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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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Grid-level energy storage systems are needed to enable intermittent renewables. Li-ion, Pb-acid battery systems have been implemented but pose safety and environmental risks. Successful grid storage must be safe, reliable, and low-cost.
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Poster presentation at DOE OE Peer Review 2024 in Bellevue Washington
Poster presentation at DOE OE Peer Review 2024 in Bellevue Washington
Battery separator membranes of high electrolytic conductivity comprising a cellulose ether and a compatible metallic salt of water soluble aliphatic acids and their hydroxy derivatives are described. It was found that methyl cellulose can be modified by another class of materials, nonpolymeric in nature, to form battery separator membranes of low electrolytic resistance but which have the flexibility of membranes made of unmodified methyl cellulose, and which in many cases enhance flexibility over membranes made with unmodified methyl cellulose. Separator membranes for electrochemical cells comprising a cellulose ether and a modified selected from the group consisting of metallic salts of water soluble alphatic acids and their hydroxy derivatives and to electrochemical cells utilizing said membranes are described.
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A self supporting sheet structure comprising a water soluble, noncrosslinked polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol which is capable of being crosslinked by reaction with hydrogen atom radicals and hydroxyl molecule radicals is contacted with an aqueous solution having a pH of less than 8 and containing a dissolved salt in an amount sufficient to prevent substantial dissolution of the noncrosslinked polymer in the aqueous solution. The aqueous solution is then irradiated with ionizing radiation to form hydrogen atom radicals and hydroxyl molecule radicals and the irradiation is continued for a time sufficient to effect crosslinking of the water soluble polymer to produce a water insoluble polymer sheet structure. The method has particular application in the production of battery separators and electrode envelopes for alkaline batteries.
Inspired into being in 1979 by the late astronaut, Dr. Ronald McNair, the primary goal of this student centered program is to perform two experiments, Arthopod Development Study and Crystal Growth Study. Since 1979, 78 different students representing 12 majors have participated in every phase of development of the payload -- from coming up with the original ideas to final fabrication and testing. Students have also been involved in many extra activities such as presenting their results at annual meetings and hosting tours of our lab for local schools. The program has received extensive outside support in the form of funds, technical assistance and donated parts. The payload, made primarily out of aluminum, consists of a central column structure, a battery box, a crystal growth box, an arthropod development box, four control circuit boxes, and a thermograph box. The battery box contains 24, Eveready 6V, Alkaline batteries. The thermograph box contains 3 Ryan TempMentors. Fabrication of the payload is essentially complete and a complete testing program has been initiated.
Rechargeable alkaline Zn/MnO 2 batteries are an attractive solution for large-scale energy storage applications. Recently, Bi and Cu additives have been used to increase the cycle life and capacity of rechargeable Zn/MnO 2 batteries, with an equivalent of the full two-electron capacity realized for many cycles, in the absence of zinc. However, the mechanism of the effect of Bi and Cu on the performance of rechargeable Zn/MnO 2 batteries has not been investigated in detail. We apply first-principles density functional computational methods to study the discharge mechanisms of the unmodified and Bi/Cu-modified γ -MnO 2 electrodes in rechargeable alkaline Zn/MnO 2 batteries. Using the results of our calculations, we analyze the possible redox reaction pathways in the γ -MnO 2 electrode and identify the electrochemical processes leading to the formation of irreversible discharge reaction products, such as hausmannite and hetaerolite. Our study demonstrates the possibility of formation of intermediate Bi-Mn and Cu-Mn oxides in deep-cycled Bi/Cu-modified MnO 2 electrodes. The formation of intermediate Bi-Mn and Cu-Mn oxides could reduce the rate of accumulation of irreversible reaction products in the MnO 2 electrode and improve the rechargeability and cyclability of Zn/MnO 2 batteries.
Two membrane systems were investigated that may have potential use as alkaline battery separators. One system comprises two miscible polymers: a support polymer (e.g., polyvinyl formal) and an ion conductor such as polyacrylic acid. The other system involves a film composed of two immiscible polymers: a conducting polymer (e.g., calcium polyacrylate) suspended in an inert polymer support matrix, polyphenylene oxide. Resistivities in 45-percent potassium hydroxide and qualitative mechanical properties are presented for films comprising various proportions of conducting and support polymers. In terms of these parameters, the results are encouraging for optimum ratios of conducting to support polymers.