We investigated the Li storage properties of spindle single-crystalline rutile TiO 2 fine particles synthesized by a large-scale sulfate process. Their anode properties were compared with those of polycrystalline rutile TiO 2 particles. An increase in the degree of single-crystal formation improved the charge−discharge capacity and initial Coulombic efficiency. In situ X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopic observation demonstrated the structural integrity of the spindle particles during the charge−discharge reactions. These results concluded that the degree is a critical parameter determining the anode performance of rutile TiO 2 . The anode performance was further enhanced by doping Nb into the spindle TiO 2 particles. These findings suggest that singlecrystalline rutile TiO 2 particles are very promising low-cost and high-performance Li storage materials.

Desolvation of lithium ions and diffusion of Li+ through the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) play an important role in determining the extreme fast-charging ability of graphite for electric vehicle (EV) application. For this reason, a novel aqueous borate type bio-based polymer with inherent Li ions was designed as an SEI forming binder for graphite. The low lying LUMO energy level enabled the preferential reduction of the binder prior to the degradation of the electrolyte or salt to form a thinner and highly conducting borate rich SEI. A robust boron rich SEI and a binder with inherent Li ions improved the kinetics with low activation energy for lithiation/desolvation (22.56 kJ/mol), lower SEI resistance, and a high Li+ diffusion coefficient across the graphite galleries (7.24 × 10–9 cm2 s–1). Anodic half-cells with the novel binder delivered a discharge capacity of 73 mAh/g at 10 C, which is three times higher than the those of the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose/polystyrene-polybutadiene rubber (CMC-SBR) counterparts, with a high capacity retention for more than 1000 cycles.

Developing a facile and scalable methodology for the rational design of silicon carbide, an enduring and effective anode for potential adoption and application in Li+-ion batteries.

Effective methodology for designing a resilient micron silicon-based anode material for stable and reversible storage of lithium ions and its practical application in next generation lithium-ion batteries.

The uncontrolled oxidative decomposition of electrolyte while operating at high potential (> 4.2 V vs Li/Li+) severely affects the performance of high-energy density transition metal oxide-based materials as cathodes in Li-ion batteries. To restrict this degradative response of electrolyte species, the need for functional molecules as electrolyte additives that can restrict the electrolytic decomposition is imminent. In this regard, bio-derived molecules are cost-effective, environment friendly, and non-toxic alternatives to their synthetic counter parts. Here, we report the application of microbially synthesized 2,5-dimethyl-3,6-bis(4-aminobenzyl)pyrazine (DMBAP) as an electrolyte additive that stabilizes high-voltage (4.5 V vs Li/Li+) LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 cathodes. The high-lying highest occupied molecular orbital of bio-additive (DMBAP) inspires its sacrificial in situ oxidative decomposition to form an organic passivation layer on the cathode surface. This restricts the excessive electrolyte decomposition to form a tailored cathode electrolyte interface to administer cyclic stability and enhance the capacity retention of the cathode.