Present and future of functionalized Cu current collectors for stabilizing lithium metal anodes

Li metal has been recognized as the most promising anode materials for next-generation high-energy-density batteries, however, the inherent issues of dendrite growth and huge volume fluctuations upon Li plating/stripping normally result in fast capacity fading and safety concerns. Functionalized Cu current collectors have so far exhibited significant regulatory effects on stabilizing Li metal anodes (LMAs), and hold a great practical potential owing to their easy fabrication, low-cost and good compatibility with the existing battery technology. In this review, a comprehensive overview of Cu-based current collectors, including planar modified Cu foil, 3D architectured Cu foil and nanostructured 3D Cu substrates, for Li metal batteries is provided. Particularly, the design principles and strategies of functionalized Cu current collectors associated with their functionalities in optimizing Li plating/stripping behaviors are discussed. Finally, the critical issues where there is incomplete understanding and the future research directions of Cu current collectors in practical LMAs are also prospected. This review may shed light on the critical understanding of current collector engineering for high-energy-density Li metal batteries

Enhancing Interfacial Lithiophilicity and Stability with PVDF/In(NO₃)₃ Composite Separators for Durable Lithium Metal Anodes

Separator modification is a promising method for advancing lithium metal anodes; however, achieving homogeneous lithium-ion flux and uniform plating/stripping processes remains challenging. In this work, we introduce a novel approach by developing a composite separator, termed PVDF-INO, which integrates In(NO3)3 (INO) into polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) to create a 12 μm thick layer. This addition significantly enhances the interaction between the separator and the electrolyte, creating a lithophilic matrix that ensures an even distribution of lithium ions. This uniform ion distribution promotes consistent lithium deposition and dissolution, resulting in a durable, dendrite-free lithium metal anode. Moreover, the PVDF-INO separator not only enhances the affinity with electrolytes but also maintains stable lithium-ion flux, which is essential for reliable and safe battery operation. Consequently, it sustains operation over 750 h in a Li||Li symmetric battery configuration, with a low overpotential of just 28 mV. Additionally, full cells equipped with LiFePO4 cathodes and the PVDF-INO separator exhibit superior cycling performance, maintaining a capacity retention of 92.9% after 800 cycles at 1 C. This work paves the way for significant advancements in the field of lithium metal batteries, offering a promising solution to longstanding energy storage challenges

Sodium ions storage performance of PSS-rGO composites

The functionalized graphene, with prominent capability over expansion of interlayer spacing and enhancement of sodium ion diffusivity, has gained paramount interests in fabricating anode of sodium ion batteries(SIBs). Here, a poly(sodium 4-vinylbenzenesulfonate)graphene composite(PSS-rGO) was synthesized via an in situ insertion process. The insertion structure is based on the π-π interaction between the electron of graphene and the electron of PSS, which expands the interlayer spacing of rGO and, more importantly, stabilizes the structure of the composites, restrains the stack of graphene. Beyond that, the introduced sodium sulfonate groups are capable of increasing the diffusion rate of sodium ions for fast sodium ion adsorption, ensuring superior cycling performance. The performances of the simples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy(SEM), transmission electron microscopy(TEM), X-ray diffraction(XRD), Raman spectrometer(Raman), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer(XPS), electrochemical workstation and battery detection system. The results show the PSS-rGO remains a reversible capacity of 256 mAh·g-1 at 5 A·g-1 after 6000 cycles, with an ultralow decay rate of 0.003%. This work provides a feasible avenue for exploring advanced organic-inorganic hybrid materials with high capacity, fast sodium storage and ultralong lifespan for SIBs

Conformal 3D Li/Li13Sn5 Scaffolds Anodes for High‐Areal Energy Density Flexible Lithium Metal Batteries

Abstract Achieving a high depth of discharge (DOD) in lithium metal anodes (LMAs) is crucial for developing high areal energy density batteries suitable for wearable electronics. Yet, the persistent growth of dendrites compromises battery performance, and the significant lithium consumption during pre‐lithiation obstructs their broad application. Herein, A flexible 3D Li13Sn5 scaffold is designed by allowing molten lithium to infiltrate carbon cloth adorned with SnO2 nanocrystals. This design markedly curbs the troublesome dendrite growth, thanks to the uniform electric field distribution and swift Li+ diffusion dynamics. Additionally, with a minimal SnO2 nanocrystals loading (2 wt.%), only 0.6 wt.% of lithium is consumed during pre‐lithiation. Insights from in situ optical microscope observations and COMSOL simulations reveal that lithium remains securely anchored within the scaffold, a result of the rapid mass/charge transfer and uniform electric field distribution. Consequently, this electrode achieves a remarkable DOD of 87.1% at 10 mA cm−2 for 40 mAh cm−2. Notably, when coupled with a polysulfide cathode, the constructed flexible Li/Li13Sn5@CC||Li2S6/SnO2@CC pouch cell delivers a high‐areal capacity of 5.04 mAh cm−2 and an impressive areal‐energy density of 10.6 mWh cm−2. The findings pave the way toward the development of high‐performance LMAs, ideal for long‐lasting wearable electronics

Integrated Gradient Cu Current Collector Enables Bottom‐Up Li Growth for Li Metal Anodes: Role of Interfacial Structure

Abstract 3D Cu current collectors have been demonstrated to improve the cycling stability of Li metal anodes, however, the role of their interfacial structure for Li deposition pattern has not been investigated thoroughly. Herein, a series of 3D integrated gradient Cu‐based current collectors are fabricated by the electrochemical growth of CuO nanowire arrays on Cu foil (CuO@Cu), where their interfacial structures can be readily controlled by modulating the dispersities of the nanowire arrays. It is found that the interfacial structures constructed by sparse and dense dispersion of CuO nanowire arrays are both disadvantageous for the nucleation and deposition of Li metal, consequently fast dendrite growth. In contrast, a uniform and appropriate dispersity of CuO nanowire arrays enables stable bottom Li nucleation associated with smooth lateral deposition, affording the ideal bottom‐up Li growth pattern. The optimized CuO@Cu‐Li electrodes exhibit a highly reversible Li cycling including a coulombic efficiency of up to ≈99% after 150 cycles and a long‐term lifespan of over 1200 h. When coupling with LiFePO4 cathode, the coin and pouch full‐cells deliver outstanding cycling stability and rate capability. This work provides a new insight to design the gradient Cu current collectors toward high‐performance Li metal anodes

Fast-Charging Sodium-Ion Batteries Enabled by Molecular-Level Designed Nitrogen and Phosphorus Codoped Mesoporous Soft Carbon

Soft carbons have attracted extensive interests as competitive anodes for fast-charging sodium-ion batteries (SIBs); however, the high-rate performance is still restricted by their large ion migration barriers and sluggish reaction kinetics. Herein, we show a molecular design approach toward the fabrication of nitrogen and phosphorus codoped mesoporous soft carbon (NPSC). The key to this strategy lies in the chemical cross-linking reaction between polyphosphoric acid and p-phenylenediamine, associated with pyrolysis induced in-situ self-activation that creates mesoporous structures and rich heteroatoms within the carbon matrix. Thanks to the enlarged interlayer spacing, reduced ion diffusion length, and plentiful active sites, the obtained NPSC delivers a superb rate capacity of 215 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1 and an ultralong cycle life of 4,700 cycles at 5 A g−1. Remarkably, the full cell shows 99% capacity retention during 100 continuous cycles, and maximum energy and power densities of 191 Wh kg−1 and 9.2 kW kg−1, respectively. We believe that such a synthetic protocol could pave a novel venue to develop soft carbons with unique properties for advanced SIBs

Benzoxazole and benzimidazole heterocycle-grafted graphene for high-performance supercapacitor electrodes

An efficient method for the preparation of benzoxazole and benzimidazole covalently grafted graphene and their application as high performance electrode materials for supercapacitors is reported. The synthesis of such covalently functionalized graphene materials first involves a cyclization reaction of carboxylic groups on graphene oxide with the hydroxyl and aminos groups on o-aminophenol and o-phenylenediamine, and subsequent reduction by hydrazine. Results of Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) have confirmed that the covalent functionalization of graphene is achieved through the formation of benzoxazole and benzimidazole on the graphene sheets. The functionalized graphene materials are revealed to consist of corrugation and scrolling morphologies with less aggregation, indicating the effectiveness of functionalization in preventing restacking/aggregation of the graphene sheets. Furthermore, when applied as supercapacitor electrodes, the functionalized graphene materials exhibit good electrochemical performances in terms of high specific capacitance (730 and 781 F g−1 for benzoxazole and benzimidazole grafted graphene, respectively, at a current density of 0.1 A g−1) and good cycling stability, implying their potential for energy storage applications

Boosted Hydrogen Evolution via Molten Salt Synthesis of Vacancy-Rich MoS_<i>x</i>Se_2–<i>x</i> Electrocatalysts

MoSxSe2–x emerges as a potent alternative to Pt-based electrodes in the electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), although its practical application is hindered by suboptimal synthetic methods. Herein, a KSCN molten salt strategy is introduced, enabling the straightforward synthesis of MoSxSe2–x at a modest temperature of 320 °C through a one-step heating process involving Se powder and Na2MoO4 in a muffle furnace. It is elucidated that MoO42– facilitates the decomposition of KSCN to S2–, which subsequently activates Se powder, culminating in the formation of the SexS2– polyanion. This polyanion then interacts with MoO42–, yielding MoSxSe2–x characterized by a profusion of anion vacancies. This is attributed to the introduction of Se heteroatoms, causing lattice distortion and the substantial steric hindrance of SexS2–, limiting crystal growth. Theoretical analyses indicate that the presence of Se atoms and anion vacancies collaboratively modulates the electronic structure of MoSxSe2–x. This results in a minimized band gap of 0.88 eV and an almost zero ΔGH* of 0.09 eV in the optimized MoS1.5Se0.5. Consequently, MoS1.5Se0.5 exhibits remarkable HER performance, characterized by a low η10 of 103 mV and a minimal Tafel slope of 33 mV dec–1, alongside robust stability. This research not only unveils a potent electrocatalyst for HER but also introduces a simplified synthesis strategy for transition metal selenosulfides, broadening their applicability across various domains

Facile and Scalable Synthesis of Self-Supported Zn-Doped CuO Nanosheet Arrays for Efficient Nitrate Reduction to Ammonium

CuO has been regarded as a promising catalyst for the electrochemical reduction of nitrate (NO3–RR) to ammonium (NH3); however, the intrinsic activity is greatly restricted by its poor electrical property. In this work, self-supported Zn-doped CuO nanosheet arrays (Zn–CuO NAs) are synthesized for NO3–RR, where the Zn dopant regulates the electronic structure of CuO to significantly accelerate the interfacial charge transfer and inner electron transport kinetics. The Zn–CuO NAs are constructed by a one-step etching of commercial brass (Cu64Zn36 alloy) in 0.1 M NaOH solution, which experiences a corrosion–oxidation–reconstruction process. Initially, the brass undergoes a dealloying procedure to produce nanosized Cu, which is immediately oxidized to the Cu2O unit with a low valence state. Subsequently, Cu2O is further oxidized to the CuO unit and reconstructed into nanosheets with the coprecipitation of Zn2+. For NO3–RR, Zn–CuO NAs show a high NH3 production rate of 945.1 μg h–1 cm–2 and a Faradaic efficiency of up to 95.6% at −0.7 V in 0.1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte with 0.01 M NaNO3, which outperforms the majority of the state-of-the-art catalysts. The present work offers a facile yet very efficient strategy for the scale-up synthesis of Zn–CuO NAs for high-performance NH3 production from NO3–RR

Fructose-bisphosphate aldolase a is a potential metastasis-associated marker of lung squamous cell carcinoma and promotes lung cell tumorigenesis and migration.

Fructose-bisphosphate aldolase A (ALDOA) is a key enzyme in glycolysis and is responsible for catalyzing the reversible conversion of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate to glyceraldehydes-3-phosphate and dihydroxyacetone phosphate. ALDOA contributes to various cellular functions such as muscle maintenance, regulation of cell shape and mobility, striated muscle contraction, actin filament organization and ATP biosynthetic process. Here, we reported that ALDOA is a highly expressed in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) and its expression level is correlated with LSCC metastasis, grades, differentiation status and poor prognosis. Depletion of ALDOA expression in the lung squamous carcinoma NCI-H520 cells reduces the capabilities of cell motility and tumorigenesis. These data suggest that ALDOA could be a potential marker for LSCC metastasis and a therapeutic target for drug development