Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) is regarded as a promising cathode for advanced sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to its high theoretical capacity and stable sodium (Na) super ion conductor (NASICON) structure. However, strongly impeded by its low electronic conductivity, the general NVP delivers undesirable rate capacity and fails to meet the demands for quick charge. Herein, a novel and facile synthesis of layer-by-layer NVP@reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite is presented through modifying the surface charge of NVP gel precursor. The well-designed layered NVP@rGO with confined NVP nanocrystal in between rGO layers offers high electronic and ionic conductivity as well as stable structure. The NVP@rGO nanocomposite with merely ≈3.0 wt% rGO and 0.5 wt% amorphous carbon, yet exhibits extraordinary electrochemical performance: a high capacity (118 mA h g−1 at 0.5 C attaining the theoretical value), a superior rate capability (73 mA h g−1 at 100 C and even up to 41 mA h g−1 at 200 C), ultralong cyclability (70.0% capacity retention after 15 000 cycles at 50 C), and stable cycling performance and excellent rate capability at both low and high operating temperatures. The proposed method and designed layer-by-layer active nanocrystal@rGO strategy provide a new avenue to create nanostructures for advanced energy storage applications.

Layer‐by‐Layer Na3V2(PO4)3 Embedded in Reduced Graphene Oxide as Superior Rate and Ultralong‐Life Sodium‐Ion Battery Cathode

Functional nanostructured materials have attracted great attention over the past several decades owing to their unique physical and chemical properties, while their applications have been proven to be advantageous not only in fundamental scientific areas, but also in many technological fields. Spray pyrolysis (SP), which is particularly facile, effective, highly scalable and suitable for on-line continuous production, offers significant potential for the rational design and synthesis of various functional nanostructured materials with tailorable composition and morphology. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in various functional nanostructured materials synthesized by SP and their potential applications in energy storage and conversion. After a brief introduction to the equipment, components, and working principles of the SP technique, we thoroughly describe the guidelines and strategies for designing particles with controlled morphology, composition, and interior architecture, including hollow structures, dense spheres, yolk–shell structures, core–shell structures, nanoplates, nanorods, nanowires, thin films, and various nanocomposites. Thereafter, we demonstrate their suitability for a wide range of energy storage and conversion applications, including electrode materials for rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors, highly active catalysts for hydrogen production, carbon dioxide reduction and fuel cells, and photoelectric materials for solar cells. Finally, the potential advantages and challenges of SP for the preparation of nanostructured materials are particularly emphasized and discussed, and several perspectives on future research and development directions of SP are highlighted. We expect that this continuous, one-pot, and controllable synthetic technology can serve as a reference for preparing various advanced functional materials for broader applications.

Advances in nanostructures fabricated via spray pyrolysis and their applications in energy storage and conversion.

A foam composition that includes a vehicle and surface-modified nanoparticles disposed in the vehicle. The individual nanoparticles having a particle diameter of less than about 100 nanometers.

Foam including surface-modified nanoparticles

A short process for the efficient utilization of transition-metal chlorides in lithium-ion batteries: A case of Ni 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 1.1 and LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 2

The present invention relates to novel, organically modified aerogels, uses thereof, and a process for producing them in which a) a hydrogel is introduced as an initial charge, b) the hydrogel obtained in step a) is subjected to surface modification, and c) the surface-modified gel obtained in step b) is dried. The present invention additionally relates to novel, organically modified wet gels, to a process for producing them, and to their use.

Organically modified aerogels, processes for their preparation by surface modification of the aqueous gel, without prior solvent exchange, and subsequent drying, and their use

A process for making non-porous, dense, silica particles having a diameter of about 3 to 1000 microns, a nitrogen B.E.T. surface area less than about 1 m2/g, a total impurity content of less than about 50 ppm and a metal impurity content of less than about 15 ppm from an aqueous dispersion of fumed silica. The particles are converted into porous particles and sintered in an atmosphere having a water partial pressure of from about 0.2 to about 0.8 atmosphere for temperatures below about 1200 °C.

Process for making non-porous, micron-sized high purity silica

The present invention provides a cerium oxide particulate composition and a process for preparing a cerium oxide particulate composition comprising aggregates of approximately spherical primary particles of cerium oxide. The method involves preparing a solution of a cerium oxide precursor, aerosolizing the cerium oxide precursor solution, and heating the aerosol to provide the cerium oxide particle composition.

Ceria composition and process for preparing same

Novel Li(Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)O2 cathode morphologies for high power Li-ion batteries

A carbon black having a combination of properties with values in ranges selected to promote high conductivity, high hydrophobicity, and reduced outgassing in lead acid batteries while maintaining high charge acceptance and cycleability. The carbon black has a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area ranging from 100 m2/g to 1100 m2/g combined with one or more properties, e.g., a surface energy (SE) of 10 mJ/m2 or less, and/or a Raman microcrystalline planar size (La) of at least 22 A, e.g., ranging from 22 A to 50 A. In some cases, the carbon black has a statistical thickness surface area (STSA) of at least 100 m2/g, e.g., ranging from 100 m2/g to 600 m2/g.

Carbon blacks and use in electrodes for lead acid batteries

A catalyst composition comprises a particulate support and catalyst nanoparticles on the particulate support. The catalyst nanoparticles comprise an alloy of platinum and palladium in an atomic ratio of from about 25:75 to about 75:25 and are present in a concentration of between about 3 and about 10 wt % weight percent of the catalyst composition. The catalyst composition has an X-ray diffraction pattern that is substantially free of the (311) diffraction peak assignable to PtxPd1-x, where 0.25≦x≦0.75.

Kenneth C. Koehlert

Papers

Process for making non-porous, micron-sized high purity silica

Ceria composition and process for preparing same

Novel Li(Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)O2 cathode morphologies for high power Li-ion batteries

Carbon blacks and use in electrodes for lead acid batteries

Diesel oxidation catalysts