Battery Research Research Articles

Grain boundary complexion modification for interface stability in garnet based solid-state Li batteries

The garnet type solid-state electrolyte (SSE) encounters challenges related to poor interfacial contact with Li metal and dendrite penetration problem. This study addresses these issues by manipulating the surface property of garnet-based LLZTO (Li6.5La3Zr1.6Ta0.4O12) SSE. The manipulation is achieved by varying thickness of Al2O3 atomic layer deposition (ALD), followed by sintering. Research results show that the relative density, ionic conductivity, and hardness of LLZTO are improved while electronic conductivity is reduced due to the formation of multiple complexions at grain boundary (GB). The SSE pellets also demonstrate improved wettability with Li metal, leading to stable galvanostatic Li plating/stripping cycling with low polarization, which allows for batter battery performance than pristine one. The concept of modifying SSE through the grain boundary complexion modification by thin ALD coating for enhancing the dendrite tolerance with better electrochemical properties of SSE may open a new direction for solid state battery research.

Engineering colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals for quantum information processing.

Quantum information processing-which relies on spin defects or single-photon emission-has shown quantum advantage in proof-of-principle experiments including microscopic imaging of electromagnetic fields, strain and temperature in applications ranging from battery research to neuroscience. However, critical gaps remain on the path to wider applications, including a need for improved functionalization, deterministic placement, size homogeneity and greater programmability of multifunctional properties. Colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals can close these gaps in numerous application areas, following years of rapid advances in synthesis and functionalization. In this Review, we specifically focus on three key topics: optical interfaces to long-lived spin states, deterministic placement and delivery for sensing beyond the standard quantum limit, and extensions to multifunctional colloidal quantum circuits.

Simultaneous Scanning Ion Conductance and Electrochemical Microscopy in Lithium‐Ion Battery Research

AbstractInvited for this issue's Front Cover is the group of Prof. F.‐M. Matysik. The cover picture shows a typical situation in the life of a scientist focusing on scanning probe techniques. A decision needs to be made, which technique to employ. But what if more than one technique could be employed. In the context of lithium‐ion battery research, several scanning probe microscopies are currently utilized. Scanning ion conductance microscopy and scanning electrochemical microscopy were simultaneously applied in the investigation of a commercial graphite electrode. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/celc.202300577.

Digitization of flow battery experimental process research and development

Rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations urgently call for advanced sustainable energy storage solutions, underlining the pivotal role of renewable energies. This perspective delves into the capabilities of redox flow batteries as potential grid storage contenders, highlighting their benefits over traditional lithium-ion batteries. While all-vanadium flow batteries have established themselves, concerns about vanadium availability have steered interest toward Organic Flow Batteries. The multifaceted nature of organic materials calls for an integrated approach combining artificial intelligence, robotics, and material science to enhance battery efficacy. The union of artificial intelligence and robotics expedites the research and development trajectory, encompassing everything from data assimilation to continuous refinement. With the burgeoning metaverse, a groundbreaking avenue for collaborative research emerges, potentially revolutionizing flow battery research and catalyzing the progression towards sustainable energy resolutions.

Facile Fabrication of FePO4–V2O5–Graphene Oxide Recovered From Spent LiFePO4 Batteries as High‐Performance Cathode for Lithium/Sodium‐Ion Batteries

AbstractThe resource scarcity and pollution leakage risk caused by discarding the spent power lithium‐ion batteries has aroused growing concern. Recovering and regenerating the cathode material from spent power lithium‐ion batteries in an easy and environmentally friendly manner remains a significant challenge and an area of focus in battery research. Hence, a green and convenient method to recover FePO4 from spent LiFePO4 cathode powder by using Na2S2O8 as an oxidizer and as cathode materials for lithium/sodium‐ion batteries (LIBs/SIBs) is reported. Benefiting from the remarkable graphene oxide (GO) and vanadium oxide (V2O5) coating, the regenerated FePO4–V2O5–graphene oxide (FePO4–V2O5–GO) is suitable for Li/Na storage (153 mAh g−1 at 0.2C/118 mAh g−1 at 0.5C). The high capacity retention, that stable for 300 cycles in LIBs and 300 cycles for SIBs, is also realized due to the stable structure. This work provides a green strategy for regenerating the cathode of spent lithium‐ion batteries and designing cathodes of alkali metal ion batteries.

Porous MCM‐41 Silica Materials as Scaffolds for Silicon‐based Lithium‐ion Battery Anodes

AbstractAiming for specific energy improvements, lithium‐ion battery (LIB) research explores Si based materials as potential alternatives for the negative electrode/anode. Si exhibits a high specific capacity when lithiated, accompanied by a large volumetric expansion. To mitigate expansion induced failures, composite materials with finely distributed Si inside a scaffold have been established. Potential scaffolds to create such Si composites are nano porous SiO2 materials, such as MCM‐41. MCM‐41 exhibits a fine nanostructure, and the synthesis allows precise tuning of the pore properties and thus, after filling with Si, of Si morphology and Si content in the composite. In this work, insights into relevant MCM‐41 synthesis parameters are acquired, with special attention towards specific pore volumes and pore sizes of the SiO2 powders. Materials characterization is performed using nitrogen sorption analysis, X‐ray scattering, electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Selected MCM‐41 scaffolds are processed to Si composites and integrated into LIB electrodes. The specific capacity and the stability of the Si−SiO2 composites are evaluated by PITT and galvanostatic cycling. They show capacities above 800 mAh g−1, i. e. more than twice the specific capacity of industry standard graphite, and last over 200 charge/discharge cycles before their capacity loss exceeds 25 %.

A composite material consisting of tin nanospheres anchored on and embedded in carbon nanofibers for outstanding sodium-ion storage

Benefiting from the abundant availability of sodium resources and the relative lower cost, sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are increasingly garnering attention. However, there is a pivotal challenge in contemporary battery research, revolves around the advancement of electrode materials that are both high-performing and abundant in nature. Sn-based materials stand out as promising anodes in SIBs owing to the high theoretical capacity (847 mA h g−1) of metallic tin. Herein, a composite of Sn nanospheres anchored on and embedded in the carbon nanofibers (Sn@CNFs) has been synthesized by electrospinning and the following annealing process. After that, the Sn@CNFs was directly used as free-standing anodes for sodium-ion batteries. Remarkably, with assistance of K+ in the electrolyte, the Sn@CNFs anode sustains a capacity of 470.3 mA h g−1 over 450 cycles with a superb Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 99.71 %. Additionally, with a high cycle retention of 99.0 %, the Sn@CNFs||NVP full-cell delivers high charge and discharge capacity of 100.7 and 99.8 mA h g−1 at 0.1C after 50 cycles.

Molten sodium batteries: advances in chemistries, electrolytes, and interfaces

The need for clean, renewable energy has driven the expansion of renewable energy generators, such as wind and solar. However, to achieve a robust and responsive electrical grid based on such inherently intermittent renewable energy sources, grid-scale energy storage is essential. The unmet need for this critical component has motivated extensive grid-scale battery research, especially exploring chemistries “beyond Li-ion”. Among others, molten sodium (Na) batteries, which date back to the 1960s with Na-S, have seen a strong revival, owing mostly to raw material abundance and the excellent electrochemical properties of Na metal. Recently, many groups have demonstrated important advances in battery chemistries, electrolytes, and interfaces to lower material and operating costs, enhance cyclability, and understand key mechanisms that drive failure in molten Na batteries. For widespread implementation of molten Na batteries, though, further optimization, cost reduction, and mechanistic insight is necessary. In this light, this work provides a brief history of mature molten Na technologies, a comprehensive review of recent progress, and explores possibilities for future advancements.

Of Crystals and Semiotic Slippage: Lithium Mining, Energy Ambitions, and Resource Politics in Bolivia

ABSTRACT: The salares, or salt flats, of Bolivia are the site of the world's largest proven reserves of lithium Although different proposals were initiated over the decades, it was during the thirteen years under the Movement to Socialism (MAS) governments of Evo Morales when the state-directed lithium project began in earnest. This is an ambitious project with a num ber of important dimensions, including evaporation mining in the region around Uyuni; the construction of an industrial plant where lithium salt is converted into "battery grade" lithium carbonate; the development of a battery research and production facility, which is producing—still at a pilot stage—lithium ion batteries" and proposals to produce electronic vehicles (EVs) in Bolivia, which would mean a form of vertical integration of the lithium resource chain. This article examines one key ethnographic dimension of Bolivia's still unfolding lithium project: the ways in which its different materialities—geological, industrial, extractive, environmental—are reframed within pre-existing semiotic categories, including a well established semiotics of resource extraction, as part of ongoing struggles for control over both the meaning and productive potential of a key resource at the center of the global "green" energy transition. The article argues that these semiotic struggles take place through illuminating slippages or "re-craftings," many of which cannot be reduced to the grand narratives within which lithium industrialization is conventionally studied and critiqued After using selected examples from ethnographic research in Bolivia to examine some of the more important semiotic struggles, the article concludes by drawing out the wider lessons of the study for the anthropology of energy and resource politics.

A Hierarchical Modeling Framework for Electrochemical Behaviors in Lithium‐Ion Batteries with Detailed Structures

The accurate representation of lithium plating and aging phenomena has posed a persistent challenge within the battery research community. Empirical evidence underscores the pivotal role of cell structure in influencing aging behaviors and lithium plating within lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Available lithium‐ion plating models often falter in detailed description when integrating the structural intricacies. To address this challenge, this study proposes an innovative hierarchical model that intricately incorporates the layered rolling structure in cells. Notably, our model demonstrates a remarkable capacity to predict the non‐uniform distribution of current density and overpotential along the rolling direction of LIBs. Subsequently, we delve into an insightful exploration of the structural factors that influence lithium plating behavior, leveraging the foundation laid by our established model. Furthermore, we easily update the hierarchical model by considering aging factors. This aging model effectively anticipates capacity fatigue and lithium plating tendencies across individual layers of LIBs, all while maintaining computational efficiency. In light of our findings, this model yields novel perspectives on capacity fatigue dynamics and local lithium plating behaviors, offering a substantial advancement compared to existing models. This research paves the way for more efficient and tailored LIB design and operation, with broad implications for energy storage technologies.

A Review on Catalytic Progress of Polysulfide Redox Reactions on Transition Metal Sulfides in Li‐S Batteries from Structural Perspective

AbstractThe commercialization of Li−S batteries is seriously hindered by polysulfides with severe shuttle effect, and the inherent insulating properties and slow reaction kinetics of insoluble Li2S products. Transition metal sulfides (TMSs) have a high adsorption capacity for polysulfides and have been shown to have a strong catalytic effect on polysulfide conversion reactions. This paper reviews the research on the application of Unary TMSs, heterostructures, etc. in Li−S batteries, and gives some research methods for TMD catalysts in Li−S batteries. Finally, it points out the main focuses and direction of future Li−S battery research and development. It aims to provide some insights into the design and manufacture of advanced Li−S batteries for commercial use.

Cement/Sulfur for Lithium-Sulfur Cells.

Lithium-sulfur batteries represent a promising class of next-generation rechargeable energy storage technologies, primarily because of their high-capacity sulfur cathode, reversible battery chemistry, low toxicity, and cost-effectiveness. However, they lack a tailored cell material and configuration for enhancing their high electrochemical utilization and stability. This study introduces a cross-disciplinary concept involving cost-efficient cement and sulfur to prepare a cement/sulfur energy storage material. Although cement has low conductivity and porosity, our findings demonstrate that its robust polysulfide adsorption capability is beneficial in the design of a cathode composite. The cathode composite attains enhanced cell fabrication parameters, featuring a high sulfur content and loading of 80 wt% and 6.4 mg cm-2, respectively. The resulting cell with the cement/sulfur cathode composite exhibits high active-material retention and utilization, resulting in a high charge storage capacity of 1189 mA∙h g-1, high rate performance across C/20 to C/3 rates, and an extended lifespan of 200 cycles. These attributes contribute to excellent cell performance values, demonstrating areal capacities ranging from 4.59 to 7.61 mA∙h cm-2, an energy density spanning 9.63 to 15.98 mW∙h cm-2, and gravimetric capacities between 573 and 951 mA∙h g-1 per electrode. Therefore, this study pioneers a new approach in lithium-sulfur battery research, opting for a nonporous material with robust polysulfide adsorption capabilities, namely cement. It effectively showcases the potential of the resulting cement/sulfur cathode composite to enhance fabrication feasibility, cell fabrication parameters, and cell performance values.

In Operando Monitoring the Stress Evolution of Silicon Anode Electrodes during Battery Operation via Optical Fiber Sensors.

Silicon (Si) anode has attracted broad attention because of its high theoretical specific capacity and low working potential. However, the severe volumetric changes of Si particles during the lithiation process cause expansion and contraction of the electrodes, which induces a repeatedly repair of solid electrolyte interphase, resulting in an excessive consuming of electrolyte and rapid capacity decay. Clearly known the deformation and stress changing at µε resolution in the Si-based electrode during battery operation provides invaluable information for the battery research and development. Here, an in operando approach is developed to monitor the stress evolution of Si anode electrodes via optical fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors. By implanting FBG sensor at specific locations in the pouch cells with different Si anodes, the stress evolution of Si electrodes has been systematically investigated, and Δσ/areal capacity is proposed for stress assessment. The results indicate that the differences in stress evolution are nested in the morphological changes of Si particles and the evolution characteristics of electrode structures. The proposed technique provides a brand-new view for understanding the electrochemical mechanics of Si electrodes during battery operation.

The Future of Permanent-Magnet-Based Electric Motors: How Will Rare Earths Affect Electrification?

In this review article, we focus on the relationship between permanent magnets and the electric motor, as this relationship has not been covered in a review paper before. With the increasing focus on battery research, other parts of the electric system have been neglected. To make electrification a smooth transition, as has been promised by governing bodies, we need to understand and improve the electric motor and its main component, the magnet. Today's review papers cover only the engineering perspective of the electric motor or the material-science perspective of the magnetic material, but not both together, which is a crucial part of understanding the needs of electric-motor design and the possibilities that a magnet can give them. We review the road that leads to today's state-of-the-art in electric motors and magnet design and give possible future roads to tackle the obstacles ahead and reach the goals of a fully electric transportation system. With new technologies now available, like additive manufacturing and artificial intelligence, electric motor designers have not yet exploited the possibilities the new freedom of design brings. New out-of-the-box designs will have to emerge to realize the full potential of the new technology. We also focus on the rare-earth crisis and how future price fluctuations can be avoided. Recycling plays a huge role in this, and developing a self-sustained circular economy will be critical, but the road to it is still very steep, as ongoing projects show.

The tellurium-induced CoSe polyhedral porous nano-structured materials as high-performance cathodes for rechargeable magnesium batteries

Rechargeable magnesium batteries (RMBs) are cost-effective and dendrite-free, making them desirable for large-scale applications. Nevertheless, the exploration of high-performance cathodes still remains a great challenge in magnesium battery research. Herein, the CoSe porous polyhedra induced by Te heteroatoms (CoSe/Te) are successfully prepared by two-step metal-organic framework (MOF)-template assisted method and investigated as high-efficiency cathodes for rechargeable MIBs. In this regard, the affluent porous structure can facilitate the transport of Mg2+ ions while the introduction of Te heteroatoms can reduce the conversion reaction barrier, boost the kinetics and redox reversibility and excite the electron conduction to build active nanostructured domains for highly reversible Mg storage reactions. As a consequence, the CoSe/Te maintains the high specific capacity of 150.6 mAh g−1 after 600 cycles at 200 mA g−1, with a superior capacity retention rate of 75.3%. Moreover, the specific capacity of such electrode materials changed from 260 mAh g−1 to 41 mAh g−1 when the current density increased from 100 mA g−1 to 2000 mA g−1, and gradually recovered to 256.5 mAh g−1 when the current density returned to 100 mAh g−1, exhibiting a better rate performance. This work highlights how micro-nanostructures can favor magnesium storage reaction reversibility and cyclability and also provide insights into rational electrode design for storing magnesium cations in future studies.

Development and Evaluation of a Physicochemical Equivalent Circuit Model for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Physicochemical models of lithium-ion cells, like the Doyle Fuller Newman (DFN) model, are omnipresent in battery research and development as they provide crucial insight into the cell, while equivalent circuit models dominate the area of application-oriented models, where speed is paramount. In this work, we develop and analyze a model that combines the two approaches using equivalent circuits and the DFN theory. By using a generalized approach to equivalent circuits, we model the necessary electric and diffusional processes analogously. The developed model accounts for all physical processes and internal states contained in the standard DFN model. We investigate the impact of model discretization and compare the developed model to a reference DFN implementation. Agreement between the models for both the predicted cell voltage and internal states shows that the developed equivalent circuit model provides a physically meaningful description of a lithium-ion battery, thereby successfully combining the two main modeling approaches for lithium-ion batteries.

Bridging the Gap Between Pouch and Coin Cell Electrochemical Performance in Lithium Metal Batteries

In lithium metal battery research, coin cells (CC) are the most widely used laboratory instrument in academic settings. However, results thus obtained often don’t translate into pouch cell (PC) performance, which is regarded as a more reliable indicator for commercial relevance. Using both experimental and computational results, we show here that the root cause lies in the pressure distribution in these two cell formats. CCs suffer from a severe pressure inhomogeneity due to the geometry of the wave spring used to apply pressure to the cell stack. Replacing the wave spring with an elastic rubber disc applies a laterally uniform force to the cell stack, resulting in a homogeneous pressure distribution. Li||Cu half cells and Cu||LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2 anode-free full cells using the updated structure show performance metrics on par with chemically identical PCs while traditional CCs underperform. Our solution to this common problem retains the quick, easy fabrication of CCs while producing results comparable to the PC-level.

Recent Progress of the Cathode Material Design for Aqueous Zn-Organic Batteries.

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have emerged as the most promising candidate for large-scale energy storage due to their inherent safety, environmental friendliness, and cost-effectiveness. Simultaneously, the utilization of organic electrode materials with renewable resources, environmental compatibility, and diverse structures has sparked a surge in research and development of aqueous Zn-organic batteries (ZOBs). A comprehensive review is warranted to systematically present recent advancements in design principles, synthesis techniques, energy storage mechanisms, and zinc-ion storage performance of organic cathodes. In this review article, we comprehensively summarize the energy storage mechanisms employed by aqueous ZOBs. Subsequently, we categorize organic cathode materials into small-molecule compounds and high-molecular polymers respectively. Novel polymer materials such as conjugated polymers (CPs), conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs), and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are highlighted with an overview of molecular design strategies and structural optimization based on organic cathode materials aimed at enhancing the performance of aqueous ZOBs. Finally, we discuss the challenges faced by aqueous ZOBs along with future prospects to offer insights into their practical applications.

A Brief Analysis of SVOLT's Current Development and Challenges

SVOLT is committed to the research and production of new energy vehicle power batteries. It is an emerging enterprise in the power battery industry. The company also engages in battery and energy storage businesses. With a strategic perspective of global deployment, SVOLT has achieved remarkable growth. This article provides an analysis of SVOLT's development overview and examines the achievements and challenges the company faces in terms of its business areas, financial situation, and strategic layout using case studies and data charts. The research shows that SVOLT has experienced substantial losses for three consecutive years, making it difficult to gain a foothold in the highly competitive market. This situation is related to issues such as the company's low product gross margin, low-capacity utilization, and high management costs. It is also a predicament that arises from intense market competition. Additionally, the company's strategy of large-scale capacity expansion has brought about certain negative consequences. Therefore, SVOLT should consider adjusting its marketing approach, focusing on profit and loss conditions, reducing capacity expansion appropriately, and controlling production costs. The aim is to promptly reverse the trend of continuous losses, achieve sustainable development, gain industry recognition, and challenge leading companies in the field.

Research on new Taylor flow reactor to prepare Ni-rich oxide and LLZO ceramic Li+ ion conductors

New, green technologies are better for the environment and this is increasingly important in the context of worsening global warming and climate change. With the prevalence of battery powered devices, an important part of this is improved battery technology with improved performance and enhanced energy efficiency. Professor Chun-Chen Yang, Department of Chemical Engineering, Ming Chi University of Technology, Taiwan is also a director of the Battery Research Centre of Green Energy (BRCGE), Taiwan, which is conducting R&D on new, revolutionary battery technologies. A focus for Yang and his team is lithium (Li) batteries and new versions that incorporate different elements, with a view to improving energy storage capacity and green sustainable energy practices. He recognises the need to increase the energy density and safety of these batteries in order to meet the requirements of future applications and is exploring the benefits of using a full solid-state Li metal battery (ASSLMB). The researchers are conducting studies using a Taylor flow reactor to prepare Ni-rich oxide and LLZO ceramic Li+ ion conductors and have already yielded advantages and they hope, in the future, the method can be adopted on a wide scale and lead to the development of new and improved batteries. First, the team is keen to overcome issues associated with the difficulty of controlling uniformity and quality.