Demand For Batteries Research Articles

(Invited) Battery Manufacturing Needs from the Perspective of DOE's Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office

The Department of Energy’s Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO) continues to invest in energy storage research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) to help stakeholders improve efficiency, cut costs, and make materials, components, and systems with superior performance. Despite recent promising advances, manufacturing capabilities are still necessary to meet the expected demand for batteries as we move toward a clean energy economy. Strengthening the domestic manufacturing supply chains is also another important task to pursue in parallel. A multi-pronged approach is required to strengthen domestic battery manufacturing and reduce time to commercialization and deployment of transformative technologies. AMMTO recognizes a number of unmet needs that need to be addressed including development of manufacturing processes and equipment that take advantage of the most recent technical advances as well as effective utilization of data-driven analysis and experimentation to assist in manufacturing optimization.In this talk, AMMTO’s perspective on energy storage technology development and manufacturing will be discussed, highlighting current gaps and challenges that need to be addressed. In addition, there will be a robust discussion of a wide variety of DOE’s efforts in the context of technical and manufacturing challenges regarding scale-up and performance that still prevent the electrochemical energy storage community from achieving cost targets and commercial viability.

Thermal Modeling of Li-Ion Cylindrical Cells at Scale

The electric vehicle industry has created a demand for batteries with higher power densities. The current design choice for low-weight lithium-ion battery packs for electric vehicles is to create stacks arranged in parallel or series configurations to match the power demands. The individual cells are separated and placed in a cooling duct to pull heat away from the longitudinal surface convective. The amount of cooling is dependent on the internal temperature of batteries core. The current design of the cylindrical cell is to roll the cathode, anode, and separators into a jelly roll together and attach a tab to the cathode and anode at opposite corners of the sheet. The tabs connect to the positive and negative terminals of the cell to draw current away from the cell. The tabs may act as an agent for drawing heat away from the center of the battery. Currently, commonly used cylindrical cells have a form factor of 18650, 21700, or 26650. The thermal, geometrical, and electrical properties of 18650 and 21700 cylindrical cells are studied and it is found that the 21700 cells showed additional degradation and stronger heating. Recently, companies like Tesla have produced cylindrical cells with a 4680-form factor, which is a decent way to increase the ratio of active material vs. inactive material in a cylindrical cell. However, large diameter thick cylindrical cells suffer from thermal issues. Even large format pouch cells suffer through heat trapped within the stack.Since the thermal conductivity of the anode and cathode electrodes is often near 1 W/m-K, it becomes difficult for the heat to be extracted from the center of a large-diameter cylindrical cell without forming a considerable thermal gradient. PyBaMM, an open-source mathematical modeling software written in Python programming language, has the capability to simulate different electrochemical models such as the Doyle-Fuller-Newman (DFN), Single particle model (SPM), and SPMe, and varying chemistry. The software provides easy access to the cell parameters modification and graphical user interface capabilities. The PyBaMM framework also allows to simulation lumped, isothermal, and base thermal models which are electrochemically coupled. PyBaMM uses CasADi (computer algebra systems algorithmic differentiation). The thermal gradient and heat dynamics within a porous electrode are modeled using PoreSpy and openpnm, two open-source Python libraries used to design porous networks and model physical equations such as governing heat flow, concentration gradient, and movement of water/oil through porous shale media.We have explored and combined heat dynamic models for Li-Ion cylindrical cells at both cell and electrode levels with reduced-order Doyle-Fuller-Newman electro-chemical model frameworks implemented in the PyBaMM python library. Radial temperature gradient at cell and electrode levels were both generated from simulations with a distributed parameter model as a function of electrolyte and separator thickness and thermodynamic properties. Figure 1

Quantifying Mixed Redox and Parasitic Processes in Li-Rich Disordered Rocksalt Li-Ion Battery Cathodes

Li-ion battery demand is expected to increase dramatically as the transportation and power generation sectors become electrified. To address the expense and scarcity of cobalt and nickel used in current layered cathodes, alternative transition metals must be explored. Disordered rocksalt (DRX) cathodes can be fully comprised of affordable, earth-abundant metals such as manganese and titanium and have shown high practical capacity but currently suffer from poor capacity retention and voltage fade [1]. Many researchers have attributed this to O redox, and the subsequent formation of deleterious reactive oxygen species, which can occur in DRX cathodes at states-of-charge as low as 40% [2,3]. Recently, researchers have increased the Mn content in DRX cathodes, with the intent of increasing Mn redox and suppressing O redox [4]. Furthermore, these Mn-rich DRX cathodes undergo a beneficial phase transformation upon electrochemical cycling, increasing capacity and almost eliminating voltage fade [4]. Yet, the redox contributions of Mn and O in these Mn-rich cathodes, especially after this phase transformation, are not understood.Here we decouple capacity contributions from Mn-redox, O-redox, and parasitic processes (e.g. electrolyte decomposition) for Mn-rich DRX using a combination of operando gas measurements and inductively coupled plasma – optimal emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Mn-rich DRX cathodes were cycled to various states of charge in coin cells and the resulting Mn and O oxidation state were determined via titration mass spectrometry (TiMS) using oxalic acid and triflic acid, respectively. To account for lattice O2 loss, differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS) was used on select cells. To account for Mn dissolution during cycling, ICP-OES was used to quantify the amount of Mn remaining in the cathode as a function of cycle number. The results of this study provide insight into the various redox processes and interfacial degradation that occurs in DRX cathodes, thereby informing future design to improve high-voltage stability of these promising materials.[1]: Raphaële J. Clément et al 2020 Energy Environ. Sci. 2 345[2]: Tzu-Yang Huang et al 2023 Adv. Energy Mater. 13 2300241[3]: Roland Jung et al 2017 J. Electrochem. Soc. 164 A1361[4]: Zijian Cai et al 2023 Nat. Energy 1

Prediction of Lithium Deposition By Electrochemical Noise Method in Li-Ion Batteries

Electrochemical noise measurement methods have established a significant presence in corrosion literatures and through these measurements, it becomes feasible to discern the corrosion mode and make a clear distinction between localized and uniform corrosion types, particularly when examined alongside post-mortem studies.In recent years, the increase in the use of lithium-ion batteries demands that the tests to be performed on the batteries are faster, easier, cheaper and, if possible, non-destructive and non-perturbing. While some electrochemical noise studies on batteries have commenced, the existing literature on this subject is limited and questionable. Electrochemical noise measurement, in Lithium based batteries has the potential to serve as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for assessing battery health. One of our previous studies has demonstrated an increased voltage noise in non-rechargeable batteries with Li/MnO2 chemistry upon exposure to a short circuit, indicating detectable morphological changes in metallic lithium due to non-homogenous depletion of lithium anode through electrochemical noise measurement.In Lithium-Ion batteries, lithium deposition refers to the undesired formation of metallic lithium, commonly in the form of dendrites, on the battery’s anode during charge and discharge cycles. This phenomenon is a consequence of uneven lithium-ion plating and stripping, leading to localized overplating. This growth of lithium dendrites poses significant risk, including internal short circuits, compromised battery integrity, and the potential for thermal runaway. These issues can result in reduced battery performance, safety concerns, and shortened cycle life. Effectively addressing lithium deposition is essential for enhancing the safety and reliability of lithium-ion batteries in various applications.Similarly to our previous publication, the electrochemical noise method shows promise as a non-invasive approach to investigate the understand deposition of metallic lithium by monitoring the voltage noise during charge and discharge cycling of batteries. For this purpose, NMC/Graphite pouch and coin cells are employed. In this presentation, we will delve into the details of electrochemical noise in lithium-based batteries, discussing the method’s reliability in assessing lithium deposition in NMC/Graphite lithium-ion batteries and presenting preliminary results. Figure 1

Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of Disordered Rocksalt Cathode in a Localized High Concentration Electrolyte

Lithium (Li) transition metal oxides with layered structure, commonly employed as cathodes in Li-ion batteries, exhibit limited capacity, and employ less abundant and costly materials, raising sustainability concerns amid surging battery demand. Addressing this, lithium rich cation disordered rock salt cathode (DRX) materials have garnered substantial attention as they offer high capacity and cost benefits. Manganese (Mn) based DRXs, in particular, show promise due to the utilization of earth abundant materials and good thermal stability of Mn. However, these cathodes often face challenges when cycled in state-of-the-art carbonate-based electrolytes. These include severe side reactions between the cathode and the electrolyte, transition metal dissolution and structural instability of the cathode particles all of which result in fast capacity fading. In this work, an advanced localized high concentration electrolyte (LHCE) is developed to mitigate these problems and enable stable cycling of Li1.2Mn0.6Ti0.2O2 (LMTO). The developed LHCE exhibits high voltage stability, forming an ultrathin and stable electrode/electrolyte interphase. Consequently, Li||LMTO half cells with the developed LHCE demonstrate increased capacity, enhanced cycling stability and superior rate capabilities compared to the cells with the conventional electrolyte. For instance, the Li||LMTO cells cycled in LHCE show higher initial capacity of 205.2 mAh/g, and a capacity retention of 72.5 % in contrast to an initial capacity of 187.7 mAh/g and a capacity retention of 19.9 % observed in Li||LMTO cells with the conventional electrolyte after 200 cycles at a current density of 20 mA/g. This work paves the way for the development of practical DRX cathode- based high-energy Li batteries.

Carbon‐Based Cathode Design for Next‐Generation Potassium‐Sulfur Batteries: Status and Perspective

ABSTRACTThe increasing concern for environmental pollution has fastened the development of energy storage devices. Among various devices, lithium‐ion battery (LIB) technology has been leapfrogged owing to its stable performance for various applications ranging from electronic gadgets to electric vehicles (EVs). For ever‐increasing number of EVs has increased the demand for batteries increasing the overall cost. An alternative energy storage device that can replace the dependence on lithium reserves can be another game changer in this area. Potassium‐sulfur batteries (KSBs) have attracted enormous attention owing to the higher abundance of sulfur and potassium. In addition, sulfur bears the highest capacity as a cathodic material (nearly five times higher than the commercial LIBs) and when clubbed with potassium anode can deliver a theoretical energy density of 914 Wh/kg (significantly higher for EVs). However, KSB development is still in the nascent stage owing to the intrinsic challenges including insulating sulfur, volume variation, and shuttle effect of polysulfides. In addition, unstable potassium anode and its dendrite formation is another thorny problem for KSB. The use of carbon matrices for cathode fabrication has been proven to be an excellent choice by initial research on KSB and experience with other metal‐sulfur batteries. This can be related to the higher electronic conductivity of carbon, easy tunability, high specific surface area, and porous morphology. This review is an attempt to show the usage of carbon as a sulfur host for KSBs and its performance. Further, we shed light on flexible and binder‐free carbon electrodes for the development of KSBs, which can be adopted to develop flexible batteries to be used in wearable devices. Finally, we present our perspective for developing a high‐performance carbon‐based cathode material for developing a reliable and long‐cycle life KSB.

Approaching Splendid Catalysts for Li-CO2 Battery from the Theory to Practical Designing: A Review.

Lithium carbon dioxide (Li-CO2) batteries, noted for their high discharge voltage of approximately 2.8V and substantial theoretical specific energy of 1876Wh kg-1, represent a promising avenue for new energy sources and CO2 emission reduction. However, the practical application of these batteries faces significant hurdles, particularly at high current densities and over extended cycle lives, due to their complex reaction mechanisms and slow kinetics. This paper delves into the recent advancements in cathode catalysts for Li-CO2 batteries, with a specific focus on the designing philosophy from composition, geometry, and homogeneity of the catalysts to the proper test conditions and real-world application. It surveys the possible catalytic mechanisms, giving readers a brief introduction of how the energy is stored and released as well as the critical exploration of the relationship between material properties and performances. Specifically, optimization and standardization of test conditions for Li-CO2 battery research is highlighted to enhance data comparability, which is also critical to facilitate the practical application of Li-CO2 batteries. This review aims to bring up inspiration from previous work to advance the design of more effective and sustainable cathode catalysts, tailored to meet the practical demands of Li-CO2 batteries.

Challenges in using Electrocoagulation Process in Removal of Nickel Metal in Wastewater: a Literature Review

In recent years, the surge in nickel production, driven by the growing demand for electric vehicle batteries, has raised concerns regarding environmental consequences. The nickel mining and processing industries contribute to increased nickel levels in wastewater, presenting a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health. This article emphasizes the urgency of developing effective technologies for treating nickel-contaminated wastewater. Electrocoagulation emerges as a promising method, providing high efficiency, minimal sludge production, and cost-effectiveness. The article critically and systematically reviews the potential of the electrocoagulation process in nickel removal from wastewater. In the review, we identify and analyze nearly 32 studies published from 2013 to 2023. We discuss contaminant removal mechanisms and analyze trends in the use of operational parameters. This article identifies the most commonly applied conditions: aluminum electrodes, inter-electrode spacing ≥ 1 cm, current density ≤ 10 mA/cm², initial pH 6 ≤ pH < 11, electrolysis time < 60 min, batch operation, and initial nickel concentration > 50 mg/L. This comprehensive review serves as a foundational resource for advancing electrocoagulation technology in the removal of heavy metals from nickel wastewater.

Carbon emission assessment of lithium iron phosphate batteries throughout lifecycle under communication base station in China

The demand for lithium-ion batteries has been rapidly increasing with the development of new energy vehicles. The cascaded utilization of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in communication base stations can help avoid the severe safety and environmental risks associated with battery retirement. This study conducts a comparative assessment of the environmental impact of new and cascaded LFP batteries applied in communication base stations using a life cycle assessment method. It analyzes the influence of battery costs and power structure on carbon emissions reduction. Results indicate: When consuming the same amount of electricity in a cascaded battery system (CBS), LFP batteries with a retirement state of health (SOH) range between 76.5 % and 90.0 % can reduce 30.3 % of the global warming potential (GWP) compared to new batteries. From the perspective of battery costs, when the price ratio of new to old batteries is greater than 31.0 %, the GWP of batteries retired at 70.0 % SOH is higher than that of new batteries. As the proportion of renewable energy sources in the power structure increases, the GWP of new batteries in 2035 is 15.0 % lower than in 2020. For batteries retired at 80.0 % SOH, their GWP decreases by 12.3 % compared to 2020. This study offers a new approach to determining the retirement point for LFP batteries from an environmental perspective, promoting carbon emission reduction throughout the entire battery life cycle and the sustainable development of the transportation sector.

Strategy to Simultaneously Manipulate Direct Zn Nucleation and Hydrogen Evolution via Surface Modifier Hydrolysis for High-Performance Zn-Ion Batteries.

The demand for safer batteries is growing rapidly due to fire incidents in electronic devices that use Li-ion batteries. Zn-ion batteries are among the most promising candidates to replace Li-ion batteries because they use a water-based electrolyte and are not explosive. However, Zn-ion batteries suffer from persistent corrosion and dendritic crystal formation during the charge-discharge process, which decrease their reversibility and hinder their commercial usage. Extensive research has been conducted to address these issues, but there are significant limitations due to high process and time costs. In this study, the modulation of the Zn-electrolyte interface to overcome these challenges is attempted using acetamide-derived thioacetamide (TAA), a surface modifier used in electroplating. TAA undergoes hydrolysis in an aqueous solution and produces weakly acidic byproducts and sulfide ions. These species are adsorbed onto the Zn metal surface, which induces uniform Zn2+ deposition, facilitates the formation of a stable interfacial layer, and inhibits side reactions due to the reduced water activity. Consequently, the symmetric cell with TAA achieves a low polarization of 50 mV and stable cycling for 700 h at 1 mA cm-2. Additionally, a Zn|V6O13 full cell exhibits electrochemical reversibility, maintaining a capacity retention of 64% over 300 cycles. Therefore, this study offers useful insights into the development of a simple manufacturing process to ensure the competitiveness of Zn-ion batteries for practical applications using functional electrolyte additives.

Recycling and Reutilization of Metals Aided by Deep Eutectic Solvents: from NMC Cathodes of Spent Li-ion Batteries to Electrolytes for Supercapacitors.

With the rapidly increasing demand for lithium ion batteries (LIBs), recycling the metals found in spent cathodes is mandatory to both alleviate shortages resulting from the mining of natural metal ores and manage the disposal of spent LIBs. The use of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) for metals recovery from spent cathodes of LIBs (e. g., LCO and NMC types) offers a sustainable yet efficient alternative to conventional hydrometallurgical processes. Nonetheless, g efforts are required to use milder temperatures and higher mass loadings, thus ensuring cost-effectiveness. In this latter regard, addressing the reutilization of DESs in subsequent stages of metal extraction, and streamlining or eliminating the chemical procedures employed for metal separation, is even more crucial to guarantee the economic feasibility of the recycling process. Herein, we have prepared a DES that provides extraction efficiencies of ca. 100 % for every metal of NMC cathodes even at mild experimental conditions (e. g., 60 °C) and for loadings as high as 70 mgNMC/gDES. Moreover, we have pioneered the direct use of leachates containing DESs and metals as electrolytes for supercapacitors. This approach enables the reintroduction of DESs and the recovered metals into the value chain with a minimal economic and environmental impact.

A closer look at lithium-ion batteries in E-waste and the potential for a universal hydrometallurgical recycling process

The demand for lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) is rising, resulting in a growing need to recycle the critical raw materials (CRMs) which they contain. Typically, all spent LiBs from consumer electronics end up in a single waste stream that is processed to produce black mass (BM) for further recovery. It is desired to design a recycling process that can deal with a mixture of LiBs. Hence, this study investigates the structure and composition of battery modules in common appliances such as laptops, power banks, smart watches, wireless earphones and mobile phones. The battery cells in the module were disassembled into cell casing, cathode, anode and separator. Then, the cathode active materials (CAMs) were characterized in detail with XRD-, SEM-, EDX- and ICP-OES-analysis. No direct link was found between the chemistry of the active materials (NMC, LCO, LMO, LFP etc.) and the application. Various BM samples were submitted to a leaching procedure (2 M H2SO4, 50 °C, 2 h, 60 g BM/L) with varying concentration (0–4 vol%) of H2O2 to study the influence of their chemical composition on the dissolution of Li, Ni, Mn and Co. Only a part of the BMs dissolved completely at 4 vol% H2O2, which was attributed to the oxidation state of the transition metals (TMs). Exact determination of H2O2 consumption by redox titration confirmed this hypothesis.

A novel closed-loop biotechnology for recovery of cobalt from a lithium-ion battery active cathode material.

In recent years, the demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has been increasing rapidly. Conventional recycling strategies (based on pyro- and hydrometallurgy) are damaging for the environment and more sustainable methods need to be developed. Bioleaching is a promising environmentally friendly approach that uses microorganisms to solubilize metals. However, a bioleaching-based technology has not yet been applied to recover valuable metals from waste LIBs on an industrial scale. A series of experiments was performed to improve metal recovery rates from an active cathode material (LiCoO2; LCO). (i) Direct bioleaching of ≤0.5 % LCO with two prokaryotic acidophilic consortia achieved >80 % Co and 90 % Li extraction. Significantly lower metal recovery rates were obtained at 30 °C than at 45 °C. (ii) In contrast, during direct bioleaching of 3 % LCO with consortia adapted to elevated LCO levels, the 30 °C consortium performed significantly better than the 45 °C consortium, solubilizing 73 and 93 % of the Co and Li, respectively, during one-step bioleaching, and 83 and 99 % of the Co and Li, respectively, during a two-step process. (iii) The adapted 30°C consortium was used for indirect leaching in a low-waste closed-loop system (with 10 % LCO). The process involved generation of sulfuric acid in an acid-generating bioreactor (AGB), 2-3 week leaching of LCO with the biogenic acid (pH 0.9), selective precipitation of Co as hydroxide, and recirculation of the metal-free liquor back into the AGB. In total, 58.2 % Co and 100 % Li were solubilized in seven phases, and >99.9 % of the dissolved Co was recovered after each phase as a high-purity Co hydroxide. Additionally, Co nanoparticles were generated from the obtained Co-rich leachates, using Desulfovibrio alaskensis, and Co electrowinning was optimized as an alternative recovery technique, yielding high recovery rates (91.1 and 73.6% on carbon felt and roughened steel, respectively) from bioleachates that contained significantly lower Co concentrations than industrial hydrometallurgical liquors. The closed-loop system was highly dominated by the mixotrophic archaeon Ferroplasma and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria Acidithiobacillus caldus and Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans. The developed system achieved high metal recovery rates and provided high-purity solid products suitable for a battery supply chain, while minimizing waste production and the inhibitory effects of elevated concentrations of dissolved metals on the leaching prokaryotes. The system is suitable for scale-up applications and has the potential to be adapted to different battery chemistries.

Towards Sustainable Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling: Advancements in Circular Hydrometallurgy

The growing demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has led to significant environmental and resource challenges, such as the toxicity of LIBs’ waste, which pose severe environmental and health risks, and the criticality of some of their components. Efficient recycling processes are essential to mitigate these issues, promoting the recovery of valuable materials and reducing environmental pollution. This review explores the application of electrodialysis in the process of recycling LIBs to contribute to the principles of circular hydrometallurgy. The article is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic, starting with an overview of the environmental and resource challenges associated with manufacturing LIBs. Then the current recycling processes are presented, focusing on hydrometallurgical methods. The concept of circular hydrometallurgy is introduced, emphasizing sustainable resource recovery. The electrodialysis technique is described in this context, highlighting its integration into the process of recycling LIBs to separate and recover valuable metals. Finally, the article addresses the challenges and limitations of the electrodialysis technique, such as energy consumption and system optimization, and identifies areas for future research and development. Through this analysis, the review aimed to contribute to advancing the development of more sustainable and efficient LIB recycling technologies, ensuring a safer and more environmentally friendly approach to the management of batteries’ lifecycle.

Theoretical prediction on Irida-graphene monolayer as promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries

With the growing interest in energy storage technologies, the demand for alternative rechargeable batteries has become increasingly urgent. We evaluate the feasibility of a two-dimensional (2D) material, Irida-graphene (IG) monolayer, as an anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) through first-principles calculations. IG monolayer, after Li adsorption, exhibits metallic property, suggesting the good electrical conductivity. Additionally, in comparison with IG bilayer, IG monolayer possesses low diffusion barriers (0.19–0.24 eV), high theoretical capacity (1115.8mA h/g), and low average open circuit voltage (0.317 V). Furthermore, under the influence of solvent effects, the adsorption performance becomes even more stable, and the theoretical capacity increases. These intriguing findings make IG monolayer great potentials for the anode of LIBs.

A highly stable insertion type V1-xTixP solid solution as an anode material for high-rate lithium-ion batteries

As electric vehicles (EVs) grow in popularity, the demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) simultaneously grows, and the fast-charging capability is becoming increasingly important. However, it is generally believed that graphite anode still suffers from a poor rate capability for fast-charging applications, and other insertion-type oxide anodes with a high rate capability exhibit too high Li+-ion insertion/extraction potential, which cannot meet a requirement for high energy density anodes. In this work, the hexagonal structure of V1-xTixP (x = 0.0, 0.25, and 1.0) phases were introduced as insertion-type anode materials for LIBs with a low reaction potential of Li+-ion insertion/extraction. The crystal structure and the corresponding electrochemical reaction mechanism of insertion-type anodes of TiP, VP, and MoP were compared. A facile strategy forming a substitutional solid solution is suggested to improve the electrochemical properties of anode materials by combining the end members among insertion-type VP, TiP, and MoP as forming V1-xTixP and V1-xMoxP compounds. V1-xTixP (x = 0.25) electrode, substituting V atoms with Ti atoms in VP structure, shows excellent long-term cycle stability at 1 A/g with a cycle retention of 87.7 % during 2500 cycles, delivering a two times higher capacity of 211.1 mAh g−1 compared to that of the commercial graphite electrode.

Innovative ceramic pigments from recycled lithium-ion battery cathodes for inkjet applications

The booming of the electric mobility together with the need of storing renewable energies have increased the demand of lithium-ion batteries which will bring about increasing amounts of electronic waste. Besides, the need for alternative sources of certain raw materials considered critical has changed the perception of determined wastes, which are no longer considered residues but sources of raw materials. In this work, the active cathode material present in end-of-life lithium-ion batteries (Ni, Co, and Mn) was used as secondary raw material, after being properly separated, in the synthesis of a cobalt iron nickel manganese chromium black spinel ((Co, Fe, Ni, Mn) (Fe,Cr)2O4). The pigment was used in the formulation of a ceramic inkjet ink which was deposited over a single-fired porous tile and porcelain tile. Texture and brightness of the ink were not affected by the use of this waste, thus presenting excellent prospects for the industrial ceramic application.

Direct Lithium Extraction from α-Spodumene through Solid-State Reactions for Sustainable Li2CO3 Production.

With increasing battery demand comes a need for diversified Li sources beyond brines. Among all Li-bearing minerals, spodumene is most often used for its high Li content and natural abundance. However, the traditional approach to process spodumene is costly and energy-intensive, requiring the mineral be transformed from its natural α to β phase at >1000 °C. Acid leaching is then applied, followed by neutralization to precipitate Li2CO3. In this work, we report an alternative method to extract Li directly from α-spodumene, which is performed at lower temperatures and avoids the use of acids. It is shown that Li2CO3 is formed with >90% yield at 750 °C by reacting α-spodumene with Na2CO3 and Al2O3. The addition of Al2O3 is critical to reduce the amount of Li2SiO3 that forms when only Na2CO3 is used, instead providing increased thermodynamic driving force to form NaAlSiO4 and Li2CO3 as the sole products. We find that this reaction is most effective at 4 h, after which volatility limits the yield. Following its extraction, Li2CO3 can be isolated by washing the sample using deionized water. This energy-saving and acid-free route to obtain Li2CO3 directly from spodumene can help meet the growing demand for Li.

Zwitterionic channels within covalent organic frameworks facilitate proton-selective transport for flow battery membrane

Flow batteries demand for ion conductive membranes (ICMs) with high ion selectivity to achieve efficient energy conversion. Herein, we engineered a cysteine-modified covalent organic framework (Cys-COF) by a Thiol-ene click reaction. As a promising proton carrier, the incorporation of the Cys-COF with sulfonated poly(ether ketone) (SPEEK) yields advanced ICMs for vanadium flow batteries (VFBs). The zwitterionic cysteine groups anchored on the nanochannel walls simultaneously narrowed the pore size and ameliorated the protophilicity of Cys-COF, resulting in improved vanadium permeating resistance and proton conductivity. As a result, the optimal membrane demonstrated synchronized improvements in coulombic efficiency (95.01 %–98.84 %), voltage efficiency (95.15 %–77.84 %) and energy efficiency (90.41 %–76.94 %) with the current densities ranging from 40 to 200 mA cm−2. Regarding stability test, it achieved exceptional energy efficiency (∼84.3 %) over 1100 cycles and 550 h at the constant current density of 120 mA cm−2, outperforming pure polymer membrane and Nafion 212.

How new nanomaterials can improve the performance of lithium batteries

Abstract In recent years, lithium batteries have become energy storage methods in many fields for their advantages of high energy density, and many fields such as civil electric vehicles, electronic products, and aerospace rely on lithium batteries. At present, the performance demand for lithium batteries in electric vehicles is increasing, and finding ways to improve the performance of lithium batteries has become a top priority. Since silicon has the highest theoretical specific capacity, carbon nanotube technology is relatively mature, and the research and development prospects of new negative electrode materials for nano-batteries are broad. This paper analyzes the different influences of nano-silicon-based materials, carbon nanotubes modified by new materials and new negative nano-lithium materials on lithium batteries from nanomaterials. And summarize their respective roles to help readers further understand the application of nanomaterials in lithium batteries. It is designed to help readers further understand the application of nanomaterials in lithium batteries.