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DOE OSTI2024

Effects of catholyte aging on high-nickel NMC cathodes in sulfide all-solid-state batteries

Sulfide solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) in all-solid-state batteries (SSBs) are recognized for their high ionic conductivity and inherent safety. The LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 (NMC811) cathode offers a high thermodynamic potential of approximately 3.8 V vs. Li/Li + and a theoretical specific capacity of 200 mA h g −1 . However, the practical utilization of NMC811 in sulfide SSBs faces significant interfacial challenges. The oxidation instability of sulfide solid electrolytes against NMC811 and the formation of the cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) during cycling lead to degradation and reduced cell performance. Volumetric changes in NMC during lithiation and de-lithiation can also cause detachment from sulfide electrolytes or internal particle cracking. Despite extensive galvanostatic cycling studies to address the issues, the calendar life of sulfide SSBs remains poorly understood. Here, we systematically studied the effects of four different catholytes on the calendar aging of LiNbO 3 (LNO)-coated NMC811, including Li 6 PS 5 Cl (LPSCl), Li 3 InCl 6 –Li 6 PS 5 Cl (LIC–LPSCl), Li 3 YCl 6 –Li 6 PS 5 Cl (LYC–LPSCl), and Li 10 GeP 2 S 12 (LGPS). Our results indicate that LPSCl provides optimal capacity retention when stored at high state-of-charge (SOC) at room temperature, but the LIC–LPSCl cathode shows significant capacity degradation and chemical incompatibility. We also established an effective electrochemical calendar aging testing protocol to simulate daily usage, enabling quick inference of the calendar life of SSBs. In conclusion, this new testing approach accelerates materials selection strategies for high-nickel NMC composite cathodes in sulfide SSBs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

DOE OSTI2022

Effects of interfacial contact under different operating conditions in proton exchange membrane water electrolysis

Not Available

Kang, Zhenye↗

DOE OSTI2026

Graphical User Interface for a Biasing Board for the PSEC6

The PSEC6 is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) designed for a readout system for a large area picosecond photodetector (LAPPD). The PSEC6 is currently in fabrication and pending testing. The testing system for the PSEC5, the previous iteration of the ASIC, required expensive and non-portable equipment, because the ASIC needs twelve adjustable reference voltages. The new testing system consists of an low-cost, open-source, cross-platform graphical user interface (GUI), a digital system, and a biasing board. The digital system is the interface between the GUI and biasing board, and can be implemented on a microcontroller or field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The biasing board contains twelve digital-to-analog converters (DACs) that are configurable via the GUI, which gives users the ability to write voltage values to all or specific DACs. The GUI was developed in C on Linux using the widget library GTK4 and cross-compiled for Windows compatibility. I2C and SPI protocols were implemented on an Adafruit Feather ESP32-S3 microcontroller to write commands to the DACs and PSEC6. A hardware implementation of the I2C protocol is in development on an FPGA. Since LAPPDs will be used by the Accelerator Neutrino Neutron Interaction Experiment (ANNIE) at Fermilab, the PSEC6 testing system in this internship project can potentially benefit future neutrino research. The project is relevant to the Department of Energy’s microelectronics mission, because the PSEC6 is an ASIC that will handle fast time signals arriving from the detector for readout. It also provided experience with building a cross-platform user interface, practicing digital design and implementation in hardware description language (HDL), and using simulations to inform new design iterations.

Guerrero, Sasha Camila [North Central Coll.]↗

DOE OSTI2026

Graphical User Interface for a Biasing Board for the PSEC6

Guerrero, Sasha Camila [North Central Coll.]↗

DOE OSTI2021

Failure Analysis of a New Polyamide-Based Fluoropolymer-Free Backsheet After Combined-Accelerated Stress Testing

The viability of novel coextruded, fluoropolymer-free backsheets for photovoltaic (PV) modules has been questioned as a result of a large number of early-life backsheet failures in PV installations containing one of the earliest co-extruded polyamide (PA)-based backsheet to reach the market, “AAA.” New PV reliability testing protocols have been recently developed and applied to backsheets to reproduce failures observed in the field and evaluate the durability of novel backsheet materials and designs prior to commercialization. A new co-extruded PA-based backsheet was tested using combined-accelerated stress testing (C-AST) and demonstrated a greater lifetime than AAA, and some other fluoropolymer-based backsheets such as polyvinylidene fluoride. The improved PA-based backsheet also eventually failed by through-thickness cracking. Using surface and bulk material characterization techniques, we performed a comprehensive study of material properties before and after the stress testing. Aging of the backsheet resulted in an increase of surface roughness by erosion of the outer PA layer. However the failure is more likely related to an increase in crystallinity of the polyolefin core layer reducing the backsheet tearing energy. The analysis can ultimately inform on the specific weaknesses of the materials so that the manufacturer can improve the backsheet design to extend its lifetime.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2025

Studying the Durability of Molybdenum Carbide Aerogel as an Electrocatalyst Support for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Carbon-supported platinum nanoparticles (Pt/C) are currently the state-of-the-art catalyst in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Unfortunately, the carbon support lacks the ability to stabilize the metal catalyst, as platinum tends to dissolve and agglomerate, significantly compromising the durability. Herein, we synthesized a ceramic material, molybdenum carbide aerogel (MCAG), and utilized it as a Pt support for PEMFCs, as an alternative for conventional carbon supports. N 2 adsorption and XRD analysis showed that the MCAG possesses a combination of high porosity and a well-defined ceramic crystalline structure. The Pt/MCAG system was studied for its electrocatalytic activity toward ORR in a half-cell and demonstrated satisfactory reaction kinetics and electrochemical active surface area, comparable to the commercial Pt/C. For durability examination, an accelerated stress test (AST) in a single cell was conducted with the Pt/MCAG catalyst at the cathode, following the U.S. DOE electrocatalyst AST protocol. Intermediate polarization curves and cyclic voltammograms were recorded over the course of the AST to monitor the aging process. The results indicated that the MCAG support exhibited superior durability in long-term fuel cell operation compared to a carbon support. The Pt/MCAG system demonstrated stable behavior during the progressive stages of the AST, retaining more than 50% of its initial performance by the end of the test, whereas carbon-supported Pt preserved only 30%.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

DOE OSTI2021

R&D to Ensure a Scientific Basis for Qualification Tests and Standards (Final Report: FY19-FY22)

This is the final technical report for the FY19-FY21 research program "R&D to Ensure a Scientific Basis for Qualification Tests and Standards." This research was performed because project return on investment in a photovoltaic (PV) system depends increasingly on maintaining high energy yields, and the system lifetime is a major factor in levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). Thus, the rate of PV deployment and the success of these assets depends upon reliable long-term power generation. This program advances PV module reliability of commercial products through identification of reliability needs, characterization that provides scientific understanding of targeted degradation mechanisms, and translation of those data into practical and predictive test protocols and standards. This report describes program scope, results, milestones, and accomplishments over the three-year period of performance.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2024

Impact of Electrolyte Additives on the Lifetime of High Voltage NMC Lithium-Ion Pouch Cells

This work involves improving the lifetime of lithium-ion cells during high voltage cycling using electrolyte additives. Three generations of electrolyte additives were investigated and screened in NMC442/graphite pouch cells using a 24 h voltage-hold protocol at 40 degrees C to accelerate oxidative reactions occurring at 4.4 V. Once promising additives and combinations were identified, they were then tested in cobalt-free NMC640/graphite cells for long-term cycling to upper cutoff voltages of 4.3, 4.4, and 4.5 V at temperatures of 20, 40, and 55 degrees C. Degradation mechanisms were probed using dV/dQ analysis, micro-X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The primary failure mode of cells held at high voltages is due to increase in cell impedance, which is correlated to the dissolution of transition metals, specifically manganese, originating from the positive electrode. We believe this dissolution is presumably due to the formation of a high impedance rock salt surface layer on the NMC positive electrode particles. Such deleterious outcomes can be limited by selecting an appropriate electrolyte additive package. It is hoped that this paper can provide a starting point for developing NMC Li-ion cells that can operate to voltages as high as 4.4 V and still display long lifetimes.

Azam, Saad↗

NASA NTRS2000

Effects of cholinergic and beta-adrenergic blockade on orthostatic tolerance in healthy subjects

Cardiovascular responses during a graded lower body negative pressure (LBNP) protocol were compared before and after atropine and propranolol administration to test the hypothesis that both sympathetic and parasympathetic control of cardio-acceleration are associated with syncopal predisposition to orthostatic stress in healthy subjects. Eleven men were categorized into two groups having high (HT, N = 6) or low (LT, N = 5) tolerance based on their total time before the onset of presyncopal symptoms. HT and LT groups were similar in physical characteristics, fitness, and baseline cardiovascular measurements. Atropine treatment had no effect on LBNP tolerance or mean arterial pressure at presyncope, despite an atropine-induced increase in heart rate. Propranolol treatment reduced (p<0.05) LBNP tolerance in both groups. Diminished LBNP tolerance after propranolol administration was associated with reductions in cardiac output, whereas increase in systemic peripheral resistance from baseline to presyncope was unaffected by propranolol. Reduction in cardiac output and LBNP tolerance after beta blockade reflected a chronotropic effect because lower LBNP tolerance for the HT (-50%) and LT (-39%) groups was associated with dramatic reductions (p <0.05) in the magnitude of LBNP-induced tachycardia without significant effects on stroke volume at presyncope. Absence of an atropine-induced difference in cardiac output and systemic peripheral resistance between HT and LT groups failed to support the notion that cardiac vagal withdrawal represents a predominant mechanism that could account for differences in orthostatic tolerance. Because a reduction in LBNP tolerance in both HT and LT groups after propranolol treatment was most closely associated with reduced tachycardia, the data suggest that a primary autonomically mediated mechanism for maintenance of mean arterial pressure and orthostatic tolerance in healthy subjects is beta adrenergic-induced tachycardia.

Non-NASA Center↗

NASA NTRS2004

NASA Tech Briefs, January 2004

Topics covered include: Multisensor Instrument for Real-Time Biological Monitoring; Sensor for Monitoring Nanodevice-Fabrication Plasmas; Backed Bending Actuator; Compact Optoelectronic Compass; Micro Sun Sensor for Spacecraft; Passive IFF: Autonomous Nonintrusive Rapid Identification of Friendly Assets; Finned-Ladder Slow-Wave Circuit for a TWT; Directional Radio-Frequency Identification Tag Reader; Integrated Solar-Energy-Harvesting and -Storage Device; Event-Driven Random-Access-Windowing CCD Imaging System; Stroboscope Controller for Imaging Helicopter Rotors; Software for Checking State-charts; Program Predicts Broadband Noise from a Turbofan Engine; Protocol for a Delay-Tolerant Data-Communication Network; Software Implements a Space-Mission File-Transfer Protocol; Making Carbon-Nanotube Arrays Using Block Copolymers: Part 2; Modular Rake of Pitot Probes; Preloading To Accelerate Slow-Crack-Growth Testing; Miniature Blimps for Surveillance and Collection of Samples; Hybrid Automotive Engine Using Ethanol-Burning Miller Cycle; Fabricating Blazed Diffraction Gratings by X-Ray Lithography; Freeze-Tolerant Condensers; The StarLight Space Interferometer; Champagne Heat Pump; Controllable Sonar Lenses and Prisms Based on ERFs; Measuring Gravitation Using Polarization Spectroscopy; Serial-Turbo-Trellis-Coded Modulation with Rate-1 Inner Code; Enhanced Software for Scheduling Space-Shuttle Processing; Bayesian-Augmented Identification of Stars in a Narrow View; Spacecraft Orbits for Earth/Mars-Lander Radio Relay; and Self-Inflatable/Self-Rigidizable Reflectarray Antenna.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS2010

Defining Nitrogen Kinetics for Air Break in Prebreath

Actual tissue nitrogen (N2) kinetics are complex; the uptake and elimination is often approximated with a single half-time compartment in statistical descriptions of denitrogenation [prebreathe(PB)] protocols. Air breaks during PB complicate N2 kinetics. A comparison of symmetrical versus asymmetrical N2 kinetics was performed using the time to onset of hypobaric decompression sickness (DCS) as a surrogate for actual venous N2 tension. METHODS: Published results of 12 tests involving 179 hypobaric exposures in altitude chambers after PB, with and without airbreaks, provide the complex protocols from which to model N2 kinetics. DCS survival time for combined control and airbreaks were described with an accelerated log logistic model where N2 uptake and elimination before, during, and after the airbreak was computed with a simple exponential function or a function that changed half-time depending on ambient N2 partial pressure. P1N2-P2 = (Delta)P defined decompression dose for each altitude exposure, where P2 was the test altitude and P1N2 was computed N2 pressure at the beginning of the altitude exposure. RESULTS: The log likelihood (LL) without decompression dose (null model) was -155.6, and improved (best-fit) to -97.2 when dose was defined with a 240 min half-time for both N2 elimination and uptake during the PB. The description of DCS survival time was less precise with asymmetrical N2 kinetics, for example, LL was -98.9 with 240 min half-time elimination and 120 min half-time uptake. CONCLUSION: The statistical regression described survival time mechanistically linked to symmetrical N2 kinetics during PBs that also included airbreaks. The results are data-specific, and additional data may change the conclusion. The regression is useful to compute additional PB time to compensate for an airbreak in PB within the narrow range of tested conditions.

Conkin, Johnny↗

NASA NTRS1991

Development of an Accelerated Test Method for the Determination of Susceptibility to Atmospheric Corrosion

The theoretical rationale is presented for use of a repetitive cyclic current reversal voltammetric technique for characterization of localized corrosion processes, including atmospheric corrosion. Applicability of this proposed experimental protocol is applied to characterization of susceptibility to crevice and pitting corrosion, atmospheric corrosion and stress corrosion cracking. Criteria upon which relative susceptibility is based were determined and tested using two iron based alloys commonly in use at NASA-Kennedy; A36 (a low carbon steel) and 4130 (a low alloy steel). Practicality of the procedure was demonstrated by measuring changes in anodic polarization behavior during high frequency current reversal cycles of 25 cycles per second with 1 mA/sq cm current density amplitude in solutions containing Cl anions. The results demonstrated that, due to excessive polarization which affects conductivity of barrier corrosion product layers, A36 was less resistant to atmospheric corrosion than its 4130 counterpart; behavior which was also demonstrated during exposure tests.

Ambrose, John R.↗

DOE OSTI2023

MC Formula Protocol for H35HF Fueling

A publicly available and verified high-flow fueling protocol for H35 medium-duty (MD) and heavy-duty (HD) hydrogen-powered buses and trucks does not exist. This could lead to transit agencies needing to select suppliers for purchase of new fleet vehicles, and to multiple providers responding with incompatible vehicle designs in the future. With the expansion of MD/HD vehicles using 35 MPa storage, there will be a need for publicly accessible H35HF stations, and these will require the use of a standardized prescriptive fueling protocol. The development of a fully tested and validated H35 high-flow (H35HF) MC Formula fueling protocol for MD and HD buses and trucks can provide guidelines to design H35 stations and vehicles, enable other manufacturers and vehicle original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to enter this space, and ultimately accelerate to popularize the hydrogen market.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS,ENERGY PLANNING, POLIC↗

NASA NTRS2009

Defining Nitrogen Kinetics for Air Break in Prebreathe

Actual tissue nitrogen (N2) kinetics are complex; the uptake and elimination is often approximated with a single half-time compartment in statistical descriptions of denitrogenation [prebreathe (PB)] protocols. Air breaks during PB complicate N2 kinetics. A comparison of symmetrical versus asymmetrical N2 kinetics was performed using the time to onset of hypobaric decompression sickness (DCS) as a surrogate for actual venous N2 tension. Published results of 12 tests involving 179 hypobaric exposures in altitude chambers after PB, with and without air breaks, provide the complex protocols from which to model N2 kinetics. DCS survival time for combined control and air breaks were described with an accelerated log logistic model where N2 uptake and elimination before, during, and after the air break was computed with a simple exponential function or a function that changed half-time depending on ambient N2 partial pressure. P1N2-P2 = delta P defined DCS dose for each altitude exposure, where P2 was the test altitude and P1N2 was computed N2 pressure at the beginning of the altitude exposure. The log likelihood (LL) without DCS dose (null model) was -155.6, and improved (best-fit) to -97.2 when dose was defined with a 240 min half-time for both N2 elimination and uptake during the PB. The description of DCS survival time was less precise with asymmetrical N2 kinetics, for example, LL was -98.9 with 240 min half-time elimination and 120 min half-time uptake. The statistical regression described survival time mechanistically linked to symmetrical N2 kinetics during PBs that also included air breaks. The results are data-specific, and additional data may change the conclusion. The regression is useful to compute additional PB time to compensate for an air break in PB within the narrow range of tested conditions.

Conkin, Johnny↗

DOE OSTI2023

Performance and durability of electrically conductive tape for shingled Si heterojunction technology cells

We report electrically conductive tape (ECT) was characterized and used to assemble shingled cell strings at low temperature to achieve high reliability Pb- and Ag-free interconnections. The volume resistivity for two considered ECTs are 0.13 ± 0.06 mΩ·cm and 0.47 ± 0.20 mΩ·cm and specific contact resistances, 6.85± 2.00 mΩ·cm 2 and 6.30 ± 0.37 mΩ·cm 2 using the emerging IEC 62788-8-1 Technical Specification for assessment of electrically conductive adhesives (ECA). Durability and performance of the technology in glass–glass mini modules were evaluated with temperature cycling, damp heat testing, and combined-accelerated stress testing (CAST). Through temperature cycling (-40°C to 85°C) applying five times the mini module short-circuit current in forward bias and in the multi climate CAST protocol, there was negligible degradation of fill factor after replacing connectors at the modules' cable leads; however, CAST resulted in short circuit current loss attributed to degradation in light collection by the cells, not the ECT. The IEC 61215-2 85°C, 85% relative humidity damp heat testing showed susceptibility of the HJT cells to effects of humidity in the electroluminescence intensity around the module perimeter that degraded power performance by 4% (relative). Contrasting the IEC 61215-2 qualification testing-based damp heat testing with CAST, factors such as the optical stress of CAST may precipitate the degradation of the modules whereas the humidity levels and duration of IEC 61215-2 damp heat testing may lead to excessive levels of humidity diffused into the modules, potentially resulting in degradation that is unrepresentative of the field.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2020

Understanding and applying coulombic efficiency in lithium metal batteries

Coulombic Efficiency (CE) has been widely used in battery research as a quantifiable monitor to compare the properties and performances of materials, electrolytes, interfaces and the entire electrochemical cells. While CE with ultra high precision effectively predicts the lifespan and health for lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries, it is not necessarily true in rechargeable lithium (Li) metal batteries. A large variation of CE is often seen even from the same materials and electrolytes in Li metal cells. This work discusses the fundamental definition of CE in different configurations of Li metal-based cells. The similarities and differences of CE in Li-ion and Li metal cells have been clarified and used to understand the relevance/irrelevance between CE and cycling. Long-standing goal of this study is to help rational design of cell testing protocols and elaborate electrochemical results. The insights from this work are broadly applicable in many other rechargeable metal cells e.g., Zn, Mg and Na batteries to accelerate reseach innovation.

Xiao, Jie↗

DOE OSTI2022

A study of degradation mechanisms in PVDF-based photovoltaic backsheets

Abstract Commercial backsheets based on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) can experience premature field failures in the form of outer layer cracking. This work seeks to provide a better understanding of the changes in material properties that lead to crack formation and find appropriate accelerated tests to replicate them. The PVDF-based backsheet outer layer can have a different structure and composition, and is often blended with a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) polymer. We observed depletion of PMMA upon aging with sequential (MAST) and combined (C-AST) accelerated stress testing. In field-aged samples from Arizona and India, where PVDF crystallizes in its predominant α-phase, the degree of crystallinity greatly increased. MAST and C-AST protocols were, to some extent, able to replicate the increase in crystallinity seen in PVDF after ~ 7 years in the field, but no single-stress test condition (UV, damp heat, thermal cycling) resulted in significant changes in the material properties. The MAST regimen used here was too extreme to produce realistic degradation, but the test was useful in discovering weaknesses of the particular PVDF-based outer layer structure studied. No excessive β-phase formation was observed after aging with any test condition; however, the presence of β-phase was identified locally by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). We conclude that both MAST and C-AST are relevant tests for screening outdoor failure mechanisms in PVDF backsheets, as they were successful in producing material degradation that led to cracking.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

NASA NTRS2000

Neural processing of gravito-inertial cues in humans. I. Influence of the semicircular canals following post-rotatory tilt

Sensory systems often provide ambiguous information. Integration of various sensory cues is required for the CNS to resolve sensory ambiguity and elicit appropriate responses. The vestibular system includes two types of sensors: the semicircular canals, which measure head rotation, and the otolith organs, which measure gravito-inertial force (GIF), the sum of gravitational force and inertial force due to linear acceleration. According to Einstein's equivalence principle, gravitational force is indistinguishable from inertial force due to linear acceleration. As a consequence, otolith measurements must be supplemented with other sensory information for the CNS to distinguish tilt from translation. The GIF resolution hypothesis states that the CNS estimates gravity and linear acceleration, so that the difference between estimates of gravity and linear acceleration matches the measured GIF. Both otolith and semicircular canal cues influence this estimation of gravity and linear acceleration. The GIF resolution hypothesis predicts that inaccurate estimates of both gravity and linear acceleration can occur due to central interactions of sensory cues. The existence of specific patterns of vestibuloocular reflexes (VOR) related to these inaccurate estimates can be used to test the GIF resolution hypothesis. To investigate this hypothesis, we measured eye movements during two different protocols. In one experiment, eight subjects were rotated at a constant velocity about an earth-vertical axis and then tilted 90 degrees in darkness to one of eight different evenly spaced final orientations, a so-called "dumping" protocol. Three speeds (200, 100, and 50 degrees /s) and two directions, clockwise (CW) and counterclockwise (CCW), of rotation were tested. In another experiment, four subjects were rotated at a constant velocity (200 degrees /s, CW and CCW) about an earth-horizontal axis and stopped in two different final orientations (nose-up and nose-down), a so-called "barbecue" protocol. The GIF resolution hypothesis predicts that post-rotatory horizontal VOR eye movements for both protocols should include an "induced" VOR component, compensatory to an interaural estimate of linear acceleration, even though no true interaural linear acceleration is present. The GIF resolution hypothesis accurately predicted VOR and induced VOR dependence on rotation direction, rotation speed, and head orientation. Alternative hypotheses stating that frequency segregation may discriminate tilt from translation or that the post-rotatory VOR time constant is dependent on head orientation with respect to the GIF direction did not predict the observed VOR for either experimental protocol.

Non-NASA Center↗