Owing to the increasing pressure on the ecological effect of solid waste disposal and developing the need for disposal of the corresponding hazardous metals, recovery of spent lithium ion batteries ...(LIBs) has gain worldwide attention in recent years. Much work has been done in this regard in the past few decades, and several new, interesting, and unique methods have been developed to recycle the cathode, anode, and electrolyte. Therefore, time has come to summarize the highlights in this emerging area to facilitate young researchers. In this review, starting from the current market demand and commercial value of lithium ion batteries, we have summarized the most recent progress in the direction of recycling the cathode and anode materials and electrolyte. At the beginning, an overview of the recycling techniques is presented to grasp understanding of the topic. Later, laboratory and industrial investigations and implementation are reviewed with emphasis on anode (graphite) and electrolyte recovery. Life cycle assessment of end-of-life LIB recycling, limitations, and future efforts have also mentioned to focus on improving the efficiency of metal extraction and separation with the sustainable and systematic recycling of spent lithium ion batteries.
With the rapid growth of retired lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the recycling of electrode materials has become a hot topic in research. Considering the economic factors, the recovery of cathode ...electrodes has always been the focus of research. Until now, the recovery of anode electrode materials has gained much attention due to their large proportion in batteries. This research focuses on the recovery and regeneration of anode graphite. Based on the existing form of lithium in anode graphite carbon powder, environmentally friendly citric acid is selected as the extraction reagent to extract lithium and regenerate spent graphite. Through orthogonal experiments and conditional experiments, the optimal conditions for extracting the lithium element from the spent LIB anodes were a temperature of 90 °C, S/L ratio of 1:50 g mL–1, C AC of 0.2 mol L–1, and time of 50 min, and the leaching rate of lithium ions can reach 97.58%. The electrochemical performance tests showed that the regenerated graphite anode material after the extraction of lithium had a high discharge capacity of 330 mA h g–1 after 80 cycles at 0.5 C, and the Coulombic efficiency is maintained above 99%. By comparing the regenerated graphite and the pretreated spent graphite, the regenerated leached graphite has obviously excellent electrochemical performance, and its properties can be comparable to those of artificial graphite. This experimental result provides a theoretical basis for the subsequent recycling of anode electrode graphite.
It is the need of time to extend the range of temperature-dependent stability of barium titanate (BaTiO
3
) ceramics from Electronic Industries Association (EIA) X7R specifications to EIA X8R. For ...this purpose, barium titanate ceramics are prepared using solid state reaction mechanism. Whereas BAND tool in Amsterdam density functional (ADF) package is used to correlate the experimental results with theoretical values. Precursors, i.e. BaO and TiO
2
, are nano-ball milled at various frequencies (900–3000 rpm) for milling time of 2–10 h. Dominant tetragonal phase of BaTiO
3
along with high dielectric constant is observed after milling for 2–4 h at 3000 rpm. These nano-ball milled samples are calcined at 1000 °C for 6–72 h. X-ray diffraction results show formation of mixed hexagonal and perovskite structures for calcination times of 6 h, 12 h and 24 h. Phase pure perovskite BaTiO
3
structure is observed for calcination time of 36 h. Strengthened perovskite structure is observed with increase in calcination time from 36 to 72 h. The formation energy of tetragonal perovskite BaTiO
3
is observed to be − 37.3504 eV. The calculated indirect band gap value is 1.708 eV with the GGA: GGA-mPBE exchange correlation approximation. Scanning electron microscopy shows longitudinal grain growth with diameter of 115 nm and length of 500 nm. High dielectric constant ~ 53,000 (log
f
= 5.0) is obtained for nano-ceramics calcined for 36 h. Increase in dielectric to ~ 120,000 (log
f
= 5.0) is observed with increase in calcination time to 72 h due to increased grain boundary resistance of ~ 29 MΩ. Reduced values of tangent loss and conductivity, with increase in calcination time from 36 to 72 h, indicate reduced oxygen vacancies and increased insulating nature. Perovskite structure of BaTiO
3
ceramics exhibit temperature coefficient of capacitance lower than ± 15% in the temperature range of − 15 °C to 150 °C satisfying X8R specifications. Maximum value of spontaneous polarization
P
max
(~ 9 µC/cm
2
) is observed for ceramics calcined for 72 h.
Highlights
The nucleation overpotential was regulated by sodium L-tartrate to drive smaller critical size of Zn nucleus and accelerate the nucleation rate.
The L-tartrate anions and sodium ions can ...increase de-solvation energy barrier suitably and hinder the agglomerative Zn deposition resepectively.
Nucleation overpotential in modified electrolyte could increase from 28.3 to 45.9 mV, and high Zn utilization rate of 80% at current density of 10 mA cm
−2
can be achieved.
Dendrite formation severely compromises further development of zinc ion batteries. Increasing the nucleation overpotential plays a crucial role in achieving uniform deposition of metal ions. However, this strategy has not yet attracted enough attention from researchers to our knowledge. Here, we propose that thermodynamic nucleation overpotential of Zn deposition can be boosted through complexing agent and select sodium L-tartrate (Na-L) as example. Theoretical and experimental characterization reveals L-tartrate anion can partially replace H
2
O in the solvation sheath of Zn
2+
, increasing de-solvation energy. Concurrently, the Na
+
could absorb on the surface of Zn anode preferentially to inhibit the deposition of Zn
2+
aggregation. In consequence, the overpotential of Zn deposition could increase from 32.2 to 45.1 mV with the help of Na-L. The Zn-Zn cell could achieve a Zn utilization rate of 80% at areal capacity of 20 mAh cm
−2
. Zn-LiMn
2
O
4
full cell with Na-L additive delivers improved stability than that with blank electrolyte. This study also provides insight into the regulation of nucleation overpotential to achieve homogeneous Zn deposition.
Barium titanate (BaTiO
3
) nano-ceramics are prepared using nano-ball milling method. Nano-milled samples are calcined at 1200 °C for 6 h to 72 h. Transition from agglomerated growth to fine ...particles (diameter ~ 350 nm) is observed after nano-ball milling process. Calcination of milled powders at 1200 °C for 6 h and 12 h results in mixed hexagonal and Perovskite BaTiO
3
phases. Perovskite phase pure structure is obtained after calcination of 24 h. Further, this phase pure structure is observed to be stable for longer periods of calcination time, i.e., up to 72 h with grain size of ~ 150 nm. Colossal dielectric constant of 1.38 × 10
6
at log
f
= 1.3 is observed after calcination for 24 h. Slight increase in dielectric constant, i.e., 2.13 × 10
6
, is observed after calcination for 72 h. Temperature-dependent analyses of sample, calcined at 72 h, exhibit a transition in conduction mechanism at 120 °C. Activation energy of ~ 0.81–1.15 eV is observed for BaTiO
3
nano-ceramics. Perovskite BaTiO
3
ceramics exhibit saturated ferroelectric hysteresis curves with polarization of 10.28–57.6 μC/cm
2
. The presence of colossal dielectric constant along with ferroelectricity in BaTiO
3
nano-ceramics has potential applications in modern microelectronic devices and for development of novel capacitive data storage devices.
Spintronics is the new emerging field that recasts the modern information technology using electron spin along with its charge. Various spintronic devices have been under research for the last few ...years such as GMR based devices, MRAMs, etc. These devices are based on the conventional ferromagnetic materials that exhibit spin asymmetry. Half metallic ferromagnetic materials, especially Heusler alloys, are considered as most promising candidates because of high spin polarization. Previously, Heusler alloys have been investigated theoretically. Few experimental reports are available that belong to high-cost vacuum-based methods. Furthermore, detailed magnetic study at room temperature is rare to be found. In this research work, structural, electronic and magnetic properties of Co2MnSn Full Heusler alloy are investigated experimentally and through density functional theory by ADF. Theoretical results of this study predict the half metallic and asymmetric behavior of the Co2MnSn Full Heusler alloy with L21 structure. The cobalt manganese tin thin films are prepared by the electrodeposition method by varying applied reducing potential from 1 to 2 V. Mixed phases are observed at an applied potential ranging from 1 V to 1.5 V. Co2MnSn phase of full Heusler alloy is observed at an applied voltage of 1.75 V. Further increase in applied voltage to 2 V results in strengthening and stability of Co2MnSn phase. Magnetic moment μB of 4.10 is in close agreement to the one calculated by Slater-Pauling Rule for full Heusler alloys. The M−H loops of cobalt manganese tin Heusler alloy electrodeposited thin films exhibit soft ferromagnetic behavior. Arrott plots show the ferromagnetic nature of cobalt manganese tin electrodeposited thin films by exhibiting convex shape. MH curves show variation in exchange bias with varying the applied potential.
Chemical bath deposition, being an application oriented electroless technique, is used for the deposition of calcium doped barium titanate (Ba1-xCaxTiO3) thin films using glass substrate. Ca ...concentration is varied as x = 0.0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, 0.10 and 0.12. As-deposited thin films show amorphous behavior, whereas, annealed thin films show crystalline nature. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of annealed thin films shows a pure tetragonal phase of Perovskite barium calcium titanate thin films up to x = 0.08 dopant concentration, while XRD peak corresponding to CaO is observed at x = 0.10 and 0.12. Maximum optical transmission of 65% is observed under undoped and as-deposited conditions. Annealed thin films show 83% transmission under undoped condition. While decrease in transmission is observed with the increase of dopant concentration due to the presence of sub bands. High value of dielectric constant (i.e. ∼3800 at log f = 1.3) and low value of tangent loss (i.e.∼0.15 at log f = 1.3) is observed for x = 0.08 dopant concentration. Cole–Cole plots reveal the presence of two electrically active grains and grain boundary regions. Maximum value of spontaneous polarization Pmax (18.46 μC/cm2) is observed for x = 0.08 dopant concentration. Mixed para-ferromagnetic response is observed under undoped condition. S-shaped magnetic response is observed for x = 0.02–0.04 whereas, ferromagnetic curves are observed for x = 0.06–0.12. It is important to mention here that tetragonal Perovskite calcium doped barium titanate thin films with U-shaped dielectric constant and good ferroelectric properties are hard to find in literature.
Evolving technological advances are predictable to promote environmentally sustainable development. Regardless the development of novel technologies including Li-ion batteries production, it is ...unrevealed whether emerging advances can cause lower environmental impacts compared to a future displaced developed technology. Therefore, a strong interest is triggered in the environmental consequences associated with the increasing existence of Lithium-ion battery (LIB) production and applications in mobile and stationary energy storage system. Various research on the possible environmental implications of LIB production and LIB-based electric mobility are available, with mixed results that are difficult to compare. Therefore, this paper provides a perspective of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in order to determine and overcome the environmental impacts with a focus on LIB production process, also the details regarding differences in previous LCA results and their consensus conclusion about environmental sustainability of LIBs. An overview of the analysis, the results and comparison of 80 selected studies is presented. This study also aims to adopt a scientific framework to LCA in order to identify the qualities and shortcomings of this method of analysis. Based on the results from reviewed studies, meta-analysis, different calculations and estimations of the environmental impacts of LIB production along with the outcomes of the different studies are also pointed out. Moreover, significance of key parameters for the environmental interpretation of not only Li-ion batteries but also next generation batteries is taken into account.
Main steps in the assessment of environmental impacts of lithium-ion batteries and Li beyond batteries based on LCA (Life-Cycle Assessment). Display omitted
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have garnered significant interest owing to their tunable structures and versatile properties. In this study, the construction of MOF-74 analogues based on ...pre-installation of functional ligands has been investigated. Five distinct ligands and their corresponding complexes are synthesized and characterized. The ligands are strategically designed to impart specific functional groups, enabling enhanced reactivity and tailored properties. Building upon the previously synthesized compounds, an efficient method for the directional functionalization of MOF-74 analogues under moderate conditions has been outlined. This method involves pre-installation through directive substitution of the ligands with suitable functional groups
viz.
F, -Br, -I, -CH
3
and -CN, allowing precise control over the resulting MOF's properties and functionalities. The study presents the characteristics and properties of Cu(L
1
)
n
(
1
), Cu(L
3
)
n
(
2
), Cu(L
4
)
n
(
3
), Cu(L
5
)
n
(
4
) and Cu(L
6
)
n
(
5
) complexes, highlighting their distinct features and potential applications. The findings from this research contribute to the fundamental understanding of MOF-74 analogues' synthesis and the efficient functionalization of these materials. The outlined methodology opens new avenues for the tailored design of MOFs with desired properties, enabling their potential utilization in diverse applications, such as catalysis, gas storage and luminescence sensing properties.
Metalorganic frameworks (MOFs) have garnered significant interest owing to their tunable structures and versatile properties.
The low-molecular-weight PsbM and PsbT proteins of Photosystem II (PS II) are both located at the monomer-monomer interface of the mature PS II dimer. Since the extrinsic proteins are associated with ...the final step of assembly of an active PS II monomer and, in the case of PsbO, are known to impact the stability of the PS II dimer, we have investigated the potential cooperativity between the PsbM and PsbT subunits and the PsbO, PsbU and PsbV extrinsic proteins. Blue-native polyacrylamide electrophoresis and western blotting detected stable PS II monomers in the ∆PsbM:∆PsbO and ∆PsbT:∆PsbO mutants that retained sufficient oxygen-evolving activity to support reduced photoautotrophic growth. In contrast, the ∆PsbM:∆PsbU and ∆PsbT:∆PsbU mutants assembled dimeric PS II at levels comparable to wild type and supported photoautotrophic growth at rates similar to those obtained with the corresponding ∆PsbM and ∆PsbT cells. Removal of PsbV was more detrimental than removal of PsbO. Only limited levels of dimeric PS II were observed in the ∆PsbM:∆PsbV mutant and the overall reduced level of assembled PS II in this mutant resulted in diminished rates of photoautotrophic growth and PS II activity below those obtained in the ∆PsbM:∆PsbO and ∆PsbT:∆PsbO strains. In addition, the ∆PsbT:∆PsbV mutant did not assemble active PS II centers although inactive monomers could be detected. The inability of the ∆PsbT:∆PsbV mutant to grow photoautotrophically, or to evolve oxygen, suggested a stable oxygen-evolving complex could not assemble in this mutant.
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