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Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are considered as important candidate materials for energy storage systems (EES) due to high Earth abundance and low cost of sodium resources. Among all cathode materials for SIBs, polyanion‐type materials can provide high ionic conductivity and high structural stability, simultaneously, due to the 3D network structure. Their rich variety also provides more options for the commercialization of SIBs. However, the majority of polyanion‐type materials are not suitable for commercialization due to either high costs or complex preparation process. Herein, low‐cost polyanion‐type materials that are suitable for the commercialization of SIBs are discussed. The latest developments of polyanion‐type materials are overviewed. Furthermore, the challenges and countermeasures of polyanion‐type materials are summarized. This review can provide valuable insights for the commercialization of polyanion‐type materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructing novel heterostructures is an effective way for enhancing the oxygen electrocatalytic properties of the catalysts. In this work, a class of Janus homologous heterostructures, compositing transition metal alloys with their corresponding sulfides (TM/TMS), are controllably synthesized through an ultrafast high‐temperature shock (HTS) strategy. The ultrafast sintering rate and carbothermal reduction reaction lead to the formation of sulfides and partial reduction of sulfides to alloys, while the ultrafast cooling rate keeps the homologous heterostructure of TM/TMS stable. The components of TMs in the composites can be well controlled from unary to quaternary. Moreover, benefiting from the synergistic effect of the metallic sites in the interfaces, the adsorption and desorption energy barrier of the active intermediates are significantly optimized and thus leading to the enhanced oxygen catalytic performance. Impressively, the aqueous zinc‐air battery (ZAB) using the binary homologous nanocomposite FeCo/(FeCo)S as air cathodes achieves impressive durability (> 470 cycles) and power density (261.8 mW cm−2). The as‐assembled flexible ZAB can well power the wearable devices and can work for at least 300 cycles without obvious degradation. This work opens a new chemical space for designing homologous heterostructures for their application in energy storage and conversion systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ion exchange membranes (IEMs) play important roles in energy generation and storage field, such as fuel cell, flow battery, however, a major barrier in the way of large‐scale application is the high cost of membranes (e.g., Nafion membranes price generally exceeds USD$ 200 m−2). The membrane‐less technology is one of the promising approaches to solve the problem and thus has attracted much attention and been explored in a variety of research paths. This review introduces one of the representative membrane‐less battery types, Biphasic membrane‐less redox batteries that eliminate the IEMs according to the principle of solvent immiscibility and realizes the phase splitting in a thermodynamically stable state. It is systematically classified and summarizes their performances as well as the problems they are suffering from, and then several effective solutions are proposed based on the modification of electrodes and electrolytes. Finally, special attention is given to the challenges and prospects of Biphasic membrane‐less redox batteries, which could contribute to the development of membrane‐less batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to its unique atomic arrangement and electronic structure, metallic glass (MG) has been widely investigated in the field of energy storage and conversion. In the past few decades, multiple strategies have been developed to synthesize bulk and nanosized MG based materials. Here, combining the structure–activity relationship of MG with electrochemical reaction kinetics, the substantial progress of glass structures in electrocatalytic processes are highlighted, including the hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction reaction, methanol oxidation reaction, carbon dioxide reduction reaction, and nitrogen fixation. Meanwhile, applications of MG materials in energy storage devices, like supercapacitors and lithium‐ion batteries, are also introduced in detail. Finally, challenges and possibilities for reasonable design of highly‐efficient MG‐based electrode materials are proposed. The integration of high‐throughput methods, artificial intelligence technology, as well as advanced characterization techniques is fundamental to screen materials with remarkable performance. This review aims to deepen the understanding of the relationship between electronic structure and electrochemical performance, providing guidance for rational design of functional MG materials with outstanding activity, selectivity, and durability. [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]

Functional nanomaterials are playing a crucial role in the emerging field of energy‐related devices. Recently, as a novel synthesis method, high‐temperature shock (HTS), which is rapid, low cost, eco‐friendly, universal, scalable, and controllable, has provided a promising option for the rational design and synthesis of various high‐quality nanomaterials. In this report, the HTS technique, including the equipment setup and operating principle, is systematically introduced, and recent progress in the synthesis of nanomaterials for energy storage and conversion applications using this HTS method is summarized. The growth mechanisms of nanoparticles and carbonaceous nanomaterials are thoroughly discussed, followed by the summary of the characteristic advantages of the HTS strategy. A series of nanomaterials prepared by the HTS method, including carbon‐based films, metal nanoparticles and compound nanoparticles, show high performance in the diverse applications of storage energy batteries, highly active catalysts, and smart energy devices. Finally, the future perspectives and directions of HTS in nanomanufacturing for broader applications are presented. [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: 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]

Developing low‐cost, high‐capacity, high‐rate, and robust earth‐abundant electrode materials for energy storage is critical for the practical and scalable application of advanced battery technologies. Herein, the first example of synthesizing 1D peapod‐like bimetallic Fe2VO4 nanorods confined in N‐doped carbon porous nanowires with internal void space (Fe2VO4⊂NC nanopeapods) as a high‐capacity and stable anode material for potassium‐ion batteries (KIBs) is reported. The peapod‐like Fe2VO4⊂NC nanopeapod heterostructures with interior void space and external carbon shell efficiently prevent the aggregation of the active materials, facilitate fast transportation of electrons and ions, and accommodate volume variation during the cycling process, which substantially boosts the rate and cycling performance of Fe2VO4. The Fe2VO4⊂NC electrode exhibits high reversible specific depotassiation capacity of 380 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 after 60 cycles and remarkable rate capability as well as long cycling stability with a high capacity of 196 mAh g−1 at 4 A g−1 after 2300 cycles. The first‐principles calculations reveal that Fe2VO4⊂NC nanopeapods have high ionic/electronic conductivity characteristics and low diffusion barriers for K+‐intercalation. This study opens up new way for investigating high‐capacity metal oxide as high‐rate and robust electrode materials for KIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the remarkably large theoretical specific capacity of silicon (Si), Si‐based rechargeable lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) have attracted great interest, as they are expected to meet the growing demand for large‐scale energy storage devices, electric vehicles, and portable electronic devices with high energy density. However, the Si‐based LIB faces great challenges due to the cyclic volume changes induced by Si, which lead to considerable capacity fading. To facilitate the use of high‐performance LIBs enabled by Si‐based anodes, understanding the fading mechanism is necessary. In this regard, various advanced characterization methods have been developed to reveal the fading mechanism and to develop a modification strategy associated with compositional and structural evolution. In this review, the general understanding of the fading mechanism and the technical specifications of Si‐based LIBs are discussed. The recent progress in advanced characterization methods for Si‐based LIBs is summarized with respect to the achievements in compositional and structural interpretation. Several possible future research directions for Si‐based LIBs and the expected development trends in relevant characterization methods are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]