No abstract

In spite of the great potential in leading next-generation energy storage technology, Li–S batteries suffer rapid capacity decay arising from the shuttling effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs), a major concern that must be addressed before commercialization can be realized. To tackle this challenge, we demonstrate a facile approach to fabricate a hierarchically structured composite of Fe 2 P@nitrogen, phosphorus codoped carbon (Fe 2 P@NPC) by direct biological recycling of iron metal from electroplating sludge using bacteria. This material, featuring uniform dispersion of Fe 2 P nanoparticles (NPs) in porous NPC matrix, effectively adapts volume variation of sulfur upon cycling and simultaneously provides multiple channels for efficient lithium ion transport. In addition, Fe 2 P NPs with strong adhesion properties of tightly anchored soluble LiPSs formed during discharge can significantly facilitate the decomposition of Li 2 S during the subsequent charging process. The Li–S cell built on this cathode architecture delivers high specific capacity (1555.7 mAh g –1 at 0.1 C), appreciable rate capability (679.7 mAh g –1 at 10 C), and greatly enhanced cycling performance (761.9 mAh g –1 at 1.0 C after 500 cycles).

No abstract

This work provides a potential direction for high performance lithium ion battery anodes by recycling metals from electroplating sludge.

Developing non‐noble metal catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is one of the main challenges in the production of hydrogen energy by water splitting reaction. Herein, taking advantage of the fact that microorganisms have high element contents and metabolic activities, we used them to recycle Ni and Fe from electroplating sludge. Based on the above, we designed a highly efficient oxygen evolution catalyst (Fe‐Ni2P@NPC) through the in situ synthesis of Fe‐doped Ni2P nanoparticles and N, P dual‐doped carbon materials coupled together. The material exhibited excellent catalytic activity, with a low overpotential of 282 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm−2 along with a fast reaction kinetics, with a small Tafel slope of 57.1 mV dec−1. This outstanding OER performance is mainly attributed to the in situ doping of Fe in Ni2P nanoparticles, resulting in a strong synergistic effect between them. Besides, the strong coupling interaction between Fe‐Ni2P and Fe‐NiOOH formed during the OER can adjust the electron distribution and optimize the adsorption capacity of the intermediates. This work provides a reference for the recycling of valuable Ni and Fe metals from electroplating sludge, as well as new insight into the preparation of low‐cost and high‐performance OER catalysts.