SiO_x is commonly used in lithium-ion batteries because of its capacity and affordability, but it has issues with volume expansion and conductivity. Synthetic methods are crucial for achieving the desired microstructure and material properties. This study introduces a new technique, fluidized bed granulation, to produce SiO_x@GNs composites. These composites have a core-shell structure with SiO_x particles coated in graphene sheets, and high-energy vibration is used to create a SiO_x-Fe structure on the surface. The graphene coating prevents volume expansion and enhances electron transfer. Real-time confocal imaging shows the charging and discharging process. Experiment results show that the SiO_x@GNs electrode has a lower expansion rate of 53.60% compared to 73.04% for the SiO electrode, indicating improved electrochemical properties with the graphene coating. After 100 cycles at 2 C, SiO_x@GNs demonstrate a reversible capacity of 1265.8 mA·h·g^–1 and discharge capability at 7 C with a capacity of 1050 mA·h·g^–1. The battery retains 90.21% of its capacity after 500 cycles at 0.5 C, showing potential as a LIB anode alternative with a unique structure for different energy storage materials. Fluidized bed granulation can aid in scaling up the use of SiO_x anodes in lithium-ion batteries.

Nickel-based phosphides as anode materials of sodium ion batteries have high capacity, but poor cycle stability and low electrical conductivity. Rational structural design for nickel-based phosphides with carbon provides a new way to address the above shortcomings. This paper presents a simple method to synthesize a novel carbon coated Ni_xP (x = 2.4–3.0, denoted as Ni_xP@PC) nanorods using phosphoric acid resin as phosphorus and carbon sources. The Ni_xP nanocrystals are in-situ generated in the P-doped carbon without further phosphatization. The carbon layer can confine the volume changes during charging/discharging process. Additionally, the enriched P doping in the carbon layer greatly increases the electrical conductivity of the Ni_xP-based composite and provides more active sites for sodium storage. The as-obtained Ni_xP@PC nanorods reveal excellent reversible sodium storage performance (271.6 mA·h/g based on the mass of Ni_xP@PC at 0.1 A/g after 300 cycles) and outstanding cycling stability (0.005% capacity decay per cycle after 5 000 cycles at 2 A/g). Meanwhile, the formation mechanism of Ni_xP@PC is evidenced by monitoring the evolution of morphology and structure during the preparing process. This paper may provide a feasible way for constructing high-performance transitional metal compounds for sodium-ion batteries.

Lithium carbon fluorides (Li/CF_x) primary batteries are of highly interests due to their high specific energy and power densities. The shelf life is one of the major concerns when they are used as backup power, emergency power and storage power in landers, manned spacecraft or military applications. In this work, real-time storage tests are carried out for both energy-type and power-type Li/CF_x pouch batteries at 25 ℃. Accelerated storage tests are performed at elevated temperature of 55 ℃. The electrochemical tests are conducted throughout the aging period of 0–365 days for various batteries to study the effects of temperature on both type of batteries. The observed electrochemical behaviors are explained with the evidences from multiple characterizations for post-tested samples.