Themed collection Highlights in battery technology

Manganese oxide cathodes are quite appealing when considering aqueous rechargeable zinc-ion batteries (ARZIBs) and long-term cycling for stationary energy storage systems.

The market share of low-cost battery chemistries, which offer little to no recycling profitability with current methods, is growing. Design for circularity could be the key to reducing costs and enhancing sustainability for these batteries.

This review summarizes the distinct structural features of various types of solvents, including esters, ethers, and other solvent molecules containing heteroatoms, along with their applications in the electrolytes of lithium metal batteries.

This review explores degradation pathways, failure risks, and mitigation strategies in lithium-ion batteries, with focus on safety and operation in EVs, ESS, and extreme military environments.

This work provides a review on theoretical simulation and experimental results in separator membranes for zinc–manganese oxide batteries, where this battery system has gained interest as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries.

This review thoroughly discusses the corrosion behaviors of various metallic anodes in aqueous metal batteries. It also provides a comprehensive overview of corrosion prevention tactics and characterization methods.

This review summarizes the strategies for achieving efficient zinc plating/stripping based on interfacial chemistry manipulation in anode-free zinc metal batteries.

Herein, we introduce the characteristics of different charging strategies and their equalization control technologies based on battery cells and modules and present an overview of the charging mode of the whole vehicle in detail.

This study shows the possibility of using lithium hafnium titanate as a potential stable metal battery electrolyte.

Current commercial SIB-cells can go in TR even at a low SOC of 30% and, thus, should be classified alongside LIB-cells. Higher SOCs worsen TR-effects, lowering onset temperature, increasing peak pressure, and raising the risk of jelly roll ejection.

We propose a dominant layer-filling mechanism to explain Na⁺ storage in the plateau region, attributing it to the filling of disordered carbon layers rather than the filling of nano-/micro-pores.

Cu–Sn affinity lowers barriers for Sn plating and Sn(OH)₃⁻ oxidation, promoting efficient four-electron redox in aqueous Sn batteries.

Iron/vanadium bimetallic sulfides are constructed by in situ modulating phase structure under high-temperature sulfuration conditions with the help of the electron-promoting effect of sodium species, achieving fast-charging sodium storage.

This study introduces a method for determining current distribution during the charging of modules composed of parallel-connected lithium-ion battery cells exhibiting varying levels of degradation.

The scavenging mechanism for H₂O and HF by HKUST-1 and Al₂O₃ nanoparticles, respectively, in a double-scavenger Janus separator.

Mixed-cation ILs containing P₁₄₄₄⁺ significantly improve sodium cycling stability, revealed through in situ techniques studying interfacial nano-structuring.

This work shows why the environmental impact of batteries should always be investigated on an application-specific basis.

This study highlights global innovation imbalances in future electric vehicle battery technologies, with regional policies and differing innovation capabilities driving disparities in leadership and competitiveness.

Lithium imide is an underexplored candidate for an all-solid-state battery electrolyte. Here it is shown to possess many desirable properties and unusual electrochemical behaviour, alongside its first operation in two lithium metal batteries.

Understanding the chemical and electrochemical behavior of halide and sulfide electrolytes offers a straightforward and effective approach to improving the interface of halide-based solid-state batteries.

In situ/operando X-ray diffraction computed tomography experiments have been conducted on commercial cells during non-stop high C-rate cycling. The changes in the negative electrode were mapped by comparing phase transitions and lithiation distribution of electrodes in an aged and a pristine cell.

Bi-nozzle spray deposition was used to manufacture graded LFP/PEO composite cathodes which are proven to reduce interface resistance between the electrode and solid electrolyte leading to improved capacity retention and rate performance.

Temperature accelerates the voltage-driven degradation mechanisms in low-cobalt lithium-ion battery cathodes.

A flexible phase change material based on inorganic hydrated salts, featuring high enthalpy, flexibility, insulation, and flame retardancy, suitable for lithium battery thermal management.

The low-cost and sustainable non-woven carbon fibers produced from petroleum pitch using a melt-blowing process are shown to be an ideal alternative to expensive polyacrylonitrile-based carbon felt electrode material for redox flow batteries.

The high-entropy TiVNbMoC₃ MXene, with its atom-dominated relay catalysis effect and resilient lattice configuration, promotes a cascade of sulfur conversions and guides uniform Li⁺ deposition, enabling shuttle-free and dendrite-free Li–S batteries.

Correlative neutron and X-ray imaging unravels the causes of localized defects in Li-ion batteries containing a silicon-graphite based anode.

A systematic methodology for the quantification of lithium inventory is developed and the degradation mechanisms of high-voltage lithium batteries are revealed.

By employing 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl) pyrazole (TFMP) as an electrolyte additive in both aqueous and non-aqueous mediums, a versatile interphase strategy is achieved. This facilitates stable Zn anodes with improved efficiency and longer cycling life.