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At least 109 records · Page 6
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Dry Pressed, High Areal Loading Electrode Architectures Enabled by Holey Graphene

For future electric aviation, advanced battery cell chemistry beyond lithium ion batteries are required to meet mission requirements. High energy density battery concepts such as lithium-sulfur (Li-S) and lithiumoxygen (Li-O2) chemistries are being intensively investigated to realize their extraordinary theoretical promise in terms of energy density. Most fabrication methods of cathodes for these novel battery chemistries followed a conventional approach. In this approach, the active material is mixed with a polymer binder and a conductive carbon in a high-boiling organic solvent to form a slurry, followed by casting onto a current collector and solvent evaporation. The process is usually lengthy and poses environmental hazards due to the use of organic solvents.

Lin Yi↗
DOE OSTI2024

Tailoring Solvation Solvent in Localized High-Concentration Electrolytes for Lithium||Sulfurized Polyacrylonitrile

Sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) is a promising cathode material for lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries due to its significantly reduced polysulfide (PS) dissolution compared to the elemental S cathode. Although conventional carbonate-based electrolytes is stable with SPAN electrodes, it is less stable with Li metal anode (LMA). Recently, localized high-concentration electrolytes (LHCEs) have been developed to improve the stability of LMA. Here, we report a new strategy to further improve the performance of LI||SPAN batteries by replacing the conventional solvating solvent 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) in the LHCE with a new solvating solvent, 1,2-diethoxyethane (DEE), the new LHCEs exhibits less reactivity against Li 2 S 2 , alleviates PS dissolution, forms a better cathode-electrolyte interphase layer on the SPAN, and enhances structure reversibility even at elevated temperature (ET, 45°C). With the same salt and diluent as in other LHCEs, the LHCE with DEE leads to better performance in Li||SPAN batteries (with 82.9% capacity retention after 300 cycles at ET), preservation of SPAN cathode structure, and suppression of the volume change of LMA. The similar strategy on tailoring the solvating solvents in LHCEs can also be used in other rechargeable batteries to improve their performances.

1,2-diethoxyethane↗
DOE OSTI2022

Unlocking Failure Mechanisms and Improvement of Practical Li-S Pouch Cells Through in Operando Pressure Study

For Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery commercialization, the study at a pouch cell level is essential, as some problems ignored or deemed minimal at the smaller level could have a greater effect on the performance of the larger pouch cell. Herein, the failure mechanisms of Li-S pouch cells are deeply investigated via in operando pressure analysis. It is found that highly porous structures of cathodes/separators and slow electrolyte diffusion through cathodes/separators can both lead to poor initial wetting. Additionally, Li-metal anode dominates the thickness variation of the whole pouch cell, which is verified by in situ measured pressure variation. Consequently, a real-time approach that combined normalized pressure with dP/dV analysis is proposed and validated to diagnose the morphology evolution of Li-metal anode. Moreover, applied pressure and porosity/tortuosity ratio of the cathode are both identified as independent factors that influence anode performance. In addition to stabilizing anodes, high pressure is proven to improve the cathode connectivity and avoid cathode cracking over cycling, which improves the possibility of developing cathodes with high sulfur mass loading. This work provides insights into Li-S pouch cell design (e.g., cathode and separator) and highlights pathways to improve cell capacity and cycling performance with applied and monitored pressure

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Mixed-Domain Charge Transport in the S-Se System from First Principles

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are emerging systems heralded for the inexpensive cathode component (in S)and higher energy density than that of typical Li-ion batteries [1–5]. For the latter reason in particular, they are drawing high levels of interest for long-range electric air-craft applications where high gravimetric energy density is of utmost importance. Unfortunately, S by itself has a much too low electrical conductivity to be useful asa stand-alone cathode material. One effort to alleviate these shortcomings is to alloy sulfur with selenium [6–13],which is expected to improve the paltry conductivity of S as Se, depending on the phase, is 10∼30 times more conductive. This, however, comes at the cost of the heavier mass of Se that works against the gravimetric energy density. The charge transport behavior in the S1−xSex alloy system, not yet fully known or understood, is necessary for one to navigate the trade-offs between conductivity and other variables such as energy density en route to ultimately determining the optimum Se content, on demand. Charting carrier mobilities and conductivities in the S-Se system throughout the compositional spectrum from first principles at a predictive level is therefore critical.

Junsoo Park↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Fabricating Solid-State Batteries for Electric Aviation

All-solid-state lithium batteries are widely reputed as the next major step in energy storage technology on account their drastically improved safety over wet cells, as solid electrolytes lack the volatile compounds in wet electrolytes that make them combustible. This enhanced safety enables a far wider range of products and vehicles to go fully electric and aligns with future NASA missions that require high performing, reliable, and safe batteries. However, they currently face issues with implementation in consumer products due to the often-poor mechanical properties of the solid electrolyte and relative difficulty to manufacture. Typical solid-state electrolyte challenges were bypassed by incorporating a range of polymeric binders into a solid electrolyte suspension and cast onto a composite carbon-sulfide cathode to create a single bilayer film. The resulting films display superior flexibility and durability compared to solid-electrolyte films typically discussed in literature without compromising the thinness of the films. The bilayer film was then punched into 12.7 cm diameter discs and 4 cm by 5 cm sheets, pressed, and assembled into coin cells and pouch cells respectively.

Batteries↗
DOE OSTI2025

Impact of electric vehicle battery recycling on reducing raw material demand and battery life-cycle carbon emissions in China

The rapid growth of electric vehicles (EVs) in China challenges raw material demand. This study evaluates the impact of recycling and reusing EV batteries on reducing material demand and carbon emissions. Integrating a national-level vehicle stock turnover model with life-cycle carbon emission assessment, we found that replacing nickel-cobalt-manganese batteries with lithium iron phosphate batteries with battery recycling can reduce lithium, cobalt, and nickel demand between 2021 and 2060 by up to 7.8 million tons (Mt) (67%), 12.4 Mt (96%), and 37.2 Mt (93%), respectively, significantly decreasing reliance on import. Moreover, battery recycling coupled with reuse can reduce carbon emissions by up to 6,532-6,864 Mt (36.0-37.9%), depending on four recycling methods employed. However, this reuse strategy delays battery recycling and risks lithium supply shortage, necessitating trade-offs between carbon reduction and material supply. Future technologies, such as lithium-sulfur and all-solid-state batteries, despite their energy efficiency, might exacerbate lithium shortage, underscoring the crucial need for increased lithium supply.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Polysulfide-incompatible additive suppresses spatial reaction heterogeneity of Li-S batteries

Rational electrolyte engineering for practical pouch cells remains elusive because the correlation between the cathode/solid-electrolyte interphase layer and cell-level reaction behavior is poorly understood. Here, by combining multiscale characterization and computational modeling, we show that—counter to the conventional perception of polysulfide-incompatible additives—the spontaneous reaction of sparingly solvated polysulfides with Lewis acid additives (LAAs) can induce in situ formation of a homogeneous interphase on thick and tortuous S cathode. Multiscale synchrotron X-ray characterization consistently affirms that such interface design could effectively eliminate the notorious problems of polysulfide shuttle and lithium corrosion and, more importantly, provide an interconnected “ion transport highway” to alleviate the uneven ion transport within the tortuous S cathode. Hence, this design dramatically reduces the reaction heterogeneity of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) pouch cells under lean electrolyte conditions. Further, this work resolves controversy around the role of polysulfide-incompatible additives in high-energy Li-S pouch cells and highlights the importance of suppressing reaction heterogeneity for practical batteries.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Rational Design of High-Performing Electrodes in Energy Storage Devices

Rational design of interfaces with proper physico-chemical properties is necessary to optimize the performance of electrochemical devices, which requires fundamental understanding of the interfaces. In this project, we leveraged quantum mechanical and molecular dynamics simulations as well as machine learning (ML) technique to correlate the relationships between structure and properties including ion transport and electronic structures of cathode host materials in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) and carbon anode in sodium (Na) batteries for improved electrochemical performance.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Design Considerations for Practical Li-S Batteries for Electric Aviation

The development of high-energy, high-safety, and high-power batteries beyond electric automotive standards is critical for future electric aviation applications. Non-volatile solid-state electrolytes (SSE) offer many promising advantages over traditional flammable liquid electrolytes. Solid-state electrolytes may be an enabling technology for certain battery chemistries by preventing detrimental interactions with liquid electrolytes, for example prevention of the dissolution of intermediates in lithium-sulfur common in traditional liquid organic solvents. However, significant manufacturing challenges must be overcome before the adoption of such technology. This research was conducted to identify processing techniques for producing solid-state battery components with practical dimensions and weights for enabling high specific energy cells. Traditional research has identified a range of very high theoretical ionic conductivities but are impractical due to their instability or inability to be manufactured. Electrolytes explored in this study were produced as sulfide-polymer composites with densified thicknesses below 40 micron using a tape-casting technique and thermoplastic elastomer binder. The combination of high chemical compatibility and flexibility produced robust films that had moderate impact on the ionic conductivity but was capable of dramatically reducing the parasitic mass. Despite minimal conductivity losses, films were produced 10-15 times thinner than comparable bulk powder electrolytes thus leading to overall lower film resistance. Conductivity is maintained above 0.2mS/cm for composite electrolytes. Through the analysis of materials based on their physical properties, such as density, practical cells can be designed. Based on this, low density sulfide-solid-state electrolytes are a promising candidate for achieving the energy and safety metrics for electric aviation, however, further optimization of cathode microstructure and composite processing will be required to achieve the high power metrics and will be the focus of further studies. Additionally, fabrication challenges arise when utilizing metallic lithium foil, due to its soft nature, as overflow and mechanical short circuit can occur on assembly which remains a challenge to overcome before metallic lithium anodes can be fully realized.

batteries↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Solid-state battery designed for electric aviation

The demand for higher energy density batteries increases as the demand for portable electronic devices and electric automotive increases, as well as a variety of other applications requiring substantially higher power and energy than attainable with current lithium-ion capabilities which includes the areas of high performance vehicles, military applications, and electric aviation. However, the improvement of energy density is insufficient alone for enabling electric aviation when considering the high flammability and risk of thermal runaway inherent in current state-of-the-art liquid electrolytes. The development of high energy, high power, and safe batteries are required to enable hybrid and fully electric aircraft. Next generation chemistries such as lithium-sulfur provide high theoretical specific energy density suitable for electric aviation without as strict of volumetric requirements observed in the automotive industry. However, due to the phase transition during discharge where sulfur generates a series of soluble intermediate polysulfides, which are lost to the liquid electrolyte, cause detrimental side effects, and severely limit cycle life battery performance is severely reduced. Additionally, the low electrical conductivity of sulfur requires a large amount of inactive carbon dramatically increasing parasitic mass. The dissolution issue make sulfur a desirable candidate to pair with a solid-state electrolyte in order to avoid polysulfide dissolution and shuttling. In addition, inorganic solid-electrolytes have low flammability providing the improved safety required. Combining this chemistry with a solid-state electrolyte provides a path for achieving the energy and safety required for electric aviation. The development of scalable thin solid-state electrolytes paired with lithium-sulfur chemistry will be discussed and how their development will aid in enabling a unique application.

Donald A. Dornbusch↗
NASA NTRS1986

Galileo probe battery program - An historical overview

The Galileo Probe mission to Jupiter required the selection of a battery module design that exceeded the known state of the art in 1977. The choice of the lithium-sulfur dioxide system, a technology then under development for nonaerospace applications necessitated an extensive cell and module development program that ultimately resulted in a space-qualified product that satisfies the severe constraints and requirements of the Galileo mission. The development program drew on the data base and experience then available from other government-sponsored lithium-sulfur dioxide programs and is an example of multiapplication synergism that can be derived from industry and government cooperation.

Krause, S. J.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Next Generation Batteries for Electric Aviation and Space

Energy storage plays a critical part in the success of future NASA missions that desire batteries with higher energy density, higher power, and most critically improved safety. These performance requirements stretch beyond that of electric automobile markets and are required for enabling widespread adoption of electric aviation. One approach to improve the safety and energy is the transition to non-volatile solid-state electrolytes (SSE) which promise many advantages over traditional flammable liquid electrolytes and may also be an enabling technology for next generation chemistries such as lithium-sulfur (Li-S). However, significant manufacturing challenges must be overcome before the adoption of such technology. This study will discuss the development of solid electrolytes specifically designed to meet future NASA electric aviation targets with densified thicknesses between 20-30 microns derived using solvent processing techniques. Films were produced 10-15 times thinner than comparable bulk cold pressed powder electrolytes and achieved thicknesses comparable to commercial polyolefin separators (25 micron) used in commercial liquid containing lithium-ion cells. Furthermore, design and development of novel cathode composites through integration of experiment and a particle dynamics model will be discussed. Beyond aeronautics, unique challenges and requirements exist for energy storage for space applications, which can cover extreme temperatures and material scarcity for in-situ derived materials. Additionally, this talk will briefly cover the need and development of lunar and Martian derived electrode materials for in-situ manufacturing of energy storage devices.

Batteries↗
NASA NTRS2009

A Study on Advanced Lithium-Based Battery Cell Chemistries to Enhance Lunar Exploration Missions

NASA's Exploration Technology Development Program (ETDP) Energy Storage Project conducted an advanced lithium-based battery chemistry feasibility study to determine the best advanced chemistry to develop for the Altair lunar lander and the Extravehicular Activities (EVA) advanced lunar surface spacesuit. These customers require safe, reliable energy storage systems with extremely high specific energy as compared to today's state-of-the-art batteries. Based on customer requirements, the specific energy goals for the development project are 220 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg) delivered at the battery level at 0 degrees Celsius (degrees Celcius) at a C/10 discharge rate. Continuous discharge rates between C/5 and C/2, operation over 0 to 30 degrees C, and 200 cycles are targeted. The team, consisting of members from NASA Glenn Research Center, Johnson Space Center, and Jet Propulsion laboratory, surveyed the literature, compiled information on recent materials developments, and consulted with other battery experts in the community to identify advanced battery materials that might be capable of achieving the desired results with further development. A variety of electrode materials were considered, including layered metal oxides, spinel oxides, and olivine-type cathode materials, and lithium metal, lithium alloy, and silicon-based composite anode materials. lithium-sulfur systems were also considered. Hypothetical cell constructs that combined compatible anode and cathode materials with suitable electrolytes, separators, current collectors, headers, and cell enclosures were modeled. While some of these advanced materials are projected to obtain the desired electrical performance, there are risks that also factored into the decision making process. The risks include uncertainties due to issues such as safety of a system containing some of these materials, ease of scaling-up of large batches of raw materials, adaptability of the materials to processing using established or reasonable cost manufacturing techniques, manufacturability of the materials in dimensions required for integration into battery cells of practical capacities, low Technology Readiness levels (TRl), and the ability to achieve the desired performance by the customer need dates. The advanced cell chemistry options were evaluated with respect to multiple quantitative and qualitative attributes while considering their projected performance at the end of the available development timeframe. Following a rigorous ranking process, a chemistry that combines a lithiated nickel manganese cobalt oxide (lithium NMC) cathode with a silicon-based composite anode was selected as the technology that can offer the best combination of safety, specific energy, energy density, and likelihood of success. Tasks over the next three years will focus on development of electrode materials, compatible electrolytes, and separator materials, and integration of promising components to assess their combined performance in working cells. Cells of the chosen chemistry will be developed to TRl 6 by 2014 and will then be transferred to the customers for infusion into their mission paths.

Reid, Concha↗
DOE OSTI2024

Nanoengineering of 2D MBenes for energy storage applications: A review

2D transition metal borides (MBenes), a flourishing member of the 2D nanomaterial family, show great potential in a number of study areas. MBenes have received increasing attention thanks to their excellent electrical conductivity, structural and mechanical properties, and chemical stability, which have captivated researchers and sparked further exploration. Extensive theoretical and experimental investigations have unveiled its remarkable potential as electrode materials for electrochemical storage applications, making MBenes a subject of great interest. Despite the growing interest and numerous studies conducted, there is a lack of a comprehensive and systematic appraisal of MBenes' applications in electrochemical energy storage systems. Here, in light of this, firstly, we provide an overview of the current progress in the fabrication and characterization of MAB phases and MBenes. For the synthesis of MBenes, the following fabrication techniques were discussed; liquid-phase exfoliation, solid-state mechanical exfoliation, chemical vapor deposition, high-pressure chemical vapor deposition, microwave-assisted chemical etching, and ultrasound-assisted chemical etching methods. Then, we delve into the captivating potential of MBenes, specifically in the realm of energy storage applications and their role in enhancing electrochemical storage capabilities. The discussion encompasses their application in lithium-ion, lithium-sulfur, and lithium-selenide batteries, supercapacitors and other energy storage systems, providing a comprehensive perspective on their contributions to the energy landscape. Finally, a brief but significant summary of the challenges and opportunities of MBenes in practical applications was summarized. The present review provides a guide and scientific motivation for creating and developing advanced MBene-based nanomaterials, addressing the growing demand for cutting-edge energy storage systems.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Chemically Generated Liquid Sulfur Droplets at Room and Subzero Temperatures

The liquid phase of sulfur has been observed at room temperature, resulting from the electrochemical oxidation of polysulfides, a process occurring on the electrodes and influenced by the electrode materials. However, such electrode-dependent behavior of liquid sulfur has constrained its use in battery applications, driving research for alternative processes. This paper introduces an approach to generating liquid sulfur at both room and subzero temperatures through chemical reactions independent of the substrate material. We demonstrate that using a redox mediator, polysulfides can be chemically oxidized into liquid sulfur droplets in the electrolyte close to but away from the electrode. This pathway can generate liquid sulfur at room and subzero temperatures of −15 °C, 130 °C below sulfur’s melting temperature (115 °C). The chemically generated liquid sulfur further enriches the lithium–sulfur-electrolyte material systems, potentially creating opportunities for high-energy lithium–sulfur and other metal–sulfur batteries.

liquid sulfur↗
DOE OSTI2024

Hybrid polymer network cathode-enabled soluble-polysulfide-free lithium–sulfur batteries

Among the emerging 'beyond lithium-ion' technologies for maximized sustainability, lithium-sulfur (Li-S) is a favoured chemistry because of its exceptional energy density from the conversion of sulfur, an element in abundant supply. However, the dissolution of several intermediate polysulfides formed during conversion leads to rapid performance degradation over cycling. Here, in this study, we address this issue by sulfurizing a hybrid polymer network with polyphosphazene and carbon as a cathode for Li-S batteries. With rich sites to re-bond and adsorb dissociative sulfur species, this hybrid polymer network circumvents the formation of soluble polysulfides and enables a unique, reversible inserting conversion reaction. Thus, our cathode delivers both high capacity (~900 mAh g -1 cathode ) and excellent cycling stability in Li-S coin cells, with a pouch cell demonstration of projected energy density of ~300 Wh kg -1 and 84.9% capacity retention after 150 cycles. The strategy can be extended to other cost-effective, recyclable polymers, advancing sulfur-based batteries towards practical energy storage application.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
NASA NTRS1982

Correlation of design with performance of primary lithium-sulfur oxyhalide cells

Results and assessments of a focused literature review of primary lithium sulfur oxyhalide cells are presented. Major emphasis is placed on the effect of component materials and designs on performance (energy density and rate capability), safety, and storage life of these cells. This information is a reference guide for the design of high energy batteries for future use on NASA missions.

Frank, H. A.↗
NASA NTRS2001

The 2000 NASA Aerospace Battery Workshop

This document contains the proceedings of the 33nd annual NASA Aerospace Battery Workshop, hosted by the Marshall Space Flight Center on November 14-16, 2000. The workshop was attended by scientists and engineers from various agencies of the U.S. Government, aerospace contractors, and battery manufacturers, as well as international participation in like kind from a number of countries around the world. The subjects covered included nickel-hydrogen, lithium-ion, lithium-sulfur, and silver-zinc technologies.

Brewer, J. C.↗