Abstract Most reported cathodes of nonaqueous dual‐ion batteries (DIBs) host anions via insertion reactions. It is necessary to explore new cathode chemistry to increase the battery energy density. To date, transition metals have yet to be investigated for nonaqueous DIBs, albeit they may offer high capacity in anodic conversion reactions. Here, we report that bulk copper powder exhibits a high reversible capacity of 762 mAh g−1at 3.2 V vs. Li+/Li and relatively stable cycling in common organic electrolytes. The operation of the copper electrode is coupled with the transfer of anion charge carriers. An anion exchange membrane separator is employed to prevent Cu2+from crossing from the catholyte to the anode side. We designed an unbalanced electrolyte with a more concentrated anolyte than a catholyte. This addresses the concentration overpotential ensued during charge and facilitates the high specific capacity and enhanced reversibility. This finding provides a promising direction for high‐energy DIBs. 
                        more » 
                        « less   
                    
                            
                            From Copper to Basic Copper Carbonate: A Reversible Conversion Cathode in Aqueous Anion Batteries
                        
                    
    
            Abstract Dual‐ion batteries that use anions and cations as charge carriers represent a promising energy‐storage technology. However, an uncharted area is to explore transition metals as electrodes to host carbonate in conversion reactions. Here we report the reversible conversion reaction from copper to Cu2CO3(OH)2, where the copper electrode comprising K2CO3and KOH solid is self‐sufficient with anion‐charge carriers. This electrode dissociates and associates K+ions during battery charge and discharge. The copper active mass and the anion‐bearing cathode exhibit a reversible capacity of 664 mAh g−1and 299 mAh g−1, respectively, and relatively stable cycling in a saturated mixture electrolyte of K2CO3and KOH. The results open an avenue to use carbonate as a charge carrier for batteries to serve for the consumption and storage of CO2. 
        more » 
        « less   
        
    
    
                            - PAR ID:
- 10374639
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Angewandte Chemie International Edition
- Volume:
- 61
- Issue:
- 31
- ISSN:
- 1433-7851
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
More Like this
- 
            
- 
            Abstract New acceptor‐type graphite intercalation compounds (GICs) offer candidates of cathode materials for dual‐ion batteries (DIBs), where superhalides represent the emerging anion charge carriers for such batteries. Here, the reversible insertion of [LiCl2]−into graphite from an aqueous deep eutectic solvent electrolyte of 20mLiCl+20mcholine chloride is reported. [LiCl2]−is the primary anion species in this electrolyte as revealed by the femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy results, particularly through the rarely observed H–O–H bending mode. The insertion of Li–Cl anionic species is suggested by7Li magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance results that describe a unique chemical environment of Li+ions with electron donors around.2H nuclear magnetic resonance results suggest that water molecules are co‐inserted into graphite. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the anionic insertion of hydrated [LiCl2]−takes place at a lower potential, being more favorable. X‐ray diffraction and the Raman results show that the insertion of [LiCl2]−creates turbostratic structure in graphite instead of forming long‐range ordered GICs. The storage of [LiCl2]−in graphite as a cathode for DIBs offers a capacity of 114 mAh g−1that is stable over 440 cycles.more » « less
- 
            Rechargeable Li-CO2batteries have emerged as promising candidates for next generation batteries due to their low cost, high theoretical capacity, and ability to capture the greenhouse gas CO2. However, these batteries still face challenges such as slow reaction kinetic and short cycle performance due to the accumulation of discharge products. To address this issue, it is necessary to design and develop high efficiency electrocatalysts that can improve CO2reduction reaction. In this study, we report the use of NiMn2O4electrocatalysts combined with multiwall carbon nanotubes as a cathode material in the Li-CO2batteries. This combination proved effective in decomposing discharge products and enhancing cycle performance. The battery shows stable discharge–charge cycles for at least 30 cycles with a high limited capacity of 1000 mAh g−1at current density of 100 mA g−1. Furthermore, the battery with the NiMn2O4@CNT catalyst exhibits a reversible discharge capacity of 2636 mAh g−1. To gain a better understanding of the reaction mechanism of Li-CO2batteries, spectroscopies and microscopies were employed to identify the chemical composition of the discharge products. This work paves a pathway to increase cycle performance in metal-CO2batteries, which could have significant implications for energy storage and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.more » « less
- 
            Abstract Si‐based anodes with a stiff diamond structure usually suffer from sluggish lithiation/delithiation reaction due to low Li‐ion and electronic conductivity. Here, a novel ternary compound ZnSi2P3with a cation‐disordered sphalerite structure, prepared by a facile mechanochemical method, is reported, demonstrating faster Li‐ion and electron transport and greater tolerance to volume change during cycling than the existing Si‐based anodes. A composite electrode consisting of ZnSi2P3and carbon achieves a high initial Coulombic efficiency (92%) and excellent rate capability (950 mAh g−1at 10 A g−1) while maintaining superior cycling stability (1955 mAh g−1after 500 cycles at 300 mA g−1), surpassing the performance of most Si‐ and P‐based anodes ever reported. The remarkable electrochemical performance is attributed to the sphalerite structure that allows fast ion and electron transport and the reversible Li‐storage mechanism involving intercalation and conversion reactions. Moreover, the cation‐disordered sphalerite structure is flexible to ionic substitutions, allowing extension to a family of Zn(Cu)Si2+xP3solid solution anodes (x= 0, 2, 5, 10) with large capacity, high initial Coulombic efficiency, and tunable working potentials, representing attractive anode candidates for next‐generation, high‐performance, and low‐cost Li‐ion batteries.more » « less
- 
            Abstract Lithium‐ion and sodium‐ion batteries (LIBs and SIBs) are crucial in our shift toward sustainable technologies. In this work, the potential of layered boride materials (MoAlB and Mo2AlB2) as novel, high‐performance electrode materials for LIBs and SIBs, is explored. It is discovered that Mo2AlB2shows a higher specific capacity than MoAlB when used as an electrode material for LIBs, with a specific capacity of 593 mAh g−1achieved after 500 cycles at 200 mA g−1. It is also found that surface redox reactions are responsible for Li storage in Mo2AlB2, instead of intercalation or conversion. Moreover, the sodium hydroxide treatment of MoAlB leads to a porous morphology and higher specific capacities exceeding that of pristine MoAlB. When tested in SIBs, Mo2AlB2exhibits a specific capacity of 150 mAh g−1at 20 mA g−1. These findings suggest that layered borides have potential as electrode materials for both LIBs and SIBs, and highlight the importance of surface redox reactions in Li storage mechanisms.more » « less
 An official website of the United States government
An official website of the United States government 
				
			 
					 
					
