Electrolyte Effect on the Electrochemical Performance of Mild Aqueous Zinc-Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide Batteries.

Recently, mild aqueous rechargeable Zn-MnO2 batteries have attracted increasing interest for energy storage due to the low cost of Zn and Mn resources, high safety, and environmental benignity. Extensive types of MnO2 have been proposed as the cathodes in the literature, but the different reported performance and lack of a thorough understanding of reactions in MnO2 cathodes greatly hinder the practical applications of mild aqueous Zn-MnO2 batteries. Here, we revealed the correlation between the reaction mechanisms and the used electrolytes for the mild aqueous zinc-electrolytic manganese dioxide (EMD) batteries. In optimal Zn(TFSI)2-based electrolyte, the EMD cathode exhibits a mixed diffusion-controlled conversion reaction between EMD and H+ and diffusion-free "pseudocapacitance"-like reactions. This mechanism enables excellent cycling stability of an EMD cathode over 5000 cycles with a capacity retention of 94.6%. This study provides a useful insight into developing reversible MnO2 cathodes through rational control of reaction mechanisms for high performance mild aqueous Zn-MnO2 batteries.

Joint Charge Storage for High-Rate Aqueous Zinc-Manganese Dioxide Batteries.

Aqueous rechargeable zinc-manganese dioxide batteries show great promise for large-scale energy storage due to their use of environmentally friendly, abundant, and rechargeable Zn metal anodes and MnO2 cathodes. In the literature various intercalation and conversion reaction mechanisms in MnO2 have been reported, but it is not clear how these mechanisms can be simultaneously manipulated to improve the charge storage and transport properties. A systematical study to understand the charge storage mechanisms in a layered δ-MnO2 cathode is reported. An electrolyte-dependent reaction mechanism in δ-MnO2 is identified. Nondiffusion controlled Zn2+ intercalation in bulky δ-MnO2 and control of H+ conversion reaction pathways over a wide C-rate charge-discharge range facilitate high rate performance of the δ-MnO2 cathode without sacrificing the energy density in optimal electrolytes. The Zn-δ-MnO2 system delivers a discharge capacity of 136.9 mAh g-1 at 20 C and capacity retention of 93% over 4000 cycles with this joint charge storage mechanism. This study opens a new gateway for the design of high-rate electrode materials by manipulating the effective redox reactions in electrode materials for rechargeable batteries.

Desulfurization Efficiency Preserved in a Heterometallic MOF: Synthesis and Thermodynamically Controlled Phase Transition.

Efficient removal of heterocyclic organosulfur compounds from fuels can relieve increasingly serious environmental problems (e.g., gas exhaust contaminants triggering the formation of acid rain that can damage fragile ecological systems). Toward this end, novel metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-based sorbent materials are designed and synthesized with distinct hard and soft metal building units, specifically {[Yb6Cu12(OH)4(PyC)12(H2O)36]·(NO3)14·xS} n (QUST-81) and {[Yb4O(H2O)4Cu8(OH)8/3(PyC)8(HCOO)4]·(NO3)10/3·xS} n (QUST-82), where H2PyC = 4-Pyrazolecarboxylic acid. Exploiting the hard/soft duality, it is shown that the more stable QUST-82 can preserve desulfurization efficiency in the presence of competing nitrogen-containing contaminate. In addition, thermodynamically controlled single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SC-SC) phase transition is uncovered from QUST-81 to QUST-82, and in turn, mechanistic features are probed via X-ray diffraction, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations.

Reduced Magnetism in Core-Shell Magnetite@MOF Composites.

The magnetic susceptibility of synthesized magnetite (Fe3O4) microspheres was found to decline after the growth of a metal-organic framework (MOF) shell on the magnetite core. Detailed structural analysis of the core-shell particles using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atom probe tomography, and57Fe-Mössbauer spectroscopy suggests that the distribution of MOF precursors inside the magnetic core resulted in the oxidation of the iron oxide core.

Tuning the Perfluorosulfonic Acid Membrane Morphology for Vanadium Redox-Flow Batteries.

The microstructure of perfluorinated sulfonic acid proton-exchange membranes such as Nafion significantly affects their transport properties and performance in a vanadium redox-flow battery (VRB). In this work, Nafion membranes with various equivalent weights ranging from 1000 to 1500 are prepared and the morphology-property-performance relationship is investigated. NMR and small-angle X-ray scattering studies revealed their composition and morphology variances, which lead to major differences in key transport properties related to proton conduction and vanadium-ion permeation. Their performances are further characterized as VRB membranes. On the basis of this understanding, a new perfluorosulfonic acid membrane is designed with optimal pore geometry and thickness, leading to higher ion selectivity and lower cost compared with the widely used Nafion 115. Excellent VRB single-cell performance (89.3% energy efficiency at 50 mA·cm-2) was achieved along with a stable cyclical capacity over prolonged cycling.

Zirconium-Based Metal-Organic Framework for Removal of Perrhenate from Water.

The efficient removal of pertechnetate (TcO4(-)) anions from liquid waste or melter off-gas solution for an alternative treatment is one of the promising options to manage (99)Tc in legacy nuclear waste. Safe immobilization of (99)Tc is of major importance because of its long half-life (t1/2 = 2.13 × 10(5) yrs) and environmental mobility. Different types of inorganic and solid-state ion-exchange materials have been shown to absorb TcO4(-) anions from water. However, both high capacity and selectivity have yet to be achieved in a single material. Herein, we show that a protonated version of an ultrastable zirconium-based metal-organic framework can adsorb perrhenate (ReO4(-)) anions, a nonradioactive surrogate for TcO4(-), from water even in the presence of other common anions. Synchrotron-based powder X-ray diffraction and molecular simulations were used to identify the position of the adsorbed ReO4(-) (surrogate for TcO4(-)) molecule within the framework.

Metal-Organic Frameworks as Highly Active Electrocatalysts for High-Energy Density, Aqueous Zinc-Polyiodide Redox Flow Batteries.

The new aqueous zinc-polyiodide redox flow battery (RFB) system with highly soluble active materials as well as ambipolar and bifunctional designs demonstrated significantly enhanced energy density, which shows great potential to reduce RFB cost. However, the poor kinetic reversibility and electrochemical activity of the redox reaction of I3(-)/I(-) couples on graphite felts (GFs) electrode can result in low energy efficiency. Two nanoporous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), MIL-125-NH2 and UiO-66-CH3, that have high surface areas when introduced to GF surfaces accelerated the I3(-)/I(-) redox reaction. The flow cell with MOF-modified GFs serving as a positive electrode showed higher energy efficiency than the pristine GFs; increases of about 6.4% and 2.7% occurred at the current density of 30 mA/cm(2) for MIL-125-NH2 and UiO-66-CH3, respectively. Moreover, UiO-66-CH3 is more promising due to its excellent chemical stability in the weakly acidic electrolyte. This letter highlights a way for MOFs to be used in the field of RFBs.

Increased Thermal Conductivity in Metal-Organic Heat Carrier Nanofluids.

Metal-organic heat carriers (MOHCs) are recently developed nanofluids containing metal-organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles dispersed in various base fluids including refrigerants (R245Fa) and methanol. Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of MOHCs containing nanoMIL-101(Cr) and graphene oxide (GO) in an effort to improve the thermo-physical properties of various base fluids. MOHC/GO nanocomposites showed enhanced surface area, porosity, and nitrogen adsorption compared with the intrinsic nanoMIL-101(Cr) and the properties depended on the amount of GO added. MIL-101(Cr)/GO in methanol exhibited a significant increase in the thermal conductivity (by approximately 50%) relative to that of the intrinsic nanoMIL-101(Cr) in methanol. The thermal conductivity of the base fluid (methanol) was increased by about 20%. The increase in the thermal conductivity of nanoMIL-101(Cr) MOHCs due to GO functionalization is explained using a classical Maxwell model.

Tunable Oxygen Functional Groups as Electrocatalysts on Graphite Felt Surfaces for All-Vanadium Flow Batteries.

A dual oxidative approach using O2 plasma followed by treatment with H2 O2 to impart oxygen functional groups onto the surface of a graphite felt electrode. When used as electrodes for an all-vanadium redox flow battery (VRB) system, the energy efficiency of the cell is enhanced by 8.2 % at a current density of 150 mA cm(-2) compared with one oxidized by thermal treatment in air. More importantly, by varying the oxidative techniques, the amount and type of oxygen groups was tailored and their effects were elucidated. It was found that O-C=O groups improve the cells performance whereas the C-O and C=O groups degrade it. The reason for the increased performance was found to be a reduction in the cell overpotential after functionalization of the graphite felt electrode. This work reveals a route for functionalizing carbon electrodes to improve the performance of VRB cells. This approach can lower the cost of VRB cells and pave the way for more commercially viable stationary energy storage systems that can be used for intermittent renewable energy storage.

Selective removal of cesium and strontium using porous frameworks from high level nuclear waste.

Efficient and cost-effective removal of radioactive (137)Cs and (90)Sr found in spent fuel is an important step for safe, long-term storage of nuclear waste. Solid-state materials such as resins and titanosilicate zeolites have been assessed for the removal of Cs and Sr from aqueous solutions, but there is room for improvement in terms of capacity and selectivity. Herein, we report the Cs(+) and Sr(2+) exchange potential of an ultra stable MOF, namely, MIL-101-SO3H, as a function of different contact times, concentrations, pH levels, and in the presence of competing ions. Our preliminary results suggest that MOFs with suitable ion exchange groups can be promising alternate materials for cesium and strontium removal.

Redox-Active Metal-Organic Composites for Highly Selective Oxygen Separation Applications.

A redox-active metal-organic composite material shows improved and selective O2 adsorption over N2 with respect to individual components (MIL-101 and ferrocene). The O2 sensitivity of the composite material arises due to the formation of maghemite nanoparticles with the pore of the metal-organic framework material.

Ambipolar zinc-polyiodide electrolyte for a high-energy density aqueous redox flow battery.

Redox flow batteries are receiving wide attention for electrochemical energy storage due to their unique architecture and advantages, but progress has so far been limited by their low energy density (~25 Wh l(-1)). Here we report a high-energy density aqueous zinc-polyiodide flow battery. Using the highly soluble iodide/triiodide redox couple, a discharge energy density of 167 Wh l(-1) is demonstrated with a near-neutral 5.0 M ZnI2 electrolyte. Nuclear magnetic resonance study and density functional theory-based simulation along with flow test data indicate that the addition of an alcohol (ethanol) induces ligand formation between oxygen on the hydroxyl group and the zinc ions, which expands the stable electrolyte temperature window to from -20 to 50 °C, while ameliorating the zinc dendrite. With the high-energy density and its benign nature free from strong acids and corrosive components, zinc-polyiodide flow battery is a promising candidate for various energy storage applications.

Formation of interfacial layer and long-term cyclability of Li-O2 batteries.

The long-term operation of Li-O2 batteries under full discharge/charge conditions is investigated in a glyme-based electrolyte. The formation of stable interfacial layer on the electrode surface during the initial cycling stabilizes reaction products at subsequent cycling stages as demonstrated by quantitative analyses of the discharge products and the gases released during charging. There is a quick switch from the predominant formation of Li2O2 to the predominant formation of side products during the first few cycles. However, after the formation of the stable interfacial layer, the yield of Li2O2 in the reaction products is stabilized at about 33-40%. Extended cycling under full discharge/charge conditions is achievable upon selection of appropriate electrode materials (carbon source and catalyst) and cycling protocol. Further investigation on the interfacial layer, which in situ forms on air electrode, may increase the long-term yield of Li2O2 during the cycling and enable highly reversible Li-O2 batteries required for practical applications.

Controlling SEI formation on SnSb-porous carbon nanofibers for improved Na ion storage.

Porous carbon nanofiber (CNF)-supported tin-antimony (SnSb) alloys are synthesized and applied as a sodium-ion battery anode. The chemistry and morphology of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film and its correlation with the electrode performance are studied. The addition of fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) in the electrolyte significantly reduces electrolyte decomposition and creates a very thin and uniform SEI layer on the cycled electrode surface, which an promote the kinetics of Na-ion migration/transportation, leading to excellent electrochemical performance.

Capacity decay mechanism of microporous separator-based all-vanadium redox flow batteries and its recovery.

The results of the investigation of the capacity decay mechanism of vanadium redox flow batteries with microporous separators as membranes are reported. The investigation focuses on the relationship between the electrochemical performance and electrolyte compositions at both the positive and negative half-cells. Although the concentration of total vanadium ions remains nearly constant at both sides over cycling, the net transfer of solution from one side to the other and thus the asymmetrical valance of vanadium ions caused by the subsequent disproportionate self-discharge reactions at both sides lead to capacity fading. Through in situ monitoring of the hydraulic pressure of the electrolyte during cycling at both sides, the convection was found to arise from differential hydraulic pressures at both sides of the separators and plays a dominant role in capacity decay. A capacity-stabilizing method is developed and was successfully demonstrated through the regulation of gas pressures in both electrolyte tanks.

Nanorod niobium oxide as powerful catalysts for an all vanadium redox flow battery.

A powerful low-cost electrocatalyst, nanorod Nb2O5, is synthesized using the hydrothermal method with monoclinic phases and simultaneously deposited on the surface of a graphite felt (GF) electrode in an all vanadium flow battery (VRB). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) study confirmed that Nb2O5 has catalytic effects toward redox couples of V(II)/V(III) at the negative side and V(IV)/V(V) at the positive side to facilitate the electrochemical kinetics of the vanadium redox reactions. Because of poor conductivity of Nb2O5, the performance of the Nb2O5 loaded electrodes is strongly dependent on the nanosize and uniform distribution of catalysts on GF surfaces. Accordingly, an optimal amount of W-doped Nb2O5 nanorods with minimum agglomeration and improved distribution on GF surfaces are established by adding water-soluble compounds containing tungsten (W) into the precursor solutions. The corresponding energy efficiency is enhanced by ∼10.7% at high current density (150 mA·cm(-2)) as compared with one without catalysts. Flow battery cyclic performance also demonstrates the excellent stability of the as prepared Nb2O5 catalyst enhanced electrode. These results suggest that Nb2O5-based nanorods, replacing expensive noble metals, uniformly decorating GFs holds great promise as high-performance electrodes for VRB applications.

Highly reversible Mg insertion in nanostructured Bi for Mg ion batteries.

Rechargeable magnesium batteries have attracted wide attention for energy storage. Currently, most studies focus on Mg metal as the anode, but this approach is still limited by the properties of the electrolyte and poor control of the Mg plating/stripping processes. This paper reports the synthesis and application of Bi nanotubes as a high-performance anode material for rechargeable Mg ion batteries. The nanostructured Bi anode delivers a high reversible specific capacity (350 mAh/gBi or 3430 mAh/cm(3)Bi), excellent stability, and high Coulombic efficiency (95% initial and very close to 100% afterward). The good performance is attributed to the unique properties of in situ formed, interconnected nanoporous bismuth. Such nanostructures can effectively accommodate the large volume change without losing electric contact and significantly reduce diffusion length for Mg(2+). Significantly, the nanostructured Bi anode can be used with conventional electrolytes which will open new opportunities to study Mg ion battery chemistry and further improve its properties.

Coordination chemistry in magnesium battery electrolytes: how ligands affect their performance.

Magnesium battery is potentially a safe, cost-effective, and high energy density technology for large scale energy storage. However, the development of magnesium battery has been hindered by the limited performance and the lack of fundamental understandings of electrolytes. Here, we present a study in understanding coordination chemistry of Mg(BH4)2 in ethereal solvents. The O donor denticity, i.e. ligand strength of the ethereal solvents which act as ligands to form solvated Mg complexes, plays a significant role in enhancing coulombic efficiency of the corresponding solvated Mg complex electrolytes. A new electrolyte is developed based on Mg(BH4)2, diglyme and LiBH4. The preliminary electrochemical test results show that the new electrolyte demonstrates a close to 100% coulombic efficiency, no dendrite formation, and stable cycling performance for Mg plating/stripping and Mg insertion/de-insertion in a model cathode material Mo6S8 Chevrel phase.

Surface-driven sodium ion energy storage in nanocellular carbon foams.

Sodium ion (Na(+)) batteries have attracted increased attention for energy storage due to the natural abundance of sodium, but their development is hindered by poor intercalation property of Na(+) in electrodes. This paper reports a detailed study of high capacity, high rate sodium ion energy storage in functionalized high-surface-area nanocellular carbon foams (NCCF). The energy storage mechanism is surface-driven reactions between Na(+) and oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface of NCCF. The surface reaction, rather than a Na(+) bulk intercalation reaction, leads to high rate performance and cycling stability due to the enhanced reaction kinetics and the absence of electrode structure change. The NCCF makes more surface area and surface functional groups available for the Na(+) reaction. It delivers 152 mAh/g capacity at the rate of 0.1 A/g and a capacity retention of 90% for over 1600 cycles.

Dendrite-free lithium deposition via self-healing electrostatic shield mechanism.

Rechargeable lithium metal batteries are considered the "Holy Grail" of energy storage systems. Unfortunately, uncontrollable dendritic lithium growth inherent in these batteries (upon repeated charge/discharge cycling) has prevented their practical application over the past 40 years. We show a novel mechanism that can fundamentally alter dendrite formation. At low concentrations, selected cations (such as cesium or rubidium ions) exhibit an effective reduction potential below the standard reduction potential of lithium ions. During lithium deposition, these additive cations form a positively charged electrostatic shield around the initial growth tip of the protuberances without reduction and deposition of the additives. This forces further deposition of lithium to adjacent regions of the anode and eliminates dendrite formation in lithium metal batteries. This strategy may also prevent dendrite growth in lithium-ion batteries as well as other metal batteries and transform the surface uniformity of coatings deposited in many general electrodeposition processes.