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Lithium‐metal anodes with excellent theoretical specific capacities (3680 mAh g−1) have attracted considerable attention for overcoming the capacity bottleneck of conventional graphite anodes. However, they often suffer from uncontrolled dendrite growth and undesirable side reactions, considerably limiting their practical application in lithium‐metal batteries. In this study, urchin‐like silver@copper oxide (Ag@CuO) heterostructures with gradient electrical conductivity and lithiophilicity are prepared using a facile liquid‐phase reduction method. The unique amphiphilic lithium mechanism of the alloying and conversion reactions effectively reduces the nucleation overpotential of the lithium metal anode and promotes a uniform lithium deposition process. Meanwhile, the in situ‐generated Li2O‐rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film can further induce uniform and reversible lithium plating/stripping. All these characteristics endow the Ag@CuO anode with a high Coulombic efficiency of 98.89%, even after 1200 cycles, and long cycle life of 2800 h at a current density of 0.2 mA cm−2, thus demonstrating that such modified Li metal anodes exhibit superior compatibility with major commercial cathode materials, such as LiCoO2 (LCO) and LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM‐811). Hence, this study provides an effective strategy for developing practical lithium metal anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendrites and side reactions of Zn anodes severely restrict the application of aqueous Zn‐based batteries for grid‐scale energy storage. While surface/interface modification strategies have shown some progress in improving Zn anode reversibility, they still fall short in addressing the overall regulation and intrinsic mechanisms from the bulk‐phase perspective. Herein, a bulk‐phase composite Zn/CNTs anodes fabricated by a powder‐metallurgy‐based strategy is introduced. Benefiting from the regulation of grain boundary engineering on local electric conductivity, electric field distributions, and Zn atom absorption energy, the Zn/CNTs anodes effectively suppress dendrite growth and enhance corrosion resistance during Zn stripping/plating cycles. Symmetrical cells equipped with Zn/CNT4 anodes exhibit extended cycling stability with minimal voltage hysteresis (only 22 mV). Furthermore, the full cells incorporating Zn/CNT4 with commercial MnO2 demonstrate superior rate performance and specific capacitance retention after 500 h cycling. This breakthrough opens up new avenues for optimizing metallic anodes at the bulk phase level using powder metallurgy, enabling scalable manufacturing processes, and providing valuable insights for various metal anode systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous Zn‐based batteries have emerged as compelling candidates for grid‐scale energy storage, owing to their intrinsic safety, remarkable theoretical energy density and cost‐effectiveness. Nonetheless, the dendrite formation, side reactions, and corrosion on anode have overshadowed their practical applications. Herein, we present an in situ grown carbon network reinforcing Zn matrix anode prepared by powder metallurgy. This carbon network provides an uninterrupted internal electron transport pathway and optimize the surface electric field distribution, thereby enabling highly reversible Zn deposition. Consequently, symmetrical cells demonstrate impressive stability, running for over 880 h with a low voltage hysteresis (≈32 mV). Furthermore, this Zn matrix composite anode exhibits enhanced performance in both the aqueous Zn‐ion and the Zn‐air batteries. Notably, Zn//MnO2 cells display superior rate capabilities, while Zn‐air batteries deliver high power density and impressive Zn utilization rate (84.9 %). This work provides a new idea of powder metallurgy method for modified Zn anodes, showcasing potential for large‐scale production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing high‐performance anode current collectors with three‐dimensional structure and lithiophilic layers is of great importance to further advance the application of lithium metal batteries. However, relatively few research has focused on the transition of substrate and the intrinsic structure stability after electrodeposition of lithium on substrates, which leads to an incomplete understanding of the behavior of lithium deposition. Herein, a lithium metal anodes host with a highly stable and 3D structure has been effectively produced through in situ development of nanoflake arrays embedded with Co3O4 obtained from ZIF on nickel foams (Co3O4‐NF). And the actual lithium deposition sites and lithium deposition process on Co3O4‐NF are elucidated via a combination of characterization techniques and electrochemical analytical methods. Consequently, the resulting Co3O4‐NF@Li anodes could effectively inhibit lithium dendrite formation and mitigate volume expansion, demonstrating a significantly extended and consistent lifespan of 800 cycles (1600 h) at 1 mA cm−2 with low overpotential and insignificant voltage fluctuation for the process of lithium stripping and plating in symmetric cells. Herein, it is aimed to examine the transitions of metal oxides as a lithiophilic site for the lithium metal anode. It offers novel perspectives and approaches for the design of dendrite‐free lithium metal anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon oxide (SiOx) is a promising anode candidate of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) owing to its extremely high specific capacity. However, the low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) and rapid capacity degradation of SiOx, triggered by the enormous volume variation upon repeated (de)lithiation, gravely hinder its practical use. Herein, two mass‐produced micro‐sized SiOx@C composites with obviously different morphologies for commercial LIBs are reported. Particularly, the SiOx‐graphite blended anode (SiOx@3D‐G‐Gr) based on SiOx wrapped by three‐dimensional (3D) carbon layers (SiOx@3D‐G) exhibits a capacity of 519 mAh g−1, an ICE of 90.0 % and a capacity retention of 83.4 % at 0.2 C over 100 cycles. which is far exceeding its counterpart SiOx@C‐H‐Gr (65.7 %). The obtained impressive properties of SiOx@3D‐G originate from the critical contribution of 3D carbon layers, which serves as the effective stress buffer and protective layer as well as the strong networks for electron/Li+ transport. Accordingly, the full‐cell based on SiOx@3D‐G‐Gr anode and commercial LiCoO2 cathode delivers a capacity of 803 mAh and an excellent capacity retention of 95.6 % (616 mAh, 96.6 % for graphite, respectively) at 1 C over 100 cycles with a stabilized CE of nearly 100 %. The micro‐sized SiOx@3D‐G showing a promising prospect in the commercial‐grade anodes in LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mg‐air batteries are a promising new generation of batteries because they can operate in neutral electrolytes that are safe and nontoxic. However, the high corrosion and low utilization of Mg anodes in Mg‐air batteries result in low specific capacity and severe self‐discharge. In this study, an Mg(OTf)2‐based aqueous electrolyte is developed, which addresses these issues by reducing the contact of the Mg anode with water molecules from the hydrophobic −CF3 groups and forming an MgF2 protective layer. The assembled Mg‐air batteries exhibit specific capacities of up to 1920 mAh g−1Mg (87.32 % utilization based on the Mg anode). In addition, the resting time of the corresponding Mg‐air batteries was 123 times longer than that of Mg‐air batteries with pure NaCl electrolytes under the same conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the low redox potential of −3.04 V (vs SHE) and ultrahigh theoretical capacity of 3862 mAh g−1, lithium metal has been considered as promising anode material. However, lithium metal battery has ever suffered a trough in the past few decades due to its safety issues. Over the years, the limited energy density of the lithium‐ion battery cannot meet the growing demands of the advanced energy storage devices. Therefore, lithium metal anodes receive renewed attention, which have the potential to achieve high‐energy batteries. In this review, the history of the lithium anode is reviewed first. Then the failure mechanism of the lithium anode is analyzed, including dendrite, dead lithium, corrosion, and volume expansion of the lithium anode. Further, the strategies to alleviate the lithium anode issues in recent years are discussed emphatically. Eventually, remaining challenges of these strategies and possible research directions of lithium‐anode modification are presented to inspire innovation of lithium anode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of flexible zinc–air battery (ZAB) is highly desirable in achieving superior and stable electrochemical/mechanical properties. Herein, we developed a Zn‐coated foam anode with three‐dimensional (3D) architecture, obtained by electroplating Zn on Cu foam substrate. The compact outer surface and sufficient amount of metallic Zn could be controlled accurately by selecting appropriate porous substrate and electroplating time on Cu foam. Moreover, adding tetraethylammonium hydroxide (TEAOH) to conventional polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)–KOH hydrogel electrolyte effectively improved the water retention of the semi‐solid electrolyte with stable ionic conductivity. The electrolyte precursor fluid was poured on the uneven outer surface of Zn‐coated foam anode and then frozen crosslinked to increase contact between the 3D anode and the electrolyte. A flexible semi‐solid‐state ZAB based on the 3D Zn‐coated foam anode and the hydrogel electrolyte was assembled and exhibited good discharge performance, high energy density (586.5 Wh kgZn−1) and long cycling life. Benefiting from the flexibility of all components, the resultant ZAB performed stable charge and discharge under bending conditions, indicating its promising potential application for flexible and portable energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: As an emerging battery technology, metal–air flow batteries inherit the advantageous features of the unique structural design of conventional redox flow batteries and the high energy density of metal–air batteries, thus showing great potential as efficient electrochemical systems for large‐scale electrical energy storage. This review summarizes the operating principles and recent progress of metal–air flow batteries from a materials and chemistry perspective, with particular emphasis on the latest advanced materials design and cell configuration engineering, which the authors divide into three categories based on the anode species: vanadium–air, zinc–air, and lithium–air flow batteries. Since some of the capabilities developed for metal–air static batteries can be leveraged for next‐generation flow systems, classical works on conventional metal–air batteries are selected and compared with the metal–air flow systems, highlighting the prominent advantages of the latter in achieving high energy capacity and long cycle performance. At the end, a general perspective on current challenges/opportunities and future research directions to promote the commercial application of the metal–air flow battery technology is provided. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview and to set up a road map for guiding development from conventional static to advanced flow technologies of metal–air batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: SnS2/graphene composites have attracted extensive attention in energy storage owing to their excellent electrochemical performance. However, most of the previous methods to synthesize SnS2/graphene composites require long times, high temperatures, or high pressures, which are obstacles for practical low‐cost production. A simple one‐pot strategy to prepare SnS2/graphene composites has been developed, which is not time‐consuming (1 h) and requires moderate temperature (75 °C) in atmosphere. Through this method, ultrafine SnS2 nanoparticles anchored on graphene nanosheets are prepared and exhibit excellent electrochemical performance for both lithium and sodium storage. Specifically, as anodes for lithium‐ion batteries, the SnS2/graphene electrode delivers a high capacity of 1480 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles at 0.2 A g−1. Even at 10 A g−1, the SnS2/graphene electrode can achieve a capacity of 666 mAh g−1. A constructed full lithium‐ion cell exhibits a capacity of 957 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles at 1 A g−1. This simple one‐pot strategy may pave the way for large‐scale production and practical application of SnS2/graphene composites in energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: characterization methods; electrolytes; in situ; lithium-ion batteries; silicon-based anodes The development of characterization methods is anticipated to greatly promote the upgrade of high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIB) based on silicon (Si)-based anodes. Characterization methods, electrolytes, in situ, lithium-ion batteries, silicon-based anodes. [Extracted from the article]

ReS2 (rhenium disulfide) is a new transition‐metal dichalcogenide that exhibits 1T′ phase and extremely weak interlayer van der Waals interactions. This makes it promising as an anode material for sodium‐ion batteries. However, achieving both a high‐rate capability and a long‐life has remained a major research challenge. Here, a new composite is reported, in which both are realized for the first time. 1T′‐ReS2 is confined through strong interfacial interaction in a 2D‐honeycombed carbon nanosheets that comprise an rGO inter‐layer and a N‐doped carbon coating‐layer (rGO@ReS2@N‐C). The strong interfacial interaction between carbon and ReS2 increases overall conductivity and decreases Na+ diffusion resistance, whilst the intended 2D‐honeycombed carbon protective layer maintains structural morphology and electrochemical activity during long‐term cycling. These findings are confirmed by advanced characterization techniques, electrochemical measurement, and density functional theory calculation. The new rGO@ReS2@N‐C exhibits the greatest rate performance reported so far for ReS2 of 231 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1. Significantly, this is together with ultra‐stable long‐term cycling of 192 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1 after 4000 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]