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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 55 records · Page 3

Properties and Performance Attributes of Novel Co-Extruded Polyolefin Battery Separator Materials: Mechanical Properties - Part 1

As NASA prepares for its next era of manned spaceflight missions, advanced energy storage technologies are being developed and evaluated to address future mission needs and technical requirements and to provide new mission-enabling technologies. Cell-level components for advanced lithium-ion batteries possessing higher energy, more reliable performance and enhanced, inherent safety characteristics are actively under development within the NASA infrastructure. A key component for safe and reliable cell performance is the cell separator, which separates the two energetic electrodes and functions to prevent the occurrence of an internal short-circuit while enabling ionic transport. Recently, a new generation of co-extruded separator films has been developed by ExxonMobil Chemical and introduced into their battery separator product portfolio. Several grades of this new separator material have been evaluated with respect to dynamic mechanical properties and safety-related performance attributes. This paper presents the results of these evaluations in comparison to a current state-ofthe-practice separator material. The results are discussed with respect to potential opportunities to enhance the inherent safety characteristics and reliability of future, advanced lithium-ion cell chemistries.

Baldwin, Richard S.↗

Lifetime estimates for sterilizable silver-zinc battery separators

The lifetime of separator membranes currently employed in the electrolyte environment of silver-zinc batteries was estimated at 3 to 5 years. The separator membranes are crosslinked polyethylene film containing grafted poly (potassium acrylate)(PKA), the latter being the hydrophilic agent which promotes electrolyte ion transport. The lifetime was estimated by monitoring the rate of loss of PKA from the separators, caused by chemical attack of the electrolyte, and relating this loss rate to a known relationship between battery performance and PKA concentration in the separators.

Cuddihy, E. F.↗

Bismuth Detection in Alkaline Electrolyte via Anodic Stripping Voltammetry for Battery Separator Evaluation

Abstract Anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) has been widely used for the detection of several heavy metal ions in neutral and acidic solution, in many cases employing electrodes and/or solutions incorporating Bi. In this work we demonstrate that Bi(OH) 4 − ion concentration can be measured in highly alkaline 8.5 M KOH solution using ASV. The addition of Pb in similar concentrations to the Bi(OH) 4 − being measured is shown to improve both the sensitivity and precision of the method. When the Pb additive is employed, a formal limit of detection of 8.5 ppb is achieved, compared to 17.3 ppb when the Pb additive is not used. Due to the use of Bi additives in alkaline battery chemistries, it follows that separators which limit Bi(OH) 4 − diffusion into the bulk electrolyte and away from the electrodes are of interest. For this purpose, we utilize ASV to determine Bi(OH) 4 − diffusion rates through Celgard 3501, cellophane 350P00, and Nafion 211. Bi(OH) 4 − crossover rates, as determined by ASV, are shown to be repeatable and consistent with expectations from the known separator structure.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Grace DAKASEP alkaline battery separator

The Grace DAKASEP separator was originally developed as a wicking layer for nickel-zinc alkaline batteries. The DAKASEP is a filled non-woven separator which is flexible and heat sealable. Through modification of formulation and processing variables, products with a variety of properties can be produced. Variations of DAKASEP were tested in Ni-H2, Ni-Zn, Ni-Cd, and primary alkaline batteries with good results. The properties of DAKASEP which are optimized for Hg-Zn primary batteries are shown in tabular form. This separator has high tensile strength, 12 micron average pore size, relatively low porosity at 46-48 percent, and consequently moderately high resistivity. Versions were produced with greater than 70 percent porosity and resistivities in 33 wt percent KOH as low as 3 ohm cm. Performance data for Hg-Zn E-1 size cells containing DAKASEP with the properties shown in tabular form, are more reproducible than data obtained with a competitive polypropylene non-woven separator. In addition, utilization of active material is in general considerably improved.

Giovannoni, R. T.↗

Development of a lithium secondary battery separator

A nonporous membrane based on the polymerization of 2,3-dihydrofuran followed by crosslinking in situ was prepared. The material is compatible with rechargeable Li battery components and, when swollen with an appropriate solvent such as tetrahydrofuran, exhibits separator resistance and Li transport equivalent to Celgard.

Moore, J. A.↗

Gels as battery separators for soluble electrode cells

Gels are formed from silica powders and hydrochloric acid. The gels are then impregnated into a polymeric foam and the resultant sheet material is then used in applications where the transport of chloride ions is desired. Specifically disclosed is the utilization of the sheet in electrically rechargeable redox flow cells which find application in bulk power storage systems.

Sheibley, D. W.↗

PBI treated polypropylene battery separator

A generalized procedure for fabricating the separator is described. Some of the desired properties considered in fabricating the separator material for nickel-cadmium cells were good mechanical strength, good chemical stability, good wettability to the electrolyte, high electrolyte retention, and gas passage.

Veryzwyvelt, S. A.↗

Development of battery separator composites

Improved inorganic-organic separators developed by NASA were commercially prepared. A single-ply asbestos substrate was developed, as well as alternative substrates based on cellulose and on polypropylene fibers. The single-ply asbestos was bound with butyl rubber and was functionally superior to the formerly used polyphenylene oxide saturated sheet. Commercially prepared separators exhibited better measured separator properties than the NASA standard. Cycle life in Ni/Zn and Ag/Zn cells was related to substrate, decreasing in the order; asbestos cellulose paper nonwoven polypropylene. The cycle life of solvent-coated separators was better than aqueous in Ni/Zn cells, while aqueous coatings were better in Ag/Zn cells.

Schmidt, George F.↗

Activation parameters of flow through battery separators

Studies of the hydrodynamic flow of water and 45 percent potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution through a microporous and an ion exchange separator are described. The permeability values are interpreted in terms of a pseudoactivation process. The enthalpy of activation deltaH* and the entropy of activation deltaS* were estimated from Eyring's rate equation.

Blokhra, R. L.↗