Electrospinning oxygen-vacant TiNb24O62 nanowires simultaneously boosts electrons and ions transmission capacities toward superior lithium storage

A cubic perovskite fluoride anode with the surface conversion reactions dominated mechanism for advanced lithium-ion batteries

Perovskite fluorides are attractive anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) because of their three-dimensional diffusion channels and robust structures, which are advantageous for the rapid transmission of lithium ions. Unfortunately, the wide band gap results in poor electronic conductivity, which limits their further development and application. Herein, the cubic perovskite iron fluoride (KFeF3, KFF) nanocrystals (∼100 nm) are synthesized by a one-step solvothermal strategy. Thanks to the good electrical conductivity of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), the overall electrochemical performance of composite anode material (KFF-CNTs) has been significantly improved. In particular, the KFF-CNTs deliver a high specific capacity (363.8 mAh g-1), good rate performance (131.6 mAh g-1at 3.2 A g-1), and superior cycle stability (500 cycles). Note that the surface conversion reactions play a dominant role in the electrochemical process of KFF-CNTs, together with the stable octahedral perovskite structure and nanoscale particle sizes achieving high ion diffusion coefficients. Furthermore, the specific lithium storage mechanism of KFF has been explored by the distribution of relaxation times technology. This work opens up a new way for developing cubic perovskite fluorides as high-capacity and robust anode materials for LIBs.

"Fast-Charging" Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries from Perspective of Ion Diffusion in Crystal Structure

"Fast-charging" lithium-ion batteries have gained a multitude of attention in recent years since they could be applied to energy storage areas like electric vehicles, grids, and subsea operations. Unfortunately, the excellent energy density could fail to sustain optimally while lithium-ion batteries are exposed to fast-charging conditions. In actuality, the crystal structure of electrode materials represents the critical factor for influencing the electrode performance. Accordingly, employing anode materials with low diffusion barrier could improve the "fast-charging" performance of the lithium-ion battery. In this Review, first, the "fast-charging" principle of lithium-ion battery and ion diffusion path in the crystal are briefly outlined. Next, the application prospects of "fast-charging" anode materials with various crystal structures are evaluated to search "fast-charging" anode materials with stable, safe, and long lifespan, solving the remaining challenges associated with high power and high safety. Finally, summarizing recent research advances for typical "fast-charging" anode materials, including preparation methods for advanced morphologies and the latest techniques for ameliorating performance. Furthermore, an outlook is given on the ongoing breakthroughs for "fast-charging" anode materials of lithium-ion batteries. Intercalated materials (niobium-based, carbon-based, titanium-based, vanadium-based) with favorable cycling stability are predominantly limited by undesired electronic conductivity and theoretical specific capacity. Accordingly, addressing the electrical conductivity of these materials constitutes an effective trend for realizing fast-charging. The conversion-type transition metal oxide and phosphorus-based materials with high theoretical specific capacity typically undergoes significant volume variation during charging and discharging. Consequently, alleviating the volume expansion could significantly fulfill the application of these materials in fast-charging batteries.

Structural Control of Nanofibers According to Electrospinning Process Conditions and Their Applications

Nanofibers have gained much attention because of the large surface area they can provide. Thus, many fabrication methods that produce nanofiber materials have been proposed. Electrospinning is a spinning technique that can use an electric field to continuously and uniformly generate polymer and composite nanofibers. The structure of the electrospinning system can be modified, thus making changes to the structure, and also the alignment of nanofibers. Moreover, the nanofibers can also be treated, modifying the nanofiber structure. This paper thoroughly reviews the efforts to change the configuration of the electrospinning system and the effects of these configurations on the nanofibers. Excellent works in different fields of application that use electrospun nanofibers are also introduced. The studied materials functioned effectively in their application, thereby proving the potential for the future development of electrospinning nanofiber materials.

Oxygen Defect and Cl--Doped Modulated TiNb2O7 Compound with High Rate Performance in Lithium-Ion Batteries

TiNb2O7 has attracted extensive attention from lithium-ion battery researchers due to its superior specific capacity and safety. However, its poor ion conductivity and electron conductivity hinder its further development. To improve the ion/electron transport of TiNb2O7, we report that chlorine doping and oxygen vacancy engineering regulate the energy band and crystal structure simultaneously through a simple solid-phase method. NH4Cl was used to realize Cl- doping and oxygen vacancy production. A Rietveld refinement demonstrates an effective substitution of Cl in the O sites of Nb-O octahedra, with an enlarged crystal plane spacing. The oxygen vacancies provide more active sites for lithium intercalation. The diffusion coefficient of Li+ is inceased from 2.39 × 10-14 to 1.50 × 10-13 cm2 s-1, which reveals the positive influence of Cl- doping and oxygen vacancies on the promoted Li+ transport behavior. Charge compensation is introduced by the doping of Cl- and the generation of oxygen vacancies, leading to the formation of Ti3+ and Nb4+ and the adjustment of the electronic structure. DFT calculations reveal that TiNb2O7 with Cl- doping and an O vacancy shows a metallic property with a finite value at the Fermi level, which is conducive to electron transfer in the electrode material. Benefiting from these advantages, the modified TiNb2O7 presents superior rate performance with a commendable capacity of 172.82 mAh g-1 at 50 C. This work provides guidance to design high-performance anode materials for high-rate lithium-ion batteries.