DataVXACS Energy LettersPaper
journal article·2026-01-09

A 2.6 m Aqueous Electrolyte for High-Energy-Density Lithium-Ion Pouch Cells Using NbO 2 Anode

Chuanyu Hou, Changming Ke, Runze Chen, Yangfan Lin, Qin Huang, Shi Liu, Jianhui Wang

ACS Energy Letters· Volume 11· Issue 1
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Source abstract

Abstract

Niobium-based oxides are promising high-energy-density anodes (>300 mAh g –1 at 1.0–2.0 V vs Li + /Li) but face challenges with conventional aqueous electrolytes. Herein, we develop a cost-effective, dilute aqueous electrolyte modulated by methylurea (MU), a nonflammable, low-toxicity cosolvent. Leveraging its donor–acceptor amphiphilicity and structural asymmetry, MU enhances miscibility with salt and water, enabling a 2.6 m solution with a distinctive solvation structure: an inner sheath dominated by MU and anions, and an outer layer where water is anchored by MU. This configuration reduces water activity and promotes a robust organic–inorganic interphase, effectively suppressing hydrogen evolution and extending the cathodic stability limit to 1.2 V vs Li + /Li. Pouch cells of NbO 2 |LiCoO 2 and NbO 2 |LiMn 2 O 4 show 96% capacity retention after 24 h at 100% state of charge, along with stable cycling over 150 cycles at 0.25 C. This strategy enhances aqueous battery performance while maintaining safety and cost-efficiency, advancing practical implementation.
Source: openalex_inverted_index · Quality: baseline

Research context

Energy storage

OpenAlex topics: Advanced Battery Materials and Technologies · Advancements in Battery Materials · Advanced battery technologies research

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

School of Materials Science & Engineering

Zhejiang University

Zhejiang Key Laboratory of 3D Micro/Nano Fabrication and Characterization, Department of Electronic and Information Engineering, School of Engineering

Westlake University

Research Center for Industries of the Future

Institute of Advanced Technology

Westlake Institute for Advanced Study

Department of Physics, School of Science

Institute of Natural Sciences

Division of Solar Energy Conversion and Catalysis at Westlake University

Zhejiang Baima Lake laboratory Co. Ltd.

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China · Westlake Education Foundation · Key Laboratory of 3D Micro/Nano Fabrication and Characterization of Zhejiang Province, Westlake university · Research Center for Industries of the Future · Zhejiang Baima Lake Laboratory Co. Ltd.

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