In the ongoing pursuit toward a high-performance lithium-ion battery (LIB), an understanding of the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer is important to enhance the performance and lifetime of LIB. Despite many years of dedicated research on the study of the SEI layer, the well-known mosaic model of the SEI layer has not yet been fully established experimentally. Herein, we report a comprehensive experimental evidence of the formation and growth process of the mosaic structure of the SEI layer by using a specially designed cell. Sequential in situ and ex situ characterizations provide experimental evidence for the mosaic structure of the SEI layer. Our experimental characterizations open up a promising approach to investigate the electrode−electrolyte interface comprehensively in advanced battery systems.
Orthorhombic α‐MoO3 is a potential anode material for lithium‐ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity of 1100 mAh g−1 and excellent structural stability. However, its intrinsic poor electronic conductivity and high volume expansion during the charge–discharge process impede it from achieving a high practical capacity. A novel composite of α‐MoO3 nanobelts and single‐walled carbon nanohorns (SWCNHs) is synthesized by a facile microwave hydrothermal technique and demonstrated as a high‐performance anode material for lithium‐ion batteries. The α‐MoO3/SWCNH composite displays superior electrochemical properties (654 mAh g−1 at 1 C), excellent rate capability (275 mAh g−1 at 5 C), and outstanding cycle life (capacity retention of >99% after 3000 cycles at 1 C) without any cracking of the electrode. The presence of SWCNHs in the composite enhances the electrochemical properties of α‐MoO3 by acting as a lithium storage material, electronic conductive medium, and buffer against pulverization.
The present investigation reports new results on optical properties of graphene-metal nanocomposites. These composites were prepared by a solution-based chemical approach. Graphene has been prepared by thermal reduction of graphene oxide (GO) at 90°C by hydrazine hydrate in an ammoniacal medium. This ammoniacal solution acts as a solvent as well as a basic medium where agglomeration of graphene can be prevented. This graphene solution has further been used for functionalization with Ag, Au, and Cu nanoparticles (NPs). The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to reveal the nature and type of interaction of metal nanoparticles with graphene. The results indicate distinct shift of graphene bands both in Raman and UV-Vis spectroscopies due to the presence of the metal nanoparticles. Raman spectroscopic analysis indicates blue shift of D and G bands in Raman spectra of graphene due to the presence of metal nanoparticles except for the G band of Cu-G, which undergoes red shift, reflecting the charge transfer interaction between graphene sheets and metal nanoparticles. UV-Vis spectroscopic analysis also indicates blue shift of graphene absorption peak in the hybrids. The plasmon peak position undergoes blue shift in Ag-G, whereas red shift is observed in Au-G and Cu-G.
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