bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanoporous Architecture of Mo Incorporated Nifeldh Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) Electrode for Efficient Water Electrolysis
Authors: Tamboli Asiya Mohaseen , Jung Young HAN , Sim Junseok , KIM Bonghyun , KIM Wan Sik , Kim Changhee
Published: February 2024

Designing efficient catalysts with non-precious metals is of utmost significance for a sluggish anodic reaction (oxygen evolution reaction) in large-scale hydrogen production via electrochemical water splitting. Towards this endeavor, this work presents a simple and scalable methodology for binder free direct growth of Mo-doped NiFe-layered double hydroxides (NiFeLDH) on a nickel substrate by electrodeposition route at room temperature. A three-dimensional (3D) porous nanosheet architecture of electrocatalyst delivers immense electrochemical surface area as well as abundant catalytically active sites. In addition, Mo doping in the NiFeLDH plays a vital role in regulating the OER catalytic performance. Furthermore, the fabricated electrocatalyst exhibits low overpotential (230 mV) at 30 mAcm−2 for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in an alkaline electrolyte with ultralow Tafel slope of ~28 mV dec−1 and retains exceptional stability for 100 h. Furthermore, the optimized Mo doped NiFeLDH electrode was used as an anode in single cell lab-scale system for alkaline water electrolysis at 80 °C with continuous flow of alkaline electrolyte. The single cell exhibits efficient electrochemical performance with a lower cell voltage of 1.80 V at a current density of 400 mA cm−2. Also, an admirable long-term cell durability is shown by the cell for 24 h. This work encourages new designs and further development of electrode materials for alkaline water electrolysis to the commercial scale.
FC-Platform Activities and Post Analysis of Durability Tested MEA
Authors: Takeuchi Norimitsu , Shinohara Kazuhiko , Kawase Motoaki , Imai Hideto , Sodeyama Keitaro
Published: February 2024

FC-Platform, specialized in PEFC's analysis and evaluation, has been launched as a NEDO's funded project. FC-Platform consists of 5 groups of the electrochemical evaluation, simulation, materials analysis, materials informatics and management, involves several institutions. The numbers of various materials research themes have been also running in the NEDO's project. FC-Platform provides better directions of improving for these materials research through analysis and evaluation of their materilas. Moreover, Materials informatics (MI) have been applyed to the development of thier matrials in several themes. Visualizing and predicting phenomena in the PEFCs are essential for realizing high performance and durability at a material level. Therefore, we are focusing on advanced visualization techniques and trans-scale stack modeling development. We also had post analysis and evaluation of the MEAs under long term road-cycle test.

This work was supported by a NEDO FC-Platform project commissioned by th e New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).
UV-Durable Fully-Printed Carbon-Based Multi-Porous-Layered-Electrode Perovskite Solar Cells Using SrTiO3 Electron Transport Layer
Authors: Shioki Takaya , Tsuji Ryuki , Oishi Kouta , Ito Seigo
Published: February 2024

Carbon-based multi-porous-layered-electrode perovskite solar cells (MPLE-PSC) using porous carbon as the back electrode have excellent performance stability against high temperature and high humidity environments at a low cost. However, the stability of MPLE-PSC under ultraviolet light has not improved yet. This is due to the photocatalytic effect of TiO2, which is commonly used as an electron transport layer in MPLE-PSC. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the electron transport material and ultraviolet light stability in MPLE-PSC. MPLE-PSC with TiO2 or SrTiO3 as the electron transport layer were fabricated and photoelectric conversion performance of them were compared. As a result, the performance of solar cells using TiO2 decreased to 80 % of the initial performance after 2 hours of ultraviolet light irradiation. In contrast, no performance degradation was observed in solar cells using SrTiO3. Therefore, the SrTiO3 electron transport layer can be proposed as a solution to improve the ultraviolet light stability of solar cells.
(Invited) Recovery Of Silver And Silicon From EoL PV Modules
Authors: Chichignoud Guy , Parsa Yohan , Iwaszko Victorien , Luo Yun
Published: February 2024

Photovoltaic modules global expansion has been dynamic over the last 20 years and is on the verge of becoming massive with the necessary ongoing energy transition. This development raises legitimate concerns of i) raw materials availability and ii) handling of modules as a waste after their decommissioning. End of Life (EoL) modules are indeed a powerful source of critical raw materials that worth being fully exploited and optimized to reduce the demand on natural resources and energy (>50MWh/t of PC-Si) to produce fresh modules whilst addressing the matter of wastes. We shall know that 6 tons of natural resources are needed to produce one ton of PV-grade Si, and the share of critical material Ag for PV production accounts already for more than 13% of global consumption. However, EoL module recycling has been poorly developed so far, mostly because of the difficult delamination stage necessary to release precious metals and Silicon. Different approaches, involving shredding, machining, solvents, flashing light have been investigated by different institutes or companies to delaminate the module structure and recycle metals, but none of them successfully demonstrated the recovery at large scale, suffering from a lack of purity, efficiency or scalability. In this context, ROSI developed an innovative route coupling different key steps to produce Silver and Silicon at industrial scale by recycling EoL modules. In order to address the varsity of polymer structures in PV panels, a thermal process based on pyrolysis ensures a generic approach of delamination to convert 100% of polymers into gas, thus releasing cell fragments. A mild chemical etching step then achieves the full separation of Silver fingers from the surface of Silicon, avoiding the use of harsh chemicals generally used in the recovery of metals from electronic wastes. A dedicated sortation process finally allows to recover high purity glass, copper, Silicon and Silver as depicted in Figure 1.

Based on the thermal behaviour of different mixes of polymers, pyrolysis process has been optimized to ensure the full conversion of polymers in gas whilst limiting thermal budget regardless of the initial composition of the PV module. This optimization phase will be presented and coupled with the mild wet etching technology developed to obtain silver fingers. Characterizations of recoveredmaterials will be presented, together with their high value applications.

Figure 1
New Chemistries for Silver and Lead Recovery from End-of-Life Silicon Solar Modules
Authors: Click Natalie , Chen Theresa , Adcock Randall , Tao Meng
Published: February 2024

Two metals contained in silicon solar modules belong to the must-recover category: silver and lead. Silver is the main financial incentive for recyclers generating ~$5/module, while lead is toxic creating a potential environmental hazard when landfilled. The literature on silver recovery often employs nitric acid for leaching followed by precipitation, re-dissolution, and electrowinning to recover metallic silver, while lead recovery has been rarely attempted for silicon module recycling. In this talk we will report silver recovery with hydrofluoric acid. It involves two steps, leaching and electrowinning to recover over 95% of the silver as a pure metal. A two-step process of leaching and electrowinning for lead recovery with acetic acid will also be reported. A recovery rate of over 99% has been confirmed, with the lead content in the post-electrowinning leachate below 10 ppm and the recovered lead being a pure metal. However, the recovered lead tends to react with ambient and acetic acid to form surface oxide and/or acetate due to its dendritic morphology. A dense lead deposit is preferred.
Challenges of Scaling-up the Wet-Chemical Synthesis of β-Li3PS4
Authors: Gries Aurelia , Langer Frederieke , Schwenzel Julian
Published: February 2024

All-solid-state batteries are considered the next generation in battery technology due to increased energy and power density as well as freedom of design, e.g. by constructing batteries in bipolar stacks. Solid-state electrolytes offer advantages over conventional liquid electrolytes, such as greater thermal safety, because of high melting points, and higher mechanical strength. This is believed to suppress growth of lithium dendrites and, therefore, opens up the possibility of using a lithium metal anode. One promising material group is sulfides, because they are ductile and have a good intrinsic ionic conductivity. Some sulfide solid electrolytes can be synthesized wet-chemically. This offers advantages like tailoring the particle size, working at ambient temperatures, short synthesis durations, stabilizing meta-stable phases by using new synthesis routes and the possibility of transferring the routine to a continuous process. The particle size and morphology are important factors regarding the suitability to produce all-solid-state batteries wherefore small (< 10 µm) and homogeneous particles are preferred. The present research mainly focusses on finding and improving new materials and their usage in battery production, but there is little progress on mass-production of sulfide solid electrolytes. To scale-up a synthesis, multiple aspects have to be considered since they often influence both product and process. Therefore, an analysis and optimization of the synthesis process is necessary to support the development and to increase the economic attractiveness of new materials.

In this presentation, the reaction enthalpy and the influences of concentration and solvent variation of synthesizing the sulfide solid electrolyte β-Li3PS4 are examined and discussed. β-Li3PS4 is synthesized by mixing lithium sulfide and phosphorus pentasulfide in a solvent, e.g. THF, at ambient conditions. After removing the solvent, heat treatment is used to obtain the crystalline product. We found that the mixing step contains a highly exothermic reaction and determined the reaction enthalpies using a reaction calorimeter. To handle the heat development, two options were investigated: First, the solvent amount was increased and second, the synthesis was performed using alternative solvents with different thermal properties. The examined solvents are THF, ethyl acetate and ethyl propionate. The reaction enthalpies of the synthesis in different solvents are compared. A strong influence on the particle size and morphology caused by the amount and choice of solvent could be detected by SEM. While the particle size increases with increasing amount of solvent, the shape of the particles alters under solvent variation. With low solvent amount the smallest particle sizes (< 10 µm) are synthesized. Finally, suggestions regarding the scale-up will be given based on the findings of these examinations.
(Invited) Chemical and Microstructural Reaction Paths in High-Temperature Alloys in Contact to Molten Salts
Authors: Geers Christine
Published: February 2024

Molten salts for thermal energy storage applications have gained attention in recent years. Simultaneously, demands on salt melts are also getting higher: higher thermal stability, availability, and economic feasibility.

Maybe the most crucial factor, however, is the possibility to match a suitable containment material for salt melts. By increasing operation temperature, material degradation processes commonly accelerate beyond tolerable thresholds. These thresholds are referring to material integrity, strength, and local attack.

It turns out that every salt melt hereby reacts along characteristic pathways influencing alloys’ surface chemistry and underlying microstructures to very deep levels.

High-temperature alloys depend on their carefully balanced elemental compositions. During this presentation, we will explore how subtle salt-induced compositional shifts have a large and rapid influence on microstructural properties in alloys and thereby on their performance assessment.
(Invited) The Internal Oxidation Mechanism of Ti60 Alloy in NaCl-coated Environment at 600o C
Authors: Chen Wenzheng , Li Rui , Liu Li , Wang Fuhui
Published: February 2024

When serving in the marine environment, the blades of aircraft engines will suffer serious high-temperature corrosion and their service life will be shortened. This is because the water vapour and salt particles (mainly NaCl) in the marine atmosphere will inevitably be involved in the engine, resulting in severe corrosion of materials. Previous studies on the degradation of titanium alloy under NaCl mainly focused on the active oxidation mechanism, while the mechanism of internal oxidation, which can significantly damage the mechanical properties of the titanium, is not clear. In addition, internal oxidation appears microstructure sensitivity, indicating that microstructure design may be an important way to improve high-temperature corrosion resistance in the marine environment.

Consequently, for further understanding the internal oxidation mechanism and the influence of microstructure on corrosion, the composition and morphology of the internal oxidized layer of the Ti60 samples, which corroded with NaCl precoated at 600 oC in moist O2 flow for 100 h, have been studied.

According to the results, Ti2O formed within the internal oxidized layer. With the thermodynamic calculation results, this observation proves that internal oxides do not result from the oxidation of metal chlorides. As it is known that titanium has a high affinity to oxygen, the internal matrix turns into titanium oxides with different valence states directly, while TiCl4(g) formed from active oxidation further transports outward and is oxidized at the position with high P(O2).

The α secondary phase, located inside the β phase, is more sensitive to NaCl-induced corrosion than the α lamellar outside the β phase. This is because β phase and phase boundaries provide more high-energy channels for corrosive media transport to the α secondary phase, which results in severe loss of metallic elements and oxidation. The design of the α secondary phase may be one essential point for developing titanium alloys with a good combination of mechanical properties and corrosion resistance in marine environments.

Figure 1
(Invited) Comparative High Temperature Properties of Iron-Chromium-Aluminum and Zirconium Alloys
Authors: Abouelella Hamdy , Umretiya Rajnikant V , Rebak Raul B
Published: February 2024

Light water reactors (LWR) have been using zirconium (Zr)-based alloys for the cladding of the fuel for more than six decades. Zirconium alloys oxidize rapidly in presence of water and steam at temperatures above 400°C and therefore they do not respond well to scenarios of loss of coolant accident conditions. In the 1950s and 1960s iron-chromium-aluminum (FeCrAl) alloys were explored to replace Zr alloys manly because the former has better oxidation resistance and better mechanical properties than the latter. The use of FeCrAl for LWR fuel cladding has been revived in the last decade following the 2011 accident at the Fukushima Daiichi site. This work will show comparative data to illustrate the advantages of FeCrAl in high temperature scenarios considering oxidation resistance, mechanical properties, and interactions with the fuel pellet.
Reactive Condensation of Cr Vapor on Aluminosilicates Containing Alkaline Oxides
Authors: van Leeuwen Travis Kent , Dowdy Ryan , Guerrero Amberly , Gannon Paul
Published: February 2024

The research presented herein is part of a larger project delving into the mechanisms and pathways for reactive condensation of Chromium (Cr) vapors in high-temperature (>500o C) environments. The overall goal of this research project is to improve fundamental understanding of reactive condensation pathways for chromium (Cr) vapors generated in high-temperature systems such as exhaust manifolds, steam turbines, boilers, or solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Reactive evaporation of Cr from stainless steels commonly used in these systems is well-documented; however, the interactions between volatilized Cr species and surrounding interfaces during complex and dynamic system exposures is poorly understood. Understanding the interactions between volatilized Cr species and downstream components during operation is critical for improving system performance, environmental health, and safety as some condensed Cr forms toxic hexavalent Cr(VI) species. The focus of this study is on the effects of alkaline oxides present within the substrate material on reactive condensation mechanisms of Cr vapors. Studying the reaction mechanisms between Cr vapors and ceramic surfaces has direct application to SOFCs as these materials are widely used in the field. For example, alumina-silica glass-ceramics are used as sealants in SOFCs. These materials belong to the SiO2–Al2O3 system and contain different compositions of oxides including CaO, Na2O, MgO, K2O, B2O3, Y2O3, and BaO. Another sealing material used in SOFCs is mica, a class of silicate minerals that forms into distinct layers. Two types of mica commonly used in SOFC applications are muscovite (potassium aluminum silicate hydroxide fluoride, KAl2(AlSi3O10)(F,OH)2), and phlogopite (potassium magnesium aluminum silicate hydroxide, KMg3(AlSi3O10)(OH)2). The specific research objective is to explore the effects of alkaline oxide additives in aluminosilicates on Cr collection and speciation. To accomplish this objective, an experimental platform was designed to assess interactions between samples of high-temperature steel alloys or Cr oxide (Cr2O3) powder with ceramic insulating materials. The chemical composition of the insulating materials used in this study range from pure silica (SiO2) and alumina (Al2O3) to combinations thereof with and without inclusions of alkaline earth metals (e.g., Ca, Mg). Preliminary results show three- to four-fold increases in Cr(VI) formation on silica fibers with weight percentages of ~30 and ~40 percent alkaline oxides (CaO and MgO), respectively, after exposure to volatile Cr species, relative to low-alkaline silica. Figure 1 presents an overview of the experimental concept, Cr(VI) test kit, and preliminary results for dependency on alkaline oxide content.

Figure 1
(Invited) Design of Lithium Battery Electrolytes Based on Electrode Potentials
Authors: Yamada Yuki
Published: February 2024

Lithium (Li) metal is an ideal battery anode with low electrode potential (-3.045 V vs. SHE) and high theoretical capacity (3860 mAh g-1, 2060 mAh cm-3). However, its critical problem is a low Coulombic efficiency (CE), which is caused the thermodynamic instability of a Li/electrolyte interface because of the strong reducing ability of Li metal. Since Li electrode potential (E
Li) is located far below the cathodic limit of the electrolyte's potential window, the electrolyte components are inevitably reduced and decomposed on the Li metal anode (Fig. 1). Some of the decomposition products function as solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) to suppress further electrolyte decomposition. Various electrolytes and additives have been proposed to form a stable SEI on Li metal, which leads to higher CEs. However, the correlation between CE and SEI is still unclear.

Here we report E
Li as a quantitative and thermodynamic descriptor of the CEs of Li metal anodes.1 We measured E
Li in various electrolytes with reference to 1 mM ferrocene as an internal standard. The obtained E
Li varied significantly (up to 0.6 V) depending on electrolyte formulations. We also evaluated the CEs of Li plating/stripping in various electrolytes without ferrocene. Based on these results, we found that the CEs are correlated with E
Li (Fig. 2). The CE increased with increasing E
Li, suggesting that the reductive decomposition of electrolytes was suppressed at high E
Li (lower reducing ability of Li).

Theoretically, E
Li is directly determined by the chemical potential of Li+ (μ
Li+) in the electrolyte. Hence, E
Li, that is the reducing ability of Li, can be controlled by designing an electrolyte focusing on μ
Li+. Raman Spectroscopy revealed that the formation of ion pairs is essential for increasing the μ
Li+ and upshifting the E
Li. This finding provides fundamental science that can tune the μ
Li+ and E
Li to increase the CE of Li metal anodes.

1. Seongjae Ko, Tomohiro Obukata, Tatau Shimada, Norio Takenaka, Masanobu Nakayama, Atsuo Yamada, Yuki Yamada, Nat. Energy, 7, 1217-1224 (2022).

Figure 1
Micellar Solubilization for High-Energy-Density and Long-Cycle-Life Aqueous Organic Redox-Flow Batteries
Authors: Kim Youngsu , Kang Kisuk
Published: February 2024

Functional group control has been the most widely used strategy to enhance the solubility of redox-active organic materials (ROMs) in aqueous media for aqueous organic redox-flow batteries. However, this strategy inevitably requires complicated organic synthesis, typically involving 2–4 steps with high cost and under harsh conditions, reducing the full potential of ROMs. In this study, to achieve higher ROM solubility, we introduced surfactant molecules to provide a nonpolar microenvironment via micellization. The hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride surfactant enabled micellar solubilization, resulting in an order-of-magnitude enhancement of the solubility of (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxyl (TEMPO). In addition, the micellar solubilization elevated the redox potential of TEMPO, increasing the energy density by more than 10 times compared with that in the bare electrolyte. Furthermore, the micellar solubilization improved the cycle stability due to not only mitigated crossover but also enhanced chemical stability of TEMPO+. This strategy can be applied to various ROMs and is expected to assist in achieving practical application of organic redox-flow batteries.
Solution-Processed Non-Crystalline Solid Electrolytes for Advanced Energy Storage
Authors: Rettie Alex J.E.
Published: February 2024

Advanced batteries containing a Li metal anode (LMA) are needed to enable the clean economy and meet ambitious climate targets. Currently, LMA batteries are limited by dendrite propagation due to the non-uniform plating and stripping of Li, which is detrimental to cell performance. The non-crystalline solid electrolyte (SE), lithium phosphorus oxynitride (LiPON) is unique in demonstrating stable Li plating/stripping at appreciable rates, but its synthesis requires costly and slow vacuum deposition methods. We use aqueous precursor solutions which are rapidly condensed during spin coating and gently annealed to produce dense, flat, Li metal oxide films without long-range order. However, such solution-processed SEs typically exhibit ionic conductivities (σ
ion
) too low for energy storage applications (~10-8 S cm-1) and far lower than vacuum-deposited LiPON (~10-6 S cm-1).

We will discuss various approaches to increase the σion of these materials, including compositional engineering and controlled processing conditions. Structure-property relationships have been elucidated using modelling of the local structure and interphase formation against Li evaluated by time-dependent electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Electrochemical testing of these films deposited onto a current collector in an anode-free cell will be used to evaluate their ability to facilitate stable deposition and stripping of Li.

Initial exploration of processing parameters have yielded σion values > 10-7 S cm-1 [1] and the presence of medium-range order (nanocrystalline domains) in some cases. Beyond Li, new non-crystalline SEs for other ions will be discussed. As only limited chemical compositions and processing conditions of these materials have been reported, with no corresponding structural studies, our work provides insight to enable the optimisation and discovery of scalable non-crystalline SEs for advanced batteries.

1. P. Vadhva, T. Gill, J. H. Cruddos, S. Said, M. Siniscalchi, S. Narayanan, M. Pasta, T.S. Miller, A.J.E. Rettie. Engineering solution-processed non-crystalline solid electrolytes for Li metal batteries. Chemistry of Materials, 2022, 35, 3, 1168–1176.
Employing a Thin Artificial CEI Layer on Na3V2 (PO4)2F3-2xO2x (0 < x < 1) by Atomic Layer Deposition; Structure Stabilization and Capacity Enhancement
Authors: Chakrabarty Sankalpita , Mukherjee Ayan , Noked Malachi
Published: February 2024

Sodium ion battery (SIB), still facing the limit in functionality due to lower energy density; arises from either low capacity or narrow potential window. The capacity improvement within material sustainability is one major challenge which needs to be addressed to satisfy the present demand for SIB. Of late phosphate-based materials [Na3V2(PO4)2F3-2xO2x; (NVPFO2x;0 < x < 1)] are established as prospective cathodes for Sodium-ion battery (SIB) due to high reversible capacity and stability. However, the reversible extraction and insertion of only 2 Na ion per formula unit in these polyanionic cathodes limit their capacity. Herein we demonstrate a strategic approach towards electrochemical activation of 3rd Na ion which leads to higher capacity and preserves structural stability. We synthesized a series of NVPFO2x (0 < x < 1) with well-controlled surface morphology and vanadium oxidation state and studied the electrochemical behavior on the various composition and morphology. Cycling within the potential window of 1.2V to 4.3V vs Na/Na+ to trigger extra Na ion in the electrochemical activity have shown their explicit behavior depending on morphology. The optimized NVPFO2x shows specific capacity >130 mA h g-1, implies 3rd Na ion activation. However, the material suffers rapid capacity fading within ~ 65 cycles which is tremendously improved through formation of a thin artificial cathode electrolyte interface (CEI) layer of TiO2 on the surface of NVPFO2x by atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique. This TiO2 coating enabled even further extraction of sodium through higher voltage domain, but more importantly, it facilitated excellent long-term stability over 200 cycles. The thin coating explicitly restores the structural and morphological integrity during prolonged electrochemical cycling which established by post cycling XRD, HRSEM and XPS study. The study demonstrated that the thin TiO2 layer on electrode material is effectively diminishes the parasitic reaction, reduces carbonate formation, and increase the stability of the formed CEI and lowers electrolyte decomposition within wide-range potential window.
Hierarchically Structured Potassium-Vanadium-Phosphate/C Composites As Possible High-Voltage Cathodic Materials for Potassium-Ion-Batteries
Authors: Heyn Andreas , Jeschull Fabian , Binder Joachim R. , Bohn Nicole
Published: February 2024

Potassium-ion-batteries (PIBs) share technological similarities with Lithium- and Sodium-ion batteries (LIBs/SIBs) and are based on the inter- and deintercalation of K ions between two host materials.[1] The higher atomic weight and larger ionic radius of potassium ions results in lower gravimetric and volumetric capacities compared to LIBs.[2] But they offer similar advantages as SIBs (i.e. use of aluminium as current collector on both sides, evenly distributed potassium reserves) as well as graphite could be used as anode.[2,3] Also, they are expected to offer higher cell voltages due to the low standard potential of K/K+ vs. SHE of -2.93V.[3] To unlock the full potential of PIBs, cathode materials with high average potentials above 4 V need to be developed, which would significantly improve the energy density.[4] Polyanionic compounds, especially different Vanadium-Phosphates, are prepared and investigated for this purpose. Their thermal stability and diverse structural chemistry are advantageous for high energy PIBs. [2,5]

One of the often-used synthesis methods for polyanionic compounds is the solid-state reaction. [4] In my work this well-known synthesis was coupled with a spray-drying process and a subsequently sintering process for K3V2(PO4)3/C composites. This created spherical secondary particles with a size in the micrometer range and an open micro-porosity. (see attached image)

Through the addition of different amounts of organic sugars as a carbon source during the synthesis or sintering step an additional carbon coating of the primary and secondary particles was achieved, as well as the morphology of the secondary particles could be influenced. The influences of the different carbon contents during synthesis and sintering were investigated by thoroughly characterizing the morphology and crystal structure of the secondary particle with the help of SEM, BET, particle size distribution, XRD and porosity measurements. First electrochemical evaluation of the synthesized material was done by galvanostatic cycling the KVP/C composites against potassium.

References

[1] Min, X., et al., Energy Environ. Sci.,2021, 14, 2186

[2] Passerini, S., et al., Current Opinion in Electrochemistry, 2018, 9, 41-48

[3] Komaba, S. et al., Chem. Rec. 2019, 19, 735–745

[4] Komaba, S., et al., Chem. Rev. 2020, 120, 6358−6466

[5] Fan, L. et al., Small Methods 2021, 5, 2101131

Figure 1
Computational Studies of Structure, Composition, and Electrochemical Behavior of Li-Ion Battery Components
Authors: Major Dan , Bano Amreen
Published: February 2024

Considerable efforts have been invested in recent decades to further the improvement of lithium-ion battery components – electrodes, solutions, and separators. In this presentation we will focus on recent computational work in our group on cathodes, anodes, and electrolyte solutions. We will show how computations are an essential part of the analytical toolbox, allowing deeper understanding of physical phenomenon related to energy materials. First, we will discuss studies on layered Ni-rich cathode materials (i.e., Li[Ni-Co-Mn]O2, NCM, family) for lithium-ion batteries.1 Specifically, we will discuss lattice doping with a range of high-valent dopants in NCM materials, which is one of the most promising approaches to improve electrochemical properties, cycle life, and thermal behavior. Second, we will study cation and anion intercalation phenomenon in MXene materials.2, 3Third, we will show some recent simulations on high-entropy materials.

References:

Layered Cathode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries: Review of Computational Studies on LiNi1-x-yCoxMnyO2 and LiNi1-x-yCoxAlyO2. Chakraborty, A.; Kunnikuruvan, S.; Kumar, S.; Markovsky, B.; Aurbach, A.; Dixit, M.; Major, D. T. Mater.32, 915-952 (2020).

Can anions be inserted into MXene? Shpigel, N.; Chakraborty, A.; Malchik, F.; Bergman, G.; Nimkar, A.; Gavriel, B.; Turgeman, M.; Hong, C.; Lukatskaya, M. R.; Levi, M.; Gogotsi, Y.; Major, D. T.; Aurbach, D. Am. Chem. Soc. 143, 12552-12559 (2021).

New Cost-effective Aqueous Electrolyte Enables Highly Stable Operation of 2.15V Lithium-Ion Battery. Turgeman, M.; Wineman-Fisher, V.; Malchick, F.; Saha, A.; Bergman, G.; Gavriel, B.; Penki, T. R.; Nimkar, A.; Baranauskaite, V.; Aviv, H.; Fan, T.; Tischler, Y. R.; Levi, M. D.; Noked, M.; Major, D. T.; Shpigel, N.; Aurbach, D. Cell Reports Physical Science 3, 100688 (2022).

Figure 1
Enabling High-Areal Capacity and Long-Term Stability of Layered Oxide Cathodes in All Solid State Batteries
Authors: Yang Yong
Published: February 2024

The stability of electrode/electrolyte interfaces play a key role in the performance-determination of solid state batteries[1]. Such interfacial stability including not only the chemical/electrochemical stability such as side reactions, but also physical or electrochemo-stabilitry such as stable physical contact between solid electrode and solid electrolytes which may not a big issue in liquid-type Li-ion batteries[2]. In this presentation, we will present some newest research[3-6] in the comprehensive characterization and undersstanding of the effects of interfacial behaviour on the electrochemical performance of the oxide-type or sulfide-type solid state batteries with high capacity cathodes such as Ni-rich and Sulfur-based cathodes. In addition, operando-NMR results reveal the failure processes of Li metal anode in all-solid-state Li battery(ASSLB)[7] will be also presented. It is also shown that Ni-rich cathode is able to deliver a high areal capacity (~13mAh/cm2) but with promising long-term stability in ASSLB. [8]

Reference
s
:

Y. Yang, Solid State Electrochemistry; First Edition, Chem. Indus. Press, Beijing, 2017

Y. X. Xiang, et al; Materials Today; 2020 ，36，139-157

J. P. Zhu, et al; Chem. Mater.; 2020, 32，4998-5003

X. S.Liu, et al; Advanced Energy Materials; 2021，11, 2003583

Z.R.Chen, et al; ACS Energy Lett.; 2022, 7(8), 2761

Y. Q. Wu et al; Energy Environmental Science; 2022, 15, 3470

Z. T.Liang, et al; Nature Commun., 2023, 14, 259

Z.T.Liang et al; submitted
Advanced Characterization Development for Metal Anodes in Aqueous Batteries
Authors: Catalina Sofia K. , Wang Jianbo , Chueh William C. , Mefford J. Tyler
Published: February 2024

Renewable penetration of the electric grid necessitates inexpensive and safe energy storage solutions. With these priorities, aqueous batteries with metal anodes (Zn, Al, Mg, Sn, etc.) are an exciting area of development as they have low material costs, inherent safety, and high theoretical energy density. Understanding and quantifying the faradaic and chemical reactions occurring in aqueous alkaline batteries with metal anodes necessitates probing the solid, liquid, and gaseous phases that evolve during cycling. The interplay of plating, stripping, precipitation, disproportionation, and parasitic gases generation complicates our understanding of metal anode cycling behavior and often muddle the real failure mechanisms in aqueous batteries.

In our work, we have developed a robust toolbox of direct characterization tools to investigate metal anodes in aqueous batteries. Our investigation focuses on tin (Sn) as a largely unexplored metal anode and characterizes its performance and speciation during cycling. We will present a variety of methods to probe the charge/discharge speciation and efficiency losses to parasitic side reactions, including operando XRD, in-situ gas detection, RRDE, EQCM, and liquid 119Sn NMR. These techniques have allowed us to develop a mechanistic understanding of the Sn metal anode system and construct a high coulombic-efficiency, high utilization, and long cycle-life aqueous battery.
Zinc-Iron Rechargeable Flow Battery with High Energy Density
Authors: Fouladvari Negar , Gibertini Eugenio , Magagnin Luca
Published: February 2024

In current research, electrochemical energy storage systems have gaining interest because they constitute an essential element in the development of sustainable energy technologies [1,2]. Among them, rechargeable flow batteries (RFBs) are one of the most promising technologies for the integration in grid-connected electricity, especially if combined with unpredictable and intermittent renewable energy sources, due to their high efficiency, power/energy independent sizing and room temperature operation [3]. At the moment, among all RFBs systems, the most investigated and advanced technology is the vanadium based RFB, characterized by an energy efficiency equal to 80% and energy density ranging 15-45 Wh/l [4]. However, nowadays the main bulk of research is focused on finding an economically convenient and technically competitive flow battery chemistry, able to ensure long lifetime and high energy efficiency [5,6]. In this study, a zinc-iron RFBs based on sulfate and sulfamate electrolytes will be presented, discussing the achievement of a charge density in the range 30-70 Wh/l. The combination of high energy efficiency of the Zn-Fe RFB with its ability to withstand a large number of charge/discharge cycles and the low cost, makes this battery system suitable for energy storage applications.

References

[1] Alotto, M. Guarnieri, and F. Moro. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 29 (2014): 325-335.

[2] Weber, M.M. Mench, J.P. Meyers, P.N. Ross, J.T. Gostick and Q. Liu. Journal of Applied Electrochemistry (2011), 41(10), 1137.

[3] Kear, A.A Shah, and F.C. Walsh. International journal of energy research, (2012), 36(11), 1105-1120.

[4] Ding, H. Zhang, X. Li, T. Liu, and F. Xing. The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, (2013), 4(8), 1281-1294.

[5] C- Xie, Y. Duan, W. Xu, H. Zhang, and X Li. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, (2017) 56 (47), 14953-14957.

[6] Selverston, R. F. Savinell, and J. S. Wainright. Journal of The Electrochemical Society 164, (2017): A1069-A1075.
Aqueous Electrochemical Degradation of Phosphate Framework Materials: Mechanisms and Mitigation Strategies
Authors: Vilciauskas Linas , Juodkazytė Jurga , Pilipavičius Jurgis , Petrulevičienė Milda , Tediashvili Davit
Published: February 2024

Phosphate framework materials are attracting a lot of interest as very stable, structurally and electronically diverse materials, suitable for various electrochemical applications. For example, Na SuperIonic Conductor (NASICON) structure type AxMe2(PO4)3 (A = Li, Na, K; Me = Ti, V, Mn etc.) compounds, in addition to be being archetypical ionic conductors for solid state batteries are also potent electrode active materials for various devices such as aqueous batteries and Faradaic deionization cells. However, there is still a number of issues to be solved before their full potential could be utilized. This involves not only finding the right compositions of transition metals but also improving the stability of aqueous electrolyte/electrode interface. Aqueous stability and electrochemical degradation of electrode materials is related to complex acid-base equilibria, metal leaching, material dissolution, corrosion of cell components etc.

Some of the recent contributions in terms of understanding and enabling of Ti-, Mn- and V-based phosphate framework materials for the use in aqueous electrochemical systems is reviewed. The effects of parasitic reactions such as oxygen reduction (ORR) and hydrogen evolution (HER) and their relation to local pH changes towards the stability of NaTi2(PO4)3 (NTP) are determined. The results show that it is the local alkalinity which is responsible for most of the NTP degradation which is only accelerated at high currents. Several mitigation strategies by the use of conformal atomic layer deposited (ALD) coatings and oxygen management by the use of strongly reducing additives are suggested. The dissolution of transition metals as the main aqueous degradation mechanism for Na1+2xMnTi2-x(PO4)3 and Na3-xV2-xTix(PO4)3 positive electrodes is established. However, the results suggest that in Mn- and V-based positive aqueous battery electrodes it is not the material degradation which is responsible for most of the observed capacity fade per se but rather the loss of contact between particles and the conductive phase. The latter comes from the dissolution at the interfacial points but most of the electrode material, is shown to stay intact after extended cycling. Various metal substitution strategies leading to superior stability in half- and full-cells are presented.

[1] Plečkaitytė et al. J. Mater. Chem A, 9, 12670-12683 (2021).

[2] Snarskis et al. Chem. Mater., 33, 8394-8403 (2021).

[3] Tediashvili et al. Electrochim. Acta, 417, 140294 (2022).

[4] Petrulevičienė et al. Electrochim. Acta, 424, 140580 (2022).

Figure 1
Bio-Waste Derived Hard Carbon: Effect of Treatment Conditions on Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Konarov Aishuak , Maratov Maksat
Published: February 2024

There is a great deal of demand for rechargeable Li-ion batteries due to their high energy and power density compared to other rechargeable batteries. Despite the concern about limited lithium resources, scientists have re-examined sodium-ion batteries, since sodium is below lithium on the periodic table, and the two metals have many similar properties. As a result of its low cost, good cycle life, and reversible capacity, hard carbon (HC) is considered to be the most attractive negative electrode material for sodium-ion batteries. Nevertheless, the practical application of HC remains challenging due to its low capacity and initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE). We investigated how pre-treatment conditions affected the graphitization degree in order to overcome these issues. In addition, we observed a strong correlation between pre-oxidation and electrochemical performance when the carbonization temperature was increased. The observed results will be presented during the presentation.

Acknowledgments

This work was funded by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan Grant (AP09259165) and by Nazarbayev University under Collaborative Research Program Grant № 20122022P1611, AK.
Novel Electrode Designs and Configurations in Secondary Iron-Air Batteries
Authors: Kosin Marvin , Kassabeh Mohamad , Girschik Jan , Burfeind Jens , Grevé Anna
Published: February 2024

Stationary energy storage solutions are urgently needed due to the challenges we face caused by the anthropogenic climate change. While Lithium-Ion batteries are still considered as state of the art within this field, the availability of lithium is limited.

The iron-air battery system is mainly superior due to the low criticality of the active materials. Iron is cheap and abundant, while air is supplied by the ambient atmosphere. During discharging oxygen from ambient air is reduced (oxygen reduction reaction, ORR) and evolved during charging (oxygen evolution reaction, OER). One of the main challenges towards stable metal-air batteries is the air-electrode. Those usually consist of a catalyst, a conductive additive, and – depending on the electrode design- of a binder. Carbon-based materials offer an excellent intrinsic activity towards the oxygen reduction and a high specific surface area. However, carbon corrodes in the potential range of the oxygen evolution reaction. Our work focuses on the development of novel electrode formulations for PTFE-bonded electrodes and novel self-supported electrode structures - based on galvanic deposition of nickel - and their implementation in iron-air batteries.

Within a first approach a mixed catalyst composed of MnO2 and NiO was investigated in a PTFE-bonded electrode with nickel as conductive additive. The electrode reached an initial activity of 0.77 V vs. RHE @ -25 mA cm-2 (ORR) and 1.57 V vs. RHE @ 25 mA cm-2 (OER) in 6 M KOH at room temperature. The potentials were stable for about 60 cycles (one cycle consisted of 60 min). MnO2 corrodes at OER potentials, which results in a decrease of activity. However, a partial substitution of MnO2 by NiO is beneficial for the cycling stability. In a second approach, a bifunctional nickel-cobalt-oxide based bifunctional catalyst was investigated within the same electrode system. An initial activity of 0.71 V vs. RHE and 1.63 V vs. RHE was observed for this system. Stable OER performance but a decrease ORR activity was observed within this system over time during cycling. To increase the cycling stability, dendritic nickel structures with a high intrinsic surface area were prepared with galvanic deposition. Our results indicate that the efficiency and stability of the battery can be improved by using this approach.

Figure 1
Exploring the Possibility of Aluminum Plating/Stripping from a Non-Corrosive Al(OTF)3-Based Electrolyte
Authors: Talari Mahla , Sarapulova Angelina , Zemlyanushin Eugen , Sabi Noha , Hofmann Andreas , Dsoke Sonia
Published: February 2024

Aluminum abundance sources and the high theoretical volumetric capacity of Aluminum metal make Aluminum Batteries (ABs) promising energy storage systems[1]. Moreover, the low cost, sustainability, and low reactivity of Al in the air due to its passivation layer are advantageous in comparison to Li[2]. However, developing appropriate electrolytes for Aluminum batteries is a challenging topic that hinders their practical use[3]. Of particular concern is that the high charge density of the Al cation results in strong Coulombic interaction with the counter anions and solvents, which negatively impacts the solvation behavior of Al salts [4]. A non-corrosive ternary electrolyte, composed of Al(OTF)3/NMA/urea in the molar fraction of 0.05/0.76/0.19 respectively, was tested for Al battery system as an alternative to the common chloroaluminate-based electrolytes to enable Al plating/stripping[5]. Herein, several techniques, such as scanning electron microscope/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscope (SEM/EDX), operando Optical microscopy examination, electrochemical quartz crystal (EQCM) and Gas chromatography (GC) were used to explore the Al electrodeposition from this electrolyte. Yet, the hydrogen evolution reaction was found to be associated with electrochemical activities observed in this multicomponent electrolyte rather than Al electrodeposition.

References

[1] Y. Zhang, S. Liu, Y. Ji, J. Ma, and H. Yu, “Emerging nonaqueous aluminum‐ion batteries: challenges, status, and perspectives,” Adv. Mater., vol. 30, no. 38, p. 1706310, 2018.

[2] S. K. Das, S. Mahapatra, and H. Lahan, “Aluminium-ion batteries: developments and challenges,” J. Mater. Chem. A, vol. 5, no. 14, pp. 6347–6367, 2017.

[3] J. Tu et al., “Nonaqueous rechargeable aluminum batteries: progresses, challenges, and perspectives,” Chem. Rev., vol. 121, no. 8, pp. 4903–4961, 2021.

[4] X. Han, Y. Bai, R. Zhao, Y. Li, F. Wu, and C. Wu, “Electrolytes for Rechargeable Aluminum Batteries,” Prog. Mater. Sci., p. 100960, 2022.

[5] T. Mandai and P. Johansson, “Al conductive haloaluminate-free non-aqueous room-temperature electrolytes,” J. Mater. Chem. A, vol. 3, no. 23, pp. 12230–12239, 2015.
Lithium Plating and Stripping Behaviors of Anode-Free Solid-State Lithium-Ion Batteries Depending on Composition of Protective Layer
Authors: Ko Da Young , Kim Hyun Jong , Park Haeseok , Mun Seung Do , Hwang Jun Ho , Kim Hansu
Published: February 2024

Solid-state lithium-ion batteries without anode active materials are one of the most promising types of energy storage methods to improve the energy density of solid-state lithium-ion battery. In this work, we compared lithium plating and stripping behaviors of anode-free solid-state batteries with various anode compositions by means of electrochemical and analytical characterization methods. We found that the electrochemical performance of solid-state lithium ion battery without anode active material is highly dependent on the composition of protective layer. The morphological changes in the anode during lithium plating and stripping will be presented in more detailed in the presentation.