No abstract

A lithium-metal composite is proposed, which includes a carbon-nitrogen modified stainless steel mesh (CNSSM) favoring homogeneous lithium-metal nucleation and growth of fresh and dense lithium deposits when employed as anode for lithium-metal batteries. This novel approach is able to overcome the usual drawbacks linked to the preexisting passivation layer at the surface of lithium. Instead, a favorable interphase with low resistivity is formed with the electrolyte, and the CNSSM modified lithium-metal composite (CNSSM-Li) results in low-voltage hysteresis (�24 mV) and allows stable and dendrite-free lithium electrodeposition. The performance of lithiummetal batteries demonstrates the outstanding capabilities of the novel CNSSM-Li electrode in promoting cell energy density and cycling stability. In addition, advanced X-ray nano-tomography is employed to characterize the composition and morphology changes of this electrode upon plating.

In this manuscript, we describe the results of our recent studies on carbon aerogels derived from natural starches. A facile method for the fabrication of carbon aerogels is presented. Moreover, the complete analysis of the carbonization process of different starch aerogels (potato, maize, and rice) was performed using thermogravimetric studies combined with a detailed analysis of evolved decomposition products. The prepared carbon aerogels were studied in terms of their morphology and electrical properties to relate the origin of starch precursor with final properties of carbon materials. The obtained results confirmed the differences in carbon aerogels’ morphology, especially in materials’ specific surface areas, depending on the botanical origin of precursors. The electrical conductivity measurements suggest that carbon aerogels with the best electrical properties can be obtained from potato starch.

No abstract

No abstract