Screw-like PdPt nanowires exhibit enhanced performance towards MOR and EGOR attributed to the unique structure and synergetic effect of the catalysts.

The design of the anode material is considered the core subject in manufacturing a battery system, among which, Li is a commonly used, ideal anode material. Normally, the electrolyte is decomposed on the Li metal anode to form a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer. [4] Owing to this layer, the contact between the electrolyte and Li metal decreases, causing the batteries to be recyclable and efficient. During batteries cycling, however, a large volume expansion of the Li anode may lead to a rupture of the SEI layer, exposing fresh Li that could react with the electrolyte. The rupture of SEI therefore leads to a low coulombic efficiency (CE) and poor cycling stability. [5,6] Generally, the decomposition of Li salts in electrolytes results in the SEI layer that comprises inorganic compounds, while the electrolyte solvents are composed mainly of organic components. [7,8] Some researchers have reported that increasing the content of inorganics in the SEI layer is beneficial for improving its stability and mechanical strength. [9][10][11] Different strategies for modulating the Li anode interface were investigated, including the use of electrolyte additives and artificial SEI layers. [12][13][14][15][16][17][18] Among them, regulating the composition of the SEI layers by changing the solvation structure of Li + using electrolyte additives seemed simpler. [19] During the transfer of Li + through the SEI layer, Li + desolvation causes coordination anions and solvents to decompose and spontaneously form the SEI layer. [20][21][22][23] Unfortunately, most electrolyte additives themselves participate in the formation of the SEI layer. [24][25][26] Moreover, the effect of the additives gradually disappears owing to their continuous decomposition. By contrast, the artificial SEI layers, where extra protective layers are grafted directly onto the surface of Li metal, will not decompose significantly as the batteries cycle. Instead, the artificial SEI layer inhibits the growth of dendrite because of its specific mechanical properties. [27][28][29][30] In addition, it helps disperse Li + after passing through the membrane, homogenize the flux of Li + , and reduce the formation of dendrites. [31][32][33][34] Due to the remarkable effect of artificial layers, previous researches on the nature of the protective layers themselves are intense. [35][36][37][38][39] However, it should be noted that artificial layer has always a certain lifetime, and we suppose Li metal has been attracting considerable attention as the most promising anode material for application in next-generation Li rechargeable batteries. However, the instability of the formed solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) in the Li metal anode leads to a low coulombic efficiency (CE). Here, two kinds of synthesized polymer materials with different molecular configurations (chain and cross-linked), which are grafted as skins on Cu foils (current collectors), are reported. The interaction between the polymers and electrolyte solvent reduces the amount of the solvent used in...

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Optimization of the structure and composition is critical to obtain excellent electrocatalytic performance of palladium-based electrocatalysts, which have received extensive attention in the past few decades. However, synthesis of PdRh...