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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 433 records · Page 24
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1992

Testing and analyses of electrochemical cells using frequency response

The feasibility of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy as a method for analyzing battery state of health and state of charge was investigated. Porous silver, zinc, nickel, and cadmium electrodes as well as silver/zinc cells were studied. State of charge could be correlated with impedance data for all but the nickel electrodes. State of health was correlated with impedance data for two silver/zinc cells, one apparently good and the other dead. The experimental data were fit to equivalent circuit models.

Norton, O. A., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1996

High energy density micro-fiber based nickel electrode for aerospace batteries

The nickel electrode is the specific energy limiting component in battery systems such as nickel-hydrogen, nickel-metal hydride and nickel-zinc. Lightweight, high energy density nickel electrodes have been developed which deliver in excess of 180 mAh/g at the one-hour discharge rate. These electrodes are based on a highly porous, nickel micro-fiber (less than 10 micron diameter) substrate, electrochemically impregnated with nickel-hydroxide active material. Electrodes are being tested both as a flooded half-cell and in full nickel-hydrogen and nickel-metal hydride cells. The electrode technology developed is applicable to commercial nickel-based batteries for applications such as electric vehicles, cellular telephones and laptop computers and for low-cost, high energy density military and aerospace applications.

Francisco, Jennifer↗
DOE OSTI2023

Progresses and Perspectives of All‐Iron Aqueous Redox Flow Batteries

Abstract Redox flow batteries (RFBs) are a promising option for long‐duration energy storage (LDES) due to their stability, scalability, and potential reversibility. However, solid‐state and non‐aqueous flow batteries have low safety and low conductivity, while aqueous systems using vanadium and zinc are expensive and have low power and energy densities, limiting their industrial application. An approach to lower capital cost and improve scalability is to utilize cheap Earth‐abundant metals such as iron (Fe). Nevertheless, all‐iron RFBs have many complications, involving voltage loss from ohmic resistance, side reactions such as hydrogen evolution, oxidation, and most significantly electrode plating, and dendrite growth. To address these issues, researchers have begun to examine the effects of various alterations to all‐iron RFBs, such as adding organic ligands to form Fe complexes and using a slurry electrode instead of common materials such as graphite or platinum rods. Overall, progress in improving aqueous all‐iron RFBs is at its infant stage, and new strategies must be introduced, such as the utilization of nanoparticles, which can limit dendrite growth while increasing storage capacity. This review provides an in‐depth overview of current research and offers perspectives on how to design the next generation of all‐iron aqueous RFBs.

Belongia, Shawn↗
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 OSTI2020

Anion Association Strength as a Unifying Descriptor for the Reversibility of Divalent Metal Deposition in Nonaqueous Electrolytes

Developing next-generation battery chemistries that move beyond traditional Li-ion systems is critical to enabling transformative advances in electrified transportation and grid-level energy storage. Here, we provide the first evidence for common descriptors for improved reversibility of metal plating/stripping in nonaqueous electrolytes for multivalent ion batteries. Focusing first on the specific role of chloride (Cl – ) in promoting electrochemical reversibility in multivalent systems, rotating disk (RDE) and ring-disk electrode (RRDE) investigations were performed utilizing a variety of divalent cations (Mg 2+ , Zn 2+ , and Cu 2+ ) and the bis-(trifluoromethane sulfonyl) imide (TFSI – ) anion. By introducing varying concentrations of Cl – , a cooperative effect is observed between TFSI – and Cl – that yields the more reversible behavior of mixed electrolytes relative to electrolytes containing only TFSI – . This effect is shown to be general for Mg, Zn, and Cu electrodeposition, and mechanistic understanding of the role of Cl – in improving reversibility of TFSI-based electrolytes is obtained through the combination of R(R)DE experimental results and density functional theory (DFT) evaluation of the redox activity and thermodynamic stability of various TFSI- and Cl-based solution complexes of metal ions. The cooperative anion effect is further generalized to other mixed-anion systems, where systematic variations in anion association strength predicted from DFT (i.e., Cl – > OTf – ≈ TFSI – > BF 4 – > PF 6 – ) yield corresponding trends in redox potentials and improvements of ≥200 mV in the reversibility of metal deposition/dissolution. These results identify anion association strength as a common descriptor for the reversibility of divalent metal anodes and suggest a set of general design principles for developing new electrolytes with improved activity and stability.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
NASA NTRS1986

The NASA Aerospace Battery Safety Handbook

This handbook has been written for the purpose of acquainting those involved with batteries with the information necessary for the safe handling, storage, and disposal of these energy storage devices. Included in the document is a discussion of the cell and battery design considerations and the role of the components within a cell. The cell and battery hazards are related to user- and/or manufacturer-induced causes. The Johnson Space Center (JSC) Payload Safety Guidelines for battery use in Shuttle applications are also provided. The electrochemical systems are divided into zinc anode and lithium anode primaries, secondary cells, and fuel cells. Each system is briefly described, typical applications are given, advantages and disadvantages are tabulated, and most importantly, safety hazards associated with its use are given.

Halpert, Gerald↗
NASA NTRS1981

Response of nickel to zinc cells to electric vehicle chopper discharge waveforms

The preliminary results of simulated electric vehicle chopper controlled discharge of a Nickel/Zinc battery shows delivered energy increases of 5 to 25 percent compared to constant current discharges of the same average current. The percentage increase was a function of chopper frequency, the ratio of peak to average current, and the magnitude of the discharge current. Because the chopper effects are of a complex nature, electric vehicle battery/speed controller interaction must be carefully considered in vehicle design to optimize battery performance.

Cataldo, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1992

The 1991 NASA Aerospace Battery Workshop

The proceedings from the workshop are presented. The subjects covered include nickel-cadmium, nickel-hydrogen, silver-zinc, and lithium based technologies, as well as advanced technologies including nickel-metal hydride and sodium-sulfur.

Brewer, Jeffrey C.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Gravitational effects on electrochemical batteries

The existing work on gravitational effects on electrochemical batteries is summarized, certain conclusions are drawn, and recommendations are made for future activities in this field. The effects of sustained high-G environments on cycle silver-zinc and nickel-cadmium cells have been evaluated over four complete cycles in the region of 10 to 75 G. Although no effects on high current discharge performances or on ampere-hour capacity were noted, severe zinc migration and sloughing of active material from the zinc electrode were observed. This latter effect constitutes real damage, and over a long period of time would result in loss of capacity. It is recommended that a zero-G battery experiment be implemented. Both an orbiting satellite and a sounding rocket approach are being considered.

Meredith, R. E.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Stable metal anodes enabled by a labile organic molecule bonded to a reduced graphene oxide aerogel

Significance Rechargeable batteries based on metal anodes are highly desirable due to their high energy density. However, the electrochemical interface is generally not favorable for metal deposition, resulting in dendritic metal growth and an unstable solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI). We altered the interface using a labile organic molecule, benzenesulfonyl fluoride. This molecule was bonded to the surface of a reduced graphene oxide aerogel, which not only guides uniform metal deposition but also enables formation of a stable SEI layer. The lithium metal batteries showed stable cycling and excellent tolerance to low-temperature operation. Stable sodium and zinc anodes were also realized, demonstrating the versatility of this concept.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1982

Inexpensive cross-linked polymeric separators made from water-soluble polymers

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), cross-linked chemically with aldehyde reagents, produces membranes which demonstrate oxidation resistance, dimensional stability, low ionic resistivity (less than 0.8 Ohms sq cm), low zincate diffusivity (less than 1 x 10 to the -7th mols/sq cm per min), and low zinc dendrite penetration rate (greater than 350 min) which make them suitable for use as alkaline battery separators. They are intrinsically low in cost, and environmental health and safety problems associated with commercial production appear minimal. Preparation, property measurements, and cell test results in Ni/Zn and Ag/Zn cells are described and discussed.

Hsu, L.-C.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Development and testing of a high cycle life 30 A-h sealed AgO-Zn battery

A two-phase program was initiated to investigate design parameters and technology to develop an improved AgO-Zn battery. The basic performance goal was 100 charge/discharge cycles (22 h/2 h) at 50 percent depth of discharge following a six-month period of charged stand at room temperature. Phase 1, cell evaluation, involved testing 70 cells in five-cell groups. The major design variables were active material ratios, electrolyte concentrations, separator systems, and negative plate shape. Phase 1 testing showed that cycle life could be improved 10 percent to 20 percent by using greater ratios of zinc to silver oxide and higher electrolyte concentrations. Wedge-shaped negatives increased cycle life by nearly 100 percent. Phase 2 battery evaluation, which was initiated before the Phase 1 results were known completely, involved evaluation of six designs as 19-cell batteries. Only one battery exceeded 100 cycles following nine months charged stand.

Bogner, R. S.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Aqueous manganese ion battery

An alternative grid energy storage system is described herein. In one embodiment, an electrochemical cell comprises a high specific surface area cathode (e.g., a cathode comprising a carbon nanofoam paper, a carbon nanotube mesh, a particulate carbon material, electrolytic manganese dioxide, or a manganese dioxide film), a zinc or lead anode (e.g., Zn or Pb foil), a selective ion-conductive separator that does not conduct zinc ions (e.g., a NAFION sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene based fluoropolymer-copolymer separator) between the anode and the cathode, and an aqueous electrolyte comprising a manganese salt (e.g., aqueous manganese sulfate) contacting the electrodes and the separator. A battery comprising two or more of the electrochemical cells electrically connected together in series, parallel, or both, also is described.

Tepavcevic, Sanja↗
DOE OSTI2023

Ion Conducting Polymer Interfaces for Lithium Metal Anodes: Impact on the Electrodeposition Kinetics

Electrochemical cells that utilize metals (e.g., lithium, sodium, zinc) as anodes are under intense investigation as they are projected to replace the current lithium-ion batteries to serve as a more energy-dense option for commercial applications. In addition, metal electrodes provide opportunities for fundamental research of different phenomena, such as ion transport and electrochemical kinetics, in the complex environment of reactive metal-electrodeposition. In this work, computationally and experimentally the competing effects related to transport and kinetics during the metal electrodeposition process are examined. Using Brownian dynamics simulations, it is shown that slower deposition kinetics results in a more compact and uniform Li morphology. This finding is experimentally implemented by designing ion-containing polymeric coatings on the electrodes that simultaneously provide pathways for lithium-ion transport, while impeding the charge transfer (Li + + e - → Li) at heterogeneous surfaces. It is further shown that these ionic polymer interfaces can significantly extend the cell-lifetime of a lithium metal battery in both ether-based and carbonate-based electrolytes. Through theoretical and experimental investigations, it is found that a low kinetic to transport rate ratio is a major factor in influencing the Li plating morphology. The plating morphology can be further fine-tuned by increasing ionic conductivity.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Rechargeable Alkaline Zinc/Copper Oxide Batteries

Resurrecting a battery chemistry thought to be only primary, we demonstrate the first example of a rechargeable alkaline zinc/copper oxide battery. With the incorporation of a Bi 2 O 3 additive to stabilize the copper oxide-based conversion cathode, Zn/(CuO–Bi 2 O 3 ) cells are capable of cycling over 100 times at >124 W h/L, with capacities from 674 mA h/g (cycle 1) to 362 mA h/g (cycle 150). The crucial role of Bi 2 O 3 in facilitating the electrochemical reversibility of Cu 2 O, Cu(OH) 2 , and Cu o was supported by scanning and transmission electrochemical microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and rotating ring-disc electrode voltammetry and monitored via operando energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction measurements. Bismuth was identified as serving two roles, decreasing the cell resistance and promoting Cu(I) and Cu(II) reduction. Additionally, to mitigate the capacity losses of long-term cycling CuO cells, we demonstrate two limited depth of discharge (DOD) strategies. First, a 30% DOD (202 mA h/g) retains 99.9% capacity over 250 cycles. Second, the modification of the CuO cathode by the inclusion of additional Cu metal enables performance at very high areal capacities of ~40 mA h/cm 2 and unprecedented energy densities of ~260 W h/L, with near 100% Coulombic efficiency. This work revitalizes a historically primary battery chemistry and opens opportunity to future works in developing copper-based conversion cathode chemistries for the realization of low-cost, safe, and energy-dense secondary batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗