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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 505 records · Page 28
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Surface Engineering Strategy to Synthesize Bicomponent Carbons for Rechargeable Zinc-Air Batteries

Atomic Fe-N x moieties and nanosized FeCo species anchored on carbons have each been demonstrated to be among the most effective active components for oxygen reduction and evolution reactions (ORR/OER), respectively in rechargeable zinc -air batteries (ZABs). However, incorporating both of these components in a single catalyst presents a great challenge due to the trade-off in formation between them during hightemperature preparation. Herein, we integrate them into a bicomponent carbon through a surface engineering strategy. In this process, K 3 [Fe(CN) 6 ] is engineered on the surface of a precursor mixture consisting of polyaniline-coated graphene oxide and ZIF-67. This is followed by pyrolysis to produce the bicomponent carbon catalyst of FeCo nanoparticles modified carbon polyhedron (for accelerating the OER), supported on atomically dispersed Fe -N -doped carbon nanosheet (for boosting the ORR). The catalyst exhibits a small potential gap of 0.69 V for OER/ORR. In situ Raman spectroscopy demonstrates that spinel FeCo oxides may be responsible for OER. The use of this catalyst in ZABs achieves high power densities of 225 mW cm -2 in aqueous electrolyte and 164 mW cm -2 in solid-state electrolyte. Additionally, a small and stable voltage gap of 0.712 V at 10 mA cm -2 is maintained after 1035 discharge -charge cycles demonstrating the great application potential in energy devices.

An, Jia-Xing↗
DOE OSTI2021

Reversible function switching of Ag catalyst in Mg/S battery with chloride-containing electrolyte

Rechargeable Mg/S batteries suffer from fast capacity decay because of the difficult re-oxidation of MgS. To tackle this problem, we used Ag catalyst in Mg/S cells with Cl- containing electrolyte, and achieved a greatly improved specific capacity of ~1200 mAh•g -1 and a long cycling life of 100 cycles. To understand the mechanism behind this improvement, we employed in-situ synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction and in-situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy tools to study the reversible phase transitions during charge/discharge cycling. Additionally, the in-situ experiment results revealed that, at deeply charged state, Ag reacted with Cl- in the electrolyte to form the AgCl interfacial layer which prevented the physical contact of Ag with elemental S and avoided the formation of Ag 2 S; at early discharged state, AgCl transformed back to metallic Ag, which guaranteed its catalytic effectiveness for MgS decomposition. This reversible function switching mechanism of Ag catalyst is completely different from that in Mg/S cells using other catalysts or electrolytes.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2020

An Iron-Decorated Carbon Aerogel for Rechargeable Flow and Flexible Zn–Air Batteries

Mechanically stable and foldable air cathodes with exceptional oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activities are key components of wearable metal-air batteries. Herein, a directional freeze-casting and annealing approach is reported for the construction of a 3D honeycomb nanostructured, N,P-doped carbon aerogel incorporating in situ grown FeP/Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles as the cathode in a flexible Zn-air battery (ZAB). The aqueous rechargeable Zn-air batteries assembled with this carbon aerogel exhibit a remarkable specific capacity of 648 mAh g -1 at a current density of 20 mA cm -2 with a good long-term durability, outperforming those assembled with commercial Pt/C+RuO 2 catalyst. Furthermore, such a foldable carbon aerogel with directional channels can serve as a freestanding air cathode for flexible solid-state Zn-air batteries without the use of carbon paper/cloth and additives, giving a specific capacity of 676 mAh g -1 and an energy density of 517 Wh kg -1 at 5 mA cm -2 together with good cycling stability. This work offers a new strategy to design and synthesize highly effective bifunctional air cathodes to be applied in electrochemical energy devices.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2021

In Situ/Operando (Soft) X-ray Spectroscopy Study of Beyond Lithium-ion Batteries

The lightweight, rechargeable lithium-ion battery is one of the dominant energy storage devices globally in portable electronics due to its high energy density, no memory effect, wide operating voltage, lightweight, and good charge efficiency. However, due to safety concerns, the depletion of lithium reserves, and the corresponding increase of cost, an alternative battery system becomes more and more desirable. To develop alternative battery systems with low cost and high material abundance, for example, sodium, magnesium, zinc, and calcium, it is important to understand the chemical and electronic structure of materials. Additionally, soft X-ray spectroscopy, for example, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES), and resonant inelastic soft X-ray scattering (RIXS), is an element-specific technique with sensitivity to the local chemical environment and structural order of the element of interest. Modern soft X-ray systems enable operando experiments that can be applied to amorphous and crystalline samples, making it a powerful tool for studying the electronic and structural changes in electrode and electrolyte species. In this article, the application of in situ/operando (soft) X-ray spectroscopy in beyond lithium-ion batteries is reviewed to demonstrate how such spectroscopic characterizations could facilitate the interpretation of interfacial phenomena under in situ/operando condition and subsequent development of the beyond lithium-ion batteries.

(soft) X-ray spectroscopy↗
DOE OSTI2022

Sodium-ion Battery

Room temperature rechargeable sodium-ion batteries (NIBs) are one of the most promising candidates for large-scale energy storage and load leveling of renewable energy sources due to the abundance, low cost of Na resources, and their relatively high energy density. NIBs are primarily based on intercalation chemistry and are similar to Lithium-ion batteries (LIB). The rich knowledge gained in LIBs for the past 4 decades have accelerated the discovery and development of high energy density NIBs cathode and anode materials. The use of sustainable Na, Al current collector, and Mn and Fe based cathode materials is expected to stabilize the cost and demand for Li, Co, Ni and Cu.

Omenya, Fredrick O.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Highly Reversible Sodium Metal Battery Anodes via Alloying Heterointerfaces

As a promising pathway toward low-cost, long-duration energy storage, rechargeable sodium batteries are of increasing interest. Batteries that incorporate metallic sodium as anode promise a high theoretical specific capacity of 1166 mAh g –1 , and low reduction potential of –2.71 V. The high reactivity and poor electrochemical reversibility of sodium anodes render sodium metal anode (SMA) cells among the most challenging for practical implementation. Here, the failure mechanisms of Na anodes are investigated and the authors report that loss of morphological control is not the fundamental cause of failure. Rather, it is the inherently poor anchoring/root structure of electrodeposited Na to the electrode substrate that leads to poor reversibility and cell failure. Poorly anchored Na deposits are prone to break away from the current collector, producing orphaning and poor anode utilization. Thin metallic coatings in a range of chemistries are proposed and evaluated as SMA substrates. Based on thermodynamic and ion transport considerations, such substrates undergo reversible alloying reactions with Na and are hypothesized to promote good root growth—regardless of the morphology. Among the various options, Au stands out for its ability to support long Na anode lifetime and high reversibility (Coulombic Efficiency > 98%), for coating thicknesses in the range of 10–1000 nm. Finally, as a first step toward evaluating practical utility of the anodes, their performance in Na||SPAN cells with N:P ratio close to 1:1 is evaluated.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
NASA NTRS1992

Secondary Li battery incorporating 12-Crown-4 ether

A rechargeable lithium battery which utilizes a polyethylene oxide (PEO) solid polymeric electrolyte complexed with a lithium salt is disclosed. The conductivity is increased an order of magnitude and interfacial charge transfer resistance is substantially decreased by incorporating a minor amount of 12-Crown-4 ether in the PEO-lithium salt solid electrolyte film. Batteries containing the improved electrolyte permit operation at a lower temperature with improved efficiency.

Nagasubramanian, Ganesan↗
DOE OSTI2024

First-principles investigation of high capacity, rechargeable CF x cathode batteries based on graphdiyne and “holey” graphene carbon allotropes

Batteries composed of CF x cathodes have high theoretical specific capacities (>860 mA h g -1 ). Attempts at realizing such batteries coupled with Li anodes have failed to deliver on this promise, however, due to a discharge voltage plateau below the theoretical maximum lowering the realized energy density and difficulties with recharging the system. Here, in this study, we use first-principles calculations to investigate novel carbon allotropes for these battery systems: graphdiyne and “holey” graphene. We first identify stable flourination structures and calculate their band gaps. We demonstrate that the holes in these carbon allotropes can induce the formation of an amorphous LiF network within the carbon and that this formation may, in fact, be kinetically favored. For structures where amorphous LiF forms within the carbon, we predict it is easier to recharge and higher discharge voltages can be achieved. If the LiF forms outside the carbon product, however, it will be crystalline in form and lead to lower discharge voltages and more difficulty in recharging the systems. Finally, we simulate XPS spectra of representative cases, demonstrating an experimental pathway for determining the reaction pathway of these systems. Our work suggests CF x allotropes with holes in them as potential targets for high capacity, rechargeable cathodes for Li batteries, provided they lead to the formation of amorphous LiF within the C structure.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
NASA NTRS1977

Rechargeable nickel-zinc batteries

Device proves superiority in having two and one half to three times the energy content of popular lead-zinc or nickel-cadmium batteries. Application to electric utility vehicles improved acceleration rate and nearly doubled driving range between rechargings. Unit contributes substantially toward realization of practical urban electrical automobiles.

Soltis, D. G.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Self-Healing, Improved Efficiency Solid State Rechargeable Li/I 2 Based Battery

Solid state electrolytes are receiving significant interest due to the prospect of improved safety, however, addressing the incidence and consequence of internal short circuits remains an important issue. In this study, a battery based on a LiI-LiI(HPN) 2 solid state electrolyte demonstrated self-healing after internal shorting where the cells recovered and continued to cycle effectively. The functional rechargeable electrochemistry of the self-forming Li/I 2 -based battery was investigated through interfacial modification by inclusion of Li metal (at the negative interface), and/or fabricated carbon nanotube substrates at the positive interface. A cell design with lithium metal at the negative and a carbon substrate at the positive interface produced Coulombic efficiencies > 90% over 60 cycles. Finally, the beneficial effects of moderately elevated temperature were established where a 10 °C temperature increase led to ~5× lower resistance.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2021

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↗
DOE OSTI2023

Fifty years of lithium-ion batteries and what is next?

Here, the first rechargeable lithium batteries were built 50 years ago, at the same time as the Materials Research Society was formed. Great strides have been made since then taking a dream to domination of portable energy storage. During the past two decades, the demand for the storage of electrical energy has mushroomed both for portable applications such as for the iPhone and electric vehicles and for more than 1 GWh grid applications. As storage and power demands have increased, the batteries have evolved with their chemistries being pushed to the limits. This has resulted in the energy densities almost doubling and the cost dropping by more than an order of magnitude. However, the present electrochemical systems are still too costly to penetrate major new markets, still higher performance is required, and environmentally acceptable and sustainable materials are required.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2020

A Simple Halogen-Free Magnesium Electrolyte for Reversible Magnesium Deposition through Cosolvent Assistance

Rechargeable Mg batteries are one of the most investigated polyvalent-metal storage batteries owing to the increased safety associated with the nondendritic nature of Mg electrodeposition, high volumetric capacity, and low cost. To realize the commercial applications of Mg batteries, there are still a number of challenges remaining unsolved, in particular, the lack of halogen free Mg electrolytes, as the use of the halogens remains a major limiting factor to achieving high voltage cathodes. The research presented here introduces an innovative approach to prepare a halogen-free Mg-based electrolyte in a simple, nonsynthetic method that can plate and strip Mg reversibly. Results suggest that by introducing a secondary amine cosolvent the magnesium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Mg(TFSI) 2 ) salt can be easily dissolved into a wide array of polar but aprotic ether solvents. A systematic structural investigation of a representative Mg(TFSI) 2 electrolyte in the cosolvent systems with the secondary amine was performed using pair distribution function (PDF) analysis, single crystal diffraction analysis, and NMR. The experimental atomic scale understanding reveals an ion pair structure of Mg 2+ coordinated with six oxygen donors from the bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (TFSI) anions and the THF solvent located in the first solvation shell. The as-formed neutral ion pair structure acts as the active component for reversible Mg deposition. We believe this new route of preparing Mg electrolytes can extend the current understanding of Mg electrolyte functionality for rechargeable Mg batteries and offers more guidance for the future electrolyte design.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1985

Advances in rechargeable lithium molybdenum disulfide batteries

The lithium molybdenum disulfide system as demonstrated in a C size cell, offers performance characteristics for applications where light weight and low volume are important. A gravimetric energy density of 90 watt hours per kilogram can be achieved in a C size cell package. The combination of charge retention capabilities, high energy density and a state of charge indicator in a rechargeable cell provides power package for a wide range of devices. The system overcomes the memory effect in Nicads where the full capacity of the battery cannot be utilized unless it was utilized on previous cycles. The development of cells with an advanced electrolyte formulation led to an improved rate capability especially at low temperatures and to a significantly improved life cycle.

Brandt, K.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Ultrafast Metal Electrodeposition Revealed by In Situ Optical Imaging and Theoretical Modeling towards Fast–Charging Zn Battery Chemistry

Metallic Zn is a preferred anode material for rechargeable aqueous batteries towards a smart grid and renewable energy storage. Importantly, understanding how the metal nucleates and grows at the aqueous Zn anode is a critical and challenging step to achieve full reversibility of Zn battery chemistry, especially under fast-charging conditions. Here, by combining in situ optical imaging and theoretical modeling, we uncover the critical parameters governing the electrodeposition stability of the metallic Zn electrode, that is, the competition among crystallographic thermodynamics, kinetics, and Zn 2+ -ion diffusion. Moreover, steady-state Zn metal plating/ stripping with Coulombic efficiency above 99 % is achieved at 10-100 mA cm -2 in a reasonably high concentration (3 M) ZnSO 4 electrolyte. Significantly, a long-term cycling-stable Zn metal electrode is realized with a depth of discharge of 66.7% under 50 mA cm -2 in both Zn || Zn symmetrical cells and MnO 2 || Zn full cells.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Outstanding Platinum Group Metal-free Bifunctional Catalysts for Rechargeable Zinc-Air Batteries

Developing highly active and durable catalysts for zinc-air batteries (ZAB) is critical for energy conversion and storage. Herein, we prepared Fe-N-C catalysts at a kilogram scale by the commercial VariPore™ method and the effect of synthesis conditions on the catalyst performance at ZAB air electrode was investigated. The results show the PA-450-HT exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and it is the most suitable catalyst for primary ZAB with the galvanostatic polarization discharge peak power density of 149 mW cm -2 , outperforming commercial Pt-Ru/C catalysts. Additionally, the NCB-600-HT catalyst displays the half-wave potential of 0.87 V vs. RHE for ORR and ΔE value of 0.81 V (indicating outstanding ORR and OER reversibility) and exhibits excellent charge-discharge cycling durability similar to NCB-550-LT around 160 h for the secondary ZAB. This work reports outstanding bifunctional Fe-N-C catalysts for rechargeable ZAB at mass production for the first time.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗