Search

The advent of the smart era drives the groundbreaking development of smart devices, which has increased the requirement for the application of energy supply equipment. Although lithium-ion batteries are available for commercial applications, their electrochemical properties and adaptability are still limited by the intrinsic material defects and complex technological innovations. Facing the fourth industrial revolution represented by information technology and artificial intelligence (AI), novel batteries with superior electrochemical properties and outstanding reliability can be constructed based on these disruptive materials and technologies. Importantly, the intelligence concept has been introduced into the design and management of batteries. In this review, we explicitly define and discuss the meaning of “smart batteries” and categorize them into three generations based on the intelligent features of their functional characteristics. Meanwhile, the action mechanisms and application principles of smart batteries have been elaborated to provide a comprehensive understanding. Moreover, we propose feasible opinions to the problems faced in the practical development of smart batteries to promote the sustainability of batteries.

Dendrite growth and electrode/electrolyte interface side reactions in aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) not only impair the battery lifetime but also pose serious safety concerns for the battery system, hindering its application in large-scale energy storage systems. Herein, by introducing positively charged chlorinated graphene quantum dot (Cl-GQD) additives into the electrolyte, a bifunctional dynamic adaptive interphase is proposed to achieve Zn deposition regulation and side reaction suppression in AZIBs. During the charging process, the positively charged Cl-GQDs are adsorbed onto the Zn surface, acting as an electrostatic shield layer that facilitates smooth Zn deposition. In addition, the relative hydrophobic properties of chlorinated groups also build a hydrophobic protective interface for the Zn anode, mitigating the corrosion of the Zn anode by water molecules. More importantly, the Cl-GQDs are not consumed throughout the cell operation and exhibit a dynamic reconfiguration behavior, which ensures the stability and sustainability of this dynamic adaptive interphase. Consequently, the cells mediated by the dynamic adaptive interphase enable dendrite-free Zn plating/stripping for more than 2000 h. Particularly, even at 45.5% depth of discharge, the modified Zn//LiMn2O4hybrid cells still retain 86% capacity retention after 100 cycles, confirming the feasibility of this simple approach for application with limited Zn sources.

The amphipathic phenylalanine-adsorbed layer contributes to form a nucleophilic–hydrophobic interface that homogenizes Zn2+flux while repelling H2O molecules from contacting Zn anode.The preferential reduction of phenylalanine (Phe) prior to H2O facilitates in situformation of an organic–inorganic hybrid solid electrolyte interphase, enhancing the interfacial stability.Benefiting from the triple protection of Phe, the Zn||Zn and Zn||LMO cells display significantly improved electrochemical performances, even at extreme diluted electrolytes.

The challenges of improving electrical conductivities and enhanced rapid dynamics are active research areas in the modification of Prussian blue (PB) and Prussian blue analogues (PBAs), which are used as excellent cathodes of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Herein, the terephthalic acid etched stepwise hollow bulky PB cubes and the intimate contact mesoporous carbon (CMK-3) particles with the adhered minisize PB cubes can together build continuous conductive networks. The composite (donated as N-PB@CMK) has high electrical conductivity, low resistance, and ultrahigh specific surface, which can lead to high capacitive contribution ratios. The N-PB@CMK electrode can deliver a discharge capacity of 120 mAh g–1and maintain retention of 85.0% after cycling for 200 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g–1. Even cycling at 1 A g–1, the reversible capacity can be measured to 102 mAh g–1and exhibit stability over a long cycle. In situRaman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns were further measured to illustrate the phase transition of crystal structure along with the extraction/insertion processes of Na+ions. Especially, the assembled full cell with NaTi2(PO4)3@C anode can also show good stability and provide promising insights of applying the N-PB@CMK for energy storage systems in the future.

Unlike most reported organic–inorganic cathodes, the organic–organic zinc hosts can fully exploit the flexible structures and various redox chemistries of the organics. Herein, nanoporous carbon electrodeposited with a wrapped poly(meta-aminophenol, 3-AP) sandwich layer and a good conductive poly(para-aminophenol, 4-AP) skin, designated as a C@poly(3-AP)/poly(4-AP) cathode, has been synthesized for the first time viaa novel two-step electrodeposition method. The synergistic effect of the double-layer polymers endows the C@poly(3-AP)/poly(4-AP) cathode with an ultrahigh specific capacity, excellent rate performance and long-term lifespan that are superior to those of the pristine C@poly(3-AP) and C@poly(4-AP) electrodes. Also, the strong electron donor capabilities of the multiple active sites (CO and CN) in the hetero-structural organic cathode can exhibit symmetrical bending to host inserted Zn ions during the discharge process, which opens up new opportunities to construct advanced Zn–organic batteries.

The stringent safety and sustainability requirements for electrolytes used in lithium batteries have led to significant research efforts into alternative materials. Here, a quasi-solid electrolyte based on biodegradable bacterial cellulose (BC) was successfully synthesized via a simple ball milling method. The BC provides plenty of sites for the attachment of ionic liquid electrolytes (ILEs) as well as ion transport channels. Moreover, the O–H groups contained in the BC molecular chains interact with anions in ILEs to form hydrogen bonds, which promotes the dissociation of the lithium salts. The prepared electrolytes (BC-ILEs) have good thermal stability with a decomposition temperature exceeding 300 °C and high ionic conductivities. The Li/BC-ILE/LiFePO4battery exhibits remarkable electrochemical performance. More importantly, the results of the Fehling test verify that the electrolyte can be degraded by cellulase. The quasi-solid electrolyte broadens the range of electrolytes for lithium batteries and provides new avenues to explore safe and eco-friendly materials.

ObjectivePre-eclampsia (PE) is one of the malignant metabolic diseases that complicate pregnancy. Gut dysbiosis has been identified for causing metabolic diseases, but the role of gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of PE remains unknown.DesignWe performed a case–control study to compare the faecal microbiome of PE and normotensive pregnant women by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing. To address the causative relationship between gut dysbiosis and PE, we used faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in an antibiotic-treated mouse model. Finally, we determined the microbiome translocation and immune responses in human and mouse placental samples by 16S rRNA sequencing, quantitative PCR and in situ hybridisation.ResultsPatients with PE showed reduced bacterial diversity with obvious dysbiosis. Opportunistic pathogens, particularly Fusobacteriumand Veillonella, were enriched, whereas beneficial bacteria, including Faecalibacteriumand Akkermansia, were markedly depleted in the PE group. The abundances of these discriminative bacteria were correlated with blood pressure (BP), proteinuria, aminotransferase and creatinine levels. On successful colonisation, the gut microbiome from patients with PE triggered a dramatic, increased pregestational BP of recipient mice, which further increased after gestation. In addition, the PE-transplanted group showed increased proteinuria, embryonic resorption and lower fetal and placental weights. Their T regulatory/helper-17 balance in the small intestine and spleen was disturbed with more severe intestinal leakage. In the placenta of both patients with PE and PE-FMT mice, the total bacteria, Fusobacterium, and inflammatory cytokine levels were significantly increased.ConclusionsThis study suggests that the gut microbiome of patients with PE is dysbiotic and contributes to disease pathogenesis.

Zinc‐bromine flow batteries (ZBFBs) are promising candidates for the large‐scale stationary energy storage application due to their inherent scalability and flexibility, low cost, green, and environmentally friendly characteristics. ZBFBs have been commercially available for several years in both grid scale and residential energy storage applications. Nevertheless, their continued development still presents challenges associated with electrodes, separators, electrolyte, as well as their operational chemistry. Therefore, rational design of these components in ZBFBs is of utmost importance to further improve the overall device performance. In this review, the focus is on the scientific understanding of the fundamental electrochemistry and functional components of ZBFBs, with an emphasis on the technical challenges of reaction chemistry, development of functional materials, and their application in ZBFBs. Current limitations of ZBFBs with future research directions in the development of high performance ZBFBs are suggested. Zinc‐bromine flow batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that uses zinc and bromine in the electrolytes to store and release electrical energy. The relatively high energy density and long lifespan make them an ideal choice for grid‐scale energy storage applications.

A comprehensive discussion of the recent advances in zinc–bromine rechargeable batteries with flow or non-flow electrolytes is presented.The fundamental electrochemical aspects including the key challenges and promising solutions in both zinc and bromine half-cells are reviewed.The key performance metrics of ZBRBs and assessment methods using various ex situ and in situ/operando techniques are also discussed.

In response to the increasing concern for energy management, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has been extensively researched as an attractive anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). The proficient cycling durability and good rate performance of SIBs are the two key parameters that determine their potential for practical use. In this study, nature-inspired three-dimensional (3D) MoS2ultrathin marigold flower-like microstructures were prepared by a controlled hydrothermal method. These microscale flowers are constructed by arbitrarily arranged but closely interconnected two-dimensional ultrathin MoS2nanosheets. The as-prepared MoS2microflowers (MFs) have then been chemically wrapped by layered graphene sheets to form the bonded 3D hybrid MoS2-G networks. TEM, SEM, XRD, XPS, and Raman characterizations were used to study the morphology, crystallization, chemical compositions, and wrapping contact between MoS2and graphene. The ultrathin nature of MoS2in 3D MFs and graphene wrapping provide strong electrical conductive channels and conductive networks in an electrode. Benefitting from the 2 nm ultrathin crystalline MoS2sheets, chemically bonded graphene, defect-induced sodium storage active sites, and 3D interstitial spaces, the prepared electrode exhibited an outstanding specific capacity (606 mA h g–1at 200 mA g–1), remarkable rate performance (345 mA h g–1at 1600 mA g–1), and long cycle life (over 100 cycles with tremendous Coulombic efficiencies beyond 100%). The proposed synthesis strategy and 3D design developed in the present study reveal a unique way to fabricate promising anode materials for SIBs.

Potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) have received significant attention because of the abundant potassium reserves and similar electrochemistry of potassium to that of lithium. Because of the open framework and structural controllability, Prussian blue and its analogues (PB) are considered to be competitive cathodes of PIBs. However, the intrinsic lattice defects and poor electronic conductivity of PBs induce poor cycling performance and rate capability. Herein, we propose a polypyrrole-modified Prussian blue material (KHCF@PPy) via an in situ polymerization coating method for the first time. KHCF@PPy possesses a low defect concentration and improved electronic conductivity, and the electrode was found to exhibit 88.9 mA h g–1discharge capacity at 50 mA g–1, with 86.8% capacity retention after 500 cycles. At a higher current density of 1000 mA g–1, the initial discharge capacity was 72.1 mA h g–1, which dropped slightly to 61.8 mA h g–1after 500 cycles. The capacity decay rate was 0.03% per cycle. Detailed characterization showed a lack of phase transition during the charge and discharge processes and determined that K ions were not completely extracted from the monoclinic structure, possibly contributing to the excellent cycling stability. This simple surface modification method represents a promising means of mitigating issues currently associated with PB-based cathodes for PIBs.

Iron-based hydroxyl oxides can be regarded as feasible electrodes for sodium-ion batteries due to the simple preparation and rich resources. Goethite nanorod clusters that are wrapped by multi-walled carbon nanotubes with an open tunnel structure exhibit a considerable capacity, a favourable durability and an excellent rate capability within loose working conditions. The structural and electrochemical stability of this anode can be maintained when exposed at ambient environment after 30 days. Moreover, this anode coupled with high-quality Prussian blue cathode delivers feasible energy density of 60 W h kg−1calculated on the basis of the pouch cell. Abundant voids formed by Kirkendall effect in nanorods allow for the simultaneous promotion of electrolyte infiltration, ion transfer and the pseudocapacitive effect. According to a series of ex situ and in situmeasurements, the intercalation and conversion reactions for sodium storage have been revealed and low-volume deformation was observed during the sodiated/desodiated process. In particular, the existence of NaxFeOOH, Fe, NaOH and Na2O species at fully discharged state indicates an incomplete conversion reaction, resulting in steerable volume expansion and high ionic/electrical conductivity. The advanced sodium storage kinetics can be attributed to the moderate diffusion barrier and remarkable pseudocapacitive effect.

A simple and sensitive chemiluminescent (CL) sensing platform for mercury(II) ions (Hg2+) in water was developed based on monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). The layered MoS2can catalyze the oxidation of luminol by H2O2, producing an enhanced CL signal because of the peroxidase-like activity of the layered MoS2. In addition, MoS2has a good adsorption ability to Hg2+because of the inherent affinity of Hg2+to sulfur contained in MoS2. Interestingly, the pre-incubation of Hg2+with layered MoS2inhibited the catalytic activity of MoS2on the luminol-H2O2-MoS2CL reaction, leading to CL quenching. The CL intensity decreased linearly with increasing concentration of Hg2+from 0.005 - 40 μΜ. The limit of detection (LOD) was estimated to be 1 nM. The relative standard deviation (RSD) was found to be 3.71%, indicating good reproducibility. The recoveries of Hg2+spiked in tap water were from 100.0 to 116.0% with RSD from 2.7 to 5.6%, detected by the standard addition method, and demonstrated good applicability.

Using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as a label in immunoassay (IA) possesses advantages such as high specific surface area, simple modification process. However, the catalytic activity of MNPs is low, which limits their applications in IA. The present study found it interesting that potassium ferrocyanide reacts with MNPs, leading to the in situ generation of Prussian blue. The produced Prussian blue shows high catalytic activity on a luminol chemiluminescent (CL) reaction. Therefore, a simple and sensitive immunoassay for rabbit IgG (rIgG) as model analyte using MNPs as label was developed. The CL intensity had a linear increase with the concentration of rIgG that ranged from 0.625 to 20 ng mL–1. The limit of detection was calculated to be 0.59 ng mL–1. In addition, the applicability of this method was evaluated using the standard addition method. The recovery ranged from 80.0% to 115.0%. What’s more, the proposed CLIA method based on in situ generation of Prussian blue with MNPs was also applied to the detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related sequence-specific DNA. The LOD for the detection of CEA and sequence-specific DNA was estimated to be 0.28 ng mL–1and 0.044 pmol, respectively.

The development of simple and sensitive detection methods for mercury(ii) ions (Hg2+) is crucial for environmental monitoring and human health protection. In the present study, ethylenediamine was found to inhibit the catalytic activity of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) in the luminol–AgNO3chemiluminescence (CL) reaction. Interestingly, the specific binding of Hg2+to the amino groups of ethylenediamine leads to the recovery of the CL signal. Hence, a simple and ultrasensitive CL detection method for the quantitative detection of Hg2+was developed. In principle, the CL signal of the luminol–AgNO3–Au NPs CL reaction is quenched by ethylenediamine in the absence of Hg2+. On the contrary, with the addition of Hg2+to the reaction system, the specific binding of Hg2+to the amino groups of ethylenediamine leads to an enhanced CL intensity. Accordingly, the concentration of Hg2+in the aqueous solution can be quantitatively detected. Under optimal conditions, the linear range for the detection of Hg2+was from 1 fM to 1 pM with a detection limit of 0.54 fM. Also, the developed CL sensing method exhibited a high selectivity toward Hg2+over other metal ions. This cost-effective and ultrasensitive sensing method was applied to determine Hg2+in tap water samples with satisfactory recoveries.

Metal selenides have received much attention from the rechargeable battery community owing to their considerable capacity. However, attainment of a long cycle life and fast Na+storage kinetics are still needed to enable their practical application. Co0.85Se nanosheets prepared using a simple hydrothermal method exhibit a hierarchical porous structure, which is conducive to fast electrolyte transport and rapid adsorption of Na+ions. Herein, to improve the electronic conductivity of Co0.85Se, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is introduced to construct a three-dimensional network and achieve fast electronic transport. This defect-controlled Co0.85Se@rGO anode exhibits a highly reversible capacity of 460 mA h g−1at a current density of 0.5 A g−1. Outstanding durability and remarkable rate stability are also achieved via the synergistic effects of vacancy transport and the heterostructure between Co0.85Se and rGO. Furthermore, the Na+insertion/extraction mechanism is systematically investigated using ex situX-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and a series of electrochemical analyses. These analyses enable detailed characterization of the ionic diffusion kinetics and corresponding components and structural changes. Finally, a first-principles approach is employed to determine the diffusion energy barrier of Na+ions in perfect CoSe and defective Co0.85Se.

The performance of a Prussian blue cathode is affected by its structure and stability. Through the inhibitor and temperature control, the border-rich structure was obtained, which provides a good contact between electrode-electrolyte interfaces and increases the transmission path for Na+ions. In addition, the as-prepared sample with rhombohedral phase demonstrated lower band gap and lower energy barrier for Na+ions insertion. Benefiting from the kinetics optimization, the as-prepared electrode exhibited initial capacity of 120mAhg−1and maintained nearly 80% after 280 cycles at current density of 100mAg−1. This electrode also exhibited good rate performance about 60mAhg−1at rate of 10C. The structural stability is also related to the formation of the passivation layer during the charge-discharge process. The optimized passivation layer not only protects the electrode form the adverse side reactions at high voltage but also delivers low interface impedance. It can be inferred that the passivation layer plays a positive role in long cycling performance. When the as-prepared electrode was measured in an electrolyte with FEC additive, it exhibited a high capacity retention rate of 79% after 500 cycles.

Low cycling stability and poor rate performance are two of the distinctive drawbacks of most electrode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Here, inspired by natural flower structures, we take advantage of the three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical flower-like stable microstructures formed by two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets to solve these problems. By precise control of the hydrothermal synthesis conditions, a novel three-dimensional (3D) flower-like architecture consisting of 2D Na2Ti3O7nanosheets (Na-TNSs) has been successfully synthesized. The arbitrarily arranged but closely interlinked thin nanosheets in carnation-shaped 3D Na2Ti3O7microflowers (Na-TMFs) originate a good network of electrically conductive paths in an electrode. Thus, Na-TMFs can get electrons from all directions and be fully utilized for sodium-ion insertion and extraction reactions, which can improve sodium storage properties with enhanced rate capability and super cycling performance. Furthermore, the large specific surface area provides a high capacity, which can be ascribed to the pseudo-capacitance effect. The wettability of the electrolyte was also improved by the porous and crumpled structure. The remarkably improved cycling performance and rate capability of Na-TMFs make a captivating case for its development as an advanced anode material for SIBs.

The nucleation rate plays a critical role in the synthesis of Prussian blue analogs. Rapid precipitation may lead to a large number of vacancies and a large amount of interstitial water in the material, resulting in poor electrochemical performance in batteries. Hence, sodium citrate is used to compete with [Fe(CN)6]4–to slow down the coordination rates of Ni2+and Mn2+ions with ferrous cyanide ions. The feasibility of the experiment is also confirmed by theoretical analysis. Benefiting from stable crystal structure and the removal of interstitial water, the as-prepared Na2NixMnyFe(CN)6sample exhibits a high reversible capacity of 150 mA h g–1. In addition, a high rate performance of 77 mA h g–1is achieved at a current density of 1600 mA g–1. Most noteworthy, the Coulombic efficiency and specific capacity gradually increase in the first few cycles, which can be ascribed to the formation of a passivation layer on the surface of the electrode. Continuous testing in an electrolyte solution of 1 M NaPF6dissolved in sulfone reveals that the presence of a passivation film is very important for the stability of the electrode.

Traditional Prussian blue (Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3) synthesized by simple rapid precipitation shows poor electrochemical performance because of the presence of vacancies occupied by coordinated water. When the precipitation rate is reduced and polyvinylpyrrolidone K-30 is added as a surface active agent, the as-prepared Prussian blue has fewer vacancies in the crystal structure than in that of traditional Prussian blue. It has a well-defined face-centered-cubic structure, which can provide large channels for Na+insertion/extraction. The material, synthesized by slow precipitation, has an initial discharge capacity of 113 mA h g–1and maintains 93 mA h g–1under a current density of 50 mA g–1after 150 charge–discharge cycles. After further optimization by a chemical etching method, the complex nanoporous structure of Prussian blue has a high Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area and a stable structure to achieve high specific capacity and long cycle life. Surprisingly, the electrode shows an initial discharge capacity of 115 mA h g–1and a Coulombic efficiency of approximately 100% with capacity retention of 96% after 150 cycles. Experimental results show that Prussian blue can also be used as a cathode for Na-ion batteries.

At low concentrations zinc (Zn) is essential for plants and animals, but it becomes toxic when it exceeds a critical level. This study aimed to explore the effects of biochar on the remediation of Zn-polluted soil and the distribution of Zn in rice plants using pot experiments. Various amounts of biochar (0% (control), 2.5%, and 5% w/w) derived from rice straw were mixed with Zn-contaminated soil collected from farmland near a mine. The results showed that biochar enhanced the biomass of rice tissues and significantly reduced the concentration of Zn in brown rice. These results could be attributed to the combination of several effects: (1) Biochar increased the soil pH and organic carbon content, resulting in a reduction in the concentration of soil available Zn and transforming forms of immobilized Zn from acid soluble to reducible. (2) Biochar addition decreased the amorphous iron and complex iron concentrations in the soil solution and reduced the formation of root Fe plaques as well as the storage of Zn in iron plaques, thus diminishing the probability of Zn transfer from root surfaces to tissues. (3) Biochar played a key role in abating the toxic effect of Zn in rice plants as it decreased the transfer of Zn from roots to leaves and promoted Zn storage in the vacuoles of root cells. These results suggest that the application of biochar to Zn-contaminated soil is effective in reducing Zn accumulation in rice grains and can enhance rice production.

From non-destructive and cross-sectional visualization by synchrotron X-ray tomography, we suggest a novel capacity decaying mechanism of all-solid-state Na batteries built with closo-borate electrolytes caused by electrochemically generated inactive Na electrodeposits.

Herein, two strategies are simultaneously used to synthesize the hollow carbon‐coated nanoparticles of NaTi1.9Sn0.1(PO4)3@C (NTSP@C). The porous morphology of NTST@C is controlled through a trace amount of tin doping while selecting a fire‐new carbon source. The NTSP@C materials present a nanosized structure with a hollow morphology, exhibiting a large specific surface area of ≈71.0 m2g−1and a average bore diameter of ≈26.4 nm. Moreover, the carbon layer is ≈5 nm thick with a mass ratio of 6.81%. The NTSP@C sample displays an ultrastrong rate capability (128.8 mA h g−1at 0.1 C and 101.5 mA h g−1at 10 C at 1.5–3.0 V) and a superior cycling performance (126.3–115.8 mA h g−1after 300 cycles at 1 C for a retention ratio of 91.7% and 101.4–87.1 mA h g−1after 2000 cycles at 10 C for a retention ratio of 85.9%). These excellent electrochemical performances are due to the nanosized structure, unique morphology, and thin carbon layer as a conductive medium. It is clear that the NTSP@C material is a promising anode material that can be incorporated into sodium‐ion batteries to achieve superior electrochemical performance. The herein reported NTSP@C has three important characteristics: 1) abundant pores are conducive to fast Na+transport and relieve volume expansion during sodiation/desodiation; 2) larger ionic radius of tin further broadens the sodium ion transport channels and makes the migration of sodium ions in active materials smoother; 3) high‐efficient conductive carbon improves the electronic conductivity of the active material.