Development of high performance electrode materials for energy storage is one of the most important issues for our future society. However, a lack of clear analytical views limits critical understanding of electrode materials. This review covers useful analytical work using X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, microscopy and neutron diffraction for ion storage systems. The in situ observation facilitates comprehending real-time ion storage behaviour while the ion storage system is operating, which help us to understand detailed physical and chemical properties. We will discuss how the tools have been used to reveal detailed reaction mechanisms and underlying properties of electrode materials.
Controlling the bulk and surface structure of metal oxide nanostructures is crucial to obtain superior electronic and electrochemical properties. However, the synthetic or post-treatment techniques for preparing such structures, especially those with complex configurations, still remains a challenge. Herein, we report a completely novel approach-an amorphous carbon coating on the surface coupled with a controlled metal oxidation state in the bulk-via a simple glucose treatment. The bulk and surface structures of iron oxides are controlled by the carbothermal reaction associated with the decomposition of glucose. These novel configurations of iron oxides possess an amorphous carbon layer and ferrous state with high electronic conductivity, which definitely enhances their electrochemical properties compared to pristine iron oxides. Our findings provide an effective solution for the synthesis of complex metal oxide nanostructures, which can pave the way to further expand the electronic or electrochemical applications of metal oxides.
The morphology and electronic structure of metal oxides, including TiO(2) on the nanoscale, definitely determine their electronic or electrochemical properties, especially those relevant to application in energy devices. For this purpose, a concept for controlling the morphology and electrical conductivity in TiO(2), based on tuning by electrospinning, is proposed. We found that the 1D TiO(2) nanofibers surprisingly gave higher cyclic retention than 0D nanopowder, and nitrogen doping in the form of TiO(2)N(x) also caused further improvement. This is due to higher conductivity and faster Li(+) diffusion, as confirmed by electrochemical impedance spectra. Our findings provide an effective and scalable solution for energy storage efficiency.
Na3V2(PO4)3 particles partly embedded in carbon nanofibers enabled fast electronic conduction as well as facile Na ion migration simultaneously. As a result, the composite showed excellent electrochemical properties as a cathode material for sodium ion batteries.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.