Search

A separator modification strategy was proposed by placing nitrogen-doped carbon fibers (NCF700) in the middle of the separator to prevent direct contact between the coating and the rigid zinc metal anode, resulting in coating cracks. The NCF700 coating can homogenize the electric field distribution and increase the transference number of zinc ions. Therefore, the battery assembled with the NCF700 coated separator exhibits superior cycling stability compared to the bare separator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rechargeable Zn‐based batteries provide a compelling supplement to subsistent energy storage devices owing to their high energy density, good safety, and low cost. Nevertheless, inherent imperfections such as dendrite growth, side reactions, and andante reaction kinetics, severely impede their commercialization. As new 0D nanomaterials, carbon dots (CDs) with unique characteristics and excellent electrochemical activity, exhibit promising potential exploitation in electrochemistry and electrocatalysis areas. Herein, the adhibition of CDs in resolving the aforementioned drawbacks of Zn‐based batteries is introduced. To begin with, concepts, physicochemical properties, and synthetic methods of CDs are discussed. Next, recent developments and advances exploiting CDs in respectively ameliorating the performance of the Zn anode, the cathode, and electrolytes of Zn ion batteries and bifunctional electrocatalytic activities including oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction for Zn‐air batteries, are roundly reviewed and minutely generalized. Finally, current challenges and prospects are surveyed as well, aiming to offer a reference for the blossom of advanced Zn‐based batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) have become a global research hotspot in recent years due to their eco‐friendliness, safety, abundant resources, and low cost. However, some significant challenges seriously affect their overall performance, thus hindering their further development and practical applications. Recently, multifunctional and adjustable 2D carbides and nitrides (MXenes) are extensively used for the modification of ZIBs, and fruitful achievements are achieved. In order to make a systematic understanding of these studies, it is highly desirable to provide an overview of MXenes based on their modification methods and action mechanisms. In this review, a basic introduction to ZIBs and MXenes is presented and the main modification approaches of MXenes in solving the issues of ZIBs are discussed in detail, including activation and composite strategies of the cathode, interface engineering, structural optimization, and zinc metal‐free anode strategy of the anode, solid‐state strategy of the electrolyte, and functionalized strategy of the separator. Importantly, the functions and related mechanisms of MXenes in various components of ZIBs are analyzed in depth. Finally, the pathways for MXenes in solving the issues of ZIBs are summarized, and their future directions are prospected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As machine learning (ML) continues to advance in the field of materials science, the variation in strategies for the same steps of the ML workflow becomes increasingly significant. These details can have a substantial impact on results, yet they have not received the deserved attention. This review aims to explore the various strategies available for each detail within the general workflow of materials ML. Firstly, the general workflow of materials ML will be introduced to help readers gain an understanding of potential details. Subsequently, different strategies of details within each step of the workflow will be presented through state-of-the-art case studies. The potential outcomes associated with choosing different strategies to details will be explored. Following this, suitable strategies for details will be recommended based on distinct application scenarios. Finally, directions for the future development of materials ML concerning details will be proposed. Through these discussions, we aspire to offer a comprehensive understanding of the nuances in details within materials ML. This will serve as valuable reference and guidance for researchers in both materials science and ML. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unstable Zn interface with serious detrimental parasitic side‐reactions and uncontrollable Zn dendrites severely plagues the practical application of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries. The interface stability was closely related to the electrolyte configuration and Zn2+ depositional behavior. In this work, a unique Zn‐ion anchoring strategy is originally proposed to manipulate the coordination structure of solvated Zn‐ions and guide the Zn‐ion depositional behavior. Specifically, the amphoteric charged ion additives (denoted as DM), which act as zinc‐ion anchors, can tightly absorb on the Zn surface to guide the uniform zinc‐ion distribution by using its positively charged −NR4+ groups. While the negatively charged −SO3− groups of DM on the other hand, reduces the active water molecules within solvation sheaths of Zn‐ions. Benefiting from the special synergistic effect, Zn metal exhibits highly ordered and compact (002) Zn deposition and negligible side‐reactions. As a result, the advanced Zn||Zn symmetric cell delivers extraordinarily 7000 hours long lifespan (0.25 mA cm−2, 0.25 mAh cm−2). Additionally, based on this strategy, the NH4V4O10||Zn pouch‐cell with low negative/positive capacity ratio (N/P ratio=2.98) maintains 80.4 % capacity retention for 180 cycles. A more practical 4 cm*4 cm sized pouch‐cell could be steadily cycled in a high output capacity of 37.0 mAh over 50 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electric eel is known as the most powerful creature to generate electricity with a discharge voltage up to 860 V and peak current up to 1 A. These surprising properties are the results of billions of years of evolution on the electrical biological structure and bulk, and now have triggered great research interest in electric eel biomimetics for designing innovated configurations and components of energy storage and conversion devices. In this review, first, the bioelectrical behavior of electric eels is surveyed, followed by the physiological structure to reveal the discharge characteristics and principles of electric organs and electrocytes. Additionally, underlying electrochemical mechanisms and models for calculating the potential and current of electrocytes are presented. Central to this review is the recent progress of electric‐eel‐inspired innovations and applications for energy storage and conversion, particularly including novel power sources, triboelectric nanogenerators, and nanochannel ion‐selective membranes for salinity gradient energy harvesting. Finally, insights on the challenges at the moment and the perspectives on the future research prospects are critically compiled. It is suggested that energy‐related electric eel biomimetics will greatly boost the development of next‐generation high performance, green, and functional electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]