Battery Technology Research Articles

AI-Augmented Chemical Engineering Models for Predictive Battery Maintenance in IoT Applications

This research presents a cutting-edge approach that combines chemical engineering principles with artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance battery maintenance in Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The study develops predictive maintenance models capable of accurately forecasting battery degradation, thereby optimizing usage patterns and extending battery life. By integrating electrochemical data with AI-driven predictive analytics, the project enables real-time monitoring of battery health, achieving over 90% accuracy in anticipating maintenance needs, which reduces unplanned downtime and lowers operational costs. Employing machine learning frameworks, data analysis tools, and chemical engineering simulation software, the focus is on lithium-ion and solid-state batteries, commonly used in IoT networks across sectors such as smart cities, agriculture, and healthcare. Key results include a 20−30% increase in battery lifespan and a 15% improvement in energy efficiency, significantly reducing electronic waste and environmental footprint. This interdisciplinary approach provides a foundation for sustainable battery technology in IoT technology, paving the way for future advancements in AI-augmented predictive maintenance and chemical engineering models for next-generation applications. The integration of AI with chemical engineering principles allows for the development of models that adapt to the unique electrochemical behavior of different battery types, such as lithium-ion and solid-state batteries. By analyzing lifecycle data and device usage patterns, predictive models can account for variables that influence battery performance over time, including temperature fluctuations and charging cycles. This project utilizes neural networks and reinforcement learning algorithms to train models capable of learning from historical data, enhancing their predictive capabilities. A significant aspect of this research involves the preprocessing of battery lifecycle data to ensure high data quality, which is critical for accurate model training and validation.

Signatures of coherent vibrational dynamics in ethylene carbonate.

Despite having practical applications in battery technology and serving as a model system for Fermi resonance coupling, ethylene carbonate (EC) receives little direct attention as a vibrational probe in nonlinear vibrational spectroscopy experiments. EC contains a Fermi resonance that is well-characterized in the linear spectrum, and the environmental sensitivity of its Fermi resonance peaks could make it a good molecular probe for two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy (2DIR) experiments. As a model system, we investigate the linear and 2DIR vibrational spectrum of the carbonyl stretching region of ethylene carbonate in tetrahydrofuran. The 2DIR spectrum reveals peak dynamics that evolve coherently. We characterize these dynamics in the context of Redfield theory and find evidence that EC dynamics proceed through coherent pathways, including singular coherence transfer pathways that have not been widely observed in other studies. We find that coherent contributions play a significant role in the observed dynamics of cross-peaks in the 2DIR spectrum, which must be accounted for to extract accurate measurements of early waiting time dynamics.

A Review of Perovskite-based Lithium-Ion Battery Materials

Lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion batteries or LIBs) have garnered significant interest as a promising technology in the energy industry and electronic devices for the past few decades owing to their superior energy and power density profiles, small size, long cycle life, low self-discharge rate, no memory effect, long-lasting power properties, and environmental friendly. The ongoing advancement of electrode and electrolyte materials has contributed significantly to enhancing and spreading the application of lithium-ion battery technology. Among the non-precious metal-based materials, perovskites have emerged as attention over the last decade, holding a prominent position in materials and energy. Due to their unique physical and chemical properties, these materials have garnered particular interest for their potential application in electrochemical energy devices. Perovskite oxides have piqued the interest of researchers as potential catalysts in Li-O₂ batteries due to their remarkable electrochemical stability, high electronic and ionic conductivity, and the ability to modify their properties through doping and element substitution. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of recent developments in the application of perovskites as lithium-ion battery materials, including the exploration of novel compositions and structures, optimization of fabrication methods, and a deeper understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that can unveil the potential of perovskite materials.

Toward High-Performance Li-Rich Mn-Based Layered Cathodes: A Review on Surface Modifications.

Lithium-rich manganese-based layered oxides (LRMOs) have received attention from both the academic and the industrial communities in recent years due to their high specific capacity (theoretical capacity ≥250 mAhg-1), low cost, and excellent processability. However, the large-scale applications of these materials still face unstable surface/interface structures, unsatisfactory cycling/rate performance, severe voltage decay, etc. Recently, solid evidence has shown that lattice oxygen in LRMOs easily moves and escapes from the particle surface, which inspires significant efforts on stabilizing the surface/interfacial structures of LRMOs. In this review, the main issues associated with the surface of LRMOs together with the recent advances in surface modifications are outlined. The critical role of outside-in surface decoration at both atomic and mesoscopic scales with an emphasis on surface coating, surface doping, surface structural reconstructions, and multiple-strategy co-modifications is discussed. Finally, the future development and commercialization of LRMOs are prospected. Looking forward, the optimal surface modifications of LRMOs may lead to a low-cost and sustainable next-generation high-performance battery technology.

Innovative Feature Analysis of Electric Vehicle Technology, Charging Infrastructure, Power management, and Control Methods

Lowering the dependence on fossil fuels and reducing pollution from greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is incredibly achievable through electric vehicle (EVs) technology. EV technology is an innovation that uses electricity, rather than fossil fuels, to power and refuel (recharge) vehicles. The adoption and development of EVs should lead to a decline in future demand for fossil fuels, which are finite in supply and exhaustible. Inherent challenges in EV technology, such as inadequate supply of critical minerals, power grid overload, battery technology constraints, extended charging durations, insufficient charging infrastructures, high initial costs, and limited driving range, must be addressed. The technology of charging infrastructures cannot be over-emphasized in EV technology. EV technology, charging infrastructures, vis-à-vis the impact of their integration into the grid is investigated. Effective control strategies and power management systems (PMSs) are required to optimize energy use to improve EVs' efficiency and lifetime. This research uses comprehensive analysis methods to assess various control strategies, PMSs, and their effects on EV integration into the grid.

Metal‐Organic Framework Hosted Silicon for Long‐Cycling, Low‐Cost, and Flexible Batteries

AbstractDeveloping biodegradable electrodes is a significant step toward environmental sustainability and cost reduction in battery technology. This paper presents a new approach that utilizes metal‐organic framework (MOF)‐encapsulated silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) as the active anode material within a cellulose‐based electrode. The electrode is free‐standing, flexible, biodegradable, and significantly reduces the strain experienced by SiNPs during volume expansion, resulting in improved capacity and cycle life stability of SiNPs. The high porosity of the electrode creates efficient lithium (Li+) ion transport channels and enhances electrolyte absorption, thus promoting effective contact between the electrolyte and active material. The outcome is rapid electrode kinetics and a highly reversible discharge capacity of 1744.6 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 versus Li/Li+ over 1000 cycles. Further, full cell tests are conducted that demonstrate a stable cycle performance exceeding 3400 cycles, with an initial discharge capacity retention of 80.5% at 0.5 A g−1. By employing cellulose and avoiding toxic organic solvents and binders, the proposed approach is promising for a substantial reduction of the production costs of Li‐ion batteries. The scalability of the proposed method further enhances its practical viability, offering intriguing economic implications for the future of battery technology.

In‐Vitro Alloyable Unidimensional Polymeric Interface to Mitigate Pulverization and Dendritic Growth for Long Lifespan Lithium Metal Batteries

AbstractWith its high energy density, lithium metal battery technology encounters empirical challenges such as pulverization and dendrite growth. These can hinder the achievement of long lifespans. To address these challenges, it is important to optimize the lithium charge behavior. Here, the determination of the appropriate structural conditions and processes to prevent the accumulation of lithium ions on the lithium surface is discussed. Employing a hierarchical structure of polymeric macro/mesopores at the lithium interface, the favorable behavior of lithium ions and the reaction process is monitored. And the way of alloying process is proposed, revealing lithium ion accepted alloyable metals make to lithium‐metal intermetallic compounds. The well‐distributed alloyable metals in the unidimensional polymeric interface have sufficient capacity to accommodate and transport lithium ions. This emphasizes the need for innovative strategies to address irregular lithium nucleation and enhance lithium metal battery technology.

A Multifunctional Additive for Long‐Cycling Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries Under Lean‐Ether‐Electrolyte Conditions

AbstractThe failure of lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries operating under lean‐ether‐electrolyte conditions can be ascribed to the deterioration of electrolytes, the passivation of cathodes, and the degeneration of lithium anodes. Efforts to address these challenges by exploring alternative electrolytes beyond commonly used ether‐based systems often introduce new complications. In this study, the utilization of a multifunctional additive, 2‐Bromoacetamide (BA), for ether electrolytes is proposed to achieve stable Li‐S batteries under lean‐electrolyte conditions. These investigations reveal that the amide bond in BA forms hydrogen bonds with sulfur atoms, promoting the dissolution of lithium sulfides (Li2S) in ether electrolytes and mediating the conversion of lithium polysulfides. This enhanced solubility of Li2S facilitates 3D deposition (vertical to the substrate) rather than the typical 2D deposition (parallel to the substrate) of Li2S, and thus alleviates the passivation of cathodes. Furthermore, the incorporation of BA promotes uniform and dense lithium deposition. The use of the BA‐containing electrolyte enables stable cycling of a Li‐S pouch cell for 40 cycles, even under a low electrolyte‐to‐sulfur ratio of 4 µL mg−1. This multifunctional strategy offers an effective solution to extend the lifetime of Li‐S batteries under lean‐electrolyte conditions, thereby paving the way for practical applications of Li‐S battery technology.

Highly Reversible Zn Anode Design Through Oriented ZnO(002) Facets.

The practical implementation of aqueous Zn-ion batteries presents formidable hurdles, including uncontrolled dendrite growth, water-induced side reactions, suboptimal Zn metal utilization, and intricate Zn anode manufacturing. Here, large-scale construction of a highly oriented ZnO(002) lattice plane on Zn anode (ZnO(002)@Zn) with thermodynamic inertia and kinetic zincophilicity is designed to address such problems. Both theoretical calculations and experiment results elucidate that the ZnO(002)@Zn possesses high Zn chemical affinity, hydrogen evolution reaction suppression, and dendrite-free deposition ability due to the abundant lattice oxygen species in ZnO(002) and its low lattice mismatch with Zn(002). These features synergistically promote ion transport and enable homogeneous Zn deposition. Consequently, the ZnO(002)@Zn anode displays a stable and prolonged cycling lifespan exceeding 500h even under a larger depth of discharge (85.6%) and realizes an impressive average Coulombic efficiency of 99.7%. Moreover, its efficacy is also evident in V2O5-cathode coin cells and pouch cells with not only high discharge capacity but also exceptional cycling stability. This integrated approach presents a promising avenue for addressing the challenges associated with Zn metal anodes, thereby advancing the prospects of aqueous Zn-ion battery technologies.

Paving the Way for Sustainable UAVs Using Distributed Propulsion and Solar-Powered Systems

Hybrid systems offer optimal solutions for unmanned aerial platforms, showcasing their technological development in parallel and series configurations and providing alternatives for future aircraft concepts. However, the limited energetic benefit of these configurations is primarily due to their weight, constituting one of the main constraints. Solar PV technology can provide an interesting enhancement to the autonomy of these systems. However, to create efficient propulsion architectures tailored for specific missions, a flexible framework is required. This work presents a methodology to assess hybrid solar-powered UAVs in distributed propulsion configurations through a two-level modeling scheme. The first stage consists of determining operational and design constraints through parametric models that estimate the baseline energetic requirements of flight. The second phase executes a nonlinear optimization algorithm tuned to find optimal propulsion configurations in terms of the degree of hybridization, number of propellers, different wing loadings, and the setup of electric distributed propulsion (eDP) considering fuel consumption as a key metric. The results of the study indicate that solar-hybrid configurations can theoretically achieve fuel savings of up to 80% compared to conventional configurations. This leads to a significant reduction in emissions during long-endurance flights where current battery technology is not yet capable of providing sustained flight.

Investigation of Engine Exhaust Heat Recovery Systems Utilizing Thermal Battery Technology

Over 50% of an engine’s energy dissipates via the exhaust and cooling systems, leading to considerable energy loss. Effectively harnessing the waste heat generated by the engine is a critical avenue for enhancing energy efficiency. Traditional exhaust heat recovery systems are limited to real-time recovery of exhaust heat primarily for engine warm-up and fail to fully optimize exhaust heat utilization. This paper introduces a novel exhaust heat recovery system leveraging thermal battery technology, which utilizes phase change materials for both heat storage and reutilization. This innovation significantly minimizes the engine’s cold start duration and provides necessary heating for the cabin during start-up. Dynamic models and thermal management system models were constructed. Parameter optimization and calculations for essential components were conducted, and the fidelity of the simulation model was confirmed through experiments conducted under idle warm-up conditions. Four distinct operational modes for engine warm-up are proposed, and strategies for transitioning between these heating modes are established. A simulation analysis was performed across four varying operational scenarios: WLTC, NEDC, 40 km/h, and 80 km/h. The results indicated that the thermal battery-based exhaust heat recovery system notably reduces warm-up time and fuel consumption. In comparison to the cold start mode, the constant speed condition at 40 km/h showcased the most significant reduction in warm-up time, achieving an impressive 22.52% saving; the highest cumulative fuel consumption reduction was observed at a constant speed of 80 km/h, totaling 24.7%. This study offers theoretical foundations for further exploration of thermal management systems in new energy vehicles that incorporate heat storage and reutilization strategies utilizing thermal batteries.

Innovative Zinc Anodes: Advancing Metallurgy Methods to Battery Applications.

Aqueous zinc metal batteries (AZMBs) are emerging as a powerful contender in the realm of large-scale intermittent energy storage systems, presenting a compelling alternative to existing ion battery technologies. They harness the benefits of metal zinc's high safety, natural abundance, and favorable electrochemical potential (-0.762V vs Standard hydrogen electrode, SHE), alongside an impressive theoretical capacity (820mAhg-1 and 5655mAhcm-3). However, the electrochemical performance of ZMBs is impeded by several challenges, including poor compatibility with high-loading cathodes and persistent side reactions. These issues are intricately linked to the inherent physicochemical properties of the zinc metal anodes (ZMAs). Here, this review delves into the traditional methods of ZMAs production, encompassing extraction, electrodeposition, and rolling processes. The discussion then progresses to an exploration of cutting-edge methodologies designed to enhance the electrochemical performance of ZMAs. These methods are categorized into alloying, pre-treatment of substrate, advanced electrodeposition techniques, and the development of composite anodes utilizing zinc powder. The review offers a comparative analysis of the merits and drawbacks of various optimization strategies, highlighting the beneficial outcomes achieved. It aspires to inspire novel concepts for the advancement and innovation of next-generation zinc-based energy storage solutions.

Multifaceted insights into pentagonal BeP2 monolayer: From electrochemical to mechanical resilience for alkali-ion batteries using DFT

Herein, we elucidated the properties of a pentagonal BeP2 monolayer, emphasizing its robust dynamic, thermal, and mechanical stabilities, as well as its promising electrochemical characteristics. Combining density functional theory (DFT) with a thermodynamic energy decomposition scheme, we identified BeP2 as a potentially excellent 2D material for energy storage devices. It is characterized by large lattice parameters and semi-metallic behavior, exhibiting a zero density of states (DOS) at the Fermi level. It demonstrates favorable open-circuit voltages, low metal ion migration barriers, and negligible structural modifications for Na and K ions. The specific capacities of Li/Na/K reached remarkable values, surpassing those of most previously reported monolayers. Emerging ion battery technology necessitates solid, directly comparable data to establish an optimized standard organic solvent electrolyte. With this objective in mind, we systematically investigated systems combining two Li/Na/K salts with three different alkyl carbonate solvents. Furthermore, we proposed a defect in BeP2 to explore all possible avenues for sustaining the pentagonal BeP2 monolayer (supplementary Fig. S5 and S6). In summary, our findings strongly indicate that the pentagonal BeP2 monolayer holds considerable promise as an anode material for sodium-ion batteries (NIBs) and potassium-ion batteries (KIBs) owing to its high electrochemical and mechanical sustainability and excellent compatibility with electrolytes.

Safety Aspects of Sodium-Ion Batteries: Prospective Analysis from First Generation Towards More Advanced Systems

After an introductory reminder of safety concerns pertaining to early rechargeable battery technologies, this review discusses current understandings and challenges of advanced sodium-ion batteries. Sodium-ion technology is now being marketed by industrial promoters who are advocating its workable capacity, as well as its use of readily accessible and cheaper key cell components. Often claimed to be safer than lithium-ion cells, currently only limited scientifically sound safety assessments of sodium-ion cells have been performed. However, the predicted sodium-ion development roadmap reveals that significant variants of sodium-ion batteries have entered or will potentially enter the market soon. With recent experiences of lithium-ion battery failures, sodium-ion battery safety management will constitute a key aspect of successful market penetration. As such, this review discusses the safety issues of sodium-ion batteries, presenting a twofold innovative perspective: (i) in terms of comparison with the parent lithium-ion technology making use of the same working principle and similar flammable non-aqueous solvent basis, and (ii) anticipating the arrival of innovative sub-chemistries at least partially inspired from successive generations of lithium-ion cells. The authors hope that the analysis provided will assist concerned stakeholders in the quest for safe marketing of sodium-ion batteries.

Advancements in Graphite Anodes for Lithium‐Ion and Sodium‐Ion Batteries: A Review

Amidst the escalating global energy demand and the rapid advancement of renewable energy technologies, battery technology plays an indispensable role in energy storage. As a crucial anode material, Graphite enhances performance with significant economic and environmental benefits. This review provides an overview of recent advancements in the modification techniques for graphite materials utilized in lithium‐ion and sodium‐ion batteries. This review initially presents various modification approaches for graphite materials in lithium‐ion batteries, such as electrolyte modification, interfacial engineering, purification and morphological modification, composite modification, surface modification, and structural modification, while also addressing the applications and challenges of graphite anode materials

Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs): A New Class of Materials for Multivalent Metal‐Ion Energy Storage Systems

The rise of electronic societies is driving a surge in the demand for energy storage solutions, particularly in the realm of renewable energy technologies like batteries, which rely heavily on efficient electrode materials and separators. As an answer to this necessity, Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) are emerging and a highly intriguing class of materials, garnering increased attention in recent years for their extensive properties and possible applications. This review addresses the remarkable versatility and boundless potential of COFs in scientific fields, mainly focusing on multivalent metal ion batteries (MMIBs), which include AIB (Aluminium‐ion batteries), MIB (Magnesium‐ion battery), CIB (Calcium‐ion battery), and ZIB (Zinc‐ion battery), as both electrode materials and separators across a spectrum of battery technology. Inclusive of their approaches, merits, and reaction mechanisms, this review offers an extensive summary of COFs concerning multivalent ion batteries. By providing a rigorous analysis of COF attributes, electrochemical behaviour, and methodologies, our explanation contributes to a deeper understanding of their potential in advancing battery technology.

On safety of swelled commercial lithium-ion batteries: A study on aging, swelling, and abuse tests

Lithium-ion battery technology has advanced significantly, making these power sources essential for portable electronic devices such as smartphones. In 2023, global smartphone shipments reached nearly 1.2 billion units, underscoring the widespread reliance on these batteries. However, as batteries age, they may swell and potentially pose explosion risks. To investigate the safety of swollen batteries, this study conducts accelerated aging and swelling tests on lithium-ion batteries from five leading brands, which together represent over half of the global smartphone market share. The research involves a series of comprehensive tests, including Accelerated Rate Calorimeters (ARC) test, mechanical, electrical, and thermal abuse tests in accordance with Chinese national standards, as well as gas composition and theoretical flammability analyses on both new and swollen batteries. The findings indicate that swollen batteries generally exhibit safer behavior under floating charging conditions, and both new and swollen batteries pass the abuse tests within the standard framework. This study suggests that the safety of swollen lithium-ion batteries cannot be categorically labeled as dangerous or safe and should be assessed within the context of specific environments.

Navigating Technological Risks: An Uncertainty Analysis of Powertrain Technology in Hybrid-Electric Commuter Aircraft

Abstract This study addresses the uncertainties in hybrid-electric powertrain technology for a 19-passenger commuter aircraft, focusing on two future Entry-Into-Service timeframes: 2030 and 2040. The methodology is split into a preliminary optimization of aircraft design based on nominal technology scenarios followed by Monte Carlo simulations to investigate the impact of diverse technology projections and distribution types. Advanced surrogate modeling techniques, leveraging deep neural networks (DNN) trained on a dataset from an aircraft design framework, are employed. Key outcomes from this work reveal a marked increase in computational efficiency, with a speed-up factor of approximately 500 times when utilizing surrogate models. The results indicate that the 2040 entry-into-service (EIS) scenario could achieve larger reductions in fuel and total energy consumption—20.4% and 15.8% respectively—relative to the 2030 scenario, but with higher uncertainty. Across all scenarios examined, the hybrid-electric model showcased superior performance compared to its conventional counterpart. The battery-specific energy density is proved to be a critical parameter of the aircraft’s performance across both timeframes. The findings emphasize the importance of continuous innovation in battery and motor technologies to target toward greater system-level efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

Operando lateral state-of-charge inhomogeneity mapping via wavelength-resolved neutron imaging

The continuous advancement in battery technology requires the development of robust and more precise diagnostic tools for the characterization of commercial-scale battery cells. In this work, operando Bragg edge imaging (BEI), based on a time-of-flight approach, provides spatially resolved state-of-charge (SoC) mapping of a commercial-size pouch cell. The changes in the position and intensity of Bragg edges are used to track the Li intercalation into the graphite, thereby identifying the spatial distribution of various lithiation stages and the corresponding SoC. The operando wavelength-resolved BEI assessment revealed an inhomogeneous Li+ intercalation, dependent on the distance to the electrical tabs, effectively identifying features that contribute to the overall loss of performance and the accelerated degradation of battery materials. The presented results demonstrate the potential of advanced wavelength-resolved neutron imaging to be used as a diagnostic tool for commercial battery cells in a configuration without special casings or isotopes for enhancement of imaging contrast. It thus highlights its applicability for operando characterization of future batteries for portable and automotive applications.

Transition from Electric Vehicles to Energy Storage: Review on Targeted Lithium-Ion Battery Diagnostics

This paper examines the transition of lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles (EVs) to energy storage systems (ESSs), with a focus on diagnosing their state of health (SOH) to ensure efficient and safe repurposing. It compares direct methods, model-based diagnostics, and data-driven techniques, evaluating their strengths and limitations for both EV and ESS applications. This study underscores the necessity of accurate SOH diagnostics to maximize battery reuse, promoting sustainability and circular economy objectives. By providing a comprehensive overview of the battery lifecycle—from manufacturing to recycling—this research offers strategies for effective lifecycle management and cost-effective, environmentally sustainable secondary battery applications. Key findings highlight the potential of second-life EV batteries in ESSs. The integration of the considered diagnostic methods was shown to extend battery lifespan by up to 30%, reduce waste, and optimize resource efficiency, which is crucial for achieving circular economy objectives. This paper’s insights are crucial for advancing sustainable energy systems and informing future research on improving diagnostic methods for evolving battery technologies.