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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 541 records · Page 30
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Mechanistic Study of Functional Electrolyte Solvents for High-Voltage Lithium Batteries

The pervasive use of Ni-rich cathode active materials, e.g., LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 (NMC811), for high-energy-density Li-ion batteries (LIBs) has been hindered by rapid battery capacity decay when cycled with high charge cutoff voltages due to electrolyte decomposition in the conventional carbonate solvent-based electrolytes, oxidative parasitic side reactions at the electrolyte/cathode interface, and irreversible phase changes in the cathode active materials leading to dissolution of transition metals into the electrolytes. Various functional electrolyte solvents have been studied to tackle the above technical challenges, yet the roles of individual solvents in the performance of LIBs remain poorly understood. Here, in this study, we systematically investigate electrochemical performance mechanisms of fluorinated and organosilicon single solvents and cosolvents, for the first time, in high-voltage Li/NMC811 batteries, using electrochemical and analytical characterizations and density functional theory modeling. We observe that some unique combinations of the functional solvents can lead to exceptionally stable high-voltage cycle performance in the Ni-rich cathode-based LIBs. Our mechanistic study reveals that the synergistic effect of solvents plays a vital role in enabling electrochemical stability at both the Ni-rich cathode and the Li metal anode. Understanding the electrochemical performance mechanisms of functional solvents can greatly help in designing and formulating advanced electrolytes that enable the development of high-voltage, high-energy-density, long-cycle-life lithium batteries.

density functional theory modeling↗
DOE OSTI2026

Electrolyte-Dependent, “Microscopically Irreversible” H-Atom Transfer Kinetics of Ce-Based Metal–Organic Framework, Ce-MOF-808

Redox reactions at the interface of metal oxides and protic electrolytes almost always involve protons and electrons in equal amounts. Given the stoichiometry, these proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions are thermochemically equivalent to net H-atom transfer (HAT) reactions. The correlation between the chemical nature of solid catalysts and HAT kinetics has been employed for decades as the design principle for energy-relevant reactions (e.g., reactions of 2H + /H 2 ). More recently, chemists have experimentally determined that a change in liquid electrolytes that alters the microenvironment at the redox-active sites has an equally profound impact on electrocatalysis involving PCET/HAT. Yet, precise correlations between the chemical nature of electrolytes and the PCET kinetics are, to date, rare in the literature. Herein, we report our findings using the Ce-based metal−organic framework, Ce-MOF-808, as a model system. Each Ce 6 (μ 3 −O) 4 (μ 3 − OH) 4 (OH) 6 (H 2 O) 6 node of this MOF undergoes a 1H + /1e − redox reaction. Using chronoamperometry and the Cottrell analysis, we have determined that the PCET hopping kinetics within the pores of Ce-MOF-808 can change by orders of magnitude by altering the buffer species and the proton activity of the electrolyte. Furthermore, in all buffers, reductive reactions were ∼3−10 times faster in kinetics than the reverse oxidative reaction with the same electrochemical driving force, suggesting that the system, at first glance, violates the principle of microscopic reversibility. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and computational simulations corroborated that the buffer-node binding thermodynamics are quite distinct, depending on the chemical nature of the buffer and the oxidation state of the node. Together, these results suggest that the substrate and the product during the oxidative vs reductive reaction of Ce-MOF-808 are chemically different species, which explains the apparent ‘microscopic irreversibility.’ Thus, the rational modulation of electrolytes can dramatically enhance PCET kinetics, even though the solid electrodes remain identical. Implications of these findings are contrasted with the electrochemical/electrocatalytic behavior of other redox-active MOFs, heterogeneous catalysts, and enzymatic systems at the solid−liquid interface.

Ce-based MOF↗
DOE OSTI2020

Highly Reversible Sodium Ion Batteries Enabled by Stable Electrolyte-Electrode Interphases

Sodium (Na) ion battery is a very promising technology for the alternative energy storage systems because of the abundance and low cost of Na element in the Earth’s crust. However, the limited cycle life and safety concerns still hinder its large-scale applications. Here, we report a nonflammable localized high concentration electrolyte (sodium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide - triethyl phosphate/1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl-2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl ether (1:1.5:2 in molar ratio)), which enables a very high initial Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 97.8% for Na||Na-CNFM (O3-NaCu1/9Ni2/9Fe1/3Mn1/3O2) cells and stable cycling of Na||hard carbon (HC) cells with a capacity retention of 95.4% after 500 cycles. The HC||Na-CNFM full cells using this electrolyte retain 82.5% capacity after 200 cycles with a CE of ~99.9% compared to 48.4% capacity retention in the carbonate electrolyte (1 M NaPF6/EC+DMC (1:1 in weight)). The extremely high CE and stability of HC||Na-CNFM cells in this electrolyte can be attributed to the stable interphase layers formed on both HC anode and Na-CNFM cathode. These layers minimize undesirable reaction between HC and electrolyte, and block the dissolution of transition metal from cathode. The insight obtained in this work can be used to further improve cycling stability and safety of rechargeable batteries.

Jin, Yan↗
DOE OSTI2024

Molecular Engineering Enabled Stable Deep Eutectic Amide-Based Electrolyte for High-Temperature Lithium–Metal Batteries

The development of advanced lithium-metal batteries (LMBs), such as high-temperature LMBs and high-energy-density LMBs, has critical requirements for electrolytes. However, conventional electrolytes suffer from thermal instability and insufficient electrolyte/Li interfacial compatibility, severely limiting their utilization in high-temperature LMBs. Herein, we design a high-temperature N-methylacetamide (NMAc)-based deep eutectic electrolyte (DEE) by molecular engineering on a solvation structure via a sacrificial additive of vinyl ethylene carbonate (VEC). Specifically, VEC interacts with the Li prior to NMAc, facilitating the formation of a solid electrolyte interphase to inhibit the reaction between Li and NMAc. The stable VEC-DEE effectively suppresses the growth of lithium dendrites and ensures the battery a cycling stability of 550 cycles at 80 °C. Additionally, we also demonstrate the application of VEC-DEE in high-energy-density LMBs with a high mass loading of 2.5 mAh/cm 2 . In conclusion, this research opens a new avenue for the rational design of advanced high-temperature electrolytes.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Molecular Origin of Nanoscale Anion Ordering of LiTFSI Electrolytes Revealed through SAXS/WAXS and Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Recent developments in “water-in-salt” electrolytes have precipitated a renewed effort to study imide-based electrolytes. While previous small-/wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) studies have attributed the emergence of a low-Q peak in the SAXS profile of aqueous LiTFSI electrolytes to nanometer-scale anion clustering, a molecular-level understanding of the root of these clusters remains unclear. Here, in this study, we combined molecular dynamics simulations and SAXS/WAXS to study the solvation structures of LiTFSI in acetonitrile, methanol, and water. We concluded that hydrogen bonding in water and MeOH stabilizes anion clusters, while nonpolar methyl groups on methanol and acetonitrile interrupt the nanoscale ordering of TFSI anions. This causes LiTFSI in water and MeOH electrolytes to exhibit two low-Q SAXS profile peaks while LiTFSI in acetonitrile exhibits only a single peak below Q = 1 Å –1 . These findings shed light on the underlying molecular origins of nanoscale anion clusters, which may help in the design of the next generation of electrolyte chemistries.

Trojanowski, Lucas [Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, ↗
DOE OSTI2025

Molecular-level Regulation of PEO-Based Electrolytes with CaF 2 Nanoparticles for Advanced Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries

The poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based electrolyte has caught much attention for its flexibility, interfacial compatibility, and low cost, but the low ionic conductivity and poor mechanical strength severely hinder its further application in solid-state batteries. Herein, a molecular level regulation through adding CaF 2 nanoparticle fillers is proposed to enhance the electrochemical performance of the PEO-based electrolyte. The strong coordination effects of the Ca cation with a Li salt anion and ether-oxygen increase the dissociated Li ion concentration and accelerate Li ion migration, thus enhancing the ionic conductivity of the electrolyte when combined with their physical disruption in the PEO matrix (0.31 mS cm -1 at 55 °C). Moreover, the spontaneous reaction between Li and CaF 2 generates a LiF-rich solid electrolyte interphase, which promotes homogeneous Li deposition. Consequently, the PEO-CaF 2 electrolyte delivers symmetric cells over 6300 h and maintains full batteries over 1000 cycles with 80% capacity retention. In conclusion, the assembled pouch-cell displays robust performance, further demonstrating its potential practical application.

Li, Tao [Lanzhou Univ. (China)] (ORCID:00000003196↗
DOE OSTI2025

Fast-Charging Li-Ion Battery Enabled by an Acetonitrile-Based Electrolyte

Fast charging remains a critical challenge for current-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), particularly in electric vehicle applications. Here, in this study, we present a highly conductive electrolyte formulation based on a ternary solvent system consisting of acetonitrile (AN), fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), and ethylene carbonate (EC), combined with a tailored additive, lithium difluoro­(oxalato)­borate (LiDFOB). This electrolyte demonstrates significantly enhanced ionic conductivity and a higher Li + transference number, enabling accelerated Li + transport kinetics. The synergistic effect of the solvents and the additive promotes the formation of a robust, low-resistance, inorganic-rich solid-electrolyte-interphase (SEI) that effectively passivates the graphite surface and suppresses AN decomposition. As a result, the electrolyte substantially reduces internal cell resistance and overpotential, both of which are critical for reliable fast charging. These findings highlight the essential role of rational electrolyte design in addressing the limitations of fast-charging LIBs.

Wu, Dezhen [Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Arg↗
DOE OSTI2026

Conductivity-Driven Origin of the Limiting Current in Concentrated Electrolytes

Next-generation electrolyte materials are hindered by their ability to support high currents essential for fast-charge and high-power battery applications. The maximum current supported by an electrolyte, the limiting current, is dictated by the formation of concentration gradients across the electrolyte under an electric field. Most of the literature attributes the onset of the limiting current in concentrated electrolytes to the salt concentration at the positive electrode approaching the solubility limit. Here, in this study, we leverage operando X-ray transmission imaging to measure spatiotemporal salt concentration profiles of a polymer electrolyte in a lithium–indium symmetric cell at a current exceeding the limiting current. The measurement of concentration profiles enables mapping the spatiotemporal electric potential, which comprises an ohmic contribution, governed by conductivity, and an overpotential related to maintaining concentration gradients. We find that a precipitous drop in conductivity at the positive electrode drives the divergence of electric potential, rather than a thermodynamic solubility limit.

Abdo, Emily E. [University of California, Berkeley↗
DOE OSTI2026

Amorphous ZrCl 4 -Based Superionic Conductor as a Cost-Effective Solid Electrolyte for Batteries

Developing highly conductive and cost-effective solid electrolytes is essential for the commercialization of all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs). Zr-based halide electrolytes hold great promise due to their low estimated cost and high oxidation stability. However, the ionic conductivities of most of them are not high enough to enable moderate- and high-rate cycling of ASSBs. Here, fast ion transport is achieved in a group of cost-effective ZrCl 4 -based electrolytes via a design strategy to create highly disordered amorphous structures. Amorphous Li 0.8 ZrCl 4 (SO 4 ) 0.4 , with a low estimated cost of $21 kg –1 , achieves an ionic conductivity of 1.86 mS cm –1 at 25 °C. It also shows a high oxidation limit of 4.5 V vs Li/Li + and good compatibility with high-voltage cathodes, as demonstrated by the stable cycling of ASSBs (73.7% capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 1 C). Synchrotron X-ray diffraction, pair distribution function analysis, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy reveal that the outstanding conductivity of these amorphous electrolytes is closely related to their short-range and medium-range ordering, revealing new insights for designing high-performance, cost-effective solid electrolytes.

Zhang, Guangxing [Georgia Institute of Technology,↗
DOE OSTI2023

Non-polar ether-based electrolyte solutions for stable high-voltage non-aqueous lithium metal batteries

The electrochemical instability of ether-based electrolyte solutions hinders their practical applications in high-voltage Li metal batteries. To circumvent this issue, here, we propose a dilution strategy to lose the Li + /solvent interaction and use the dilute non-aqueous electrolyte solution in high-voltage lithium metal batteries. We demonstrate that in a non-polar dipropyl ether (DPE)-based electrolyte solution with lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl) imide salt, the decomposition order of solvated species can be adjusted to promote the Li + /salt-derived anion clusters decomposition over free ether solvent molecules. This selective mechanism favors the formation of a robust cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) and a solvent-deficient electric double-layer structure at the positive electrode interface. When the DPE-based electrolyte is tested in combination with a Li metal negative electrode (50 μm thick) and a LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 2 -based positive electrode (3.3 mAh/cm 2 ) in pouch cell configuration at 25 °C, a specific discharge capacity retention of about 74% after 150 cycles (0.33 and 1 mA/cm 2 charge and discharge, respectively) is obtained.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Knowledge-driven design of solid-electrolyte interphases on lithium metal via multiscale modelling

Abstract Due to its high energy density, lithium metal is a promising electrode for future energy storage. However, its practical capacity, cyclability and safety heavily depend on controlling its reactivity in contact with liquid electrolytes, which leads to the formation of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). In particular, there is a lack of fundamental mechanistic understanding of how the electrolyte composition impacts the SEI formation and its governing processes. Here, we present an in-depth model-based analysis of the initial SEI formation on lithium metal in a carbonate-based electrolyte. Thereby we reach for significantly larger length and time scales than comparable molecular dynamic studies. Our multiscale kinetic Monte Carlo/continuum model shows a layered, mostly inorganic SEI consisting of LiF on top of Li 2 CO 3 and Li after 1 µs. Its formation is traced back to a complex interplay of various electrolyte and salt decomposition processes. We further reveal that low local Li + concentrations result in a more mosaic-like, partly organic SEI and that a faster passivation of the lithium metal surface can be achieved by increasing the salt concentration. Based on this we suggest design strategies for SEI on lithium metal and make an important step towards knowledge-driven SEI engineering.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Hydrotrope-enabled high concentration aqueous electrolytes for reversible and sustainable iron metal anodes

Iron metal-based energy storage devices hold great potential in stationary grid-scale sustainable energy due to the high theoretical specific capacity, ultralow cost, and abundance of iron. However, their practical deployment is limited by the poor reversibility of iron plating and stripping, as well as competitive hydrogen evolution. Here we introduce the concept of hydrotropy into iron electrolytes by developing an environmentally friendly and cost-effective high-concentration ferrous sulfate electrolyte using urea as a hydrotropic agent. The designed electrolyte increases the Coulombic efficiency of iron metal electrodes to approximately 96.5%, compared with ~84.6% for the dilute electrolyte. Molecular dynamics simulations and Raman spectroscopy illustrate that urea regulates the competitive coordination of anions and urea in the iron solvation sheath, while reconstructing the hydrogen-bond network in free water molecules. This reduces the activity of both solvated and free water, thereby alleviating hydrogen evolution. Moreover, the coordinated anions and urea molecules facilitate the in-situ formation of an organic-inorganic hybrid protective layer on the metallic iron, establishing a physical barrier against water and promoting homogeneous interfacial reactions. This work demonstrates an appealing opportunity to design cost-effective and high-performance electrolytes and propels the practical application of iron metal-based energy storage devices.

Feng, Guangxia [Stanford Univ., CA (United States)↗
DOE OSTI2020

Real-time mass spectrometric characterization of the solid–electrolyte interphase of a lithium-ion battery

Solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) is a key component that dictates the performance of most electrochemical devices, but the understanding of its chemistry and structure has been limited by the lack of in-situ tools. In this work, we report SEI live-formation in Li-ion battery under operando condition with liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), which, in combination with molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, presents the first dynamic picture with molecular-accuracy about this key component. Before any interphasial chemistry occurs during the initial charging, an electric double layer forms at the electrode-electrolyte interface via the self-assembly of solvent molecules directed by both Li+ and potential of the electrified surface. Such double layer structure predicts the eventual interphasial chemistries formed from the electrolytes, where the negatively-charged electrode surface repels salt anions from the inner-Helmholtz layer and results in an inner SEI that is thin, dense and inorganic in nature but LiF-depleted. It was this dense layer that exercises the major functions of an interphase, i.e., conducting Li+ but insulating electrons. An outer layer that is electrolyte-permeable and organic-rich appears after formation of the inner SEI. In highly-concentrated electrolyte, the presence of LiF in the inner-SEI is raised due to the high population of salt anions in the double layer. These real-time observations at nano-scale reveal in general sense how an interphase inherits chemistry from inner-Helmholtz layer structure, and establish guidelines in engineering desirable interphases for the future battery chemistries.

Zhou, Yufan↗
DOE OSTI2025

Non-fluorinated electrolyte for high-voltage anode-free sodium metal battery

Abundant sodium (Na) batteries are a sustainable alternative to resource-constrained lithium-ion batteries, offering huge cost advantages. However, developing high-voltage anode-free sodium metal batteries (SMBs) to narrow the energy density gap with lithium-ion batteries is hindered by a critical challenge: existing electrolytes cannot simultaneously achieve ultra-high Na coulombic efficiency and anodic stability. Here, in this study, we present a rationally designed non-fluorinated electrolyte (1.0 M NaPF 6 in 1,2-diethoxyethane/1,2-di-tert-butoxyethane) to address this key limitation, achieving Na coulombic efficiency of >99.95% and anodic stability of >4.8 V. For coin cells (2.0 mAh cm −2 , N/P = 1.7), our electrolyte design enables 4.0 V Na | |Na 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 (NVP) at 5 C and 4.3 V Na | |NaNi 0.6 Mn 0.2 Co 0.2 O 2 (NMC622) at 0.3 C for 5,000 and 500 cycles with a capacity retention >80%. Remarkably, the 50 mAh anode-free pouch cells 4.0 V Al | |NVP and 4.3 V Al | |NMC622 also achieve 500 and 300 cycles (retention >75%) with a specific energy of >360 Wh kg (electrode) −1 . This work focuses on electrolyte optimization and conceptual advances, whereas critical aspects such as safety, large-scale manufacturability and practical feasibility of SMBs require further investigation. The electrolyte design using non-fluorinated solvents enhances the anodic stability without sacrificing Na efficiency, laying groundwork for advancing low-cost, high-energy SMBs and supporting the transition to sustainable battery technologies.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Concentrated dual-cation electrolyte strategy for aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Rechargeable Zn-ion batteries are highly promising for stationary energy storage because of their low cost and intrinsic safety. However, due to the poor reversibility of Zn anodes and dissolution of oxide cathodes, aqueous Zn-ion batteries encounter rapid performance degradation when operating in conventional low-concentration electrolytes. Herein, we demonstrate that an aqueous Zn2+ electrolyte using a supporting Na salt at a high concentration is efficient to address these issues without sacrificing the power densities, cycling stability, and safety of zinc-ion batteries. We show that the high-concentration solute minimizes the number of free water molecules and the changes in the electronic state of the electrolyte. A combination of experimental and theoretical investigations reveals that a unique interphase, formed on the Zn anode, enables reversible and uniform Zn plating. Utilizing a cathode of sodium vanadate synthesized through a scalable strategy, the Zn–sodium vanadate battery with the concentrated bi-cation electrolyte shows improved cycling stability, decent rate performance, and low self-discharge. This work provides new insights on electrolyte engineering to achieve high-performance aqueous batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Complete characterization of a lithium battery electrolyte using a combination of electrophoretic NMR and electrochemical methods

Improving transport properties of electrolytes is important for developing lithium-ion batteries for future energy storage applications. In Newman's concentrated solution theory, electrolytes are characterized by three transport parameters, conductivity, diffusion coefficient, and transference number, in addition to the thermodynamic factor. In this work, these parameters are all determined for an exemplar liquid electrolyte, lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide mixed in tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether, using electrochemical methods. The intrinsic coupling between parameters obtained by electrochemical methods results in large error bars in the transference number that obscure the transport behavior of the electrolyte. Here, we use electrophoretic NMR (eNMR) to measure the electric-field-induced ion and solvent velocities to obtain the transference number directly, which enables determination of the thermodynamic factor with greater certainty. In conclusion, our work indicates that the combination of eNMR and electrochemical methods provides a robust approach for complete characterization of battery electrolytes.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Critical role of acceptor dopants in designing highly stable and compatible proton-conducting electrolytes for reversible solid oxide cells

Proton-conducting electrolytes are receiving increasing attention due to their high ionic conductivity at intermediate temperatures, enabling the operation of solid oxide cells with high energy efficiency at low cost. However, the effect of B-site dopants on the properties of doped barium hafnate-cerate electrolyte materials, especially in single cells under operating conditions, has not been systematically studied. Here we report our findings in the development of a series of proton-conducting electrolytes with a general formula of BaHf 0.1 Ce 0.7 R 0.2 O 3–δ (BHCR172, R = Yb, Er, Y, Gd, Sm). Here, the results reveal that electrical conductivity, ionic transference number, chemical stability against steam and CO 2 , and compatibility with NiO during sintering are all closely correlated with the dopant size. In particular, the reaction with NiO is found to strongly affect the properties of the electrolytes and hence cell performance. Among all tested compositions, BaHf 0.1 Ce 0.7 Yb 0.2 O 3–δ (BHCYb172) shows excellent chemical stability and minimal reactivity towards NiO, as predicted from density functional theory (DFT)-based calculations and confirmed by experimental results. In addition, proton-conducting reversible solid oxide cells (P-ReSOCs) based on the optimized electrolyte composition, BHCYb172, demonstrate exceptional performance and stability, achieving a remarkable peak power density of 1.74 W cm –2 (O 2 as the oxidant) at 600 °C in the fuel cell mode and a high current density of 2.0 A cm –2 at 1.3 V and 600 °C in the steam electrolysis mode while maintaining excellent durability for over 1000 h.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Transformations in crystals of DNA-functionalized nanoparticles by electrolytes

Colloidal crystals have applications in water treatments, including water purification and desalination technologies. It is, therefore, important to understand the interactions between colloids as a function of electrolyte concentration. We study the assembly of DNA-grafted gold nanoparticles immersed in concentrated electrolyte solutions. Increasing the concentration of divalent Ca 2+ ions leads to the condensation of nanoparticles into face-centered-cubic (FCC) crystals at low electrolyte concentrations. As the electrolyte concentration increases, the system undergoes a phase change to body-centered-cubic (BCC) crystals. This phase change occurs as the interparticle distance decreases. Molecular dynamics analysis suggests that the interparticle interactions change from strongly repulsive to short-range attractive as the divalent-electrolyte concentration increases. A thermodynamic analysis suggests that increasing the salt concentration leads to significant dehydration of the nanoparticle environment. We conjecture that the intercolloid attractive interactions and dehydrated states favour the BCC structure. Our results gain insight into salting out of colloids such as proteins as the concentration of salt increases in the solution.

Chemistry↗