Batteries MDPI

Highly Cited Papers in 2025

“Exploring the Solubility of Ethylene Carbonate in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide: A Pathway for Sustainable Electrolyte Recycling from Li-Ion Batteries”

by Nils Zachmann, Claude Cicconardi and Burçak Ebin

Batteries 2025, 11(3), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries11030098

Ethylene carbonate is, among other applications, used in Li-ion batteries as an electrolyte solvent to dissociate Li-salt. Supercritical CO2 extraction is a promising method for the recycling of electrolyte solvents from spent batteries. To design an extraction process, knowledge of the solute solubility is essential. In this work, the solubility of ethylene carbonate at different pressure (80–160 bar) and temperature (40 °C, and 60 °C) conditions is studied. It is shown that the solubility of ethylene carbonate increased with pressure at both temperatures, ranging from 0.24 to 8.35 g/kg CO2. The retrieved solubility data were fitted using the Chrastil model, and the average equilibrium association number was determined to be 4.46 and 4.02 at 40 °C and 60 °C, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis of the collected ethylene carbonate indicated that the crystal morphology and structure remained unchanged. A proof-of-principle experiment showed that EC can be successfully extracted from Li-ion battery waste at 140 bar and 40 °C.

Keywords:

supercritical CO2 extraction; solubility; Li-ion battery electrolyte; ethylene carbonate

Batteries | Highly Cited Papers in 2025
https://www.mdpi.com/about/announcements/14579

Exploring the Solubility of Ethylene Carbonate in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide: A Pathway for Sustainable Electrolyte Recycling from Li-Ion Batteries Ethylene carbonate is, among other applications, used in Li-ion batteries as an electrolyte solvent to dissociate Li-salt.

Highly Cited Papers in 2025

“Review on Advancements in Carbon Nanotubes: Synthesis, Purification, and Multifaceted Applications”

by Anil Kumar Madikere Raghunatha Reddy, Ali Darwiche, Mogalahalli Venkatashamy Reddy and Karim Zaghib

Batteries 2025, 11(2), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries11020071

Since their discovery over two decades ago, carbon nanotubes (C**s) have captivated researchers due to their exceptional electrical, optical, mechanical, and thermal properties, making them versatile candidates for various advanced applications. C**s have transformed numerous scientific domains, including nanotechnology, electronics, materials science, and biomedical engineering. Their applications range from nanoelectronics, robust nanocomposites, and energy storage devices to innovative materials, sensors, conducting polymers, field emission sources, and Li-ion batteries. Furthermore, C**s have found critical roles in biosensing, water purification, bone scaffolding, and targeted gene and drug delivery. The chemical reactivity and functional versatility of C**s are profoundly influenced by their structural and physicochemical properties, such as surface area, surface charge, size distribution, surface chemistry, and purity. This review comprehensively explores the current state of CNT research, focusing on widely used synthesis, purification, and characterization techniques alongside emerging applications. By highlighting recent advancements and addressing unresolved challenges, it aims to present a novel perspective on the transformative potential of C**s, fostering innovation across diverse scientific and technological fields.

Keywords:
carbon nanotubes; LIBs; synthesis; purification; diverse applications

Batteries | Highly Cited Papers in 2025
https://www.mdpi.com/about/announcements/14579

Review on Advancements in Carbon Nanotubes: Synthesis, Purification, and Multifaceted Applications Since their discovery over two decades ago, carbon nanotubes (C**s) have captivated researchers due to their exceptional electrical, optical, mechanical, and thermal properties, making them versatile candidates for various advanced applications. C**s have transformed numerous scientific domains, inc...