Achieving Ultralong-Cycle Zinc-Ion Battery via Synergistically Electronic and Structural Regulation of a MnO2 Nanocrystal-Carbon Hybrid Framework.

Aqueous rechargeable zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have attracted burgeoning interests owing to the prospect in large-scale and safe energy storage application. Although manganese oxides are one of the typical cathodes of ZIBs, their practical usage is still hindered by poor service life and rate performance. Here, a MnO2 -carbon hybrid framework is reported, which is obtained in a reaction between the dimethylimidazole ligand from a rational designed MOF array and potassium permanganate, achieving ultralong-cycle-life ZIBs. The unique structural feature of uniform MnO2 nanocrystals which are well-distributed in the carbon matrix leads to a 90.4% capacity retention after 50 000 cycles. In situ characterization and theoretical calculations verify the co-ions intercalation with boosted reaction kinetics. The hybridization between MnO2 and carbon endows the hybrid with enhanced electrons/ions transport kinetics and robust structural stability. This work provides a facile strategy to enhance the battery performance of manganese oxide-based ZIBs.

Achieving Highly Reversible Zinc Anodes via N, N-Dimethylacetamide Enabled Zn-Ion Solvation Regulation.

Although aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are promising for scalable energy storage application, the actual performance of ZIBs is hampered by the irreversibility. Optimization of electrolyte composition is a relatively practical and facile way to improve coulombic efficiency (CE) and Zn plating/stripping reversibility of ZIBs. N,N-Dimethylacetamide (DMA) has a higher Gutmann donor number (DN) than that of H2 O, abundant polar groups, and economic price. Herein, a mixture electrolyte containing 10 vol% DMA and ZnSO4 , which has an enhanced Zn reversibility almost fourfold higher than that of pure ZnSO4 electrolyte, is demonstrated. The density functional theory (DFT) calculation and spectroscopic analysis reveal DMA has the ability to reconstruct the solvation structure of Zn2+ and capture free water molecules via forming Hbonds. The inhibited dendrite growth on Zn anode is further clarified by an in situ characterization. This work provides a feasible way for the development of long-lifespan ZIBs.

Metal-Organic Framework-Based Materials for Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries: Energy Storage Mechanism and Function.

Aqueous rechargeable zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) featuring competitive performance, low cost and high safety hold great promise for applications in grid-scale energy storage and portable electronic devices. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), relying on their large framework structure and abundant active sites, have been identified as promising materials in ZIBs. This review comprehensively presents the current development of MOF-based materials including MOFs and their derivatives in ZIBs, which begins with Zn storage mechanism of MOFs, followed by introduction of various types of MOF-based cathode materials (PB and PBA, Mn-based MOF, V-based MOF, conductive MOF and their derivatives), and the regulation approaches for Zn deposition behavior. The key factors and optimization strategies of MOF-based materials that affect ZIBs performance are emphasized and discussed. Finally, the challenges and further research directions of MOF-based materials for advanced zinc-ion batteries are provided.

High-Yield Exfoliation of Ultrathin 2D Ni3 Cr2 P2 S9 and Ni3 Cr2 P2 Se9 Nanosheets.

Multinary layered 2D nanomaterials can exhibit distinct physicochemical properties and innovative applications as compared to binary 2D nanomaterials due to their unique crystal structures. However, it still remains a challenge for the high-yield preparation of high-quality multinary 2D nanosheets. Here, the high-yield and large-scale production of two quaternary metal thiophosphate nanosheets are reported, i.e., Ni3 Cr2 P2 S9 and Ni3 Cr2 P2 Se9 , via the liquid exfoliation of their layered bulk crystals. The exfoliated single-crystalline Ni3 Cr2 P2 S9 nanosheets, with a lateral size ranging from a few hundred nanometers to a few micrometers and thickness of 1.4 ± 0.2 nm, can be easily used to prepare flexible thin films via a simple vacuum filtration process. As a proof-of-concept application, the fabricated thin film is used as a supercapacitor electrode with good specific capacitance. These high-yield, large-scale, solution-processable quaternary metal thiophosphate nanosheets could also be promising in other applications like biosensors, cancer therapies, and flexible electronics.

Ultra-Fast and Scalable Saline Immersion Strategy Enabling Uniform Zn Nucleation and Deposition for High-Performance Zn-Ion Batteries.

Although aqueous Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs) with low cost and high safety show great potential in large-scale energy storage system, metallic Zn anode still suffers from unsatisfactory cycle stability due to unregulated growth of Zn dendrites, corrosion, and formation of various side products during electrochemical reaction. Here, an ultrafast and simple method to achieve a stable Zn anode is developed. By simply immersing a Zn plate into an aqueous solution of CuSO4 for only 10-60 s, a uniform and robust protective layer (Zn4 SO4 (OH)6 ·5H2 O/Cu2 O) is formed on commercial Zn plate (Zn/ZCO), which enables uniform electric field distribution and controllable dendrite growth, leading to a long-term cycle life of over 1400 h and high average Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 99.2% at 2.0 mA cm-2 and 2.0 mAh cm-2 . These excellent characteristics of the prepared Zn anode show great potential in practical applications for high-performance aqueous Zn-ion batteries.

Unlocking active metal site of Ti-MOF for boosted heterogeneous catalysis via a facile coordinative reconstruction.

Constructing sophisticated hollow structure and exposing more metal sites in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can not only enhance their catalytic performance but also endow them with new functions. Herein, we present a facile coordinative reconstruction strategy to transform Ti-MOF polyhedron into nanosheet-assembled hollow structure with a large amount of exposed metal sites. Importantly, the reconstruction process relies on the esterification reaction between the organic solvent, i.e. ethanol and the carboxylic acid ligand, allowing the conversion of MOF without the addition of any other modulators and/or surfactants. Moreover, the surface and internal structure of the reconstructed MOF can be well tuned via altering the conversion time. Impressively, the reconstructed MOF exhibits ∼5.1-fold rate constant compared to the pristine one in an important desulfurization reaction for clean fuels production, i.e. the oxidation of dibenzothiophene.

Boosting Electrocatalytic Activity of 3d-Block Metal (Hydro)oxides by Ligand-Induced Conversion.

The 3d-transition-metal (hydro)oxides belong to a group of highly efficient, scalable and inexpensive electrocatalysts for widespread energy-related applications that feature easily tailorable crystal and electronic structures. We propose a general strategy to further boost their electrocatalytic activities by introducing organic ligands into the framework, considering that most 3d-metal (hydro)oxides usually exhibit quite strong binding with reaction intermediates and thus compromised activity due to the scaling relations. Involving weakly bonded ligands downshifts the d-band center, which narrows the band gap, and optimizes the adsorption of these intermediates. For example, the activity of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) can be greatly promoted by ≈5.7 times over a NiCo layered double hydroxide (LDH) after a terephthalic acid (TPA)-induced conversion process, arising from the reduced energy barrier of the deprotonation of OH* to O*. Impressively, the proposed ligand-induced conversion strategy is applicable to a series of 3d-block metal (hydro)oxides, including NiFe2 O4 , NiCo2 O4 , and NiZn LDH, providing a general structural upgrading scheme for existing high-performance electrocatalytic systems.

Non-3d Metal Modulation of a 2D Ni-Co Heterostructure Array as Multifunctional Electrocatalyst for Portable Overall Water Splitting.

Portable water splitting devices driven by rechargeable metal-air batteries or solar cells are promising, however, their scalable usages are still hindered by lack of suitable multifunctional electrocatalysts. Here, a highly efficient multifunctional electrocatalyst is demonstrated, i.e., 2D nanosheet array of Mo-doped NiCo2 O4 /Co5.47 N heterostructure deposited on nickel foam (Mo-NiCo2 O4 /Co5.47 N/NF). The successful doping of non-3d high-valence metal into a heterostructured nanosheet array, which is directly grown on a conductive substrate endows the resultant catalyst with balanced electronic structure, highly exposed active sites, and binder-free electrode architecture. As a result, the Mo-NiCo2 O4 /Co5.47 N/NF exhibits remarkable catalytic activity toward the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), affording high current densities of 50 mA cm-2 at low overpotentials of 310 mV for OER, and 170 mV for HER, respectively. Moreover, a low voltage of 1.56 V is achieved for the Mo-NiCo2 O4 /Co5.47 N/NF-based water splitting cell to reach 10 mA cm-2 . More importantly, a portable overall water splitting device is demonstrated through the integration of a water-splitting cell and two Zn-air batteries (open-circuit voltage of 1.43 V), which are all fabricated based on Mo-NiCo2 O4 /Co5.47 N/NF, demonstrating a low-cost way to generate fuel energy. This work offers an effective strategy to develop high-performance metal-doped heterostructured electrode.

Recent Advances in Ultrathin Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials.

Since the discovery of mechanically exfoliated graphene in 2004, research on ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials has grown exponentially in the fields of condensed matter physics, material science, chemistry, and nanotechnology. Highlighting their compelling physical, chemical, electronic, and optical properties, as well as their various potential applications, in this Review, we summarize the state-of-art progress on the ultrathin 2D nanomaterials with a particular emphasis on their recent advances. First, we introduce the unique advances on ultrathin 2D nanomaterials, followed by the description of their composition and crystal structures. The assortments of their synthetic methods are then summarized, including insights on their advantages and limitations, alongside some recommendations on suitable characterization techniques. We also discuss in detail the utilization of these ultrathin 2D nanomaterials for wide ranges of potential applications among the electronics/optoelectronics, electrocatalysis, batteries, supercapacitors, solar cells, photocatalysis, and sensing platforms. Finally, the challenges and outlooks in this promising field are featured on the basis of its current development.

Correction: Hybrid micro-/nano-structures derived from metal-organic frameworks: preparation and applications in energy storage and conversion.

Correction for 'Hybrid micro-/nano-structures derived from metal-organic frameworks: preparation and applications in energy storage and conversion' by Xiehong Cao et al., Chem. Soc. Rev., 2017, 46, 2660-2677.

Boosting Lithium Storage Properties of MOF Derivatives through a Wet-Spinning Assembled Fiber Strategy.

Graphene composite fibers are of great importance in constructing electrode materials with high flexibility and conductivity for energy storage and electronic devices. Integration of multifunctional metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) into graphene fiber scaffolds enables novel functions and enhanced physical/chemical properties. The close-packed and aligned graphene sheets along with the porous MOF-derived structures can achieve excellent lithium storage performance through synergetic effects. In this work, a facile and general strategy is demonstrated for the preparation of MOF/graphene oxide (GO) fibers, which serve as precursors for the subsequent preparation of porous metal oxide/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite fibers. The obtained composites, for example, porous Fe2 O3 /rGO and Co3 O4 /rGO fibers, possess unique features of MOF-derived porous structures and excellent electrical conductivity. When tested as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries in coin cells, the MOF/GO fiber-derived porous metal oxide/rGO composite fibers exhibited high specific capacity, excellent rate capability and cycling performance. Moreover, a flexible fiber battery was fabricated based on the Fe2 O3 /rGO composite fiber, which demonstrates its potential application for flexible electronic devices.

Fabrication of high-performance MXene-based all-solid-state flexible microsupercapacitor based on a facile scratch method.

MXenes have emerged as promising electrode materials for microsupercapacitors (MSCs) owing to their high volumetric and areal capacitances. In addition to the development of novel electrode materials, fabrication of interdigital electrodes is another key to realize high-performance MSCs. Herein, we demonstrate the patterning of few-layered Ti3C2T x nanosheets on various substrates for MSCs by a facile, fast, and nearly zero-cost 'scratch' strategy. The fabricated Ti3C2T x -based all-solid-state MSC achieves a high areal capacitance of 25.5 mF cm-2, which benefits from the unique layered structure and high electrical conductivity of the electrode. The fabricated planar MSC also delivers good cycling stability and excellent flexibility. Moreover, our fabrication strategy can be readily extended to other composite films for MSCs and become potential micropower sources for miniaturized electronic devices.

Hybrid micro-/nano-structures derived from metal-organic frameworks: preparation and applications in energy storage and conversion.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), an important class of inorganic-organic hybrid crystals with intrinsic porous structures, can be used as versatile precursors or sacrificial templates for preparation of numerous functional nanomaterials for various applications. Recent developments of MOF-derived hybrid micro-/nano-structures, constructed by more than two components with varied functionalities, have revealed their extensive capabilities to overcome the weaknesses of the individual counterparts and thus give enhanced performance for energy storage and conversion. In this tutorial review, we summarize the recent advances in MOF-derived hybrid micro-/nano-structures. The synthetic strategies for preparing MOF-derived hybrid micro-/nano-structures are first introduced. Focusing on energy storage and conversion, we then discuss their potential applications in lithium-ion batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, supercapacitors, lithium-oxygen batteries and fuel cells. Finally, we give our personal insights into the challenges and opportunities for the future research of MOF-derived hybrid micro-/nano-structures.

Synthesis of Two-Dimensional CoS1.097/Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanocomposites Using Metal-Organic Framework Nanosheets as Precursors for Supercapacitor Application.

Two-dimensional (2D) metal-organic framework (MOF) nanosheets are attracting increasing research interest. Here, for the first time, we report the facile synthesis of 2D porphyrin paddlewheel framework-3 (PPF-3) MOF nanosheets with thickness of ca. 12-43 nm. Through the simultaneous sulfidation and carbonization of PPF-3 MOF nanosheets, we have prepared the 2D nanocomposite of CoS1.097 nanoparticles (NPs) and nitrogen-doped carbon, referred to as CoSNC, in which the CoS1.097 NPs with size of ca. 10 nm are embedded in the nitrogen-doped carbon matrix. As a proof-of-concept application, the obtained 2D CoSNC nanocomposite is used as an electrode material for a supercapacitor, which exhibits a specific capacitance of 360.1 F g(-1) at a current density of 1.5 A g(-1). Moreover, the composite electrode also shows high rate capability. Its specific capacitance delivered at a current density of 30.0 A g(-1) retains 56.8% of the value at 1.5 A g(-1).

Preparation of Cobalt Sulfide Nanoparticle-Decorated Nitrogen and Sulfur Co-Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide Aerogel Used as a Highly Efficient Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction.

A novel 3D cobalt sulfide (CoS) nanoparticle-decorated nitrogen and sulfur co-doped reduced graphene oxide aerogel (NSGA), referred to as CoS/NSGA, is prepared via three sequential processes, i.e., freeze-drying, annealing, and sulfidization. The obtained CoS/NSGA exhibits excellent electrocatalytic performance in the alkaline solution.

A new type of porous graphite foams and their integrated composites with oxide/polymer core/shell nanowires for supercapacitors: structural design, fabrication, and full supercapacitor demonstrations.

We attempt to meet the general design requirements for high-performance supercapacitor electrodes by combining the strategies of lightweight substrate, porous nanostructure design, and conductivity modification. We fabricate a new type of 3D porous and thin graphite foams (GF) and use as the light and conductive substrates for the growth of metal oxide core/shell nanowire arrays to form integrated electrodes. The nanowire core is Co3O4, and the shell is a composite of conducting polymer (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), PEDOT) and metal oxide (MnO2). To show the advantage of this integrated electrode design (viz., GF + Co3O4/PEDOT-MnO2 core/shell nanowire arrays), three other different less-integrated electrodes are also prepared for comparison. Full supercapacitor devices based on the GF + Co3O4/PEDOT-MnO2 as positive electrodes exhibit the best performance compared to other three counterparts due to an optimal design of structure and a synergistic effect.

Au nanoparticle-modified MoS2 nanosheet-based photoelectrochemical cells for water splitting.

The surface plasmon resonance of Au nanoparticle on MoS2 nanosheet is successfully measured by the electron energy-loss spectroscopy. Furthermore, Au-MoS2 composite is developed as the photoanode material in the photo-electronchemical cell (PEC) for water splitting. Compared to the pure MoS2 -based PEC, Au-MoS2 based PEC shows the enhanced performance in the photocatalytic water splitting.

Atomic-layer-deposition-assisted formation of carbon nanoflakes on metal oxides and energy storage application.

Nanostructured carbon is widely used in energy storage devices (e.g., Li-ion and Li-air batteries and supercapacitors). A new method is developed for the generation of carbon nanoflakes on various metal oxide nanostructures by combining atomic layer deposition (ALD) and glucose carbonization. Various metal oxide@nanoflake carbon (MO@f-C) core-branch nanostructures are obtained. For the mechanism, it is proposed that the ALD Al2 O3 and glucose form a composite layer. Upon thermal annealing, the composite layer becomes fragmented and moves outward, accompanied by carbon deposition on the alumina skeleton. When tested as electrochemical supercapacitor electrode, the hierarchical MO@f-C nanostructures exhibit better properties compared with the pristine metal oxides or the carbon coating without ALD. The enhancement can be ascribed to increased specific surface areas and electric conductivity due to the carbon flake coating. This peculiar carbon coating method with the unique hierarchical nanostructure may provide a new insight into the preparation of 'oxides + carbon' hybrid electrode materials for energy storage applications.

Carbon microbelt aerogel prepared by waste paper: an efficient and recyclable sorbent for oils and organic solvents.

A carbon microbelt (CMB) aerogel with good selective sorption can be produced in large scale by using waste paper as a precursor. The CMB aerogel shows highly efficient sorption of organic liquids (pump oil: up to 188 times its own weight; chloroform: up to 151 times its own weight). Moreover, the CMB aerogel can be regenerated many times without decrease of sorption capacity by distillation, or squeezing depending on the type of pollutants.

Metal oxide-coated three-dimensional graphene prepared by the use of metal-organic frameworks as precursors.

A simple method for the preparation of metal-oxide-coated three-dimensional (3D) graphene composites was developed. The metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that served as the precursors of the metal oxides were first synthesized on the 3D graphene networks (3DGNs). The desired metal oxide/3DGN composites were then obtained by a two-step annealing process. As a proof-of-concept application, the obtained ZnO/3DGN and Fe2 O3 /3DGN materials were used in a photocatalytic reaction and a lithium-ion battery, respectively. We believe this method could be extended to the synthesis of other metal oxide/3DGN composites with 3D structures simply through the appropriate choice of specific MOFs as precursors.