Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are promising candidates for the realization of lithium metal batteries. However, the popular SPE based on poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) reveals a “voltage noise”‐failure during charge, for example, with high energy/high voltage electrodes like LiNi_0.6Mn_0.2Co_0.2O₂ (NMC622), which can be attributed to short‐circuits via penetrating Li dendrites. This failure disappears when integrating PEO‐based SPE in a semi interpenetrating network, which mainly consists of PEO units, as well. In this work, it is shown that this SPE allows performance improvement via elimination of the crystalline domains without significant sacrifice of mechanical integrity. Hence, a highly amorphous SPE can be obtained by a simple increase of plasticizing Li salts, which overall is beneficial, not only for the ionic conductivity, but also the homogeneity, while remaining mechanically stable and solid in its original shape even after storage at 60 °C for 7 days. These aspects are crucial for the performance of the modified SPE as they can suppress the failure‐causing Li dendrite penetration while the electrochemical aspects, that is, anodic stability, are rather unaffected by the modification and remain stable (4.6 V vs Li│Li⁺). Overall, this optimized SPE enables stable cycling performance in NMC622│SPE│Li cells, even at 40 °C operation temperature.

Silicon (Si) holds great promise as an anode material for high energy density lithium ion batteries owing to its theoretical capacity of up to 3579 mAh g⁻¹. However, this potential comes at the expense of major challenges, because the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) at Si anodes hardly provides long‐term protection due to severe volume expansion. Yet, when it comes to the SEI, the formation mechanism is not thoroughly understood. Here, thin AlF₃ coatings are deposited on Si thin film to stabilize the SEI. To evaluate the SEI, systematic observation utilizing X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy is performed at different (de‐)lithiation states, allowing stage‐by‐stage analysis to reveal the role, mechanism, and impact of AlF₃ coating. Results show that the capacity retention is significantly improved for 90% after 100 cycles. The transformation of AlF₃ into Li‐Al‐F compounds, as confirmed by ion chromatography, is responsible for an enhanced performance due to its high ionic conductivity. Moreover, the SEI of coated Si thin films is rich in inorganic species (i.e., LiF) which is beneficial to prevent electrons to pass through. This work will deepen the understanding of SEI on Si anodes with respect to the coating approach, suggesting future directions to improve coating layers on Si.

Lithium metal batteries are gaining increasing attention due to their potential for significantly higher theoretical energy density than conventional lithium ion batteries. Here, we present a novel mechanochemical modification method for lithium metal anodes, involving roll-pressing the lithium metal foil in contact with ionic liquid-based solutions, enabling the formation of an artificial solid electrolyte interphase with favorable properties such as an improved lithium ion transport and, most importantly, the suppression of dendrite growth, allowing homogeneous electrodeposition/-dissolution using conventional and highly conductive room temperature alkyl carbonate-based electrolytes. As a result, stable cycling in symmetrical Li∥Li cells is achieved even at a high current density of 10 mA cm^–2. Furthermore, the rate capability and the capacity retention in NMC∥Li cells are significantly improved.

The effect of addition of transition metal oxides on the charge transport of commercially available Gd-doped ceria (Ce_0.9Gd_0.1O_2−δ ) was assessed with special emphasis on the electronic partial conductivity. The samples were doped by adding 2, 4 or 6 cat% of CoO 4 / 3 or FeO 3 / 2 , or 2 mol% of the transition metal oxides V₂O₅, MnO₂, and CuO, respectively. All samples with transition metal oxides showed predominant ionic conductivity at high temperatures and for all materials except for MnO₂ addition, the electrical conductivity was slightly increased at temperatures ≤500 °C compared to pure CGO. For Co other than for Fe addition, the electronic conductivity strongly depends on the Co concentration. Also an increasing electronic conductivity with decreasing oxygen partial pressure from 10⁻⁸ to 10⁻⁴ bar at temperatures below 600 °C indicates the changing redox state of Co from divalent at low oxygen partial pressures to trivalent under ambient oxygen partial pressure. Additionally, it was found that 2 mol% of CuO already lead to a significantly decreased blocking effect of the grain boundaries in the temperature range below 500 °C.

The direct correlation between the surface area of the current collector (CC) and the ‘dead Li’ is evaluated in this study.

The continuously increased demand for electrical energy and the associated strong growth in renewable energy necessitate robust, sustainable, and cost‐effective stationary energy storage solutions. This review paper evaluates zinc‐based batteries as viable alternatives to conventional lithium‐ion and vanadium redox flow systems for stationary storage applications. Highlighting zinc's accessibility, cost‐effectiveness, lower environmental impact, and well‐developed recycling infrastructure, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of various zinc battery chemistries, including zinc‐metal, zinc‐air, and zinc redox flow batteries. The study provides a historical context of zinc battery development from primary to secondary cells while identifying key challenges, such as low cell voltage, dendrite formation, passivation, and hydrogen evolution. Current advancements in electrode design, including novel 3D architectures, tailored electrolyte formulations, and optimized catalyst development, are discussed in detail. Additionally, a techno‐economic analysis compares material costs and operational efficiencies of zinc systems with state‐of‐the‐art alternatives, underscoring their competitive advantage. The interplay between material properties and system performance is also addressed, offering insights into improving cycling stability and energy density. Overall, this review describes the potential to position zinc batteries as promising candidates for large‐scale, sustainable energy storage, capable of complementing and potentially replacing existing technologies in an evolving energy landscape.