Aqueous Rechargeable Zn/ZnO Battery Based on Deposition/Dissolution Chemistry.

Recently, a novel electrochemical regulation associated with a deposition/dissolution reaction on an electrode surface has been proven to show superiority in large-scale energy storage systems (ESSs). Hence, in the search for high-performance electrodes showcasing these novel regulations, we utilized a low-cost ZnO microsphere electrode to construct aqueous rechargeable batteries (ARBs) that supplied a harvestable and storable charge through electrochemical deposition/dissolution via a reversible manganese oxidation reaction (MOR)/manganese reduction reaction (MRR), respectively, induced by the inherent formation/dissolution of zinc basic sulfate in a mild aqueous electrolyte solution containing 2 M ZnSO4 and 0.2 M MnSO4.

Critical Role of Functional Groups Containing N, S, and O on Graphene Surface for Stable and Fast Charging Li-S Batteries.

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are considered one of the most promising energy storage technologies, possibly replacing the state-of-the-art lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries owing to their high energy density, low cost, and eco-compatibility. However, the migration of high-order lithium polysulfides (LiPs) to the lithium surface and the sluggish electrochemical kinetics pose challenges to their commercialization. The interactions between the cathode and LiPs can be enhanced by the doping of the carbon host with heteroatoms, however with relatively low doping content (<10%) in the bulk of the carbon, which can hardly interact with LiPs at the host surface. In this study, the grafting of versatile functional groups with designable properties (e.g., catalytic effects) directly on the surface of the carbon host is proposed to enhance interactions with LiPs. As model systems, benzene groups containing N/O and S/O atoms are vertically grafted and uniformly distributed on the surface of expanded reduced graphene oxide, fostering a stable interface between the cathode and LiPs. The combination of experiments and density functional theory calculations demonstrate improvements in chemical interactions between graphene and LiPs, with an enhancement in the electrochemical kinetics, power, and energy densities.

Nano/Microstructured Silicon-Carbon Hybrid Composite Particles Fabricated with Corn Starch Biowaste as Anode Materials for Li-Ion Batteries.

Silicon has a great potential as an alternative to graphite which is currently used commercially as an anode material in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) because of its exceptional capacity and reasonable working potential. Herein, a low-cost and scalable approach is proposed for the production of high-performance silicon-carbon (Si-C) hybrid composite anodes for high-energy LIBs. The Si-C composite material is synthesized using a scalable microemulsion method by selecting silicon nanoparticles, using low-cost corn starch as a biomass precursor and finally conducting heat treatment under C3H6 gas. This produces a unique nano/microstructured Si-C hybrid composite comprised of silicon nanoparticles embedded in micron-sized amorphous carbon balls derived from corn starch that is capsuled by thin graphitic carbon layer. Such a dual carbon matrix tightly surrounds the silicon nanoparticles that provides high electronic conductivity and significantly decreases the absolute stress/strain of the material during multiple lithiation-delithiation processes. The Si-C hybrid composite anode demonstrates a high capacity of 1800 mAh g-1, outstanding cycling stability with capacity retention of 80% over 500 cycles, and fast charge-discharge capability of 12 min. Moreover, the Si-C composite anode exhibits good acceptability in practical LIBs assembled with commercial Li[Ni0.6Co0.2Mn0.2]O2 and Li[Ni0.80Co0.15Al0.05]O2 cathodes.

Engineering Sodium-Ion Solvation Structure to Stabilize Sodium Anodes: Universal Strategy for Fast-Charging and Safer Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Sodium-ion batteries are promising alternatives for lithium-ion batteries due to their lower cost caused by global sodium availability. However, the low Coulombic efficiency (CE) of the sodium metal plating/stripping process represents a serious issue for the Na anode, which hinders achieving a higher energy density. Herein, we report that the Na+ solvation structure, particularly the type and location of the anions, plays a critical role in determining the Na anode performance. We show that the low CE results from anion-mediated corrosion, which can be tackled readily through tuning the anion interaction at the electrolyte/anode interface. Our strategy thus enables fast-charging Na-ion and Na-S batteries with a remarkable cycle life. The presented insights differ from the prevailing interpretation that the failure mechanism mostly results from sodium dendrite growth and/or solid electrolyte interphase formation. Our anionic model introduces a new guideline for improving the electrolytes for metal-ion batteries with a greater energy density.

Secondary transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through wastewater: Concerns and tactics for treatment to effectively control the pandemic.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus has spread globally and has severely impacted public health and the economy. Hand hygiene, social distancing, and the usage of personal protective equipment are considered the most vital tools in controlling the primary transmission of the virus. Converging evidence indicated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater and its persistence over several days, which may create secondary transmission of the virus via waterborne and wastewater pathways. Although, researchers have started focusing on this mode of virus transmission, limited knowledge and societal unawareness of the transmission through wastewater may lead to significant increases in the number of positive cases. To emphasize the severe issue of virus transmission through wastewater and create societal awareness, we present a state of the art critical review on transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater and the potential remedial strategies to effectively control the viral spread and safeguard society. For low-income countries with high population densities, it is suggested to identify the virus in large scale municipal wastewater plants before following up with one-to-one testing for effective control of the secondary transmission. Ultrafiltration is an effective method for wastewater treatment and usually more than 4 logs of virus removal are achieved while safeguarding good protein permeability. Decentralized wastewater treatment facilities using solar-assisted disinfestation methods are most economical and can be effectively used in hospitals, isolation wards, and medical centers for reducing the risk of transmission from high local concentration sites, especially in tropical countries with abundant solar energy. Disinfection with chlorine, sodium hypochlorite, benzalkonium chloride, and peracetic acid have shown potential in terms of virucidal properties. Biological wastewater treatment using micro-algae will be highly effective in removal of virus and can be incorporated into membrane bio-reaction to achieve excellent virus removal rate. Though promising results have been shown by initial research for inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater using physical, chemical and biological based treatment methods, there is a pressing need for extensive investigation of COVID-19 specific disinfectants with appropriate concentrations, their environmental implications, and regular monitoring of transmission. Effective wastewater treatment methods with high virus removal capacity and low treatment costs should be selected to control the virus spread and safeguard society from this deadly virus.

Sodium-ion batteries: present and future.

Energy production and storage technologies have attracted a great deal of attention for day-to-day applications. In recent decades, advances in lithium-ion battery (LIB) technology have improved living conditions around the globe. LIBs are used in most mobile electronic devices as well as in zero-emission electronic vehicles. However, there are increasing concerns regarding load leveling of renewable energy sources and the smart grid as well as the sustainability of lithium sources due to their limited availability and consequent expected price increase. Therefore, whether LIBs alone can satisfy the rising demand for small- and/or mid-to-large-format energy storage applications remains unclear. To mitigate these issues, recent research has focused on alternative energy storage systems. Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are considered as the best candidate power sources because sodium is widely available and exhibits similar chemistry to that of LIBs; therefore, SIBs are promising next-generation alternatives. Recently, sodiated layer transition metal oxides, phosphates and organic compounds have been introduced as cathode materials for SIBs. Simultaneously, recent developments have been facilitated by the use of select carbonaceous materials, transition metal oxides (or sulfides), and intermetallic and organic compounds as anodes for SIBs. Apart from electrode materials, suitable electrolytes, additives, and binders are equally important for the development of practical SIBs. Despite developments in electrode materials and other components, there remain several challenges, including cell design and electrode balancing, in the application of sodium ion cells. In this article, we summarize and discuss current research on materials and propose future directions for SIBs. This will provide important insights into scientific and practical issues in the development of SIBs.

NASICON-Type Na3V1.5Cr0.4Fe0.1(PO4)3: High-Voltage and High-Rate Cathode Materials for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Cationic alteration related to a sodium super ion conductor (NASICON)-structured Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) is an effective strategy for formulating high-energy and stable cathodes for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). In this study, we altered the structure of NVP with dual cations, namely, Cr and Fe, to develop Na3V1.5Cr0.4Fe0.1(PO4)3 cathodes for SIBs with high-rate capability (∼71 mAh g-1 at 100 C) and an extreme cycle life output (∼75 mAh g-1 with 95% capacity retention for 10,000 cycles). These excellent electrochemical properties can be ascribed to the synergistic effects of Cr and Fe in the NVP structure, as verified experimentally and theoretically. Therefore, the proposed cosubstitution method can enhance the performance of SIBs by improving their structural stability, electronic conductivity, and phase-change behavior.

Relaxation of Stress Propagation in Alloying-Type Sn Anodes for K-Ion Batteries.

Alloying-type metallic tin is perceived as a potential anode material for K-ion batteries owing to its high theoretical capacity and reasonable working potential. However, pure Sn still face intractable issues of inferior K+ storage capability owing to the mechanical degradation of electrode against large volume changes and formation of intermediary insulating phases K4 Sn9 and KSn during alloying reaction. Herein, the TiC/C-carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is prepared as an effective buffer matrix and composited with Sn particles (Sn-TiC/C-CNTs) through the high-energy ball-milling method. Owing to the conductive and rigid properties, the TiC/C-CNTs matrix enhances the electrical conductivity as well as mechanical integrity of Sn in the composite material and thus ultimately contributes to performance supremacy in terms of electrochemical K+ storage properties. During potassiation process, the TiC/C-CNTs matrix not only dissipates the internal stress toward random radial orientations within the Sn particle but also provides electrical pathways for the intermediate insulating phases; this tends to reduce microcracking and prevent considerable electrode degradation.

Pore-Free Single-Crystalline Particles for Durable Na-Ion Battery Cathodes.

The O3-type Na[Ni1-x-yCoxMny]O2 cathodes have received significant attention in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to their high energy density. However, challenges such as structural instability and interfacial instability against an electrolyte solution limit their practical use in SIBs. In this study, the single-crystalline O3-type Na[Ni0.6Co0.2Mn0.2]O2 (SC-NCM) cathode has been designed and synthesized to effectively relieve the degradation pathways of the polycrystalline O3-type Na[Ni0.6Co0.2Mn0.2]O2 (PC-NCM) cathode for SIBs. The mechanically robust SC-NCM due to the absence of pores in the particles enhances tolerance to particle cracking, resulting in stable cycling performance with a cycle retention of 73% over 350 cycles. Moreover, the proposed SC-NCM is synthesized using a simple and cost-effective molten-salt synthetic route without the complex quenching process typically associated with PC-NCM synthesis methods, showing good practical applicability. This study will provide an innovative direction for the development of advanced cathode materials for practical SIBs.

Strategy for High-Energy Li-S Battery Coupling with a Li Metal Anode and a Sulfurized Polyacrylonitrile Cathode.

Among lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery materials, sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) has attracted substantial attention as a cathode material owing to its potential to bypass the problematic polysulfide formation and shuttling effect. Carbonate-based electrolytes have been eschewed compared with ether-based electrolytes because of their poor compatibility with Li metal anodes. In this work, we design and study an electrolyte comprising 0.8 M of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, 0.2 M of lithium difluoro(oxalate)borate, and 0.05 M of lithium hexafluorophosphate in ethyl methyl carbonate/fluoroethylene carbonate = 3:1 v/v solution in the Li-S battery coupled with a Li metal anode and SPAN cathode. The well-designed carbonate-based electrolyte effectively stabilizes both electrodes, delivering high Coulombic efficiencies with stable cyclability. Studies using operando optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy demonstrate that dense, uniform Li deposition is promoted to suppress dendrite growth even at a high current density. Operando Raman spectroscopy reveals a reversible Li+ storage behavior in the SPAN structure through the cleavage of disulfide bonds and their redimerization during lithiation and delithiation. As a result, the proposed Li-S battery delivers an overall capacity retention of 73.5% over 1000 cycles, with high Coulombic efficiencies over 99.9%.

Turning on Lithium-Sulfur Full Batteries at -10 °C.

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries using Li2S and Li-free anodes have emerged as a potential high-energy and safe battery technology. Although the operation of Li-S full batteries based on Li2S has been demonstrated at room temperature, their effective use at a subzero temperature has not been realized due to the low electrochemical utilization of Li2S. Here, ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) is introduced as a functional additive that allows Li-S full batteries to operate at -10 °C. The polar N-H bonds in the additive alter the activation pathway of Li2S by inducing the dissolution of the Li2S surface. Then, Li2S with an amorphized surface layer undergoes the modified activation process, which consists of the disproportionation and direct conversion reaction, through which Li2S is efficiently converted into S8. The Li-S full battery using NH4NO3 delivers a reversible capacity and cycling stability over 400 cycles at -10 °C.

Regulating the Solvation Structure of Electrolyte via Dual-Salt Combination for Stable Potassium Metal Batteries.

Batteries using potassium metal (K-metal) anode are considered a new type of low-cost and high-energy storage device. However, the thermodynamic instability of the K-metal anode in organic electrolyte solutions causes uncontrolled dendritic growth and parasitic reactions, leading to rapid capacity loss and low Coulombic efficiency of K-metal batteries. Herein, an advanced electrolyte comprising 1 M potassium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (KFSI) + 0.05 M potassium hexafluorophosphate (KPF6 ) dissolved in dimethoxyethane (DME) is introduced as a simple and effective strategy of regulated solvation chemistry, showing an enhanced interfacial stability of the K-metal anode. Incorporating 0.05 M KPF6 into the 1 M KFSI in DME electrolyte solution decreases the number of solvent molecules surrounding the K ion and simultaneously leads to facile K+ de-solvation. During the electrodeposition process, these unique features can lower the exchange current density between the electrolyte and K-metal anode, thereby improving the uniformity of K electrodeposition, as well as potentially suppressing dendritic growth. Even under a high current density of 4 mA cm-2 , the K-metal anode in 0.05 M KPF6 -containing electrolyte ensures high areal capacity and an unprecedented lifespan with stable Coulombic efficiency in both symmetrical half-cells and full-cells employing a sulfurized polyacrylonitrile cathode.

Effect of a self-assembling La2(Ni0.5Li0.5)O4 and amorphous garnet-type solid electrolyte composite on a layered cathode material in all-solid-state batteries.

In this article, we report the effect of a Li6.75La3Zr2Al0.25O12 (LLZAO) composite Li(Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1)O2 (NCM811) cathode material on the performance of all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) with oxide-based organic/inorganic hybrid solid electrolytes. The layered structure of Ni-rich cathode material Li(Ni x Co(1-x)/2Mn(1-x)/2)O2 (x > 0.6) (NCM) exhibiting a high specific capacity is among the suitable cathode materials for next-generation energy storage systems, particularly electric vehicles and portable devices for all-solid-state batteries. However, the ASSBs present a problem-the resistance at the interface between a cathode and solid electrolyte is larger than that with a liquid electrolyte because of point contact. To solve this problem, using a simultaneous co-precipitation method, we composited various amounts of LLZAO material and an ion conducting material on the cathode material's surface. Therefore, to optimize the value of the LLZAO material in the composite cathode material, the structure, cycling stability, and rate performance of the NCM-LLZAO composite cathode material in ASSBs with oxide-based inorganic/organic-hybrid electrolytes were investigated using powder X-ray diffraction analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and galvanostatic measurements.

Microwave-Assisted Rapid Synthesis of NH4V4O10 Layered Oxide: A High Energy Cathode for Aqueous Rechargeable Zinc Ion Batteries.

Aqueous rechargeable zinc ion batteries (ARZIBs) have gained wide interest in recent years as prospective high power and high energy devices to meet the ever-rising commercial needs for large-scale eco-friendly energy storage applications. The advancement in the development of electrodes, especially cathodes for ARZIB, is faced with hurdles related to the shortage of host materials that support divalent zinc storage. Even the existing materials, mostly based on transition metal compounds, have limitations of poor electrochemical stability, low specific capacity, and hence apparently low specific energies. Herein, NH4V4O10 (NHVO), a layered oxide electrode material with a uniquely mixed morphology of plate and belt-like particles is synthesized by a microwave method utilizing a short reaction time (~0.5 h) for use as a high energy cathode for ARZIB applications. The remarkable electrochemical reversibility of Zn2+/H+ intercalation in this layered electrode contributes to impressive specific capacity (417 mAh g-1 at 0.25 A g-1) and high rate performance (170 mAh g-1 at 6.4 A g-1) with almost 100% Coulombic efficiencies. Further, a very high specific energy of 306 Wh Kg-1 at a specific power of 72 W Kg-1 was achieved by the ARZIB using the present NHVO cathode. The present study thus facilitates the opportunity for developing high energy ARZIB electrodes even under short reaction time to explore potential materials for safe and sustainable green energy storage devices.

Validating the Structural (In)stability of P3- and P2-Na0.67Mg0.1Mn0.9O2-Layered Cathodes for Sodium-Ion Batteries: A Time-Decisive Approach.

In this study, magnesium-ion-substituted, sodium-deficient, P3- and P2-layered manganese oxide cathodes (Na0.67Mg0.1Mn0.9O2) were synthesized through a facile polyol-assisted combustion technique for applications in sodium-ion batteries. The electrochemical reaction pathways, structural integrity, and long cycling ability at low current rates of the P3- and P2-phases of the Na0.67Mg0.1Mn0.9O2 cathodes were investigated using time-consuming techniques, such as galvanostatic titration and series cyclic voltammetry. The results obtained from these techniques were supported by those obtained from operando X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Particularly, the P2-phase provided excellent structural stability owing to its intrinsic crystal structure, thereby exhibiting a reversible capacity retention of 82.6% after 262 cycles at a low rate of 0.1 C; in contrast, the P3-phase exhibited a capacity retention of 38.7% after 241 cycles at a similar current rate. The air stability of these as-prepared powders, which were stored under ambient conditions, was progressively analyzed over a period of 6 months through XRD without conducting any special experiments. The results suggest that in the P3-phase, the formation of NaHCO3 and hydrated phase impurities, resulting from Na+/H+ exchange and hydration reactions, respectively, was likely to occur more quickly, that is, within a few days, compared to that in the P2-phase.

A case study of SARS-CoV-2 transmission behavior in a severely air-polluted city (Delhi, India) and the potential usage of graphene based materials for filtering air-pollutants and controlling/monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic.

Globally, humanity is facing its most significant challenge in 100 years due to the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which is responsible for COVID-19. Under the enormous pressure created by the pandemic, scientists are studying virus transmission mechanisms in order to develop effective mitigation strategies. However, no established methods have been developed to control the spread of this deadly virus. In addition, the ease in lockdown has escalated air pollution which may affect SARS-CoV-2 transmission through attachment to particulates. The present review summarizes the role of graphene nanomaterials, which show antimicrobial behavior and have antiviral efficacy, in reducing the spread of COVID-19. Graphene and its derivatives have excellent antimicrobial efficacy, providing both physical and chemical mechanisms of damage. Coupled with their lightness, optimal properties, and ease of functionalization, they are optimal nanomaterials for coating onto fabrics such as personal protection equipment, face masks and gloves to control the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 effectively. Biosensors using graphene can effectively detect the virus with high accuracy and sensitivity, providing rapid quantification. It is envisioned that the present work will boost the development of graphene-based highly sensitive, accurate and cost-effective diagnostic tools for efficiently monitoring and controlling the spread of COVID-19 and other air-borne viruses.

Multiscale Understanding of Covalently Fixed Sulfur-Polyacrylonitrile Composite as Advanced Cathode for Metal-Sulfur Batteries.

Metal-sulfur batteries (MSBs) provide high specific capacity due to the reversible redox mechanism based on conversion reaction that makes this battery a more promising candidate for next-generation energy storage systems. Recently, along with elemental sulfur (S8 ), sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN), in which active sulfur moieties are covalently bounded to carbon backbone, has received significant attention as an electrode material. Importantly, SPAN can serve as a universal cathode with minimized metal-polysulfide dissolution because sulfur is immobilized through covalent bonding at the carbon backbone. Considering these unique structural features, SPAN represents a new approach beyond elemental S8 for MSBs. However, the development of SPAN electrodes is in its infancy stage compared to conventional S8 cathodes because several issues such as chemical structure, attached sulfur chain lengths, and over-capacity in the first cycle remain unresolved. In addition, physical, chemical, or specific treatments are required for tuning intrinsic properties such as sulfur loading, porosity, and conductivity, which have a pivotal role in improving battery performance. This review discusses the fundamental and technological discussions on SPAN synthesis, physicochemical properties, and electrochemical performance in MSBs. Further, the essential guidance will provide research directions on SPAN electrodes for potential and industrial applications of MSBs.

In Situ Oriented Mn Deficient ZnMn2O4@C Nanoarchitecture for Durable Rechargeable Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries.

Manganese (Mn)-based cathode materials have garnered huge research interest for rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) due to the abundance and low cost of manganese and the plentiful advantages of manganese oxides including their different structures, wide range of phases, and various stoichiometries. A novel in situ generated Mn-deficient ZnMn2O4@C (Mn-d-ZMO@C) nanoarchitecture cathode material from self-assembly of ZnO-MnO@C for rechargeable AZIBs is reported. Analytical techniques confirm the porous and crystalline structure of ZnO-MnO@C and the in situ growth of Mn deficient ZnMn2O4@C. The Zn/Mn-d-ZMO@C cell displays a promising capacity of 194 mAh g-1 at a current density of 100 mA g-1 with 84% of capacity retained after 2000 cycles (at 3000 mA g-1 rate). The improved performance of this cathode originates from in situ orientation, porosity, and carbon coating. Additionally, first-principles calculations confirm the high electronic conductivity of Mn-d-ZMO@C cathode. Importantly, a good capacity retention (86%) is obtained with a year-old cell (after 150 cycles) at 100 mA g-1 current density. This study, therefore, indicates that the in situ grown Mn-d-ZMO@C nanoarchitecture cathode is a promising material to prepare a durable AZIB.

Potassium-Oxygen Batteries: Significance, Challenges, and Prospects.

To mitigate a global crisis of Li depletion, potassium-based rechargeable batteries have received significant attention because of their low cost and high specific energy density. In particular, the rechargeable potassium oxygen (K-O2) battery has been recognized as a promising energy storage technology because of its low overpotential and high round-trip efficiency based on the single-electron redox chemistry of potassium superoxide. Despite these merits, research on the development of K-O2 batteries is still in its early stages owing to a lack of understanding of the fundamental reaction chemistry and the difficulties encountered in handling, in terms of practical acceptability. Hence, it is necessary to summarize the representative works and provide overall insights on K-O2 batteries and recommendations for future studies. In this Perspective, we critically review the important scientific aspects of K-O2 batteries, discuss the current challenges encountered, and provide recommendations from the scientific and practical points of view. We hope that this Perspecitve will be helpful in designing innovative and advanced K-O2 batteries.

Investigation of K-ion storage performances in a bismuth sulfide-carbon nanotube composite anode.

Herein, we synthesize a nanostructured bismuth sulfide/carbon nanotube composite and demonstrate its potential use as a high-capacity anode for K-ion batteries, for the first time. The composite anode shows reversible K-ion storage capabilities that are supported by density functional theory calculations.