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35 records · Page 2

Theory-guided experimental design in battery materials research

A reliable energy storage ecosystem is imperative for a renewable energy future, and continued research is needed to develop promising rechargeable battery chemistries. To this end, better theoretical and experimental understanding of electrochemical mechanisms and structure-property relationships will allow us to accelerate the development of safer batteries with higher energy densities and longer lifetimes. This Review discusses the interplay between theory and experiment in battery materials research, enabling us to not only uncover hitherto unknown mechanisms but also rationally design more promising electrode and electrolyte materials. We examine specific case studies of theory-guided experimental design in lithium-ion, lithium-metal, sodium-metal, and all-solid-state batteries. We also offer insights into how this framework can be extended to multivalent batteries. To close the loop, we outline recent efforts in coupling machine learning with high-throughput computations and experiments. Last, recommendations for effective collaboration between theorists and experimentalists are provided.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Anion and cation co-doping of Na 4 SnS 4 as sodium superionic conductors

Na based all-solid-state batteries are one of the most promising candidates for large-scale electrochemical energy storage owing to their low cost and outstanding safety properties. The key enabler of this technology is solid electrolyte with sufficiently high ionic conductivity at room temperature. In this work, the design, synthesis, characterization and testing of a series of novel fast Na-ion conductors, Na 4-x-y Sn 1-x A x S 4-y X y with aliovalent cation (P 5+ /Sb 5+ ) and anion substitutions (Cl - /Br - ) of the parent compound Na 4 SnS 4 are reported. The doped samples crystalize in a new phase with space group I4 1 /acd and show ionic conductivities that are one to four orders of magnitude higher than that of undoped Na 4 SnS 4 . R. t. conductivity of 0.64 mS cm -1 is achieved in Na 3.7 Sn 0.8 Sb 0.2 S 3.9 Cl 0.1 with a low activation energy of 0.26 eV. Furthermore, Rietveld refinement against high resolution synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data reveals that the distribution of the doping ions and the resulted Na vacancies are underlying cause of the enhanced conductivity.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Understanding the structure and mechanism of Na + diffusion in NASICON solid-state electrolytes and the effect of Sc- and Al/Y-substitution

NASICON (sodium superionic conductor) based ceramics are one of the most promising classes of solid-state electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries. However, the mechanism of sodium ion diffusion is not understood in great detail since there is still a discrepancy between reported average structure models, local structures, and the number and position of sodium sites. To close this gap, we investigate the underlying diffusion mechanism and structural changes governing the Na + transport in Na 3.4 Zr 2 Si 2.4 P 0.6 O 12 using quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). In the temperature range from 298 K to 640 K, the correlations between structural changes of a monoclinic C2/c to rhombohedral R $\bar{3}$c phase transition and the result of ion diffusion are investigated. The analysis of the quasielastic neutron scattering data reveals two quasielastic components corresponding to the Chudley-Elliott jump-diffusion model. It clearly shows two different Na + diffusion processes, local and long-range, on two different time and length scales and allows calculations of their corresponding activation energies. Additionally, the effects of Sc 3+ and Al 3+ /Y 3+ aliovalent substitution of Zr 4+ ions on the crystal structure and Na + diffusion are also studied. We can distinguish a local, chain, and cross-chain diffusion mechanism based on correlated QENS and XRD comparison of relevant nearest crystallographic Na–Na distances. The results reveal that the Na + diffusion in these NASICONs is three-dimensional and can provide guidelines on how dopants and changes in the crystal structure can affect the Na + conductivity.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Solid Electrolytes in the Spotlight

This virtual issue is targeted to students and researchers, and highlights 32 research articles published over the past 5 years (from July 2016 to July 2021) in Chemistry of Materials (CM). Here, the compilation of papers summarizes the latest advances in the field of solid-state electrolytes for lithium (Li)-, sodium (Na)-, and multivalent-ion (not among the 32 articles discussed) all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs), with a focus on inorganic materials and excluding hybrid systems, e.g., polymer/ceramic composites or systems including liquid media. A total of 125 articles reporting exciting experimental and/or theoretical findings on solid electrolytes were considered for this issue. During 2017–2019, there were about 25–30 papers published per year on this topic, but 2020 and 2021 saw a significant increase, with 26 publications in the first half of 2021 alone. Submissions came from many countries around the world, as shown in Figure 1. While most papers were led by research groups located in the United States, Germany and Japan follow closely, and Austria, the United Kingdom, Canada, and China are also well represented.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Heavily Tungsten–Doped Sodium Thioantimonate Solid–State Electrolytes with Exceptionally Low Activation Energy for Ionic Diffusion

A strategy for modifying the structure of solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) to reduce the cation diffusion activation energy is presented. Two heavily W-doped sodium thioantimonate SSEs, Na 2.895 W 0.3 Sb 0.7 S 4 and Na 2.7 W 0.3 Sb 0.7 S 4 are designed, both exhibiting exceptionally low activation energy and enhanced room temperature (RT) ionic conductivity; 0.09 eV, 24.2 mS/cm and 0.12 eV, 14.5 mS/cm. At –15 °C the Na 2.895 W 0.3 Sb 0.7 S 4 displays a total ionic conductivity of 5.5 mS/cm. Here, the 30 % W content goes far beyond the 10–12 % reported in the prior studies, and results in novel pseudo-cubic or orthorhombic structures. Calculations reveal that these properties result from a combination of multiple diffusion mechanisms, including vacancy defects, strongly correlated modes and excessive Na-ions. An all-solid-state battery (ASSB) using Na 2.895 W 0.3 Sb 0.7 S 4 as the primary SSE and a sodium sulfide (Na 2 S) cathode achieves a reversible capacity of 400 mAh g –1 .

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Heavily Tungsten-Doped Sodium Thioantimonate Solid-State Electrolytes with Exceptionally Low Activation Energy for Ionic Diffusion

A strategy for modifying the structure of solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) to reduce the cation diffusion activation energy is presented. Two heavily W-doped sodium thioantimonate SSEs, Na 2.895 W 0.3 Sb 0.7 S 4 and Na 2.7 W 0.3 Sb 0.7 S 4 are designed, both exhibiting exceptionally low activation energy and enhanced room temperature (RT) ionic conductivity; 0.09 eV, 24.2 mS/cm and 0.12 eV, 14.5 mS/cm. At –15 °C the Na 2.895 W 0.3 Sb 0.7 S 4 displays a total ionic conductivity of 5.5 mS/cm. The 30 % W content goes far beyond the 10–12 % reported in the prior studies, and results in novel pseudo-cubic or orthorhombic structures. Here, calculations reveal that these properties result from a combination of multiple diffusion mechanisms, including vacancy defects, strongly correlated modes and excessive Na-ions. An all-solid-state battery (ASSB) using Na 2.895 W 0.3 Sb 0.7 S 4 as the primary SSE and a sodium sulfide (Na 2 S) cathode achieves a reversible capacity of 400 mAh g –1 .

sodium metal battery (SMB)↗

Stabilizing Metallic Na Anodes via Sodiophilicity Regulation: A Review

This review focuses on the Na wetting challenges and relevant strategies regarding stabilizing sodium-metal anodes in sodium-metal batteries (SMBs). The Na anode is the essential component of three key energy storage systems, including molten SMBs (i.e., intermediate-temperature Na-S and ZEBRA batteries), all-solid-state SMBs, and conventional SMBs using liquid electrolytes. We begin with a general description of issues encountered by different SMB systems and point out the common challenge in Na wetting. We detail the emerging strategies of improving Na wettability and stabilizing Na metal anodes for the three types of batteries, with the emphasis on discussing various types of tactics developed for SMBs using liquid electrolytes. We conclude with a discussion of the overlooked yet critical aspects (Na metal utilization, N/P ratio, critical current density, etc.) in the existing strategies for an individual battery system and propose promising areas (anolyte incorporation and catholyte modifications for lower-temperature molten SMBs, cell evaluation under practically relevant current density and areal capacity, etc.) that we believe to be the most urgent for further pursuit. Comprehensive investigations combining complementary post-mortem, in situ, and operando analyses to elucidate cell-level structure-performance relations are advocated.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

High-Voltage Potassium Hexacyanoferrate Cathode via High-Entropy and Potassium Incorporation for Stable Sodium-Ion Batteries

Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) used as sodium ion battery (SIB) cathodes are usually the focus of attention due to their three-dimensional open frame and high theoretical capacity. Nonetheless, the disadvantages of a low working voltage and inferior structural stability of PBAs prevent their further applications. Herein, we propose constructing the K x (MnFeCoNiCu)[Fe(CN) 6 ] (HE-K-PBA) cathode by high-entropy and potassium incorporation strategy to simultaneously realize high working voltage and cycling stability. In this study, the reaction mechanism of metal cations in HE-K-PBA are revealed by synchrotron radiation X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and in situ Raman spectra. We also investigate the entropy stabilization mechanism via finite element simulation, demonstrating that HE-K-PBA with small von Mises stress and weak structure strain can significantly mitigate the structural distortion. Benefit from the stable structure and everlasting K + (de)intercalation, the HE-K-PBA delivers high output voltage (3.46 V), good reversible capacity (120.5 mAh g –1 at 0.01 A g –1 ), and capacity retention of 90.4% after 1700 cycles at 1.0 A g –1 . Moreover, the assembled full cell and all-solid-state batteries with a stable median voltage of 3.29 V over 3000 cycles further demonstrate the application prospects of the HE-K-PBA cathode.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Lithium and sodium superionic conductors

Presented are new, earth-abundant lithium superionic conductors, Li3Y(PS4)2 and L15PS4Cl2, that emerged from a comprehensive screening of the Li—P—S and Li—M—P—S chemical spaces. Both candidates are derived from the relatively unexplored quaternary silver thiophosphates. One key enabler of this discovery is the development of a first-of-its-kind high-throughput first principles screening approach that can exclude candidates unlikely to satisfy the stringent Li+ conductivity requirements using a minimum of computational resources. Both candidates are predicted to be synthesizable, and are electronically insulating. Systems and methods according to present principles enable new, all-solid-state rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

Zhu, Zhuoying↗

Lithium and sodium superionic conductors

Presented are new, earth-abundant lithium superionic conductors, Li 3 Y(PS 4 ) 2 and Li 5 PS 4 Cl 2 , that emerged from a comprehensive screening of the Li—P—S and Li-M-P—S chemical spaces. Both candidates are derived from the relatively unexplored quaternary silver thiophosphates. One key enabler of this discovery is the development of a first-of-its-kind high-throughput first principles screening approach that can exclude candidates unlikely to satisfy the stringent Li+ conductivity requirements using a minimum of computational resources. Both candidates are predicted to be synthesizable, and are electronically insulating. Systems and methods according to present principles enable new, all-solid-state rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

Zhu, Zhuoying↗

Visualization of Solid-State Synthesis for Chalcogenide Na Superionic Conductors by in-situ Neutron Diffraction

Chalcogenide superionic sodium (Na) conductors are great potential as solid electrolytes (SEs) in all-solid-state Na batteries with advantages of high energy density and safety, and cost effectiveness. For solid Na-ion conductors, their crystal structures and ionically conductive properties are strongly influenced by the synthetic approaches and processing parameters. Thus, understanding the synthesis process is essential to control the structures and phases and thereby yields to Na-ion conductors with desirable properties. Thanks to the high-flux and deep-penetrating time-of-flight neutron diffraction (ND), we employed in situ experiments to track real-time structural changes of two chalcogenide SEs (Na 3 SbS 4 and Na 3 SbS 3.5 Se 0.5 ) during the solid-state synthesis. For these two conductors, the ND results reveal a fast one-step reaction for the synthesis and the molten process when heating up, and the recrystallization as well as the cubic-to-tetragonal phase transition up on cooling. Moreover, Se-doping is found to influence the reaction temperatures, lattice parameter and structure stability based on neutron experimental observations and theoretical simulation. This work presents a detailed structural study using in situ neutron diffraction technology for the solid synthesis process of chalcogenide Na-ion conductors, beneficial for the design and synthesis of new solid-state conductors.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Constructing a multi-functional polymer network for ultra-stable and safe Li-metal batteries

We report the practical application of lithium (Li) metal electrodes is impeded by Li dendrite growth and unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Herein, a multi-grafting polymer network, poly(dimethyl siloxane)-g-[poly(poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate)-r-sodium poly(p-styrene sulfonate)] (PPS), is chemically synthesized from reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. With integrated stretchability, ionic conductivity, and mechanical robustness, it serves a dual role to stabilize the Li electrode. As artificial SEI layer, the PPS enables superior electrochemical performance in half cells, symmetric cells, and full cells (PPS@Li/LiFePO 4 , capacity retention of >70% after 600 cycles). Utilized as solid polymer electrolyte (SPE), the all-solid-state Li/SPE/LiFePO 4 full cell delivers excellent cycling performance with an unprecedented capacity retention of 90% over 1,700 cycles at 0.5 C and 81% over 1,000 cycles at 1.0 C. With high-voltage LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 (NMC811) as cathode, the Li/SPE/NMC811 cell exhibits an initial discharge capacity of 162.2 mAh g -1 with a capacity retention of 72% after 200 cycles. The assembled solid-state Li/SPE/LiFePO4 pouch cell with SPE exhibits stable cycling performance over 200 cycles with a capacity retention of 75% and still operates well even after curling, folding, and cutting, demonstrating great potential for achieving ultra-safe and high energy density batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

LaCl 3 -based sodium halide solid electrolytes with high ionic conductivity for all-solid-state batteries

To enable high performance of all solid-state batteries, a catholyte should demonstrate high ionic conductivity, good compressibility and oxidative stability. Here, a LaCl 3 -based Na + superionic conductor (Na 1–x Zr x La 1–x Cl 4 ) with high ionic conductivity of 2.9 × 10 –4 S cm –1 (30 °C), good compressibility and high oxidative potential (3.80 V vs. Na 2 Sn) is prepared via solid state reaction combining mechanochemical method. X-ray diffraction reveals a hexagonal structure (P6 3 /m) of Na 1–x Zr x La 1–x Cl 4 , with Na + ions forming a one-dimensional diffusion channel along the c-axis. First-principle calculations combining with X-ray absorption fine structure characterization etc. reveal that the ionic conductivity of Na 1–x Zr x La 1–x Cl 4 is mainly determined by the size of Na + -channels and the Na + /La 3+ mixing in the one-dimensional diffusion channels. When applied as a catholyte, the NaCrO 2 ||Na 0.7 Zr 0.3 La 0.7 Cl 4 ||Na 3 PS 4 ||Na 2 Sn all-solid-state batteries demonstrate an initial capacity of 114 mA h g –1 and 88% retention after 70 cycles at 0.3 C. In addition, a high capacity of 94 mA h g –1 can be maintained at 1 C current density.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Multi-mechanistic Strategies for Novel Solid Electrolytes with Superior Properties

Despite a wide range of solid electrolyte phases, most of them only exist at high temperatures. The challenge is to tailor the chemical compositions of solid electrolyte materials that yield high ionic conductivities and low activation energies at ambient temperature. This is crucial for the development of all-solid-state batteries that are both powerful and safe. Here, we report our recent works to meet this challenge by utilizing multiple mechanistic principles and clusters as the building blocks. We show that the atomic-level interactions that govern the fast-ion conduction can be optimized by incorporating polyanion dynamics, non-stoichiometry, point defects and strong ionic correlations. Specifically, two case studies of Li/Na solid electrolytes will be covered, including lithium solid electrolytes (SE) with record-high ionic conductivities at room temperature (over 100 mS/cm) and sodium SE with record-low activation energies (< 0.1 eV).

Fang, Hong↗

Nasicon dual ion conductors for all solid-state batteries

A super ion conductor composition is disclosed. The super ion conductor composition has the general formula: A 1+x M x/2 Zr 2−x/2 (PO 4 ) 3 , where each A is independently Na or Li, M is Mn or Mg, and subscript x is from 0.5 to 3. A solid electrolyte comprising the super ion conductor composition, and a method of preparing the solid electrolyte, are also disclosed. The method comprises combining a zirconium compound, a manganese or magnesium compound, a sodium compound, and a phosphate compound to give a mixture; and calcining the mixture to give the super ion conductor composition, thereby preparing the solid electrolyte. Functional materials and devices comprising the super ion conductor composition are also disclosed, including a catholyte composition, an ion conducting solid electrolyte membrane, as well as all-solid-state batteries.

Amin, Ruhul↗