Pure single-crystalline Na1.1V3O7.9 nanobelts are successfully synthesized for the first time via a facile yet effective strategy. When used as cathode materials for Na-ion batteries, the novel nanobelts exhibit excellent electrochemical performance. Given the ease and effectiveness of the synthesis route as well as the very promising electrochemical performance, the results obtained may be ext...

"...each metal has a certain power, which is different from metal to metal, of setting the electric fluid in motion..." Count Alessandro Volta. Inspired by the first rechargeable magnesium battery prototype at the dawn of the 21st century, several research groups have embarked on a quest to realize its full potential. Despite the technical accomplishments made thus far, challenges, on the mater...

Rechargeable batteries with high energy and power density are in great demand as energy sources for various purposes; e.g., portable telecommunication, computer equipment, hybrid electric vehicles, etc. Lithiumion batteries are the most promising candidates to fulfill such needs due to their intrinsic high discharge voltage and relatively light weight. The current commercial lithium-ion battery...

V2O5 based materials are attractive cathode alternatives due to the many oxidation state switches of vanadium bringing about a high theoretical specific capacity. However, significant capacity losses are eminent for crystalline V2O5 phases related to the irreversible phase transformations and/or vanadium dissolution starting from the first discharge cycle. These problems can be circumvented if ...

Microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) is a gripping bio-electrochemical device producing H2 gas from renewable biomass while at the same time treat wastewater.  Through extensive global research efforts in the latest decade, the performance of MECs, including energy efficiency, hydrogen production rate (HPR), and hydrogen recovery have achieved significant breakthroughs. However, employi...

Na energy storage technology is strategically attractive for large scale applications such as grid energy storage. We show in this paper that there is a clear relation between the Jahn−Teller activity of a transition metal ion at the end of charge and the mobility of Na in a cathode material. This is particularly important as mobility at the end of charge limits the capacity of current material...

One factor limiting solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) performance is the degradation of chromium containing, ferritic stainless steel, interconnects during operation. When chromium-containing steels are used as interconnect materials a chromium oxide layer forms on the surface. Under SOFC operating conditions (Cathode gas 800oC and 2.5-3.1% H2O) chromium ions are vaporized by the cathode gas and red...