Bio‐Derived Materials Achieving High Performance in Alkali Metal–Chalcogen Batteries

Abstract

Alkali metal–chalcogen batteries (ACBs) have attracted significant attention as next‐generation energy storages because of high energy density and reasonable cost as compared to the up‐to‐date lithium‐ion batteries. Nevertheless, their practical applications are harshly inhibited by some drawbacks, such as shuttle effects resulting from dissolved polysulfides and polyselenides, chalcogen volume expansion, and dendrite growth on metal anodes. Functional components, such as chalcogen host, binder, and interlayer, using various polar materials have been introduced to address these issues. Among them, bio‐derived materials are regarded as novel eco‐friendly alternatives. In this report, the authors focus on the unique physical/chemical/environmental properties of bio‐derived materials used in ACBs, including active host materials, polymer binders, separators, and additives. The authors hope that the present report can provide some new insights and directions for future research on high‐performance ACBs.

Recycling respirator masks to a high-value product: From COVID-19 prevention to highly efficient battery separator

“…4 a and b. The voltage profile of the symmetric cell with S-MF was smooth with a low voltage hysteresis throughout cycling, suggesting homogeneous current distribution at the Li metal surface [26] , [27] . As shown in Fig.…”

Thin Solid Electrolyte Separators for Solid-State Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

“…Figure a shows a comparison between the initial discharge profiles of LiSBs with a LE and TSE. While the Li–S cell with a LE showed two plateaus (the upper plateau represents the conversion from S 8 to Li 2 S 4 , the lower from Li 2 S 4 to Li 2 S), the solid-state Li–S cell with a TSE only produced one discharge plateau at ∼2.15 V, which indicates a direct reaction from S 8 to Li 2 S (S + 2Li + + 2e – → Li 2 S), as is seen in conventional solid-state LiSBs with pellet SEs. ,,− Moreover, further investigations of the conversion processes were conducted by EIS in Figure b (detailed in Figure S7 with the explanations).…”

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“…As the demand for energy storage systems increases, potassium-ion batteries (KIBs) have become dominant in the electronic field because of the abundant reserves, high energy density, and low cost of potassium. − The standard reduction potential of K (−2.93 V vs SHE) provides KIBs with a high-voltage output, resulting in higher sustainable cell voltages. − However, the electrode materials with high specific capacity undergo substantial volume change during the charge–discharge process because of the huge potassium ion radius, resulting in structural collapse, interface damage, and inferior electrochemical performance. − Therefore, the proper design of anode materials with a high specific capacity and excellent stability is necessary.…”