Search NASASearch

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “lithium-ion battery”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

835 records · Page 6

Li 21 Ge 8 P 3 S 34 : New Lithium Superionic Conductor with Unprecedented Structural Type

Abstract Lithium superionic conductors are pivotal for enabling all‐solid‐state batteries, which aim to replace liquid electrolytes and enhance safety. Herein, we report the discovery of an unprecedented lithium superionic conductor, Li 21 Ge 8 P 3 S 34 , featuring a novel structural type and a new composition in the Li–Ge–P–S system. This material exhibits high lithium ionic conductivity of approximately 1.0 mS cm −1 at 303 K with a low activation energy of 0.20(1) eV. It's unique crystal structure was elucidated using three‐dimensional electron diffraction (3D ED) and further refined through combined powder X‐ray and neutron diffraction analyses. The structure consists of alternating two‐dimensional slabs: one of corner‐sharing GeS 4 tetrahedra and the other of isolated PS 4 tetrahedra, enabling efficient lithium‐ion transport through a tetrahedrally interconnected network of 1D, 2D, and 3D diffusion pathways. This distinctive structural motif provides a novel design strategy for next‐generation solid electrolytes, broadening the structural landscape of lithium superionic conductors. With further advancements in compositional tuning and interfacial engineering, Li 21 Ge 8 P 3 S 34 could contribute to the development of high‐performance all‐solid‐state batteries.

Chemistry

Dry Pressed, High Areal Loading Electrode Architectures Enabled by Holey Graphene

For future electric aviation, advanced battery cell chemistry beyond lithium ion batteries are required to meet mission requirements. High energy density battery concepts such as lithium-sulfur (Li-S) and lithiumoxygen (Li-O2) chemistries are being intensively investigated to realize their extraordinary theoretical promise in terms of energy density. Most fabrication methods of cathodes for these novel battery chemistries followed a conventional approach. In this approach, the active material is mixed with a polymer binder and a conductive carbon in a high-boiling organic solvent to form a slurry, followed by casting onto a current collector and solvent evaporation. The process is usually lengthy and poses environmental hazards due to the use of organic solvents.

Lin Yi

A Prognostics Framework for Battery Health Monitoring Integrated with Thermal Modeling

Urban Air Mobility (UAM) promises to revolutionize transportation in major cities, offering passenger travel, cargo delivery, and emergency medical services through a network of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. However, the limited range of current eVTOLs, due to the low specific energy of lithium-ion batteries along with a possibility of thermal runaway conditions poses significant safety concerns, leading to potentially compromising operational safety. To address this critical challenge, researchers are actively evaluating the impact of flight and environmental conditions on onboard lithium-ion battery health. This involves carefully assessing the performance of battery packs under laboratory and operational conditions for developing models to estimate future health using prognostics framework. This study examines the effectiveness of evaluating battery degradation leading to catastrophic failures under varying operational conditions in laboratory. These are captured using physics based models of underlying phenomenons and integrated into the prognostics framework. A fully charged battery undergoes controlled discharge cycles at varying C-rates based on the simulated power draw profile, with current and voltage, temperature data recorded throughout the experiment. The observed data provides valuable insights into how different operating conditions and mission profiles affect battery performance. This information is crucial for developing strategies to optimize battery systems, enhance range, and ultimately ensure the safe and reliable operation of UAM vehicles.

Thermal Modeling

A Prognostics Framework for Battery Health Monitoring Integrated with Thermal Modeling

Urban Air Mobility (UAM) promises to revolutionize transportation in major cities, offering passenger travel, cargo delivery, and emergency medical services through a network of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. However, the limited range of current eVTOLs, due to the low specific energy of lithium-ion batteries along with a possibility of thermal runaway conditions poses significant safety concerns, leading to potentially compromising operational safety. To address this critical challenge, researchers are actively evaluating the impact of flight and environmental conditions on onboard lithium-ion battery health. This involves carefully assessing the performance of battery packs under laboratory and operational conditions for developing models to estimate future health using prognostics framework. This study examines the effectiveness of evaluating battery degradation leading to catastrophic failures under varying operational conditions in laboratory. These are captured using physics based models of underlying phenomenons and integrated into the prognostics framework. A fully charged battery undergoes controlled discharge cycles at varying C-rates based on the simulated power draw profile, with current and voltage, temperature data recorded throughout the experiment. The observed data provides valuable insights into how different operating conditions and mission profiles affect battery performance. This information is crucial for developing strategies to optimize battery systems, enhance range, and ultimately ensure the safe and reliable operation of UAM vehicles.

Thermal Modeling

Battery Cell Thermal Runaway Calorimeter

We currently have several methods for determining total energy output of an 18650 lithium ion cell. We do not, however, have a good method for determining the fraction of energy that dissipates via conduction through the cell can vs. the energy that is released in the form of ejecta. Knowledge of this fraction informs the design of our models, battery packs, and storage devices; (a) No longer need to assume cell stays together in modeling (b) Increase efficiency of TR mitigation (c) Shave off excess protection.

Darcy, Eric

Ion Transport and Crystal Rotation in Plastic Crystal Electrolytes Under Applied Electric Fields

Organic ionic plastic crystal electrolytes, containing a plastic crystal and lithium salt, offer a potential balance between mechanical and electrochemical properties for solid state lithium-ion battery electrolytes. These electrolytes contain multiple mobile ionic species (three or four), resulting in complex transport mechanisms which have not yet been established. Plastic crystals are defined by long-range positional order and short-range rotational disorder. It is therefore necessary to quantify changes in the local crystal structure of the electrolyte as current flows through it. Herein, we examine the electrochemical properties of pyrrolidinium-based plastic crystal electrolytes containing lithium salt and zwitterion additives, including measurements of current fraction and limiting current. We obtain species-specific insight into electrolyte transport using pulsed-field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and find that, while the zwitterion additive increases ionic conductivity, it decreases lithium diffusivity with respect to other ionic components. With operando spatiotemporally resolved wide-angle X-ray scattering we observe location-specific crystal rotations due to the passage of ionic current. In conclusion, we posit that reducing energy dissipation due to rotation is essential for using plastic crystal electrolytes in practical applications.

Yap, Kyra M. K. [University of California, Berkele

Improving Ionic Conformality Across Polymer Electrolyte|Electrode Interfaces

Maintaining uniform ionic transport at electrode|electrolyte interfaces, i.e., ionic conformality, remains challenging in polymer electrolyte (PE)-based solid-state batteries. Morphological conformality does not necessarily imply ionic conformality. In PEs, which typically consist of a mechanically supporting component and distinct ionically conductive components, the rearrangement or depletion of mobile ion-conductive domains at interfaces can disrupt ionic transport pathways. Such localized ionic depletion contributes to interfacial instability and capacity degradation in high-voltage lithium-metal batteries. Herein, an electrolyte design approach aimed at minimizing interfacial heterogeneities is demonstrated through compositional adjustments, characterized by spatially resolved structural and chemical X-ray techniques and NMR diffusometry to elucidate ion transport dynamics. This approach improves ionic conformality at electrode interfaces, enhancing cycling stability in Li||LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 2 (NMC811) coin and pouch cells cycled at high voltages. These results contribute to understanding interfacial behaviors in multiphase PEs and inform strategies for improving stability across solid-state battery interfaces.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE

Research and Development on Advanced Electrochemical Energy Storage Devices Enabling a Spectrum of Electrified Vehicles

The USABC Advanced Battery development plan had the following three focus areas: 1. Existing technology validation, implementation, and cost reduction 2. Identification of the next viable technology with emphasis on the potential to meet USABC cost and energy density goals. 3. Support high-risk, high-reward battery technology R&D The primary aim of this project was focused on the barriers that most impede wider public adoption of electrification in vehicles-cost, energy density, low-temp performance, calendar life, and improvements in abuse tolerance. The specific objectives are as follows: Cost Reduction: drive to significantly reduce battery cost to be in-line with the $\$$100/kWh or less (by the end of calendar year 2020) DOE cost goals. Additionally, goals of $\$$75/KWh were set for 2023 aligned with fast charge and some offset of energy density. Energy Density Increase: focus on improving the cell-level specific energy and energy densities to >350 watt hours per kilogram (Wh/kg) and >750Wh/L. Low Temperature Performance Increase: strive toward developments that improve the discharge power and eliminate or dramatically reduce the life limiting lithium plating associated with regenerative braking at low temperatures, during the program. Calendar Life Increase: drive to achieve a 15-year calendar life. Abuse Tolerance Improvement: strive to develop improvements in Li-ion abuse tolerance and/or development of electrochemical energy storage technologies with inherently better response to abuse circumstances. Emerging Areas: initiate new programs that address emerging technologies that arise during the contract period.

25 ENERGY STORAGE

Three-chamber electrochemical reactor for selective lithium extraction from brine

Efficient lithium recovery from geothermal brines is crucial for the battery industry. Current electrochemical separation methods struggle with the simultaneous presence of Na + , K + , Mg 2+ , and Ca 2+ because these cations are similar to Li + , making it challenging to separate effectively. We address these challenges with a three-chamber reactor featuring a polymer porous solid electrolyte in the middle layer. This design improves the transference number of Li + (t Li+ ) by 2.1 times compared to the two-chamber reactor and also reduces the chlorine evolution reaction, a common side reaction in electrochemical lithium extraction, to only 6.4% in Faradaic Efficiency. Employing a lithium-ion conductive glass ceramic (LICGC) membrane, the reactor achieved high t Li+ of 97.5% in LiOH production from simulated brine, while the concentrations of Na + K + , Mg 2+ , and Ca 2+ are below the detection limit. Electrochemical experiments and surface analysis elucidated the cation transport mechanism, highlighting the impact of Na + on Li + migration at the LICGC interface.

Science & Technology - Other Topics

Hydrogen Production and Li-Ion Battery Performance with MoS2-SiNWs-SWNTs@ZnONPs Nanocomposites

This study explores the hydrogen generation potential via water-splitting reactions under UV-vis radiation by using a synergistic assembly of ZnO nanoparticles integrated with MoS2, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), and crystalline silicon nanowires (SiNWs) to create the MoS2-SiNWs-SWNTs@ZnONPs nanocomposites. A comparative analysis of MoS2 synthesized through chemical and physical exfoliation methods revealed that the chemically exfoliated MoS2 exhibited superior performance, thereby being selected for all subsequent measurements. The nanostructured materials demonstrated exceptional surface characteristics, with specific surface areas exceeding 300 m2 g−1. Notably, the hydrogen production rate achieved by a composite comprising 5% MoS2, 1.7% SiNWs, and 13.3% SWNTs at an 80% ZnONPs base was approximately 3909 µmol h−1g−1 under 500 nm wavelength radiation, marking a significant improvement of over 40-fold relative to pristine ZnONPs. This enhancement underscores the remarkable photocatalytic efficiency of the composites, maintaining high hydrogen production rates above 1500 µmol h−1g−1 even under radiation wavelengths exceeding 600 nm. Furthermore, the potential of these composites for energy storage and conversion applications, specifically within rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, was investigated. Composites, similar to those utilized for hydrogen production but excluding ZnONPs to address its limited theoretical capacity and electrical conductivity, were developed. The focus was on utilizing MoS2, SiNWs, and SWNTs as anode materials for Li-ion batteries. This strategic combination significantly improved the electronic conductivity and mechanical stability of the composite. Specifically, the composite with 56% MoS2, 24% SiNWs, and 20% SWNTs offered remarkable cyclic performance with high specific capacity values, achieving a complete stability of 1000 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at 1 A g−1. These results illuminate the dual utility of the composites, not only as innovative catalysts for hydrogen production but also as advanced materials for energy storage technologies, showcasing their potential in contributing to sustainable energy solutions.

Chemistry

Asymmetric pathways for lithium extraction and recovery based on the two-phase equilibrium of layered oxides

Electrochemical intercalation offers a promising platform for Li + extraction. However, only limited types of electrode materials have been investigated. The challenge to broaden and tailor materials for electrochemical intercalation-based Li + extraction lies in the lack of understanding of material’s response upon co-intercalation of multiple ions, therefore, paired process design to enable reversible Li + extraction and recovery. Here, we showcase the design of asymmetric ion pathways for Li + extraction and recovery for host material with complex Li + and Na + interaction using layered cobalt oxide as a model material. The two-phase equilibrium of Na 0.48 CoO 2 and Li 0.94 CoO 2 governs Li + selectivity when a high depth of intercalation is achieved (low vacancy level). We show that the relative rate between ion exchange and intercalation is critical to determine the ion pathways. The relationship can be quantitatively compared using the average pseudo ion exchange rate (C pseudoIX ) and the intercalation rate (C inter ). The ion pathways at the three regimes with C pseudoIX > C inter , C pseudoIX ~ C inter , and C pseudoIX < C inter are constructed. By selecting the optimized ion pathway and particle size, we demonstrate 9.7×10 4 Li + selectivity with 99% purity Li + recovery from an initial 1:1000 Li: Na molar ratio solution using 115 mAh/g specific capacity.

electrochemistry

Solvent-Free Preparation of High Energy, Binder-Free Electrodes Enabled by Dry Compressible Holey Graphene

Graphene is an atomically thick sheet consisting of a graphitic carbon network with excellent mechanical strength, electrical and thermal conductivity, and chemical stability. Holey graphene, a structural derivative of graphene, has an array of through-the-thickness holes across the lateral surface of the nanosheet. The presence of these holes has minimal detrimental effect on the graphene properties and leads to enhanced performance in applications such as electronics, sensors, and energy storage. For example, these holes allow more facile cross-plane ion and gas transport than intact graphene, making holey graphene an ideal electrode material for electrochemical energy storage. This presentation will focus on the ability of holey graphene to be compression molded into robust articles or architectures under solvent-free conditions without the need for potentially parasitic binders. The unique dry compressibility of holey graphene has enabled facile fabrication of high mass loading electrodes with both high density and high porosity, which have found use in supercapacitors and various high-energy battery systems such as lithium-oxygen, lithium-sulfur, and lithium-selenium batteries.

Yi Lin

Interface-induced fast Li+ transport in mixed ionic–electronic conductors

Interfacial instability between lithium metal and solid-state electrolytes limits the performance of all-solid-state lithium metal batteries (ASSLBs), leading to parasitic reactions, non-uniform Li+ flux, and dendrite growth. Here, we develop a composite interlayer composed of the anti-perovskite Li2OHCl0.75Br0.25 (AP) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to enhance both interfacial stability and ionic transport. The AP–CNT interlayer exhibits enhanced Li+ conductivity arising from interfacial electron transfer from AP to CNTs, which generates a built-in electric field that facilitates Li+ migration. Lithium symmetric cells incorporating this interlayer achieve a high critical current density of 2.4 mA cm−2 at 55 °C. This design integrates chemical robustness with coupled ion–electron transport, offering a generalizable strategy for safe, dendrite-free, and high-performance ASSLBs.

He, Chenche

Lithium Battery Space Experiment

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory will test a lithium battery (Li- TiS2) in orbit and examine the battery after it is returned to Earth. The results will be used to suggest design changes for a battery that may eventually be 3-4 times lighter than the equivalent NiCd battery.

battery

NASA/Marshall's lithium battery applications

A general lithium battery is described and a summary of lithium battery applications is presented. Four aspects of a particular lithium battery, the inducement environmental contamination monitoring battery, are discussed-design and construction details, thermal vacuum tests, projection tests, and acceptance tests.

Paschal, L. E.

Army position on lithium battery safety

User requirements for lithium sulfur batteries are presented. They include careful analysis of design and quality control, along with certain equipment specifications. Some of the specifications include: hermetically sealed cells; lithium limited cells with stoichiometry of lithium to sulfur dioxide as a ratio of one; low moisture content in the cells; and battery capacity.

Reiss, E.

STS lithium/CF(x) battery

Lithium carbon fluoride batteries are used on Space Shuttle Rocket Boosters and external tanks. These batteries have been extremely successful in terms of mission reliability with the exception of cell yield variances. The function/system and battery descriptions are given. A description is given of the battery range safety system.

Gnacek, Dee