| 42 | 2024 Annual Report batteries and supercapacitors based on abundant and cost-effective elements such as Protons, Na, K, and Zn for large energy storage applications. To achieve this goal, our team focuses on the synthesis of new open framework cathodes and anodes suitable for the reversible intention of large ions, the design of new aqueous electrolyte solutions formulations with suppressed water splitting activity, and the investigation of advanced current collectors with low catalytic activity for H2 and 02 formations. 5. Lithium-Sulfur Batteries Abstract Lithium-sulfur (Li|S) batteries with metallic lithium as the negative electrodes and elemental sulfur as the positive electrodes’ active mass are electrochemical systems with the potential for extremely high gravimetric energy density. Sulfur is abundant and cost-effective, and batteries are constrained by several problems, including shuttle-side reactions that inevitably lose active materials. We showed that the formation of effective solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the surface of sulfur/microporous carbon composite electrodes during the initial discharge in fluoroethylene carbonate-based electrolyte solutions makes it possible for the operation of S/carbon composite electrodes via the quasi-solid state (QSS) mechanism. Our lab is in the process of developing advanced Li|S batteries with practical parameters. 6. All-Solid-State Batteries Abstract Solid-state batteries have received renewed attention in recent years due to the growing demand for rechargeable batteries with high energy density. The highest energy density of Li and Na batteries can be reached if thin foils of the active metals can serve as the anodes. Solid-state electrolytes may be more compatible with Li and Na metal anodes than conventional liquid electrolyte solutions. This is a major driving force for developing solid-state batteries. Continuous efforts are to increase the possible energy density of rechargeable Li and Na batteries while maintaining high efficiency and the best safety features. Our group work with: • Active and non-active ceramic filers, different salt types, various ceramic filers’ shapes such as spheres, nanotubes, and nanowires. Salt-free systems. Surface treatment. • Symmetric cell with blocking and nonblocking electrodes and full cells. • Impedance process analysis: monitoring the cells’ performance (i.e., bulk conductivity and SEI formation) with time and comparing the cell’s performance in static (aging) conditions vs. dynamic (cycling) conditions. • Comparing the interface of inorganic electrolyte particles in polymer and inorganic electrolyte pellets with polymer membrane. • Spectroscopic analysis: NMR, XPS. 7. Supercapacitors Abstract Supercapacitors are devices defined by higher power densities than batteries and higher energy densities than conventional dielectric capacitors. Activated carbons have been abundantly used for supercapacitor applications for several decades. This is mainly due to its abundance in the earth’s crust, highly conductive nature, and eco-friendly material. Further unique stability of carbons in various electrolyte solutions under a wide range of potentials and temperatures emboss their candidature for supercapacitors. These carbon matrixes can be fine-tuned for their porosity and surface areas in a very tailor-made fashion. The activation process can provide high surface areas ranging from several hundred to more than 2,000 m2/g. These properties are critical for high specific ion adsorption capacity and determine high-rate diffusion in and out of pores of electrodes during charge-discharge processes. Composite materials, which are combinations of carbon core and other components like nanomaterials oxides/nitrides of metals, are being experimented with to enhance these capacitors’ energy density without affecting power density and cycle life. For instance, carbon nanotubes and graphene, extensively studied as core active material, have a large surface area and high conductivity. However, it fails to produce high volumetric capacitance, agglomeration, and tedious fabrications and is very much cost exorbitant. Combining such unique materials with conventional low-cost materials can be the best way to achieve maximum output in supercapacitors. In recent years, our group has been heavily involved in studying the systems in which sole materials suffer from a limitation that can be overcome by its hybrid format with other components like nanomaterials, oxides, nitrides, MXene, and organic moieties like quinones. Following
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