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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Electrochemical cells with electrode material coupled directly to film and methods of making the same

Embodiments described herein relate to electrochemical cells with one or more electrodes coupled directly to a film material, and methods of making the same. In some embodiments, an electrochemical cell includes a first electrode material disposed on a first current collector, wherein the first current collector is coupled to a first non-conductive film. In some embodiments, a first tab is coupled to the first current collector. The electrochemical cell further includes a second electrode material capable of taking up or releasing ions during operation of the electrochemical cell. The second electrode material is coupled directly to a second non-conductive film. A second tab is electronically coupled to the second electrode material. A separator is disposed between the first electrode material and the second electrode material. In some embodiments, the second tab can be coupled directly to the second electrode material.

Chen, Junzheng↗
DOE OSTI2023

Metal-ion deposition regulator for suppressing dendrite formation in electrochemical cells

A metal-ion deposition regulator to regulate the flux and deposition of metal ions in an electrochemical cell. The regulator containing two membranes made of a polymer and a plurality of two-dimensional porous nanosheets sandwiched between the two membranes. The regulator is capable of distributing flux of metal ions passing through the metal-ion deposition regulator and regulating the deposition of the metal ions onto the cathode or anode thereby suppressing dendrite growth in the electrochemical cell. An electrochemical cell containing an anode, a cathode, a liquid electrolyte, and a metal-ion deposition regulator. A method of making a metal-ion deposition regulator. The method includes fabricating two-dimensional porous nanosheets utilizing graphene oxide as an expendable template, and sandwiching the porous nanosheets between two membranes made of a polymer such that the nanosheets are in contact with the two membranes.

Pol, Vilas Ganpat↗
DOE OSTI2020

Electrochemical cells for direct oxide reduction, and related methods

A method of direct oxide reduction includes forming a molten salt electrolyte in an electrochemical cell, disposing at least one metal oxide in the electrochemical cell, disposing a counter electrode comprising a material selected from the group consisting of osmium, ruthenium, rhodium, iridium, palladium, platinum, silver, gold, lithium iridate, lithium ruthenate, a lithium rhodate, a lithium tin oxygen compound, a lithium manganese compound, strontium ruthenium ternary compounds, calcium iridate, strontium iridate, calcium platinate, strontium platinate, magnesium ruthenate, magnesium iridate, sodium ruthenate, sodium iridate, potassium iridate, and potassium ruthenate in the electrochemical cell, and applying a current between the counter electrode and the at least one metal oxide to reduce the at least one metal oxide. Related methods of direct oxide reduction and related electrochemical cells are also disclosed.

Tripathy, Prabhat K.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Separators for electrochemical cells

Provided are separators for use in an electrochemical cell comprising (a) an inorganic oxide and (b) an organic polymer, wherein the inorganic oxide comprises organic substituents. Also provided are electrochemical cells comprising such separators.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Separators for electrochemical cells

Provided are separators for use in an electrochemical cell comprising (a) an inorganic oxide and (b) an organic polymer, wherein the inorganic oxide comprises organic substituents. Also provided are electrochemical cells comprising such separators.

Carlson, Steven A.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Separators for electrochemical cells

Provided are separators for use in an electrochemical cell comprising (a) an inorganic oxide and (b) an organic polymer, wherein the inorganic oxide comprises organic substituents. Also provided are electrochemical cells comprising such separators.

Carlson, Steven A.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Separators for electrochemical cells

Provided are separators for use in an electrochemical cell comprising (a) an inorganic oxide and (b) an organic polymer, wherein the inorganic oxide comprises organic substituents. Also provided are electrochemical cells comprising such separators.

Carlson, Steven A.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Separators for electrochemical cells

Provided are separators for use in an electrochemical cell comprising (a) an inorganic oxide and (b) an organic polymer, wherein the inorganic oxide comprises organic substituents. Also provided are electrochemical cells comprising such separators.

Carlson, Steven A.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Redesigning protonic ceramic electrochemical cells to lower the operating temperature

Protonic ceramic electrochemical cells (PCECs) can operate at intermediate temperatures (450° to 600°C) for power generation and hydrogen production. However, the operating temperature is still too high to revolutionize ceramic electrochemical cell technology. Lowering the operating temperature to <450°C will enable a wider material choice and reduce system costs. We present approaches to redesigning PCECs via readily fabricated single-grain–thick, chemically homogeneous, and robust electrolytes and a nano-micro positive electrode. At 450°C, the PCECs achieve a peak power density of 1.6 watt per square centimeter on H 2 fuel, 0.5 watt per square centimeter on NH 3 fuel, and 0.3 watt per square centimeter on CH 4 fuel in fuel cell mode. In steam electrolysis mode, a current density of >0.6 ampere per square centimeter with a Faradaic efficiency of >90% is achievable at 1.4 volt and 400°C. In addition, exceptional durability (>2000 hours) has been demonstrated, with a degradation rate of <0.01 millivolt per 100 hours in fuel cell mode at 400°C.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗
DOE OSTI2022

Method of making an electrochemical cell

Disclosed is a method of making an electrochemical cell, comprising: depositing an anode layer on a surface of a porous metal support layer; depositing an electrolyte layer on a surface of the anode layer, wherein the electrolyte layer is deposited via suspension plasma spray, wherein the electrolyte layer conducts protons; and depositing a cathode layer on a surface of the electrolyte layer. Also disclosed is a stack comprising two or more of the electrochemical cell.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

Enhancing surface activity and durability in triple conducting electrode for protonic ceramic electrochemical cells

With the material system operating at lower temperatures, protonic ceramic electrochemical cells (PCECs) can offer high energy efficiency and reliable performance for both power generation and hydrogen production, making them a promising technology for reversible energy cycling. However, PCEC faces technical challenges, particularly regarding electrode activity and durability under high current density operations. To address these challenges, we introduce a nano-architecture oxygen electrode characterized by high porosity and triple conductivity, designed to enhance catalytic activity and interfacial stability through a self-assembly approach, while maintaining scalability. Electrochemical cells incorporating this advanced electrode demonstrate robust performance, achieving a peak power density of 1.50 W cm −2 at 600 °C in fuel cell mode and a current density of 5.04 A cm −2 at 1.60 V in electrolysis mode, with enhanced stability on transient operations and thermal cycles. The underlying mechanisms are closely related to the improved surface activity and mass transfer due to the dual features of the electrode structure. Additionally, the enhanced interfacial bonding between the oxygen electrode and electrolyte contributes to increased durability and thermomechanical integrity. This study underscores the critical importance of optimizing electrode microstructure to achieve a balance between surface activity and durability.

Protonic Ceramic Electrochemical Cells↗
DOE OSTI2023

Protonic Ceramic Electrochemical Cells for Synthesizing Sustainable Chemicals and Fuels

Abstract Protonic ceramic electrochemical cells (PCECs) have been intensively studied as the technology that can be employed for power generation, energy storage, and sustainable chemical synthesis. Recently, there have been substantial advances in electrolyte and electrode materials for improving the performance of protonic ceramic fuel cells and protonic ceramic electrolyzers. However, the electrocatalytic materials development for synthesizing chemicals in PCECs has gained less attention, and there is a lack of systematic and fundamental understanding of the PCEC reactor design, reaction mechanisms, and electrode materials. This review comprehensively summarizes and critically evaluates the most up‐to‐date progress in employing PCECs to synthesize a wide range of chemicals, including ammonia, carbon monoxide, methane, light olefins, and aromatics. Factors that impact the conversion, selectivity, product yield, and energy efficiencies are discussed to provide new insights into designing electrochemical cells, developing electrode materials, and achieving economically viable chemical synthesis. The primary challenges associated with producing chemicals in PCECs are highlighted. Approaches to tackle these challenges are then offered, with a particular focus on deliberately designing electrode materials, aiming to achieve practically valuable product yield and energy efficiency. Finally, perspectives on the future development of PCECs for synthesizing sustainable chemicals are provided.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Open-source electrochemical cell for in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy in transmission and fluorescence modes

X-ray spectroscopy is a valuable technique for the study of many materials systems. Characterizing reactions in situ and operando can reveal complex reaction kinetics, which is crucial to understanding active site composition and reaction mechanisms. In this project, the design, fabrication and testing of an open-source and easy-to-fabricate electrochemical cell for in situ electrochemistry compatible with X-ray absorption spectroscopy in both transmission and fluorescence modes are accomplished via windows with large opening angles on both the upstream and downstream sides of the cell. Using a hobbyist computer numerical control machine and free 3D CAD software, anyone can make a reliable electrochemical cell using this design. Onion-like carbon nanoparticles, with a 1:3 iron-to-cobalt ratio, were drop-coated onto carbon paper for testing in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry of the carbon paper showed the expected behavior, with no increased ohmic drop, even in sandwiched cells. Chronoamperometry was used to apply 0.4 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, with and without 15 min of oxygen purging to ensure that the electrochemical cell does not provide any artefacts due to gas purging. The XANES and EXAFS spectra showed no differences with and without oxygen, as expected at 0.4 V, without any artefacts due to gas purging. The development of this open-source electrochemical cell design allows for improved collection of in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy data and enables researchers to perform both transmission and fluorescence simultaneously. It additionally addresses key practical considerations including gas purging, reduced ionic resistance and leak prevention.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2022

Electrochemical cells with ionic sequestration provided by porous separators

Provided are electrochemical cells including separators permeable to some materials and impermeable to other materials in electrolytes. Also provide are methods of forming such separators. The selective permeability of a separator is achieved by its specific pore diameter and a narrow distribution of this diameter. Specifically, a species responsible for ion transport in an electrochemical cell are allowed to pass through the separator, while another species is blocked thereby preventing degradation of the cell. For example, a species containing lithium ions is allowed to pass in rechargeable cells, while one or more species containing transition metals are blocked. In some embodiments, a separator may include a membrane layer with at least 90% of pores of this having a diameter of between about 0.1 nanometers and 1.0 nanometer. The membrane layer may be a standalone layer or supported by a membrane support.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2022

The Poor Academic’s DC-Offset for Reversing Polarity in Electrochemical Cells: Application to Redox Flow Cells

We provide a simple and inexpensive manual DC-offset method for extending the accepted voltage range of a battery cycler to negative voltages, without interfering with the actual operation of the electrochemical cell under the test or exceeding the voltage specs of the battery cycler instrument. We describe the working principles of the method and validate the proposed setup by operating short-term and long-term redox flow battery cycling using compositionally symmetric cell, with open-circuit voltage of zero, and full cell configurations. The method can be used to extend the capability of battery cycler instrumentation to operate any electrochemical cell that requires the polarity to be reversed during operation. Applications include cycling of other symmetric cells (e.g., Li-ion cells), implementation of polarity reversal steps for rejuvenation of electroactive species or rebalancing electrochemical cells, and alternating polarity for electrochemical synthesis.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Advancing radioactive material research method: the development of a novel in situ particle-attached microfluidic electrochemical cell

This study aims to develop a microgram-scale microfluidic electrochemical cell (E-cell) for investigating the redox behavior of uranium oxide (UO 2 ). The traditional bulk electrochemical methods may require shielded facilities to investigate the hazardous materials, e.g., spent nuclear fuel, due to high radiation levels. Microfluidic E-cells offer advantages such as reduced radiation exposure, control over fluid flow rates, and high-throughput capabilities. Methods: The design of the E-cell considers electrode morphology, adhesion to a thin membrane, electrode configuration, and vacuum compatibility. Three techniques, including FIB-SEM lift-out, Au coating, and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) binder, are explored for fabricating and attaching microgram quantities of UO 2 as working electrodes. The PVDF binder method proves to be the most effective, enabling the creation of a vacuum-compatible microfluidic E-cell. Results and discussion: The PVDF binder method demonstrates successful electrochemical responses and allows for real-time monitoring of UO 2 electrode behavior at the microscale. It offers chemical imaging capabilities using in situ SEM/EDS analysis. The technique provides consistent redox outcomes similar to bulk electrochemical analysis. Conclusion: The development of a microgram-scale microfluidic electrochemical cell using the PVDF binder technique enables the investigation of UO 2 redox behavior. It offers a low-risk approach with reduced radiation exposure and high-throughput capabilities. The technique provides real-time monitoring and chemical imaging capabilities, making it valuable for studying spent nuclear fuel systems and material characterization.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗