Among the key components in batteries, binders play a vital role by interconnecting active materials and conductive additives and facilitating the coating of electrode materials on the desired substrates thus...

Sodium‐ion batteries (NIBs) utilize cheaper materials than lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) and can thus be used in larger scale applications. The preferred anode material is hard carbon, because sodium cannot be inserted into graphite. We apply experimental entropy profiling (EP), where the cell temperature is changed under open circuit conditions. EP has been used to characterize LIBs; here, we demonstrate the first application of EP to any NIB material. The voltage versus sodiation fraction curves (voltage profiles) of hard carbon lack clear features, consisting only of a slope and a plateau, making it difficult to clarify the structural features of hard carbon that could optimize cell performance. We find additional features through EP that are masked in the voltage profiles. We fit lattice gas models of hard carbon sodiation to experimental EP and system enthalpy, obtaining: 1. a theoretical maximum capacity, 2. interlayer versus pore filled sodium with state of charge.

Liquid-phase exfoliation of TMDCs was studied in a low-boiling point solvent, and the highest concentration of dispersions without surfactants was achieved.

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Metal‐fluoride‐based conversion materials have gained interest as cathode materials for lithium‐ion batteries due to their high theoretical energy densities. However, metal fluorides are electrically insulating and experience large volume changes during the charge and discharge processes. Effective synthesis of carbon–metal fluoride nanocomposites (CMFNCs) with stable morphology is one of the keys to achieve high capacities with sustainable cycle life. A general method for the synthesis of CMFNCs is described here. The redox‐mediated reaction between CFx and metal‐carbonyl precursors at relatively low temperatures leads to the formation of the respective CMFNCs. The reaction mechanism for the formation of CFx‐derived C–FeF2 nanocomposites has been investigated. Also, the synthesis and lithium‐storage properties of C–CoF2 and C–MoF3 nanocomposites are reported. In addition, by changing from CFx to graphite oxide and sulfur‐infused porous carbon, the synthesis of C–FeOx and C–FeS nanocomposites is reported.