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Due to higher packing density, lower working potential, and area specific impedance, the MLi2Ti6O14 (M = 2Na, Sr, Ba, and Pb) titanate family is a potential alternative to zero-strain Li4Ti5O12 anodes used commercially in Li-ion batteries. However, the exact lithiation mechanism in these compounds remains unclear. Despite its structural similarity, MLi2Ti6O14 behaves differently depending on charge and size of the metal ion, hosting 1.3, 2.7, 2.9, and 4.4 Li per formula unit, giving charge capacity values from 60 to 160 mAh/g in contrast to the theoretical capacity trend. However, high-temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry measurements confirm strong correlation between thermodynamic stability and the observed capacity. The main factors controlling energetics are strong acid-base interactions between basic oxides MO, Li2O and acidic TiO2, size of the cation, and compressive strain. Accordingly, the energetic stability diminishes in the order Na2Li2Ti6O14 > BaLi2Ti6O14 > SrLi2Ti6O14 > PbLi2Ti6O14. This sequence is similar to that in many other oxide systems. This work exhibits that thermodynamic systematics can serve as guidelines for the choice of composition for building better batteries.

The emergence of K‐ion batteries (KIBs) heralds a promising frontier in energy storage technology, offering the potential for high specific energy density, long cycle life, and robust power capabilities, all while utilizing the abundant resources of potassium. In response to the challenges posed by synthetic intricacies related to K‐based cathodes, the effort is directed toward employing soft chemistry (chimie douce) method to unveil a hitherto‐unknown P2‐type K1/3Co1/3Mn2/3O2 (KCM) layered oxide cathode for KIBs. Comprehensive analysis using diffraction, microscopy, and spectroscopy tools reveals the ion exchange reaction proceeds through overlay ordered structure formation mechanism. The as‐prepared KCM material serves as a ≈2.9 V positive K+ insertion host. Further, it showcases an exceptional structural reversibility, robust cycling performance with ≈100% coulombic efficiency even after 100 cycles, and maintaining electrochemical stability even at elevated temperature (c.a. 40° and 50 °C). The KCM cathode exhibits in‐plane Co–Mn ordering and solid‐solution redox mechanism during (de)potassiation. Combining first‐principles calculations with experimental tools, this research demonstrates the efficacy of ambient ion‐exchange route in stabilizing promising cathode materials for KIBs. This innovative synthetic approach not only streamlines synthetic complexities, but also holds significant implications for the advancement of KIB technology for stationary energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing earth‐abundant low‐cost electrocatalysts is of prime research interest towards the need for clean energy technology, such as water‐splitting reactions. Herein, we have explored the electrocatalytic activity of the double perovskite‐based strontium cobalt molybdenum oxide (SCMO) towards water‐splitting reactions, both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), in harsh alkaline condition (1 M KOH). Prepared by scalable autocombustion synthesis, the as‐synthesised bulk SCMO perovskite exhibited impressive electrocatalytic performance attributed to its substantial electrochemical active surface area, measured at 26.3 cm2. For the OER, it exhibited an overpotential of 350 mV with a Tafel slope value of 76 mV/dec. Concurrently, it showed proficient activity in the HER, revealing an overpotential of 270 mV and a Tafel slope of 112 mV/dec. Further, this perovskite material was stable during continuous electrocatalysis over a 24 h period in harsh alkaline media with a negligible increase in observed overpotential value. The electronic density of states confirmed that the Co plays a pivotal role in enhancing electrocatalytic activities. This is achieved by a substantial reduction in the band gap and enhancement of the d‐band centre to an optimal level, rendering the system more favourable for electrocatalytic reactions. Our study contributes essential insights to the advancement of the design and utilization of perovskite‐based catalysts in the realm of sustainable energy technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the cycle life of sodium‐ion batteries, it is essential to understand the microscopic processes that lead to cell degradation. The mismatched response time of anode and cathode has profound but poorly understood impact on cycle life. In this work, we combine electrochemical and materials characterization along with electrochemical modeling to investigate the root cause of degradation in sodium‐ion full cells made from Na4Fe3(PO4)2P2O7 (NFPP) cathodes and hard carbon (HC) anode. Our results pinpoint to the slow diffusion of Na in HC as the main cause of diffusional polarization that leads to cathode experiencing high local potentials and ultimately to active material loss over cycling. We demonstrate that by reducing the anode particle size, the diffusional timescales in anode can be matched with that of cathode to improve both extractable capacity as well as cycle life. These observations shed light on non‐intuitive and intricate ways in which cathode and anode can interact with each other to cause degradation in Na‐ion batteries and how microscopic understanding of these cause and effects can help design long lasting batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries form a key post-Li-ion batteries to cater the rising demand for grid storage. Fe-based compounds can be used as economical cathodes for zinc-ion batteries. Herein, we explored iron-based flourophosphate as a potential polyanionic cathode. Involving the Fe3+/2+ redox process, it can reversibly intercalate Zn2+ yielding a capacity of ∼80 mA h g−1, involving a solid-solution mechanism. Polyanionic Fe-based phosphate frameworks can be harnessed as potential low-cost cathodes for secondary zinc-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]