Preparation of nano-structured LiFePO4/graphene composites by co-precipitation method

Recent Advances in Graphene-Based Materials for Zinc-Ion Batteries

Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are a promising alternative for large-scale energy storage due to their advantages of environmental protection, low cost, and intrinsic safety. However, the utilization of their full potential is still hindered by the sluggish electrode reaction kinetics, poor structural stability, severe Zn dendrite growth, and narrow electrochemical stability window of the whole battery. Graphene-based materials with excellent physicochemical properties hold great promise for addressing the above challenges foe ZIBs. In this review, the energy storage mechanisms and challenges faced by ZIBs are first discussed. Key issues and recent progress in design strategies for graphene-based materials in optimizing the electrochemical performance of ZIBs (anode, cathode, electrolyte, separator and current collector) are then discussed. Finally, some potential challenges and future research directions of graphene-based materials in high-performance ZIBs are proposed for practical applications.

Pillar strategy enhanced ion transport and structural stability toward ultra-stable KVPO4F cathode for practical potassium-ion batteries

KVPO₄F (KVPF) is a promising cathode material for potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) because of its high operating voltage, high energy density, and excellent thermal stability. Nevertheless, the low kinetics and large volume change have been the major hurdles causing irreversible structural damage, high inner resistance, and poor cycle stability. Herein, a pillar strategy of Cs⁺ doping in KVPO₄F is introduced to reduce the energy barrier for ion diffusion and volume change during potassiation/depotassiation, which significantly enhances the K⁺ diffusion coefficient and stabilizes the crystal structure of the material. Consequently, the K_0.95Cs_0.05VPO₄F (Cs-5-KVPF) cathode exhibits an excellent discharge capacity of 104.5 mAh g^-1 at 20 mA g^-1 and a capacity retention rate of 87.9% after 800 cycles at 500 mA g^-1. Importantly, Cs-5-KVPF//graphite full cells attain an energy density of 220 Wh kg^-1 (based on the cathode and anode weight) with a high operating voltage of 3.93 V and 79.1% capacity retention after 2000 cycles at 300 mA g^-1. The Cs-doped KVPO₄F cathode successfully innovates the ultra-durable and high-performance cathode materials for PIBs, demonstrating its considerable potential for practical applications.

Sepiolite and ZIF-67 co-modified PAN/PVdF-HFP nanofiber separators for advanced Li-ion batteries

Electrospun PAN/PVdF-HFP membranes have the potential to be used as separators for Li-ion batteries owing to their good mechanical properties and high chemical stability. However, the application of PAN/PVdF-HFP separators has been hampered by their poor electrochemical performances. In this study, semi-aligned PAN/PVdF-HFP nanofiber separators have been fabricated by an electrospinning technology. Sepiolite and ZIF-67 co-modification was employed to enhance the physical properties of the PAN/PVdF-HFP separators. The test cells with the as-prepared composite separator showed better electrochemical performance than the commercial and raw PAN/PVdF-HFP separators.

Revisiting the Roles of Natural Graphite in Ongoing Lithium-Ion Batteries

Graphite, commonly including artificial graphite and natural graphite (NG), possesses a relatively high theoretical capacity of 372 mA h g^-1 and appropriate lithiation/de-lithiation potential, and has been extensively used as the anode of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). With the requirements of reducing CO₂ emission to achieve carbon neutral, the market share of NG anode will continue to grow due to its excellent processability and low production energy consumption. NG, which is abundant in China, can be divided into flake graphite (FG) and microcrystalline graphite (MG). In the past 30 years, many researchers have focused on developing modified NG and its derivatives with superior electrochemical performance, promoting their wide applications in LIBs. Here, a comprehensive overview of the origin, roles, and research progress of NG-based materials in ongoing LIBs is provided, including their structure, properties, electrochemical performance, modification methods, derivatives, composites, and applications, especially the strategies to improve their high-rate and low-temperature charging performance. Prospects regarding the development orientation as well as future applications of NG-based materials are also considered, which will provide significant guidance for the current and future research of high-energy-density LIBs.

Controlled Hydrothermal/Solvothermal Synthesis of High-Performance LiFePO4 for Li-Ion Batteries

The sluggish Li-ion diffusivity in LiFePO₄ , a famous cathode material, relies heavily on the employment of a broad spectrum of modifications to accelerate the slow kinetics, including size and orientation control, coating with electron-conducting layer, aliovalent ion doping, and defect control. These strategies are generally implemented by employing the hydrothermal/solvothermal synthesis, as reflected by the hundreds of publications on hydrothermal/solvothermal synthesis in recent years. However, LiFePO₄ is far from the level of controllable preparation, due to the lack of the understanding of the relations between the synthesis condition and the nucleation-and-growth of LiFePO₄ . In this paper, the recent progress in controlled hydrothermal/solvothermal synthesis of LiFePO₄ is first summarized, before an insight into the relations between the synthesis condition and the nucleation-and-growth of LiFePO₄ is obtained. Thereafter, a review over surface decoration, lattice substitution, and defect control is provided. Moreover, new research directions and future trends are also discussed.

Graphite-Embedded Lithium Iron Phosphate for High-Power-Energy Cathodes

Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) is broadly used as a low-cost cathode material for lithium-ion batteries, but its low ionic and electronic conductivity limit the rate performance. We report herein the synthesis of LiFePO₄/graphite composites in which LiFePO₄ nanoparticles were grown within a graphite matrix. The graphite matrix is porous, highly conductive, and mechanically robust, giving electrodes outstanding cycle performance and high rate capability. High-mass-loading electrodes with high reversible capacity (160 mA h g^-1 under 0.2 C), ultrahigh rate capability (107 mA h g^-1 under 60 C), and outstanding cycle performance (>95% reversible capacity retention over 2000 cycles) were achieved, providing a new strategy toward low-cost, long-life, and high-power batteries. Adoption of such material leads to electrodes with volumetric energy density as high as 427 W h L^-1 under 60 C, which is of great interest for electric vehicles and other applications.

Al-Samhan A, Ghaleb M, Dabwan A. Milling of Graphene Reinforced Ti6Al4V Nanocomposites: An Artificial Intelligence Based Industry 4.0 Approach

The studies about the effect of the graphene reinforcement ratio and machining parameters to improve the machining performance of Ti6Al4V alloy are still rare and incomplete to meet the Industry 4.0 manufacturing criteria. In this study, a hybrid adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) with a multi-objective particle swarm optimization method is developed to obtain the optimal combination of milling parameters and reinforcement ratio that lead to minimize the feed force, depth force, and surface roughness. For achieving this, Ti6Al4V matrix nanocomposites reinforced with 0 wt.%, 0.6 wt.%, and 1.2 wt.% graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) are produced. Afterward, a full factorial approach was used to design experiments to investigate the effect of cutting speed, feed rate, and graphene nanoplatelets ratio on machining behaviour. After that, artificial intelligence based on ANFIS is used to develop prediction models as the fitness function of the multi-objective particle swarm optimization method. The experimental results showed that the developed models can obtain an accurate estimation of depth force, feed force, and surface roughness with a mean absolute percentage error of 3.87%, 8.56%, and 2.21%, respectively, as compared with experimentally measured outputs. In addition, the developed artificial intelligence models showed 361.24%, 35.05%, and 276.47% less errors for depth force, feed force, and surface roughness, respectively, as compared with the traditional mathematical models. The multi-objective optimization results from the new approach indicated that a cutting speed of 62 m/min, feed rate of 139 mm/min, and GNPs reinforcement ratio of 1.145 wt.% lead to the improved machining characteristics of GNPs reinforced Ti6Al4V matrix nanocomposites. Henceforth, the hybrid method as a novel artificial intelligent method can be used for optimizing the machining processes with complex relationships between the output responses.

Preparation of ultrathin carbon-coated CdS nanobelts for advanced Li and Na storage

In this paper, we report a simple hydrothermal method for preparation of ultrathin carbon-coated CdS (CdS@C) nanobelts. The CdS@C nanobelts show superior electrochemical properties as an anode material for Li-ion batteries. The optimized CdS@C composites deliver a reversible capacity around 910 mAhg^-1 and 48 mAhg^-1 at 0.1 Ag^-1 and 30.0 Ag^-1, respectively. Moreover, the optimized nanobelts are also potential materials for Na storage. A stable capacity around 240 mAhg^-1 is obtained at 0.1 Ag^-1, even after 100 cycles.

Using graphdiyne (GDY) as a catalyst support for enhanced performance in organic pollutant degradation and hydrogen production: A review

The development of carbon materials brings a new two-dimensional catalyst support, graphdiyne (GDY), which is attracting increasing interest in the field of catalysis. This article presents a systematical review of recent studies about the characteristics, design strategies, and applications of GDY-supported catalysts. The sp- and sp²-hybridized carbon, high electrical conductivity, direct band gap, and high intrinsic carrier mobility are key characteristics for GDY to serve as a competitive catalyst support. Hydrothermal method (or solvothermal method), GDY in-situ growth, and electrochemical deposition are commonly used to load catalysts on GDY support. In the applications of GDY-supported photocatalysts, GDY mainly serves as an electron or hole transfer material. For the electrocatalytic hydrogen production, the unique electronic structure and high electrical conductivity of GDY can promote the electron transfer and water splitting kinetics. This review is expected to provide meaningful insight and guidance for the design of GDY-supported catalysts and their applications.

Anisotropic semi-aligned PAN@PVdF-HFP separator for Li-ion batteries

Compared with the common electrospun nanofibers, the alignment of the nanofibers exhibits interesting anisotropic mechanical properties and structural stability. In this paper, semi-aligned PAN@PVdF-HFP nanofiber separators were prepared by a modified electrospinning method. The composite separators exhibit anisotropic mechanical properties and enhanced electrochemical performance compared with electrospun PAN films. The PAN@PVdF-HFP nanofiber separator can deliver an ionic conductivity of 1.2 mSċcm^-1 with electrochemical stability up to 5.0 V. The LiFePO₄/Li cell with semi-aligned PAN@PVdF-HFP separator shows excellent cycling performance, good rate capability, as well as high discharge capacity.

One-Step Microwave Synthesis of Micro/Nanoscale LiFePO4/Graphene Cathode With High Performance for Lithium-Ion Batteries

In this study, micro/nanoscale LiFePO₄/graphene composites are synthesized successfully using a one-step microwave heating method. One-step microwave heating can simplify the reduction step of graphene oxide and provide a convenient, economical, and effective method of preparing graphene composites. The structural analysis shows that LiFePO₄/graphene has high phase purity and crystallinity. The morphological analysis shows that LiFePO₄/graphene microspheres and micron blocks are composed of densely aggregated nanoparticles; the nanoparticle size can shorten the diffusion path of lithium ions and thus increase the lithium-ion diffusion rate. Additionally, the graphene sheets can provide a rapid transport path for electrons, thus increasing the electronic conductivity of the material. Furthermore, the nanoparticles being packed into the micron graphene sheets can ensure stability in the electrolyte during charging and discharging. Raman analysis reveals that the graphene has a high degree of graphitization. Electrochemical analysis shows that the LiFePO₄/graphene has an excellent capacity, high rate performance, and cycle stability. The discharge capacities are 166.3, 156.1, 143.0, 132.4, and 120.9 mAh g^-1 at rates of 0.1, 1, 3, 5, and 10 C, respectively. The superior electrochemical performance can be ascribed to the synergy of the shorter lithium-ion diffusion path achieved by LiFePO₄ nanoparticles and the conductive networks of graphene.

A Novel Strategy for the Synthesis of Fe3(PO4)2 Using Fe-P Waste Slag and CO2 Followed by Its Use as the Precursor for LiFePO4 Preparation

A novel method whose starting materials was Fe-P waste slag and CO2 using a closed-loop carbon and energy cycle to synthesize LiFePO4/C materials was proposed recently. In the first step, Fe-P slag was calcinated in a CO2 atmosphere to manufacture Fe3(PO4)2, in which the solid products were tested by XRD (X-ray diffraction) analysis and the gaseous products were analyzed by the gas detection method. In the second step, as-synthesized Fe3(PO4)2 was further used as the Fe and P source to manufacture LiFePO4/C materials. Also, the influence of the preparation conditions of Fe3(PO4)2, including calcination time and calcination temperature, on the energy storage properties of as-obtained LiFePO4/C was investigated. It was found that the LiFePO4/C materials, which was synthesized from Fe3(PO4)2 obtained by calcining Fe-P waste slag at 800 °C for 10 h in CO2, exhibited a higher capacity, better reversibility, and lower polarization than other samples. The discharge capacity of as-obtained LiFePO4/C can reach 145 mAh/g at 0.1 C current rate. This work puts forward an environment-friendly method of manufacturing LiFePO4/C cathode materials, which has a closed-loop carbon and energy cycle.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Graphene Oxide-Reinforced Titanium Matrix Composites Synthesized by Hot-Pressed Sintering

Ti matrix composites reinforced with 1-5 wt% graphene oxide (GO) were prepared by hot-pressed sintering in argon atmosphere. The effect of sintering temperature on the microstructures and mechanical properties of the composite was also evaluated. The results show that TiC nanoparticles were formed in situ as interfacial products via the reaction between Ti and GO during sintering. With increases in GO content and sintering temperature, the amount of TiC increased, improving the mechanical properties of the composites. GO was also partly retained with a lamellar structure after sintering. The composite reinforced with 5 wt% GO exhibited a hardness of 457 HV, 48.4% higher than that of pure Ti at 1473 K. The Ti-2.5 wt% GO composite sintered at 1473 K achieved a maximum yield stress of 1294 MPa, which was 62.7 % higher than that of pure Ti. Further increasing the GO content to 5 wt% led to a slight decrease in yield stress owing to GO agglomeration. The fracture morphology of the composite reinforced with GO exhibited a quasi-cleavage fracture, whereas that of the pure Ti matrix showed a ductile fracture. The main strengthening mechanism included grain refinement, solution strengthening, and dispersion strengthening of TiC and GO.

Graphene-Carbon Nanotubes-Modified LiFePO4 Cathode Materials for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries

A nanocrystalline LiFePO4/graphene-carbon nanotubes (LFP-G-CNT) composite has been successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal method followed by heat-treatment. The microstructure and morphology of the LFP-G-CNTs composite were comparatively investigated with LiFePO4/graphene (LFP-G) and LiFePO4/carbon nanotubes (LFP-CNT) by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The LFP-G-CNTs nanoparticles were wrapped homogeneously and loosely within a 3D conducting network of graphene-carbon nanotubes. The conducting networks provided highly conductive pathways for electron transfer during the intercalation/deintercalation process, facilitated electron migration throughout the secondary particles, accelerated the penetration of the liquid electrolyte into the LFP-G-CNT composite in all directions and enhanced the diffusion of Li ions. The results indicate that the electrochemical activity of LFP-G-CNT composite may be enhanced significantly. The charge-discharge curves, cyclic voltammograms (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results demonstrate that LFP-G-CNT composite performes better than LFP-G and LFP-CNT composites. In particular, LFP-G-CNT composite with a low content of graphene and carbon nanotubes exhibites a high initial discharge capacity of 168.4 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and 103.7 mAh g−1 at 40 C and an excellent cycling stability.

Rapid preparation of high electrochemical performance LiFePO4/C composite cathode material with an ultrasonic-intensified micro-impinging jetting reactor

A joint chemical reactor system referred to as an ultrasonic-intensified micro-impinging jetting reactor (UIJR), which possesses the feature of fast micro-mixing, was proposed and has been employed for rapid preparation of FePO₄ particles that are amalgamated by nanoscale primary crystals. As one of the important precursors for the fabrication of lithium iron phosphate cathode, the properties of FePO₄ nano particles significantly affect the performance of the lithium iron phosphate cathode. Thus, the effects of joint use of impinging stream and ultrasonic irradiation on the formation of mesoporous structure of FePO₄ nano precursor particles and the electrochemical properties of amalgamated LiFePO₄/C have been investigated. Additionally, the effects of the reactant concentration (C=0.5, 1.0 and 1.5molL^-1), and volumetric flow rate (V=17.15, 51.44, and 85.74mLmin^-1) on synthesis of FePO₄·2H₂O nucleus have been studied when the impinging jetting reactor (IJR) and UIJR are to operate in nonsubmerged mode. It was affirmed from the experiments that the FePO₄ nano precursor particles prepared using UIJR have well-formed mesoporous structures with the primary crystal size of 44.6nm, an average pore size of 15.2nm, and a specific surface area of 134.54m²g^-1 when the reactant concentration and volumetric flow rate are 1.0molL^-1 and 85.74mLmin^-1 respectively. The amalgamated LiFePO₄/C composites can deliver good electrochemical performance with discharge capacities of 156.7mAhg^-1 at 0.1C, and exhibit 138.0mAhg^-1 after 100 cycles at 0.5C, which is 95.3% of the initial discharge capacity.

A density functional theory study of the carbon-coating effects on lithium iron borate battery electrodes

Density functional theory modelling shows that carbon coatings on a LiFeBO₃ cathode material does not impede the Li transport in a Li-ion battery.

Conformal Coating Strategy Comprising N-doped Carbon and Conventional Graphene for Achieving Ultrahigh Power and Cyclability of LiFePO4

Surface carbon coating to improve the inherent poor electrical conductivity of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4, LFP) has been considered as most efficient strategy. Here, we also report one of the conventional methods for LFP but exhibiting a specific capacity beyond the theoretical value, ultrahigh rate performance, and excellent long-term cyclability: the specific capacity is 171.9 mAh/g (70 μm-thick electrode with ∼10 mg/cm(2) loading mass) at 0.1 C (17 mA/g) and retains 143.7 mAh/g at 10 C (1.7 A/g) and 95.8% of initial capacity at 10 C after 1000 cycles. It was found that the interior conformal N-C coating enhances the intrinsic conductivity of LFP nanorods (LFP NR) and the exterior reduced graphene oxide coating acts as an electrically conducting secondary network to electrically connect the entire electrode. The great electron transport mutually promoted with shorten Li diffusion length on (010) facet exposed LFP NR represents the highest specific capacity value recorded to date at 10 C and ultralong-term cyclability. This conformal carbon coating approach can be a promising strategy for the commercialization of LFP cathode in lithium ion batteries.

Desired crystal oriented LiFePO4 nanoplatelets in situ anchored on a graphene cross-linked conductive network for fast lithium storage

Electron transfer and lithium ion diffusion rates are the key factors limiting the lithium ion storage in anisotropic LiFePO4 electrodes. In this work, we employed a facile solvothermal method to synthesize a "platelet-on-sheet" LiFePO4/graphene composite (LFP@GNs), which is LiFePO4 nanoplatelets in situ grown on graphene sheets with highly oriented (010) facets of LiFePO4 crystals. Such a two-phase contact mode with graphene sheets cross-linked to form a three-dimensional porous network is favourable for both fast lithium ion and electron transports. As a result, the designed LFP@GNs displayed a high rate capability (∼56 mA h g(-1) at 60 C) and long life cycling stability (∼87% capacity retention over 1000 cycles at 10 C). For comparison purposes, samples ex situ modified with graphene (LFP/GNs) as well as pure LiFePO4 platelets (LFP) were also prepared and investigated. More importantly, the obtained LFP@GNs can be used as a basic unit for constructing more complex structures to further improve electrochemical performance, such as coating the exposed LFP surface with a thin layer of carbon to build a C@LFP@GN composite to further enhance its cycling stability (∼98% capacity retention over 1000 cycles at 10 C).

Synthesis of lithium iron phosphate/carbon microspheres by using polyacrylic acid coated iron phosphate nanoparticles derived from iron(III) acrylate

Lithium iron phosphate/carbon (LiFePO4 /C) microspheres with high rate and cycling performance are synthesized from iron phosphate/polyacrylic acid (FePO4 /PAA) nanoparticles. Iron(III) acrylate is used as a precursor for both the iron and carbon sources. FePO4 nanoparticles are first produced by a coprecipitation reaction. The byproduct, acrylic acid ions, is polymerized in situ to form a uniform PAA layer on the surface of the FePO4 nanoparticles. The as-prepared LiFePO4 /C microspheres are composed of primary nanoparticles with sizes of 40-50 nm. The nanoparticles are fully coated with a thin, uniform carbon layer derived from the decomposition of the PAA layer. The uniform carbon-coating layer cooperates with interstitial and boundary carbon derived from sucrose successfully to construct an excellent interconnecting conductive network in the microspheres. As a result of the unique structure, the as-prepared LiFePO4 /C microspheres display both high electronic and ionic conductivities, which contribute to their high rate performance (162.9 mAh g(-1) at 0.1C and 126.1 mAh g(-1) at 5C) and excellent cycling stability (97.1% of capacity retention after 500 cycles at 5C/5C).

Facile fabrication of RGO wrapped LiMn2O4 nanorods as a cathode with enhanced specific capacity

A facile method with ethanol assisted dispersion combined with a magnetic stirrer to prepare reduced graphene oxide (RGO) wrapped LiMn₂O₄ nanorods (LNs) is presented.

High-rate electrode material 2LiFePO4·Li3V2(PO4)3@carbon/graphene using the in situ grown Fe4(VO4)4·15H2O precursor on the surface of graphite oxide

2LiFePO₄·Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃@carbon/graphene (2LFP·LVP@C/G) as a cathode material, based on anin situgrown Fe₄(VO₄)₄·15H₂O precursor on the surface of graphene oxide, was synthesized by a solid-state process.

A template-free facile approach for the synthesis of CuS–rGO nanocomposites towards enhanced photocatalytic reduction of organic contaminants and textile effluents

Copper sulfide–reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites were synthesized hydrothermally from copper nitrate and thiourea as precursor materials.

Ultra-thick Li-ion battery electrodes using different cell size of metal foam current collectors

In this study, ultra-thick Li-ion battery electrodes were prepared using 450, 800 and 1200 μm cell size of metal foam current collectors for large scale energy storage.

Hybrid energy storage: the merging of battery and supercapacitor chemistries

The integration of capacitive and faradaic energy storage mechanism in the form of hybrid materials, electrodes and devices aims at increasing energy and power densities for the next generation of electrochemical energy storage devices.