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At least 577 records · Page 32

Wide Operating Temperature Range Electrolytes for High Voltage and High Specific Energy Li-Ion Cells

A number of electrolyte formulations that have been designed to operate over a wide temperature range have been investigated in conjunction with layered-layered metal oxide cathode materials developed at Argonne. In this study, we have evaluated a number of electrolytes in Li-ion cells consisting of Conoco Phillips A12 graphite anodes and Toda HE5050 Li(1.2)Ni(0.15)Co(0.10)Mn(0.55)O2 cathodes. The electrolytes studied consisted of LiPF6 in carbonate-based electrolytes that contain ester co-solvents with various solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) promoting additives, many of which have been demonstrated to perform well in 4V systems. More specifically, we have investigated the performance of a number of methyl butyrate (MB) containing electrolytes (i.e., LiPF6 in ethylene carbonate (EC) + ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) + MB (20:20:60 v/v %) that contain various additives, including vinylene carbonate, lithium oxalate, and lithium bis(oxalato)borate (LiBOB). When these systems were evaluated at various rates at low temperatures, the methyl butyrate-based electrolytes resulted in improved rate capability compared to cells with all carbonate-based formulations. It was also ascertained that the slow cathode kinetics govern the generally poor rate capability at low temperature in contrast to traditionally used LiNi(0.80)Co(0.15)Al(0.05)O2-based systems, rather than being influenced strongly by the electrolyte type.

Li-ion Battery↗

Electrolytes with Improved Safety Developed for High Specific Energy Li-Ion Cells with Si-Based Anodes

A number of electrolyte formulations that have improved safety characteristics have been developed for use with high capacity silicon-based anodes. To improve the compatibility with Si-based anodes, a number of technical approaches have been employed, including: (1) the use of mono-fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) in conjunction with, or in lieu of, ethylene carbonate (EC), (2) the use of high proportions of fluorinated co-solvents, (3) the use of vinylene carbonate (VC) to stabilize the Si/C electrode, and (4) the use of lithium bis(oxalato)borate (LiBOB) to improve the compatibility of the electrolyte when Si/C electrodes are used in conjunction with high voltage cathodes. Candidate electrolytes were studied in Li/Si-C and Si-C/ Li(MnNiCo)O2 (NMC) coin cells, as well as in larger Si-C/NMC three-electrode cells equipped with lithium reference electrodes. In summary, many electrolytes that contain triphenyl phosphate (TPP), which is used as a flame retardant additive up to concentrations of 15 volume percent, and possess FEC as a co-solvent have been demonstrated to outperform the all-carbonate baseline electrolytes when evaluated in Si-C/ Li(MnNiCo)O2 cells.

Silicon-Based Anode↗

Point-Wise Phase Matching for Nonlinear Frequency Generation in Dielectric Resonators

An optical resonator fabricated from a uniaxial birefringent crystal, such as beta barium borate. The crystal is cut with the optical axis not perpendicular to a face of the cut crystal. In some cases the optical axis lies in the plane of the cut crystal face. An incident (input) electromagnetic signal (which can range from the infrared through the visible to the ultraviolet) is applied to the resonator. An output signal is recovered which has a frequency that is an integer multiple of the frequency of the input signal. In some cases a prism is used to evanescently couple the input and the output signals to the resonator.

Yu, Nan↗

Electrolytes for Low Impedance, Wide Operating Temperature Range Lithium-Ion Battery Module

A lithium ion battery cell includes a housing, a cathode disposed within the housing, wherein the cathode comprises a cathode active material, an anode disposed within the housing, wherein the anode comprises an anode active material, and an electrolyte disposed within the housing and in contact with the cathode and anode. The electrolyte consists essentially of a solvent mixture, a lithium salt in a concentration ranging from approximately 1.0 molar (M) to approximately 1.6 M, and an additive mixture. The solvent mixture includes a cyclic carbonate, an non-cyclic carbonate, and a linear ester. The additive mixture consists essentially of lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate (LiDFOB) in an amount ranging from approximately 0.5 weight percent to approximately 2.0 weight percent based on the weight of the electrolyte, and vinylene carbonate (VC) in an amount ranging from approximately 0.5 weight percent to approximately 2.0 weight percent based on the weight of the electrolyte.

Hallac, Boutros↗

Design and Characteristics of Hydroxyapatites: Effect of Radiation

Hydroxyapatites single crystals have been investigated their applications as the laser host material. Czochralksi and flux growth methods have been utilized to achieve single crystals. Because of their bioactivities with tissues these have attracted interest for bone applications. For low temperature processing we have used several techniques. We utilized some organic melt and oriented the grains by the directional solidification method. This organic treated material has different characteristics than coarsened oxide materials. Our approach involved low temperature processing using nano-engineered powders of the material system MgO-Na2O-K2O-CaO-SrO-SiO2 and also borates were processed by sintering and grain growth. Our results indicate that substitution of calcium and strontium with some other elements such as gallium and magnesium have great potential to improve the mechanical properties of bones.

Bhavsar, Jayati↗

Effect of Radiation on Biologically Active Glasses

Multifunctional hydroxyapatites single crystals have been studied for their applications as the laser host material since past several decades. It is only recently their potential has been evaluated for bioactive materials. In the past researches, Czochralski and flux growth methods have been utilized to achieve single crystals. We have used low temperature processing techniques for synthesis. Organic melt was used to achieve oriented fibers by the directional solidification method. This organic treated material has different characteristics than coarsened oxide materials. Our approach involved low temperature processing using nano engineered powders of the material system Na2O-K2O-CaO- MgO-SrO-SiO2. Also, borates were processed by sintering and grain growth. Effect of -ray was studied by measuring the electrical characteristics of radiated samples. Our experiments to further improve mechanical characteristics indicate that substitution of calcium with some other elements such as gallium have great potential to improve the radiation hardening and mechanical properties of bones.

Tufail, Areeba↗

Detailed Infrared Study of Amorphous to Crystalline Propionitrile Ices Relevant to Observed Spectra of Titan's Stratospheric Ice Clouds

We have conducted a comprehensive study of propionitrile (C2H5CN) ice from the amorphous to crystalline phase in order to provide detailed information on this specific cyanide, which may potentially contribute to the chemical composition of the Haystack ice cloud observed in Titan's stratosphere by the Cassini Composite InfraRed Spectrometer (CIRS). Infrared transmission spectra of thin films of pure propionitrile ices deposited at low temperature (30-160 K) were collected from 50 cm1 to 11,700 cm1 (200-0.85 m). The far-infrared spectral region was specifically targeted to compare with CIRS far-infrared limb spectra. The temperature and time evolution of C2H5CN ice was thoroughly investigated to better understand discrepancies reported in pre- viously published laboratory studies on the crystalline phase of C2H5CN. Specifically, we observe peculiar temperature and time-driven ice phase transitions, revealed by significant spectral variations in the ice, which stabilizes once a complete crystalline phase is achieved. From these results, the crystalline phase of propionitrile ice was identified at deposition temperatures greater than or equal to 135 K and < 140 K. Our findings corro- borate previous studies that ruled out pure propionitrile ice as the sole chemical identity of Titan's observed Haystack emission feature. In order to understand and identify the Haystack cloud, we have initiated co-de- position experiments that incorporate mixtures of Titan-relevant organics, many of which have corresponding vapors that are abundantly present in Titan's stratosphere. In this paper, we present the result of one example of a co-deposited ternary ice mixture containing 16% hydrogen cyanide (HCN), 23% C2H5CN, and 61% benzene (C6H6). Although this co-condensed ice mixture is the best fit thus far obtained to match the broad width of the Haystack, it is still not the appropriate chemical candidate. However, it reveals an intriguing result: the strong lattice mode of pure C2H5CN ice is drastically altered by the surrounding molecules as a result of mixing in a co- condensed phase. The laboratory results reported here on propionitrile ice may help to further constrain the chemical identification of Titan's stratospheric Haystack ice cloud, as well as improve on the current state of knowledge of Titan's stratospheric ice cloud chemistry.

Nna-Mvondo, Delphine↗

Reduced weight decontamination formulation utilizing a solid peracid compound for neutralization of chemical and biological warfare agents

A reduced weight decontamination formulation that utilizes a solid peracid compound (sodium borate peracetate) and a cationic surfactant (dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride) that can be packaged with all water removed. This reduces the packaged weight of the decontamination formulation by .about.80% (as compared to the "all-liquid" DF-200 formulation) and significantly lowers the logistics burden on the warfighter. Water (freshwater or saltwater) is added to the new decontamination formulation at the time of use from a local source.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

ACCELERATED TESTING OF NEUTRON-ABSORBING ALLOYS FOR NUCLEAR CRITICALITY CONTROL

The US Department of Energy requires nuclear criticality control materials be used for storage of highly enriched spent nuclear fuel used in government programs and the storage of commercial spent nuclear fuel at the proposed High-Level Nuclear Waste Geological Repository located at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. Two different metallic alloys (Ni-Cr-Mo-Gd and borated stainless steel) have been chosen for this service. An accelerated corrosion test program to validate these materials for this application is described and a performance comparison is made.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Estimation of the Performance of Multiple Active Neutron Interrogation Signatures for Detecting Shielded HEU

A comprehensive modeling study has been carried out to evaluate the utility of multiple active neutron interrogation signatures for detecting shielded highly enriched uranium (HEU). The modeling effort focused on varying HEU masses from 1 kg to 20 kg; varying types of shields including wood, steel, cement, polyethylene, and borated polyethylene; varying depths of the HEU in the shields, and varying engineered shields immediately surrounding the HEU including steel, tungsten, and cadmium. Neutron and gamma-ray signatures were the focus of the study and false negative detection probabilities versus measurement time were used as a performance metric. To facilitate comparisons among different approaches an automated method was developed to generate receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for different sets of model variables for multiple background count rate conditions. This paper summarizes results or the analysis, including laboratory benchmark comparisons between simulations and experiments. The important impact engineered shields can play towards degrading detectability and methods for mitigating this will be discussed.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Mechanistic Studies Aimed at the Development of Single Site Metal Alkoxide Catalysts for the Production of Polyoxygenates from Renewable Resources

The work proposed herein focuses on the chemistry of metal-oxygen bonds with respect to insertion/enchainment reactions involving epoxides, cyclic esters and carbonates, acid anhydrides and carbon dioxide leading to the formation of polyethers, polyesters and polycarbonates from renewable resources. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of the biologically benign metals magnesium and calcium and the M(3+) ions of aluminum, chromium and cobalt that have a similar ionic radii but different coordination properties arising from their respective d 0 , d 3 and d 6 valence shell configurations. The work emphasizes the design and use of single-site metal catalysis involving LMOR initiating and propagating species. For M = Mg and Ca, L is a pyrazolyl borate ligand specifically tailored to the coordination properties of the metal. In addition the ligand is inert with respect to reactions of the substrates under consideration. For the M(3+) ions, L is a substituted porphyrin, namely 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin, TPP, 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin, TFPP or 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octaethylporphyrin, which together with Lewis base co-catalysts will allow the elucidation of factors leading to polyethers, polycarbonates and cyclic carbonates in reactions involving epoxides and CO 2 . Specific attention is given to reactions involving propylene oxide and styrene oxide which commonly show competitive formation of products. Electronic structure calculations employing Density Functional Theory will be carried out to elucidate the ring opening of the epoxide by alkylcarbonate and alkoxide ligands and the chain growth mechanism. Polymerization of lactide will be investigated using inexpensive solid supports and catalytic routes to cyclic esters are proposed wherein complexation to metal ions may allow chemical amplification of specific rings. With an understanding of mechanisms involving the reactions of M-OR bonds the development of single-site catalysis for the production of new generation polymers from chemicals derived from renewable resources such as CO 2 , lactide and succinic anhydride will advance rapidly.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Weak-link capacitor

A process for making a dielectric material where a precursor polymer selected from poly(phenylene vinylene)polyacetylene, poly(p-phenylene), poly(thienylene vinylene), poly(1,4-naphthylene vinylene), and poly(p-pyridine vinylene) is energized said by exposure by radiation or increase in temperature to a level sufficient to eliminate said leaving groups contained within the precursor polymer, thereby transforming the dielectric material into a conductive polymer. The leaving group in the precursor polymer can be a chloride, a bromide, an iodide, a fluoride, an ester, an xanthate, a nitrile, an amine, a nitro group, a carbonate, a dithiocarbamate, a sulfonium group, an oxonium group, an iodonium group, a pyridinium group, an ammonium group, a borate group, a borane group, a sulphinyl group, or a sulfonyl group.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Inhibition of Oxidation in Nuclear Graphite

Graphite is a fundamental material of high temperature gas cooled nuclear reactors, providing both structure and neutron moderation. Its high thermal conductivity, chemical inertness, thermal heat capacity, and high thermal structural stability under normal and off normal conditions contribute to the inherent safety of these reactor designs. One of the primary safety issues for a high temperature graphite reactor core is the possibility of rapid oxidation of the carbon structure during an off normal design basis event where an oxidizing atmosphere (air ingress) can be introduced to the hot core. Although the current Generation IV high temperature reactor designs attempt to mitigate any damage caused by a postualed air ingress event, the use of graphite components that inhibit oxidation is a logical step to increase the safety of these reactors. Recent experimental studies of graphite containing between 5.5 and 7 wt% boron carbide (B4C) indicate that oxidation is dramatically reduced even at prolonged exposures at temperatures up to 900°C. The proposed addition of B4C to graphite components in the nuclear core would necessarily be enriched in B-11 isotope in order to minimize B-10 neutron absorption and graphite swelling. The enriched boron can be added to the graphite during billet fabrication. Experimental oxidation rate results and potential applications for borated graphite in nuclear reactor components will be discussed.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Process for production of a borohydride compound

A process for production of a borohydride compound M(BH.sub.4).sub.y. The process has three steps. The first step combines a compound of formula (R.sup.1O).sub.yM with aluminum, hydrogen and a metallic catalyst containing at least one metal selected from the group consisting of titanium, zirconium, hafnium, niobium, vanadium, tantalum and iron to produce a compound of formula M(AlH.sub.3OR.sup.1).sub.y, wherein R.sup.1 is phenyl or phenyl substituted by at least one alkyl or alkoxy group; M is an alkali metal, Be or Mg; and y is one or two; wherein the catalyst is present at a level of at least 200 ppm based on weight of aluminum. The second step combines the compound of formula M(AlH.sub.3OR.sup.1).sub.y with a borate, boroxine or borazine compound to produce M(BH.sub.4).sub.y and a byproduct mixture containing alkali metal and aluminum aryloxides. The third step separates M(BH.sub.4).sub.y from the byproduct mixture.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Non-aqueous electrolyte for high voltage rechargeable magnesium batteries

An electrolyte for use in electrochemical cells is provided. The properties of the electrolyte include high conductivity, high Coulombic efficiency, and an electrochemical window that can exceed 3.5 V vs. Mg/Mg.sup.+2. The use of the electrolyte promotes the electrochemical deposition and dissolution of Mg without the use of any Grignard reagents, other organometallic materials, tetraphenyl borate, or tetrachloroaluminate derived anions. Other Mg-containing electrolyte systems that are expected to be suitable for use in secondary batteries are also described.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Long life lithium batteries with stabilized electrodes

The present invention relates to non-aqueous electrolytes having electrode stabilizing additives, stabilized electrodes, and electrochemical devices containing the same. Thus the present invention provides electrolytes containing an alkali metal salt, a polar aprotic solvent, and an electrode stabilizing additive. In certain electrolytes, the alkali metal salt is a bis(chelato)borate and the additives include substituted or unsubstituted linear, branched or cyclic hydrocarbons comprising at least one oxygen atom and at least one aryl, alkenyl or alkynyl group. In other electrolytes, the additives include a substituted aryl compound or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl compound wherein the additive comprises at least one oxygen atom. There are also provided methods of making the electrolytes and batteries employing the electrolytes. The invention also provides for electrode materials. Cathodes of the present invention may be further stabilized by surface coating the particles of the spinel or olivine with a material that can neutralize acid or otherwise lessen or prevent leaching of the manganese or iron ions. In some embodiments the coating is polymeric and in other embodiments the coating is a metal oxide such as ZrO.sub.2, TiO.sub.2, ZnO, WO.sub.3, Al.sub.2O.sub.3, MgO, SiO.sub.2, SnO.sub.2 AlPO.sub.4, Al(OH).sub.3, a mixture of any two or more thereof.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗