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Bisht, Anuj

Publications and source records attributed to Bisht, Anuj.

Enabling fast discharge of Li-ion batteries via electrolyte formulations for urban air mobility applications

High-power discharge requirements are critical for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) used in electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles that are increasingly considered in urban mobility. This investigation places a particular emphasis on understanding the impact of electrolytes on discharge processes and rate capability. We aim to compare the discharge behavior of LiBs using a conventional electrolyte (Gen 2: 1.2 M LiPF 6 in EC:EMC) and the dual salt LiTFSI-LiBOB-based electrolyte. Here we carefully examine the profiles of charging and discharging, the behavior during extended cycles, impedance spectroscopy results, and the characteristics of the electrode surface. Our research findings demonstrate the complex relationship between the composition of electrolytes and the specific high-power discharge requirements of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) systems. This research highlights the importance of customizing electrolyte compositions to optimize energy storage density while simultaneously enabling higher power extraction to enhance performance in short-range electric aviation.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Isostatic pressing of multilayer pouch cells and its implications for battery manufacturing

Here, we report a comprehensive investigation into the impact of isostatic pressure (ISP) processing on multilayer pouch cells. The study compares baseline electrodes fabricated using conventional manufacturing processes with isostatically pressed counterparts under varying conditions. Extensive characterization is carried out to assess the differences between baseline cells and those that underwent the isostatic pressing process. The electrochemical performance of the isostatically pressed cathodes was evaluated through impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic charge-discharge tests. The results indicated that ISP led to notable improvements in porosity, adhesion, and rate performance compared to the baseline cathodes. This work elucidates the microstructural changes induced by ISP in lithium-ion battery cathodes and highlights the technology’s promise for advancing battery manufacturing. The findings contribute to a better understanding of how ISP can be effectively integrated into cell assembly, fostering the development of more efficient and scalable battery manufacturing techniques for current Li-ion and solid-state batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Battery Electrolyte Design for Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) Platforms

Here, the development of robust and high-performance battery systems is crucial for the advancement of Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles for urban air mobility. This study evaluates the performance of different lithium-ion battery chemistries under Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) load profiles. The actual flight data coupled with physical models is used to create discharge profiles for testing on developed lithium-ion cells for eVTOLs. The performance of a standard liquid electrolyte (1.2 M LiPF 6 in EC:EMC), labeled Gen-2, is benchmarked and compared with a fast-charging electrolyte (1.2 M LiFSI in EC:EMC), labeled XFC. Cell analysis involves the use of various techniques, such as impedance spectroscopy, polarization curves, and capacity retention measurements. Capacity retention is stable for both systems over 500 cycles, but unique discharge capacity trends are observed for different mission segments. During the initial takeoff hover stages, Gen-2 electrolytes experience substantial voltage fade, while XFC electrolytes maintain consistent behavior. In general, the Gen-2 electrolyte demonstrated lower discharge overpotentials and higher decay during cycling compared to the XFC electrolyte. This work highlights the complexity of eVTOL battery behavior and provides insights into battery system design, contributing to the advancement of battery energy storage solutions for urban air mobility.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Origin of deactivation of aqueous Na–CO 2 battery and mitigation for long-duration energy storage

Here, the development of long-duration energy storage technology is crucial to facilitate the efficient utilization of renewable energy sources while mitigating carbon dioxide production. In this study, we investigate the deactivation and reactivation mechanisms of the aqueous Na–CO 2 battery during extended cycling. We have designed the cathode to include non-precious intermetallic catalysts. As the cell undergoes repeated cycles, the voltage polarization during discharge progressively rises, eventually leading to the cell's deactivation and formation of decomposition products clogging the electrode surface. Results obtained from comprehensive characterization techniques, including conductive atomic force microscopy (cAFM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry provide insight into the decomposition products. We also showcase an electrochemical approach for regeneration of these aqueous cells. Our findings, along with the insights we have gained, provide a path toward creating long-duration systems with self-healing properties.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Impact of cycling conditions on lithium-ion battery performance for electric vertical takeoff and landing applications

The development of better electrochemical energy storage systems has sparked significant interest in using Li-ion batteries for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) applications. To ensure the optimal performance and safety of onboard batteries, their behavior under different charging/discharging protocols and environmental conditions must be understood. Here, this paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of commercial Li-ion batteries for eVTOL applications, focusing on their responses to varying charging/discharging strategies and mechanical vibrations experienced during flight. Through controlled experiments, the effects of rapid cycling on battery performance were investigated, including effects on lifespan, capacity, and internal resistance. Additionally, the impact of mechanical vibrations on battery behavior was assessed to identify potential challenges for onboard batteries. The results of this study revealed intriguing insights into the interplay between temperature, vibration, and battery performance. This work contributes to the broader adoption of electric aerial transportation, promising a greener and safer future for urban mobility.

18650 cells↗

Efficient separation and coprecipitation for simplified cathode recycling

Hydrometallurgical recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries is among the most promising recovery approaches. The current hydrometallurgical method for battery recycling faces challenges such as complex separation and precipitation processes, and environmental concerns from the use of caustic inorganic acid and hazardous hydrogen peroxide. Our proposed modified method, namely polyol-metallurgy, uses citric acid in ethylene glycol as dual-function green solution to overcome these obstacles. This bifunctional solution leaches valuable metal ions from cathode materials (e.g., LiCoO 2 ), and then acts as chelating agents to selectively precipitate cobalt through an esterification reaction, without the need for additional precipitation agents. The leaching efficiency of cobalt and lithium reaches 99.55% and 97.65%, respectively, and more than 96% of cobalt could be directly self-precipitated and recovered. Further, the unique characteristics of the dual-function solution also avoids impurities from Al foils and PVDF/carbon black films, enabling the simple separation process. Therefore, the process can be completed in one-pot system with efficient leaching, separation and coprecipitation, making it more efficient and feasible for operation than existing alternatives.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗