Preferentially selective extraction of lithium from spent LiCoO2 cathodes by medium-temperature carbon reduction roasting

Lithium recovery from spent lithium-ion batteries(LIBs) have attracted extensive attention due to the skyrocketing price of lithium. The medium-temperature carbon reduction roasting was proposed to preferential selective extraction of lithium from spent LiCoO₂(LCO) cathodes to overcome the incomplete recovery and loss of lithium during the recycling process. The LCO layered structure was destroyed and lithium was completely converted into water-soluble Li₂CO₃ und...     

New secondary batteries and their key materials based on the concept of multi-electron reaction

Facing the significant applications in energy field, this paper introduces how to construct new high specific energy secondary batteries based on the concept multi-electron reaction and by designing multi-electron electrode materials. Recent progress on those new secondary batteries and their key materials based on the theory of multi-electron reaction are overviewed. Representative multi-electronic electrode materials, such as metal borides, metal fluorides, sulfur composite electrode materials and ferrates are briefly introduced, as well as the new secondary battery systems constructed with these materials. Thus gives the significance of the development based on multi- electron reaction mechanism of secondary batteries and their key materials for new chemical battery systems and related energy materials.     

液态金属作为熔盐/渣电解用阴极的研究进展

Compared with solid metals, liquid metals are considered more promising cathodes for molten slat/oxide electrolysis due to their fascinating advantages, which include strong depolarization effect, strong alloying effect, excellent selective separation, and low operating temperature. In this review, we briefly introduce the properties of the liquid metal cathodes and their selection rules, and then summarize development in liquid metal cathodes for molten salt electrolysis, specifically the extraction of Ti and separation of actinides and rare-earth metals in halide melts. We also review recent attractive progress in the preparation of liquid Ti alloys via molten oxide electrolysis by using liquid metal cathodes. Problems related to high-quality alloy production and large-scale applications are cited, and several research directions to further improve the quality of alloys are also discussed to realize the industrial applications of liquid metal cathodes.     

The Impact of Nanocomposite Materials on Lithium Ion Batteries

1 Results Lithiumion batteries have become the power source of choice for consumer electronic devices such as cell phones and laptop computers due to their high energy density and long cycle life. In addition,lithium-ion batteries are expected to be a major breakthrough in the hybrid vehicle field.Despite their successful commercial application,further performance improvement of the lithium ion battery is still required.Nanomaterials and nanotechnologies can lead to a new generation of lithium secondary batteries.Here we present recent progress on nanocomposite materials and nanotechniques in our studies for anode materials of lithium rechargeable batteries.     

CoO/SnO2@NC/S复合材料的制备及其应用于高稳定性锂硫电池正极材料

To improve the sulfur loading capacity of lithium-sulfur batteries (Li–S batteries) cathode and avoid the inevitable “shuttle effect”, hollow N doped carbon coated CoO/SnO₂ (CoO/SnO₂@NC) composite has been designed and prepared by a hydrothermal-calcination method. The specific surface area of CoO/SnO₂@NC composite is 85.464 m2·g–1, and the pore volume is 0.1189 cm3·g–1. The hollow core-shell structure as a carrier has a sulfur loading amount of 66.10%. The initial specific capacity of the assembled Li–S batteries is 395.7 mAh·g–1 at 0.2 C, which maintains 302.7 mAh·g–1 after 400 cycles. When the rate increases to 2.5 C, the specific capacity still has 221.2 mAh·g–1. The excellent lithium storage performance is attributed to the core-shell structure with high specific surface area and porosity. This structure effectively increases the sulfur loading, enhances the chemical adsorption of lithium polysulfides, and reduces direct contact between CoO/SnO₂ and the electrolyte.     

A sulfur–microporous carbon composite positive electrode for lithium/sulfur and silicon/sulfur rechargeble batteries

Sulfur is an advantageous material as a promising next-generation positive electrode material for high-energy lithium batteries due to a high theoretical capacity of 1672 m A h g 1although its discharge potential is somewhat modest:ca.2 V vs Li/Lit.However,a sulfur positive electrode has some crucial problems for practical use,which are mainly attributed to the dissolution of its intermediate products in charge–discharge processes.In order to resolve the dissolution problem of lithium polysulfide,we attempted to synthesize a sulfur–microporous activated carbon(AC) composite positive electrode.Moreover,we have systematically researched the battery performance of sulfur–microporous AC positive electrode with variations of electrolytes as well as negative electrodes,and found its promising positive electrode performance for a nextgeneration rechargeable battery.     

In Situ XRD and XAS Investigation of Cathode Materials in Li-ion Battery

1 Results Lithium ion batteries have been widely used in modern portable electronics,such as cellular phones and notebook computers,because of their low cost,long life,and high energy density.In the lithium ion batteries,the cathode provides lithium ion source and plays a critical role to determinate the performance of battery.Lithium transition metal oxides have been investigated as active cathode materials due to their high potential versus Li/Li and large proportion of the lithium ions can be inserted/extracted reversibly.It was demonstrated that spinel LiMn2O4 was successful synthesized via the co-precipitation method and exhibited favorable electrochemical performance in both the room-temperature and elevated temperature.Layer-structured Li(NiCoMn)O2 showed excellent capacity retention and good thermal stability which was a promising cathode material.In addition,the surface modification technique was also applied to improve the performance of electrodes.     

Nanostructured transition metal nitride composites as energy storage material

There are growing demands for the next generation lithium ion batteries with high energy density as well as high power performance for renewable energy storage and electric vehicles application.Recently,nanoscale materials with outstanding energy storage capability have received considerable attention due to their unique effect caused by the reduced dimensions.This review describes some recent developments of our group in research of transition metal nitride nanocomposites in application of energy storage,especially for lithium ion battery and supercapacitor.The strategies of mixed conduction(electron and ion) network with a favorable charge transportation interface in the design of the nanocomposites for such devices are highlighted.     

Functional Materials for Catalytic and Magnetic Applications

1 Introduction Metal, metal oxide and metal compound nanoparticles (NPs) received considerable attention due to their unique properties: catalytic, magnetic, optical, electronic, etc. We believe that for different applications, there are preferable morphologies of NP-stabilizing medium composites. For example, small (1-3 nm) nanoparticles formed in micro/mesoporous hypercrosslinked polystyrene demonstrate excellent catalytic properties in various hydrogenation and oxidation reactions due to high surface area and availability of catalytic centers for reacting molecules. On the other hand, a similar morphology of magnetic metal oxide nanoparticles yields only mediocre magnetic properties because the polymeric matrix used for nanoparticle growth and stabilization limits the choice of the reaction conditions of the NP synthesis.     

Research progress in interface modification and thermal conduction behavior of diamond/metal composites

Diamond/metal composites are widely used in aerospace and electronic packaging fields due to their outstanding high thermal conductivity and low expansion.However,the difference in chemical properties leads to interface incompatibility between diamond and metal,which has a considerable impact on the performance of the composites.To improve the interface compatibility between diamond and metal,it is necessary to modify the interface of composites.This paper reviews the experimental research on interface modification and the application of computational simulation in diamond/metal composites.Combining computational simulation with experimental methods is a promising way to promote diamond/metal composite interface modification research.     

Application prospects of high-voltage cathode materials in all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries

All-solid-state lithium-ion batteries are lithiumion batteries with solid-state electrolytes instead of liquid electrolytes.They are hopeful in solving the safety problems of lithium-ion batteries,once their large capacity and long life are achieved,they will have broad application prospects in the field of electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage.The working potential window of solid electrolytes is wider than that of liquid electrolytes,so high-voltage cathode materials could be used in all-solidstate lithium-ion batteries to get higher energy density and larger capacity by elevating the working voltage of the batteries.The spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4material,layered Li–Ni–Co–Mn–O cathode materials and lithium-rich cathode materials can be expected to be applied to all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries as cathode materials due to their highvoltage platforms.In this review,the electrochemical properties and structures of spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4material,layered Li–Ni–Co–Mn–O cathode materials and lithiumrich cathode materials are introduced.More attentions are paid on recent research progress of conductivity and interface stability of these materials,in order to improve their compatibility with solid electrolytes as cathode materials in all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries and fully improve the properties of all-solid-state batteries.Finally,the existing problems of their application in all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries are summarized,the main research directions are put forward and their application prospects in all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries are discussed.     

Charge Transfer and Bonding Strength in Lithium-intercalated Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons Studied by Photoelectron Spectroscopy

1 Results The potential applications of small-, medium-and large-size polyaromatic hydrocarbons for charge and energy storage in lithium metal and lithium ion batteries are discussed. In order to find the best carbon-based electrode materials, the specific roles of the molecular and solid-state contributions have to be understood. For the molecular contributions, a semi-quantitative method is proposed to compare the charge storage capability of polyaromatic hydrocarbon molecules. A compilation of results for oligophenyls, oligoacenes and medium-size planar systems suggest trends in the dependence of the charge storage capability on the size and shape of the molecules[1].     

Lithium intercalation mechanism for β-SnSb in Sn-Sb thin films

Based on the first-principles plane wave pseudo-potential method, the electronic structure and electrochemical performance of Li_xSn₄Sb₄ (x=2, 4, 6, and 8) and Li_xSn_1-xSb₄ (x=9, 10, 11, and 12) phases were calculated. A Sn-Sb thin film on a Cu foil was also prepared by radio frequency magnetron sputtering. The surface morphology, composition, and lithium intercalation/extraction behavior of the fabricated film were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Lithium atoms can easily insert into and extract out of the β-SnSb cell due to the low lithium intercalation formation energy. It is found that lithium atoms first occupy the interstitial sites, and then Sn atoms at the lattice positions are replaced by excessive lithium. The dissociative Sn atoms continue to produce different Li-Sn phases, which will affect the electrode stability and lead to the undesirable effect due to their large volume expansion ratio. The calculated lithium intercalation potential is stable at about 0.7 V, which is consistent with the experimental result.     

A designed core-shell structural composite of lithium terephthalate coating on Li4Ti5O12 as anode for lithium ion batteries

A core-shell structural composite was synthesized with lithium terephthalate（Li₂C₈H₄O₄） coated on spinel Li₄Ti₅O₁₂（LTO）. The composite displays a capacity of about 200 mA h g^-1 and a good rate capability with two charge/discharge platforms at 1.55 and 0.8 V. The excellent cycling performance of the composite is attributed to the successful combination of high cycling stability of LTO and high specific capacity of Li₂C₈H₄O₄. In addition, an interesting phenomena is observed for the first time for this composite which is that lithium ions transfer between LTO and Li₂C₈H₄O₄ at a fast speed. This is investigated in details via the asymmetric charge/discharge measurement and cyclic voltammogram（CV）.The LTO/Li₂C₈H₄O₄ composite may have potential applications to be used as an anode material for the electric vehicle batteries, which is shallowly charged/discharged at ordinary times using the charge/discharge platform of LTO and fully charged/discharged at emergency to release the extra high capacity from Li₂C₈H₄O₄.     

Separators for Lithium Ion Batteries

1 Results A separator for rechargeable batteries is a microporous membrane placed between electrodes of opposite polarity, keeping them apart to prevent electrical short circuits and at the same time allowing rapid transport of lithium ions that are needed to complete the circuit during the passage of current in an electrochemical cell, and thus plays a key role in determining the performance of the lithium ion battery. Here provides a comprehensive overview of various types of separators for lithium ion battery based on their state-of-art, chemical, mechanical and electrochemical properties, with particular emphasis on polyolefin membranes.     

Heteroatom-doped graphene for electrochemical energy storage

The increasing energy consumption and envi- ronmental concerns due to burning fossil fuel are key drivers for the development of effective energy storage systems based on innovative materials. Among these materials, graphene has emerged as one of the most promising due to its chemical, electrical, and mechanical properties. Heteroatom doping has been proven as an effective way to tailor the properties of graphene and render its potential use for energy storage devices. In this view, we review the recent developments in the synthesis and applications of heteroatom-doped graphene in supercapacitors and lithium ion batteries.     

The Effect of Titania-coating on Electrochemical Characteristics of CMS in PC-Based Electrolyte

Lithium-ion batteries have been widely used in portable electronic devices due to their high voltage and high energy density. Most research has concentrated on improving their performance such as capacity, cycling characteristics and low temperature range. Propylene carbonate （PC）-based electrolytes are more desirable than ethylene carbonate （EC）-based electrolytes because of their low-temperature characteristics. Unfortunately, PC is not used in commercial lithium-ion batteries because solvent decomposition and graphite exfoliation occur when lithium intercalates.     

N-phenylmaleimide as a New Ploymerizable Additive for Overcharge Protection of Lithium-ion Batteries

1 Results In persuit of better safety controls of lithium batteries,much efforts has been focused on the development of the internal and self-actuating overcharge protection additives.We report a novel electropolymerizable electrolyte additive for overcharge protection of lithium batteries. Electrochemical properties and overcharge behavior of NPM as a new polymerizable electrolyte additive for overcharge protection of lithium ion batteries are studied by cyclic voltammetry,charge-discharge measurements,electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and SEM characterization of the electrode of the overcharged batteries[1-2].The results show that NPM can electrochemically polymerize at the overcharge potential of 3.8-4.2 V (vs.Li/Li ) to form a thin layer of polymer film on the surface of the cathode,resulting in an internal short-circuit to prevent from the battery voltage runaway.On the other hand,it is also found that the use of NPM as an overcharge protection electrolyte additive does not significantly influence the normal performances of lithium ion batteries.     

Polymer Electrolytes Based on Electrospun PEO-P(VdF-HFP) Blends for Lithium-Polymer Batteries

1 Results Electrospinning has attracted immense attention recently as a versatile and easy method to prepare polymer membranes that are made up of thin fibers of micron and sub-micron diameters.Such membranes are particularly suitable as host matrices for polymer electrolytes (PEs) since the interlaying of fibers generate large porosity with fully interconnected pore structure facilitating the easy transport of ions.Characterization of PEs based on electrospun membranes of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVdF)[1],poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene [P(VdF-HFP)][2,3],and poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN)[4] has shown their promising electrochemical properties for application in lithium batteries.     

Synthesis of LiCo<Subscript>0.3</Subscript>Ni<Subscript>0.7</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> as cathode materials for lithium ion batteries by citric acid-assisted sol-gel method

The synthesis process of LiCo0.3Ni0.7O2 was investigated by FT-IR, mass spectroscopy, elemental analysis, SEM, BET, TG/DTA and XRD in this paper. The results revealed that lithium and transition metal ions were trapped homogeneously on an atomic scale throughout the precursor. Li2CO3, NiO and CoO are the intermediate products obtained after decomposition of the precursor and Li2CO3 undergoes direct reactions with NiO and CoO to form LiCo0.3Ni0.7O2. Moreover, the kinetics of formation of LiCo0.3Ni0.7O2 by dtrate sol-gel method is faster than the case of the conventional solid-state reaction between lithium carbonate and corresponding reactants. The single phase of LiCo0.3Ni0.7O2 was synthesized at temperature as low as 550℃. The discharge capacity of LiCo0.3Ni0.7O2 increases from 127 to 185 mAh/g as the caldnation temperature increasing from 550 to 750℃. After 100 cycles, the discharge capacity of the sample calcined at 750℃ is 155 mAh/g. The electrochemical study shows that the LiCo0.3Ni0.7O2 has high discharge capacity and good cycling behavior for lithium ion batteries.