Alicia Koo

Bio: Alicia Koo is an academic researcher from University of Western Ontario. The author has contributed to research in topics: Sulfur & Battery (electricity). The author has an hindex of 9, co-authored 9 publications receiving 851 citations.

Promising Dual-Doped Graphene Aerogel/SnS 2 Nanocrystal Building High Performance Sodium Ion Batteries

Abstract: We report the effort in designing layered SnS2 nanocrystals decorated on nitrogen and sulfur dual-doped graphene aerogels (SnS2@N,S-GA) as anode material of SIBs. The optimized mass loading of SnS2 along with the addition of nitrogen and sulfur on the surface of GAs results in enhanced electrochemical performance of SnS2@N,S-GA composite. In particular, the introduction of nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms could provide more active sites and good accessibility for Na ions. Moreover, the incorporation of the stable SnS2 crystal structure within the anode results in the superior discharge capacity of 527 mAh g-1 under a current density of 20 mA g-1 upon 50 cycles. It maintains 340 mAh g-1 even the current density is increased to 800 mA g-1. Aiming to further systematically study mechanism of composite with improved SIB performance, we construct the corresponding models based on experimental data and conduct first-principles calculations. The calculated results indicate the sulfur atoms doped in GAs show a strong bridging effect with the SnS2 nanocrystals, contributing to build robust architecture for electrode. Simultaneously, heteroatom dual doping of GAs shows the imperative function for improved electrical conductivity. Herein, first-principles calculations present a theoretical explanation for outstanding cycling properties of SnS2@N,S-GA composite.

A metal-organic framework-derived bifunctional catalyst for hybrid sodium-air batteries

Abstract: Metal-organic framework (MOF)-derived carbon nanomaterials are investigated as promising non-noble metal-based oxygen electrocatalysts for metal-air batteries. Herein, metal-organic framework-derived N-doped carbon nanotubes (MOF-NCNTs) were first employed as electrocatalysts for hybrid sodium-air batteries (SABs), which exhibited higher electrocatalytic activity and stability for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) compared to commercial Pt/C. The battery using MOF-NCNTs displayed the voltage gap of 0.30 V at a current density of 0.1 mA·cm―2, which is the lowest among all the tested catalysts including commercial Pt/C (0.50 V), RuO2 (0.50 V), Co-CNTs (0.67 V), NCNTs (0.77 V), MWNTs (0.90 V), and carbon paper (1.18 V). In addition, the average discharge plateau and round trip efficiency of the battery was 2.81 V and 87% during 35 cycles at a current density of 0.1 mA·cm―2, respectively. The remarkable electrocatalytic activity is mainly ascribed to the synergistic effect between the N dopants and confined Co nanoparticles in the CNTs, the hollow structure of NCNTs, and the robust porous cage structure. The N dopants and confined Co nanoparticles in the CNTs induce more catalytic active sites and promote electron transfer for the ORR and OER. The hollow framework structure of NCNTs not only offer structural defect sites for O2 adsorption, but also improves mass transport and electronic conductivity, resulting in enhanced catalytic activity. The robust porous cage structure contributes to the stability of the catalysts. The highly efficient and inexpensive metal-organic framework-derived NCNT is a promising bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst for practical applications in hybrid SABs and other metal-air batteries.

State of the Art and Prospects in Metal-Organic Framework (MOF)-Based and MOF-Derived Nanocatalysis.

Abstract: Metal-organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles, also called porous coordination polymers, are a major part of nanomaterials science, and their role in catalysis is becoming central. The extraordinary variability and richness of their structures afford engineering synergies between the metal nodes, functional linkers, encapsulated substrates, or nanoparticles for multiple and selective heterogeneous interactions and activations in these MOF-based nanocatalysts. Pyrolysis of MOF-nanoparticle composites forms highly porous N- or P-doped graphitized MOF-derived nanomaterials that are increasingly used as efficient catalysts especially in electro- and photocatalysis. This review first briefly summarizes this background of MOF nanoparticle catalysis and then comprehensively reviews the fast-growing literature reported during the last years. The major parts are catalysis of organic and molecular reactions, electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, and views of prospects. Major challenges of our society are addressed using these well-defined heterogeneous catalysts in the fields of synthesis, energy, and environment. In spite of the many achievements, enormous progress is still necessary to improve our understanding of the processes involved beyond the proof-of-concept, particularly for selective methane oxidation, hydrogen production, water splitting, CO2 reduction to methanol, nitrogen fixation, and water depollution.

MOF-derived electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction, oxygen evolution and hydrogen evolution reactions

Abstract: Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are three key reactions for the development of green and sustainable energy systems. Efficient electrocatalysts for these reactions are highly desired to lower their overpotentials and promote practical applications of related energy devices. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have recently emerged as precursors to fabricate carbon-based electrocatalysts with high electrical conductivity and uniformly distributed active sites. In this review, the current progress of MOF-derived carbon-based materials for ORR/OER/HER electrocatalysis is presented. Materials design strategies of MOF-derived carbon-based materials are firstly summarized to show the rich possibilities of the morphology and composition of MOF-derived carbon-based materials. A wide range of applications based on these materials for ORR, OER, HER and multifunctional electrocatalysis are discussed, with an emphasis on the required features of MOF-derived carbon-based materials for the electrocatalysis of corresponding reactions. Finally, perspectives on the development of MOF-derived carbon-based materials for ORR, OER and HER electrocatalysis are provided.

Metal–organic frameworks as a platform for clean energy applications

Abstract: Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), an emerging class of porous materials, have shown intriguing and promising properties in a wide range of applications due to their versatile structures, large surface areas, tunable porosity and tailorable chemistry. In recent years one of the most active research fields is to explore energy applications of MOF-based materials. In this review, we present a critical overview on the recent progress of the use of MOF-based materials for gaseous fuel storage, chemical hydrogen storage, solar and electrochemical energy storage and conversion. The challenges and opportunities towards advanced energy technologies with the MOF-based materials are discussed.

Sodium Metal Anodes: Emerging Solutions to Dendrite Growth

Abstract: This comprehensive Review focuses on the key challenges and recent progress regarding sodium-metal anodes employed in sodium-metal batteries (SMBs) The metal anode is the essential component of emerging energy storage systems such as sodium sulfur and sodium selenium, which are discussed as example full-cell applications We begin with a description of the differences in the chemical and physical properties of Na metal versus the oft-studied Li metal, and a corresponding discussion regarding the number of ways in which Na does not follow Li-inherited paradigms in its electrochemical behavior We detail the major challenges for Na-metal systems that at this time limit the feasibility of SMBs The core Na anode problems are the following interrelated degradation mechanisms: An unstable solid electrolyte interphase with most organic electrolytes, "mossy" and "lath-like" metal dendrite growth for liquid systems, poor Coulombic efficiency, and gas evolution Even solid-state Na batteries are not immune, with metal dendrites being reported The solutions may be subdivided into the following interrelated taxonomy: Improved electrolytes and electrolyte additives tailored for Na-metal anodes, interfacial engineering between the metal and the liquid or solid electrolyte, electrode architectures that both reduce the current density during plating-stripping and serve as effective hosts that shield the Na metal from excessive reactions, and alloy design to tune the bulk properties of the metal per se For instance, stable plating-stripping of Na is extremely difficult with conventional carbonate solvents but has been reported with ethers and glymes Solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) such as beta-alumina solid electrolyte (BASE), sodium superionic conductor (NASICON), and sodium thiophosphate (75Na2S·25P2S5) present highly exciting opportunities for SMBs that avoid the dangers of flammable liquids Even SSEs are not immune to dendrites, however, which grow through the defects in the bulk pellet, but may be controlled through interfacial energy modification We conclude with a discussion of the key research areas that we feel are the most fruitful for further pursuit In our opinion, greatly improved understanding and control of the SEI structure is the key to cycling stability A holistic approach involving complementary post-mortem, in situ, and operando analyses to elucidate full battery cell level structure-performance relations is advocated

Simultaneously Dual Modification of Ni-Rich Layered Oxide Cathode for High-Energy Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract: A critical challenge in the commercialization of layer-structured Ni-rich materials is the fast capacity drop and voltage fading due to the interfacial instability and bulk structural degradation of the cathodes during battery operation. Herein, with the guidance of theoretical calculations of migration energy difference between La and Ti from the surface to the inside of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2, for the first time, Ti-doped and La4NiLiO8-coated LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathodes are rationally designed and prepared, via a simple and convenient dual-modification strategy of synchronous synthesis and in situ modification. Impressively, the dual modified materials show remarkably improved electrochemical performance and largely suppressed voltage fading, even under exertive operational conditions at elevated temperature and under extended cutoff voltage. Further studies reveal that the nanoscale structural degradation on material surfaces and the appearance of intergranular cracks associated with the inconsistent evolution of structural degradation at the particle level can be effectively suppressed by the synergetic effect of the conductive La4NiLiO8 coating layer and the strong TiO bond. The present work demonstrates that our strategy can simultaneously address the two issues with respect to interfacial instability and bulk structural degradation, and it represents a significant progress in the development of advanced cathode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.