Materials Futures

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ICE optimization strategies of hard carbon anode for sodium-ion batteries: from the perspective of material synthesis

Huanbin Zheng, Jun Zeng, Xuanhong Wan, Xin Song, Chenxi Peng, Jiarui Wang, Luyi Sun, Hui Wang, Min Zhu, Jun Liu

, Available online , doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad5d7f

Abstract(40)

Abstract:
With the continuous exploration of researchers in the field of sodium-ion batteries, the performance of sodium-ion batteries has been greatly improved, and it has a wide range of application prospects in large-scale energy storage, traffic power and other fields. Hard carbon is the most important anode material for sodium-ion batteries. Although it has the advantages of low cost, stable structure and performance, it still has the problems of low initial coulomb efficiency (ICE) and poor rate performance in application. In order to solve the problem of low ICE of hard carbon anode of sodium-ion battery, literatures about hard carbon anode of sodium-ion battery in recent years are comprehensively reviewed. Based on the microstructure of hard carbon material, the causes of low ICE of hard carbon are analyzed. At the same time, from the point of view of material structure design and regulation, the current optimization strategies of hard carbon anode ICE are summarized, including the following aspects: optimization and improvement of carbonization process, precursor screening and design, surface coating strategy, micro-pore structure control and catalytic carbonization strategy. It is hoped that this review can provide reference for further optimization of hard carbon properties and its large-scale application in sodium-ion batteries.

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Activating Supercooled Electrolytes

Yuan-Chao Hu, Liwei Jiang

, Available online , doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad667c

Abstract(10) PDF(4)

Abstract:
While materials science research in the rechargeable battery field is usually application-oriented, the general supercooled liquid theory from glass science can drive high-performance low-temperature aqueous batteries, facilitating cross-disciplinary collaborations and simultaneous research break- throughs.

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Microfluidic-derived Microfibers in Flexible Bioelectronics

Chaoyu Yang, Xingyu Hou, Li Zhang

, Available online , doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad667b

Abstract(18)

Abstract:
Flexible electronics have attracted extensive attention across a wide range of fields due to their potential for preventive medicine and early disease detection. Microfiber-based textiles, encountered in everyday life, have emerged as promising platforms with integrated sensing capabilities. Microfluidic technology has been recognized as a promising avenue for the development of flexible conductive microfibers and has made significant achievements. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art advancements in microfiber-based flexible electronics fabricated using microfluidic platforms. Firstly, the fundamental strategies of the microfluidic fabrication of conductive microfibers with different structures and morphologies are introduced. Subsequently, attention is then directed towards the diverse applications of these microfibers in bioelectronics. Finally, we offer a forward-looking perspective on the future challenges about microfluidic-derived microfibers in flexible bioelectronics.

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Synergistic effect between Co single atoms and Pt nanoparticles for efficient alkaline hydrogen evolution

Chengyong Shu, Jingwen Cao, Zhuofan Gan, Peixi Qiu, Zhixu Chen, Lian Guanwu, Zhongxin Chen, Chengwei Deng, Wei Tang

2024, 3(3) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad521f

Abstract(168)

Abstract:
In the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions, the efficiency of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline conditions has been a significant challenge, primarily due to the sluggish dissociation of water molecules on platinum (Pt) catalysts. Addressing this critical issue, our study introduces an innovative Pt-Co@NCS catalyst. This catalyst synergistically combines Pt nanoparticles with Co single atoms on a nitrogen-doped carbon scaffold, overcoming the traditional bottleneck of slow water dissociation. Its unique porous concave structure and nitrogen-enriched surface not only provide abundant anchoring sites for Co atoms but also create a conducive hydrophilic environment around the Pt particles. This design leads to a drastic improvement in the water dissociation process, as demonstrated by CO stripping and deuterium labeling experiments. Achieving an outstanding current density of 162.8 mA cm₋₂ at −0.1 V versus RHE, a Tafel slope of 26.2 mV dec⁻¹, and a superior nominal mass activity of 15.75 mA μg_Pt⁻¹, the Pt-Co@NCS catalyst represents a significant step forward in enhancing alkaline HER efficiency, indicating promising advancements in the field.

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Synthesis, disorder and Ising anisotropy in a new spin liquid candidate PrMgAl₁₁O₁₉

Yantao Cao, Huanpeng Bu, Zhendong Fu, Jinkui Zhao, Jason S. Gardner, Zhongwen Ouyang, Zhaoming Tian, Zhiwei Li, Hanjie Guo

2024, 3(3) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad4a93

Abstract(194) PDF(27)

Abstract:
Here we report the successful synthesis of large single crystals of triangular frustrated PrMgAl₁₁O₁₉ using the optical floating zone technique. Single crystal x-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements unveiled the presence of quenched disorder within the mirror plane, specifically ~7% of Pr ions deviating from the ideal 2d site towards the 6h site. Magnetic susceptibility measurements revealed an Ising anisotropy with the c-axis being the easy axis. Despite a large spin–spin interaction that develops below ~10 K and considerable site disorder, the spins do not order or freeze down to at least 50 mK. The availability of large single crystals offers a distinct opportunity to investigate the exotic magnetic state on a triangular lattice with an easy axis out of the plane.

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Recent advances of metal fluoride compounds cathode materials for lithium ion batteries: a review

Yanshen Gao, Jiaxin Li, Yumeng Hua, Qingshan Yang, Rudof Holze, Ewa Mijowska, Paul K Chu, Xuecheng Chen

2024, 3(3) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad4572

Abstract(277) PDF(60)

Abstract:
As the most successful new energy storage device developed in recent decades, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are ubiquitous in the modern society. However, current commercial LIBs comprising mainly intercalated cathode materials are limited by the theoretical energy density which cannot meet the high storing energy demanded by renewable applications. Compared to intercalation-type cathode materials, low-cost conversion-type cathode materials with a high theoretical specific capacity are expected to boost the overall energy of LIBs. Among the different conversion cathode materials, metal fluorides have become a popular research subject for their environmental friendliness, low toxicity, wide voltage range, and high theoretical specific capacity. In this review, we compare the energy storage performance of intercalation and conversion cathode materials based on thermodynamic calculation and summarize the main challenges. The common conversion-type cathode materials are described and their respective reaction mechanisms are discussed. In particular, the structural flaws and corresponding solutions and strategies are described. Finally, we discussed the prospective of metal fluorides and other conversion cathode materials to guide further research in this important field.

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Silk fibroin-based flexible pressure sensors: processing and application

Muhan Chen, Junhong Liu, Yidi Hu, Yujie Wu, Chun-Yan Tang, Kai Ke, Wei Yang

2024, 3(3) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad5f48

Abstract(54) PDF(14)

Abstract:
With the advent of the internet of things and artificial intelligence, flexible and portable pressure sensors have shown great application potential in human-computer interaction, personalized medicine and other fields. By comparison with traditional inorganic materials, flexible polymeric materials conformable to the human body are more suitable for the fabrication of wearable pressure sensors. Given the consumption of a huge amount of flexible wearable electronics in near future, it is necessary to turn their attention to biodegradable polymers for the fabrication of flexible pressure sensors toward the development requirement of green and sustainable electronics. In this paper, the structure and properties of silk fibroin (SF) are introduced, and the source and research progress of the piezoelectric properties of SF are systematically discussed. In addition, this paper summarizes the advance in the studies on SF-based capacitive, resistive, triboelectric, and piezoelectric sensors reported in recent years, and focuses on their fabrication methods and applications. Finally, this paper also puts forward the future development trend of high-efficiency fabrication and corresponding application of SF-based piezoelectric sensors. It offers new insights into the design and fabrication of green and biodegradable bioelectronics for in vitro and in vivo sensing applications.

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Ionogels and eutectogels for stable and long-term EEG and EMG signal acquisition

Asmita Veronica, Hnin Yin Yin Nyein, I-Ming Hsing

2024, 3(3) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad5c84

Abstract(97) PDF(20)

Abstract:
Neurological injuries and disorders have a significant impact on individuals' quality of life, often resulting in motor and sensory loss. To assess motor performance and monitor neurological disorders, non-invasive techniques such as electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) are commonly used. Traditionally employed wet electrodes with conductive gels are limited by lengthy skin preparation time and allergic reactions. Although dry electrodes and hydrogel-based electrodes can mitigate these issues, their applicability for long-term monitoring is limited. Dry electrodes are susceptible to motion artifacts, whereas hydrogel-based electrodes face challenges related to water-induced instability. Recently, ionogels and eutectogels derived from ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents have gained immense popularity due to their non-volatility, ionic conductivity, thermal stability, and tunability. Eutectogels, in particular, exhibit superior biocompatibility. These characteristics make them suitable alternatives for the development of safer, robust, and reliable EEG and EMG electrodes. However, research specifically focused on their application for EEG and EMG signal acquisition remains limited. This article explores the electrode requirements and material advancements in EEG and EMG sensing, with a focus on highlighting the benefits that ionogels and eutectogels offer over conventional materials. It sheds light on the current limitations of these materials and proposes areas for further improvement in this field. The potential of these gel-based materials to achieve a seamless interface for high-quality and long-term electrophysiological signal acquisition is emphasized. Leveraging the unique properties of ionogels and eutectogels holds promise for future advancements in EEG and EMG electrode materials, leading to improved monitoring systems and enhanced patient outcomes.

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Enhancing performance and longevity of solid-state zinc-iodine batteries with fluorine-rich solid electrolyte interphase

Yongxin Huang, Yiqing Wang, Xiyue Peng, Tongen Lin, Xia Huang, Norah S Alghamdi, Masud Rana, Peng Chen, Cheng Zhang, Andrew K Whittaker, Lianzhou Wang, Bin Luo

2024, 3(3) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad50f1

Abstract(194) PDF(50)

Abstract:

Rechargeable zinc-iodine (ZnI₂) batteries have gained popularity within the realm of aqueous batteries due to their inherent advantages, including natural abundance, intrinsic safety, and high theoretical capacity. However, challenges persist in their practical applications, notably battery swelling and vulnerability in aqueous electrolytes, primarily linked to the hydrogen evolution reaction and zinc dendrite growth. To address these challenges, this study presents an innovative approach by designing a solid-state ZnI₂ battery featuring a solid perfluoropolyether based polymer electrolyte. The results demonstrate the formation of a solid electrolyte interphase layer on zinc, promoting horizontal zinc growth, mitigating dendrite penetration, and enhancing battery cycle life. Moreover, the solid electrolyte hinders the iodine ion shuttle effect, reducing zinc foil corrosion. Symmetric batteries employing this electrolyte demonstrate excellent cycle performance, maintaining stability for approximately 5000 h at room temperature, while solid-state ZnI₂ batteries exhibit over 7000 cycles with a capacity retention exceeding 72.2%. This work offers a promising pathway to achieving reliable energy storage in solid-state ZnI₂ batteries and introduces innovative concepts for flexible and wearable zinc batteries.

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Improving cycling performance of the NaNiO₂ cathode in sodium-ion batteries by titanium substitution

Siyu An, Leonhard Karger, Sören L Dreyer, Yang Hu, Eduardo Barbosa, Ruizhuo Zhang, Jing Lin, Maximilian Fichtner, Aleksandr Kondrakov, Jürgen Janek, Torsten Brezesinsk

2024, 3(3) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad5faa

Abstract(36) PDF(25)

Abstract:
O3-type layered oxide cathodes, such as NaNi_0.5Mn_0.5O₂, have garnered significant attention due to their high theoretical specific capacity while using abundant and low-cost sodium as intercalation species. Unlike the lithium analog (LiNiO₂), NaNiO₂ (NNO) exhibits poor electrochemical performance resulting from structural instability and inferior Coulomb efficiency. To enhance its cyclability for practical application, NNO was modified by titanium substitution to yield the O3-type NaNi_0.9Ti_0.1O₂ (NNTO), which was successfully synthesized for the first time via a solid-state reaction. The mechanism behind its superior performance in comparison to that of similar materials is examined in detail using a variety of characterization techniques. NNTO delivers a specific discharge capacity of ∼190 mAh g⁻¹ and exhibits good reversibility, even in the presence of multiple phase transitions during cycling in a potential window of 2.0‒4.2 V vs. Na⁺/Na. This behavior can be attributed to the substituent, which helps maintain a larger interslab distance in the Na-deficient phases and to mitigate Jahn–Teller activity by reducing the average oxidation state of nickel. However, volume collapse at high potentials and irreversible lattice oxygen loss are still detrimental to the NNTO. Nevertheless, the performance can be further enhanced through coating and doping strategies. This not only positions NNTO as a promising next-generation cathode material, but also serves as inspiration for future research directions in the field of high-energy-density Na-ion batteries.

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Biomimetic artificial islet model with vascularized microcapsule structures for durable glycemic control

Jingbo Li, Yile Fang, Zhuhao Wu, Luoran Shang, Ling Li

2024, 3(3) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad47ce

Abstract(158) PDF(23)

Abstract:
Islet transplantation is a promising strategy for diabetes mellitus treatment as it can recapitulate endogenous insulin secretion and provide long-term glycemic control. Islet models constructed in biomaterial scaffolds that reproduce biological characteristics of native islets is a feasible option to circumvent the dilemma of donor shortage and the requirement of chronic immunosuppression. Herein, we developed bioinspired artificial microcapsule-based islet models with microvessels for glycemic control using microfluidic electrospray strategy. Microfluidic electrospray can generate uniform hydrogel microcapsules with core-shell structure for encapsulating islet cells. The cell-laden microcapsules enabled the efficient transportation of nutrient, oxygen, and insulin; as well as the incorporation with microvessels for prompting glucose responsiveness and molecular exchange. We demonstrated by in vivo experiments that the blood glucose, food intake, and body weight of diabetic mouse models were alleviated, and the glucose tolerance was promoted after the engraftment of islet microcapsules. We further demonstrated the improved functionality of transplanted islet model in insulin secretion, immune escape, and microcirculation using standard histological and molecular analysis. These results indicated that the microcapsules with microvessels are promising artificial islet models and are valuable for treating diabetes.

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Tailoring esophageal tumor spheroids on a chip with inverse opal scaffolds for drug screening

Ruolin Shi, Xiangyi Wu, Yuanjin Zhao, Shegan Gao, Gaofeng Liang

2024, 3(3) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad5f47

Abstract(36) PDF(14)

Abstract:
Esophageal cancer (EC) is characterized by high morbidity and mortality, and chemotherapy has become an indispensable means for comprehensive treatment. However, due to the limitation of the effective in vitro disease model, the development of chemotherapeutic agents still faces great challenges. In this paper, we present a novel tumor spheroid on a chip platform based on inverse opal hydrogel scaffolds to screen chemotherapeutic agents for EC treatment. With the microfluidic emulsion approach, the inverse opal hydrogel scaffolds were generated with tunable and organized pores, which could provide spatial confinement for cell growth. Thus, the suspended KYSE-70 cells could successfully form uniform cell spheroids on the inverse opal hydrogel scaffolds. It was demonstrated that the tumor cell spheroids could recapitulate 3D growth patterns in vivo and exhibited higher sensitivity to the chemotherapy agents compared with monolayer cells. Besides, by employing the scaffolds into a microfluidics to construct esophageal tumor on a chip, the device could realize high-throughput tumor cell spheroids generation and drug screening, indicating its promising role in chemotherapy drug development.

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Evidence for reversible oxygen ion movement during electrical pulsing: enabler of emerging ferroelectricity in binary oxides

Huan Liu, Fei Yu, Bing Chen, Zheng-Dong Luo, Jiajia Chen, Yong Zhang, Ze Feng, Hong Dong, Xiao Yu, Yan Liu, Genquan Han, Yue Hao

2024, 3(3) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad3bd5

Abstract(218) PDF(41)

Abstract:
Ferroelectric HfO₂-based materials and devices show promising potential for applications in information technology but face challenges with inadequate electrostatic control, degraded reliability, and serious variation in effective oxide thickness scaling. We demonstrate a novel interface-type switching strategy to realize ferroelectric characteristics in atomic-scale amorphous binary oxide films, which are formed in oxygen-deficient conditions by atomic layer deposition at low temperatures. This approach can avoid the shortcomings of reliability degradation and gate leakage increment in scaling polycrystalline doped HfO₂-based films. Using theoretical modeling and experimental characterization, we show the following. (1) Emerging ferroelectricity exists in ultrathin oxide systems as a result of microscopic ion migration during the switching process. (2) These ferroelectric binary oxide films are governed by an interface-limited switching mechanism, which can be attributed to oxygen vacancy migration and surface defects related to electron (de)trapping. (3) Transistors featuring ultrathin amorphous dielectrics, used for non-volatile memory applications with an operating voltage reduced to ±1 V, have also been experimentally demonstrated. These findings suggest that this strategy is a promising approach to realizing next-generation complementary metal-oxide semiconductors with scalable ferroelectric materials.

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