• Electronics and Telecommunications Trends
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.83-94
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• 2024

There have been continuous requirements for developing more reliable energy storage systems that could address unsolved problems in conventional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and thus be a proper option for large-scale applications like energy storage system (ESS). As a promising solution, aqueous metal-ion batteries (AMIBs) where water is used as a primary electrolyte solvent, have been emerging owing to excellent safety, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendly feature. Particularly, AMIBs adopting mutivalence metal ions (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Al³⁺) as mobile charge carriers has been paid much attention because of their abundance on globe and high volumetric capacity. In this research trend review, one of the most popular AMIBs, zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs), will be discussed. Since it is well-known that ZIBs suffer from various (electro) chemical/physical side reactions, we introduce the challenges and recent advances in the study of ZIBs mainly focusing on widening the electrochemical window of aqueous electrolytes as well as improving electrochemical properties of cathode, and anode materials.

• Ceramist
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.312-330
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• 2018

Energy storage/conversion has become crucial not only to meet the present energy demand but also more importantly to sustain the modern society. Particularly, electrical energy storage is critical not only to support electronic, vehicular and load-levelling applications but also to efficiently commercialize renewable energy resources such as solar and wind. While Li-ion batteries are being intensely researched for electric vehicle applications, there is a pressing need to seek for new battery chemistries aimed at stationary storage systems. In this aspect, Zn-ion batteries offer a viable option to be utilized for high energy and power density applications since every intercalated Zn-ion yields a concurrent charge transfer of two electrons and thereby high theoretical capacities can be realized. Furthermore, the simplicity of fabrication under open-air conditions combined with the abundant and less toxic zinc element makes aqueous Zn-ion batteries one of the most economical, safe and green energy storage technologies with prospective use for stationary grid storage applications. Also, Zn-ion batteries are very safe for next-generation technologies based on flexible, roll-up, wearable implantable devices the portable electronics market. Following this advantages, a wide range of approaches and materials, namely, cathodes, anodes and electrolytes have been investigated for Zn-ion batteries applications to date. Herein, we review the progresses and major advancements related to aqueous. Zn-ion batteries, facilitating energy storage/conversion via $Zn^{2+}$ (de)intercalation mechanism.

• Journal of Electrochemical Science and Technology
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.162-173
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• 2023

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries are considered as promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries for energy storage owing to their safety and cost efficiency. However, their lifespan is limited by the irreversibility of Zn anodes because of Zn dendrite growth and side reactions such as the hydrogen evolution reaction and corrosion during cycling. Herein, we present a strategy to restrict direct contact between the Zn anode and aqueous electrolyte by fabricating a protective layer on the surface of Zn foil via phosphidation method. The Zn₃(PO₄)₂ protective layer effectively suppresses Zn dendrite growth and side reactions in aqueous electrolytes. The electrochemical properties of the Zn₃(PO₄)₂@Zn anode, such as the overpotential, linear polarization resistance, and hydrogen generation reaction, indicate that the protective layer can suppress interfacial corrosion and improve the electrochemical stability compared to that of bare Zn by preventing direct contact between the electrolyte and the active sites of Zn. Remarkably, MnO₂ Zn₃(PO₄)₂@Zn exhibited enhanced reversibility owing to the formation a stable porous layer, which effectively inhibited vertical dendrite growth by inducing the uniform plating of Zn²⁺ ions underneath the formed layer.

• Journal of Electrochemical Science and Technology
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.50-58
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• 2015

There is a great deal of current interest in the development of rechargeable batteries with high energy storage capability due to an increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) with driving ranges comparable to those of gasoline-powered vehicles. Among various types of batteries under development, a Li-O₂ battery delivers the highest theoretical energy density; thus, it is considered a promising energy storage technology for EV applications. Despite the fact that extensive research efforts have been made in the field of Li-O₂ batteries in recent years, there are still many technical challenges to be addressed, such as low round-trip efficiency, poor reversibility, and poor power capability. In this article, we provide a short review on the fundamental electrochemistry of Li-O₂ batteries with non-aqueous electrolytes and on electrode materials that have been employed in cathodes (oxygen electrodes). The major aim of this mini-review is to highlight the physical and electrochemical origins of scientific challenges facing Li-O₂ battery technology and to overview the strategies proposed to overcome them.

• Carbon letters
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.180-183
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• 2011

Li metal is accepted as a good counter electrode for electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) as the active material in Li-ion and Li-ion polymer batteries. We examined the existence of signal noise from a Li-metal counter quantitatively as a preliminary study. We suggest an electrochemical cell with one switchable electrode to obtain the exact impedance signal of active materials. To verify the effectiveness of the switchable electrode, EIS measurements of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) before severe $Li^+$ intercalation to SFG6 graphite (at > ca. 0.25 V vs. Li/$Li^+$) were taken. As a result, the EIS spectra without the signal of Li metal were obtained and analyzed successfully for the following parameters i) $Li^+$ conduction in the electrolyte, ii) the geometric resistance and constant phase element of the electrode (insensitive to the voltage), iii) the interfacial behavior of the SEI related to the $Li^+$ transfer and residence throughout the near-surface (sensitive to voltage), and iv) the term reflecting the differential limiting capacitance of $Li^+$ in the graphite lattice.

• Current Applied Physics
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• v.18 no.12
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• pp.1507-1512
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• 2018

The development of an organic-based aqueous redox flow battery (RFB) using quinone as an electroactive material has attracted great attention recently. This is because this battery is inexpensive, produces high energy density, and is environment friendly in stationary electrical energy storage applications. Herein, we investigate the redox potentials and solubilities of indole-5,6-quinone and indole-4,7-quinone derivatives in terms of the substituent effects of functional groups using theoretical calculations. Our results indicate that full-site substituted derivatives of indolequinone are more useful as active materials compared to single-site substituted derivatives. In particular, our calculations reveal that the substitution of $-PO_3H_2$ and $-SO_3H$ functional groups with multiple polar bonds is very effective in increasing the activity of the aqueous RFB. As a strategy to overcome the limitation that the aqueous solubility is intrinsically low because they are organic molecules, we suggest the substitution of functional groups with multiple polar bonds to the backbones of active organic materials. Among 180 indolequinone derivatives, 17 candidates that meet the redox potential standards ($${\leq_-}0.2V$$ or $${\geq_-}0.9V$$) and eight candidates with solubility exceeding 2 mol/L are identified. Three indolequinone derivatives that satisfy both conditions are finally presented as promising electroactive candidates for an aqueous RFB.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.22 no.12
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• pp.717-721
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• 2012

Manganese dioxide ($MnO_2$) is one of the most important cathode materials used in both aqueous and non-aqueous batteries. The $MnO_2$ polymorph that is used for lithium primary batteries is synthesized either by electrolytic (EMD-$MnO_2$) or chemical methods (CMD-$MnO_2$). Commonly, electrolytic manganese dioxide (EMD) is used as a cathode mixture material for dry-cell batteries, such as a alkaline batteries, zinc-carbon batteries, rechargeable alkaline batteries, etc. The characteristics of lithium/manganese-dioxide primary cells fabricated with EMD-$MnO_2$ powders as cathode were compared as a function of the parameters of a manufacturing process. The flexible primary cells were prepared with EMD-$MnO_2$, active carbon, and poly vinylidene fluoride (PVDF) binder (10 wt.%) coated on an Al foil substrate. A cathode sheet with micro-porous showed a higher discharge capacity than a cathode sheet compacted by a press process. As the amount of EMD-$MnO_2$ increased, the electrical conductivity decreased and the electrical capacity increased. The cell subjected to heat-treatment at $200^{\circ}C$ for 1 hr showed a high discharge capacity. The flexible primary cell made using the optimum conditions showed a capacity and an average voltage of 220 mAh/g and 2.8 V, respectively, at $437.5{\mu}A$.

• Journal of Electrochemical Science and Technology
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.60-68
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• 2018

In aqueous rechargeable lithium ion batteries, $LiV_3O_8$ exhibits obviously enhanced electrochemical performance after $AlF_3$ surface modification owing to improved surface stability to fragile aqueous electrolyte. The cycle life of $LiV_3O_8$ is significantly enhanced by the presence of an $AlF_3$ coating at an optimal content of 1 wt.%. The results of powder X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry, and galvanostatic charge-discharge measurements confirm that the electrochemical improvement can be attributed mainly to the presence of $AlF_3$ on the surface of $LiV_3O_8$. Furthermore, the $AlF_3$ coating significantly reduces vanadium ion dissolution and surface failure by stabilizing the surface of the $LiV_3O_8$ in an aqueous electrolyte solution. The results suggest that the $AlF_3$ coating can prevent the formation of unfavorable side reaction components and facilitate lithium ion diffusion, leading to reduced surface resistance and improved surface stability compared to bare $LiV_3O_8$ and affording enhanced electrochemical performance in aqueous electrolyte solutions.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.51 no.5
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• pp.615-621
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• 2013

Membrane characterization methods for aqueous redox flow batteries aqueous RFBs were modified for non-aqueous RFBs. The modified characterization methods, such as ion exchange capacity, transport number, permeability and single cell test, were carried out to evaluate commercial membranes in non-aqueous electrolyte. It was found that columbic efficiency and energy efficiency in a single cell test were dependent on the ion selectivity of commercial anion exchange membranes. Neosepta AHA anion exchange membrane showed the anion transport number of 0.81, which is a relatively low ion selectivity in non-aqueous electrolyte, however, exhibited 92% of coulombic efficiency and 86% of energy efficiency in a single cell test. It was also found that a porous membrane without ion selectivity is suitable for a non-aqueous redox flow battery at a high current density.

• Resources Recycling
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.21-29
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• 2024

Globally, the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is surging due to carbon-neutral strategies aimed at decarbonization. Consequently, the demand for lithium-ion batteries, which are essential components of EVs, is also rising, leading to an increase in the generation of spent batteries. This has prompted research into the recycling of spent batteries to recover valuable metals. In this study, we aimed to selectively leach and recover lithium from the cathode material of spent LFP batteries. To enhance the reaction surface area and reactivity, the binder in the cathode material powder was removed, and the material was subjected to heat treatment in both atmospheric and nitrogen environments across various temperature ranges. This was followed by a mechanochemical process for aqueous leaching. Initially, after heat treatment, the powder was converted into a soluble lithium compound using sodium persulfate (Na₂S₂O₈) in a mechanochemical reaction. Subsequently, aqueous leaching was performed using distilled water. This study confirmed the changes in the characteristics of the cathode material powder due to heat treatment. The final heat treatment in a nitrogen atmosphere resulted in a lithium leaching efficiency of approximately 100% across all temperature ranges.