Understanding the Oxidation and Reduction Reactions of Sulfur in Rechargeable Aluminum-Sulfur Batteries with Deep Eutectic Solvent and Ionic Liquid Electrolytes

Reversible Insertion of [AlCl4 ]- Superhalides in Graphite

Graphite-based dual-ion batteries are with potential higher energy density, making them a unique candidate in energy storage systems. However, anion insertion into graphite in aqueous environment remains a significant challenge. Herein, we report that the reversible insertion of Al-Cl superhalide into expanded graphite (EG) delivers an ultrahigh specific capacity of ~171 mAh g-1 from an aqueous deep eutectic solvent (DES) gel electrolyte of 50 m ChCl+5 m AlCl3 . High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Raman spectra and X-ray diffraction (XRD) show that the EG generates turbostratic structure during Al-Cl superhalide (de)insertion instead of presenting typical graphite intercalation compounds (GIC), thus attributing to the high capacity during Al-Cl superhalide insertion.

Recent Theoretical and Experimental Advancements of Aluminum-Sulfur Batteries

Aluminum-sulfur batteries (AlSBs) exhibit significant potential as energy storage systems due to their notable attributes, including a high energy density, cost-effectiveness, and abundant availability of aluminum and sulfur. In order to commercialize AlSBs, an understanding of their working principles is necessary. In this review, we examine the current advancements in cathodes, both in theory and practice, as well as the progress made in aqueous and nonaqueous electrolytes. We also explore the modifications made to separators and the theoretical understanding of problems associated with AlSBs. Furthermore, we discuss future research directions aimed at resolving these issues. Our aim is to summarize the current progress in AlSBs and, based on recent progress and understanding of the mechanism, help design a battery to overcome the challenges that such batteries have been facing.

Eutectic Electrolytes Chemistry for Rechargeable Zn Batteries

Rechargeable zinc batteries (RZBs) have proved to be promising candidates as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries due to their low cost, inherent safety, and environmentally benign features. While designing cost-effective electrolyte systems with excellent compatibility with electrode materials, high energy/power density as well as long life-span challenge their further application as grid-scale energy storage devices. Eutectic electrolytes as a novel class of electrolytes have been extensively reported and explored taking advantage of their feasible preparation and high tunability. Recently, some perspectives have summarized the development and application of eutectic electrolytes in metal-based batteries, but their infancy requires further attention and discussion. This review systematically presents the fundamentals and definitions of eutectic electrolytes. Besides, a specific classification of eutectic electrolytes and their recent progress and performance on RZB fields are introduced as well. Significantly, the impacts of various composing eutectic systems are disserted for critical RZB chemistries including attractive features at electrolyte/electrode interfaces and ions/charges transport kinetics. The remaining challenges and proposed perspectives are ultimately induced, which deliver opportunities and offer practical guidance for the novel design of advanced eutectic electrolytes for superior RZB scenarios.