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Yang, Yangyuchen

Publications and source records attributed to Yang, Yangyuchen.

A free-standing lithium phosphorus oxynitride thin film electrolyte promotes uniformly dense lithium metal deposition with no external pressure

Lithium phosphorus oxynitride (LiPON) is an amorphous solid electrolyte that has been extensively studied over the last three decades. Despite the promise of pairing it with various electrode materials, LiPON’s rigidity and air sensitivity set limitations to understanding its intrinsic properties. We report a methodology to synthesize LiPON in a free-standing form that manifests remarkable flexibility and a Young’s modulus of ∼33 GPa. We use solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance and differential scanning calorimetry to quantitatively reveal the chemistry of the Li/LiPON interface and the presence of a well-defined LiPON glass-transition temperature of 207 °C. Combining interfacial stress and a gold seeding layer, our free-standing LiPON shows a uniformly dense deposition of lithium metal without the aid of external pressure. This free-standing LiPON film offers opportunities to study fundamental properties of LiPON for interface engineering for solid-state batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Sub-nanometer confinement enables facile condensation of gas electrolyte for low-temperature batteries

Abstract Confining molecules in the nanoscale environment can lead to dramatic changes of their physical and chemical properties, which opens possibilities for new applications. There is a growing interest in liquefied gas electrolytes for electrochemical devices operating at low temperatures due to their low melting point. However, their high vapor pressure still poses potential safety concerns for practical usages. Herein, we report facile capillary condensation of gas electrolyte by strong confinement in sub-nanometer pores of metal-organic framework (MOF). By designing MOF-polymer membranes (MPMs) that present dense and continuous micropore (~0.8 nm) networks, we show significant uptake of hydrofluorocarbon molecules in MOF pores at pressure lower than the bulk counterpart. This unique property enables lithium/fluorinated graphite batteries with MPM-based electrolytes to deliver a significantly higher capacity than those with commercial separator membranes (~500 mAh g −1 vs. <0.03 mAh g −1 ) at −40 °C under reduced pressure of the electrolyte.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Electrochemical energy storage device

Electrochemical energy storage devices utilize ionic conducting electrolyte solution to carry charge between positive and negative electrodes. The electrolyte solutions use a mixture of solvent and salt and additional components, or additives, for improved electrochemical stability of the device. In an exemplary embodiment, an electrochemical device includes an electrolyte and housing to provide a pressurized condition for the electrolyte, and electrodes in contact with the electrolyte.

Rustomji, Cyrus Sam↗