Achieving high capacity, long-term stability, and fast charge–discharge capability remains a central challenge in the development of advanced anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. In this work, we present nickel vanadium oxyphosphide (NVOP) nanosheets synthesized via controlled thermal phosphorization of NiV-layered double hydroxide (NiV-LDH). The resulting multiphase structure, composed of conductive Ni₂P and redox-active vanadium oxides, delivers an initial discharge capacity of 1345 mAh/g and retains 442 mAh/g after 200 cycles at 0.1 A/g, with Coulombic efficiency stabilizing near 99.5%. NVOP also demonstrates excellent rate performance, maintaining 359 mAh/g at a high current density of 1.0 A/g. Electrochemical and structural characterization suggest that the improved cycling stability and rate capability may stem from the multiphase architecture, which integrates conductive and redox-active components within a porous nanosheet framework. These findings underscore the potential of direct phosphorization of mixed-metal layered hydroxide precursors as an effective strategy for constructing high-performance, durable anode materials for next-generation lithium-ion batteries.

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) present a promising alternative for rechargeable batteries with aprotic liquids. Although SPEs were extensively researched for several decades, recent studies have gained momentum in response to growing demand for safer battery options. While various electrochemical and spectral methods for characterizing polymeric electrolytes were proposed, a comprehensive guide to support future investigations appears lacking. Here, we propose a working protocol to derive parameters that characterize SPEs as crucial components of battery systems. An overview of various methods is provided, with particular emphasis on simple impedance measurements for extracting electrochemical parameters. We underscore the significance of considering the interfaces within the battery, specifically the electrolyte-anode and electrolyte-cathode interfaces. Post-mortem analysis is discussed along with the challenges it entails. A summary table detailing the extracted parameters, the corresponding characterization methods, and their applications is provided.

Electrocatalytic hydrazine oxidation holds great promise for enabling fuel cell-powered transportation since hydrazine hydrate (N₂H₄·H₂O) has the highest energy density of all liquid, CO₂-free fuels (3.45 kWh/L), and the highest fuel cell voltage (1.56 V vs O₂). Inspired by the ruffling of catalytic centers in oxidative enzymes, we designed a twisted single-atom nanozyme comprising twisted FeN₂₊₂C₄₊₄ sites, enabling high accessibility of N₂H₄ and OH^– reactants. Experimental evidence shows that this nanozyme catalyst achieves the lowest oxidation overpotential of all Fe–N–C materials, both in the lab and in direct hydrazine fuel cells, with an open-circuit voltage of 0.95 V, unprecedented for an Fe-based anode. The structure of the catalytic site is elucidated through a combination of electrochemistry, ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy with crystal field multiplet simulations and fits of the pre-edge features, as well as density functional theory calculations and theoretical simulations of X-ray absorption near edge structure. The experimental and theoretical methods reveal that twisting the active site also shifts its oxidation potential positively and improves N₂ bubble removal while limiting ammonia production to less than 10 ppm. This work demonstrates the potential of active site twisting to enhance the oxidation of energy-rich and liquid substrates, representing a crucial step toward building a sustainable society.

Replacing common polymeric binder materials in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with more sustainable and environmentally friendly options is one of the challenges in designing new generations of LIBs. Here, we explain how incorporating protein-based polymers into the binder formulation can enhance binder performance in the graphite anode of LIBs. The electrode preparation with these binders involves an atypical thermal treatment (“baking”) that causes structural transformation. The effect of baking temperature on battery performance is examined using various methods covering morphological, structural, and electrochemical aspects. We find that baking the binders at temperatures above 120 °C removes tightly bound water molecules, which impair LIB performance. Water removal promotes intra- and inter-molecular bond formation among the binder components, while the primary covalent structure of these binders remains unchanged. Ultimately, using thermally treated binders enhances the electrochemical performance of graphite anodes and provides strong adhesion. The ideas presented here could significantly influence the design of new binders for LIBs.

Sodium-ion batteries are progressively scrutinized for their economic viability and natural abundancy of resources. However, their practical implications are hampered by their limited energy density, primarily stemming from cationic redox reactions in transition-metal based cathodes. Achieving higher energy density via anionic redox activation is one of the promising approach but often compromises structural integrity due to lattice oxygen loss and transition metal migration. In this work, we present a strategy of covalency modulation through low-level Ru⁴⁺ doping in a Na-deficient, Co-free high-entropy (HE) layered cathode. By completely substituting Mn⁴⁺ with Ru⁴⁺ in HE cathode model, we enhance TM–O bond covalency and stabilize the oxygen framework. This effectively balances the trade-off between high capacity and structural stability, enabling reversible anionic redox activity while suppressing irreversible spinel formation and lattice strain. The Ru⁴⁺/Ru⁵⁺ couple improves voltage stability and delivers a high capacity of 146 mAh g⁻¹ (2–4.3 V, C/15), while Raman and OEMS studies confirm minimized surface degradation and oxygen release. Our findings demonstrate that the approach of entropy stabilization combined with targeted covalency tuning can supplemented the cathodes with both enhanced performance and longevity, offering a promising design pathway for next-generation sodium-ion batteries.

With a high theoretical capacity of 274 mAh, LiCoO₂ (LCO) is commonly used as a cathode material in portable devices and different Li-ion batteries (LIBs) applications. However, its practical capacity is lower than the theoretical value due to interfacial degradation pathways that limit the cathode operating voltage. In this work, we demonstrate an advanced and efficient methodology for surface coating of Li_xSi_yO_z over LiCoO₂ (LCO) cathodes by atomic layer deposition (ALD). To get an in-depth understanding of the Li_xSi_yO_z growth mechanism, density functional theory (DFT) was used. The DFT calculations indicate that the surface precursor material, 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES), is covalently bonded to the cathode surface in a thermodynamically favorable process before its further oxidation in the ALD sequence. We demonstrate the efficacy of two types of Li_xSi_yO_z surface coating as protective layers that improve the electrochemical performance of the LCO cathode. Both Li_xSi_yO_z coatings enabled high-voltage operation of the LCO cathode (> 4.5 V), especially thin layers of Li-rich Li_xSi_yO_z coated samples. After 100 charge–discharge cycles, the Li-rich coated LCO cathode outperformed the untreated LCO, showing a 23.4% higher discharge capacity.

Hydrogen is a green and sustainable energy vector that can facilitate the large-scale integration of intermittent renewable energy, renewable fuels for heavy transport, and deep decarbonization of hard-to-abate industries. Anion-exchange-membrane water electrolyzers (AEM-WEs) have several achieved or expected competitive advantages over other electrolysis technologies, including the use of precious metal-free electrocatalysts at both electrodes, fluorine-free hydrocarbon-based ionomeric membranes and bipolar plates based on inexpensive materials. Contrasting the analogous proton-exchange-membrane system (PEM-WE), where pure water is circulated (no support electrolyte), the current generation of AEM-WEs necessitates the circulation of a dilute aqueous alkaline electrolyte for reaching high energy efficiency and durability. For several reasons, including but not limited to lower cost of balance-of-plant, lower operating cost and improved device’s lifetime, achieving high cell efficiency and performance using an alkali-free water feed is highly desirable. In this review, we develop and build a foundational understanding of AEM-WEs operating with pure water, as well as discuss the effects of operating with natural water feeds like seawater. After a discussion of the possible advantages of pure-water-fed AEM-WEs, we cover the thermodynamic and kinetic processes involved in AEM-WE, followed by a detailed review of materials and components and their integration in the device. We highlight the influence of electrolyte composition and alkali/electrolyte-free feed on the membrane-electrode assembly, ionomers, electrocatalysts, porous transport layer, bipolar plates and operating configuration. We provide evidence for how the pure water feed engenders several issues related to the degradation of device components and propose mitigation strategies.

Carbon-based supercapacitors (SCs) have emerged as promising candidates for high-power, fast-charging energy storage, bridging the performance gap between traditional capacitors and batteries. This perspective explores the current landscape and future direction of carbon-based electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs), focusing on activated carbon, graphene, and their derivatives. We highlight key performance-limiting factors in real-world devices including electrode composition, electrolyte selection, and device form factor. Special attention is given to sustainable materials sourcing, low-temperature and high-temperature operation, and the transition toward greener electrode processing. While curved graphene has already demonstrated successful scalability from lab to commercial device formats, other promising advanced materials, e.g., N-doped graphene and graphdyine, are still in the early stages of this transition. Although these materials offer outstanding performance at the fundamental level, integrating them into practical, scalable SC architectures continues to pose significant challenges. A systems-level optimization, encompassing electrodes’ architecture, manufacturing compatibility, and novel electrolytes, is crucial to unlock the full potential of SCs. By integrating material innovation with scalable engineering, carbon-based SCs can meet the growing energy demands of modern applications, from portable electronics to aerospace and grid storage.

While high-mass-loading electrodes are desirable for achieving high energy density of lithium-ion batteries, their large thickness restricts charge transport, compromising electrochemical performance. Here, we introduce stencil-printable graphene on separators for lithium-ion batteries with high-mass-loading electrodes. Graphene nanoflake inks are formulated with shear-thinning properties, allowing stencil printing of uniformly deposited graphene layers with defined shapes onto separators. When used in battery assembly, the printed graphene (PG) facilitates efficient electron transport in adjoining electrodes, promoting electrochemical reaction kinetics and homogeneity. LiFePO₄ (LFP)|Li cells with PG exhibit significantly improved rate performance when compared to those without PG, delivering a specific capacity of 126 mAh g⁻¹ at a rate of 2C with an industrially relevant active material (LFP) loading of 15 mg cm⁻² and a high active material mass ratio of 95 %. Furthermore, PG reinforces cycling stability, offering a robust strategy to advance the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries with high-mass-loading electrodes.

Rechargeable aqueous Zn-based batteries represent a family of promising energy storage and load leveling technologies due to their safety and low production cost. However, the reversibility of Zn metal electrodeposition is challenged by the non-uniformity of deposition, and by the electrochemical constraints of metals in water-based electrolyte solutions. This research is focused on the effects of atmosphere on Zn electrodeposition with non-alkaline electrolytes, with an emphasis on reproducibility and cell-to-cell variability. We compare the coulombic efficiency (CE) and overpotentials for the cells under argon, ambient air and pure oxygen with two near-neutral electrolytes, 1M aqueous solutions of zinc sulfate and zinc acetate, and characterize Zn electrodes ex situ using X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. Importantly, negative correlation between oxygen concentration and CE is observed for both electrolytes. Our findings bring to light practical perspectives related to the realization of reversible Zn anode in aqueous solutions.