Wuhan University of Technology

About: Wuhan University of Technology is a education organization based out in Wuhan, China. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Microstructure & Catalysis. The organization has 40384 authors who have published 36724 publications receiving 575695 citations. The organization is also known as: WUT.

Three-dimensional graphene framework with ultra-high sulfur content for a robust lithium–sulfur battery

Abstract: Lithium–sulfur batteries can deliver significantly higher specific capacity than standard lithium ion batteries, and represent the next generation of energy storage devices for both electric vehicles and mobile devices. However, the lithium–sulfur technology today is plagued with numerous challenges, including poor sulfur conductivity, large volumetric expansion, severe polysulfide shuttling and low sulfur utilization, which prevent its wide-spread adoption in the energy storage industry. Here we report a freestanding three-dimensional (3D) graphene framework for highly efficient loading of sulfur particles and creating a high capacity sulfur cathode. Using a one-pot synthesis method, we show a mechanically robust graphene–sulfur composite can be prepared with the highest sulfur weight content (90% sulfur) reported to date, and can be directly used as the sulfur cathode without additional binders or conductive additives. The graphene–sulfur composite features a highly interconnected graphene network ensuring excellent conductivity and a 3D porous structure allowing efficient ion transport and accommodating large volume expansion. Additionally, the 3D graphene framework can also function as an effective encapsulation layer to retard the polysulfide shuttling effect, thus enabling a highly robust sulfur cathode. Electrochemical studies show that such composite can deliver a highest capacity of 96 mAh·g–1, a record high number achieved for all sulfur cathodes reported to date when normalized by the total mass of the entire electrode. Our studies demonstrate that the 3D graphene framework represents an attractive scaffold material for a high performance lithium sulfur battery cathode, and could enable exciting opportunities for ultra-high capacity energy storage applications.

Recent Progress in Iron-Based Electrode Materials for Grid-Scale Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Abstract: Grid-scale energy storage batteries with electrode materials made from low-cost, earth-abundant elements are needed to meet the requirements of sustainable energy systems. Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) with iron-based electrodes offer an attractive combination of low cost, plentiful structural diversity and high stability, making them ideal candidates for grid-scale energy storage systems. Although various iron-based cathode and anode materials have been synthesized and evaluated for sodium storage, further improvements are still required in terms of energy/power density and long cyclic stability for commercialization. In this Review, progress in iron-based electrode materials for SIBs, including oxides, polyanions, ferrocyanides, and sulfides, is briefly summarized. In addition, the reaction mechanisms, electrochemical performance enhancements, structure-composition-performance relationships, merits and drawbacks of iron-based electrode materials for SIBs are discussed. Such iron-based electrode materials will be competitive and attractive electrodes for next-generation energy storage devices.