Nano Polymorphism‐Enabled Redox Electrodes for Rechargeable Batteries

Abstract

dimensions of materials are decreased to the nanoscale, the high surface aspect ratio generates additional engineerable space, which enables the polymorphism of nanomaterials. Recently, nano polymorphism (NPM) has been emerging as a topic of interest in the energy storage field, and research is expected to identify and rationally exploit the "processingstructure-properties" relationships of functional materials of interest in the context of the emerging rechargeable battery applications, particularly for cathode and anode materials. To date, the research on the NPM of rechargeable battery electrodes has achieved significant progress. [1-3] Many electrode materials with various polymorphs, such as traditional layered metal oxides and some emerging types of graphene-like nanosized materials, have been intensively investigated for improving the electrochemical performance of batteries. Moreover, the in-depth underlying storage mechanisms of different polymorphs have been fully or partly revealed using advanced in situ characterization techniques. Based on the previously reported theoretical and experimental results, some potential structural Nano polymorphism (NPM), as an emerging research area in the field of energy storage, and rechargeable batteries, have attracted much attention recently. In this review, the recent progress on the composition and formation of polymorphs, and the evolution processes of different redox electrodes in rechargeable metal-ion, metal-air, and metal-sulfur batteries are highlighted. First, NPM and its significance for rechargeable batteries are discussed. Subsequently, the current NPM modulation strategies of different types of representative electrodes for their corresponding rechargeable battery applications are summarized. The goal is to demonstrate how NPM could tune the intrinsic material properties, and hence, improve their electrochemical activities for each battery type. It is expected that the analysis of polymorphism and electrochemical properties of materials could help identify some "processing-structure-properties" relationships for material design and performance enhancement. Lastly, the current research challenges and potential research directions are discussed to offer guidance and perspectives for future research on NPM engineering.

2D/2D Heterostructures: Rational Design for Advanced Batteries and Electrocatalysis

“…In the application of LIBs, the 2D/2D heterostructures contribute to enhancing the LIB performance by effectively enhancing the ion diffusion and transfer kinetics and the conductivity of the overall electrode, combing the advantages of each constitutional material, and providing a synergic effect through specially coupled interfaces for ultrafast interlayer mass and charge transfers. [ 148 ]…”

“…In the application of LIBs, the 2D/2D heterostructures contribute to enhancing the LIB performance by effectively enhancing the ion diffusion and transfer kinetics and the conductivity of the overall electrode, combing the advantages of each constitutional material, and providing a synergic effect through specially coupled interfaces for ultrafast interlayer mass and charge transfers. [148] Apart from LIBs, 2D/2D heterostructures have been explored for various post-lithium metal-ion batteries, such as SIB, potassium-ion batteries (PIBs), aluminum-ion batteries (AIBs), and zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). [149,150] Through interface strain engineering, multilayered 2D/2D VOPO 4 -graphene heterostructure consisting of 2D VOPO 4 nanosheets obtained by intercalation and exfoliation from the layered bulky materials and 2D graphene has been fabricated for reversible storage of Na + , K + , Zn 2+ , and Al 3+ cations.…”

Bioinspired Materials for Energy Storage

“…[165] For metal-sulfur batteries operated by using the low-cost and high theoretical capacity of sulfur, the undesired dissolution and diffusion of polysulfides in electrolytes remains a major issue for hindering their future applications. [172][173][174] To capture and stabilize the polysulfides without obvious decay on the other properties, such as ion conductivity, a wide range Figure 6. Bioinspired electrodes for advanced batteries.…”

An Ultrafast, Durable, and High‐Loading Polymer Anode for Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries and Supercapacitors

“…Based on the history of lithium‐ion batteries, [ 9 ] it is of great value to develop Zn‐metal‐free anodes for rocking‐chair ZIBs, which, however, remains a challenging objective. [ 10 ] An ideal Zn‐free anode should possess a low potential vs Zn 2+ /Zn, high theoretical capacity, good electronic conductivity, robust structure, and electrochemical stability.…”