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Li3BN2 is investigated for the first time as a transition metal free, high capacity cathode material for Li-ion batteries. It is shown that α-Li3BN2 can exhibit a specific capacity of 890 mA h g−1 with the charge storage mechanism associated with the valence state change of N ions in the BN2 anion. The specific capacity demonstrated in this study is the highest one ever reported in literature for an intercalation-type cathode material. Further, using the valence state change of N ions as a charge storage mechanism opens the door for designing additional high performance, transition metal free electrodes in the future.

NaCrO2 is a promising cathode for Na-ion batteries. However, further studies of the mechanisms controlling its specific capacities and cycle stability are needed for real-world applications in the future. This study reveals, for the first time, that the typical specific capacity of ~110 mAh/g reported by many researchers when the charge/discharge voltage window is set between 2.0 and 3.6 V vs. Na/Na+ is actually controlled by the low electronic conductivity at the electrode/electrolyte interface. Through wet solution mixing of NaCrO2 particles with carbon precursors, uniform carbon coating can be formed on the surface of NaCrO2 particles, leading to unprecedented specific capacities at 140 mAh/g, which is the highest specific capacity ever reported in the literature with the lower and upper cutoff voltages at the aforementioned values. However, such carbon-coated NaCrO2 with ultrahigh specific capacity does not improve cycle stability because with the specific capacity at 140 mAh/g the Na deintercalation during charge is more than 50% Na ions per formula unit of NaCrO2 which leads to irreversible redox reactions. The insights from this study provide a future direction to enhance the long-term cycle stability of NaCrO2 through integrating carbon coating and doping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several effective methods have been developed recently to demonstrate simultaneous high energy and high power density in Lithium - carbon fluoride (Li-CF x ) batteries. These methods can achieve as high as a 1000 Wh/kg energy density at a 60–70 kW/kg power density (40–50 C rate) in coin cells and a 750 Wh/kg energy density at a 12.5 kW/kg power density (20 C rate) in pouch cells. This performance is made possible by an ingenious nano-architecture design, controlled porosity, boron doping, and electrolyte additives. In the present study, we show that a similarly great performance, a 931 Wh/kg energy density at a 59 kW/kg power density, can be achieved by using a polyacrylonitrile binder and a LiBF 4 electrolyte in Li-graphite fluoride coin cells. We also demonstrate that the observed effect is the result of the right combination of the binder and the electrolyte. We propose that the mechanistic origin of the observed phenomena is an electro-catalytic effect of the polyacrylonitrile binder. While our proposed method has a competitive performance, it also offers a simple implementation and a scalable production of high-energy and high-power primary Li-CF x cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen energy has been recognized as "Ultimate Power Source" in the 21st century, which could be the best solution to the looming energy crisis and climate degeneration in the near future. Due to its high safety, low price, abundant resources and decent hydrogen storage density, magnesium based solid-state hydrogen storage materials are becoming the leading candidate for onboard hydrogen storage. However, the high operation temperature and slow reaction rate of MgH 2 , as a result of the large formation enthalpy and high reaction activation energy, respectively, are the first and most difficult problems we need to face and overcome to realize its industrialization. Herein, a state-of-the-art review on tailoring the stable thermodynamics and sluggish kinetics of hydrogen storage in MgH 2 , particularly through nanoengnieering and catalysis is presented, aiming to provide references and solutions for its promotion and application. Promising methods to overcome the challenges faced by MgH 2 /Mg, such as bidirectional catalysts and nanoconfinement with in-situ catalysis are compared and the required improvements are discussed to stimulate further discussions and ideas in the rational design of MgH 2 /Mg systems with ability for hydrogen release/uptake at lower temperatures and cycle stability in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]