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Research Article Issue
Multidimensional regulation of Ti-Zr-Cr-Mn hydrogen storage alloys via Y partial substitution
Nano Research 2024, 17 (5): 4211-4220
Published: 24 January 2024
Downloads:41

High density and safe storage of hydrogen are the preconditions for the large-scale application of hydrogen energy. Herein, the hydrogen storage properties of Ti0.6Zr0.4Cr0.6Mn1.4 alloys are systematically studied by introducing Y element instead of Ti element through vacuum arc melting. After the partial substitution of Y, a second phase of rare earth oxide is added in addition to the main suction hydrogen phase, C14 Laves phase. Thanks to the unique properties of rare earth elements, the partial substitution of Y can not only improve the activation properties and plateau pressure of the alloys, but also increase the effective hydrogen storage capacity of the alloys. The comprehensive properties of hydrogen storage alloys are improved by multidimensional regulation of rare earth elements. Among them, Ti0.552Y0.048Zr0.4Cr0.6Mn1.4 has the best comprehensive performance. The alloy can absorb hydrogen without activation at room temperature and 5 MPa, with a maximum hydrogen storage capacity of 1.98 wt.%. At the same time, it reduces the stability of the hydride and the enthalpy change value, making it easier to release hydrogen. Through theoretical analysis and first-principle simulation, the results show that the substitution of Y element reduces the migration energy barrier of hydrogen and the structural stability of the system, which is conducive to hydrogen evolution. The alloy has superior durability compared to the original alloy, and the capacity retention rate was 96.79% after 100 hydrogen absorption/desorption cycles.

Research Article Issue
Novel Zr-doped β-Li3PS4 solid electrolyte for all-solid-state lithium batteries with a combined experimental and computational approach
Nano Research 2023, 16 (2): 3516-3523
Published: 22 September 2022
Downloads:38

All-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) are promising for safety and high-energy-density large-scale energy storage. In this contribution, we propose a Li3–4xZrxPS4 (LZPS) by Zr-doped β-Li3PS4 (LPS) as a novel solid electrolyte (SE) for ASSLBs based on experimental and simulation methods. The structure, electronic property, mechanical property, and ionic transport properties of LZPS (x = 0, 0.03, 0.06, and 0.1) are investigated with first-principles calculations. Meanwhile, LZPS is prepared by solid states reaction method. By combining experimental analysis and first-principles calculations, it is confirmed that a small amount of Zr4+ can be successfully doped into the framework of β-LPS composites without significantly compromising structural integrity. When the Zr4+ concentration is x = 0.03, the doped material Li2.88Zr0.03PS4 exhibits the highest ionic conductivity (5.1 × 10−4 S·cm−1) at 30 °C, and the Li-ion migration energy barrier is the lowest. The Li2.88Zr0.03PS4 SE has obtained the best mechanical properties, the good ductility, and shear deformation resistance, which can better maintain the structural stability of the battery. In addition, the Li/Li symmetrical cell is assembled, which shows excellent electrochemical stability of electrolyte against lithium. The constructed all-solid-state batteries (LiCoO2-Li6PS5Cl|Li2.88Zr0.03PS4|Li-In) delivers an initial discharge capacity of 130.4 mAh·g−1 at 0.2 C and a capacity retention of 85.1% after 100 cycles at room temperature. This study provides a promising electrolyte for the application of ASSLBs with high ionic conductivity and excellent stability against lithium.

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