-site-enriched surface, decent gas wettability and electrolyte infiltration and favorable electronic conductivity. To establish universal theory-structure-function relationships based on triple-phase interface engineering, the corresponding insightful understanding, architecture design/constituent regulation of electrocatalytic materials and admirable electrocatalytic activity are discussed, simultaneously revealing the practical energy-related applications in water electrolyzers, metal-based batteries and fuel cells. Finally, the remaining challenges, possible opportunities and future perspectives are highlighted.
    Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    Recent Progress and Design Principles for Rechargeable Lithium Organic Batteries
    Xiudong Chen, Xiaojie Yin, Junaid Aslam, Weiwei Sun, Yong Wang
    Electrochemical Energy Reviews    2022, 5 (4): 12-.   DOI: 10.1007/s41918-022-00135-9
    Abstract1984)      PDF       Save
    The most commonly used electrode materials in lithium organic batteries (LOBs) are redox-active organic materials, which have the advantages of low cost, environmental safety, and adjustable structures. Although the use of organic materials as electrodes in LOBs has been reported, these materials have not attained the same recognition as inorganic electrode materials, mainly due to their slight electronic conductivity and possible solubility in organic electrolytes, resulting in a low reversible capacity. However, over the past 10 years, organic materials have achieved outstanding results when used as battery electrodes, and an increasing number of researchers have realized their significance. This review summarizes the recent progress in organic electrodes for use in rechargeable LOBs. By classifying Li-storage mechanisms with various functional organic groups and designing molecules for next-generation advanced lithium organic systems, we attempt to analyze the working principle and the effect of various organic functionalities on electrochemical performance, to reveal the advantages and disadvantages of various organic molecules and to propose possible design principles and development trends for future LOBs. In addition, we highlight the recently reported two-dimensional covalent organic framework that is unique in its extensive π conjugated structure and Li-storage mechanisms based on benzene and N-containing rings; this framework is considered to be the most promising alternative to metal-based electrode materials with comparable large reversible capacities and long cycle lives.
    Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    Innovative Strategies for Overall Water Splitting Using Nanostructured Transition Metal Electrocatalysts
    Asad Ali, Fei Long, Pei Kang Shen
    Electrochemical Energy Reviews    2022, 5 (4): 1-.   DOI: 10.1007/s41918-022-00136-8
    Abstract2123)      PDF       Save
    Electrochemical water splitting is regarded as the most auspicious technology for renewable sources, transport, and storage of hydrogen energy. Currently, noble Pt metal and noble-metal oxides (IrO2 and RuO2) are recognized as state-of-the-art electrocatalysts for both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), respectively. Searching for earth-abundant electrocatalysts for the HER and OER with remarkable performance and high stability to replace precious metals plays a significant role in the commercial application of electrochemical water splitting. In this review, recent advancements in nanostructured transition metal electrocatalysts are assessed through the selected examples of nitrides, carbides, phosphides, sulfides, borides, layered double hydroxides, and oxides. Recent breakthroughs in nanostructured transition metal electrocatalysts are discussed in terms of their mechanisms, controllable production, structural design, and innovative strategies for boosting their performance. For instance, most nanostructured transition metal electrocatalysts for overall water splitting (OWS) only function well in neutral and alkaline solutions. Finally, current research challenges and future perspectives for increasing the performance of nanostructured transition metals for OWS are proposed.
    Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    Recent Advances and Perspectives of Electrochemical CO2 Reduction Toward C2+ Products on Cu-Based Catalysts
    Xiaodeng Wang, Qi Hu, Guodong Li, Hengpan Yang, Chuanxin He
    Electrochemical Energy Reviews    2022, 5 (S2): 28-.   DOI: 10.1007/s41918-022-00171-5
    Abstract274)      PDF       Save
    Renewable-electricity-powered electrochemical CO2 reduction reactions (CO2RR) to highly value-added multi-carbon (C2+) fuels or chemicals have been widely recognized as a promising approach for achieving carbon recycling and thus bringing about sustainable environmental and economic benefits. Cu-based catalysts have been demonstrated as the only candidate metal CO2RR electrocatalysts that catalyze the C-C coupling. Unfortunately, huge challenges still exist in the highly selective CO2RR to C2+ products due to the higher activation barrier of C-C coupling and complex multi-electron reaction. Key fundamental issues regarding both active species and product formation pathways have not been elucidated by now, but recent developments of advanced strategies and characterization tools allow one to comprehensively understand the Cu-based CO2RR mechanism. Herein, we review recent advance and perspective of Cu-based CO2RR catalysts, especially in terms of active phases and product formation pathways. Then, strategies in catalysts design for CO2RR toward C2+ products are also presented. Importantly, we systematically summarized the advanced tools for investigating the CO2RR mechanism, including in situ/operando spectroscopy techniques, isotope labeling, and theoretical calculations, aiming at unifying the knowledge of active species and product formation pathways. Finally, future challenges and constructive perspectives are discussed, facilitating the accelerated advancement of CO2RR mechanism research.
    Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    Focus on the Electroplating Chemistry of Li Ions in Nonaqueous Liquid Electrolytes: Toward Stable Lithium Metal Batteries
    Hongmei Liang, Li Wang, Li Sheng, Hong Xu, Youzhi Song, Xiangming He
    Electrochemical Energy Reviews    2022, 5 (S2): 23-.   DOI: 10.1007/s41918-022-00158-2
    Abstract255)      PDF       Save
    Lithium metal anodes (LMAs) show unique superiority for secondary batteries because they possess the lowest molar mass and reduction potential among metallic elements. It can diminish the large gap in energy density between secondary batteries and fossil fuels. However, notorious dendrite propagation gives rise to large volume expansion, low reversibility and potential safety hazards, making the commercial application of LMAs a perennial challenge. The booming development in material characterization deepens the understanding of the dendrite formation mechanism, and the great progress made via nanotechnology-based solutions hastens practical procedures. In this paper, we highlight the current understanding of lithium dendrites. We first illustrate different nucleation theories and growth patterns of lithium dendrites. According to the growth patterns, we classify dendrites into three categories to accurately describe their different formation mechanisms. Then, we concentrate on the factors that may lead to dendritic deposits in each electroplating step. The dendritic morphology originates from the inhomogeneity of Li atoms, electrons, mass transport in the bulk electrolyte and the solid electrolyte interphase. Different inducements lead to different growth patterns. Based on this understanding, strategies for controlling lithium plating are divided into five methodologies. Reasonable integration of the strategies is expected to provide new ideas for basic research and practical application of LMAs. Finally, current limitations and advice for future research are proposed, aiming at inspiring engaged contributors and new entrants to explore scalable solutions for early realization of industrialization.
    Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    Perovskite Cathode Materials for Low-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Fundamentals to Optimization
    Zhiheng Li, Mengran Li, Zhonghua Zhu
    Electrochemical Energy Reviews    2022, 5 (2): 263-311.   DOI: 10.1007/s41918-021-00098-3
    Abstract3013)      PDF       Save
    Acceleration of the oxygen reduction reaction at the cathode is paramount in the development of low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells. At low operating temperatures between 450 and 600℃, the interactions between the surface and the bulk of the cathode materials greatly impact the electrode kinetics and consequently determine the overall efficacy and long-term stability of the fuel cells. This review will provide an overview of the recent progress in the understanding of surface-bulk interactions in perovskite oxides as well as their impact on cathode reactivity and stability. This review will also summarize current strategies in the development of cathode materials through bulk doping and surface functionalization. In addition, this review will highlight the roles of surface segregation in the mediation of surface and bulk interactions, which have profound impacts on the properties of cathode surfaces and the bulk and therefore overall cathode performance. Although trade-offs between reactivity and stability commonly exist in terms of catalyst design, opportunities also exist in attaining optimal cathode performance through the modulation of both cathode surfaces and bulk using combined strategies. This review will conclude with future research directions involving investigations into the role of oxygen vacancy and mobility in catalysis, the rational modulation of surface-bulk interactions and the use of advanced fabrication techniques, all of which can lead to optimized cathode performance.
    Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0