Multivalent‐ion batteries are emerging as low‐cost, high energy density, and safe alternatives to Li‐ion batteries but are challenged by slow cation diffusion in electrode materials due to the high polarization strength of Mg‐ and Al‐ions. In contrast, Ca‐ion has a low polarization strength similar to that of Li‐ion, therefore a Ca‐ion battery will share the advantages while avoiding the kinetics issues related to multivalent batteries. However, there is no battery known that utilizes the Ca‐ion chemistry due to the limited success in Ca‐ion storage materials. Here, a safe and low‐cost aqueous Ca‐ion battery based on a highly reversible polyimide anode and a high‐potential open framework copper hexacyanoferrate cathode is demonstrated. The prototype cell shows a stable capacity and high efficiency at both high and low current rates, with an 88% capacity retention and an average 99% coloumbic efficiency after cycling at 10C for 1000 cycles. The Ca‐ion storage mechanism for both electrodes as well as the origin of the fast kinetics have been investigated. Additional comparison with a Mg‐ion cell with identical electrodes reveals clear kinetics advantages for the Ca‐ion system, which is explained by the smaller ionic radii and more facile desolvation of hydrated Ca‐ions.

No abstract

X. (2016). Graphene-wrapped reversible reaction for advanced hydrogen storage. Nano Energy, 26 488-495. Graphene-wrapped reversible reaction for advanced hydrogen storage AbstractHere, we report the fabrication of a graphene-wrapped nanostructured reactive hydride composite, i.e., 2LiBH4-MgH2, made by adopting graphene-supported MgH2 nanoparticles (NPs) as the nanoreactor and heterogeneous nucleation sites. The porous structure, uniform distribution of MgH2 NPs, and the steric confinement by flexible graphene induced a homogeneous distribution of 2LiBH4-MgH2 nanocomposite on graphene with extremely high loading capacity (80 wt%) and energy density. The well-defined structural features, including even distribution, uniform particle size, excellent thermal stability, and robust architecture endow this composite with significant improvements in its hydrogen storage performance. For instance, at a temperature as low as 350 °C, a reversible storage capacity of up to 8.9 wt% H2, without degradation after 25 complete cycles, was achieved for the 2LiBH4-MgH2 anchored on graphene. The design of this threedimensional architecture can offer a new concept for obtaining high performance materials in the energy storage field. AbstractHere, we report the fabrication of a graphene-wrapped nanostructured reactive hydride composite, i.e., 2LiBH4-MgH2, made by adopting graphene-supported MgH2 nanoparticles (NPs) as the nanoreactor and heterogeneous nucleation sites. The porous structure, uniform distribution of MgH2 NPs, and the steric confinement by flexible graphene induced a homogeneous distribution of 2LiBH4-MgH2 nanocomposite on graphene with extremely high loading capacity (80 wt%) and energy density. The well-defined structural features, including even distribution, uniform particle size, excellent thermal stability, and robust architecture endow this composite with significant improvements in its hydrogen storage performance. For instance, at a temperature as low as 350 o C, a reversible storage capacity of up to 8.9wt.% H2, without degradation after 25 complete cycles, was achieved for the 2LiBH 4 -MgH 2 anchored on graphene. The design of this three-dimensional architecture can offer a new concept for obtaining high performance materials in the energy storage field.

No abstract

An In2S3/NaTaO3 type I heterojunction photocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic activity for the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride was prepared.

TiO2 is well‐known nanomaterials and mostly used as solid nanoparticles, and normal hollow spheres for photocatalysts or electrode materials. In this study, a novel self‐templated method is presented to successfully fabricate high‐surface‐area ultrathin nanosheets constructed TiO2 hollow spheres through the solvothermal treatment of the titanate–silicone composite particles combined with calcination. The uniquely structured hollow spheres exhibit excellent rate capability and good cycle stability even at a high current density of ≈10 C for the anode material of Li‐ion battery.

No abstract

No abstract