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Metal-ion batteries are capable of delivering high energy density with a longer lifespan. However, they are subject to several issues limiting their utilization. One critical impediment is the budding and extension of solid protuberances on the anodic surface, which hinders the cell functionalities. These protuberances expand continuously during the cyclic processes, extending through the separator sheath and leading to electrical shorting. The progression of a protrusion relies on a number of in situ and ex situ factors that can be evaluated theoretically through modeling or via laboratory experimentation. However, it is essential to identify the dynamics and mechanism of protrusion outgrowth. This review article explores recent advances in alleviating metal dendrites in battery systems, specifically alkali metals. In detail, we address the challenges associated with battery breakdown, including the underlying mechanism of dendrite generation and swelling. We discuss the feasible solutions to mitigate the dendrites, as well as their pros and cons, highlighting future research directions. It is of great importance to analyze dendrite suppression within a pragmatic framework with synergy in order to discover a unique solution to ensure the viability of present (Li) and future-generation batteries (Na and K) for commercial use.

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Accumulations of waste dry cell batteries create irreparable damage to the environment. To address this issue, herewith we recycle the graphite electrode from waste dry cells to serve as a precursor for synthesising graphene electrolyte additives in metal-O 2 battery system. Magnesium-O 2 battery is an interesting option due to its high theoretical energy density (6800 WhKg −1 ) but tuning the electrode-electrolyte interfacial layer plays a major role. Utilizing La 1-x Ca x MnO 3 (x = 0.70, 0.80 and 0.90) manganite perovskite and polar interspersed graphene as protective electrode-electrolyte passivation layers, drastically increases the battery performance. La 1-x Ca x MnO 3 protective layer enhances the charge separation, charge transfer, reaction kinetics and reduces the charge recombination at the electrode surface. The specific discharge capacity of newly prepared La 1-x Ca x MnO 3 /interspersed graphene based Mg-air battery system is 1595.3 mAhg −1 , which makes it more superior to regular Mg-O 2 battery (890 mAhg −1 ). The interspersed graphene -based Mg/La 1-x Ca x MnO 3 air battery shows excellent discharge capacity and notable electrochemical characteristics, which opens whole new spectrum of opportunity in modern electric vehicles.

Li-ion batteries are in demand due to technological advancements in the electronics industry; thus, expanding the battery supply chain and improving its electrochemical performance is crucial. Carbon materials are used to increase the cyclic stability and specific capacity of cathode materials, which are essential to batteries. LiFePO4 (LFP) cathodes are generally safe and have a long cycle life. However, the common LFP cathode has a low inherent conductivity, and adding a carbon nanomaterial significantly influences how well it performs electrochemically. Therefore, the major focus of this review is on the importance, current developments, and future possibilities of carbon-LFP (C-LFP) cathodes in LIBs. Recent research on the impacts of different carbon sizes, LFP’s shape, diffusion, bonding, additives, dopants, and surface functionalization was reviewed. Overall, with suitable modifications, C-LFP cathodes are expected to bring many benefits to the energy storage sector in the forthcoming years.

In this study, an attempt was made to enhance the oil sorption capacity of nettle fibers by grafting of butyl acrylate. Box–Behnken experimental design was used to study the effect of parameters such as reaction time, reaction temperature and monomer concentration-to-fiber ratio on graft add-on (%) and oil sorption capacity. At 4-h reaction time, 70℃ temperature and 2% monomer concentration-to-fiber ratio, highest graft add-on (%) and oil sorption were attained. Maximum oil sorption capacity of grafted nettle was 36.60 g/g and 25.56 g/g against crude oil and vegetable oil, respectively. Grafted nettle fibers were also subjected to characterization by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and contact angle tests. Reusability test results showed that grafted nettle exhibited better oil sorption capacity than unmodified nettle even after seven sorption–desorption cycles. It is also observed that the oil sorption capacity of grafted nettle was higher than that of commercial polypropylene material. Based on these results, it is concluded that functionalized nettle prepared by grafting technique can be a potential material for oil spill treatment.

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Highly cross-linked zinc oxide (ZnO) with the nanorod morphology of tetra-pods was successfully prepared using a microwave irradiation (MWI) technique. In comparison with the available conventional techniques, the MWI technique has the advantage of producing different morphological structures with high purity and in a shorter reaction time. These tetra-pods consist of a ZnO core in the zinc blende from which four ZnO arms emerge in the wurtzite structure. In this investigation, the effects of irradiation times and the growth mechanism of ZnO nanotetra-pods were discussed. The structural, morphological and optical properties of ZnO nanorods were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, an ultra violet visible spectrometry and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The electrochemical corrosion behaviours of an AZ91-grade Mg alloy and a ZnO/PN nanotetra-pod-coated Mg alloy were investigated. The Tafel plot revealed that the corrosion of Mg drastically decreased on coating with a thin layer of ZnO nanotetra-pods and PN (Mg/PN/ZnO) compared to Mg in a KOH electrolyte.