May 28, 2021, Research Highlights

Control of crystal size tailors the electrochemical performance of α-V2O5 as a Mg2+ intercalation host

Reducing the particle size of α-V2O5 dramatically improved the energetics of Mg intercalation on the first cycle, whereas latter cycles showed no relative benefits, revealing that non-diffusive barriers contribute to current limitations in Mg batteries Read More

May 26, 2021, Research Highlights

Probabilistic deep learning to automate the interpretation of multi-phase diffraction spectra

We designed a deep learning algorithm to automate the identification of inorganic materials from experimentally measured X-ray diffraction spectra. Read More

May 23, 2021, Research Highlights

Crowded electrolytes containing redoxmers in different states of charge: solution structure and properties

Neutral and charged crowded electrolytes containing redox active organic molecules (redoxmers) are shown to suffer exponential decline in their dynamic properties as they approach the gel-like regime that sets in between 1 and 2 M. Read More

May 19, 2021, Research Highlights

Toward autonomous design and synthesis of novel inorganic materials

We present an overview of recent progress in the design of self-driving laboratories, including robotics to automate materials synthesis and characterization, in conjunction with artificial intelligence to interpret experimental outcomes and propose new experimental procedures. Read More

May 17, 2021, Research Highlights

MoS2 for beyond lithium-ion batteries

This perspective discussed recent development on the fabrication of novel MoS2 nanostructures, their application in beyond lithium-ion batteries and in-situ/operando characterization methods involved. An outlook was provided for its application in the future advancement of the beyond lithium-ion batteries. Read More

May 10, 2021, Research Highlights

Fluorinated interphase enables reversible aqueous zinc battery chemistries

A novel, dilute dual salt electrolyte promotes formation of a robust and hydrophobic fluorine-rich interphase that suppresses the parasitic hydrogen evolution reaction, enabling highly reversible and dendrite-free Zn plating/stripping and supporting a 325 Wh kg-1 Zn-air full cell for 300 cycles. The merits of this electrolyte are further demonstrated under challenging limited Zn conditions with multiple intercalation cathodes. Read More

April 30, 2021, Research Highlights

Fast Ion Conducting Thioboracite with a Perovskite Topology and Argyrodite-like Lithium Substructure

Li6B7S13I is the first of a new class of Li ion conducting solid electrolyte materials, with promising properties for all-solid-state batteries. Read More

April 30, 2021, Research Highlights

Anion-Assisted Delivery of Multivalent Cations to Inert Electrodes – MgTFSI2:THF@graphene

Advanced free energy sampling calculations reveal that TFSI anions assist in bringing Mg cations closer for reduction at an inert graphene electrode. Read More

April 27, 2021, Research Highlights

Water-in-Salt LiTFSI Aqueous Electrolytes: Liquid Structure

In the highly concentrated 20 m LiTFSI solution, the water network existing in low concentration aqueous electrolytes is completely broken and is replaced by a TFSI- network; in spite of local heterogeneity, the liquid structure is homogeneous in general instead of forming TFSI- rich or water rich domains. Read More

April 26, 2021, Research Highlights

The Quest for Functional Oxide Cathodes for Magnesium Batteries: A Critical Perspective

This Perspective describes a holistic approach to robustly confirm and quantify Mg intercalation in metal oxides, and critically surveys recent literature to reveal true state-of-the-art metal oxides for Mg batteries. Read More