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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 235 records · Page 13
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Industrializable interlayer with catalytic conversion of dead lithium for Ah–level Nickel–rich lithium metal batteries

The growth of lithium (Li) dendrites and the accumulation of dead Li (i.e., Li metal regions which are electronically disconnected from the current collector) significantly undermine the safety and performance of Li metal batteries. This study employs kilogram-scale atomic layer deposition technology to construct zinc oxide with a preferential (002) crystal orientation, which homogeneously forms on commercial carbon nanotube papers. Our approach emphasizes the importance of achieving a moderate Li adsorption energy and low Li migration energy barriers to suppress Li dendrite growth. In this work, we introduce the concept of "catalytic" effect for dead Li reconversion, as validated through time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, leading to a Li plating/stripping efficiency of 99.89%. The Ah-level Li metal pouch cells with high-nickel positive electrodes achieve a specific energy of 380 Wh kg -1 (based on the mass of the whole pouch cell) and demonstrate stable cycling under demanding conditions. Analysis of the cycled pouch cells confirms the structural integrity and provides insights into the mechanism of the dead Li "catalytic" conversion.

Shen, Huasen [Jianghan University, Wuhan (China)]↗
DOE OSTI2024

Controlled large-area lithium deposition to reduce swelling of high-energy lithium metal pouch cells in liquid electrolytes

Lithium (Li) metal battery technology, renowned for its high energy density, faces practical challenges, particularly concerning large volume change and cell swelling. Despite the profound impact of external pressure on cell performance, there is a notable gap in research regarding the interplay between external pressure and the electroplating behaviours of Li+ in large-format pouch cells. Here we delve into the impact of externally applied pressure on electroplating and stripping of Li in 350 Wh kg –1 pouch cells. Employing a hybrid design, we monitor and quantify self-generated pressures, correlating them with observed charge–discharge processes. A two-stage cycling process is proposed, revealing controlled pouch cell swelling of less than 10%, comparable to state-of-the-art Li-ion batteries. Finally, the pressure distribution across the cell surface unveils a complex Li+ detour behaviour during electroplating, highlighting the need for innovative strategies to address uneven Li plating and enhance Li metal battery technology.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Revisiting metal fluorides as lithium-ion battery cathodes

Metal fluorides, promising lithium-ion battery cathode materials, have been classified as conversion materials due to the reconstructive phase transitions widely presumed to occur upon lithiation. We challenge this view by studying FeF 3 using X-ray total scattering and electron diffraction techniques that measure structure over multiple length scales coupled with density functional theory calculations, and by revisiting prior experimental studies of FeF 2 and CuF 2 . Metal fluoride lithiation is instead dominated by diffusion-controlled displacement mechanisms, and a clear topological relationship between the metal fluoride F- sublattices and that of LiF is established. Initial lithiation of FeF3 forms FeF2 on the particle's surface, along with a cation-ordered and stacking-disordered phase, A-Li x Fe y F 3 , which is structurally related to alpha-/beta-LiMn 2+ Fe 3+ F 6 and which topotactically transforms to B- and then C-Li x Fe y F 3 , before forming LiF and Fe. Lithiation of FeF 2 and CuF 2 results in a buffer phase between FeF 2 /CuF 2 and LiF. Overall, the resulting principles will aid future developments of a wider range of isomorphic metal fluorides.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Solid-state rigid-rod polymer composite electrolytes with nanocrystalline lithium ion pathways

A critical challenge for next-generation lithium-based batteries lies in development of electrolytes that enable thermal safety along with use of high-energy-density electrodes. We describe molecular ionic composite (MIC) electrolytes based on an aligned liquid crystalline polymer combined with ionic liquids and concentrated Li salt. This high strength (200 MPa) and non-flammable solid electrolyte possesses outstanding Li + conductivity (1 mS cm -1 at 25 °C) and electrochemical stability (5.6 V vs Li|Li + ) while suppressing dendrite growth and exhibiting low interfacial resistance (32 Ω cm 2 ) and overpotentials (≤ 120 mV @ 1 mA cm -2 ) during Li symmetric cell cycling. A heterogeneous salt doping process modifies a locally ordered polymer-ion assembly to incorporate an inter-grain network filled with defective LiFSI & LiBF 4 nanocrystals, strongly enhancing Li + conduction. Furthermore, this modular material fabrication platform shows promise for safe and high-energy-density energy storage and conversion applications, incorporating the fast transport of ceramic-like conductors with the superior flexibility of polymer electrolytes.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Lithium vanadium oxide (Li 1.1 V 3 O 8 ) thick porous electrodes with high rate capacity: utilization and evolution upon extended cycling elucidated via operando energy dispersive X-ray diffraction and continuum simulation

The phase distribution of lithiated LVO in thick (~500 μm) porous electrodes (TPEs) designed to facilitate both ion and electron transport was determined using synchrotron-based operando energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDXRD). Probing 3 positions in the TPE while cycling at a 1C rate revealed a homogeneous phase transition across the thickness of the electrode at the 1st and 95th cycles. Additionally, continuum modelling indicated uniform lithiation across the TPE in agreement with the EDXRD results and ascribed decreasing accessible active material to be the cause of loss in delivered capacity between the 1st and 95th cycles. The model was supported by the observation of significant particle fracture by SEM consistent with loss of electrical contact. Overall, the combination of operando EDXRD, continuum modeling, and ex situ measurements enabled a deeper understanding of lithium vanadium oxide transport properties under high rate extended cycling within a thick highly porous electrode architecture.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Temperature and processing effects on lithium ion conductivity of solution‐deposited lithium zirconium phosphate (LiZr 2 P 3 O 12 ) thin films

Abstract Lithium zirconium phosphate (LiZr 2 P 3 O 12 ) thin films have been prepared on platinized silicon substrates via a chemical solution deposition approach with processing temperatures between 700°C and 775°C. Films that were subject to a single high‐temperature anneal were found to crystallize at temperatures above 725°C. Crystallization was observed in films annealed after each deposited layer at 700°C and above. In both cases, grain size was found to increase with annealing temperature. Ion conductivity was found to increase with annealing temperature in singly annealed films. In per‐layer annealed films ion conductivity was found to initially increase then decrease with increasing annealing temperature. A maximum ion conductivity of 1.6 × 10 −6 S/cm was observed for the singly annealed 775°C condition, while a maximum ion conductivity of 5.8 × 10 −7 S/cm was observed for the 725°C per‐layer annealed condition. These results are consistent with an increasing influence of cross‐plane, internal interface resistance and vapor phase carrier loss in the per‐layer annealed samples. This work demonstrates that post‐deposition processing methods can strongly affect the ion conducting properties of LiZr 2 P 3 O 12 thin films.

Brummel, Ian A.↗
DOE OSTI2022

High-Safety Electrolytes for Lithium-Ion Batteries : Is non-flammability of electrolyte overrated in the overall safety performance of lithium ion batteries?

It has been widely considered that the flammability of the liquid electrolyte is one of the most influential factors that determine the safety of lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Following this consideration, a completely non-flammable electrolyte was designed and adopted to graphite||LiFePO 4 (Gr||LFP) batteries. Contrary to the conventional understanding, the completely non-flammable electrolyte with phosphorus-containing solvents exhibits inferior safety performance in commercial Gr||LFP batteries, in comparison to the flammable conventional LiPF 6 -organocarbonate electrolyte. Mechanistic studies identify the exothermic reactions between the electrolyte (especially the flame retarding phosphate solvent) and the charged electrodes as the “culprit” behind such a counterintuitive phenomenon. The discovery emphasizes the importance of reducing the electrolyte reactivity when designing safe electrolytes, as well as the necessity of evaluating safety performances of electrolyte on a battery level.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Development of Thin, Robust, Lithium-Impenetrable, HighConductivity, Electrochemically Stable, Scalable, and Low-Cost Glassy Solid Electrolytes for Solid State Lithium Batteries (Final Report)

Solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) must have thicknesses of < 50 microns in order to be competitive with current state-of-the-art organic liquid electrolyte batteries. Mixed oxy-sulfide-nitride (MOSN) glassy solid electrolytes (GSEs) can be drawn into thin ribbons using the glass redraw process, to form glasses with superior performance in a safe, lower-cost, monolithic glass film. It is expected that these new GSEs in solid-state lithium batteries (SSLBs) increase the energy density (anode basis) from ~300 mAh/g to ~ 4000 mAh/g. This project is focused on the development of candidate MOS GSE compositions, and optimization of the thin film drawing process to generate thin film glass ribbons for use in SSLBs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2026

ICL Commercial Production of Lithium Iron Phosphate Cathode Powder for the Global Lithium Battery Industry Final Technical Report

ICL was investing in producing cathode active material, Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP), used in the production of batteries for both electric vehicles and stationary storage. The demand for LFP was increasing with the global focus on sustainable energy, and there was no current manufacturer of this material in the United States. As such, imported LFP is subject to the uncertainties around supply chain and control of a foreign supplier. This investment would have allowed ICL to be a United States leader in LFP production. To gain a position in this market, ICL licensed the technology from a firm that has the process technology and has reliably supplied LFP into the battery market and currently has customers purchasing their product.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Lithium metal—seawater battery cells having protected lithium electrodes

Active metal and active metal intercalation electrode structures and battery cells having ionically conductive protective architecture including an active metal (e.g., lithium) conductive impervious layer separated from the electrode (anode) by a porous separator impregnated with a non-aqueous electrolyte (anolyte). This protective architecture prevents the active metal from deleterious reaction with the environment on the other (cathode) side of the impervious layer, which may include aqueous or non-aqueous liquid electrolytes (catholytes) and/or a variety electrochemically active materials, including liquid, solid and gaseous oxidizers. Safety additives and designs that facilitate manufacture are also provided.

Visco, Steven J.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Stable fluorinated alkylated lithium malonatoborate salts for lithium-ion battery applications

The invention is directed in a first aspect to electrolyte salt of the general formula Li+Z−, wherein Z− has the following chemical formula: wherein R1 is an alkyl group (R′) containing at least one and up to twelve carbon atoms, and R2 and R3 are independently selected from fluorine atom, hydrocarbon groups R, alkoxy groups (—OR), and ester groups —OC(O)R, wherein R2 and R3 can optionally interconnect via R functionalities to form a boron-containing ring. The invention is also directed to electrolyte compositions in which the above electrolyte salt is incorporated. The invention is further directed to lithium-ion batteries containing these electrolytes.

Sun, Xiao-Guang↗
DOE OSTI2023

Making lithium metal—seawater battery cells having protected lithium electrodes

Active metal and active metal intercalation electrode structures and battery cells having ionically conductive protective architecture including an active metal (e.g., lithium) conductive impervious layer separated from the electrode (anode) by a porous separator impregnated with a non-aqueous electrolyte (anolyte). This protective architecture prevents the active metal from deleterious reaction with the environment on the other (cathode) side of the impervious layer, which may include aqueous or non-aqueous liquid electrolytes (catholytes) and/or a variety electrochemically active materials, including liquid, solid and gaseous oxidizers. Safety additives and designs that facilitate manufacture are also provided.

Visco, Steven J.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Synthesis of LiNiO 2 at Moderate Oxygen Pressure and Long-Term Cyclability in Lithium-Ion Full Cells

The widespread adoption of electric vehicles necessitates higher-energy-density and longer-life cathode materials for Li-ion batteries. LiNiO 2 offers a higher energy density at a lower cost than other high-Ni-content cathodes containing additional transition-metal ions. However, detrimental phase transformations and impedance growth, resulting from structural defects formed during synthesis, lead to poor cyclability and limit the practical viability of LiNiO 2 . Herein, we demonstrate a considerably improved cycle life for LiNiO 2 by synthesizing it under a pressurized oxygen environment. The capacity retention in pouch-type full cells with a graphite anode after 1000 cycles is increased from 59 to 76% by applying a mere 1.7 atm of oxygen pressure during the synthesis of LiNiO 2 . With iodometric titration and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy analysis, we provide clear evidence that oxygen pressure during synthesis reduces the occurrence of lattice oxygen vacancies and increases the content of Ni 3+ in LiNiO 2 , improving its structural integrity and cyclability. Post-mortem analysis of the cycled cathodes provides insights into the sources of degradation occurring during long-term cycling. Here, this work demonstrates a practically viable, synthetic approach combined with doping and coating to achieve improved performance with high-Ni layered oxide materials. Furthermore, this work represents the first report of extended cycling of LiNiO 2 in pouch full cells with graphite anode and will, therefore, serves as an important benchmark for future research on LiNiO 2 .

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Unveiling the Stabilities of Nickel–Based Layered Oxide Cathodes at an Identical Degree of Delithiation in Lithium–Based Batteries

Bulk, surface, and interfacial instabilities that impact the cycle and thermal performances are the major challenges with high-energy-density LiNi 1–x–y Mn x Co y O 2 (NMC) cathodes with high nickel contents. It is generally believed that the instabilities and performance losses become exponentially aggravated as the nickel content increases. Disparate from this prevailing belief, it is herein demonstrated that NMC cathodes with higher Ni contents may imply better overall stability than “lower-Ni” cathodes under an identical degree of delithiation (charging) conditions. With two representative cathodes, LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 and LiNiO 2 , a systematic investigation into their stabilities with control of the degree of delithiation is presented. Electrochemical tests indicate that LiNiO 2 displays better cyclability than LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 at the same delithiation state. Comprehensive structural and interphase investigations unveil that the inferior cyclability of LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 predominantly results from aggravated parasitic reactions, and the interphase stability may be more critical than lattice stability in dictating cyclability. Also, LiNiO 2 delivers similar or better thermal behavior than LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 . Finally, the findings demonstrate a strong correlation of the stability of NMC cathodes to the degree of delithiation state rather than the Ni content itself, highlighting the importance of reassessing the true implications of Ni content and structural and interphasial tuning on the stabilities of NMC cathodes.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗