Advancing battery electrode performance is essential for high-power applications. Traditional fabrication methods for porous electrodes, while effective, often face challenges of complexity, cost, and environmental impact. Inspired by acupuncture, here we introduce aneco-friendly and cost-effective microneedle process for fabricating lithium iron phosphate electrodes. This technique employs commercial cosmetic microneedle molds to create low-curvature holes on electrode surfaces, significantly enhancing electrolyte infiltration and ion transport kinetics. The punctured electrodes were prepared and characterized, with comparisons to pristine electrodes conducted using scanning electron microscopy, 3D metallurgical microscopy, and detailed electrochemical evaluations. Our results show that the microneedle-processed electrodes exhibit superior rate performance and diffusion properties. Simulations and experimental data reveal that the low-curvature holes reduce Li-ion concentration polarization and improve Li-ion transport within the electrode. This enhancement leads to higher specific capacities and better rate capabilities in the punctured electrodes. The findings highlight the potential of this innovative microneedle technique for large-scale production of high-performance electrodes, offering a promising avenue for the development of high-power-density batteries.
The growing demand for cost-effective and sustainable energy storage solutions has spurred interest in novel anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This study explores the potential of small molecule polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (SMPAHs) as promising candidates for LIB anodes. Through a comprehensive experimental approach involving electrode fabrication, material characterization, and electrochemical testing, the electrochemical performance of SMPAHs, including naphthalene, biphenyl, 9,9-dimethylfluorene, phenanthrene, p-terphenyl, and pyrene, is thoroughly investigated. The results reveal the impressive cycle stability, high specific capacity, and excellent rate capability of the SMPAH electrode. Additionally, a direct contact prelithiation strategy is implemented to enhance the initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) of SMPAH anodes, yielding significant improvements in the ICE and cycle stability. Computational simulations provide valuable insights into the electrochemical behavior and lithium storage mechanisms of SMPAHs, confirming their potential as effective anode materials. The simulations reveal favorable lithium adsorption sites, the predominant storage mechanisms, and the dissolution mechanism of pyrene through computational calculations. Overall, this study highlights the promise of SMPAHs as sustainable anode materials for LIBs, advancing energy storage technologies toward a greener future.
Wishing you all the best as you embark on this exciting new chapter in your careers. May your future endeavors be filled with success and fulfillment.
