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At least 55 records · Page 3

Structure-Dependent Lithium Metal Reactivity of Lithium Lanthanum Titanium Oxide Solid Electrolytes

Ongoing efforts to design stable, ionically conductive solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) for next-generation solid-state batteries make it clear that both long and short-range structural order strongly influence materials performance. However, clear structure-property relationships are generally lacking, making it difficult to develop design rules for improving the (electro) chemical stability of SSEs. Here, in this work, we synthesize epitaxial, single-crystal lithium lanthanum titanium oxide (LLTO) films and demonstrate that the kinetics of Ti 4+ reduction and lithium intercalation depend sensitively on the crystal orientation, with electrochemical stability increasing as LLTO (001) < (110) similar to (112) < (100). However, thermodynamic stability is ultimately unaffected-all orientations fully reduce after extended contact with Li metal. In contrast, amorphous LLTO films exhibit minimal, self-limiting reactivity that results in an interface that is stable to extended contact with Li metal. The results demonstrate the potential to engineer crystal lattice strain and long-range order to differentially tune the stability of the solid electrolyte toward reactive lithium metal and cathode materials, suggesting strategies for enabling the wider deployment of LLTO and other ionically conductive ceramic films in advanced energy storage technologies

Ketter, Benjamin [Argonne National Laboratory (ANL↗

Effect of Fluoroethylene Carbonate Additives on the Initial Formation of the Solid Electrolyte Interphase on an Oxygen-Functionalized Graphitic Anode in Lithium-Ion Batteries

The formation of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) at the electrode/electrolyte interface substantially affects the stability and lifetime of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). One of the methods to improve the lifetime of LIBs is by the inclusion of additive molecules to stabilize the SEI. To understand the effect of additive molecules on the initial stage of SEI formation, in this work we compare the decomposition and oligomerization reactions of a fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) additive on a range of oxygen-functionalized graphitic anodes to those of an ethylene carbonate (EC) organic electrolyte. A series of density functional theory (DFT) calculations augmented by ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations reveal that EC decomposition on an oxygen-functionalized graphitic ($11\bar{2}0$) edge facet through a nucleophilic attack on an ethylene carbon site (C E ) of an EC molecule (S2 mechanism) is spontaneous during the initial charging process of LIBs. However, decomposition of EC through a nucleophilic attack on a carbonyl carbon (C C ) site (S1 mechanism) results in alkoxide species regeneration that is responsible for continual oligomerization along the graphitic surface. In contrast, FEC prefers to decompose through an S1 pathway, which does not promote alkoxide regeneration. Including FEC as an additive is thus able to suppress alkoxide regeneration and results in a smaller and thinner SEI layer that is more flexible toward lithium intercalation during the charging/discharging process. In addition, we find that the presence of different oxygen functional groups at the surface of graphite dictates the oligomerization products and the LiF formation mechanism in the SEI.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Operando X-ray Reflectivity Reveals the Dynamical Response of Ti 3 C 2 MXene Film Structure during Electrochemical Cycling

The dynamical structural response of MXenes during electrochemical ion intercalation is critical for their functionality in fast chemical actuation and high-power electrical energy storage but has yet to be observed. Here, the dynamically evolving layer spacing of a Ti 3 C 2 T $x$ MXene film was observed using time-resolved operando X-ray reflectivity during cyclic voltammetry for applied potentials between +0.3 and -0.7 V (vs Ag/AgCl) at sweep rates 1 ≤ $v$ ≤ 500 mV/s. The pseudocapacitive electrochemical MXene response in the aqueous 0.1 M Li 2 SO 4 electrolyte, including both capacitive and redox characteristics, is characterized by kinetically limited lithium intercalation and layer contraction. In conclusion, two types of dynamical responses were observed: slow and fast lattice contraction regimes versus applied potential are correlated with the capacitive and redox features, respectively, with structural relaxation rates that scale as ~$v$ 1/2 and ~$v$, revealing two distinct dynamical structural responses during electrochemical ion intercalation.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

A mechanistic study of the dopant-induced breakdown in halide perovskites using solid state energy storage devices

Doping halide perovskites (HPs) with extrinsic species, such as alkali metal ions, plays a critical, albeit often elusive role in optimising optoelectronic devices. Here, we use solid state lithium ion battery inspired devices with a polyethylene oxide-based polymer electrolyte to dope HPs controllably with lithium ions. We perform a suite of operando material analysis techniques while dynamically varying Li doping concentrations. We determine and quantify three doping regimes; a safe regime, with doping concentrations of <10 20 cm –3 (2% Li : Pb mol%) in which the HP may be modified without detrimental effect to its structure; a minor decomposition regime, in which the HP is partially transformed but remains the dominant species; and a major decomposition regime in which the perovskite is superseded by new phases. We provide a mechanistic description of the processes mediating between each stage and find evidence for metallic Pb (0) , LiBr and LiPbBr 2 as final decomposition products. Combining results from synchrotron X-ray diffraction measurements with in situ photoluminescence and optical reflection microscopy studies, we distinguish the influences of free charge carriers and intercalated lithium independently. We find that the charge density is equally as important as the geometric considerations of the dopant species and thereby provide a quantitative framework upon which the future design of doped-perovskite energy devices should be based.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

SIMS and HR-XPS characterization of lithiated graphite from the magnetic fusion device RFX-mod

Lithium wall conditioning has improved the performance of many magnetic fusion devices. Li conditioning in the RFX-mod device was performed by: (1) a single Li pellet injector and (2) a multi-Li pellet injector during He plasma discharges; (3) a Li evaporator after He glow discharge cleaning and He plasma discharge exposure. This report compares the spatial and depth distributions of Li deposited on polycrystalline graphite witness samples at different locations in RFX-mod and the elemental and chemical compositions of the resulting surfaces. The sample surfaces were analyzed ex situ using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HR-XPS). The results showed that Li pellet injection provided a relatively uniform toroidal coverage while Li evaporation produced highly localized Li deposition. A Li 1s HR-XPS peak at 56.5 eV binding energy (BE) characteristic of lithium-intercalated graphite was only observed with the sample exposed to Li evaporation. All of the samples exhibited a HR-XPS C 1s peak at 285.1–285.2 eV BE that is largely attributed to hydrogenated graphite. This finding suggests that hydrogenation of fresh graphite occurs during He plasma discharge exposures. Finally, our results have implications for density control and the selection of Li conditioning techniques in magnetic fusion devices.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Development and Applications of an eReaxFF Force Field for Graphitic Anodes of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Graphene is one of the most promising materials for lithium-ion battery anodes due to its superior electronic conductivity, high surface area for lithium intercalation, fast ionic diffusivity and enhanced specific capacity. A reliable description of many battery processes requires an explicit description of electrochemical interactions involving electrons. A detailed atomistic modeling of electronic conduction and non-zero voltage simulations of graphitic materials require the inclusion of an explicit electronic degree of freedom. To enable large length- and time-scale simulations of electron conduction in graphitic anodes, we developed an eReaxFF force field concept describing graphitic materials with an explicit electron. The newly developed force field, verified against quantum chemistry-based data describing, amongst others, electron affinities and equation of states, reproduces the qualitative behavior of electron conductivity in pristine and imperfect graphitic materials at different applied temperatures and voltages. In addition, excess electron localization near a defect site estimated from eReaxFF simulations agree quite well with the corresponding density functional theory calculations. Here, our eReaxFF simulations show the initiation of lithium-metal-plating driven by electron transfer from the graphene surface to the exposed lithium ions demonstrating the method’s potential for studying lithium-graphene interactions with explicit electrons and explain many unresolved electrode and electrode-electrolyte interface processes.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Multinonmetal-Doped V 2 O 5 Nanocomposites for Lithium-Ion Battery Cathodes

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are critical for portable electronics and electric vehicles, demanding higher energy density to meet increasing energy storage needs. Current commercial cathode materials, such as LiFePO 4 and LiCoO 2 , are limited by a single electron transfer, restricting their energy density. Vanadium pentoxide (V 2 O 5 ) emerges as a promising high-capacity cathode due to its high theoretical capacity of 443 mA h g –1 with three Li storage capacities, significantly surpassing conventional materials. However, the practical application of V 2 O 5 is hindered by a large structural evolution and rapid capacity fading during full lithium intercalation. Here, this study introduces a multinonmetal doping (MNM) strategy to enhance V 2 O 5 cathodes by incorporating all-nonmetal dopants (B, P, and Si) and graphene (G). MNM-V 2 O 5 -G exhibits increased surface oxygen defects, improving charge transfer kinetics and thus enhancing the rate performance and cycling stability. Our results provide valuable insights into the role of surface oxygen defects in stabilizing V 2 O 5 with element doping. This research highlights the potential of multinonmetal doping to improve LIB cathode materials, offering a promising pathway for design of high-energy-density V 2 O 5 cathodes and advancing the development of next-generation energy storage solutions.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

All‐Solid‐State Batteries With Mechanically Stable Interfaces Consisting of a Zero‐Strain Cation‐Disordered Rocksalt Cathode

Interface stabilization is critical to the development of working all‐solid‐state batteries. Rigid cathode/solid electrolyte interfaces often disintegrate due to anisotropic volume change of cathode‐active materials, resulting in irreversible capacity loss. Herein, we demonstrate that Li 1.211 Mo 0.467 Cr 0.3 O 2 (LMCO), a pioneering cation‐disordered rocksalt oxide (DRX) cathode that has intrinsically small volume change upon lithium intercalation, can be integrated with a thiophosphate‐based solid electrolyte for all‐solid‐state batteries. Interface stability of the all‐solid LMCO cell was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, X‐ray micro‐computed tomography, and electron microscopy. Since LMCO was initially synthesized as a layered phase exhibiting a large volume change, interface disintegration can be observable in the early cycles. As layered LMCO phase‐transformed into DRX LMCO in subsequent cycles, reintegration of the interfaces occurs within a pressurized cell as a result of its zero‐stain behavior. Consequently, the DRX LMCO cathode maintains interface integrity, and thus electrical wiring, over an extended number of cycles, leading to improved capacity retention with small internal cell resistance.

DRX↗

Vanadium and Niobium MXenes—Bilayered V 2 O 5 Asymmetric Supercapacitors

MXenes offer high metallic conductivity and redox capacitance that are attractive for high-power, high-energy storage devices. However, they operate limitedly under high anodic potentials due to irreversible oxidation. Pairing them with oxides to design asymmetric supercapacitors may expand the voltage window and increase the energy storage capabilities. Hydrated lithium preintercalated bilayered V 2 O 5 ( δ-Li x V 2 O 5 ·nH 2 O) is attractive for aqueous energy storage due to its high Li capacity at high potentials; however, its poor cyclability remains a challenge. To overcome its limitations and achieve a wide voltage window and excellent cyclability, it is combined with V 2 C and Nb 4 C 3 MXenes. Asymmetric supercapacitors employing lithium intercalated V 2 C (Li-V 2 C) or tetramethylammonium intercalated Nb 4 C 3 (TMA-Nb 4 C 3 ) MXenes as the negative electrode, and a δ-Li x V 2 O 5 ·nH 2 O composite with carbon nanotubes as the positive electrode in 5 m LiCl electrolyte operate over wide voltage windows of 2 and 1.6 V, respectively. The latter shows remarkably high cyclability—capacitance retention of ≈95% after 10 000 cycles. Here, this work highlights the importance of selecting appropriate MXenes to achieve a wide voltage window and a long cycle life in combination with oxide anodes to demonstrate the potential of MXenes beyond Ti 3 C 2 in energy storage.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Revealing causes of macroscale heterogeneity in lithium ion pouch cells via synchrotron X-ray diffraction

Heterogeneous battery performance is a critical issue for maximization of cell lifetime capacity and safety. Using high energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction, the influence of charge rate, voltage limit, uneven stack pressure, and gas generation on the lithium transport properties was quantified in single-layer graphite/LiNi 0.5 Mn 0.3 Co 0.2 O 2 pouch cells. A freshly formatted cell tracked in operando during initial fast charge cycles indicated variable position-dependent performances, while lateral mapping showed a significant fast charge (6C) heterogeneity compared to slow charge (C/2). Pressure effects were non-dominant compared to charge rate. Maps of previously aged and rested cells indicate that lateral heterogeneity slowly equilibrates at rest, but regenerates upon further cycling at fast charge rate. Furthermore, an unformatted cell was mapped at charge and discharge during its first formation cycle to analyze the effect of byproduct gases on the heterogeneous lithium transport. Gas was observed as randomly interspersed “bubbles” which locally hindered lithium intercalation and caused significant heterogeneity. Electrode architectures and charging protocols that promote homogeneous intercalation are critical for predictable high-performance and long-life batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Heterogeneous Organochromium Catalysts for Stereoselective Isoprene Polymerization

In this study, heterogeneous organochromium catalysts have been developed via surface lithiation of traditional surface organometallic complexes to mediate stereoselective isoprene polymerization. Chemisorption of the molecular complex Cr(CH 2 SiMe 3 ) 4 on high surface area anatase titania nanoparticles as well as on a silica support led to the bipodal complexes Cr/TiO 2 and Cr/SiO 2 , respectively. Subsequent reductive lithium intercalation with n-butyllithium led to the formation of lower valent Cr 2+ species Cr/LTO and Cr/Li/SiO 2 . Alternatively, Cr(CH 2 SiMe 3 ) 4 was allowed to react with nBuLi-reduced anatase titania (LTO) to provide Cr/LTO Inv . Cr/LTO and Cr/Li/SiO 2 both polymerize isoprene with very high activities (154 and 174 kg molCr –1 h –1 , respectively) to provide polyisoprene with cis-1,4 selectivity up to 82% in toluene at 50 °C. On the other hand, Cr/SiO 2 provides polyisoprene with excellent trans-1,4 selectivity up to 98% (16 kg molCr –1 h –1 ), and Cr/TiO 2 was catalytically inactive. Cr/LTO Inv is less active and selective, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements of the precatalyst revealed the presence of a mixture of metallic Cr 0 , Cr 4+ , and only minor Cr 2+ species. Thus, surface lithiation can promote the formation of lower valent metal centers which enable stereocontrol in isoprene polymerizations and may be extended as a general protocol to other catalytic systems.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Correlated Anion Disorder in Heteroanionic Cubic TiOF 2

Resolving anion configurations in heteroanionic materials is crucial for understanding and controlling their properties. For anion-disordered oxyfluorides, conventional Bragg diffraction cannot fully resolve the anionic structure, necessitating alternative structure determination methods. We have investigated the anionic structure of anion-disordered cubic (ReO 3 -type) TiOF 2 using X-ray pair distribution function (PDF), 19 F MAS NMR analysis, density functional theory (DFT), cluster expansion modeling, and genetic-algorithm structure prediction. Our computational data predict short-range anion ordering in TiOF 2 , characterized by predominant cis-[O 2 F 4 ] titanium coordination, resulting in correlated anion disorder at longer ranges. To validate our predictions, we generated partially disordered supercells using genetic-algorithm structure prediction and computed simulated X-ray PDF data and 19 F MAS NMR spectra, which we compared directly to experimental data. To construct our simulated 19 F NMR spectra, we derived new transformation functions for mapping calculated magnetic shieldings to predicted magnetic chemical shifts in titanium (oxy)fluorides, obtained by fitting DFT-calculated magnetic shieldings to previously published experimental chemical shift data for TiF 4 . We find good agreement between our simulated and experimental data, which supports our computationally predicted structural model and demonstrates the effectiveness of complementary experimental and computational techniques in resolving anionic structure in anion-disordered oxyfluorides. From additional DFT calculations, we predict that increasing anion disorder makes lithium intercalation more favorable by, on average, up to 2 eV, highlighting the significant effect of variations in short-range order on the intercalation properties of anion-disordered materials.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Angle-resolved polarized Raman spectroscopy study of phosphorene nanoribbons

We present a systematic angle-resolved polarized Raman spectroscopy (ARPRS) study of black phosphorus (BP) nanostructures formed via electrochemical sodium- and lithium-ion intercalation. Sodium intercalation leads to bundles of densely packed, highly uniform phosphorene nanoribbons (PNRs) separated by parallel amorphous channels, whereas lithium intercalation results in shorter, irregular nanoribbon-like segments with lower aspect ratios. In both cases, six additional Raman peaks (P1–P6) appear alongside the three primary Raman-active modes of BP (A$^{1}_{g}$, B 2g , and A$^{2}_{g}$). These peaks are attributed to the amorphous regions, as confirmed by their isotropic angular dependence in ARPRS measurements. The three BP modes show pronounced angular variations that differ significantly between the two intercalated samples. In sodium-intercalated BP, A$^{1}_{g}$ and A$^{2}_{g}$ modes retain a dumbbell-like angular dependence under parallel polarization with enhanced anisotropy and reduced symmetry under crossed polarization. At the same time, the B 2g mode transitions from four-lobed (cloverleaf) polar plot to a butterfly-like one. In contrast, lithium-intercalated BP exhibits weaker anisotropy and less distinct angular polar plots for all three modes. These differences reflect the sensitivity of phonon behavior to underlying nanostructure morphology. The vibrational frequencies density of states (FDOS) calculations attribute the B 2g mode transformation to phonon band folding and mode mixing in PNRs. This study demonstrates the power of ARPRS in probing phonon-structure relationships and highlights the influence of edge geometry and quantum confinement on phonon dispersion in PNRs.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Protecting groups in insertion chemistry: Site-selective positioning of lithium ions in intercalation hosts

The expanding toolbox of functionalization chemistries for selectively installing moieties on specific sites of a substrate underpins almost all modern organic and biochemical syntheses. Likewise, the installation of mobile guest ions in specific interstitial sites and their transport along specific diffusion pathways forms the basis of modern lithium (Li)-ion battery electrodes. Many insertion hosts afford a diverse range of accessible interstitial sites. However, site-selective positioning of cations with atomic precision remains almost entirely unexplored. Here, we show that by deciphering site preferences of co/pre-intercalated cations, we can position Li ions in four distinct sites within a 1D ζ-V 2 O 5 insertion host. The use of topochemistry to effect single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations enables atomic-resolution mapping of the selective positioning of Li ions through single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Here we image interstitial sites that are occupied at high depths of discharge, thereby obtaining unprecedented structural insight into “fully stuffed” frameworks critical for the realization of high-energy-density intercalation electrodes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Interplay of intercalation dynamics and lithium plating in monolithic and architectured graphite anodes during fast charging

Fast charging of high-capacity anodes is challenging due to lithium plating reactions, which lead to poor cycling performance and safety concerns. Thus, accurate predictions of plating onset and an understanding of this electrochemical process are crucial for robust battery design. However, the most commonly used models, based on porous electrode theory (e.g., the pseudo-2D model), are notoriously difficult to calibrate due to their complexity, limiting their predictive power. This work studies the process of lithium plating during fast charging of (small-particle) graphite half-cells by measuring local reaction progression and plating behavior using optical operando techniques. These experiments employ a realistic 1D graphite electrode geometry with commercially-relevant mass loading charged at fast charge rates. It is demonstrated that the local reaction progression and plating onset can not only be predicted accurately with a p2D numerical model, but that these processes follow a simple scaling law. Remarkably, the entire reaction histories of different electrodes charged at different rates (e.g., 160 μm thickness at 0.5C, 111 μm at 1C or 66 μm at 4C) were observed to have self-similar intercalation profiles. It is demonstrated that plating onset is in turn governed by the reaction profile which explains why both processes exhibit the same scaling behavior. Finally, operando measurements of local reaction dynamics are conducted for the first time in electrodes with channeled architectures, quantitatively determining how channels affect reaction uniformity and plating onset. Together, these results reveal underlying simplicity in the complex electrochemical environment of fast charging and lithium plating, improving understanding of this process. These fundamental insights are broadly applicable for design processes, modeling and experimental evaluation of lithium ion batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Developing rapid electrochemical relithiation protocols for scalable relithiation of lithium-ion battery cathode materials

The recent and ongoing boom in electric vehicle sales has caused the circularity of the supply chain for electric vehicle battery materials to come under a great deal of scrutiny. Innovative recycling processes, or direct recycling, that offer the possibility of reducing the cost of recycling are one possible solution to regaining resources from end-of-life (EoL) electric vehicle batteries. Electrochemically shuttling lithium back into the cathode, or electrochemical relithiation, is a possible technique for restoring lithium content to NMC materials (EoL) in a direct recycling process. This study provides essential understanding towards developing an electrochemical relithiation protocol that will restore lithium loss in intercalation cathode materials that reach EoL by loss of lithium inventory (LLI) as opposed to other degradation mechanisms like loss of active material (LAM), cation mixing or phase transition. Electrochemically aged NMC cathode materials have been prepared and characterized to establish the extent of EoL material structural degradation and lithium loss. A model-informed experimental process is used to identify the optimal electrochemical relithiation protocol to minimize the time taken to relithiate EoL materials and maximize the amount of lithium restored. Protocols were evaluated based on their ability to enable rapid lithium intercalation, maintain structural uniformity in the EoL material and fully restore lithium content. An optimal protocol was identified at elevated temperatures utilizing a novel scanning voltage step.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Hierarchically structured MoO 2 /dopamine-derived carbon spheres as intercalation electrodes for lithium-ion batteries

A hydrogen peroxide initiated sol-gel process involving molybdenum transformation in the presence of dopamine (Dopa) hydrochloride excess produced the metastable precipitate composed of polydopamine (PDopa) spheres coated with Dopa preintercalated molybdenum oxide, (Dopa) x MoO y @PDopa. The hydrothermal treatment (HT) of the (Dopa) x MoO y @PDopa precursor resulted in the simultaneous carbonization of Dopa and molybdenum reduction generating MoO 2 nanoplatelets distributed and confined on the surface of the Dopa-derived carbon matrix (HT-MoO 2 /C). The consecutive annealing (An) of the HT-MoO 2 /C sample at 600 °C under Ar atmosphere led to the formation of MoO 2 with increased Mo oxidation state and improved structural stability (AnHT-MoO 2 /C). Annealing had also further facilitated interaction between the molybdenum-derived and Dopa-derived components resulting in the modification of the carbon matrix confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. Morphology of both materials is best described as Dopa-derived carbon spheres decorated with MoO 2 nanoplatelets. These integrated metal oxide and carbon structures were tested as electrodes for lithium-ion batteries in the potential window that corresponds to the intercalation mechanism of charge storage. The AnHT-MoO 2 /C electrode showed enhanced electrochemical activity, with an initial specific discharge capacity of 260 mAh/g and capacity retention of 67% after 50 cycles, compared to the HT-MoO 2 /C electrode which exhibited an initial specific discharge capacity of 235 mAh g –1 and capacity retention of 47% after 50 cycles. The rate capability experiments revealed that the capacity of 93 mAh/g and 120 mAh/g was delivered by the HT-MoO 2 /C and AnHT-MoO 2 /C electrodes, respectively, when the current density was increased to 100 mA/g. Here, the improved specific capacity, electrochemical stability, and rate capability achieved after annealing were attributed to higher crystallinity of MoO 2 , increased oxidation state of Mo, and formation of the tighter MoO 2 /carbon contact accompanied by the annealing assisted interaction between MoO 2 and Dopa-derived carbon.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗