Nanostructures derived from zeolitic-imidazole frameworks (ZIFs) gain much interest in bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysis. However, they are not satisfied well for long-life rechargeable zinc-air batteries due to the limited single particle morphology. Herein, the preparation of an interconnected macroporous carbon matrix with a well-defined 3D architecture by the pyrolysis of silica templated ZIF-67 assemblies is reported. The matrix catalyst assembled zinc-air battery exhibits a high power density of 221.1 mW cm-2 as well as excellent stability during 500 discharging/charging cycles, surpassing that of a commercial Pt/C assembled battery. The synergistic effect from the interconnected macroporous structure together with abundant cobalt-nitrogen-carbon active sites justify the excellent electrocatalytic activity and battery performance. Considering the advanced nanostructures and performance, the as-synthesized hybrid would be promising for rechargeable zinc-air batteries and other energy technologies. This work may also provide significant concept in the view of electrocatalysis design for long-life battery.

A Zeolitic‐Imidazole Frameworks‐Derived Interconnected Macroporous Carbon Matrix for Efficient Oxygen Electrocatalysis in Rechargeable Zinc–Air Batteries

With the ever-increasing adaption of large-scale energy storage systems and electric devices, the energy storage capability of batteries and supercapacitors has faced increased demand and challenges. The electrodes of these devices have experienced radical change with the introduction of nano-scale materials. As new generation materials, heterostructure materials have attracted increasing attention due to their unique interfaces, robust architectures, and synergistic effects, and thus, the ability to enhance the energy/power outputs as well as the lifespan of batteries. In this review, the recent progress in heterostructure from energy storage fields is summarized. Specifically, the fundamental natures of heterostructures, including charge redistribution, built-in electric field, and associated energy storage mechanisms, are summarized and discussed in detail. Furthermore, various synthesis routes for heterostructures in energy storage fields are roundly reviewed, and their advantages and drawbacks are analyzed. The superiorities and current achievements of heterostructure materials in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), lithium-sulfur batteries (Li-S batteries), supercapacitors, and other energy storage devices are discussed. Finally, the authors conclude with the current challenges and perspectives of the heterostructure materials for the fields of energy storage.

Emerging of Heterostructure Materials in Energy Storage: A Review.

Ultrafast Zinc–Ion–Conductor Interface toward High-Rate and Stable Zinc Metal Batteries

Metal-organic frameworks derived porous carbon, metal oxides and metal sulfides-based compounds for supercapacitors application

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been considered as a class of promising electrode materials for supercapacitors owing to their large surface area, rich porosity, and variable redox sites; however, direct application of pristine MOFs in energy storage has been largely hindered by their poor electrical conductivity and stability issues. In this work, we demonstrate a facile two-step approach to address the controlled growth of Ni-MOF arrays on the surface of NiCo2O4 nanowires by modulating the formation reaction of MOFs. By taking advantage of the intriguing merits from the NiCo2O4 core and Ni-MOF shell as well as their synergistic effects, the optimized NiCo2O4@Ni-MOF hybrid electrode exhibits boosted electrochemical performance, in terms of high specific capacity (208.8 mA h/g at 2 mA/cm2) and good rate capability. In addition, the assembled flexible solid-state HSC device based on the optimized NiCo2O4@Ni-MOF and activated carbon as the cathode and anode achieves a maximum energy density of 32.6 W h/kg at a power density of 348.9 W/kg without sacrificing its outstanding cycling performance (nearly 100% retention over 6000 cycles at 8 mA/cm2) and mechanical stability, outperforming most recently reported MOF-based HSC devices in an aqueous electrolyte. Our work demonstrates the possibility of exploiting novel MOF-based hybrid arrays as battery-type electrodes with enhanced electrochemical properties, which exhibits great potential in flexible energy storage devices.

Construction of Hierarchical NiCo2O4@Ni-MOF Hybrid Arrays on Carbon Cloth as Superior Battery-Type Electrodes for Flexible Solid-State Hybrid Supercapacitors.

Aqueous rechargeable zinc-based batteries have sparked a lot of enthusiasm in the energy storage field recently due to their inherent safety, low cost, and environmental friendliness. Although remarkable progress has been made in the exploration of performance so far, there are still many challenges such as low working voltage and dissolution of electrode materials at the material and system level. Herein, the central tenet is to establish a systematic summary for the construction and mechanism of different aqueous zinc-based batteries. Details for three major zinc-based battery systems, including alkaline rechargeable Zn-based batteries (ARZBs), aqueous Zn ion batteries (AZIBs), and dual-ion hybrid Zn batteries (DHZBs) are given. First, the electrode materials and energy storage mechanism of the three types of zinc-based batteries are discussed to provide universal guidance for these batteries. Then, the electrode behavior of zinc anodes and strategies to deal with problems such as dendrite and passivation are recommended. Finally, some challenge-oriented solutions are provided to facilitate the next development of zinc-based batteries. Combining the characteristics of zinc-based batteries with good use of concepts and ideas from other disciplines will surely pave the way for its commercialization.

An Overview and Future Perspectives of Rechargeable Zinc Batteries.

Simultaneously Realizing Rapid Electron Transfer and Mass Transport in Jellyfish-Like Mott–Schottky Nanoreactors for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as one class of the most promising electrode materials for supercapacitors because of their high surface area and tunable pore structures. The developme...

Facile Surface Properties Engineering of High-Quality Graphene: Toward Advanced Ni-MOF Heterostructures for High-Performance Supercapacitor Electrode

Poly(ionic liquid)-polyethylene oxide semi-interpenetrating polymer network solid electrolyte for safe lithium metal batteries

Aqueous-based Zn–air and Al–air batteries are considered to be promising post-lithium energy storage technologies owing to their safety, environmental friendliness, affordability, and high energy density. Nevertheless, traditional liquid Zn–air and Al–air batteries have problems such as volatilization and leakage, as well as the realization of miniaturized, portable, and wearable electronic devices. The practice of optimizing the battery structure by replacing the flowing electrolyte with a solid type has emerged and made significant progress in the past ten years. Herein, this review provides a guiding and comprehensive summary of the basic understanding and manufacturing ideas of the solid electrolyte for Zn–air and Al–air batteries. First, two types of alkaline solid electrolytes are distinguished, including alkaline anion exchange membranes (AAEMs) and gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs). Then, three sorts of major framework materials (i.e., artificial organic polymer, biomass materials, and inorganic materials) are reviewed and discussed. Most importantly, the latest research progress and improvement strategies to enhance the electrolyte membrane performances involving conductivity, mechanical properties, and electrochemical stability are also highlighted. Finally, challenges and prospects for the future development of alkaline solid electrolytes are emphasized.

Yuchuan Shi

Papers

An Overview and Future Perspectives of Rechargeable Zinc Batteries.

Simultaneously Realizing Rapid Electron Transfer and Mass Transport in Jellyfish-Like Mott–Schottky Nanoreactors for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Facile Surface Properties Engineering of High-Quality Graphene: Toward Advanced Ni-MOF Heterostructures for High-Performance Supercapacitor Electrode

Poly(ionic liquid)-polyethylene oxide semi-interpenetrating polymer network solid electrolyte for safe lithium metal batteries

Development of solid electrolytes in Zn–air and Al–air batteries: from material selection to performance improvement strategies