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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 325 records · Page 18

A high-fidelity multiphysics model for the new solid oxide iron-air redox battery part I: Bridging mass transport and charge transfer with redox cycle kinetics

A high-fidelity two-dimensional axial symmetrical multi-physics model is described in this paper as an effort to simulate the cycle performance of a recently discovered solid oxide metal-air redox battery (SOMARB). The model collectively considers mass transport, charge transfer and chemical redox cycle kinetics occurring across the components of the battery, and is validated by experimental data obtained from independent research. In particular, the redox kinetics at the energy storage unit is well represented by Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kolmogorov (JIVIAK) and Shrinking Core models. The results explicitly show that the reduction of Fe3O4 during the charging cycle limits the overall performance. Distributions of electrode potential, overpotential, Nernst potential, and H-2/H2O-concentration across various components of the battery are also systematically investigated. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Jin, XF↗

RuO 2 nanoparticles supported on MnO 2 nanorods as high efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst of lithium-oxygen battery

RuO2 nanoparticles supported on MnO2 nanorods (denoted as np-RuO2/nr-MnO2) were synthesized via a two-step hydrothermal reaction. SEM and TEM images both illustrated that RuO2 nanoparticles are well dispersed on the surface of MnO2 nanorods in the as-prepared np-RuO2/nr-MnO2 material. Electrochemical results demonstrated that the np-RuO2/nr-MnO2 as oxygen cathode of Li-O-2 batteries could maintain a reversible capacity of 500 mA h g(-1) within 75 cycles at a rate of 50 mA g(-1), and a higher capacity of 4000 mA h g(-1) within 20 cycles at a rate as high as 200 mA g(-1). Moreover, the cell with the np-RuO2/nr-MnO2 catalyst presented much lower voltage polarization (about 0.58 V at a rate of 50 mA g(-1)) than that measured with only MnO2 nanorods during charge/discharge processes. The catalytic property of the np-RuO2/nr-MnO2 and MnO2 nanorods were further compared by conducting studies of using rotating disk electrode (RDE), chronoamperommetry and linear sweep voltammetry. The results illustrated that the np-RuO2/nr-MnO2 exhibited excellent bifunctional electrocatalytic activities towards both oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Furthermore, in-situ high-energy X-ray diffraction was employed to trace evolution of species on the np-RuO2/nr-MnO2 cathode during the discharge processes. In-situ XRD patterns demonstrated the formation process of the discharge products that consisted of mainly Li2O2. Ex-situ SEM images were recorded to investigate the morphology and decomposition of the sphere-like Li2O2, which could be observed clearly after discharge process, while are decomposed almost after charge process. The excellent electrochemical performances of the np-RuO2/nr-MnO2 as cathode of Li-O-2 battery could be contributed to the excellent bifunctional electrocatalytic activities for both the ORR and OER, and to the one-dimensional structure which would benefit the diffusion of oxygen and the storage of Li2O2 in the discharge process of Li-O-2 battery.

Xu, Yue-Feng↗

Calculated Reduction Potentials of Electrolyte Species in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

In this work, reduction potentials of electrolyte molecules in the lithium–sulfur (Li/S) battery and their variations in several solvent environments are studied using the density functional theory method with Dunning’s triple-ζ correlation consistent basis set. Reliable reduction potential values are key for electrolyte additive design needed for suppressing polysulfide dissolution shuttle mechanism, resulting in poor cycle performance and severe self-discharge of the Li/S battery. Although isolated electrolyte molecules have reduction potentials outside the operating voltage range of the Li/S battery, complexation with other electrolyte species enables the electrolyte molecules to be reduced within the operating voltage range. Among the electrolyte species considered in this study, bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (FSI – ) and fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) yield reduction potentials within the expected range, suggesting the development of fluorine-containing additives as a promising line of research.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Rigid-Rod Sulfonated Polyamide as an Aqueous-Processable Binder for Li-Ion Battery Electrodes

Polymer binders are important components of most battery electrodes, ensuring high performance and long-term durability. Increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries in the automotive, stationary power, and portable electronics industries calls for a greener binder to replace poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF). We evaluate the performance of aqueous solution-processed electrodes prepared with a rigid-rod polymer binder, poly(2,2'-disulfonyl-4,4'-benzidine terephthalamide) (PBDT). The polyamide backbone and double-helical configuration of PBDT give rise to its mechanical strength and rigidity, and its functional nature (H-bonding amides and sulfonates) can provide specific binding with electrode particles. LiFePO 4 electrodes prepared with 3 wt% PBDT show mechanical integrity and cycling stability, achieving over 1000 cycles at 4C rate with negligible capacity decay. These electrodes demonstrate comparable rate performance with their PVDF counterparts while eliminating fluorine from the electrode as well as the organic solvents needed for processing. Furthermore, this study reveals that PBDT holds great potential as a binder for advanced sustainable batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Manipulating surface reactions in lithium-sulphur batteries using hybrid anode structures

Lithium-sulphur batteries have high theoretical energy density and potentially low cost, but significant challenges such as severe capacity degradation prevent its widespread adoption. Here we report a new design of lithium-sulphur battery using electrically connected graphite and lithium metal as a hybrid anode to control undesirable surface reactions on lithium. Lithiated graphite placed in front of the lithium metal functions as an artificial, self-regulated solid electrolyte interface layer to actively control the electrochemical reactions and minimize the deleterious side reactions, leading to significant performance improvements. Lithium-sulphur cells incorporating this hybrid anodes deliver capacities of >800 mAhg(-1) for 400 cycles at a high rate of 1,737mAg(-1), with only 11% capacity fade and a Coulombic efficiency >99%. This simple hybrid concept may also provide scientific strategies for protecting metal anodes in other energy-storage devices.

Huang, C↗

Understanding intercalation chemistry for sustainable aqueous zinc–manganese dioxide batteries

Rechargeable aqueous Zn-MnO 2 technology combines one of the oldest battery chemistries with favourable sustainability characteristics, including safety, cost and environmental compatibility. However, the ambiguous charge storage mechanism presents a challenge to fulfil the great potential of this energy technology. In this work, we leverage on advanced electron microscopy, electrochemical analysis and theoretical calculations to look into the intercalation chemistry within the cathode material, or α-MnO 2 more specifically. We show that Zn 2+ insertion into the cathode is unlikely in the aqueous system; rather, the charge storage process is dominated by proton intercalation to form α-H x MnO 2 . We further reveal anisotropic lattice change as a result of entering protons proceeding from the surface into the bulk of α-MnO 2 , which accounts for the structural failure and capacity decay of the electrode upon cycling. Our work not only advances the fundamental understanding of rechargeable zinc batteries but also suggests the possibility to optimize proton intercalation kinetics for better-performing cell designs. A rechargeable aqueous Zn-MnO 2 battery features a combination of favourable sustainability characteristics from safety to cost. The authors deploy advanced characterizations and theoretical calculations to provide fresh insight into the charge storage mechanism, which not only closes an ongoing debate but suggests ways forward.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Modeling of internal mechanical failure of all-solid-state batteries during electrochemical cycling, and implications for battery design

This study is the first quantitative analysis of mechanical reliability of all-solid state batteries. Mechanical degradation of the solid electrolyte (SE) is caused by intercalation-induced expansion of the electrode particles, within the constrains of a dense microstructure. A coupled electro-chemo-mechanical model was implemented to quantify the material properties that cause an SE to fracture. The treatment of microstructural details is essential to the understanding of stress-localization phenomena and fracture. A cohesive zone model is employed to simulate the evolution of damage. In the numerical tests, fracture is prevented when electrode-particle's expansion is lower than 7.5% (typical for most Li-intercalating compounds) and the solid-electrolyte's fracture energy higher than G c = 4 J m -2 . Perhaps counter-intuitively, the analyses show that compliant solid electrolytes (with Young's modulus in the order of E SE = 15 GPa) are more prone to micro-cracking. This result, captured by our non-linear kinematics model, contradicts the speculation that sulfide SEs are more suitable for the design of bulk-type batteries than oxide SEs. Mechanical degradation is linked to the battery power-density. Fracture in solid Li-ion conductors represents a barrier for Li transport, and accelerates the decay of rate performance.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Mechanistic Investigation of Redox Processes in Zn-MnO2 battery in Mild Aqueous Electrolytes

Zinc-MnO2 based batteries have acquired attention for grid-level applications, due to impressive theoretical performance, cost effectiveness and intrinsic safety. However, there are still many challenges that remain elusive due to the complex and controversial mechanisms of operation that hinders commercialization. In this work, the detailed redox processes that occur at the cathode during Zn-MnO2 battery operation are elucidated. Using a blend of structural and electrochemical techniques, the redox pairs that occur during operation are mechanistically studied while also showcasing the true impact of the electrolyte additive (0.1 M MnSO4) in a 1 M ZnSO4 electrolyte. An electrochemical quartz-crystal microbalance (EQCM) has been leveraged to reveal the effect of zinc hydroxy sulfate salt (Zn4SO4(OH)6·nH2O) and zinc manganese oxide (ZnxMnyOz) dissolution/deposition, which are believed to be major components during discharge and charge conditions. . These results provide insight not currently available, allowing a holistic view of the electrochemical reaction mechanisms during battery operation.

Rodriguez Perez, Ismael A.↗

Developing low-cost rechargeable batteries: beyond traditional layered oxide cathodes for Li-ion and beyond Li-ion batteries

Here, the rising demand for energy storage systems, driven by the rapid adoption of electric vehicles and the global shift toward renewable energy, necessitates continuous efforts to lower the cost of current lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and enhance the sustainability of existing battery chemistries. This feature article examines the key challenges associated with Ni- and Co-containing LIB cathodes and compares advancements in cathode development for non-traditional Li-ion and beyond Li-ion chemistries. First, a review of earth-abundant element containing disordered rock-salt cathodes is presented, with a discussion of key strategies such as compositional tuning and carbon coating to improve their electrochemical performance. Hurdles in developing oxide-based cathodes for Na- and K-ion batteries are also highlighted, followed by an in-depth overview of polyanion and Prussian blue cathodes for Na- and K-ion systems. Overall, this article provides a systematic perspective on the design of earth-abundant, low-cost, and sustainable cathode materials for both LIB and beyond LIB technologies.

Lohani, Harshita [Lawrence Berkeley National Labor↗

Solvation sheath reorganization enables divalent metal batteries with fast interfacial charge transfer kinetics

Efficient, rechargeable Mg and Ca batteries Divalent rechargeable metal batteries such as those based on magnesium and calcium are of interest because of the abundance of these elements and their lower tendency to form dendrites, but practical demonstrations are lacking. Hou et al . used methoxyethyl amine chelants in which the ligands attach to the metal atom in more than one place, modulating the solvation structure of the metal ions to enable a facile charge-transfer reaction (see the Perspective by Zuo and Yin). In full battery cells, these components lead to high efficiency and energy density. Theoretical calculations were used to understand the solvation structures. —MSL

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

Updated Production Inventory for Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes for the GREET® Model, and Review of Advanced Battery Chemistries

The Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Technologies (GREET®) model considers lithium-ion batteries with multiple anode materials. Synthetic graphite is the primary anode material used in the previous GREET versions, even as the model offered options to choose a lithium anode and/or a blended anode (blend of synthetic graphite and silicon). Yet, the inventory (material and energy flows) considered for these anodes is dated, and the anode options do not consider natural graphite, which is another important anode material for lithium-ion batteries. This report documents the material and energy flows for natural graphite anode production from raw material extraction to anode production – as incorporated in the updated GREET model. We also present a brief literature review on the current state of inventory for the other three anodes (synthetic graphite, silicon, and lithium), as well as updates made in the recent GREET model on material and energy flows associated with their respective production. Finally, this study provides a summary of advanced battery systems that may be alternatives to LIBs for use in future electric vehicles.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Circuit with a Switch for Charging a Battery in a Battery Capacitor Circuit

A circuit for charging a battery combined with a capacitor includes a power supply adapted to be connected to the capacitor, and the battery. The circuit includes an electronic switch connected to the power supply. The electronic switch is responsive to switch between a conducting state to allow current and a non-conducting state to prevent current flow. The circuit includes a control device connected to the switch and is operable to generate a control signal to continuously switch the electronic switch between the conducting and non-conducting states to charge the battery.

Stuart, Thomas A.↗