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Novel Electrode Materials for Rechargeable Batteries, 2nd Edition
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Novel Electrode Materials for Rechargeable Batteries, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Electrochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 6002

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jian Peng

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Engineering, Western University, London, ON N6A 5B9, Canada
Interests: rechargeable batteries; electrode materials; metal–organic frameworks; energy storage devices; operando characterizations
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Wei Zhang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Low-Dimensional Materials and Energy Storage Devices, School of Materials and Energy, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
Interests: energy storage; anode materials; in situ measurements; defect engineering; heterostructures; nanoporous carbon materials
Dr. Shiyue Cao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant
Eastern Institute for Advanced Study, Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo, China
Interests: rechargeable battery; electrode materials; phase change materials; amorphous materials

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The years 2011–2020 comprised the warmest decade ever recorded, with the global average temperature reaching 1.1 °C above pre-industrial levels in 2019. The evidence is clear: the main cause of climate change is burning fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal. When burnt, fossil fuels release carbon dioxide into the air, causing the planet to heat up. The exploration and utilization of renewable energy to generate electricity can effectively reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels and create a sustainable and green future for all human beings. However, renewables are intermittent, and require advanced energy storage and conversion systems, such as rechargeable batteries, to provide a continuous power supply. High-performance and cost-effective electrode materials are key for the successful implementation of rechargeable batteries.

Following the popularity of the last Special Issue, we have produced a second version. This Special Issue of Molecules aims to collect contributions on novel electrode materials for rechargeable batteries. As Guest Editors of this Special Issue, we are writing to invite you to contribute a research paper, rapid communication, perspective, or review article on your latest research activities in the field of rechargeable batteries.

This Special Issue will offer a forum to present papers focused on rechargeable batteries, especially related to the synthesis, characterization, and practical application of novel electrode materials. We kindly invite contributions covering the aspects broadly indicated by the keywords.

Dr. Jian Peng
Dr. Wei Zhang
Guest Editors

Dr. Shiyue Cao
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • energy
  • batteries
  • electrode materials
  • synthesis
  • characterization
  • practical application

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 19949 KiB  
Article
Encapsulation Engineering of Sulfur into Magnesium Oxide for High Energy Density Li–S Batteries
by Sunny Choudhary, Nischal Oli, Shweta Shweta, Satyam Kumar, Mohan K. Bhattarai, Carlos Alberto Malca-Reyes, Rajesh K. Katiyar, Balram Tripathi, Liz M. Díaz-Vázquez, Gerardo Morell and Ram S. Katiyar
Molecules 2024, 29(21), 5116; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29215116 - 30 Oct 2024
Viewed by 811
Abstract
This study addresses the persistent challenge of polysulfide dissolution in lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries by introducing magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles as a novel additive. MgO was integrated with sulfur using a scalable process involving solid-state melt diffusion treatment followed by planetary ball milling. XRD [...] Read more.
This study addresses the persistent challenge of polysulfide dissolution in lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries by introducing magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles as a novel additive. MgO was integrated with sulfur using a scalable process involving solid-state melt diffusion treatment followed by planetary ball milling. XRD measurements confirmed that sulfur (S8) retains its orthorhombic crystalline structure (space group Fddd) following the MgO incorporation, with minimal peak shifts indicating slight lattice distortion, while the increased peak intensity suggests enhanced crystallinity due to MgO acting as a nucleation site. Additionally, Raman spectroscopy demonstrated sulfur’s characteristic vibrational modes consistent with group theory (point group D2h) and highlighted multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT′s) D, G, and 2D bands, with a low ID/IG ratio (0.47), which indicated low defects and high crystallinity in the prepared cathode. The S–MgO composite cathode exhibited superior electrochemical behavior, with an initial discharge capacity (950 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C), significantly improved compared to pristine sulfur’s. The presence of MgO effectively mitigated the polysulfide shuttle effect by trapping polysulfides, leading to enhanced stability over 400 cycles and the consistent coulombic efficiency of over 99.5%. After 400 cycles, EDS and SEM analyses confirmed the structural integrity of the electrode, with only minor fractures and slight sulfur content loss. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy further confirmed the enhanced performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Electrode Materials for Rechargeable Batteries, 2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 5206 KiB  
Article
Carbonized Ganoderma Lucidum/V2O3 Composites as a Superior Cathode for High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries
by Guilin Zeng, Zhengda Li, Shaohua Jiang and Wei Zhou
Molecules 2024, 29(15), 3688; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29153688 - 4 Aug 2024
Viewed by 736
Abstract
In response to the suboptimal electrochemical performance of low-valence vanadium oxides, Ganoderma lucidum biomass-derived carbon@V2O3 (V2O3@CGL) composites were prepared by evaporative self-assembly technology and high-temperature calcination. In the prepared composites, V2O3 effectively encapsulates [...] Read more.
In response to the suboptimal electrochemical performance of low-valence vanadium oxides, Ganoderma lucidum biomass-derived carbon@V2O3 (V2O3@CGL) composites were prepared by evaporative self-assembly technology and high-temperature calcination. In the prepared composites, V2O3 effectively encapsulates CGL, serving as a support for V2O3 and enhancing electrical conductivity and structural stability. This results in improved overall performance for the composites. They revealed satisfactory electrochemical properties when assembled in aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). The preliminary discharge specific capacity of the V2O3@CGL-2 (VOCG-2) composite electrode reached 407.87 mAh g−1 at 0.05 A g−1. After 1000 cycles, the capacity retention is 93.69% at 3 A g−1. This research underscores the feasibility of employing V2O3 and abundantly available biomass for high-performance AZIB cathodes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Electrode Materials for Rechargeable Batteries, 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 3569 KiB  
Article
Suitable Stereoscopic Configuration of Electrolyte Additive Enabling Highly Reversible and High—Rate Zn Anodes
by Binrui Xu, Yong Liu, Bo Zhao, Haoming Li, Min Liu, Huanxiao Mai and Quanan Li
Molecules 2024, 29(14), 3416; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29143416 - 21 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 798
Abstract
Electrolyte additive engineering is a crucial method for enhancing the performance of aqueous zinc—ion batteries (AZIBs). Recently, most research predominantly focuses on the role of functional groups in regulating electrolytes, often overlooking the impact of molecule stereoscopic configuration. Herein, two isomeric sugar alcohols, [...] Read more.
Electrolyte additive engineering is a crucial method for enhancing the performance of aqueous zinc—ion batteries (AZIBs). Recently, most research predominantly focuses on the role of functional groups in regulating electrolytes, often overlooking the impact of molecule stereoscopic configuration. Herein, two isomeric sugar alcohols, mannitol and sorbitol, are employed as electrolyte additives to investigate the impact of the stereoscopic configuration of additives on the ZnSO4 electrolyte. Experimental analysis and theoretical calculations reveal that the primary factor for improving Zn anode performance is the regulation of the solvation sheath by these additives. Among the isomers, mannitol exhibits stronger binding energies with Zn2+ ions and water molecules due to its more suitable stereoscopic configuration. These enhanced bindings allow mannitol to coordinate with Zn2+, contributing to solvation structure formation and reducing the active H2O molecules in the bulk electrolyte, resulting in suppressed parasitic reactions and inhibited dendritic growth. As a result, the zinc electrodes in mannitol—modified electrolyte exhibit excellent cycling stability of 1600 h at 1 mA cm−2 and 900 h at 10 mA cm−2, respectively. Hence, this study provides novel insights into the importance of suitable stereoscopic molecule configurations in the design of electrolyte additives for highly reversible and high—rate Zn anodes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Electrode Materials for Rechargeable Batteries, 2nd Edition)
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Review

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19 pages, 3079 KiB  
Review
Opportunities and Challenges of Multi-Ion, Dual-Ion and Single-Ion Intercalation in Phosphate-Based Polyanionic Cathodes for Zinc-Ion Batteries
by Lei Cao, Tao Du, Hao Wang, Zhen-Yu Cheng, Yi-Song Wang and Li-Feng Zhou
Molecules 2024, 29(20), 4929; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29204929 - 18 Oct 2024
Viewed by 506
Abstract
Abstract: With the continuous development of science and technology, battery storage systems for clean energy have become crucial for global economic transformation. Among various rechargeable batteries, lithium-ion batteries are widely used, but face issues like limited resources, high costs, and safety concerns. In [...] Read more.
Abstract: With the continuous development of science and technology, battery storage systems for clean energy have become crucial for global economic transformation. Among various rechargeable batteries, lithium-ion batteries are widely used, but face issues like limited resources, high costs, and safety concerns. In contrast, zinc-ion batteries, as a complement to lithium-ion batteries, are drawing increasing attention. In the exploration of zinc-ion batteries, especially of phosphate-based cathodes, the battery action mechanism has a profound impact on the battery performance. In this paper, we first review the interaction mechanism of multi-ion, dual-ion, and single-ion water zinc batteries. Then, the impact of the above mechanisms on battery performance was discussed. Finally, the application prospects of the effective use of multi-ion, dual-ion, and single-ion intercalation technology in zinc-ion batteries is reviewed, which has significance for guiding the development of rechargeable water zinc-ion batteries in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Electrode Materials for Rechargeable Batteries, 2nd Edition)
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26 pages, 9053 KiB  
Review
Constructing Three-Dimensional Architectures to Design Advanced Copper-Based Current Collector Materials for Alkali Metal Batteries: From Nanoscale to Microscale
by Chunyang Kong, Fei Wang, Yong Liu, Zhongxiu Liu, Jing Liu, Kaijia Feng, Yifei Pei, Yize Wu and Guangxin Wang
Molecules 2024, 29(15), 3669; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29153669 - 2 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1194
Abstract
Alkali metals (Li, Na, and K) are deemed as the ideal anode materials for next-generation high-energy-density batteries because of their high theoretical specific capacity and low redox potentials. However, alkali metal anodes (AMAs) still face some challenges hindering their further applications, including uncontrollable [...] Read more.
Alkali metals (Li, Na, and K) are deemed as the ideal anode materials for next-generation high-energy-density batteries because of their high theoretical specific capacity and low redox potentials. However, alkali metal anodes (AMAs) still face some challenges hindering their further applications, including uncontrollable dendrite growth and unstable solid electrolyte interphase during cycling, resulting in low Coulombic efficiency and inferior cycling performance. In this regard, designing 3D current collectors as hosts for AMAs is one of the most effective ways to address the above-mentioned problems, because their sufficient space could accommodate AMAs’ volume expansion, and their high specific surface area could lower the local current density, leading to the uniform deposition of alkali metals. Herein, we review recent progress on the application of 3D Cu-based current collectors in stable and dendrite-free AMAs. The most widely used modification methods of 3D Cu-based current collectors are summarized. Furthermore, the relationships among methods of modification, structure and composition, and the electrochemical properties of AMAs using Cu-based current collectors, are systematically discussed. Finally, the challenges and prospects for future study and applications of Cu-based current collectors in high-performance alkali metal batteries are proposed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Electrode Materials for Rechargeable Batteries, 2nd Edition)
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19 pages, 5689 KiB  
Review
Advancing Metallic Lithium Anodes: A Review of Interface Design, Electrolyte Innovation, and Performance Enhancement Strategies
by Junwei Shi, Kailin Jiang, Yameng Fan, Lingfei Zhao, Zhenxiang Cheng, Peng Yu, Jian Peng and Min Wan
Molecules 2024, 29(15), 3624; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29153624 - 31 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1425
Abstract
Lithium (Li) metal is one of the most promising anode materials for next-generation, high-energy, Li-based batteries due to its exceptionally high specific capacity and low reduction potential. Nonetheless, intrinsic challenges such as detrimental interfacial reactions, significant volume expansion, and dendritic growth present considerable [...] Read more.
Lithium (Li) metal is one of the most promising anode materials for next-generation, high-energy, Li-based batteries due to its exceptionally high specific capacity and low reduction potential. Nonetheless, intrinsic challenges such as detrimental interfacial reactions, significant volume expansion, and dendritic growth present considerable obstacles to its practical application. This review comprehensively summarizes various recent strategies for the modification and protection of metallic lithium anodes, offering insight into the latest advancements in electrode enhancement, electrolyte innovation, and interfacial design, as well as theoretical simulations related to the above. One notable trend is the optimization of electrolytes to suppress dendrite formation and enhance the stability of the electrode–electrolyte interface. This has been achieved through the development of new electrolytes with higher ionic conductivity and better compatibility with Li metal. Furthermore, significant progress has been made in the design and synthesis of novel Li metal composite anodes. These composite anodes, incorporating various additives such as polymers, ceramic particles, and carbon nanotubes, exhibit improved cycling stability and safety compared to pure Li metal. Research has used simulation computing, machine learning, and other methods to achieve electrochemical mechanics modeling and multi-field simulation in order to analyze and predict non-uniform lithium deposition processes and control factors. In-depth investigations into the electrochemical reactions, interfacial chemistry, and physical properties of these electrodes have provided valuable insights into their design and optimization. It systematically encapsulates the state-of-the-art developments in anode protection and delineates prospective trajectories for the technology’s industrial evolution. This review aims to provide a detailed overview of the latest strategies for enhancing metallic lithium anodes in lithium-ion batteries, addressing the primary challenges and suggesting future directions for industrial advancement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Electrode Materials for Rechargeable Batteries, 2nd Edition)
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