Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “density lithium”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 901 records · Page 50

Temporal evolution of whistler growth in a cold plasma injection experiment

The evolution of whistler mode turbulence and particle participation in a cold plasma release are studied experimentally as part of the Active Magnetospheric Particle Tracers Explorer (AMPTE) program. The investigation used a simple time dependent cold plasma density model, and an atypical ambient radiation belt was assumed. It is shown that a cold lithium injection in the AMPTE parameter range can give rise to whistler mode turbulence with significant gain to the wave amplitude in a single pass through a flux tube. Whistler mode growth results in the pitch angle diffusion of energetic electrons, which are in turn precipitated. The rate of power input into the ionosphere from these precipitating electrons is roughly estimated at 2 ergs per sq cm/s. It is found that this value of the precipitated power is large enough to continue producing a visible aurora until the injected plasma in the flux tube is lost or destroyed by magnetospheric convection or other processes.

Ganguli, G.↗

Bipolar and Monopolar Lithium-Ion Battery Technology at Yardney

Lithium-ion battery systems offer several advantages: intrinsically safe; long cycle life; environmentally friendly; high energy density; wide operating temperature range; good discharge rate capability; low self-discharge; and no memory effect.

Russell, P.↗

Energy Storage Project

NASA's Exploration Technology Development Program funded the Energy Storage Project to develop battery and fuel cell technology to meet the expected energy storage needs of the Constellation Program for human exploration. Technology needs were determined by architecture studies and risk assessments conducted by the Constellation Program, focused on a mission for a long-duration lunar outpost. Critical energy storage needs were identified as batteries for EVA suits, surface mobility systems, and a lander ascent stage; fuel cells for the lander and mobility systems; and a regenerative fuel cell for surface power. To address these needs, the Energy Storage Project developed advanced lithium-ion battery technology, targeting cell-level safety and very high specific energy and energy density. Key accomplishments include the development of silicon composite anodes, lithiated-mixed-metal-oxide cathodes, low-flammability electrolytes, and cell-incorporated safety devices that promise to substantially improve battery performance while providing a high level of safety. The project also developed "non-flow-through" proton-exchange-membrane fuel cell stacks. The primary advantage of this technology set is the reduction of ancillary parts in the balance-of-plant--fewer pumps, separators and related components should result in fewer failure modes and hence a higher probability of achieving very reliable operation, and reduced parasitic power losses enable smaller reactant tanks and therefore systems with lower mass and volume. Key accomplishments include the fabrication and testing of several robust, small-scale nonflow-through fuel cell stacks that have demonstrated proof-of-concept. This report summarizes the project s goals, objectives, technical accomplishments, and risk assessments. A bibliography spanning the life of the project is also included.

Mercer, Carolyn R.↗

Energy Storage Technology Development for Space Exploration

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is developing battery and fuel cell technology to meet the expected energy storage needs of human exploration systems. Improving battery performance and safety for human missions enhances a number of exploration systems, including un-tethered extravehicular activity suits and transportation systems including landers and rovers. Similarly, improved fuel cell and electrolyzer systems can reduce mass and increase the reliability of electrical power, oxygen, and water generation for crewed vehicles, depots and outposts. To achieve this, NASA is developing non-flow-through proton-exchange-membrane fuel cell stacks, and electrolyzers coupled with low permeability membranes for high pressure operation. The primary advantage of this technology set is the reduction of ancillary parts in the balance-of-plant fewer pumps, separators and related components should result in fewer failure modes and hence a higher probability of achieving very reliable operation, and reduced parasitic power losses enable smaller reactant tanks and therefore systems with lower mass and volume. Key accomplishments over the past year include the fabrication and testing of several robust, small-scale non-flow-through fuel cell stacks that have demonstrated proof-of-concept. NASA is also developing advanced lithium-ion battery cells, targeting cell-level safety and very high specific energy and energy density. Key accomplishments include the development of silicon composite anodes, lithiatedmixed- metal-oxide cathodes, low-flammability electrolytes, and cell-incorporated safety devices that promise to substantially improve battery performance while providing a high level of safety.

Mercer, Carolyn R.↗

First-principles Modeling and Design of Solid-State Interfaces for the Protection and Use of Lithium Metal Anodes

Li-ion batteries are one of the most advanced energy storage technologies in use today. Li-ion batteries are used in a multitude of applications ranging from consumer electronics, medical devices, sensors and grid storage. However, improving the capacity and energy density delivered by current Li-ion technology requires advanced materials research into novel chemical systems. In this project we have focused particularly in the use of solid-state electrolytes with lithium metal electrodes. Research into all solid-state batteries (ASSB) with Li metal electrodes has significantly expanded in recent years, however most studies reported experimental findings, which left substantial room for theoretical and modeling work as a tool to understand and determine design principles allowing reliable and safe use of ASSBs with Li metal. Among the remaining obstacles preventing reliable use of ASSBs with a Li metal electrode, the stability of the interface between the solid electrolyte and Li metal, and the propagation/dendrite formation of Li metal and resulting mechanical degradation of the electrolyte are key phenomenon that are yet to be fully understood. In the current project we have addressed these two coupled phenomena using first principles calculations and mesoscale continuum modeling. We have obtained chemical and electrochemical stability windows for several solid electrolyte materials. Additionally, from mathematical and numerical modeling of Li protrusion and dendrite initiation during plating and stripping we have determined design criteria in terms of chemical, electrochemical, and mechanical properties and operating conditions for which stable deposition can occur. We also considered the effects of mixed electronic-ionic conduction in solid electrolytes, which has more recently been suggested as another important mechanism involved in ASSB failure. Throughout our work we have successfully addressed important questions necessary for the use of ASSB’s. We have determined guiding principles for materials properties and operating conditions necessary to operate ASSB’s. And have proposed novel solid electrolyte materials with predicted chemical stability an ionic conductivity. Although this represents significant progress in our understanding, open questions remain in order to fully develop reliable and safely operate ASSBs with Li metal. Future work, building on this project will require further experimental, theoretical and simulation efforts to address remaining questions.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Decoupling mass transport and electron transfer by a double-cathode structure of a Li-O 2 battery with high cyclic stability

Aprotic lithium-oxygen (Li-O 2 ) batteries have attracted extensive attention due to their ultrahigh theoretical energy density. However, slow and undesired electron transfer during cathodic reactions causes low cyclic stability in these batteries. Here, in this paper, we demonstrate that O 2 mass transport and electron transfer for cathodic reactions in Li-O 2 batteries could be decoupled by a double-cathode structure that efficiently enables stable electron transfer between the cathode and Li 2 O 2 /O 2 . This resolves various side reactions and slow Li 2 O 2 reaction kinetics issues in conventional Li-O 2 batteries, leading to stable operation of the cell for nearly 2 months at a capacity of 0.2 and 5 mAh cm -2 , with more than 4- and 10-fold increases in cycle life when compared with single-cathode batteries. These remarkable improvements in the cyclic stability of Li-O 2 batteries with double cathodes provide an interesting concept for improving the operational stability of other metal-rechargeable batteries with conversion-type chemistry.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Transferring Liquid Metal to form a Hybrid Solid Electrolyte via a Wettability-Tuning Technology for Lithium-Metal Anodes

Integrating solid-state electrolyte (SSE) into Li-metal anodes has demonstrated great promise to unleash the high energy density of rechargeable Li-metal batteries. However, fabricating a highly cyclable SSE/Li-metal anode remains a major challenge because the densification of the SSE is usually incompatible with the reactive Li metal. Here, a liquid-metal-derived hybrid solid electrolyte (HSE) is proposed, and a facile transfer technology to construct an artificial HSE on the Li metal is reported. By tuning the wettability of the transfer substrates, electron- and ion-conductive liquid metal is sandwiched between electron-insulating and ion-conductive LiF and oxides to form the HSE. The transfer technology renders the HSE continuous, dense, and uniform. The HSE, having high ion transport, electron shut-off, and mechanical strength, makes the composite anode deliver excellent cyclability for over 4000 h at 0.5 mA cm(-2) and 1 mAh cm(-2) in a symmetrical cell. When pairing with LiFePO4 and sulfur cathodes, the HSE-coated Li metal dramatically enhances the performance of full cells. Therefore, this work demonstrates that tuning the interfacial wetting properties provides an alternate approach to build a robust solid electrolyte, which enables highly efficient Li-metal anodes.

li-metal anodes↗

Free-standing ultrathin lithium metal–graphene oxide host foils with controllable thickness for lithium batteries

Thin (≤20 μm) and free-standing Li metal foils would enable precise prelithiation of anode materials and high-energy-density Li batteries. Existing Li metal foils are too thick (typically 50 to 750 μm) or too mechanically fragile for these applications. Here, we developed a facile and scalable process for the synthesis of an ultrathin (0.5 to 20 μm), free-standing and mechanically robust Li metal foil within a graphene oxide host. In addition to low areal capacities of ~0.1 to 3.7 mAh cm –2 , this Li foil also has a much-improved mechanical strength over conventional pure Li metal foil. Our Li foil can improve the initial Coulombic efficiency of graphite (93%) and silicon (79.4%) anodes to around 100% without generating excessive Li residue, and increases the capacity of Li-ion full cells by 8%. In conclusion, the cycle life of Li metal full cells is prolonged by nine times using this thin Li composite anode.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Fe-single atom catalysts facilitate fast electron transfer with MoS 2 /SnS 2 cathodes in lithium–sulfur batteries

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) emerge as promising next-generation energy storage systems offering cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and high theoretical energy density. The practical implementation of LSBs faces significant hindrances due to the shuttle effect and sluggish redox reactions. To address these challenges, single-atom catalyst (SAC) based combination materials from d-block elements can offer increased active catalytic sites, rapid charge transfer, accelerated electron migration, and fast sulfur redox conversion kinetics of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). In this study, we fabricated three different LSB cathodes: pure S, S@MoS 2 /SnS 2 , and S@Fe–MoS 2 /SnS 2 . These cathodes were then used to explore the cycle life, capacity, rate capability, and redox kinetic reactions of LiPSs while assessing the influence of Fe-SACs on their performance. As a result, LSBs with S@Fe–MoS 2 /SnS 2 cathodes demonstrate an extended cycle life of 1000 cycles at a C-rate of 0.2C, maintaining a capacity close to 500 mA h g −1 , the highest initial discharge capacity of 1622 mA h g −1 and 1066 mA h g −1 at 0.05C and 0.2C, and excellent rate capabilities of 708 mA h g −1 and 558 mA h g −1 at 1C and 2C, respectively. The synergistic effect of the Fe-SAC-based combination cathode (S@Fe–MoS 2 /SnS 2 ) creates plentiful adsorptive and highly active catalytic sites, resulting in substantially enhanced capacity for adsorbing soluble long-chain LiPSs. This facilitates ultra-fast redox kinetics, surpassing the performance of the S@MoS 2 /SnS 2 and pure S cathodes. In the ex situ analysis, results from powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) to observe the new phase, soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) to investigate the electronic structure, and hard X-ray photoelectron microscopy (HAXPES) with different energies (900 eV, 2000 eV, and 6000 eV) to track the chemical-state evolution of Fe-SACs in MoS 2 /SnS 2 cathodes displayed notable electrochemical reversibility involving S 8 ⇄ LiPSs ⇄ Li 2 S conversion even after 1000 cycles. Additionally, in situ, operando Raman analysis can unveil a novel catalytic mechanism of Fe-SACs in MoS 2 /SnS 2 “facilitating rapid electron transfer” during the discharge and charge processes of LSBs involving the conversion of S 8 ⇄ long-chain LiPSs ⇄ Li 2 S 2 /Li 2 S. This study elucidates the working mechanism of Fe-SAC cathodes, offering insights into overcoming the shuttle effect and facilitating sulfur redox kinetics to advance commercial LSBs.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Lithium-ion electrolytic substrates for sub-1V high-performance transition metal dichalcogenide transistors and amplifiers

Electrostatic gating of two-dimensional (2D) materials with ionic liquids (ILs), leading to the accumulation of high surface charge carrier densities, has been often exploited in 2D devices. However, the intrinsic liquid nature of ILs, their sensitivity to humidity, and the stress induced in frozen liquids inhibit ILs from constituting an ideal platform for electrostatic gating. Here we report a lithium-ion solid electrolyte substrate, demonstrating its application in high-performance back-gated n-type MoS 2 and p-type WSe 2 transistors with sub-threshold values approaching the ideal limit of 60 mV/dec and complementary inverter amplifier gain of 34, the highest among comparable amplifiers. Remarkably, these outstanding values were obtained under 1 V power supply. Microscopic studies of the transistor channel using microwave impedance microscopy reveal a homogeneous channel formation, indicative of a smooth interface between the TMD and underlying electrolytic substrate. These results establish lithium-ion substrates as a promising alternative to ILs for advanced thin-film devices.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Cobalt-free, high-nickel layered oxide cathodes for lithium-ion batteries: Progress, challenges, and perspectives

High-nickel layered oxides are enabling extraordinary growth of electric vehicles market due to its high energy density. Nonetheless, leading battery manufacturers are trying to cut down the manufacturing costs further by eliminating the dependency on cobalt in cathode materials. In this perspective, we explore several aspects that need to be considered to develop cobalt-free high-Ni layered oxides by reviewing the fundamental properties of LiNiO2. Furthermore, critical key factors for exploring alternative dopants and substituents are discussed for designing stable and inexpensive Co-free high-Ni layered oxides from a viewpoint of materials science and electrochemistry. Lastly, a perspective on the future research direction on Co-free high-Ni layered oxides are highlighted with respect to practical considerations.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Interface Design for High‐Performance All‐Solid‐State Lithium Batteries

All‐solid‐state batteries suffer from high interface resistance and lithium dendrite growth leading to low Li plating/stripping Coulombic efficiency (CE) of <90% and low critical current density at high capacity. Here, in this work, both challenges are simultaneously addressed and the Li plating/stripping CE is significantly increased to 99.6% at 0.2 mA cm −2 /0.2 mAh cm −2 , and critical current density (CCD) of > 3.0 mA cm −2 /3.0 mAh cm −2 by inserting a mixed ionic‐electronic conductive (MIEC) and lithiophobic LiF‐C‐Li 3 N‐Bi nanocomposite interlayer between Li 6 PS 5 Cl electrolyte and Li anode. The highly lithiophobic LiF‐C‐Li 3 N‐Bi interlayer with high ionic conductivity (10 −5 S cm −1 ) and low electronic conductivity (3.4×10 −7 S cm −1 ) enables Li to plate on the current collector (CC) surface rather than on Li 6 PS 5 Cl surface avoiding Li 6 PS 5 Cl electrolyte reduction. During initial Li plating on CC, Li penetrates into porous LiF‐C‐Li 3 N‐Bi interlayer and lithiates Bi nanoparticles into Li 3 Bi. The lithiophilic Li 3 Bi and Li 3 N nanoparticles in LiF‐C‐Li 3 N‐Li 3 Bi sub‐interlayer will move to CC along with plated Li, forming LiF‐C/Li 3 N‐Li 3 Bi lithiophobic/lithiophilic sublayer during the following Li stripping. This interlayer enables Co 0.1 Fe 0.9 S 2 /Li 6 PS 5 Cl/Li cell with an areal capacity of 1.4 mAh cm −2 to achieve a cycle life of >850 cycles at 150 mA g −1 . The lithiophobic/lithiophilic interlayer enables solid‐state metal batteries to simultaneously achieve high energy and long cycle life.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

In situ visualization of multicomponents coevolution in a battery pouch cell

Lithium-ion battery (LIB) is a broadly adopted technology for energy storage. With increasing demands to improve the rate capability, cyclability, energy density, safety, and cost efficiency, it is crucial to establish an in-depth understanding of the detailed structural evolution and cell-degradation mechanisms during battery operation. Here, we present a laboratory-based high-resolution and high-throughput X-ray micro–computed laminography approach, which is capable of in situ visualizing of an industry-relevant lithium-ion (Li-ion) pouch cell with superior detection fidelity, resolution, and reliability. This technique enables imaging of the pouch cell at a spatial resolution of 0.5 μm in a laboratory system and permits the identification of submicron features within cathode and anode electrodes. We also demonstrate direct visualization of the lithium plating in the imaged pouch cell, which is an important phenomenon relevant to battery fast charging and low-temperature cycling. Our development presents an avenue toward a thorough understanding of the correlation among multiscale structures, chemomechanical degradation, and electrochemical behavior of industry-scale battery pouch cells.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Feasibility of Prelithiation in LiFePO 4

Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO 4 ) is widely applied as the cathode material for the energy storage Li-ion batteries due to its low cost and high cycling stability. However, the low theoretical specific capacity of LiFePO 4 makes its initial capacity loss more concerning. Therefore, lithium compensation by way of prelithiation and applications of sacrificial Li-rich additives in LiFePO 4 is imminent in elevating the energy density and/or prolonging the lifetime of the LiFePO 4 -based Li-ion batteries (LIBs). Prelithiation in LiFePO 4 is herein carried out by electrochemical and chemical methods and its feasibility is proved on the basis of the electrochemical evaluations such as the initial charge capacity and the cycling stability. In addition, the site of the pre-intercalated Li-ions is found via comprehensive physical characterizations and the density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Furthermore, these findings open a new avenue for elevating the energy density and/or prolonging the lifetime of the high-energy-density batteries.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

In-Situ Crystallization of a Lithium Disilicate Glass--Effect of Pressure on Crystal Growth Rate

Crystallization of a Li2O.2SiO2 (LS2) glass subjected to a uniform hydrostatic pressure of 4.5 GPa and 6 GPa was investigated up to a temperature of 750 C. The density of the compressed glass is about 2% greater at 4.5 GPa than at 1 atm and, depending upon the processing temperature, up to 10% greater at 6 GPa. Crystal growth rates investigated as a function of temperature and pressure show that lithium disilicate crystal growth is an order of magnitude slower at 4.5 GPa than 1 atm resulting in a shift of +45 C (plus or minus 10 C) in the growth rate curve at high pressure compared to 1 atm condition. At 6 GPa lithium disilicate crystallization is suppressed entirely, while a new high pressure lithium metasilicate crystallizes at temperatures 95 C (plus or minus 10 C) higher than those reported for lithium disilicate crystallization at 1 atm. The decrease in crystal growth rate with increasing pressure for lithium disilicate glass up to 750 C is related to an increase in viscosity with pressure associated with fundamental changes in glass structure accommodating densification.

Fuss, T.↗

Accelerated Modeling of Lithium Diffusion in Solid State Electrolytes using Artificial Neural Networks

Abstract Previous efforts to understand structure‐function relationships in high ionic conductivity materials for solid state batteries have predominantly relied on density functional theory (DFT‐) based ab initio molecular dynamics (MD). Such simulations, however, are computationally demanding and cannot be reasonably applied to large systems containing more than a hundred atoms. Here, an artificial neural network (ANN) is trained to accelerate the calculation of high accuracy atomic forces and energies used during such MD simulations. After carefully training a robust ANN for four and five element systems, nearly identical lithium ion diffusivities are obtained for Li 10 GeP 2 S 12 (LGPS) when benchmarking the ANN‐MD results with DFT‐MD. Applying the ANN‐MD approach, the effect of chlorine doping on the lithium diffusivity is calculated in an LGPS‐like structure and it is found that a dopant concentration of 1.3% maximizes ionic conductivity. The optimal concentration balances the competing consequences of effective atomic radii and dielectric constants on lithium diffusion and agrees with the experimental composition. Performing simulations at the resolution necessary to model experimentally relevant and optimal concentrations would be infeasible with traditional DFT‐MD. Systems that require a large number of simulated atoms can be studied more efficiently while maintaining high accuracy with the proposed ANN‐MD framework.

Rao, Karun K.↗