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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 595 records · Page 33
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Discovery of Novel Rhizoctonia solani DHFR Inhibitors as Fungicides Using Virtual Screening

Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) is an essential enzyme in the folate pathway and has been recognized as a well-known target for antibacterial and antifungal drugs. We discovered eight compounds from the ZINC database using virtual screening to inhibit Rhizoctonia solani (R. solani), a fungal pathogen in crops. These compounds were evaluated with in vitro assays for enzymatic and antifungal activity. Among these, compound Hit8 is the most active R. solani DHFR inhibitor, with the IC 50 of 10.2 μM. The selectivity of inhibition is 22.3 against human DHFR with the IC 50 of 227.7 μM. Moreover, Hit8 has higher antifungal activity against R. solani (EC 50 of 38.2 mg L –1 ) compared with validamycin A (EC 50 of 67.6 mg L –1 ), a well-documented fungicide. These results suggest that Hit8 may be a potential fungicide. Finally, our study exemplifies a computer-aided method to discover novel inhibitors that could target plant pathogenic fungi.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Dielectric relaxation of ethylene carbonate and propylene carbonate from molecular dynamics simulations

Ethylene carbonate (EC) and propylene carbonate (PC) are widely used solvents in lithium (Li)-ion batteries and supercapacitors. Ion dissolution and diffusion in those media are correlated with solvent dielectric responses. Here, we use all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of the pure solvents to calculate dielectric constants and relaxation times, and molecular mobilities. The computed results are compared with limited available experiments to assist more exhaustive studies of these important characteristics. As a result, the observed agreement is encouraging and provides guidance for further validation of force-field simulation models for EC and PC solvents.

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

Transition Metal Dissolution in Lithium-Ion Cells: A Piece of the Puzzle

Static leaching tests were performed using the chemically delithiated positive electrode materials, LiFePO 4 , LiCoO 2 , LiMn 2 O 4 , LiNiO 2 , and LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 . Instead of the common electrolyte, which contains LiPF 6 , the solvent consisted of only ethylene carbonate (EC) and ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), limiting the possible reactions to only those that depend on the solvent. The product liquids from these experiments showed that there were lithium-bearing species in common, such as Li(EC) + and Li(EMC) + . Interestingly, we found evidence of electrolyte degradation products in both the positive-and negative-ion mass spectral results. The positive-ion results showed that the products tended to coordinate to lithium. In conclusion, the negative-ion results showed that most of the products tended to complex with transition metals. It was difficult to discern which positive ion was associated with which negative ion.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Synthesis, Characterization, and Reactivity of Ethynyl- and Propynyl-Terminated Si(111) Surfaces

Ethynyl- and propynyl-terminated Si(111) surfaces synthesized with a two-step halogenation/alkylation method have been characterized by transmission infrared spectroscopy (TIRS), high-resolution electron energy-loss spectroscopy (HREELS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), atomic-force microscopy (AFM), electrochemical scanning–tunneling microscopy (EC-STM) and measurements of surface recombination velocities ( S ). For the ethynyl-terminated Si(111) surface, TIRS revealed signals corresponding to ethynyl ≡C–H and C≡C stretching oriented perpendicular to the surface, HREELS revealed a Si–C stretching signal, and XPS data showed the presence of C bound to Si with a fractional monolayer (ML) coverage (Φ) of Φ Si–CCH = 0.63 ± 0.08 ML. The ethynyl-terminated surfaces were also partially terminated by Si–OH groups (Φ Si–OH = 0.35 ± 0.03 ML) with limited formation of Si 3+ and Si 4+ oxides. For the propynyl-terminated Si(111) surface, TIRS revealed the presence of a (C–H) CH 3 symmetric bending, or “umbrella,” peak oriented perpendicular to the surface, while HREELS revealed signals corresponding to Si–C and C≡C stretching, and XPS showed C bound to Si with Φ Si–CCCH 3 = 1.05 ± 0.06 ML. The LEED patterns were consistent with a (1 × 1) surface unit cell for both surfaces, but room-temperature EC-STM indicated that the surfaces did not exhibit long-range ordering. HCC–Si(111) and CH 3 CC–Si(111) surfaces yielded S values of (3.5 ± 0.1) × 10 3 and (5 ± 1) × 10 2 cm s –1 , respectively, after 581 h exposure to air. These determinations are consistent with the covalent binding of ethynyl and propynyl groups, respectively, to the Si(111) surface.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Dielectric Properties of Organic Solvents in an Electric Field

The effect of an external electric field ( E ) on the dielectric constant (ε) of several pure solvents [propylene carbonate (PC), ethylene carbonate (EC), acetonitrile (MeCN), and dimethyl carbonate (DMC)] and for several EC/DMC mixtures is explored using classical molecular dynamics simulation. Force fields were chosen that accurately predict the density and zero-field dielectric constant with respect to experiment. The simulation results for ε( E ) for field strengths up to 0.4 V/Å are calculated and fit to the Booth model, which is a standard functional form for the dependence of the dielectric constant on electric field. For PC and DMC, the Booth model gives an excellent representation of the data at all electric fields studied. For EC and MeCN, the Booth model works well at lower field strengths (up to 0.15 and 0.2 V/Å, respectively), but at the higher electric fields, these systems are observed to crystallize, a phenomenon referred to as electrofreezing . In conclusion, this work will provide useful input data for the continuum modeling of devices, such as electric double-layer capacitors, that utilize organic electrolyte solvents.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2017

Solvation and Dynamics of Sodium and Potassium in Ethylene Carbonate from ab Initio Molecular Dynamics Simulations

The development of sodium and potassium batteries offers a promising way to meet the scaling and cost challenges of energy storage. However, compared to Li + , several intrinsic properties of Na + and K + , including their solvation and dynamics in typical organic electrolytes utilized in battery applications, are less well-understood. Here in this paper, we report a systematic investigation of Na + and K + in ethylene carbonate (EC) using first-principles molecular dynamics simulations. Our simulations reveal significant differences in the solvation structure and dynamical properties of Na + and K + compared to Li + . We find that, in contrast to Li + which exhibits a well-defined first solvation shell, the larger Na+ and K+ ions show more disordered and flexible solvation structures. These differences in solvation were found to significantly influence the ion dynamics, leading to larger diffusion coefficients of Na + and K + compared to Li + . Our simulations also reveal a clear and interesting analog in the behavior of the ions in EC and aqueous environments, particularly in the specific ion effects on the solvent dynamics. Lastly, this work provides fundamental understanding of the intrinsic properties of Na + and K + in organic electrolytes, which may ultimately influence the intercalation mechanism at the electrode–electrolyte interface and therefore battery performance, lifetime, and safety.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Pressure-Induced Polymorphic, Optical, and Electronic Transitions of Formamidinium Lead Iodide Perovskite

Formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI 3 ) perovskite as a superior solar cell material was investigated in two polymorphs at high pressures using in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction, FTIR spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, electrical conductivity (EC) measurements, and ab initio calculations. We identified two new structures (i.e., Imm2 and Immm) for α-FAPbI 3 but only a structural distortion (in C2/c) for δ-FAPbI 3 upon compression. A pressure-enhanced hydrogen bond plays a prominent role in structural modifications, as corroborated by FTIR spectroscopy. PL measurements and calculations consistently show the structure and pressure dependences of the band gap energies. Lastly, EC measurements reveal drastically different transport properties of α- and δ-FAPbI 3 at low pressures but a common trend to metallic states at high pressures. All of these observations suggest strongly contrasting structural stabilities and pressure-tuned optoelectric properties of the two FAPbI 3 polymorphs.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2017

Reduction of Electrolyte Components on a Coated Si Anode of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Surface modification of Si anodes in Li-ion batteries by deposition of a thin alucone coating has demonstrated an effective way to help maintain a stable anode/electrolyte interface and good battery performance. In this paper, we investigate the interactions and reactivity of the film with electrolyte components using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. Adsorption of solvent molecules (ethylene carbonate, EC) and salt (LiPF 6 ), and reduction by two mechanisms depending on the Li content of the film (yielding open EC adsorbed on the film or C 2 H 4 + CO 3 2- ) take place near the film/electrolyte and film/anode interfaces. Finally, reactions products incorporate to the structure of the film and create a new kind of solid-electrolyte interphase layer.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Formation of Reversible Solid Electrolyte Interface on Graphite Surface from Concentrated Electrolytes

Interfacial phenomena have always been key determinants for the performance of energy storage technologies. The solid electrolyte interfacial (SEI) layer, pervasive on the surfaces of battery electrodes for numerous chemical couples, directly affects the ion transport, charge transfer and lifespan of the entire energy system. Almost all SEI layers, however, are unstable resulting in the continuous consumption of the electrolyte. Typically, this leads to the accumulation of degradation products on/restructuring of the electrode surface and thus increased cell impedance, which largely limits the long-term operation of the electrochemical reactions. Herein, a completely new SEI formation mechanism has been discovered, in which the electrolyte components reversibly self-assemble into a protective surface coating on a graphite electrode upon changing the potential. In contrast to the established wisdom regarding the necessity of employing the solvent ethylene carbonate (EC) to form a protective SEI layer on graphite, a wide range of EC-free electrolytes are demonstrated for the reversible intercalation/deintercalation of Li+ cations within a graphite lattice, thereby providing tremendous flexibility in electrolyte tailoring for battery couples. This novel finding is broadly applicable and provides guidance for how to control interfacial reactions through the relationship between ion aggregation and solvent decomposition at polarized interfaces.

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory↗
DOE OSTI2018

Fluoroethylene Carbonate Induces Ordered Electrolyte Interface on Silicon and Sapphire Surfaces as Revealed by Sum Frequency Generation Vibrational Spectroscopy and X-ray Reflectivity

Here, the cyclability of silicon anodes in lithium ion batteries (LIBs) is affected by the reduction of the electrolyte on the anode surface to produce a coating layer termed the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). One of the key steps for a major improvement of LIBs is unraveling the SEI’s structure-related diffusion properties as charge and discharge rates of LIBs are diffusion-limited. To this end, we have combined two surface sensitive techniques, sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy, and X-ray reflectivity (XRR), to explore the first monolayer and to probe the first several layers of electrolyte, respectively, for solutions consisting of 1 M lithium perchlorate (LiClO 4 ) salt dissolved in ethylene carbonate (EC) or fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) and their mixtures (EC/FEC 7:3 and 1:1 wt %) on silicon and sapphire surfaces. Our results suggest that the addition of FEC to EC solution causes the first monolayer to rearrange itself more perpendicular to the anode surface, while subsequent layers are less affected and tend to maintain their, on average, surface-parallel arrangements. This fundamental understanding of the near-surface orientation of the electrolyte molecules can aid operational strategies for designing high-performance LIBs.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Interfacial Reactivity of Silicon Electrodes: Impact of Electrolyte Solvent and Presence of Conductive Carbon

Silicon (Si) is a promising high-capacity material for lithium-ion batteries; however, its limited reversibility hinders commercial adoption. Approaches such as particle and crystallite size reduction, introduction of conductive carbon, and use of different electrolyte solvents have been explored to overcome these electrochemical limitations. Herein, operando isothermal microcalorimetry (IMC) is used to probe the influence of silicon particle size, electrode composition, and electrolyte additives fluoroethylene carbonate and vinylene carbonate on the heat flow during silicon lithiation. In this work, the IMC data are complemented by X-ray photoelectron and Raman spectroscopies to elucidate differences in solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) composition. Nanosized (~50 nm, n-Si) and micrometer-sized (~4 μm, μ-Si) silicon electrodes are formulated with and without amorphous carbon and electrochemically lithiated in ethylene carbonate (EC), fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), or vinylene carbonate (VC) based electrolytes. Notably, n-Si electrodes generate 53–61% more normalized heat relative to their μ-Si counterparts, consistent with increased surface area and electrode/electrolyte reactivity. Introduction of amorphous carbon significantly alters the heat flow profile where multiple exothermic peaks and increased normalized heat dissipation are observed for all electrolyte types. Notably, the VC-containing electrolyte demonstrates the greatest normalized heat dissipation of the electrode compositions tested showing as much as a 50% increase compared to the EC or FEC counterparts. The results are relevant to the understanding of silicon negative electrode function in the presence of electrolyte additives and provide insight relative to silicon containing cell reactivity and safety.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Electrolyte–Electrocatalyst Interfacial Effects of Polymeric Materials for Tandem CO 2 Capture and Conversion Elucidated Using In Situ Electrochemical AFM

Integrating CO 2 capture and electrochemical conversion has been proposed as a strategy to reduce the net energy required for CO 2 regeneration in traditional CO 2 capture and conversion schemes and can be coupled with carbon-free renewable electricity. Polyethylenimine (PEI)-based materials have been previously studied as CO 2 capture materials and can be integrated in these reactive capture processes. PEI-based electrolytes have been found to significantly increase the CO 2 loading, and impact selectivity and rate of product formation when compared to the conventional aqueous electrolytes. However, the influence of these materials at the catalyst–electrode interface is currently not well understood. In this study, PEI-based electrolytes were prepared and their impact on the morphology of a silver electrode performing electrochemical CO 2 reduction (CO 2 R) was studied using in situ electrochemical atomic force microscopy (EC-AFM). The presence of PEI on the electrode surface could be distinguished based on nanomechanical properties (DMT modulus), and changes were observed as negative polarization was applied, revealing a reorganization of the PEI chains due to electrostatic interactions. These changes were impacted by the electrolyte composition, including the addition of supporting electrolyte KHCO 3 salt, as well as CO 2 captured by the PEI-based electrolyte, which minimized the change in surface mechanical properties and degree of PEI alignment on the electrode surface. The changes in surface mechanical properties were also dependent on the PEI polymer length, with higher molecular weight PEI showing different reconfiguration than the shorter polymer brushes. The study highlights that the choice of polymer material, the electrolyte composition, and CO 2 captured impact the nearelectrode environment, which has implications for CO 2 R, and presents EC-AFM as a new tool that can be used to probe the dynamic behavior of these interfaces during electrocatalysis.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Binary Cation Matrix Electrolyte and Its Effect on Solid Electrolyte Interphase Suppression and Evolution of Si Anode

An unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) has been recognized as one of the biggest challenges to commercializing silicon (Si) anodes for high-energy-density batteries. This work thoroughly investigates a binary cation matrix of Mg 2+ +Li + electrolyte and its role in SEI development, suppression, and evolution of a Si anode. Findings demonstrate that introducing Mg ions dramatically reduces the SEI growth before lithiation occurs, primarily due to the suppression of solvent reduction, particularly ethylene carbonate (EC) reduction. The Mg 2+ alters the Li + cation solvation environment as EC preferably participates in the oxophyllic Mg 2+ solvation sheath, thereby altering the solvent reduction process, resulting in a distinct SEI formation mechanism. The initial SEI formation before lithiation is reduced by 70% in the electrolyte with the presence of Mg 2+ cations. While the SEI continues to develop in the postlithiation, the inclusion of Mg ions results in an approximately 80% reduction in the postlithiation SEI growth. Continuous electrochemical cycling reveals that Mg 2+ plays a crucial role in stabilizing the deep-lithiated Si phases, which effectively mitigates side reactions, resulting in controlled SEI growth and stable interphase while eliminating complex Li x Si y formation. Mg ions promote the development of a notably more rigid and homogeneous SEI, characterized by a reduced dissipation (ΔD) in the Mg 2+ +Li + ion matrix compared to the solely Li + system. In conclusion, this report reveals how the Mg 2+ +Li + ion matrix affects the SEI evolution, viscoelastic properties, and electrochemical behavior at the Si interface in real time, laying the groundwork for devising strategies to enhance the performance and longevity of Si-based next-generation battery systems.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2015

The Role of Cesium Cation in Controlling Interphasial Chemistry on Graphite Anode in Propylene Carbonate-Rich Electrolytes

Propylene carbonate (PC) is seldom used in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its sustained co-intercalation into graphene structure and the eventual graphite exfoliation, despite potential advantages it brings, such as wider liquid range and lower cost. Here we discover that cesium cation (Cs+), originally used to suppress dendrite growth of Li metal anode, directs the formation of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on graphitic anode in PC-rich electrolytes through preferential solvation. Effective suppression of PC-decomposition and graphite-exfoliation was achieved when the ratio of ethylene carbonate (EC)/PC in electrolytes was so adjusted that the reductive decomposition of Cs+-(EC)m (1≤m≤2) complex precedes that of Li+-(PC)n (3≤n≤5). The interphase directed by Cs+ is stable, ultrathin and compact, leading to significant improvements in LIB performances. In a broader context, the accurate tailoring of SEI chemical composition by introducing a new solvation center represents a fundamental breakthrough in manipulating interfacial reactions processes that once were elusive.

cesium cation↗
DOE OSTI2017

Suppressing Lithium Dendrite Growth with a Single-Component Coating

In this paper, a single-component coating was formed on lithium (Li) metal in a lithium iodide/organic carbonate [dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and ethylene carbonate (EC)] electrolyte. LiI chemically reacts with DMC to form lithium methyl carbonate (LMC), which precipitates and forms the chemically homogeneous coating layer on the Li surface. This coating layer is shown to enable dendrite-free Li cycling in a symmetric Li∥Li cell even at a current density of 3 mA cm –2 . Adding EC to DMC modulates the formation of LMC, resulting in a stable coating layer that is essential for long-term Li cycling stability. Finally and furthermore, the coating can enable dendrite-free cycling after being transferred to common LiPF 6 /carbonate electrolytes, which are compatible with metal oxide cathodes.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Dissolved CO 2 Modulates the Electrochemical Capacitance on Gold Electrodes

The presence of CO 2 at an electrified interface between an aqueous electrolyte and a metal electrode is the prerequisite for many electrochemical CO 2 capture technologies. To understand the behavior of dissolved CO 2 at an aqueous electrified interface, we characterized the electrochemical interface of planar gold electrodes with cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), electrochemical surface plasmon resonance (EC–SPR), and attenuated total reflectance surface-enhanced infrared spectroscopy (ATR–SEIRAS). Under all investigated conditions, we observed a decrease in the electrochemical capacitance upon saturation of the electrolyte with CO 2 , as compared to an electrolyte saturated with Ar. EIS and EC–SPR showed that this capacitance reduction was also potential dependent: it reached a minimum near the point of zero charge and became more significant as the applied potential moved further away from the point of zero charge. Hybrid quantum–classical simulations of the gold/aqueous electrolyte interface indicate that bicarbonate decreases the capacitance and modifies the composition of the electric double layer. In addition to the binding of bicarbonate under positive bias, we propose that molecular CO 2 can be induced by applied potential to concentrate in the diffuse layer of the electric double layer, leading to a reduction in the electrochemical capacitance under both negative and positive bias. Furthermore, this work advances the understanding of non-Faradaic effects of dissolved CO 2 at aqueous electrified interfaces of relevance for electrochemical CO 2 capture.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Trace LiBF 4 Enabling Robust LiF-Rich Interphase for Durable Low-Temperature Lithium-Ion Pouch Cells

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with electrolytes containing lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF 4 ) can achieve large capacity retention under low temperature, but the accompanying rapid capacity decay inhibits commercialization. Here, in this study, the impact of LiBF 4 as a supplemental salt to LiPF 6 is systematically investigated using low ethylene carbonate (EC)-content electrolytes, along with a low-melting-point cosolvent. It is found that rational adjustment of the amount of LiBF 4 could not only regulate the interactions of anions and solvents in Li + solvation sheaths but also tune the composition and morphology of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). It is worth noting that electrolytes with trace amount of LiBF 4 (0.05 M) show synergetic interaction between PF 6 - and Li + and decreased interaction between EC and Li + , achieving a dense and LiF-rich SEI, which enables a 200 mAh pouch cell with less gas generation, long-lived cycling, and higher low-temperature capacity, simultaneously. This work provides new insight into utilizing trace LiBF 4 for stable interface construction of durable low-temperature LIBs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2018

A Localized High-Concentration Electrolyte with Optimized Solvents and Lithium Difluoro(oxalate)borate Additive for Stable Lithium Metal Batteries

Lithium (Li) metal is considered as the ideal anode for high energy density rechargeable Li metal batteries (LMBs). However, the morphology instability of Li anode during electrochemical deposition/stripping leads to the uncontrolled growth of dendrites and the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer which causes low Li Coulombic efficiency (CE) and rapid capacity fading in LMBs. Here, we report a carbonate-based localized high concentration electrolyte (LHCE) with a fluorinated ether as a diluent for 4-V class LMBs. This electrolyte consists of 1.2 M lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) in a co-solvent mixture of ethylene carbonate (EC)/ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) with bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) ether (BTFE) as diluent and 0.15 M lithium difluoro(oxalate)borate (LiDFOB) as additive. Using this electrolyte, dendrites-free Li deposition with a high Li CE (~98.5 %) is achieved. In addition, it offers much improved cycling stability of Li metal anode compared to previously reported dimethyl carbonate-based LHCEs. For example, a Li||NMC333 battery with a high areal loading of 3.8 mAh cm-2 maintains 84% of its initial capacity after 100 cycles. This is likely due to the highly robust SEI layer formed on the Li metal anode because of the decomposition of LiDFOB salt and EC solvent molecules. Therefore this novel electrolyte is promising for high energy density rechargeable LMBs.

lithium, lithium metal batteries, cycling stabilit↗