NEWS

For High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-ion Batteries Hebei University & Hebei Agricultural University AFM: Gradiently Distributed MCM-41 Molecular Sieve Bifunctional Separator for High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries Link: https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202517715 Introduction Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) are promising candidates for large-scale energy storage systems. However, cathode dissolution, zinc anode corrosion, and dendrite growth severely hinder their further development. This work designs a dual-functional separator with gradient-distributed MCM-41 zeolite that simultaneously stabilizes both the cathode and zinc anode. Specifically, the side with a heavy zeolite distribution reduces the desolvation energy barrier and modulates zinc ion flux, thereby suppressing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and its associated side reactions while promoting uniform zinc deposition. The opposite

5 Steps for Dry-Process Electrode Preparation In the process of preparing electrode sheets, there exists a relatively niche method—dry electrode preparation. This technique is suitable for carbon materials with large specific surface areas and those requiring in-situ XRD testing. This article will detail the laboratory method for preparing dry electrodes for educational and collaborative purposes. Step 1 – Mixing Dry Powder Weigh the sample and conductive carbon black in a specified ratio (recommended 40 mg : 5 mg) and thoroughly mix them in an agate mortar. Scrape the powder adhering to the mortar walls multiple times during mixing. It is crucial to ensure complete mixing, as inadequate mixing will adversely

Sustained Release of Underpotential Deposition Initiators for Ah-Level Zinc Metal Batteries Article link: https://doi.org/10.1002/ange.202514181 Introduction Sustained Release of Underpotential Deposition Initiators for Ah-Level Zinc Metal Batteries Electrolyte additives can effectively stabilize aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs), but their depletion during long-term cycling ultimately leads to battery failure. To address this common issue, we achieved sustained battery operation by continuously releasing underpotential deposition initiators from an engineered solid electrolyte interface (SEI). This SEI, composed of nickel hydroxide and nickel-2-methylimidazole complexes, incorporates hydrophobic dodecylphosphonic acid (DPA) monolayers via ion-layer epitaxy. When local pH rises due to corrosion, the SEI releases Ni²⁺ ions on demand. This approach enables sustained protection of the battery during

How to tell a Battery Short Circuit? A Brief Introduction If a sudden drop in voltage occurs during the cycle, it indicates that lithium dendrites have pierced the battery’s interior, causing a short circuit that brings the positive and negative electrodes into direct contact, thereby reducing the potential difference. Figure 1 Schematic Diagram of Hard Short Circuit and Soft Short Circuit in Symmetrical Batteries   It should be noted that the short-circuit process can be an irreversible hard short-circuit, after which the voltage signal exhibits a constant low value (close to 0 V). The specific value depends on the current applied during the cycle, as the battery at this point

Coin Cells: From Electrode Preparation to Performance Testing (3) Basic Data Analysis Voltage Analysis The open-circuit voltage of an assembled lithium-ion battery refers to the potential difference between the positive and negative terminals when no current flows through the external circuit. It can be measured directly with a multimeter (accuracy of no less than 0.1 mV, it is recommended to use a dedicated voltmeter with high internal resistance to prevent self-discharge) or read directly after connecting to a battery testing system. This value is only the initial open-circuit voltage after the battery is assembled, while the open-circuit voltage at full state of charge (SOC) needs to be measured by a

Coin Cells: From Electrode Preparation to Performance Testing (2) Precautions in Laboratory Coin Cell Assembly Selection and Treatment of Lithium Metal, Separator, and Electrolyte Laboratory-grade lithium metal sheets provide a significantly excessive amount of lithium source (1 mA·h/cm² is equivalent to a 5 μm thick lithium foil, while commercially available lithium sheets are typically 400–500 μm thick, equivalent to 80–100 mA·h/cm². Industrial-grade electrodes usually have a single-sided capacity of 2–4 mA·h/cm²). These sheets have minimal impurities and must be larger in size than the electrodes to be tested. Lithium sheets can be directly purchased from relevant companies or suppliers under inert atmosphere protection and should be disassembled and used within