Silicon-carbon (Si-C) anode materials have garnered substantial attention in lithium (Li)‍-ion battery development because of their high Li storage capacity and various advantages. Despite these merits, practical challenges, such as poor conductivity, substantial volume expansion, and inadequate interface compatibility, persist. This study initiates from the nano treatment of micro Si waste derived from solar cells, achieving scalable production of silicon nanoparticles with particle sizes around 300 nm by optimizing the sanding experimental parameters. Moreover, copper (Cu) nanoparticle-modified Si-C nanofiber composites (Cu-Si@CNFs) were prepared using the electrowinning method, where silicon and Cu nanoparticles were either embedded or attached to the CNFs. A comprehensive investigation of the electrochemical Li storage performance revealed that the composite, with CNFs as the matrix and supplemented by Cu nanoparticle modification, can establish a highly conductive grid. Effectively enhancing the conductance ability of composite materials, this approach overcomes the challenges associated with severe volume expansion and poor conductivity of silicon materials. The resulting material demonstrates substantially improved electrochemical Li storage performance. In particular, the optimized Cu-Si@CNF anode structure maintains a high reversible capacity of 765.9 mAh/g after 550 cycles at a high current density of 1.0 A/g. Consequently, this study provides valuable insights for the scalable preparation of silicon nanomaterials and Si-C composite anodes.

The increasing demand for energy storage technology highlights electrochemical energy storage as a crucial component of energy storage systems. However, conventional characterization techniques encounter difficulties discerning subtle impurity phases and exploring intricate energy storage processes at interfaces. The magnetic properties of energy storage materials, which are intricately linked with crystal structures, elemental valence states, electronic energy bands, and electrochemical properties, offer a promising avenue for exploration. This paper uses magnetic hysteresis (M-H) tests and zero-field-cooled/field-cooled (ZFC/FC) tests to elucidate the lithium storage mechanism of CoO. A comparative analysis is conducted using traditional characterization methods, including x-ray diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Our findings reveal trace amounts of metallic Co monomer impurity phases in CoO with remarkable precision (CoO/Co@20min 0.66%, CoO/Co@40min 2.27%). These impurity phases play a crucial role in reducing polarization, enhancing the first-cycle Coulombic efficiency (74.3%—83.77%), and improving high-current cycling performance (2 A/g 50-cycles capacity retention of 116.59%). Moreover, this study employs in-situ real-time magnetic cyclic voltammetry tests and constant-current charge/discharge tests to visually elucidate the intricate interfacial energy storage mechanism between the space charge and the solid electrolyte interphase membrane of CoO in the low-voltage zone. The results successfully explain the origin of the extra capacity of CoO, surpassing the theoretical capacity. The synthesis and formulation of energy storage materials are intricately tied to achieving precision in impurity phase detection. Our work offers a novel perspective on using magnetism for detecting impurity phases and probing energy storage mechanisms at interfaces in a noninvasive and high-resolution manner. This contribution propels innovations in the field of energy storage, addressing contemporary energy challenges faced by society. The evolution of research and development endeavors in energy storage relies on a profound understanding of the intricate intricacies governing interfacial energy storage phenomena.

Lithium (Li), which serves as a high-capacity anode, plays a crucial role in the construction of high-energy-density Li metal batteries. Despite its potential, the practical applications of Li metal batteries face significant challenges, which are prominently illustrated by the presence of dead Li. This issue results in severe degradation of battery life and safety. In this review, we explore the formation mechanism of dead Li, by using characterization techniques and proposing effective solutions. Primarily, dead Li originates from the incomplete Li stripping process, undergoing chemical/electrochemical corrosion by the electrolyte. The latter occurs during battery charge/discharge cycles and calendar aging. Drawing on our recent reports, this review employs cryo-electron microscopy, in-situ optical microscopy/Raman spectroscopy, and three-electrode electrochemical techniques to investigate the microstructures, compositions, and evolution mechanism of dead Li. In our findings, the inhibition strategies to mitigate the formation and accumulation of dead Li are outlined. These strategies include designing a host to support bulk Li, introducing protective layers to stabilize the interface, and formulating high-performance and solid-state electrolytes. In addition, we analyze the reactivation strategy for dead Li, enabling its conversion, migration, storage, and reuse. Given the complex dynamic changes in the structure, composition, and spatial distribution of dead Li in real cells—influenced by Li corrosion, interface dissolution, and the internal electric field—it is imperative to further investigate the dynamic evolution mechanism of dead Li. This pursuit aims to provide a scientific foundation for a comprehensive resolution of the dead Li issue.

The lithium-sulfur battery, heralded as a promising clean energy storage device, boasts high theoretical specific capacity and environmental friendliness, making them a focal point in energy storage research. However, challenges such as slow kinetics in redox reactions and the shuttle effect of long-chain lithium polysulfides significantly impact the battery life. The electrolyte, which plays a pivotal role in ion and electron transfer during charge and discharge, is a critical component of the lithium-sulfur battery. Recent advancements in lithium-sulfur batteries have highlighted the significance of multifunctional electrolyte additives. The incorporation of additives into the electrolyte has proven instrumental in catalyzing lithium polysulfide conversion reactions, safeguarding metal lithium, and regulating the interface. This article provides a comprehensive review of strategies employed to enhance reaction kinetics and inhibit the shuttle effect by using electrolyte additives, drawing upon the recent literature. Specifically, this article focuses on key additives, including inorganic co-salts, organic sulfur, organic fluorine, and organic selenium/tellurium. The discussion delves into the mechanisms by which these additives regulate polysulfides. To gain a deeper understanding of the internal workings of the battery, this article introduces various in-situ characterization instruments known for their real-time precision in lithium-sulfur batteries. The research progress of multifunctional additives for lithium-sulfur battery electrolytes undergoes a comprehensive analysis, elucidating the mechanism of action for different additive types. The article underscores the guiding role of in-situ characterization technology in revealing catalytic mechanisms and designing functional additives. In addition, it offers a prospective outlook on the future development directions of electrolyte additives for lithium-sulfur batteries.

Hybrid solid-liquid electrolyte Li-ion batteries are energy storage devices with high energy density and high safety, which can realize industrialization in a short time. In this study, a hybrid solid-liquid electrolyte (LATP and electrolyte) battery with a high specific capacity active material (positive electrode NCM811 and negative electrode C@SiO) was investigated. An accelerating rate calorimeter and gas chromatograph were used to simulate thermal runaway and analyze gas production components of battery samples under full SOCs during the cycle life. Changes in the electrolyte content were detected using ultrasonic technology. The results show that the thermal safety of fresh batteries decreases as the charge state increases, and the proportion of combustible gas increases as the gas production increases. As the capacity decreases, thermal runaway parameters, such as the thermal runaway starting temperature, maximum heat yield rate, and gas production, decrease. The safety performance is enhanced when the capacity retention rate is 70%, which is speculated to be related to the conversion of the electrolyte into a solid electrolyte. This study preliminarily investigates the thermal runaway phenomenon of the battery in this system and provides support for the internal mechanism analysis and battery design.

This study examines two types of high-energy-density lithium-ion pouch cells designed for electric vehicles using a highly repeatable test platform. Employing an electronic flow direction model for internal short circuits caused by nail penetration, we investigate the impact of various factors, including nail tip angles, fixture forms, penetration speed, and positions. In addition, we propose quantitative evaluation parameters for assessing the safety performance of nail penetration. The findings reveal that a smaller hole diameter in the fixture and faster penetration speed intensify the discharge during internal short circuits, leading to a rise in temperature and voltage drop. Notably, when a high-energy-density pouch cell is penetrated at high speed with a hole diameter below 20 mm, there is a higher probability of thermal runaway and fire. Despite the significant fire risk, the pouch cell's low interlayer thermal conductivity results in a delayed external temperature rise compared with the onset of fire. Moreover, altering the angle of the nail tip does not significantly affect the energy loss in internal short circuits under similar conditions. However, a deviation in the penetration position increases the risk of failure and fire, underscoring the impact of the separator's wrapping and blocking effect on the nail and subsequent fire in high-energy-density pouch cells. In contrast to the traditional description of test phenomena and hazard level evaluation, we introduce the short-circuit severity index. Calculated on the basis of characteristic voltage parameters in internal short circuits, this index serves as a quantitative evaluation metric for the safety performance of products. Our study contributes to the advancement of penetration evaluation technology for lithium-ion cells, offering valuable insights for enhancing the safety of high-energy-density cells when subjected to mechanical stress damage or dendrite overgrowth.

The homogeneity of electrochemical reactions in lithium-ion batteries, which are electrochemical devices with complex composition, is influenced by various factors, such as electrode material composition, battery structure, and manufacturing processes. Inhomogeneous electrochemical reactions within the battery can exacerbate failures, thereby affecting electrochemical performance, cycle stability, and safety. Recognizing the irreversible impact of battery disassembly on its chemical properties and structure, this study introduced a nondestructive spatially-resolved time-of-flight neutron diffraction method to investigate the homogeneity of electrochemical reactions in large-scale pouch lithium-ion cells. By collecting and analyzing neutron diffraction data in millimeter-scale areas, this study offers insights into the phase transitions in the graphite negative electrode during lithiation for both fresh and failed cells. Herein, distribution maps of the phase content within the negative electrode in different neutron diffraction regions and the lithium concentration distribution in the negative electrodes were constructed by normalization. Furthermore, by integrating high-precision three-dimensional X-ray CT scans, the influence of various factors on the homogeneity of electrochemical reactions, including current density, electrode thickness, and electrolyte concentration, was analyzed. Spatially-resolved neutron powder diffraction provides a rapid and direct estimation for studying the electrochemical reaction homogeneity of metal-ion batteries of different types, shapes, and sizes. This study provides robust technical support for structural and performance optimization and technical battery improvements.

The significance of a reference electrode in elucidating internal physical and chemical processes in high-safety, high-performance lithium batteries cannot be overstated. Despite this importance, constructing and integrating a reliable reference electrode remains a challenge in academic research and product development. In this study, we explore the fundamental principles and characteristics of reference electrodes for lithium batteries. In addition, we outline key design parameters, including the selection of active materials, geometric dimensions, manufacturing processes, and detection setups. Furthermore, we present the application of a three-electrode system that integrates the reference electrode to analyze the working and failure mechanisms of lithium batteries. This approach enhances our understanding of the complex electrochemical processes within the battery system. In conclusion, we discuss the challenges associated with developing and deploying reference electrodes for lithium batteries, along with prospective directions for future research and implementation.

Currently, the electrochemical performance and cost of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are mainly dependent on their cathode materials, among which high-nickel layered cathode materials with large specific capacities and high operating voltages are widely popular. However, the surface lithium residue would seriously influence the preparation of electrodes and the electrochemical performances of batteries, thus limiting their large-scale applications in new energy vehicles and other fields. Therefore, the study of surface lithium residue of high-nickel layered cathode materials is essential to further improve the material properties and battery safety. In this review, the research progress on surface residual lithium compounds (RLCs) of high-nickel layered cathode materials in recent years has been summarized, including the formation mechanism of lithium residue, influence of RLCs for high-nickel layered cathode materials, and detection methods (such as acid-base titration, Fourier infrared spectroscopy, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, and thermogravimetric analysis combined with mass spectrometry) of content. Moreover, three modified methods for effectively eliminating the influence of RICs on high-nickel layered cathode materials are classified into removal, physical coating, and in-situ reuse, thereby improving their performance. Finally, the effect of further elimination of lithium residue on cathode materials and LIBs has been prospected. Meanwhile, the prospect and research on lithium residue are also applicable to the sodium residue on the surface of cathode materials of sodium-ion batteries. This review aims to highlight the application potential of the in-situ reuse of lithium residue in the modification of high-nickel layered cathode materials, thus providing new ideas for the development of LIBs.

Secondary batteries offer the advantages of high energy density and long cycle life, which have provided an effective solution for the storage and use of clean energy. To meet the ever-increasing demand of our society for energy, further in-depth research and development of high-energy-density secondary batteries are imminent. X-ray characterization techniques can provide a comprehensive insight into the research, design, and application of secondary batteries. This review summarizes relevant literature studies published in recent years, with a review of the latest progress and challenges of the X-ray spectroscopy methods in the research of secondary batteries. This review focuses on the technical principles, latest progress, and major scientific challenges of different X-ray characterization techniques, primarily including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering. The technical characteristics, applicable conditions, and main advantages of different X-ray characterization methods are explained in detail, and the future application of X-ray spectroscopy in the field of secondary batteries is prospected. Comprehensive analysis shows that the X-ray technology provides various advanced characterization techniques that are sensitive and non-destructive to the lattice, electrons, and morphological structure of the electrode materials, and the structure of the electrode materials could be characterized from the macroscopic scale to the microscopic scale, reflecting the corresponding crystal structure and electronic structure evolution, charge compensation mechanism, ion and electron transport, and surface/interface chemical processes of electrode materials. Consequently, X-ray characterization techniques provide technical support for the design of high-performance secondary batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) currently dominate the electric vehicle and energy-storage sectors. However, conventional LIBs using graphite anode materials suffer from slow lithium diffusion dynamics and Li metal plating, particularly under fast-charging conditions. These limitations hinder our ability to meet the growing demand for fast-charging and discharging applications. In this review, we analyze the main challenges associated with fast-charging graphite anode materials, including their intrinsic layered structure and large concentration polarization. Furthermore, we summarize the methods developed to improve the fast-charging performance of graphite anodes through structural design, chemical modification, and surface coating strategies. The mechanisms of high ion electron diffusion and low interface resistance in fast-charging graphite anode materials have been emphasized. Finally, the current issues and possible future research directions in this field are discussed. Based on previous studies, we propose that hard-carbon-coated microcrystalline graphite is a promising anode material for high-power and high-energy-density LIBs.

Redox flow batteries have garnered considerable attention in the realm of large-scale energy storage because of their inherent safety, deep charging and discharging capabilities, and flexible design. They have emerged as a crucial energy storage technology to fulfill China's dual carbon goal. However, their applicability is hindered by low-energy-density, prompting an urgent need for the development of high-energy-density flow batteries. The energy density of a redox flow battery is intricately linked to the performance of its key materials, with a particular emphasis on the solubility of both positive and negative active substances, as well as the electrochemical reactivity of the electrolytes. Consequently, the research focus in the field of flow batteries revolves around the development and characterization of these key materials. This review delves into the primary construction strategies employed in high-energy-density flow batteries. This study provides an in-depth examination of four methods aimed at enhancing battery energy density, namely: the multi-electron transfer system, improving the solubility of electrochemically active substances, semi-solid flow batteries, and redox-targeted reaction flow batteries. In addition, the review highlights the current advancements in in-situ characterization techniques within the field of flow batteries. These techniques include in situ Raman spectroscopy, in situ UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, in situ infrared spectroscopy, and in situ nuclear magnetic resonance technology. By introducing these advanced techniques, this review underscores their pivotal role in elucidating complex electrochemical reaction mechanisms. In summarizing the research progress of key materials for high-energy-density flow batteries, the review emphasizes the significance of in situ characterization technology. This study clarifies the crucial role these techniques play in unveiling intricate electrochemical reaction mechanisms. Furthermore, the review offers a prospective analysis of the application scenarios for high-energy-density flow batteries, further solidifying their potential impact in the field of large-scale energy storage.

A comprehensive understanding of the composition, structure, and correlated mass transfer and charge storage mechanisms at the interface of electrochemical energy storage systems (such as lithium-ion batteries and lithium metal batteries) is crucial for enhancing their cycling and rate performances over a wide temperature range. However, the inherent characteristics of these interfaces, such as thinness, disorderedness, and sensitivity, pose significant challenges for direct observation and precise characterization. Among the various available characterization techniques, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy stands out because of its unique ability to noninvasively and quantitatively identify interfacial components and achieve microstructural and microscopic dynamics. Moreover, in-situ electrochemical NMR spectroscopy has demonstrated great potential for investigating short-life intermediates and dynamic structural transformations at the interfaces of electrochemical energy-storage systems, offering crucial insights into the physicochemical properties and fundamental theories of these interfaces. This study presents a comprehensive review of NMR research methods for electrochemical energy storage interfaces. This study emphasizes the basic principles and application strategies of one-and two-dimensional NMR, isotope-tracer techniques, dynamic nuclear polarization, cross-polarization, and in-situ electrochemical NMR techniques. Examples are provided to enumerate the application of these methods in analyzing the compositional structures and interface ion transport of electrode-electrolyte and composite solid-state electrolyte interfaces as well as the charge storage mechanisms at the interface. These examples demonstrate the application potential and the research outcomes of NMR techniques for studying interfaces in electrochemical energy storage systems.

The rapid development of lithium batteries has made them the most widely used electrochemical energy storage devices. While improving battery performance, it has also increased safety issues. Therefore, it is necessary to develop advanced monitoring and sensing technologies to obtain internal physical and chemical information about batteries, which can contribute to a deep understanding of the intrinsic physicochemical mechanisms and enable the evaluation of battery states. This study introduced the development history of battery nondestructive monitoring technologies and emphasized the nondestructive monitoring technology of batteries based on acoustic and optical principles, along with its application examples. Acoustic sensing technology provides an ideal nondestructive monitoring approach by deploying acoustic probes outside batteries to gather information on internal structural changes and gas production, without the requirement for invasive measures. Owing to advantages, such as small size, corrosion resistance, and immunity to electromagnetic interference, optical sensors can be implanted into batteries to acquire information on internal thermodynamic, chemical, and mechanical data throughout the entire lifecycle. These advanced acoustic and optical sensing technologies make the evaluation and prediction of the battery's health status, operational reliability, remaining life, and safety possible. Finally, this study elaborates on the opportunities and challenges faced in developing and applying the next generation of smart batteries.

Solid-state batteries are the most promising next-generation batteries due to their high-energy density and safety features. The ionic conductivity of solid electrolytes and the interface of solid-state batteries play crucial roles in determining their electrochemical performance. However, intrinsic ion migration across interfaces poses a challenge for achieving optimal electrochemical performance. Owing to the limitations of state-of-the-art characterization methods, it is difficult to analyze Li⁺ transport across interfaces in solid-state batteries. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) can be used to provide an invasive analysis of local structures and a quantitative study of ion transport, making it an important tool for solid-state battery research. This review summarizes recent studies by our team and other groups that have used ssNMR to study solid electrolytes and the electrode-electrolyte interface. Starting with an overview of the current obstacles in the development of solid-state batteries, this review provides a concise summary of universal ssNMR methods used in battery research. The key factors affecting the ionic conductivity of the solid electrolyte were analyzed, focusing on the grain boundaries, interfacial structures, and ion-diffusion pathways. This review also focuses on understanding the failure process between solid electrolytes and electrodes, and summarizes some modification methods that can contribute to the development of stable interfaces in solid-state batteries. Furthermore, this review provides a comprehensive summary of the role of space charges at solid electrolyte-electrode interfaces, which are key factors affecting the electrochemical performance of solid-state batteries. Finally, this review discusses future challenges, perspectives, and potential for further studies using ssNMR in the field of solid-state batteries.

Solid-state batteries based on inorganic solid electrolytes with high energy density, long cycle life, and good safety are highly competitive candidates for the next generation of electrochemical energy storage systems. The key to achieving high-performance solid-state batteries is designing and fabricating solid electrolytes with high ionic conductivity, stable interfaces, and deformability. Metal chloride solid electrolytes (MCSEs), emerging as a novel material system, possess anti-oxidation stability of oxide solid electrolytes and high ionic conductivity and mechanical ductility of sulfide solid electrolytes. The fabrication process is simple and requires neither stringent environmental conditions nor extremely high sintering temperatures. It has substantial potential for scalable production, making it one of the most promising choices for commercializing solid-state batteries. This article, through an in-depth analysis of solid electrolyte research progress in the past five years, systematically reviews the research status of MCSEs. These aspects encompass synthesis methodologies, crystal structure studies, ion conduction mechanisms, performance optimization strategies, electrode-electrolyte interfaces, and the potential for practical applications. In addition, the future development directions of MCSEs and potential approaches to address interface issues are discussed, laying the theoretical and experimental foundations for developing high-performance solid-state lithium batteries based on MCSEs.

Polymer electrolytes are the most promising electrolytes, to alleviate or even solve safety problems such as leakage, volatilization, combustion, and explosion of commercial liquid electrolytes in rechargeable batteries. However, the preparation of polymer electrolytes involves solidification of liquid to solid, which involves tedious technological operations, high emissions, and uncontrollable electrolyte thickness. The interfacial compatibility, uniformity, thickness, and preparation/processing convenience of polymer electrolytes are important for energy-density solid-state batteries, which are challenges for solidification technologies. Here, the ex-situ and in-situ solidification methods of polymer-based electrolytes are summarized. The process, mechanism, material selection, advantages, disadvantage, and the application of solidification technologies are elaborated with some specific samples. Finally, material selection, key scientific and technological issues, universality, practical application challenges, and development direction of solidification technologies for energy-density solid-state batteries are evaluated, and a perspective is provided. This review is helpful to further understand the solidification technologies associated with a polymer-based electrolyte in energy-density solid-state batteries. Further, the review is expected to promote mass production of polymer-based electrolytes and widespread deployment of solid-state batteries.

Room-temperature sodium-sulfur (RT Na-S) battery is regarded as a highly competitive electrochemical energy storage system because of the abundant natural resources, low cost, and excellent energy density. However, the serious shuttle effect and sluggish reaction kinetics are two major obstacles restricting the sustainable development and practical applications of RT Na-S batteries. Incorporating suitable catalysts into sulfur cathodes is widely proved as an effective strategy to inhibit the shuttle effect of polysulfides and promote their redox kinetics, thus becoming the research focus in this field. In this review, mainstream catalysts for sulfur cathodes in RT Na-S batteries are first summarized from the perspective of materials design and optimization, including metals, metal oxides, metal sulfides, metal nitrides, metal carbides, MXenes, single atoms, and others. Then, various effective strategies to regulate adsorption and catalysis properties are discussed, involving size tailoring, defect engineering, electrochemical sodiation, and heterostructure engineering. Finally, the future development tendency of catalysts is pointed out based on their research status, and prospects regarding future developmental directions of RT Na-S batteries are offered in view of the major challenges facing RT Na-S batteries, involving two aspects of fundamental research and practical design.

As novel cathode materials, Li-rich layered oxides exhibit a discharge capacity nearly double that of conventional cathode materials. Consequently, they are considered promising for the development of next-generation high-energy-density batteries. Typically, they comprise Li₂MnO₃ and LiTMO₂, forming two types of layered structures or solid solutions. The reaction mechanism involves both transition-metal activity and lattice oxygen-redox activity. Importantly, the reversibility of high-oxygen activity directly determines discharge capacity, cycling stability, and other factors. Key elements such as chemical compositions, microstructures, and synthesis and processing directly control the reversibility of high-oxygen activity. In this review, the recent research progress of reversible oxygen-redox activity in Li-rich layered oxides by the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology & Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, is introduced in detail. First, it reveals the role of different elements in the oxygen framework structure of Li-rich layered oxides on oxygen activity. Second, it explores the influence of different particle and domain size on oxygen-redox activity. Then, it develops the optimization of bulk structure and surface modification on the stability of oxygen activity. It proposes constructing a disordered bulk structure to inhibit voltage decay. Finally, a new battery system was constructed with high specific energy and a long cycle life. These results provide theoretical support and methodological guidance for designing and synthesizing low-cost, high-capacity Li-rich layered cathode materials for practical applications.

This bimonthly review paper highlights 100 recently published papers on lithium batteries. We searched the Web of Science and found 5155 papers from October 1, 2023, to November 30, 2023. The selected studies focus on various aspects of lithium batteries. Investigations on LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ and Li-rich oxide cathode materials have focused on the effects of doping, grain boundary engineering, and structural evolution during prolonged cycling. Structural electrodes and designed adhesives are the main methods for improving the cycling performances of Si-based anodes. The skeleton structure design of lithium metal anode has attracted significant attention. Studies on solid-state electrolytes include the structure design and performances in chloride-based, sulfide-based, polymer-based, and oxide-based solid-state electrolytes. Conversely, liquid electrolytes can be improved by optimizing the solvent and lithium salt design for different battery applications and new functional additives can be used. For solid-state batteries, the modification and surface coating of the cathode, interface construction and three-dimensional structural design of the lithium metal anode, ion transport properties of solid-state electrolytes, and performance improvement strategies for solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries have been widely investigated. Studies on lithium-sulfur batteries are mainly based on the structural design of the cathode and the development of functional coating and liquid electrolytes. There have been few studies on electrode structure conductive agents and binders, dry methods for making electrodes, new preparation methods of graphite-based anodes, and electrolyte design for lithium-oxygen batteries. Characterization techniques of ion transport and reaction kinetics in electrodes, lithium deposition morphology and SEI structural evolution in electrolytes, the microstructure of composite positive electrodes in solid-state batteries, and interface of lithium metal anode are presented. Theoretical simulations are directed to the control mechanism of inducing lithium dendrites.

Lithium-sulfur batteries (Li-S) have attracted extensive attention as energy storage devices owing to their high theoretical capacities (1675 mAh/g) and specific energy densities (2600 Wh/kg). However, the poor electronic conductivity of elemental sulfur and the "shuttle effect" of the intermediates polysulfides (Li₂S _n, 4≤n≤8) occurring during the discharge/charge processes lead to the lower utilization of active sulfur and an irreversible capacity loss of the cathode materials. Therefore, finding a cost-effective, recyclable, and thermally stable carrier matrix is crucial in improving the utilization of elemental sulfur and enhancing the electrochemical performance of Li-S batteries. In this work, a three-dimensional porous carbon-sulfur nanosphere composite material was prepared using the facile chemical method through natural lignin as the carbon source. First, the carbon nanospheres were prepared using sodium lignosulfonate as a carbon source through extraction and carbonization. Then, elemental sulfur was successfully impregnated into the voids of lignin-based carbon nanospheres in the melting process to obtain the LS-C/S nanosphere composites. When used as the cathode material for the Li-S batteries, the nanocomposite material with 59.41% sulfur content delivered the first discharge/charge capacities of 800.3 mAh/g and 758.8 mAh/g at the current density of 0.1 C, showing the Coulombic efficiency of 94.8%. The capacity stabilized at 647.4 mAh/g after 200 repeated discharge/charge cycles with a capacity retention rate of 84.3%, corresponding to an average capacity loss of 0.0785% per cycle. Additionally, after multiple high-rate discharge/charge cycles, the specific capacity of the LS-C/S nanocomposites still recovered and stabilize at 620 mAh/g, showing excellent reversible rate capability. The lignin-based carbon nanospheres with high specific surface areas and porous structures effectively promote the transport of Li⁺ and e^-, suppress the "shuttle effect" of lithium polysulfides, and improve the utilization of sulfur materials. Hence, the composite electrode showed superior cycling stability and rate performance when employed as a cathode for Li-S batteries.

As the application of new energy and power systems becomes increasingly mature, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) could play an increasingly crucial role in the future. High-specific-energy batteries could become a research hotspot, constantly introducing greater performance requirements. Silicon-based materials with ultra-high theoretical energy density are the new generation of anode materials that can alleviate the anxiety in the electric vehicle industry. The next few years are anticipated as the golden period for the industrial application and commercialization of silicon-based anode LIBs. However, silicon undergoes repeated shrinkage and expansion during the lithium removal/insertion process (with a volume change rate of approximately 300%), causing the anode material to powder, fall off, and subsequently lose the electrical contact and material deactivation. Moreover, the continuous volume change during the cycle causes damage to the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on their surface, making it difficult to form a stable SEI, which leads to the consumption of enormous active lithium and electrolyte and ultimately results in rapid capacity decay. This review aims to analyze the challenges faced by electrolyte additives in SEI formation and modification, Lewis base neutralization, solvation regulation, and other mechanisms of action and highlight the latest achievements of silicon-based electrolyte additives. In addition, through an in-depth discussion and comparison of functional group structures, such as fluorine, silane, amide, cyanate ester, etc., this review delves into the design of electrolyte additives to inspire the readers to generate new ideas and help them in identifying/designing and synthesizing electrolyte additives suitable for silicon-based anode, thereby paving the way for the development of high-specific-energy batteries.

The low-temperature discharge performance of lithium-ion power battery affects the promotion and application of electric vehicles (EVs) in cold regions. The characteristic performances of the cathode have a major influence on the low-temperature performances of lithium-ion batteries; therefore, it is crucial to systematically understand the low-temperature characteristics of the cathode. Herein, the charge and discharge test experiments of commercial ternary lithium-ion power batteries are performed at 25 ℃, 0 ℃, -10 ℃ and -35 ℃. Furthermore, the characteristics of the ternary cathode system are revealed by studying the performance evolution of battery, cathode, and ternary material at different low temperatures. The experimental results reveal that the low temperature has a considerable effect on the discharge capacity and internal resistance of the batteries. At low temperatures, the polarization internal resistance increases faster than the ohmic resistance. With the decrease in testing temperature, the ternary cathodes show the characteristics of decreasing surface density, decreasing conductivity, increasing carbon content, shrinking of cells, loss of activity, and particle cracking. These changes in ternary cathodes hinder the migration of electrons and lithium ions, cause the deterioration of electrochemical kinetic parameters and lead to the attenuation of electrochemical performance. Thus, this study reveals the low-temperature characteristics of ternary cathode, which will help technicians in developing high-performance low-temperature power batteries and improve the promotion of EVs in cold regions.

Liquid metal batteries have significant advantages in the field of large-scale power grid energy storage due to their low cost, easy assembly and expansion, and the ability to effectively avoid dendritic growth and electrode structure deformation during the charging and discharging processes. This article provides a systematic overview of the working principle, advantages and disadvantages, selection principles of battery materials (including electrodes and electrolytes), and the recent research progress on the electrode materials for liquid metal batteries, which focuses on introducing key material systems for liquid metal batteries using lithium as the negative electrode, such as the Li‖Te system, Li‖Bi system, Li‖Sb system, Li‖Sb-X (X=Pb, Sn) system, and Li‖Bi X (X=Sn, Pb) system. The electrochemical energy storage properties, safety, cycling stability, and performance improvement strategies of the above material systems were primarily analyzed, and the advantages and disadvantages of the above material systems in large-scale energy storage applications were evaluated and compared. Moreover, the problems and technical challenges faced by Li-based liquid metal batteries in molten salt electrolytes, high-temperature sealing and corrosion protection, and thermal management of batteries were reviewed. Finally, the main development directions of positive and negative electrode materials for liquid metal batteries were prospected. Comprehensive analysis shows that liquid metal batteries based on Li negative electrodes offer several advantages, such as low melting point, low cost, high Coulombic efficiency, and high discharge voltage.

The progress of science and technology favors the rapid development of lithium-ion battery technology. The performances of lithium-ion battery are greatly affected by temperature, and they will be seriously attenuated at low temperature. Therefore, improving the low-temperature performance of lithium-ion battery is a research hotspot. Herein, the research progress of low-temperature lithium-ion batteries based on niobium-based electrode materials in recent years and the factors affecting their low-temperature performance are reviewed, and the methods to improve the low-temperature performance of lithium-ion batteries are summarized from the points of view of electrodes and electrolytes. As to electrode materials, the crystal structure and electrochemical properties of niobium-based materials, the influence of sintering on the structure and properties of niobium-based materials, the modification of niobium-based materials and the low-temperature electrochemical properties of niobium-containing oxides are mainly introduced. The results show that the unique pseudo-capacitance structure of niobium-based materials can promote ion and electron conduction, and the doping of heterogeneous atoms and the recombination of other materials can make its structure more stable, narrow the band gap, increase the carrier density, improve the rate performance, and thus improve the low-temperature performance of the materials. As to electrolytes, the research progress of low temperature electrolytes matched to niobium-based anode will be introduced from three aspects: solvent, additive and lithium salt. It is proposed that the synergistic effect of multi-solvent system and various additives can improve the influence of electrolyte on the low-temperature performance of lithium-ion batteries, and most linear carboxylate solvents can effectively improve the low-temperature performance of batteries because of their low melting point and high vapor pressure. This review may provide a guidance for designing anode materials of low-temperature lithium-ion batteries with excellent performance.

Silicon/carbon anodes have received extensive attention in the development of high-energy Li-ion batteries. However, Si's rapid capacity fading impedes their commercial application because of the huge volume change in Si upon lithiation-delithiation. In this study, multilayer graphite materials with flexible structures and nanosilicon particles were modified separately by the COOH groups in carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and the NH₂-groups in ethyl silicate (TEOS) to fabricate the nanosilicon/multilayer graphite composite (S/MG). In the silicon carbon anode materials prepared by traditional mechanical mixing processes, nanosilicon particles and carbon materials fail to form homogeneous composites. However, in this study, the modified nanosilicon particles were homogeneously deposited on the surface of graphite layers through electrostatic interaction. Through ball milling, a novel carbon-coated granule with a hollow structure was formed by the S/MG layers. Such micron hollow structures were confirmed via scanning electron microscopy, elemental mapping, and high-resolution tunneling electron microscopy measurements. The structural uniqueness not only includes an inner buffer space for silicon volume expansion but also an excellent conductive three-dimensional network for silicon particles. Compared to the silicon carbon material prepared from the graphite material and nanosilicon particles under the same conditions, S/MG showed a high reversible capacity of 958 mAh/g, and good cycling stability (88% of capacity retention) was achieved after 500 cycles at a 0.5 C rate through the coin half-cell test. We also evaluated S/MG from a practical perspective through the characterization of pouch full cells prepared with NCM811 as the cathode. The cells exhibited a stable cycling performance with a capacity retention of 86% over 1,000 cycles at a 1 C rate. Thus, this study provides a potential anode material for the research and development of high-energy-density LIBs.

To effectively optimize the charging behavior of lithium-ion batteries and avoid excessive consumption of power signals in intelligent logistics systems, research is conducted on the application of lithium-ion battery charging strategies based on multi parameter coupling models in intelligent logistics systems. Define a multi parameter coupling model expression, and based on this, study the charging behavior of lithium-ion batteries and adjust it. Determine the maximum energy storage level of lithium-ion batteries according to the point charge storage capacity, thereby realizing the analysis of lithium-ion battery charging characteristics based on the multi parameter coupling model. Then, take charging efficiency, battery safety, and intelligent charging as the entry points, study the feasibility of optimizing charging strategies for lithium-ion batteries in intelligent logistics systems.

The remaining life of ion battery affects the operation ability of energy storage system, and accurate prediction of battery life is helpful to judge the real-time operation state of the system. In order to obtain reliable prediction results, a prediction method of ion battery remaining life of energy storage system based on data preprocessing and computer VMD-LSTM-GPR is proposed. Research on the related introduction to the remaining life prediction of ion batteries in the energy storage system, and combine the energy storage data preprocessing standard with the computer VMD-LSTM-GPR model to calculate the capacity degradation capability of lithium-ion batteries, so as to evaluate the remaining battery life. The remaining life prediction of ion battery of energy storage system based on data preprocessing and computer VMD-LSTM-GPR was realized.

Solar energy is an environmentally friendly energy, the use of energy storage system, solar energy is converted into electricity and used to drive other equipment components, helping to achieve efficient use of energy. In view of the above background, the design and network modeling method of solar energy storage system based on nonlinear complementary algorithm is studied. This paper analyzes the research status and development trend of solar energy storage system, and combines the principle of equivalent nonlinear complementarity to determine the convergence of energy conversion of energy storage components, and realizes the convergence research of battery energy storage based on nonlinear complementarity algorithm. Select appropriate battery energy storage components, and on this basis, improve the dynamic energy storage model, complete the network modeling and design of solar cell energy storage system.

For the operation modeling and simulation of distribution networks containing energy storage systems, traditional methods lack additional constraints on energy storage system variables, resulting in a high network loss rate of the modeled system. Therefore, a method for establishing a power grid operation model and conducting distributed simulation research, an energy reserve system that includes batteries with charging and discharging performance, is proposed in the thermal storage contact technology. Based on the operational characteristics of the energy storage system in the distribution network, an equivalent circuit for energy storage is established, and a power grid operation model is constructed with the minimum network loss of the energy storage system. At the same time, variable supplementary constraints are added to it to dynamically describe the operation process of the distribution network. The results show that the designed algorithm can improve the stability of energy storage systems, reduce operating costs, and achieve better and better shading effects.

The cost of cathode materials contributes to approximately 30% of the manufacturing cost of lithium-ion batteries and is the main influencing factor in the price of battery packs. The production of nickel-rich ternary cathode material, LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ (NCM811), using flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) has lower energy consumption and needs less production equipment, which could considerably reduce the manufacturing cost of the cathode material. The objective of the present study is to quantitatively evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of producing nickel-rich ternary cathode materials using flame spray pyrolysis. The mass, energy, and emission flow rate of the NCM811 production by FSP were evaluated, and the minimum cathode material selling price (MCSP) was obtained and compared with the traditional carbonate coprecipitation pathway. The mass and energy balance results showed that the FSP process can reduce 41% of CO₂ emissions, 85% of power consumption, and 29% of water consumption compared with the traditional pathway due to the advantages of compressing sintering time. The economic analysis results showed that the MCSP under breakeven conditions was 221.1 CNY/kg, about 18% lower than the current market price. The sensitivity analysis results showed that the price of raw materials was the most important factor. If the materials' prices were decreased by 25%, the NCM811 MCSP from FSP could achieve a price of 172.0 CNY/kg.

This paper explores the current state, challenges, and future development of the lithium-ion battery industry from an economic perspective. Lithium-ion batteries play a crucial role in addressing the demand for clean energy, particularly in electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. The paper provides an overview of the global lithium-ion battery industry, emphasizing China's technological advantages. Innovations in positive and negative electrode materials and electrolytes are highlighted as contributors to enhancing battery performance. However, the industry faces challenges such as fluctuations in the supply chain of raw materials, technological constraints, and environmental pressures. The paper proposes achieving technological innovation through solid-state battery technology and research on new materials, addressing supply chain instability through diversification and sustainable procurement of raw materials. Through continuous innovation and international cooperation, the lithium-ion battery industry is poised to realize a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future in terms of technology, economy, and ecology.