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There is a growing interest in anionic redox chemistry to improve the energy densities of rechargeable batteries, and the reversible chlorine/chloride reactions are a promising option for low-temperature applications. As such, understanding Cl adsorption on the cathode surfaces is important in revealing the intimate connection between catalysis and charge storage via the reversible surface Cl2/Cl− redox chemistry. In this work, we investigate the adsorption of Cl on various SrBO3 perovskites, with B being 3d transition metals, by using density functional theory calculations and interpretable machine learning. We identify the electronic structure descriptors crucial for Cl adsorption. Our findings reveal that SrCoO3 exhibits optimal Cl adsorption at the top of the volcano curve for Cl2 evolution, suggesting its potential as a catalyst to enable a low-temperature, liquid Cl2 electrode. 

The PEG addition into aqueous electrolytes has an opposite effect on an Fe metal anode compared to a Zn metal anode. 

Abstract The narrow electrochemical stability window of water poses a challenge to the development of aqueous electrolytes. In contrast to non‐aqueous electrolytes, the products of water electrolysis do not contribute to the formation of a passivation layer on electrodes. As a result, aqueous electrolytes require the reactions of additional components, such as additives and co‐solvents, to facilitate the formation of the desired solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the anode and cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) on the cathode. This review highlights the fundamental principles and recent advancements in generating electrolyte interphases in aqueous batteries. 

Amidst the rapid expansion of the electric vehicle industry, the need for alternative battery technologies that balance economic viability with sustainability has never been more critical. Here, we report that common lithium salts of Li2CO3 and Li2SO4 are transformed into cathode active mass in Li-ion batteries by ball milling to form a composite with Cu2S. The optimal composite cathode comprising Li2CO3, Li2SO4, and Cu2S, with a practical active mass loading of 12.5-13.0 mg/cm2, demonstrates a reversible capacity of 247 mAh/g based on the total mass of Cu2S and the lithium salts, a specific energy of 716 Wh/kg, and a stable cycle life. This cathode chemistry rivals layered oxide cathodes of Li-ion batteries in energy density but at substantially reduced cost and ecological footprint. Mechanistic investigations reveal that in the composite Li2CO3 serves as the primary active mass, Li2SO4 enhances kinetic properties and reversibility, and Cu2S stabilizes the resulting anionic radicals for reversibility as a binding agent. Our findings pave the way for directly using precursor lithium salts as cathodes for Li-ion batteries to meet the ever-increasing market demands sustainably. 

In the Mn₃O₄electrode, chloride ions are reversibly converted into atomic chlorine species. Trapped Zn²⁺cations aid in stabilizing these chlorine atoms in polychloride species.