Recent progress in the synthesis of graphene and derived materials for next generation electrodes of high performance lithium ion batteries

A review on carbon/magnetic metal composites for microwave absorption

Hierarchical Fe3O4/Fe@C@MoS2 core-shell nanofibers for efficient microwave absorption

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have attracted much scientific interest for use in large-scale energy storage systems because sodium is cheaper than lithium. However, the large radius of Na+ and barriers to Na+ transport result in sluggish kinetics and complicated structural distortion, leading to unsatisfactory rate capability and poor cycling stability. It therefore is essential to develop an electrode with enhanced kinetics and a stable structure during cycling to improve SIB performance. Among the various layered oxide cathodes, those with a spinel-like structure could play an important role in boosting electron transport because of their excellent intrinsic conductivity, including by coordinating with Na+ insertion/extraction. Moreover, thanks to the inherent high stability of the spinel-like phase, it could function as a stabilizer for host cathode structures. This review summarizes recent advances in spinel engineering on layered oxide cathodes to boost Na+ transport kinetics and provide structural stability to achieve high-performance SIBs, focusing particularly on post-spinel structures, layered oxide integrated spinel-like structures, and spinel transition. The insights proposed in this review will be useful for guiding rational structural engineering and design to drive the development of new materials and chemistries in Na-based electrode materials.

Spinel/Post-spinel engineering on layered oxide cathodes for sodium-ion batteries

Polyoxometalates (POMs) represent a class of nanomaterials, which hold enormous promise for a range of energy-related applications. Their promise is owing to their “special” structure that gives POMs a truly unique ability to control redox reactions in energy conversion and storage. One such amazing capability is their large number of redox active sites that arises from the complex three-dimensional cluster of metal-oxide ions linked together by oxygen atoms. Here, a critical review on how POMs emerged from being molecular clusters for fundamental studies, to next-generation materials for energy applications is provided. We highlight how exploiting the versatility and activity of these molecules can lead to improved performance in energy devices such as supercapacitors and batteries, and in energy catalyst applications. The potential of POMs across numerous fields is systematically outlined by investigating structure–property–performance relationships and the determinant factors for energy systems. Finally, the challenges and opportunities for this class of materials with respect to addressing our pressing energy-related concerns are identified.

Polyoxometalates (POMs): from electroactive clusters to energy materials

To enhance microwave loss abilities, constructing composites with one-dimensional (1D) structure is an excellent scheme. In this work, a high-efficiency microwave absorber of MnO nanograins decorat...

Morphology Design of Co-electrospinning MnO-VN/C Nanofibers for Enhancing the Microwave Absorption Performances.

The capacity loading per unit area is of importance as specific capacity while evaluating the lithium-ion battery anode. However, the low conductivity of several advanced anode materials (such as molybdenum sulfide, MoS2) prohibits the wide application of materials. Nanostructural engineering becomes a key to overcome the obstacles. A one-step in situ conversion reaction is employed to synthesize molybdenum oxide (MoO2)–MoS2 core–shell nanoarchitectures (MoO2@MoS2) by partially sulfiding MoO2 into MoS2 using sulfur. The MoO2@MoS2 displays a 3D architecture constructed by hundreds of MoS2 ultrathin sheets with several layers arranged and fixed to an MoO2 particle vertically with the size in the range of 200–500 nm. MoO2 acts as the molybdenum source for the synthesis of MoS2, as well as the conductive substrate. The designed 3D architectures with empty space between MoS2 layers can prevent the damage originated from volume change of MoS2 undergoing charge/discharge process. The lithium storage capacities of the MoO2@MoS2 3D architectures are higher and the stability has been significantly improved compared to pure MoS2. 4 mAh cm−2 capacity loading of MoO2@MoS2 has been achieved with a specific capacity of more than 1000 mAh g−1.

Luo Kong

Papers

Morphology Design of Co-electrospinning MnO-VN/C Nanofibers for Enhancing the Microwave Absorption Performances.

MoO2@MoS2 Nanoarchitectures for High-Loading Advanced Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes

Electromagnetic wave absorption properties of Ti3C2Tx nanosheets modified with in-situ growth carbon nanotubes

Structure, dielectric properties of novel Ba(Zr,Ti)O3 based ceramics for energy storage application

Mullite whisker toughened mullite coating to enhance the thermal shock resistance of SiC pre-coated carbon/carbon composites