Synthesis of Lithium Metal Oxide Nanoparticles by Induction Thermal Plasmas

One-Step Synthesis of SnO2/Carbon Nanotube Nanonests Composites by Direct Current Arc-Discharge Plasma and Its Application in Lithium-Ion Batteries

Tin dioxide (SnO₂)-based materials, as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), have been attracting growing research attention due to the high theoretical specific capacity. However, the complex synthesis process of chemical methods and the pollution of chemical reagents limit its commercialization. The new material synthesis method is of great significance for expanding the application of SnO₂-based materials. In this study, the SnO₂/carbon nanotube nanonests (SnO₂/CNT NNs) composites are synthesized in one step by direct current (DC) arc-discharge plasma; compared with conventional methods, the plasma synthesis achieves a uniform load of SnO₂ nanoparticles on the surfaces of CNTs while constructing the CNTs conductive network. The SnO₂/CNT NNs composites are applied in LIBs, it can be found that the nanonest-like CNT conductive structure provides adequate room for the volume expansion and also helps to transfer the electrons. Electrochemical measurements suggests that the SnO₂/CNT NNscomposites achieve high capacity, and still have high electrochemical stability and coulombic efficiency under high current density, which proves the reliability of the synthesis method. This method is expected to be industrialized and also provides new ideas for the preparation of other nanocomposites.

Molecularly Engineered Lithium–Chromium Alkoxide for Selective Synthesis of LiCrO2 and Li2CrO4 Nanomaterials

Achieving control over the phase-selective synthesis of mixed metal oxide materials remains a challenge to the synthetic chemist due to diffusion-driven growth, which necessitates the search for new compounds with pre-existent chemical bonds between the phase-forming elements. We report here a simple solvothermal process to fabricate LiCrO2 and Li2CrO4 nanoparticles from bimetallic single-source precursors, demonstrating the distinctive influence of molecular design and calcination conditions on the resulting nanomaterials. The chemical identity of [Li2Cr(OtBu)4Cl(THF)2] (1) and [LiCr(OtBu)2(PyCH=COCF3)2(THF)2] (2) was unambiguously established in the solid state by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, revealing the formation of a coordination polymeric chain in compound 1, whereas electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) studies revealed a monomeric structure in solution. TEM analysis of synthesized LiCrO2 nanoparticles showed nearly uniform particles size of approximately 20 nm. The sensitivity of the LiCrO2 phase towards oxidation was investigated by X-ray diffraction, revealing the formation of the stable Li2CrO4 after calcination in air.

Recent Progresses and Development of Advanced Atomic Layer Deposition towards High-Performance Li-Ion Batteries

Electrode materials and electrolytes play a vital role in device-level performance of rechargeable Li-ion batteries (LIBs). However, electrode structure/component degeneration and electrode-electrolyte sur-/interface evolution are identified as the most crucial obstacles in practical applications. Thanks to its congenital advantages, atomic layer deposition (ALD) methodology has attracted enormous attention in advanced LIBs. This review mainly focuses upon the up-to-date progress and development of the ALD in high-performance LIBs. The significant roles of the ALD in rational design and fabrication of multi-dimensional nanostructured electrode materials, and finely tailoring electrode-electrolyte sur-/interfaces are comprehensively highlighted. Furthermore, we clearly envision that this contribution will motivate more extensive and insightful studies in the ALD to considerably improve Li-storage behaviors. Future trends and prospects to further develop advanced ALD nanotechnology in next-generation LIBs were also presented.

Plasma Nanoengineering and Nanofabrication

With the recent advances in nanotechnology, plasma nanofabrication has become an exciting new niche because plasma-based approaches can deliver unique structures at the nanoscale that cannot be achieved by other techniques and/or in a more economical and environmentally friendly manner.[...].