Interfacial Manipulation via In-Situ Grown ZnSe Overlayer toward Highly Reversible Zn Metal Anodes

Abstract Zn metal anode has garnered growing scientific and industrial interest owing to its appropriate redox potential, low cost and good safety. Nevertheless, the instability of Zn metal, caused by dendrite formation, hydrogen evolution and side reactions, gives rise to poor electrochemical stability and unsatisfactory cycling life, greatly hampering large-scale utilization. Herein, an in-situ grown ZnSe layer with controllable thickness is crafted over one side of commercial Zn foil via chemical vapor deposition, aiming to achieve optimized interfacial manipulation between aqueous electrolyte/Zn anode. Thus-derived ZnSe overlayer not only prevents water penetration and restricts Zn2+ two-dimensional diffusion, but also homogenizes the electric field at the interface and facilitates favorable (002) plane growth of Zn. As a result, dendrite-free and homogeneous Zn deposition is obtained; side reactions are concurrently inhibited. In consequence, a high Coulombic efficiency of 99.2% and high cyclic stability for 860 cycles at 1.0 mA cm–2 in symmetrical cells is harvested. Meanwhile, when paired with V2O5 cathode, assembled full cell achieves an outstanding initial capacity (200 mAh g–1) and elongated lifespan (a capacity retention of 84% after 1000 cycles) at 5.0 A g–1. Our highly reversible Zn anode enabled by the interfacial manipulation strategy is anticipated to satisfy the demand of industrial and commercial use.

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Synthesis of polypeptides via bioinspired polymerization of in situ purified N-carboxyanhydrides

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences ◽

10.1073/pnas.1901442116 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 116 (22) ◽

pp. 10658-10663 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Ziyuan Song ◽

Hailin Fu ◽

Jiang Wang ◽

Jingshu Hui ◽

Tianrui Xue ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Large Scale ◽

Low Cost ◽

Local Environment ◽

Side Reactions ◽

Scale Production ◽

Competing Species ◽

Natural Protein ◽

Large Scale Production ◽

Synthetic Polypeptides

Ribozymes synthesize proteins in a highly regulated local environment to minimize side reactions caused by various competing species. In contrast, it is challenging to prepare synthetic polypeptides from the polymerization of N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs) in the presence of water and impurities, which induce monomer degradations and chain terminations, respectively. Inspired by natural protein synthesis, we herein report the preparation of well-defined polypeptides in the presence of competing species, by using a water/dichloromethane biphasic system with macroinitiators anchored at the interface. The impurities are extracted into the aqueous phase in situ, and the localized macroinitiators allow for NCA polymerization at a rate which outpaces water-induced side reactions. Our polymerization strategy streamlines the process from amino acids toward high molecular weight polypeptides with low dispersity by circumventing the tedious NCA purification and the demands for air-free conditions, enabling low-cost, large-scale production of polypeptides that has potential to change the paradigm of polypeptide-based biomaterials.

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Bio-inspired design of an in-situ multifunctional polymeric solid-electrolyte interphase for Zn metal anode cycling at 30 mA cm-2 and 30 mA h cm-2

Energy & Environmental Science ◽

10.1039/d1ee01851e ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Xiaohui Zeng ◽

Kaixuan Xie ◽

Sailin Liu ◽

Shilin Zhang ◽

Junnan Hao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Solid Electrolyte ◽

Solid Electrolyte Interphase ◽

Zinc Ion ◽

Dendrite Growth ◽

Side Reactions ◽

Metal Anode ◽

Zn Anode ◽

Polymeric Solid

Solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) is highly designable to restrain Zn dendrite growth and side reactions between Zn anode and water in rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (RAZBs), but it remains a challenge....

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Dendrite-Free and Stable Lithium Metal Battery Achieved by a Model of Stepwise Lithium Deposition and Stripping

Nano-Micro Letters ◽

10.1007/s40820-021-00687-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Tiancun Liu ◽

Jinlong Wang ◽

Yi Xu ◽

Yifan Zhang ◽

Yong Wang

Keyword(s):

Reduction Method ◽

Coulombic Efficiency ◽

List Type ◽

Lithium Metal ◽

Metal Anode ◽

In Situ Raman ◽

Unique Model ◽

Li Metal Anode ◽

Pyridinic N

Highlights A facile method is adopted to obtain cucumber-like lithiophilic composite skeleton. Massive lithiophilic sites in cucumber-like lithiophilic composite skeleton can promote and guide uniform Li depositions. A unique model of stepwise Li deposition and stripping is determined. Abstract The uncontrolled formation of lithium (Li) dendrites and the unnecessary consumption of electrolyte during the Li plating/stripping process have been major obstacles in developing safe and stable Li metal batteries. Herein, we report a cucumber-like lithiophilic composite skeleton (CLCS) fabricated through a facile oxidation-immersion-reduction method. The stepwise Li deposition and stripping, determined using in situ Raman spectra during the galvanostatic Li charging/discharging process, promote the formation of a dendrite-free Li metal anode. Furthermore, numerous pyridinic N, pyrrolic N, and CuxN sites with excellent lithiophilicity work synergistically to distribute Li ions and suppress the formation of Li dendrites. Owing to these advantages, cells based on CLCS exhibit a high Coulombic efficiency of 97.3% for 700 cycles and an improved lifespan of 2000 h for symmetric cells. The full cells assembled with LiFePO4 (LFP), SeS2 cathodes and CLCS@Li anodes demonstrate high capacities of 110.1 mAh g−1 after 600 cycles at 0.2 A g−1 in CLCS@Li|LFP and 491.8 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 1 A g−1 in CLCS@Li|SeS2. The unique design of CLCS may accelerate the application of Li metal anodes in commercial Li metal batteries.

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In-situ coating of lithiophilic interphase on a biporous Cu scaffold with vertical microchannels for dendrite-free Li metal batteries

Journal of Materials Chemistry A ◽

10.1039/d1ta03037j ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Li-Min Wang ◽

Xiaokuan Ban ◽

Zongzi Jin ◽

Ranran Peng ◽

Chusheng Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Volume Change ◽

Coulombic Efficiency ◽

Dendrite Growth ◽

Porous Scaffolds ◽

Effective Strategy ◽

Practical Application ◽

Metal Anode ◽

Li Metal Anode ◽

In Situ Coating

Severe dendrite growth, low Coulombic efficiency and huge volume change have impeded the practical application of Li metal anode, and the construction of porous scaffolds is an effective strategy to...

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In Situ EPR Characterization of a Cobalt Oxide Water Oxidation Catalyst at Neutral pH

Catalysts ◽

10.3390/catal9110926 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 926 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Yury Kutin ◽

Nicholas Cox ◽

Wolfgang Lubitz ◽

Alexander Schnegg ◽

Olaf Rüdiger

Keyword(s):

Cobalt Oxide ◽

Water Oxidation ◽

Large Scale ◽

Low Cost ◽

Operating Conditions ◽

Oxidation Catalyst ◽

O2 Evolution ◽

Ligand Field ◽

Neutral Ph

Here we report an in situ electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) study of a low-cost, high-stability cobalt oxide electrodeposited material (Co-Pi) that oxidizes water at neutral pH and low over-potential, representing a promising system for future large-scale water splitting applications. Using CW X-band EPR we can follow the film formation from a Co(NO3)2 solution in phosphate buffer and quantify Co uptake into the catalytic film. As deposited, the film shows predominantly a Co(II) EPR signal, which converts into a Co(IV) signal as the electrode potential is increased. A purpose-built spectroelectrochemical cell allowed us to quantify the extent of Co(II) to Co(IV) conversion as a function of potential bias under operating conditions. Consistent with its role as an intermediate, Co(IV) is formed at potentials commensurate with electrocatalytic O2 evolution (+1.2 V, vs. SHE). The EPR resonance position of the Co(IV) species shifts to higher fields as the potential is increased above 1.2 V. Such a shift of the Co(IV) signal may be assigned to changes in the local Co structure, displaying a more distorted ligand field or more ligand radical character, suggesting it is this subset of sites that represents the catalytically ‘active’ component. The described spectroelectrochemical approach provides new information on catalyst function and reaction pathways of water oxidation.

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High-Sensitivity Flexible Pressure Sensor-Based 3D CNTs Sponge for Human–Computer Interaction

Polymers ◽

10.3390/polym13203465 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (20) ◽

pp. 3465

Author(s):

Jianli Cui ◽

Xueli Nan ◽

Guirong Shao ◽

Huixia Sun

Keyword(s):

Pressure Sensor ◽

High Performance ◽

Large Scale ◽

Low Cost ◽

Pressure Sensors ◽

Chemical Vapor ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

Wearable Electronics ◽

Wide Range ◽

Flexible Pressure Sensors

Researchers are showing an increasing interest in high-performance flexible pressure sensors owing to their potential uses in wearable electronics, bionic skin, and human–machine interactions, etc. However, the vast majority of these flexible pressure sensors require extensive nano-architectural design, which both complicates their manufacturing and is time-consuming. Thus, a low-cost technology which can be applied on a large scale is highly desirable for the manufacture of flexible pressure-sensitive materials that have a high sensitivity over a wide range of pressures. This work is based on the use of a three-dimensional elastic porous carbon nanotubes (CNTs) sponge as the conductive layer to fabricate a novel flexible piezoresistive sensor. The synthesis of a CNTs sponge was achieved by chemical vapor deposition, the basic underlying principle governing the sensing behavior of the CNTs sponge-based pressure sensor and was illustrated by employing in situ scanning electron microscopy. The CNTs sponge-based sensor has a quick response time of ~105 ms, a high sensitivity extending across a broad pressure range (less than 10 kPa for 809 kPa−1) and possesses an outstanding permanence over 4,000 cycles. Furthermore, a 16-pixel wireless sensor system was designed and a series of applications have been demonstrated. Its potential applications in the visualizing pressure distribution and an example of human–machine communication were also demonstrated.

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Zn Metal Anodes for Zn-Ion Batteries in Mild Aqueous Electrolytes: Challenges and Strategies

Nanomaterials ◽

10.3390/nano11102746 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (10) ◽

pp. 2746

Author(s):

Vo Pham Hoang Huy ◽

Luong Trung Hieu ◽

Jaehyun Hur

Keyword(s):

Coulombic Efficiency ◽

Low Cost ◽

Lithium Ion ◽

Uniform Electric Field ◽

Side Reactions ◽

Aqueous Electrolytes ◽

Design Strategies ◽

Practical Applications ◽

High Theoretical Capacity ◽

Metal Anodes

Over the past few years, rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion batteries have garnered significant interest as potential alternatives for lithium-ion batteries because of their low cost, high theoretical capacity, low redox potential, and environmentally friendliness. However, several constraints associated with Zn metal anodes, such as the growth of Zn dendrites, occurrence of side reactions, and hydrogen evolution during repeated stripping/plating processes result in poor cycling life and low Coulombic efficiency, which severely impede further advancements in this technology. Despite recent efforts and impressive breakthroughs, the origin of these fundamental obstacles remains unclear and no successful strategy that can address these issues has been developed yet to realize the practical applications of rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion batteries. In this review, we have discussed various issues associated with the use of Zn metal anodes in mildly acidic aqueous electrolytes. Various strategies, including the shielding of the Zn surface, regulating the Zn deposition behavior, creating a uniform electric field, and controlling the surface energy of Zn metal anodes to repress the growth of Zn dendrites and the occurrence of side reactions, proposed to overcome the limitations of Zn metal anodes have also been discussed. Finally, the future perspectives of Zn anodes and possible design strategies for developing highly stable Zn anodes in mildly acidic aqueous environments have been discussed.

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Operando Investigation of the Locally Enhanced Electric Field Treatment (LEEFT) Harnessing Lightning-Rod Effect for Rapid Bacteria Inactivation

10.21203/rs.3.rs-405960/v2 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ting Wang ◽

Devin k. Brown ◽

Xing Xie

Keyword(s):

Electric Field ◽

Large Scale ◽

Side Reactions ◽

Ros Generation ◽

Mechanism Study ◽

Membrane Pore ◽

Bacteria Inactivation ◽

Pore Closure ◽

Electric Field Treatment

Abstract The growth of undesired bacteria causes numerous problems. Here, we show that locally enhanced electric field treatment (LEEFT) can cause rapid bacteria inactivation by electroporation without any side reactions. The bacteria inactivation is studied in situ at the single-cell level on a lab-on-a-chip that has nanowedge-decorated electrodes. Rapid bacteria inactivation occurs specifically at nanowedge tips where the electric field is enhanced due to the lightning-rod effect. The mechanism study shows that the bacteria inactivation is caused by electroporation induced by the locally enhanced electric field. The bacteria inactivation performance depends on the strength of the enhanced electric field instead of the applied voltage, and no ROS generation is detected when >90% bacteria inactivation is achieved. Quick membrane pore closure under moderate LEEFT indicates that electroporation is the predominant mechanism. LEEFT only requires facile treatment to achieve bacteria inactivation, which is safe for treating delicate samples and energy-efficient for large scale applications. The findings in this work can provide strong supports for the future applications of LEEFT.

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Versatile Metal Oxide Nanowire Devices Achieved via Controlled Doping

MRS Proceedings ◽

10.1557/proc-1018-ee11-06 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 1018 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Eric Dattoli ◽

Qing Wan ◽

Wei Lu

Keyword(s):

Field Effect ◽

Large Scale ◽

Performance Metrics ◽

Low Cost ◽

Thin Film Transistor ◽

High Electron ◽

Glass Substrates ◽

Sno2 Nanowires ◽

Cost Growth

AbstractWe report on studies of field-effect transistor (FET) and transparent thin-film transistor (TFT) devices based on lightly Ta-doped SnO2 nanowires. Uniform device performance was obtained using an in situ doping method, with average field-effect mobilities exceeding 100 cm2/(V•s). Prototype fully-transparent TFT devices on glass substrates showed excellent performance metrics in terms of transconductance and on/off ratio. The combined advantages of SnO2 nanowires: namely a low cost growth process, high electron mobility, and optical transparency; make the system well suited for large-scale transparent electronics on low-temperature substrates.

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