Alexander M. Skundin

Bio: Alexander M. Skundin is an academic researcher from Russian Academy of Sciences. The author has contributed to research in topics: Lithium & Electrochemistry. The author has an hindex of 19, co-authored 200 publications receiving 1737 citations. Previous affiliations of Alexander M. Skundin include Yaroslavl State University.

Sodium-Ion Batteries (a Review)

Abstract: State-of-the-art in the studies of sodium-ion batteries is discussed in comparison with their deeper developed lithium-ion analogs. The principal problem hindering the development of competitive sodium-ion batteries is the low effectiveness of the electrode materials at hand. The principal efforts in the formation of anodes for the sodium-ion batteries are reduced to the development of materials based on carbon, metals, alloys, and transition metal oxides. Cathode materials are searched among oxides (first of all, layered) and salt systems. Synthesis of electrolytes for the sodium-ion batteries is not sufficiently attended to. Nowadays it is sodium salt solutions in organic solvents that are dominated; however, polymer and solid electrolytes with sodium conductivity may be thought of as very perspective. Reference list contains 584 items.

Electrode nanomaterials for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract: The state-of-the-art in the field of cathode and anode nanomaterials for lithium-ion batteries is considered. The use of these nanomaterials provides higher charge and discharge rates, reduces the adverse effect of degradation processes caused by volume variations in electrode materials upon lithium intercalation and deintercalation and enhances the power and working capacity of lithium-ion batteries. In discussing the cathode materials, attention is focused on double phosphates and silicates of lithium and transition metals and also on vanadium oxides. The anode materials based on nanodispersions of carbon, silicon, certain metals, oxides and on nanocomposites are also described. The bibliography includes 714 references.

Temperature effect on the lithium diffusion rate in graphite

Abstract: The temperature influence on the diffusion coefficient for lithium in graphite is investigated. The activation energy for lithium diffusion in graphite is calculated. Its value is 35 kJ mol−1.

Fuel Cells: State-of-the-Art and Major Scientific and Engineering Problems

Abstract: Basic results of research and engineering-technical work on fuel cells (mostly membrane and methanol systems), obtained mainly in the last decade, are reviewed, with attention focused on the electrocatalytic aspect. Many works on the engineering, construction, and production of fuel cells and on the mass transfer remain outside this review, as do intrinsically theoretical works on electrocatalysis. Questions of technical and economic adaptation of these to various applications are discussed.

Silicon-based Nanomaterials for Lithium-Ion Batteries - A Review

Abstract: There are growing concerns over the environmental, climate, and health impacts caused by using non-renewable fossil fuels. The utilization of green energy, including solar and wind power, is believed to be one of the most promising alternatives to support more sustainable economic growth. In this regard, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) can play a critically important role. To further increase the energy and power densities of LIBs, silicon anodes have been intensively explored due to their high capacity, low operation potential, environmental friendliness, and high abundance. The main challenges for the practical implementation of silicon anodes, however, are the huge volume variation during lithiation and delithiation processes and the unstable solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) films. Recently, significant breakthroughs have been achieved utilizing advanced nanotechnologies in terms of increasing cycle life and enhancing charging rate performance due partially to the excellent mechanical properties of nanomaterials, high surface area, and fast lithium and electron transportation. Here, the most recent advance in the applications of 0D (nanoparticles), 1D (nanowires and nanotubes), and 2D (thin film) silicon nanomaterials in LIBs are summarized. The synthetic routes and electrochemical performance of these Si nanomaterials, and the underlying reaction mechanisms are systematically described.

Modified TiO2 For Environmental Photocatalytic Applications: A Review

Abstract: This paper summarizes recent research dealing with development of titanium dioxide (TiO2) used for environmental applications. TiO2 plays the most important role owing to its excellent chemical and physical properties. However, the TiO2 band edge lies in the UV region that makes them inactive under visible irradiation. In this regard, considerable efforts have been made to increase the visible light activity of TiO2 via the modification of its electronic and optical properties. Doping TiO2 using either anions or cations is one of the typical approaches that has been largely applied. Coupling TiO2 with a narrow bad gap semiconductor (MxOy/TiO2 or MxSy/TiO2) represents another approach. This work aims to encompass the new progress of TiO2 for an efficient application in water and wastewater treatment under visible light, emphasizes the future trends of TiO2 in the environment, and suggests new research directions, including preparation aspects for the development of this promising material.

Lithium Storage in Carbon Nanostructures

Abstract: In this review article we discuss the progress of lithium storage in different carbon forms starting from intercalation in graphite to the lithium storage in fullerenes, nanotubes, diamond and most recently, graphene. The recent advances in lithium storage in various novel morphological variants of carbons prepared by a variety of techniques are also discussed with the most important models in literature that have been set out to explain the excess lithium storage. The major emphasis lies on the real structure.