Table of Content

20 December 2024, Volume 7 Issue 4

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Progress of Main-Group Metal-Based Single-Atom Catalysts

Tongzhou Wang, Yuhan Sun, Genyuan Fu, Zhiqi Jiang, Xuerong Zheng, Jihong Li, Yida Deng

2024, 7(4):  29.  doi:10.1007/s41918-024-00213-0

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Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have emerged as promising materials in energy conversion and storage systems due to their maximal atom utilization, unique electronic structure, and high efficiency. Among them, main-group metal-based SACs (the s-block and p-block metals) are emerging extraordinary materials and have attracted particular interest in the past few years but are still confronted with several challenges. Initiating with a critical overview of the fundamentals and unique advantages associated with main-group metals, the review proceeds to highlight several types of main-group metal-based SACs. These include s-block metals such as Mg and Ca, and p-block metals such as In, Bi, Al, Ga, Sb, Se, and Sn. The applications of these SACs in diverse chemical energy conversion processes are thoroughly explored. Finally, to promote the future development of highly efficient main-group metal SACs, the critical challenges and prospects in this emerging field are proposed. This review presents a fresh impetus and solid platform for the rational design and synthesis of high-performance main-group metal SAC catalysts for chemical energy conversion fields.



Protecting Lithium Metal Anodes in Solid-State Batteries

Yuxi Zhong, Xiaoyu Yang, Ruiqi Guo, Liqing Zhai, Xinran Wang, Feng Wu, Chuan Wu, Ying Bai

2024, 7(4):  30.  doi:10.1007/s41918-024-00230-z

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Lithium metal is considered a highly promising anode material because of its low reduction potential and high theoretical specific capacity. However, lithium metal is prone to irreversible side reactions with liquid electrolytes, resulting in the consumption of metallic lithium and electrolytes due to the high reactivity of lithium metal. The uneven plating/stripping of lithium ions leads to the growth of lithium dendrites and battery safety risks, hindering the further development and commercial application of lithium metal batteries (LMBs). Constructing solid-state electrolyte (SSE) systems with high mechanical strength and low flammability is among the most effective strategies for suppressing dendrite growth and improving the safety of LMBs. However, the structural defects, intrinsic ionic conductivity, redox potential and solid-solid contacts of SSEs can cause new electrochemical problems and solid-phase dendrite growth drawbacks in the application of solid-state batteries (SSBs). In this review, the mechanisms of lithium dendrite growth in SSEs are comprehensively summarized. Strategies to suppress lithium dendrite growth, stabilize the interface, and enhance ion transport in organic, inorganic and composite SSEs are emphasized. We conclude with not only relevant experimental findings but also computational predictions to qualitatively and quantitatively characterize the ionic conductivity, interfacial stability and other properties of SSEs based on both chemical and physical principles. The development direction and urgent problems of SSEs are summarized and discussed.



Li Alloy/Li Halide Mixed Layer: An Emerging Star for Electro-Chemo-Mechanically Stable Li/Electrolyte Interface

Jiaqi Cao, Guangyuan Du, Guoyu Qian, Xueyi Lu, Yang Sun, Xia Lu

2024, 7(4):  31.  doi:10.1007/s41918-024-00229-6

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Lithium-ion batteries are limited by the low energy density of graphite anodes and are gradually becoming unable to meet the demand for energy storage development. A further increase in high capacity requires new battery materials and chemistry, such as the innovative lithium metal anodes (LMAs). However, the actual commercialization of LMAs is limited by the unstable Li/electrolyte interface, impeding their progress from the laboratory to industrial production. To address these problems, constructing a Li alloy/Li halide mixed layer upon a Li surface is considered to be an ideal direction because of the combined advantages of Li alloys and Li halides. In this context, by comparing the limitations of self-generated solid electrolyte interfaces, the unique merits of Li alloys and Li halides are discussed in depth with summaries of their respective advances. Accordingly, mixed layers of Li alloy/Li halides are introduced, and the mechanisms of Li deposition behaviors are clearly described, along with their manufacturing strategies and recent progress. Moreover, the emerging techniques for interface characterization are also comprehensively summarized. Furthermore, the necessary considerations and outlooks for the future design of Li alloy/Li halide mixed layers are highlighted, with the aim of elucidating the structure-property relationships and providing rational directions for the attainment of the next-generation high-performance batteries.



Strategies for Intelligent Detection and Fire Suppression of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Zezhuo Li, Jianlong Cong, Yi Ding, Yan Yang, Kai Huang, Xiaoyu Ge, Kai Chen, TaoZeng, Zhimei Huang, Chun Fang, Yunhui Huang

2024, 7(4):  32.  doi:10.1007/s41918-024-00232-x

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Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been extensively used in electronic devices, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems due to their high energy density, environmental friendliness, and longevity. However, LIBs are sensitive to environmental conditions and prone to thermal runaway (TR), fire, and even explosion under conditions of mechanical, electrical, and/or thermal abuse. These unpredictable hazardous consequences significantly limit the commercial applications of LIBs. Thus, these safety issues need to be urgently addressed. In this review, the TR mechanisms and fire characteristics of LIBs are systematically discussed. Battery thermal safety monitoring methods, including the traditional technologies such as temperature, voltage, and gas sensors, as well as the latest new technologies such as optical fiber sensors and ultrasonic imaging, are summarized. A battery thermal management system (BTMS) based on various cooling methods and new insights into the BTMS are briefly presented. According to the fire characteristics of LIBs, nonaqueous and water-based fire extinguishing agents are comprehensively summarized and compared, and the concept of an intelligent fire protection system is discussed. Based on the analysis of the thermal safety issues for preventing possible TRs and for extinguishing an already uncontrollable fire, a complete set of solutions for the thermal safety of LIBs is proposed. In this review, integrated strategies for intelligent detection and fire suppression of LIBs are presented and can provide theoretical guidance for key material design and intellectual safety systems to promote wide application of LIBs.



A Deep Dive into Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries: from Degradation

Xue Bai, Yanzhi Sun, Xifei Li, Rui He, Zhenfa Liu, Junqing Pan, Jiujun Zhang

2024, 7(4):  33.  doi:10.1007/s41918-024-00231-y

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To address the rapidly growing demand for energy storage and power sources, large quantities of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been manufactured, leading to severe shortages of lithium and cobalt resources. Retired lithium-ion batteries are rich in metal, which easily causes environmental hazards and resource scarcity problems. The appropriate disposal of retired LIBs is a pressing issue. Echelon utilization and electrode material recycling are considered the two key solutions to addressing these challenges. Consequently, both approaches have become integral to the life cycle of LIBs, encompassing production and use. The pressure to protect the ecological environment and the scarcity of metal resources have necessitated the importance of echelon utilization and material recycling of retired LIBs. These practices have emerged as important contributors to the sustainable development of the battery industry. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the echelon utilization and material recycling of retired batteries. First, the reasons for the performance degradation of LIBs during use are comprehensively analyzed, and the necessity of recycling retired batteries is analyzed from the perspectives of ecology and safety, sustainable development, economy, energy conservation and emission reduction. Second, the key technologies, problems and challenges faced by the current echelon utilization are summarized, as are typical application examples at home and abroad. Third, the recycling technology of waste LIB materials is systematically summarized, including traditional recycling technology and new green recycling technology, as well as direct recycling technology for waste LIB materials. Finally, the potential for echelon utilization and the recycling of waste battery materials are explored, and several conclusions are drawn.



The Origin, Characterization, and Precise Design and Regulation of Diverse Hard Carbon

Junjie Liu, Ling Huang, Huiqun Wang, Liyuan Sha, Miao Liu, Zhefei Sun, Jiawei Gu, Haodong Liu, Jinbao Zhao, Qiaobao Zhang, Li Zhang

2024, 7(4):  34.  doi:10.1007/s41918-024-00234-9

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Hard carbon, a prominent member of carbonaceous materials, shows immense potential as a high-performance anode for energy storage in batteries, attracting significant attention. Its structural diversity offers superior performance and high tunability, making it ideal for use as an anode in lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, and potassium-ion batteries. To develop higher-performance hard carbon anode materials, extensive research has been conducted to understand the storage mechanisms of alkali metal ions in hard carbon. Building on this foundation, this paper provides an in-depth review of the relationship between the structure of hard carbon and its electrochemical properties with alkali metal ions. It emphasizes the structural design and characterization of hard carbon, the storage mechanisms of alkali metal ions, and key strategies for structural modulation. Additionally, it offers a forward-looking perspective on the future potential of hard carbon. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of hard carbon anodes in battery research and highlights the promising future of this rapidly evolving field in advancing the development of next-generation alkali metal-ion batteries.



A Review of Multiscale Mechanical Failures in Lithium-Ion Batteries: Implications for Performance, Lifetime and Safety

Senming Wu, Ying Chen, Weiling Luan, Haofeng Chen, Liping Huo, Meng Wang, Shan-tung Tu

2024, 7(4):  35.  doi:10.1007/s41918-024-00233-w

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Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are susceptible to mechanical failures that can occur at various scales, including particle, electrode and overall cell levels. These failures are influenced by a combination of multi-physical fields of electrochemical, mechanical and thermal factors, making them complex and multi-physical in nature. The consequences of these mechanical failures on battery performance, lifetime and safety vary depending on the specific type of failure. However, the complex nature of mechanical degradation in batteries often involves interrelated processes, in which different failure mechanisms interact and evolve. Despite extensive research efforts, the detailed mechanisms behind these failures still require further clarification. To bridge this knowledge gap, this review systematically investigates three key aspects: multiscale mechanical failures; their implications for performance, lifetime and safety; and the interconnections between the different types and scales of the mechanical failures. By adopting a multiscale and multidisciplinary perspective, fragmented ideas from current research are integrated into a comprehensive framework, providing a deeper understanding of the mechanical behaviors and interactions within LIBs. We highlight the main characteristics of mechanical failures in LIBs and present valuable insights and prospects in four key areas of theories, materials, designs and applications, for improving the performance, lifetime and safety of LIBs by addressing current challenges in the field. As a valuable resource, this review may serve as a bridge for researchers from diverse disciplines, facilitating their understanding of mechanical failures in LIBs and encouraging further advancements in the field.



Noble and Non-Noble Metal Based Catalysts for Electrochemical Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia: Activity, Selectivity and Stability

Israr Masood ul Hasan, Nengneng Xu, Yuyu Liu, Muhammad Zubair Nawaz, Haitao Feng, Jinli Qiao

2024, 7(4):  36.  doi:10.1007/s41918-024-00236-7

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Excessive nitrate (NO₃⁻) contamination has emerged as a critical environmental issue owing to the widespread use of nitrogen-based fertilizers, fossil fuel combustion, and the discharge of industrial and domestic effluents. Consequently, electrochemical nitrate reduction (eNO₃R) to ammonia (NH₃) has emerged as a promising alternative to the traditional Haber-Bosch process. However, the industrial implementation of eNO₃R is hindered by low catalytic activity, poor selectivity, and limited stability owing to competing hydrogen evolution reactions. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in eNO₃R, particularly evaluating the catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability of both noble and non-noble metal catalysts. This review elucidates innovative catalyst design strategies, state-of-the-art developments, and potential directions for future research. Additionally, the paper explores the fundamental mechanisms underlying eNO₃R for NH₃ production, including electrocatalyst development methodologies, electrolyte effects, in situ characterization techniques, theoretical modeling, and cell design considerations. Moreover, factors influencing NH₃ selectivity and catalyst structural composition are thoroughly examined. Finally, this review provides comprehensive insights into optimizing eNO₃R processes for synthesizing NH₃, which can promote further advancements in this field.