Search

The low energy density, safety concerns, and high cost associated with conventional lithium‐ion batteries pose challenges in meeting the growing demands of emerging applications. While lithiumsulfur batteries (LSBs) offer high specific capacity, their commercial viability is hindered by the prevalent issue of shuttle effects. Furthermore, the potential of solid‐state lithium batteries is constrained by the suboptimal ionic conductivity and significant interphase problems. High‐entropy materials (HEMs) have emerged as a strategic approach for the development of innovative materials possessing exceptional properties. In recent times, some studies have been undertaken to explore the potential of HEMs in lithium‐based rechargeable batteries, showcasing their favorable characteristics. This work provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of various factors associated with HEM materials, encompassing elements, structure, and morphology, on the reversibility of reactions and cycling stability. This work also presents an analysis of the effects of elements and morphology on the properties of HEMs in LSBs, which can trap soluble lithium polysulfides and enhance reaction kinetics. Additionally, the work provides an overview of high‐entropy electrolytes, including both solid‐state and non‐aqueous liquid electrolytes. Furthermore, the research outlines future research directions aimed at investigating more efficient HEMs and enhancing the overall performance of lithium‐based rechargeable batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium‐sulfur batteries (LSBs) are regarded as a highly promising next‐generation energy storage technology due to their exceptional theoretical capacity and energy density. However, the practical application of these batteries is hindered by several challenges, including significant volume change of active materials, severe shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides, inadequate electronic and ionic conductivity, and safety concerns. These issues are particularly pronounced in cathodes with high sulfur loading, which are essential for the effective implementation of LSBs. Binders are an essential constituent of sulfur cathodes, and they perform a crucial function in enhancing the efficacy of LSBs, particularly when subjected to high sulfur loading. A considerable amount of research has been conducted to investigate the potential of multifunctional binders to tackle the aforementioned challenges associated with LSBs. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the various roles that advanced multifunctional binders play in LSBs, including but not limited to preserving electrode integrity, capturing lithium polysulfides, regulating Li2S deposition, accelerating reaction kinetics, enhancing ionic and electronic conductivity, promoting sulfur cathode safety, and safeguarding the environment. Additionally, the paper outlines the challenges and prospects for future research endeavors aimed at creating innovative multifunctional binders and improving the overall performance of LSBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a valuable chemical oxidant which has been extensively applied in water treatment, textile/paper bleaching, medical disinfection, and other industrial fields. Electrocatalytic two‐electron water oxidation reaction (2e‐WOR) with renewable energy inputs is an attractive route to produce H2O2, which avoids the energy‐intensive anthraquinone process in industry. However, leveraging these advances requires the development of efficient and selective electrocatalysts to accelerate the sluggish kinetics. In particular, nanostructured engineering of nonprecious metal oxides offers a promising route for 2e‐WOR. In this review, the recent progress on nanostructure engineering of various nonprecious metal oxides electrocatalysts for 2e‐WOR is reviewed, along with remarks on the challenges and perspectives. The fundamental understanding of 2e‐WOR by density functional theory calculations and operando characterizations is first given, followed by a discussion of diverse H2O2 quantification methods including ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry, titration, and colorimetric strips, with special emphasis on their accuracy, detection limit and stability. Afterward, various strategies toward high‐performance nonprecious metal oxides electrocatalysts including doping, defect, facet, and interface engineering are overviewed. Future challenges and opportunities for 2e‐WOR to H2O2 are proposed finally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a valuable chemical oxidant which has been extensively applied in water treatment, textile/paper bleaching, medical disinfection, and other industrial fields. Electrocatalytic two‐electron water oxidation reaction (2e‐WOR) with renewable energy inputs is an attractive route to produce H2O2, which avoids the energy‐intensive anthraquinone process in industry. However, leveraging these advances requires the development of efficient and selective electrocatalysts to accelerate the sluggish kinetics. In particular, nanostructured engineering of nonprecious metal oxides offers a promising route for 2e‐WOR. In this review, the recent progress on nanostructure engineering of various nonprecious metal oxides electrocatalysts for 2e‐WOR is reviewed, along with remarks on the challenges and perspectives. The fundamental understanding of 2e‐WOR by density functional theory calculations and operando characterizations is first given, followed by a discussion of diverse H2O2 quantification methods including ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry, titration, and colorimetric strips, with special emphasis on their accuracy, detection limit and stability. Afterward, various strategies toward high‐performance nonprecious metal oxides electrocatalysts including doping, defect, facet, and interface engineering are overviewed. Future challenges and opportunities for 2e‐WOR to H2O2 are proposed finally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high-coulombic-efficiency Si-based anode material with Si–Cu–C dispersed in a reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and carbon nanotube (CNT) framework (namely SCC/RGO/CNT) is designed and synthesized. The composite showed a large initial coulombic efficiency (CE) of 82.3% and a large capacity of 1268.9 mA h g−1 at 2 A g−1 after 100 cycles, and these values are superior to those shown by the Si–Cu–C composite. The outstanding electrochemical properties can be attributed to the following factors. Both the Cu nanoparticles and C framework can optimize the electrical conductivity of the electrode and promote electron transfer. This material can provide a method for the reasonable construction of high-performance Si-based materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]