Electrochromic-Induced Rechargeable Aqueous Batteries: An Integrated Multifunctional System for Cross-Domain Applications.

Multifunctional electrochromic-induced rechargeable aqueous batteries (MERABs) integrate electrochromism and aqueous ion batteries into one platform, which is able to deliver the conversion and storage of photo-thermal-electrochemical sources. Aqueous ion batteries compensate for the drawbacks of slow kinetic reactions and unsatisfied storage capacities of electrochromic devices. On the other hand, electrochromic technology can enable dynamically regulation of solar light and heat radiation. However, MERABs still face several technical issues, including a trade-off between electrochromic and electrochemical performance, low conversion efficiency and poor service life. In this connection, novel device configuration and electrode materials, and an optimized compatibility need to be considered for multidisciplinary applications. In this review, the unique advantages, key challenges and advanced applications are elucidated in a timely and comprehensive manner. Firstly, the prerequisites for effective integration of the working mechanism and device configuration, as well as the choice of electrode materials are examined. Secondly, the latest advances in the applications of MERABs are discussed, including wearable, self-powered, integrated systems and multisystem conversion. Finally, perspectives on the current challenges and future development are outlined, highlighting the giant leap required from laboratory prototypes to large-scale production and eventual commercialization.

Molecular-Crowding Effect Mimicking Cold-Resistant Plants to Stabilize the Zinc Anode with Wider Service Temperature Range.

Growth of dendrites, the low plating/stripping efficiency of Zn anodes, and the high freezing point of aqueous electrolytes hinder the practical application of aqueous Zn-ion batteries. Here, a zwitterionic osmolyte-based molecular crowding electrolyte is presented, by adding betaine (Bet, a by-product from beet plant) to the aqueous electrolyte, to solve the abovementioned problems. Substantive verification tests, density functional theory calculations, and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations consistently reveal that side reactions and growth of Zn dendrites are restrained because Bet can break Zn2+ solvation and regulate oriented 2D Zn2+ deposition. The Bet/ZnSO4 electrolyte enables superior reversibility in a Zn-Cu half-cell to achieve a high Coulombic efficiency >99.9% for 900 cycles (≈1800 h), and dendrite-free Zn plating/stripping in Zn-Zn cells for 4235 h at 0.5 mA cm-2 and 0.5 mAh cm-2 . Furthermore, a high concentration of Bet lowers the freezing point of the electrolyte to -92 °C via the molecular-crowding effect, which ensures the stable operation of the aqueous batteries at -30 °C. This innovative concept of such a molecular crowding electrolyte will inject new vitality into the development of multifunctional aqueous electrolytes.

3D Sodiophilic Ti3C2 MXene@g-C3N4 Hetero-Interphase Raises the Stability of Sodium Metal Anodes.

Owing to several advantages of metallic sodium (Na), such as a relatively high theoretical capacity, low redox potential, wide availability, and low cost, Na metal batteries are being extensively studied, which are expected to play a major role in the fields of electric vehicles and grid-scale energy storage. Although considerable efforts have been devoted to utilizing MXene-based materials for suppressing Na dendrites, achieving a stable cycling of Na metal anodes remains extremely challenging due to, for example, the low Coulombic efficiency (CE) caused by the severe side reactions. Herein, a g-C3N4 layer was attached in situ on the Ti3C2 MXene surface, inducing a surface state reconstruction and thus forming a stable hetero-interphase with excellent sodiophilicity between the MXene and g-C3N4 to inhibit side reactions and guide uniform Na ion flux. The 3D construction can not only lower the local current density to facilitate uniform Na plating/stripping but also mitigate volume change to stabilize the electrolyte/electrode interphase. Thus, the 3D Ti3C2 MXene@g-C3N4 nanocomposite enables much enhanced average CEs (99.9% at 1 mA h cm-2, 0.5 mA cm-2) in asymmetric half cells, long-term stability (up to 700 h) for symmetric cells, and stable cycling (up to 800 cycles at 2 C), together with outstanding rate capability (up to 20 C), of full cells. The present study demonstrates an approach in developing practically high performance for Na metal anodes.