Mingzhe Chen

Bio: Mingzhe Chen is an academic researcher from University of Wollongong. The author has contributed to research in topics: Cathode & Electrochemistry. The author has an hindex of 26, co-authored 45 publications receiving 1900 citations. Previous affiliations of Mingzhe Chen include Zhengzhou University of Light Industry & University of Macau.

The Cathode Choice for Commercialization of Sodium-Ion Batteries: Layered Transition Metal Oxides versus Prussian Blue Analogs

Abstract: With the unprecedentedly increasing demand for renewable and clean energy sources, the sodium-ion battery (SIB) is emerging as an alternative or complementary energy storage candidate to the present commercial lithium-ion battery due to the abundance and low cost of sodium resources. Layered transition metal oxides and Prussian blue analogs are reviewed in terms of their commercial potential as cathode materials for SIBs. The recent progress in research on their half cells and full cells for the ultimate application in SIBs are summarized. In addition, their electrochemical performance, suitability for scaling up, cost, and environmental concerns are compared in detail with a brief outlook on future prospects. It is anticipated that this review will inspire further development of layered transition metal oxides and Prussian blue analogs for SIBs, especially for their emerging commercialization.

Recent Progress of Layered Transition Metal Oxide Cathodes for Sodium-Ion Batteries

Abstract: Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are attracting increasing attention and considered to be a low-cost complement or an alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), especially for large-scale energy storage. Their application, however, is limited because of the lack of suitable host materials to reversibly intercalate Na+ ions. Layered transition metal oxides (NaxMO2, M = Fe, Mn, Ni, Co, Cr, Ti, V, and their combinations) appear to be promising cathode candidates for SIBs due to their simple structure, ease of synthesis, high operating potential, and feasibility for commercial production. In the present work, the structural evolution, electrochemical performance, and recent progress of NaxMO2 as cathode materials for SIBs are reviewed and summarized. Moreover, the existing drawbacks are discussed and several strategies are proposed to help alleviate these issues. In addition, the exploration of full cells based on NaxMO2 cathodes and future perspectives are discussed to provide guidance for the future commercialization of such systems.

NASICON-type air-stable and all-climate cathode for sodium-ion batteries with low cost and high-power density.

Abstract: The development of low-cost and long-lasting all-climate cathode materials for the sodium ion battery has been one of the key issues for the success of large-scale energy storage. One option is the utilization of earth-abundant elements such as iron. Here, we synthesize a NASICON-type tuneable Na4Fe3(PO4)2(P2O7)/C nanocomposite which shows both excellent rate performance and outstanding cycling stability over more than 4400 cycles. Its air stability and all-climate properties are investigated, and its potential as the sodium host in full cells has been studied. A remarkably low volume change of 4.0% is observed. Its high sodium diffusion coefficient has been measured and analysed via first-principles calculations, and its three-dimensional sodium ion diffusion pathways are identified. Our results indicate that this low-cost and environmentally friendly Na4Fe3(PO4)2(P2O7)/C nanocomposite could be a competitive candidate material for sodium ion batteries.

Carbon-Coated Na3.32Fe2.34(P2O7)2 Cathode Material for High-Rate and Long-Life Sodium-Ion Batteries

Abstract: Rechargeable sodium-ion batteries are proposed as the most appropriate alternative to lithium batteries due to the fast consumption of the limited lithium resources. Due to their improved safety, polyanion framework compounds have recently gained attention as potential candidates. With the earth-abundant element Fe being the redox center, the uniform carbon-coated Na3.32 Fe2.34 (P2 O7 )2 /C composite represents a promising alternative for sodium-ion batteries. The electrochemical results show that the as-prepared Na3.32 Fe2.34 (P2 O7 )2 /C composite can deliver capacity of ≈100 mA h g-1 at 0.1 C (1 C = 120 mA g-1 ), with capacity retention of 92.3% at 0.5 C after 300 cycles. After adding fluoroethylene carbonate additive to the electrolyte, 89.6% of the initial capacity is maintained, even after 1100 cycles at 5 C. The electrochemical mechanism is systematically investigated via both in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction and density functional theory calculations. The results show that the sodiation and desodiation are single-phase-transition processes with two 1D sodium paths, which facilitates fast ionic diffusion. A small volume change, nearly 100% first-cycle Coulombic efficiency, and a pseudocapacitance contribution are also demonstrated. This research indicates that this new compound could be a potential competitor for other iron-based cathode electrodes for application in large-scale Na rechargeable batteries.

Nanomaterials: a review of synthesis methods, properties, recent progress, and challenges

Abstract: Nanomaterials have emerged as an amazing class of materials that consists of a broad spectrum of examples with at least one dimension in the range of 1 to 100 nm. Exceptionally high surface areas can be achieved through the rational design of nanomaterials. Nanomaterials can be produced with outstanding magnetic, electrical, optical, mechanical, and catalytic properties that are substantially different from their bulk counterparts. The nanomaterial properties can be tuned as desired via precisely controlling the size, shape, synthesis conditions, and appropriate functionalization. This review discusses a brief history of nanomaterials and their use throughout history to trigger advances in nanotechnology development. In particular, we describe and define various terms relating to nanomaterials. Various nanomaterial synthesis methods, including top-down and bottom-up approaches, are discussed. The unique features of nanomaterials are highlighted throughout the review. This review describes advances in nanomaterials, specifically fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, graphene, carbon quantum dots, nanodiamonds, carbon nanohorns, nanoporous materials, core–shell nanoparticles, silicene, antimonene, MXenes, 2D MOF nanosheets, boron nitride nanosheets, layered double hydroxides, and metal-based nanomaterials. Finally, we conclude by discussing challenges and future perspectives relating to nanomaterials.

Current Status and Future Prospects of Metal–Sulfur Batteries

Abstract: Lithium-sulfur batteries are a major focus of academic and industrial energy-storage research due to their high theoretical energy density and the use of low-cost materials. The high energy density results from the conversion mechanism that lithium-sulfur cells utilize. The sulfur cathode, being naturally abundant and environmentally friendly, makes lithium-sulfur batteries a potential next-generation energy-storage technology. The current state of the research indicates that lithium-sulfur cells are now at the point of transitioning from laboratory-scale devices to a more practical energy-storage application. Based on similar electrochemical conversion reactions, the low-cost sulfur cathode can be coupled with a wide range of metallic anodes, such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and aluminum. These new "metal-sulfur" systems exhibit great potential in either lowering the production cost or producing high energy density. Inspired by the rapid development of lithium-sulfur batteries and the prospect of metal-sulfur cells, here, over 450 research articles are summarized to analyze the research progress and explore the electrochemical characteristics, cell-assembly parameters, cell-testing conditions, and materials design. In addition to highlighting the current research progress, the possible future areas of research which are needed to bring conversion-type lithium-sulfur and other metal-sulfur batteries into the market are also discussed.

High performance manganese-based layered oxide cathodes: overcoming the challenges of sodium ion batteries

Abstract: Currently, there is increasing interest in developing ‘beyond lithium’ battery technologies to augment, or in certain situations replace, lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Room temperature sodium ion batteries (NIBs) offer an attractive combination of low cost and plentiful constituents and a wide range of phases, structures and stoichiometries available for optimisation. Sodium layered oxides are considered to be promising candidates as cathode materials, due to their flexibility and versatility, as well as their intrinsically fast structural diffusion of Na ions which leads to enhanced rate capability. In particular, sodium manganese based layered oxides (generally NaxMn1−y−zMyTMzO2, where TM represents one or more transition metals, and M consists of one or more non-transition metals) are a key family of materials, in part due to the relatively low cost and environmentally friendly nature of the manganese, and consequently are worthy of a detailed investigation. Examination of these systems, particularly in terms of stoichiometry and phase, has shown that significant advances have been made recently, both in terms of understanding the mechanisms behind electrochemical performance, and in terms of refining these to produce improved materials. The goal of this review is to present the current developments in sodium manganese based layered oxides (particularly with respect to electrochemical performance, physical properties and manganese content), to discuss the current state of this field of research and to draw conclusions regarding where future investigations may be most fruitfully directed.

A room-temperature sodium–sulfur battery with high capacity and stable cycling performance

Abstract: High-temperature sodium–sulfur batteries operating at 300–350 °C have been commercially applied for large-scale energy storage and conversion. However, the safety concerns greatly inhibit their widespread adoption. Herein, we report a room-temperature sodium–sulfur battery with high electrochemical performances and enhanced safety by employing a “cocktail optimized” electrolyte system, containing propylene carbonate and fluoroethylene carbonate as co-solvents, highly concentrated sodium salt, and indium triiodide as an additive. As verified by first-principle calculation and experimental characterization, the fluoroethylene carbonate solvent and high salt concentration not only dramatically reduce the solubility of sodium polysulfides, but also construct a robust solid-electrolyte interface on the sodium anode upon cycling. Indium triiodide as redox mediator simultaneously increases the kinetic transformation of sodium sulfide on the cathode and forms a passivating indium layer on the anode to prevent it from polysulfide corrosion. The as-developed sodium–sulfur batteries deliver high capacity and long cycling stability.