Publications
34 results found
Kazim S, Huang C, Hemasiri NH, et al., 2024, MXene-based energy devices: from progressive to prospective, Advanced Functional Materials, ISSN: 1616-301X
Every once in a while, a revolutionary technological development arises, which leads to a significant change in the way to approach research and push development efforts. The appetite for new technology compels society to look for game-changing materials, that can transform the industry and make advances. Sustainable energy production is paramount to addressing the climate crisis, and energy generation and storage play an important role in the development of self-powered microelectronic devices. The 2D materials, MXenes have emerged as promising candidates for energy and other applications owing to their inherent electrical merits, high specific surface area, and tunable properties. Particularly, in the context of additive and interfacial materials for perovskite solar cell fabrication and utilization as additives in secondary batteries, this review delves into the application of MXenes in such devices. The protocols of MXenes and their nanostructures tailoring toward such applications and, the underlying mechanism is uncovered. Further, the existing challenges and direction for future in MXene-based energy harvesters are discussed.
Chen R, Leung CLA, Huang C, 2024, Exploring the properties of disordered rocksalt battery cathode materials by advanced characterization, Advanced Functional Materials, ISSN: 1616-301X
Cation-disordered metal oxides as cathode materials for Li ion batteries have been overlooked from early studies due to to the restriction of Li ion diffusion, leading to poor electrochemical performance. However, the discovery of a new disordered rocksalt (DRX) structured material Li1.211Mo0.467Cr0.3O2 with a high capacity of >260 mAh g−1 at 0.05 C opened new research prospects in this emerging field and established DRX materials as a promising alternative with wider choices of transition metal elements compared with currently widely used layered cathode materials. Some of the major obstacles of the DRX materials include γ-LiFeO2 type cation short-range-order that impedes Li ion diffusion, irreversible oxygen loss, and transition metal dissolution, which also present challenges for appropriate characterization techniques. Several performance optimization strategies have been employed, including fluorine incorporation, high entropy modification, and surface coating. This review article focuses on advancements in characterization techniques to uncover underlying mechanisms of Li ion diffusion and degradation of the DRX cathode materials to address the abovementioned challenges and provide inspiration for future studies of this class of materials.
Chen Y, Huang C, 2023, Realising higher capacity and stability for disordered rocksalt oxyfluoride cathode materials for Li ion batteries, RSC Advances: an international journal to further the chemical sciences, Vol: 13, Pages: 29343-29353, ISSN: 2046-2069
Disordered rocksalt (DRX) materials are an emerging class of cathode materials for Li ion batteries. Their advantages include better sustainability through wider choices of transition metal (TM) elements in the materials and higher theoretical capacities due to the redox reaction contributions from both the TM and O elements compared with state-of-the-art cathode materials. However, the realisable capacities of the DRX materials need to be improved as their charge transport kinetics and cycling stability are still poor. Here, Li1.2Mn0.4Ti0.4O2 (LMTO) and Li1.3Mn0.4Ti0.3O1.7F0.3 (LMTOF) are synthesised with abundant TMs of Mn and Ti only. Three approaches of partial substitution of O with F, reducing particle size and C coating on the particle surface are used simultaneously to improve realisable capacity, rate capability and stability. We rationalise that the improved electrochemical performance is due to the improved short and long range Li+ diffusion kinetics, electrical conductivity and reduced O loss. These strategies can also be applicable to a variety of DRX materials to improve performance.
Hu S, Huang C, 2023, Machine-learning approaches for the discovery of electrolyte materials for solid-state lithium batteries, Batteries, Vol: 9, Pages: 1-12, ISSN: 2313-0105
Solid-state lithium batteries have attracted considerable research attention for their potential advantages over conventional liquid electrolyte lithium batteries. The discovery of lithium solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) is still undergoing to solve the remaining challenges, and machine learning (ML) approaches could potentially accelerate the process significantly. This review introduces common ML techniques employed in materials discovery and an overview of ML applications in lithium SSE discovery, with perspectives on the key issues and future outlooks.
Haridas AK, Huang C, 2023, Advances in strategic inhibition of polysulfide shuttle in room-temperature sodium-sulfur batteries via electrode and interface engineering, Batteries, Vol: 9, Pages: 1-34, ISSN: 2313-0105
Room-temperature sodium-sulfur batteries (RT-NaSBs) with high theoretical energy density and low cost are ideal candidates for next-generation stationary and large-scale energy storage. However, the dissolution of sodium polysulfide (NaPS) intermediates and their migration to the anode side give rise to the shuttle phenomenon that impedes the reaction kinetics leading to rapid capacity decay, poor coulombic efficiency, and severe loss of active material. Inhibiting the generation of long-chain NaPS or facilitating their adsorption via physical and chemical polysulfide trapping mechanisms is vital to enhancing the electrochemical performance of RT-NaSBs. This review provides a brief account of the polysulfide inhibition strategies employed in RT-NaSBs via physical and chemical adsorption processes via the electrode and interfacial engineering. Specifically, the sulfur immobilization and polysulfide trapping achieved by electrode engineering strategies and the interfacial engineering of the separator, functional interlayer, and electrolytes are discussed in detail in light of recent advances in RT-NaSBs. Additionally, the benefits of engineering the highly reactive Na anode interface in improving the stability of RT-NaSBs are also elucidated. Lastly, the future perspectives on designing high-performance RT-NaSBs for practical applications are briefly outlined.
Haridas AK, Huang C, 2023, Advances and challenges in tuning the reversibility & cyclability of room temperature sodium-sulfur and potassium-sulfur batteries with catalytic materials, Materials Today Energy, Vol: 32, Pages: 1-18, ISSN: 2468-6069
The high theoretical energy density of room temperature sodium-sulfur and potassium-sulfur batteries (Na-S; 1,274 Wh kg-1, K-S; 914 Wh kg-1; based on the mass of sulfur) due to the multi-electron transfer associated with the unique conversion chemistry of S and the natural abundance of Na, K, and S raw materials make them ideal candidates for large-scale energy storage applications beyond Li batteries. However, achieving good reversibility, cyclability, and active material utilization in Na-S and K-S batteries demands alleviation of the complex polysulfide dissolution and the shuttle phenomena during cycling. Rational employment of catalytic materials is beneficial to address these issues by facilitating effective polysulfide transformation and thereby accelerating the sluggish reaction kinetics. This review focuses on the roles and evolution of catalytic materials in polysulfide adsorption, catalytic conversion, and redox mediation in facilitating high-performing Na-S and K-S batteries. Specifically, the advances in tuning the reversibility and cyclability of NaS and K-S batteries strategically with catalytic material-incorporated S-host cathodes, separators, and interlayers and the interaction of various catalytic materials with the polysulfide species are discussed in the light of advanced characterization techniques. Lastly, the challenges and the plausible strategies for future research are elucidated.
Alex Leung CL, Wilson MD, Connolley T, et al., 2023, Correlative full field X-ray Compton scattering imaging and X-ray computed tomography for in situ observation of Li ion batteries, Materials Today Energy, Vol: 31, Pages: 1-11, ISSN: 2468-6069
Increasing electrode thickness is gaining more attention as a potential route to increase energy density for Li ion batteries although the realizable capacity and rate capability are usually limited by Li+ ion diffusion during (dis)charge, especially at increased (dis)charge rates. It remains challenging to visualize and quantify the low atomic number Li+ chemical stoichiometry distribution inside the electrode within commercially standard battery geometry, e.g. coin cells with stainless steel casings. Here, we map the distribution of Li + chemical stoichiometry in the electrode microstructure inside a working coin cell battery to show the amount of electrode materials contributing to energy storage performance using innovative in situ correlative full-field X-ray Compton scattering imaging (XCS-I) and X-ray computed tomography (XCT). We design and fabricate an ultra-thick (∼1 mm) cathode of LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 with a microstructure containing vertically oriented pore arrays using a directional ice templating method. This novel technique paves a new way to map low atomic number elements in 3D structures and study how the microstructure improves Li + ion diffusivity and energy storage performance.
Koo B-R, Lee Y-G, Lee SH, et al., 2022, One-pot spray engineering to design Na0.44MnO2 cathode electrodes for high-rate and cycle-stable Na-Ion batteries, Batteries, Vol: 8, Pages: 1-12, ISSN: 2313-0105
To improve the practical performance of Na-ion batteries, electrode structure engineering provides a new route to improve the electrochemical efficiency of the cathode active material. In this study, we suggest a new route of one-pot spray engineering to design Na0.44MnO2 cathodes to realize high-rate and cycle-stable Na-ion battery performance. This technique adjusts the electrode structure from a dense to an open sponge-like morphology during layer-by-layer deposition of the materials. The sponge-like cathode results in improved ion insertion and transport kinetics, thus accelerating the rate capability with increased capacity and high-rate cycling capability (100.1 mAh/g and 90.2% cycling retention after 100 cycles at 5 C). These results highlight the potential for design engineering of cathode structures to achieve high-rate and cycle-stable performance for Na-ion batteries.
Huang C, Wilson MD, Suzuki K, et al., 2022, 3D correlative imaging of lithium ion concentration in a vertically oriented electrode microstructure with a density gradient, Advanced Science, Vol: 9, ISSN: 2198-3844
The performance of Li+ ion batteries (LIBs) is hindered by steep Li+ ion concentration gradients in the electrodes. Although thick electrodes (≥300 µm) have the potential for reducing the proportion of inactive components inside LIBs and increasing battery energy density, the Li+ ion concentration gradient problem is exacerbated. Most understanding of Li+ ion diffusion in the electrodes is based on computational modeling because of the low atomic number (Z) of Li. There are few experimental methods to visualize Li+ ion concentration distribution of the electrode within a battery of typical configurations, for example, coin cells with stainless steel casing. Here, for the first time, an interrupted in situ correlative imaging technique is developed, combining novel, full-field X-ray Compton scattering imaging with X-ray computed tomography that allows 3D pixel-by-pixel mapping of both Li+ stoichiometry and electrode microstructure of a LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 cathode to correlate the chemical and physical properties of the electrode inside a working coin cell battery. An electrode microstructure containing vertically oriented pore arrays and a density gradient is fabricated. It is shown how the designed electrode microstructure improves Li+ ion diffusivity, homogenizes Li+ ion concentration through the ultra-thick electrode (1 mm), and improves utilization of electrode active materials.
Boyce AM, Cumming DJ, Huang C, et al., 2021, Design of Scalable, Next-Generation Thick Electrodes: Opportunities and Challenges, ACS Nano, Vol: 15, Pages: 18624-18632, ISSN: 1936-0851
Yoo G, Koo B-R, An H-R, et al., 2021, Enhanced and stabilized charge transport boosting by Fe-doping effect of V2O5 nanorod for rechargeable Zn-ion battery, Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, Vol: 99, Pages: 344-351, ISSN: 1226-086X
Lee SH, Huang C, Grant PS, 2021, Multi-layered composite electrodes of high power Li4Ti5O12 and high capacity SnO2 for smart lithium ion storage, Energy Storage Materials, Vol: 38, Pages: 70-79, ISSN: 2405-8297
Huang C, Leung CLA, Leung P, et al., 2021, Lithium Metal Batteries: A Solid‐State Battery Cathode with a Polymer Composite Electrolyte and Low Tortuosity Microstructure by Directional Freezing and Polymerization (Adv. Energy Mater. 1/2021), Advanced Energy Materials, Vol: 11, ISSN: 1614-6832
Kim S, Koo B-R, Jo Y-R, et al., 2021, Defect engineering <i>via</i> the F-doping of β-MnO<sub>2</sub> cathode to design hierarchical spheres of interlaced nanosheets for superior high-rate aqueous zinc ion batteries, Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Vol: 9, Pages: 17211-17222, ISSN: 2050-7488
<jats:p>The valance engineering of β-MnO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub><jats:italic>via</jats:italic> F-doping process triggers designing hierarchical spheres with interlaced nanosheets to accelerate electrochemical kinetics and capacity, ensuring superior high-rate aqueous zinc ion battery performances.</jats:p>
Ziesche RF, Tremsin AS, Huang C, et al., 2020, 4D Bragg Edge Tomography of Directional Ice Templated Graphite Electrodes, Journal of Imaging, Vol: 6, Pages: 136-136
<jats:p>Bragg edge tomography was carried out on novel, ultra-thick, directional ice templated graphite electrodes for Li-ion battery cells to visualise the distribution of graphite and stable lithiation phases, namely LiC12 and LiC6. The four-dimensional Bragg edge, wavelength-resolved neutron tomography technique allowed the investigation of the crystallographic lithiation states and comparison with the electrode state of charge. The tomographic imaging technique provided insight into the crystallographic changes during de-/lithiation over the electrode thickness by mapping the attenuation curves and Bragg edge parameters with a spatial resolution of approximately 300 µm. This feasibility study was performed on the IMAT beamline at the ISIS pulsed neutron spallation source, UK, and was the first time the 4D Bragg edge tomography method was applied to Li-ion battery electrodes. The utility of the technique was further enhanced by correlation with corresponding X-ray tomography data obtained at the Diamond Light Source, UK.</jats:p>
Lee SH, Huang C, Grant PS, 2020, High energy lithium ion capacitors using hybrid cathodes comprising electrical double layer and intercalation host multi-layers, Energy Storage Materials, Vol: 33, Pages: 408-415, ISSN: 2405-8297
Drummond R, Huang C, Grant PS, et al., 2019, Overcoming diffusion limitations in supercapacitors using layered electrodes, Journal of Power Sources, Vol: 433, Pages: 126579-126579, ISSN: 0378-7753
Fieber L, Evans JD, Huang C, et al., 2019, Single-operation, multi-phase additive manufacture of electro-chemical double layer capacitor devices, Additive Manufacturing, Vol: 28, Pages: 344-353, ISSN: 2214-8604
Lee SH, Huang C, Grant PS, 2019, Layer-by-layer printing of multi-layered heterostructures using Li4Ti5O12 and Si for high power Li-ion storage, Nano Energy, Vol: 61, Pages: 96-103, ISSN: 2211-2855
Lee SH, Li K, Huang C, et al., 2019, Spray-Printed and Self-Assembled Honeycomb Electrodes of Silicon-Decorated Carbon Nanofibers for Li-Ion Batteries, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Vol: 11, Pages: 603-612, ISSN: 1944-8244
Bu J, Leung P, Huang C, et al., 2019, Co-spray printing of LiFePO<sub>4</sub> and PEO-Li<sub>1.5</sub>Al<sub>0.5</sub>Ge<sub>1.5</sub>(PO<sub>4</sub>)<sub>3</sub> hybrid electrodes for all-solid-state Li-ion battery applications, Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Vol: 7, Pages: 19094-19103, ISSN: 2050-7488
<p>Spray-printing of large area LFP electrodes with honeycomb pores filled and inter-layered with PEO-LAGP solid state electrolyte for high performance.</p>
Huang C, Dontigny M, Zaghib K, et al., 2019, Low-tortuosity and graded lithium ion battery cathodes by ice templating, Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Vol: 7, Pages: 21421-21431, ISSN: 2050-7488
<p>Ultra-thick cathodes with a gradient pore structure and fast ion transport channels achieving high energy densities.</p>
Lee SH, Huang C, Johnston C, et al., 2018, Spray printing and optimization of anodes and cathodes for high performance Li-Ion batteries, Electrochimica Acta, Vol: 292, Pages: 546-557, ISSN: 0013-4686
Huang C, Kim A, Chung DJ, et al., 2018, Multiscale Engineered Si/SiO<i><sub>x</sub></i> Nanocomposite Electrodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries Using Layer-by-Layer Spray Deposition, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Vol: 10, Pages: 15624-15633, ISSN: 1944-8244
Han ZJ, Huang C, Meysami SS, et al., 2018, High-frequency supercapacitors based on doped carbon nanostructures, Carbon, Vol: 126, Pages: 305-312, ISSN: 0008-6223
Lee SH, Mahadevegowda A, Huang C, et al., 2018, Spray printing of self-assembled porous structures for high power battery electrodes, Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Vol: 6, Pages: 13133-13141, ISSN: 2050-7488
<p>Self-assembled porous structures were manufactured directly onto current collectors based on layer-by-layer spray printing of TiO<sub>2</sub>(B) nanotubes. The through-thickness porous channels in the electrode structures enabled the efficient penetration of the liquid Li-ion electrolyte into the resulting coral-like electrode, leading to an improvement in thickness-dependent power capability.</p>
Huang C, Grant PS, 2018, Coral-like directional porosity lithium ion battery cathodes by ice templating, Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Vol: 6, Pages: 14689-14699, ISSN: 2050-7488
<p>Thick cathodes with aligned pore arrays in the predominant ion transport direction made by ice templating provided high areal and gravimetric capacities.</p>
Hong J, Meysami SS, Babenko V, et al., 2017, Vertically-aligned silicon carbide nanowires as visible-light-driven photocatalysts, Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, Vol: 218, Pages: 267-276, ISSN: 0926-3373
Huang C, Young NP, Zhang J, et al., 2017, A two layer electrode structure for improved Li Ion diffusion and volumetric capacity in Li Ion batteries, Nano Energy, Vol: 31, Pages: 377-385, ISSN: 2211-2855
Huang C, Zhang J, Snaith HJ, et al., 2016, Engineering the Membrane/Electrode Interface To Improve the Performance of Solid-State Supercapacitors, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Vol: 8, Pages: 20756-20765, ISSN: 1944-8244
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