Battery Cost Research Articles

Failure analysis of ternary lithium-ion batteries throughout the entire life cycling at high temperature

The operation life is a key factor affecting the cost and application of lithium-ion batteries. This article investigates the changes in discharge capacity, median voltage, and full charge DC internal resistance of the 25Ah ternary (LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2/graphite) lithium-ion battery during full life cycles at 45 °C and 2000 cycles at 25 °C for comparison. The batteries before and after cycling were disassembled, and the structure, morphology, interface characteristics, element content of the cathode and anode plates of the battery were characterized. By analyzing the failure factors of the performance of the ternary batteries during the 45 °C cycling, a reaction mechanism for the rapid decline of high-temperature cycling performance of ternary batteries has been proposed. The results show that the performance degradation of the ternary lithium-ion batteries in the whole life operated at high temperature is characterized by slow decline in the initial stage and rapid drop in the latter stage. Further analysis of physical and chemical performance revealed irreversible damage to both the cathode and anode. The dissolution of transition metal ions from the cathode and their deposition on the anode surface catalyze the decomposition of electrolyte solvents to produce a large amount of gas. Gassing, accompanied by the deposition of Li2CO3 and the thickening of SEI, leads to an increase in the internal resistance of the battery. The coupling between gassing and increased internal resistance is responsible for the rapid drop in the performance of the ternary batteries during high-temperature cycling.

Towards decarbonizing large-scale industries: A decision support framework for optimizing grid-connected PV-battery energy systems planning – Case study of an OCP mining site, Morocco, North Africa

Incorporating renewable energy into forthcoming grid-connected or decentralized energy systems assumes an escalating significance and can potentially enhance endeavors toward accomplishing Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7). Nevertheless, deploying sustainable renewable energy-intensive systems may present challenges related to their intermittency and cost instability. This paper proposes the development of a decision support model aimed at planning an optimal on-grid PV battery system. The model builds upon the Open Energy Modeling Framework (OEMOF) and defines asset capacities, energy dispatch, operational strategies, and optimal costs for the designated system. Key factors considered include energy demand profile, photovoltaic potential, electricity tariffs, and the availability of the National Grid. Furthermore, the model evaluation incorporates the computation of pertinent performance, feasibility, and viability indicators, notably the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). To validate the framework, the article conducts a case study to determine the optimal sizing and planning of a grid-connected PV battery energy system. The objective is to cater to the electricity needs of an OCP (Office Chérifien des Phosphates) mining site in Morocco. The study considers the characteristics of the national power grid, incorporating time-varying electricity tariffs based on a Demand-Response program taking into account various rates according to the time of use (ToU). The case study includes a sensitivity analysis that examines different factors, namely the proportion of renewable energy, the investment costs of photovoltaic systems and batteries, and the financial parameter known as the weighted average cost of capital (WACC). Through this analysis, the study assesses the impact of these variables on the calculated cost of energy. Experimental results revealed a range of LCOE values from $0.07111/kWh to $0.11847/kWh for high renewable energies integration.

Effect of Conductive Carbon Morphology on the Cycling Performance of Dry-Processed Cathode with High Mass Loading for Lithium-Ion Batteries

The solvent-free dry processing of electrodes is highly desirable to reduce the manufacturing cost of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and increase the active mass loading in the electrode. The drying process is based on the fibrillation of the polytetrafluoroethylene binder induced by shear force. This technique offers the advantage of uniformly dispersing the active material and conductive carbon without binder migration, thereby facilitating the fabrication of thick electrode with high mass loading. In this study, we explored the influence of conductive carbon morphology on the cycling performance of dry-processed LiNi0.82Co0.10Mn0.08O2 (NCM) cathodes. In contrast to Super P, which provided electronic pathways through point-contact, the fibrous structure of the vapor-grown carbon fibers (VGCFs) promoted line-contact, ensuring long and less-torturous electronic pathways and enhanced utilization of active materials. Consequently, the cathode employing fibrous VGCFs achieved higher electrical conductivity, resulting in enhanced electrochemical performance. The dry-processed NCM cathode employing VGCF with an areal capacity of 8.5 mAh cm−2 delivered a high discharge capacity of 212 mAh g−1 with good capacity retention. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were conducted to investigate the degradation behavior of the high-mass-loaded cathodes with two different conductive carbons.

Nanofibers endow NASICON-type Na3.3La0.3Zr1.7Si2PO12 electrolyte/Na4MnCr(PO4)3 cathode excellent electrochemical properties

All-solid-state sodium-ion batteries (ASSSIBs) using composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) are promising candidates for addressing the high cost, safety issues, and limited energy density of traditional lithium-ion batteries. The microstructure and morphology of active ceramic filler and cathode seriously affect the construction of ion/electron transport channels and electrochemical performance, while the contact tightness at the electrode/CPE interface determines the release of energy storage performance in ASSSIBs. Here, NASICON-type Na3.3La0.3Zr1.7Si2PO12 (NLZSP) ceramic nanofibers (NFs) and Na4MnCr(PO4)3@C (NMCP@C) NFs are prepared via electrospinning. NLZSP long NFs (L-NFs) can be uniformly dispersed in PVDF-HFP using ultrasonic treatment to create rapid ion transport pathways within the ceramic and polymer/ceramic interphases, enabling the CPE to achieve high ionic conductivity of 3.36 × 10−4 S·cm−1, wide electrochemical stability window (ESW) exceeding 5 V, low activation energy (Ea) of 0.28 eV and sodium-ion transference number (TNa+) of 0.65 at room temperature. Meanwhile, NMCP@C NFs can enhance electron conductivity and reduce the sodium ion migration path, and finally achieve a superhigh specific capacity (161 mAh·g−1) and energy density (534 Wh·kg−1) at 0.1C. Additionally, the integrated NMCP@C/CPE structure is incorporated into NMCP@C/CPE//Na solid state sodium metal batteries (SMBs), which exhibits excellent rate performance and high capacity retention of 78.8 % at 1C (1.4–4.3 V) and 70.5 % at 0.5C (1.4–4.6 V) after 200 cycles. This study offers valuable insights into constructing high-performance ASSSIBs.

Evaluation of Lithium-ion Batteries in Electric Vehicles

Growing awareness of climate change concerns and the environmental impacts of fossil fuel vehicles has heightened interest in electric vehicles (EVs). Therefore, EVs represent a significant component of sustainable transportation solutions. Additionally, with advancements in battery technology, EVs now have longer ranges and are offered at more competitive prices. With their notable features such as high energy density, lightness, low maintenance requirement, and long life, lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) appear to be the most suitable battery option for EVs. Nevertheless, current LiB technology faces battery costs, energy storage capacity, charging times, and safety issues. In this context, it is clear that future research and development will focus on improving the efficiency of LiB technology and making these batteries more sustainable, reliable, and economical. This study aims to provide an evaluation of the LiBs used in the automotive sector by examining the historical development, basics of operational principles, various geometric types, cost evaluation, and their advantages and disadvantages. By covering these aspects, the study seeks to offer a comprehensive assessment of the LiBs employed in the automotive industry, spanning from their historical evolution to their presentday utilization. The study also intends to serve as a reference source for researchers planning to conduct studies on LiBs in EVs by providing fundamental concepts and evaluations related to these batteries.

Multi-objective energy management strategy for a dual-stack fuel cell heavy-duty truck via deep reinforcement learning

The Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) system, as an efficient, zero-pollution emission, and high-efficiency energy conversion device, is particularly suitable for heavy-duty transportation. Considering the limited power of the current PEMFC system, this study focuses on a hybrid fuel cell heavy-duty truck with dual stacks. Considering the optimal operating range of the PEMFC system and the health status of the lithium-ion battery pack, an energy management strategy (EMS) based on the Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) algorithm is established. This strategy optimizes the hydrogen consumption cost, degradation costs of lithium-ion battery and fuel cells. Additionally, a dynamic programming (DP) and an equivalent consumption minimization strategy (ECMS) based EMSs are established. The power allocation and overall transportation costs under the CSC driving cycle are compared and verified for the three EMSs. The results show that the DDPG algorithm provides a more optimal power allocation for the dual-stack fuel cells, improving the overall system efficiency, enhancing the lifecycle of heavy-duty trucks, and significantly reducing overall travel costs.

PESTEL Analysis of the Photovoltaic Market in Poland—A Systematic Review of Opportunities and Threats

In recent years, Poland has implemented substantial changes to its energy mix, resulting in an increased proportion of energy production from photovoltaics (PV). However, the photovoltaic energy market’s development is determined by several factors, and still requires further analysis. Therefore, the study’s main objective was to comprehensively understand the PV phenomenon and its development in Poland. Furthermore, a PESTEL analysis was undertaken to assess the macroeconomic context of the photovoltaic industry in Poland. A systematic literature review methodology was employed to achieve this. The study’s principal findings identified a number of pivotal opportunities and barriers to PV development. The environmental benefits of CO2 reduction and the economic advantages, including cost savings and subsidies, were identified as significant opportunities, as were social acceptance and enhanced energy security. However, obstacles to progress include outdated grid infrastructure, high investment costs, environmental concerns during the PV lifecycle, and political uncertainties. Technical challenges like grid stability and high battery costs also impede growth. Potential strategies for improvement involve better public awareness campaigns, enhanced self-consumption through storage systems, and optimised system placement. Addressing these factors could transform current neutral aspects into either opportunities or threats for PV deployment.

Research on the Performance of Thermoelectric Self-Powered Systems for Wireless Sensor Based on Industrial Waste Heat.

The issue of energy supply for wireless sensors is becoming increasingly severe with the advancement of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Thus, this paper proposed a thermoelectric self-powered wireless sensor that can harvest industrial waste heat for self-powered operations. The results show that this self-powered wireless sensor can operate stably under the data transmission cycle of 39.38 s when the heat source temperature is 70 °C. Only 19.57% of electricity generated by a thermoelectric power generation system (TPGS) is available for use. Before this, the power consumption of this wireless sensor had been accurately measured, which is 326 mW in 0.08 s active mode and 5.45 μW in dormant mode. Then, the verified simulation model was established and used to investigate the generation performance of the TPGS under the Dirichlet, Neumann, and Robin boundary conditions. The minimum demand for a heat source is cleared for various data transmission cycles of wireless sensors. Low-temperature industrial waste heat is enough to drive the wireless sensor with a data transmission cycle of 30 s. Subsequently, the economic benefit of the thermoelectric self-powered system was also analyzed. The cost of one thermoelectric self-powered system is EUR 9.1, only 42% of the high-performance battery cost. Finally, the SEPIC converter model was established to conduct MPPT optimization for the TEG module and the output power can increase by up to approximately 47%. This thermoelectric self-powered wireless sensor can accelerate the process of achieving energy independence for wireless sensors and promote the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Are automakers overcharging consumers for electric vehicle batteries?

Given the recent slowdown in EV adoption rates in many countries despite decreasing battery prices, a better understanding the relationship between battery and EV prices is critical for industry and policymakers. We fill this gap in the literature by assessing to what extent ongoing increases in EV battery capacities have increased EV prices, and how this compares with actual EV battery prices. Specifically, we use fixed effects regression analysis to investigate the responsiveness of EV list prices to changes in battery capacity over time, finding evidence that increases in battery capacity led to increases in EV prices that are substantially greater than estimated EV battery costs over our sample. This suggests that automakers may be overcharging consumers for EV batteries and that recent decreases in battery prices are not fully benefiting consumers. This, in turn, suggests that EV prices have been higher than they otherwise could have been, which may have led to slower EV adoption in recent years.

A robust 3D nanostructured composite polymer electrolyte with novel dual-ion channels toward solid-state sodium metal batteries

The high energy density and low cost of sodium metal batteries enable them to be the rising star of next-generation batteries. However, the growth of sodium dendrites and the high activity of sodium metal may lead to significant safety risks for liquid sodium metal batteries. Composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs), which combine the advantages of inorganic solid-state electrolyte and solid-state polymer electrolytes, have become a promising candidate to replace liquid electrolytes. In this study, a novel Na-beta-Al2O3/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) CPE with a 3D network nanostructure (NAP) has been synthesized by electrospinning method. NAP membrane provides synergistic dual-ion channels for the migration of sodium ions, exhibiting ionic conductivity of 7.22 × 10−4 S cm−1, a sodium-ion transport number of 0.73, and an electrochemical stabilization window as high as 4.92 V. Compared with pure PAN, NAP presents enhanced mechanical strength, superior electrochemical properties and interfacial stability. NAP-based sodium symmetric cell achieves stable plating and stripping for 800 h. At room temperature, the capacity retention ratios of NAP-based Na3V2(PO4)3//Na cell are 92.02% (0.2 C, 200 cycles) and 73.10% (0.5 C, 1000 cycles), respectively. The capacity retention is 72.49% after 250 cycles at 0.5 C and a high temperature of 60 °C. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra indicate that solid electrolyte interphase formed in NAP-based battery contains higher NaF component, R–(CO)O–Na content and interfacially favorable organic components, which are beneficial to accelerate the sodium-ion transfer at the interface. This work provides new insights into the construction of 3D nanostructured CPEs with fast ion transport for solid-state sodium metal batteries.

Optimising Electric Flex-Route Feeder Transit Service with Dynamic Wireless Charging Technology

The emergence of battery electric buses (BEBs) can alleviate environmental problems caused by tailpipe emissions in transit system. However, the high cost of on-board batteries and range anxiety hinder its further development. Recently, the advent of dynamic wireless power transfer technology (DWPT) has become a potential solution to promote the development of BEBs. Hence, this study focuses on the application of DWPT in flex-route transit system. A mixed integer non-linear model is proposed to simultaneously optimise the bus routing and the selection of corresponding bus types considering the constraints of passengers’ travel time, battery size and bus capacity. The objective is to minimise both transit agency cost and passengers’ travel time cost. A tangible hybrid variable neighbourhood search (HVNS) consisting of simulated annealing (SA) and variable neighbourhood search (VNS) is developed to solve the proposed model efficiently. Compared with GAMS (DICOPT solver) and VNS, the proposed algorithm can considerably improve computational efficiency. The results suggest that the proposed model can effectively determine the BEBs’ routing and bus type for flex-route transit system powered by DWPT through a case study in Xi’an China. A comparative analysis shows the proposed model takes 12.97% less total cost than the alternative model with terminal charging technology (TCT).

Resources, energy consumption and economic analysis for flame synthesis of ternary cathode materials

Cathode materials account for around one third of the manufacturing cost of lithium-ion battery, which are the major factor preventing the wider applications of power battery packs. Flame synthesis (FS) is a new manufacturing technology of nanostructured materials with few equipment and high efficiency, which potentially can substantially bring down the manufacturing cost of cathode materials. The primary objective of the present study was to quantitatively evaluate the resources, energy consumption and economic feasibility of large-scale production of cathode materials though FS. In the analysis process, the mass flow of reactants and resultants as well as the minimum cathode material selling price (MCSP) of ternary cathode material LiNixCoyMn(1-x-y)O2 (x + y + z = 1) produced by FS were calculated, and compared with that of the conventional hydroxide co-precipitation method. Results show that the production of ternary cathode material through FS can reduce CO2 emissions by ∼60% and water consumption by ∼30%. MCSP of LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (NCM523), LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (NCM622), and LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) produced by FS are 224.8 k¥/t, 235.1 k¥/t, 240.0 k¥/t, which respectively are about 2%, 10% and 14% lower than the average selling prices in Chinese market, indicating that FS is economically feasible for producing ternary cathode materials. Particularly, for the production of high-nickel cathode materials, FS has notable potential in simplifying the production process and manufacturing costs. Sensitivity analysis of NCM811 produced by FS shows that when raw material price, fuel and power costs are reduced by 25%, MCSP can be as low as 186.4 k¥/t. When the metal cation concentration of the solution increases to 3.2 mol/L, it enables FS to meet the most rigorous energy consumption limitation standards in China. When the lithium excess is reduced from 10% to 5%, MCSP of NCM811 can be further reduced by 5.6 k¥/t, indicating that lithium loss due to high temperatures in FS is a moderate factor for reducing the manufacturing cost. Finally, this work presents a life cycle assessment (LCA) of NCM materials produced by FS in China. Comparison to the global warming potential (GWP) of the co-precipitation method in the literature indicated that GWP of FS is lower.

Electric tugboat deployment in maritime transportation: detailed analysis of advantages and disadvantages

Purpose This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of electric tugboat deployment in maritime transportation, including an in-depth assessment of its advantages and disadvantages. Along with the identification of advantages and disadvantages of electric tugboat deployment, the present research also aims to provide managerial insights into the economic viability of different tugboat alternatives that can guide future investments in the following years.Design/methodology/approach A detailed literature review was conducted, aiming to gain broad insights into tugboat operations and focusing on different aspects, including tugboat accidents and safety issues, scheduling and berthing of tugboats, life cycle assessment of diesel tugboats and their alternatives, operations of electric and hybrid tugboats, environmental impacts and others. Moreover, a set of interviews was conducted with the leading experts in the electric tugboat industry, including DAMEN Shipyards and the Port of Auckland. Econometric analyses were performed as well to evaluate the financial viability and economic performance of electric tugboats and their alternatives (i.e. conventional tugboats and hybrid tugboats).Findings The advantages of electric tugboats encompass decreased emissions, reduced operating expenses, improved energy efficiency, lower noise levels and potential for digital transformation through automation and data analytics. However, high initial costs, infrastructure limitations, training requirements and restricted range need to be addressed. The electric tugboat alternative seems to be the best option for scenarios with low interest rate values as increasing interest values negatively impact the salvage value of electric tugboats. It is expected that for long-term planning, the electric and hybrid tugboat alternatives will become preferential since they have lower annual costs than conventional diesel tugboats.Practical implications The outcomes of this research provide managerial insights into the practical deployment of electric tugboats and point to future research needs, including battery improvements, cost reduction, infrastructure development, legislative and regulatory changes and alternative energy sources. The advancement of battery technology has the potential to significantly impact the cost dynamics associated with electric tugboats. It is essential to do further research to monitor the advancements in battery technology and analyze their corresponding financial ramifications. It is essential to closely monitor the industry’s shift toward electric tugboats as their prices become more affordable.Originality/value The maritime industry is rapidly transforming and facing pressing challenges related to sustainability and digitization. Electric tugboats represent a promising and innovative solution that could address some of these challenges through zero-emission operations, enhanced energy efficiency and integration of digital technologies. Considering the potential of electric tugboats, the present study provides a comprehensive review of the advantages and disadvantages of electric tugboats in maritime transportation, extensive evaluation of the relevant literature, interviews with industry experts and supporting econometric analyses. The outcomes of this research will benefit governmental agencies, policymakers and other relevant maritime transportation stakeholders.

Enhancing the Mn Redox Kinetics of LiMn0.5Fe0.5PO4 Cathodes Through a Synergistic Co-Doping with Niobium and Magnesium for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

The concerns on the cost of lithium-ion batteries have created enormous interest on LiFePO4 (LFP) and LiMn1-xFexPO4 (LMFP) cathodes However, the inclusion of Mn into the olivine structure causes a non-uniform atomic distribution of Fe and Mn, resulting in a lowering of reversible capacity and hindering their practical application. Herein, a co-doping of LMFP with Nb and Mg is presented through a co-precipitation reaction, followed by a spray-drying process and calcination. It is found that LiNbO3 formed with the aliovalent Nb doping resides mainly on the surface, while the isovalent Mg2+ doping occurs into the bulk of the particle. Full cells assembled with the co-doped LMFP cathode and graphite anode demonstrate superior cycling stability and specific capacity, while maintaining good tap density, compared to the undoped or mono-doped (only with Nb or Mg). The co-doped sample exhibits a capacity retention of 99% over 300 cycles at a C/2 rate. The superior performance stems from the enhanced ionic/electronic transport facilitated by Nb coating and the enhanced Mn2+/3+ redox kinetics resulting from bulk Mg doping. Altogether, this work reveals the importance of the synergistic effect of different dopants in enhancing the capacity and cycle stability of LMFP.

Stable high energy density in orthogonal layered cathode achieved by trace-substitution strategy

P′2-type Na0.67MnO2 is considered as one of the most promising cathode materials due to its high theoretical capacities and the low cost of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). However, the multiple phase transitions and distortion of MnO6 octahedron during Na+ extraction/insertion cause poor structural stability and electrochemical properties. Here, a trace-substitution strategy of electronegative Zn2+ and Ti4+ was applied to balance the high capacity and structural stability. The obtained Na0.67Zn0.04Ti0.06Mn0.9O2 (NZTM4) maintains a high capacity of up to 204.3 and 109 mAh g−1 at 0.1 and 10 C rate, respectively, simultaneously achieving excellent capacity retention of 90.6% after 300 cycles. The Mn-O-Zn-O-Ti local structure formed after Zn incorporation inhibits the distortion of MnO6 octahedron and provides lower activation barrier for Na+ diffusion. With the addition of sodium supplements, this enables a high energy density of 241 Wh kg−1 and satisfactory cycle performance in full cells. These findings provide a promising strategy for designing high-capacity layered cathodes of SIBs.

A HYBRID MVO-BMO TECHNIQUE FOR PLUG-IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING OPTIMIZATION

The electric vehicle (EV) market is expanding rapidly around the world due to technological advancements, decreasing cost of batteries, and supportive government regulations. It is both a challenge and an opportunity for distribution utilities to manage the additional power demand from EVs. Effective and optimal EV charging scheduling strategies are essential to avoid the adverse effects of large EV penetration in the power grid system. This paper proposes an optimal plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) charging scheduling in a distribution grid system using a hybrid algorithm approach that combines a multiverse optimizer (MVO) and also a barnacle mating optimizer (BMO) termed as HMVO-BMO. The optimization model is developed with the objective to minimize the grid power loss, considering overnight home charging. Random arrival times of PEVs are considered and charging is scheduled based on available power demand on the distribution grid. The proposed methodology is demonstrated on the IEEE 33-bus system with different PEV penetration levels. Comparisons are made between three optimization algorithm approaches, namely the standard MVO and BMO, and the proposed HMVO-BMO algorithms. The simulation results demonstrated that the proposed hybrid technique can achieve better and efficient results in terms of system power loss.

Bus fleet decarbonization under macroeconomic and technological uncertainties: A real options approach to support decision-making

Fleet owners deal with various and critical uncertainties while planning bus fleet replacement, encompassing macroeconomic and technological factors, such as fuel and electricity prices, energy consumption, purchasing costs of electric batteries and powertrains, and bus salvage value upon resale. This paper proposes a Real Option-based framework to evaluate investment choices in different bus technologies over time (diesel, hybrid electric, compressed natural gas, and full-electric), where the proposed options usually involve replacing existing diesel fleets with alternatively powered buses. In particular, we provide a multi-option least squares Monte Carlo simulation to help fleet owners in making cost-effective investment decisions, resulting in potential cost savings of up to 10% of the annual total cost of ownership. By applying the proposed approach to different bus route types (inner-city, urban, suburban, commuter), the results show how the optimal investment choices for fleet replacement change over time. Initially, diesel buses or, at most, compressed natural gas buses are more cost-effective compared to electric technology. However, as electric technology becomes increasingly competitive, internal combustion buses are phased out. Inner-city and urban routes are better suited for the electric transition, whereas the transition may progress more slowly on other route types.Finally, we show that, under technological and macroeconomic uncertainties, the duration of contracts can strongly affect the investment decisions, in absence of specific guarantees on the new fleet.

New 1D Nickel-Rich Ncm Cathode Materials for the Lithium-Ion Battery: Synthesis and Cyclic Stability Improvement

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are considered the most promising energy system due to their low cost, high energy density, excellent performance, and long service life, implemented in several consumer devices such as cell phones, laptops, cameras, and electric vehicles [1]. In general, the chemical properties of LIA are constantly evolving, and from the point of view of cathode materials, layered LiMO2 oxides, in which M is a combination of Ni, Mn, and Co – the so-called NCM are attracting more and more attention and is considered a potential next-generation cathode material for LIA, due to their increased specific capacity (more than 150 mAh g-1) and thermal stability [2]. In addition, NCM-based cathodes can outperform the popular lithium-iron-phosphate LiFePO4 (LFP) cathodes in many areas, especially in terms of operating voltage, in which LFP-based LIBs can produce voltages below 3.4 V and suffer from high self-discharge rates. The composition of Ni, Mn, and Co can be significantly changed to optimize the capacity, performance, structural stability, and cost of lithium-ion batteries [3]. The data indicate that the B-doped NCM811 cathodes offer notable benefits, including higher capacity retention, improved rate capability, and lower mechanical strain in their charged state [4].In this study, we focus on synthesizing 1D LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) material by electrospinning method and its enhancement upon doping with Boron and morphological modifications. The electrospinning technique has already been used to obtain NCM material [5]. B-doped and undoped NCM811 nanofibers with the 1D structure were obtained by electrospinning method and characterized. The morphology and nanofiber structure of the resulting NCM811 samples (doped, un-doped) were studied using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). X-ray phase analysis (XRD) studied the samples, and a series of peaks that entirely corresponded to the diffraction pattern of NCM811 were recorded. It is highly expected that the results may introduce some new ideas in the field of morphology modification and doping, which will be helpful for the rational design and manufacture of highly efficient cathode materials. Acknowledgments This research was funded by the Science Committee of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Grant No. AP19679855).

Rechargeable Hydrogen Gas Batteries for Large-Scale Energy Storage

Large-scale energy storage is of significance to the integration of renewable energy into electric grid. Despite the dominance of pumped hydroelectricity in the market of grid energy storage, it is limited by the suitable site selection and footprint impact. Rechargeable batteries show increasing interests in the large-scale energy storage. However, the challenging requirement of low-cost materials with long cycle and calendar life restricts most battery chemistries for use in the grid storage. Recently we developed a new generation of rechargeable hydrogen gas batteries by exploiting catalytic hydrogen evolution/oxidation reactions as the anode, which offers negligible overpotentials, high rates and stable electrochemical performance. In this poster, I will introduce some exciting rechargeable hydrogen gas battery chemistries, including novel nickel-hydrogen gas, proton-hydrogen gas, chlorine-hydrogen gas, and among others. The excellent stability and low cost of the rechargeable hydrogen gas batteries demonstrate attractive characteristics for large-scale energy storage.

A Novel Method for Determining the Threshold Plating Current in Li-Ion Batteries via Electrical Measurements

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries play a vital role in our daily lives by powering essentials like smartphones, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems. One of the main factors that lead to accelerated aging of Li-ion batteries is the lithium plating effect. An improved understanding of lithium plating holds the potential to extend lifespan, enhance performance, and reduce cost of lithium-ion batteries. Lithium plating occurs while charging in low temperatures or with high currents, as lithium-ions accumulate on the anode.Lithium plating can be separated into two parts, a reversible and an irreversible part. During relaxation, when the battery sits idle, or while discharging, reversible plating is stripped from the anode. Typically, when plating is stripped, a voltage plateau can be observed. In contrast, irreversible plating consists of lithium deposits that cannot be stripped during discharge, therefore causing a loss of capacity.In this work, we present a novel non-destructive method for determining a cell's threshold plating current using only electrical measurements. The method is validated using commercial 3.2Ah Panasonic NCR18650B cells at varying low temperatures and charging currents. The designed method requires the use of two identical cells, a reference and a test cell. After completely discharging both batteries at room temperature to reach 0% depth of discharge (DOD), the same plating tests at low temperatures are conducted on both cells. Once the cells are fully charged with a constant current of 0.5C, the reference cell experiences relaxation for 10 minutes. Simultaneously, a sine wave current is applied to the test cell, leading to small charging and discharging cycles. During the positive half-wave of the sine, plating occurs and during the negative half-wave reversible plating is stripped again. As plating only occurs, once the threshold plating current is exceeded, the sine amplitude must be greater than this threshold. It is important to note that, the charging current consists of intercalation current and plating current.Intercalation is the insertion of Li-ion into the layered structure of graphite during charging. As charging progresses, the surface concentration of intercalated lithium increases, but simultaneously, the number of vacancies for lithium intercalation at the graphite surface decreases. When the anode potential falls below 0V, thermodynamically allowing lithium plating, the intercalation current decreases and the plating current increases. With continued charging, the plating current continues to increase, while the intercalation current gradually diminishes.We assume that only the part of the sine exceeding this threshold is responsible for the lithium plating, while the portion below this threshold contributes to intercalation. In contrast, the negative half-wave is completely responsible for stripping. After 10 minutes, both cells are discharged with a low current while the remaining reversible plating is stripped. From the voltage and current measurements during discharge, we can compute how much reversible plating was stripped during the sine phase and during the discharge. To determine the plating current, the plated charge amount dQ on the positive sine half-wave is calculated by the difference between the stripped charge amount on the sine negative half-wave and the difference between the stripped charge amount of the reference cell and the test cell (c.f. attached figure). With the known plated charge amount dQ, the sine is integrated to find the threshold plating current.To validate the precision of this method, we subject an additional cell to charging at the same low temperature as the other cells. The charging involved varying currents from 0.04C to 0.4C in 10 steps, with a 1.5-hour interval between each step for the cell to cool down. To determine the threshold plating current, a differential voltage analysis (DVA) was conducted at each step, thus identifying the lowest current where a voltage plateau occurred, as the threshold plating current. Further refinement involves smaller steps to achieve a more accurate plating current. We assume this result is the true threshold plating current. Comparing with our novel method, in the worst case we achieve an error of less than 100mA. To ensure the reliability and reproducibility of this method across varying cells, additional plating tests, involving various cell chemistry types, are planned. Figure 1