Ming Li

Bio: Ming Li is an academic researcher from Wuhan University of Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Materials science & Intercalation (chemistry). The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 7 publications receiving 384 citations.

Finely Crafted 3D Electrodes for Dendrite-Free and High-Performance Flexible Fiber-Shaped Zn–Co Batteries

Abstract: Rechargeable aqueous Zn-based batteries, benefiting from their good reliability, low cost, high energy/power densities, and ecofriendliness, show great potential in energy storage systems. However, the poor cycling performance due to the formation of Zn dendrites greatly hinders their practical applications. In this work, a trilayer 3D CC-ZnO@C-Zn anode is obtained by in situ growing ZIFs (zeolitic-imidazolate frameworks) derived ZnO@C core– shell nanorods on carbon cloth followed by Zn deposition, which exhibits excellent antidendrite performance. Using CC-ZnO@C-Zn as the anode and a branch-like Co(CO3)0.5(OH)x·0.11H2O@CoMoO4 (CC-CCH@CMO) as the cathode, a Zn–Co battery is rationally designed, displaying excellent energy/power densities (235 Wh kg−1, 12.6 kW kg−1) and remarkable cycling performance (71.1% after 5000 cycles). Impressively, when using a gel electrolyte, a highly customizable, fiber-shaped flexible all-solid-state Zn–Co battery is assembled for the first time, which presents a high energy density of 4.6 mWh cm−3, peak power density of 0.42 W cm−3, and long durability (82% capacity retention after 1600 cycles) as well as excellent flexibility. The unique 3D electrode design in this study provides a novel approach to achieve high-performance Zn-based batteries, showing promising applications in flexible and portable energy-storage systems.

Comprehensive understanding of the roles of water molecules in aqueous Zn-ion batteries: from electrolytes to electrode materials

Abstract: Benefiting from loose assembly conditions, a high level of safety and environmentally friendly characteristics, rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion batteries (AZIBs) have attracted significant attention. The electrochemical kinetics and performance of the AZIBs are greatly affected by water in electrolytes or electrode materials. The corrosion and passivation of the Zn electrode caused by the inevitable solvation process of water molecules can lead to the growth of dendrites, thus resulting in a limited cycle life. Moreover, water in the electrode material, whether in the form of structural water or co-intercalated hydrated cations, can greatly affect the electrochemical behavior due to its small size, high polarity and hydrogen bonding. Unlike previous reports, this review focuses on the roles of water molecules during electrochemical processes in AZIBs. We comprehensively summarize the influencing mechanisms of water molecules during the energy storage process from the perspectives of the electrolyte, Zn anode, and cathode materials, and further include the basic theory, modification methods, and practical applications. The mystery concerning the water molecules and the electrochemical performance of AZIBs is revealed herein, and we also propose novel insights and actionable methods regarding the potential future directions in the design of high-performance AZIBs.

A Novel Dendrite‐Free Mn2+/Zn2+ Hybrid Battery with 2.3 V Voltage Window and 11000‐Cycle Lifespan

Abstract: DOI: 10.1002/aenm.201901469 further development.[2] Hence, exploring novel approaches to achieve more efficient energy storage is highly demanded. Recently, aqueous batteries are attracting unprecedented attention particularly owing to their high safety, high ion conductivity, low cost, and environmental friendliness.[3] To date, numerous aqueous batteries based on Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Zn2+, Al3+, Fe3+, and/or mixed metal ions as charge carriers have been reported,[4] which find potential applications in fields such as grid-scale energy storage, wearable devices, and etc.[5] Among them, as a promising candidate, the rechargeable aqueous Zn-based batteries (AZBs) including Zn-ion batteries (mild electrolyte),[6] Zn–Co/Ag/ Ni alkaline batteries[7] and Zn–air batteries in alkaline electrolyte[8] have been extensively studied due to their unparalleled advantages of Zn anode. In general, metal Zn has the features of high theoretical capacity (820 mAh g−1), high electrical conductivity, nontoxicity, easy processing, and suitable redox potential (−0.76 V vs standard hydrogen electrode).[9] However, most of AZBs reported so far have encountered the same challenges, which are the narrow voltage window, unsatisfactory capacity, and poor cycling performance.[10] For example, all Zn-ion batteries operated in mild electrolyte including Zn//V-based, Zn//Mn-based, and Zn//Prussian blue analogs-based hold a narrow voltage window of 0.3–1.6, 0.9–1.8, and 0.2–1.8 V, respectively.[11] Even though AZBs in alkaline electrolyte display a higher voltage than that achieved in mild medium, their voltage windows are still only about 1.2–1.9 V.[12] Meanwhile, the alkaline electrolytes show stronger corrosion than mild neutral electrolytes, which greatly limit their wide applications. Moreover, the unstable cycling performance in AZBs due to the Zn dendrites and side reaction on the surface of Zn anode is also unsatisfactory.[10] To date, the electrolyte optimization or structural design are the common ways to suppress the growth of Zn dendrite and improve the cycling stability. For example, Chen and co-workers reported that aqueous electrolyte Zn(CF3SO3)2 can suppress the formation of detrimental dendrites in AZBs owing to the better reversibility and faster kinetics of Zn deposition/dissolution than that in ZnSO4 electrolyte.[13] However, Zn(CF3SO3)2 is too expensive (≈$ 8.1 g−1, prices from Sigma-Aldrich) to be applied With the increasing energy crisis and environmental pollution, rechargeable aqueous Zn-based batteries (AZBs) are receiving unprecedented attention due to their list of merits, such as low cost, high safety, and nontoxicity. However, the limited voltage window, Zn dendrites, and relatively low specific capacity are still great challenges. In this work, a new reaction mechanism of reversible Mn2+ ion oxidation deposition is introduced to AZBs. The assembled Mn2+/Zn2+ hybrid battery (Mn2+/Zn2+ HB) based on a hybrid storage mechanism including Mn2+ ion deposition, Zn2+ ion insertion, and conversion reaction of MnO2 can achieve an ultrawide voltage window (0–2.3 V) and high capacity (0.96 mAh cm−2). Furthermore, the carbon nanotubes coated Zn anode is proved to effectively inhibit Zn dendrites and control side reaction, hence exhibiting an ultrastable cycling (33 times longer than bare Zn foil) without obvious polarization. Benefiting from the optimal Zn anode and highly reversible Mn2+/Zn2+ hybrid storage mechanism, the Mn2+/Zn2+ HB shows an excellent cycling performance over 11 000 cycles with a 100% capacity retention. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is the highest reported cycling performance and wide voltage window for AZBs with mild electrolyte, which may inspire a great insight into designing high-performance aqueous batteries.

Complete Reconstruction of Hydrate Pre-Catalysts for Ultrastable Water Electrolysis in Industrial-Concentration Alkali Media

Abstract: Summary Fundamental investigations of reconstruction of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) pre-catalysts and performance evaluation under realistic conditions are vital for practical water electrolysis. Here, we capture dynamic reconstruction, including the geometric/phase structure, of hydrate molybdates at oxidized potentials. Etching-reconstruction engineering endows the formed NiOOH with a sub-5-nm particle-interconnected structure, as revealed by multi-angle electron tomography. The key to complete reconstruction is the multicomponent co-leaching-induced loose reconstruction layer, conductive to solution penetration and mass transport. This unique structure avoids particle agglomeration in catalysis and promotes complete exploitation of the catalyst with 1,350 h of durability to meet industrial requirements. Upon addition of iron during reconstruction, mainstream Fe-NiOOH with a retained structure forms. Coupled with MoO2-Ni arrays in a membrane-free and two-electrode cell, it achieves stable electrolysis in industrial-concentration KOH for 260 h. This work highlights the reconstruction chemistry of hydrate oxygen-evolving systems and their performance evaluation under industrial conditions.

Issues and opportunities facing aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Abstract: Zinc-ion batteries built on water-based electrolytes featuring compelling price-points, competitive performance, and enhanced safety represent advanced energy storage chemistry as a promising alternative to current lithium-ion battery systems. Attempts to develop rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) can be traced to as early as the 1980s; however, since 2015, the research activity in this field has surged throughout the world. Despite the achievements made in exploring electrode materials so far, significant challenges remain at the material level and even on the whole aqueous ZIBs system, leading to the failure of ZIBs to meet commercial requirements. This review aims to discuss how to pave the way for developing aqueous ZIBs. The current research efforts related to aqueous ZIBs electrode materials and electrolytes are summarized, including an analysis of the problems encountered in both cathode/anode materials and electrolyte optimization. Some concerns and feasible solutions for achieving practical aqueous ZIBs are discussed in detail. We would like to point out that merely improving the electrode materials is not enough; synergistic optimization strategies toward the whole battery system are also deeply needed. Finally, some perspectives are provided on the subsequent optimization design for further research efforts in the aqueous ZIB field.

Roadmap for advanced aqueous batteries: From design of materials to applications.

Abstract: Safety concerns about organic media-based batteries are the key public arguments against their widespread usage. Aqueous batteries (ABs), based on water which is environmentally benign, provide a promising alternative for safe, cost-effective, and scalable energy storage, with high power density and tolerance against mishandling. Research interests and achievements in ABs have surged globally in the past 5 years. However, their large-scale application is plagued by the limited output voltage and inadequate energy density. We present the challenges in AB fundamental research, focusing on the design of advanced materials and practical applications of whole devices. Potential interactions of the challenges in different AB systems are established. A critical appraisal of recent advances in ABs is presented for addressing the key issues, with special emphasis on the connection between advanced materials and emerging electrochemistry. Last, we provide a roadmap starting with material design and ending with the commercialization of next-generation reliable ABs.

Interfacial design of dendrite‐free zinc anodes for aqueous zinc‐ion batteries

Abstract: Aqueous zinc-ion batteries have rapidly developed recently as promising energy storage devices in large-scale energy storage systems owing to their low cost and high safety. Research on suppressing zinc dendrite growth has meanwhile attracted widespread attention to improve the lifespan and reversibility of batteries. Herein, design methods for dendrite-free zinc anodes and their internal mechanisms are reviewed from the perspective of optimizing the host-zinc interface and the zinc-electrolyte interface. Furthermore, a design strategy is proposed to homogenize zinc deposition by regulating the interfacial electric field and ion distribution during zinc nucleation and growth. This Minireview can offer potential directions for the rational design of dendrite-free zinc anodes employed in aqueous zinc-ion batteries.

Dendrites in Zn-Based Batteries.

Abstract: Aqueous Zn batteries that provide a synergistic integration of absolute safety and high energy density have been considered as highly promising energy-storage systems for powering electronics. Despite the rapid progress made in developing high-performance cathodes and electrolytes, the underestimated but non-negligible dendrites of Zn anode have been observed to shorten battery lifespan. Herein, this dendrite issue in Zn anodes, with regard to fundamentals, protection strategies, characterization techniques, and theoretical simulations, is systematically discussed. An overall comparison between the Zn dendrite and its Li and Al counterparts, to highlight their differences in both origin and topology, is given. Subsequently, in-depth clarifications of the specific influence factors of Zn dendrites, including the accumulation effect and the cathode loading mass (a distinct factor for laboratory studies and practical applications) are presented. Recent advances in Zn dendrite protection are then comprehensively summarized and categorized to generate an overview of respective superiorities and limitations of various strategies. Accordingly, theoretical computations and advanced characterization approaches are introduced as mechanism guidelines and measurement criteria for dendrite suppression, respectively. The concluding section emphasizes future challenges in addressing the Zn dendrite issue and potential approaches to further promoting the lifespan of Zn batteries.

Direct Self‐Assembly of MXene on Zn Anodes for Dendrite‐Free Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries

Abstract: Metallic zinc is a promising anode candidate of aqueous zinc-ion batteries owing to its high theoretical capacity and low redox potential. However, Zn anodes usually suffer from dendrite and side reactions, which will degrade their cycle stability and reversibility. Herein, we developed an in situ spontaneously reducing/assembling strategy to assemble a ultrathin and uniform MXene layer on the surface of Zn anodes. The MXene layer endows the Zn anode with a lower Zn nucleation energy barrier and a more uniformly distributed electric field through the favorable charge redistribution effect in comparison with pure Zn. Therefore, MXene-integrated Zn anode exhibits obviously low voltage hysteresis and excellent cycling stability with dendrite-free behaviors, ensuring the high capacity retention and low polarization potential in zinc-ion batteries.