Biomimetic Synthesis of VO_x@C Yolk‐Shell Nanospheres and Their Application in LiS Batteries

Abstract

Many biological processes involve active transport where the desired substances can be transported against the concentration gradient with energy consumption. This feature is highly desirable for the synthesis of yolk-shell structures using preformed capsules to efficiently encapsulate yolk materials. Here, the synthesis of VO x @C yolk-shell nanospheres by biomimicking preypredation of carnivorous Utricularia is reported. The high intrinsic frequency and superior mechanical properties of hollow mesoporous carbon spheres (HMCS) maintain their integrity during ultrasonication, making HMCS an ideal capsule. Numerical simulation elucidates that the encapsulation of the VO x nanoparticles is ascribed to the periodic change of pressure and the damping force generated from the relative motion between the mesoporous tunnel in the HMCS and VO x nanoparticles. The resulting VO x @C yolk-shell nanospheres demonstrate promising application as a regenerative polysulfidescavenging layer (RSL) for high-loading LiS batteries (≈5 mAh cm −2 ). As compared with the cells with a commercial Celgard polypropylene (PP) separator, those with a RSL present improved capacity retention from 467 to 860 mAh g −1 after 100 cycles, superior rate capability, and reduced impedance. This method provides an additional synthesis tool for yolk-shell materials otherwise inaccessible by conventional methods with potential applications in energy storage and conversion devices.

Advances in Nano-Functional Materials in Targeted Thrombolytic Drug Delivery

“…The application of bionics principles in biomedicine, environmental engineering, and energy has achieved remarkable results. Among them, biomimetic membrane technology has developed into a relatively mature green technology [116][117][118][119]. The cell is the basic structural unit of life, so researchers were inspired to build a bionic nanodelivery system coated with cell membrane as a camouflage layer to escape the non-specific clearance of the immune system [120,121].…”

Coordination Manipulation of Single Atom Catalysts for Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries: Advances and Prospects

“…Unfortunately, notorious "shuttle effect" and sluggish sulfur redox kinetics result in the irreversible loss of sulfur, lithium anode corrosion as well as the incomplete discharge process, further causing inferior capacity and short cycling lifespan of LiÀ S batteries. [3,4] Various materials with micrometer or nanometer sizes, mainly involving metal oxides/ carbides/sulfides/brides/phosphides, etc., [5][6][7][8][9][10][11] have been fabricated as adsorptive and/or catalytic mediators to address above obstacles. Despite fruitful progresses thus far, it is still urgently desired to develop novel catalysts with higher activity for optimizing the LiÀ S redox reactions.…”

Rapid and Selective Gold Stripping from Electronic Waste with Yolk–Shell-Structured Ion-Imprinted Magnetic Mesoporous Nanorobots for Efficient Water Decontamination

“…The structure–property relationship of adsorbents can provide useful guidance for designing and developing potential adsorbents. , The exploration of high-performance adsorbents is the key to improving the coefficient of performance by adjusting the number and accuracy of identification sites and the pore structure of adsorbents. , On the one hand, ion imprinting technology is used to prepare ion-imprinted polymers (IIPs) with precise size, shape, and function of recognition sites based on enzyme–substrate and antigen–antibody interactions developed in nature to enable specific recognition of target ions in complex environments. , Due to the advantages of simple preparation, fixed hole size, fast adsorption rates, high selectivity, strong regeneration ability, and good environmental stability, they are widely used in solid-phase extraction, membrane separation, and sensors for metal ions . On the other hand, the yolk–shell nanostructures confer good performance as ideal carriers and nanoreactors due to their large void space and specific surface area. − In particular, the presence of cavities not only allows maximum exposure of the active site for effective utilization but also accelerates molecular or ion transfer, and the shell acts as a protection against agglomeration and loss of core material. , In addition, magnetic nanorods are regarded as one of the most promising adsorbent carriers because of their synergetic characteristics of self-stirring and magnetic separation, which not only reduce the solubility loss of the adsorbent but also significantly promote the mass transfer and efficiency of the adsorption process. − As a consequence, based on these advantages, the construction of IIPs with a yolk–shell nanostructure on the surface of magnetic nanorods will significantly improve the performance of the adsorbent.…”

“…43−45 In particular, the presence of cavities not only allows maximum exposure of the active site for effective utilization but also accelerates molecular or ion transfer, and the shell acts as a protection against agglomeration and loss of core material. 46,47 In addition, magnetic nanorods are regarded as one of the most promising adsorbent carriers because of their synergetic characteristics of self-stirring and magnetic separation, which not only reduce the solubility loss of the adsorbent but also significantly promote the mass transfer and efficiency of the adsorption process. 48−50 As a consequence, based on these advantages, the construction of IIPs with a yolk−shell nanostructure on the surface of magnetic nanorods will significantly improve the performance of the adsorbent.…”