Research Highlights
1. Coherent Multi-Ink 3D Printing of Fabric Supercapacitors
Advanced fibrous energy storage devices with excellent knittability, flexibility and high mechanical stability allow the development of advanced textile-based wearable electronics. For this, Fibre-shaped Asymmetric Supercapacitors (FASCs) have been widely used in wearable electronics, which have high-power density, long cycling stability, good reversibility and energy density features.
However, they are not ideal for electron transfer and ion diffusion because of their larger spacing between two electrodes. Additionally, they have a massive volume structure, posing a serious challenge for the large-scale integration process. Although FASC with shorter charge carrier paths can improve device performance, they suffer from the separation of negative/positive electrodes when a device is bent.
2. Electrochemical energy storage devices working in extreme conditions
The energy storage system (ESS) revolution has led to next-generation personal electronics, electric vehicles/hybrid electric vehicles, and stationary storage. With the rapid application of advanced ESSs, the uses of ESSs are becoming broader, not only in normal conditions, but also under extreme conditions (high/low-temperatures, high stretching/compression conditions, etc.), bringing new challenges in the energy storage field. To break the electrochemical constraints of ESSs under normal conditions, it is urgent to explore new approaches/concepts to address the critical challenges for ESSs working under extreme conditions via mechanistic understanding of new electrochemical reactions and phenomena in diverse scenarios. In this review, we first summarize the key scientific points (such as electrochemical thermodynamics and kinetics, and mechanical design) for electrochemical ESSs under extreme conditions, along with the scientific directions to maintain satisfactory performance. Then, we have covered the main obstacles to the utilization of existing ESSs under extreme conditions, and summarized the corresponding solutions to overcome them, as well as effective strategies to improve their electrochemical performance. Finally, we highlight existing critical barriers and the corresponding strategies needed for advancing ESSs under extreme conditions.
Link: https://www.x-mol.com/paper/1394749330847940608
3. Direct Coherent Multi-ink Printing of Fabric Supercapacitors
Fiber-shaped supercapacitors are a desirable high-performance energy storage technology for wearable electronics. The traditional method for device fabrication is based on a multistep approach to construct energy devices, which can present challenges during fabrication, scalability and durability. To overcome these restrictions, Jingxin Zhao and a team of scientists in physics, electrochemical energy, nanoscience, materials, and chemical engineering in China, the U.S., and Singapore, developed an all-in-one coaxial fiber-shaped asymmetric supercapacitor (FASC) device. The team used direct coherent multi-ink writing, three-dimensional (3-D) printing technology by designing the internal structure of the coaxial needles and regulating the rheological property and feed rates of the multi-ink. The device delivered a superior areal energy and power density with outstanding mechanical stability. The team integrated the fiber-shaped asymmetric supercapacitor (FASC) with mechanical units and pressure sensors to realize high performance and self-powered mechanical devices to monitor systems. The work is now published on Science Advances.
Link: https://phys.org/news/2021-01-coherent-multi-ink-fabric-supercapacitors.html
4. The Future of Energy Storage From TiO2 Nanotubes
The development of commercial lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with a graphite anode and LiCoO2 cathode is still a key bottleneck to meet current power demands, in particular those from portable electronics and electrical vehicles. Furthermore, development of high-performance LIBs with ultrafast charging /discharging rates and ultralong cycle life is highly demanded, and would significantly advance the next generation of energy storage technology. Normally, it takes hours for a battery to recharge. Rapid charging within a few minutes would be very promising. However, when batteries are charged at a high rate, a dramatic reduction in energy (capacity) and cycle life is usually observed.
Link: https://www.advancedsciencenews.com/future-energy-storage-TiO2-nanotubes
