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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 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Humins-Derived Hard Carbon as a Low-Cost Material for Sodium-Ion Battery Anodes

The growing demand for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) in grid storage underscores the need for electrode materials that balance performance and cost, including sustainable and robust carbon sources. The equitable and abundant distribution of materials for SIBs, along with their superior low-temperature performance, safety, and fast-charging capability, further distinguishes them from lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Hard carbon (HC) is the state-of-the-art anode for SIBs, but current commercial HC production is localized mostly to one region of the world, raising concerns about supply chain vulnerability, critical material dependency, and environmental aspects. Here, the first demonstration of humins, an abundant biorefinery byproduct, as a precursor for HC anodes for sodium-ion storage is reported. Humins were carbonized at 1100 degrees C-1300 degrees C, and the resulting materials were subjected to comprehensive materials and electrochemical characterization. Among the temperatures studied, humins-derived hard carbon synthesized at 1200 degrees C delivers an initial reversible capacity 270mA h g-1 , with stable cycling performance up to 500 cycles and excellent rate capability, representing the optimal performance. This study establishes humins as a promising and low-cost carbon source that provides a route to mitigate supply chain risks and valorizes an underutilized biorefinery waste stream for high-performance SIB anodes.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Stability and Performance of 3d Transition Metal Carbo‐Sulfides: A Density Functional Theory Exploration for Li‐Ion Battery Anodes

As the demand for high-performance and reliable energy storage devices continues to rise, identifying new anode materials is crucial for advancing Li-ion battery (LIB) technology. Inspired by recent experimental breakthroughs in synthesizing two-dimensional transition metal carbo-chalcogenides (2D-TMCCs), density functional theory calculations are performed to systematically explore their sulfide variants (TM 2 S 2 C) spanning all 3d transition metals in three possible phases. Through comprehensive evaluations of thermodynamic, dynamic, mechanical, and thermal stabilities, seven stable 2D-TMCC candidates are identified, four of which exhibit superior battery performance. Notably, V-based 2D-TMCCs across all three phases deliver moderate open-circuit voltages (OCV), efficient Li diffusion, and substantial capacities, making them promising candidates for industrial applications without requiring specific phase controls. A Cr-based 2D-TMCC (with sulfur atoms above carbon atoms) offers the highest capacity of 515.40 mAh g −1 , the lowest Li diffusion barrier, and an optimal OCV, highlighting its appealing potential as an anode material for LIBs. Furthermore, significant Li–Li spacing and pronounced electron delocalization in these four 2D-TMCCs suggest a reduced risk of dendrite formation. This work expands the 2D-TMCC family and identifies up-and-coming candidates for next-generation LIB anodes.

anode materials↗
DOE OSTI2026

Preparation of a uranium monocarbide anode and electrochemical characterization in molten LiCl-KCl-UCl 3

Porous uranium carbide (UC) pellets possessing moderate electrical conductivity were synthesized by reaction of UO 2 with graphite at temperatures up to 1550°C under rough vacuum. Conversions as high as 98% were achieved at soak times of 2-4 hours. The electrochemistry of the UC pellets in molten LiCl-KCl-6.5 wt% UCl 3 was explored using a variety of techniques including DC polarization methods, cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry and bulk electrolysis. Here, the electrode reaction for anodic dissolution was found to be kinetically controlled by dissociation of UC to a transition state complex that was hypothesized to consist of a uranium atom partially complexed by chloride ions. Precise measurements of current efficiencies using chronopotentiometry indicated upper limits of 90.9 ± 3.4% and 98.3 +1.7/-3.7% for anode and cathode, respectively, when operating at anodic overpotentials near +300 mV. Bulk electrolysis of a UC pellet performed by passing 98% of the theoretical charge resulted in nearly complete recovery of its uranium content as highly pure metal at the cathode.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Multiscale electro-chemo-mechanical model of high-capacity amorphous silicon anode material in sodium-ion batteries

The growing interest in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) is fueled by their abundant resources and environmentally friendly nature, with amorphous silicon (a-Si) emerging as a promising anode material for enhancing capacity. However, the key challenge lies in sustaining reversible capacity during cycling. Here, in this work, we developed a multiscale electrochemical model incorporating an a-Si anode to elucidate the performance parameters of SIBs. Additionally, we integrated an electro-chemo-mechanical model at the particle level to capture stress generation, an essential factor in the degradation of high-capacity electrodes. Unlike existing models, our approach accounts for large-deformation chemo-mechanics at the particle scale and includes simulations under varying charge rates to explore multiscale behavior. The results reveal that coupled sodiation significantly prolongs complete cycling times and influences discharge dynamics, indicating that neglecting this coupling leads to an underestimation of actual capacity. Furthermore, we observed pronounced polarization effects at higher charge rates, resulting in heterogeneous stress distributions across the anode. With the identification of critical failure parameters for both active particles and binder materials, offering novel insights for mitigating degradation in high-capacity electrode systems.

Amorphous silicon anode↗
DOE OSTI2025

High performance porous Si anode enabled by an organic-solvent assisted etching process

Silicon (Si) is a promising anode for the next generation of lithium-ion batteries, but its large volume changes (~300 %) during cycling hindered its practical applications. One method to improve its stability is to etch micron sized Si/SiO 2 particles to form porous Si (p-Si) and accommodate volume changes internally. However, the conventional HF etching method generates excess gas/heat and is difficult to scale up. Herein, we developed an organic-solvent-assisted HF etching process (O-HF) using a mixture of benzene and saturated HF aqueous solution. The organic solvent can be preferentially absorbed on the surface of Si/SiO 2 powder so etching rate of SiO 2 can be controlled to avoid rapid gas/heat generation. This method can also prevent over-etching of Si by minimizing direct contact/react between water and newly exposed Si. Si||NMC622 cells using carbon coated p-Si particles prepared by optimized O-HF etching process demonstrate a capacity retention of 82.0 % after 500 cycles, which is much better than those prepared by conventional HF etching (73.7 %). The thickness of Si anode increases only ~10 % during the initial lithiation, which is comparable with those of graphite anode. In conclusion, the O-HF etching strategy developed in this work can also be applied to the etching of a broad range of materials.

HF etching↗
DOE OSTI2025

Advances and perspectives of hard carbon anode modulated by defect/hetero elemental engineering for sodium ion batteries

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) serve as a promising complement to lithium-ion batteries for large-scale energy storage, leveraging the abundance of sodium resources and notable safety advantages. The key advancement in SIB industrialization hinges on identifying a cost-effective and high-performance anode material, similar to the graphite anode in lithium-ion batteries. Hard carbon emerges as prime anode materials for SIBs, boasting high specific capacity, low sodium storage potential, and wide availability. However, practical applications of hard carbon encounters challenges such as low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE), inadequate long-term cycling stability, and poor rate performance. Recent research has focused on the optimization of hard carbon electrodes through functional design. In this comprehensive review, we have meticulously examined the progress in enhancing sodium storage performance through microstructural modulation within hard carbon, encompassing four pivotal aspects: heteroatom doping, incorporation of oxygen functional groups, surface coating, and intrinsic defect engineering. Progress in implementing these strategies is scrutinized, while the merits and challenges of each defect engineering approach are discussed. In conclusion, this review also looks into forthcoming opportunities and challenges in the practical application process of hard carbon electrodes in SIBs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Quantifying the Reactivity of Isolated Li x Si Domains in Si Anodes Using Operando NMR

The use of Si anodes can greatly improve the energy density of Li-ion batteries. However, understanding and mitigation of calendar aging remains a barrier to commercialization. Here, in this short report, we utilize operando Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to detect and quantify lithium silicides (Li x Si) as they form and react within Si anodes in pouch cells during calendar aging. We provide direct experimental evidence of complex aging phenomena in the Si anodes, including both SEI growth and dissolution during storage. Formation of electrochemically isolated Li x Si is also observed, as indicated by the partial persistence of highly lithiated phases after the cell is discharged. Remarkably, we show that these isolated domains can themselves self-discharge over time, suggesting that their detection can be challenging in post-mortem studies. Finally, we show that aging outcomes depend heavily on the type of silicon particles contained within the electrode, and that certain surface coatings can help decrease the reactivity between lithium silicides and the electrolyte.

Li-ion battery↗
DOE OSTI2025

Quaternary Cu 2 TSiS 4 (T = Fe, Mn) Anodes for Li-Ion Batteries

Developing high-capacity and fast-charging anode materials is critical for achieving high-performance Li-ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, polycrystalline quaternary transition metal silicon sulfides, Cu 2 TSiS 4 (T = Fe, Mn), were synthesized using a solid-state method and investigated as anode materials in LIBs. Cu 2 FeSiS 4 retains a reversible capacity of 670 mAh g –1 at 200 mA g –1 for 400 cycles, while Cu 2 MnSiS 4 suffers from a fast capacity loss in the initial 50 cycles. More importantly, Cu 2 FeSiS 4 can maintain a reversible capacity of 379 mAh g –1 after 700 cycles at a high current density of 2 A g –1 , demonstrating high cyclic stability and fast-charging capacity. To further understand the structure degradation and phase transformation, we investigated the postcycling electrodes using multiple techniques, including the scanning electron microscope with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. The results indicated that Cu 2 FeSiS 4 undergoes reversible phase transitions with Li 2 S as a major product component. To further assess the performance for practical applications, Cu 2 FeSiS 4 was coupled with LiFePO 4 to make LiFePO 4 ||Cu 2 FeSiS 4 full cells, which delivered superior electrochemical performance. These results demonstrate great promise for using quaternary transition metal silicon sulfides as anodes to achieve low-cost and sustainable LIBs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Transforming CO 2 to Porous Carbon as a High-Performing Sodium-Ion Battery Anode via Electrochemical Reduction in Molten Carbonates

The prevalence of sodium over lithium prompts exploration of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) as a viable alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Hard carbon has emerged as a promising anode material for SIBs, yet its synthesis poses sustainability challenges and emits pollutants. Here, in this study, we introduce CO 2 -derived porous carbon (graphitic and amorphous) as an anode for SIBs via electrochemical reduction of CO 2 in a molten eutectic carbonate salt at a lower temperature that yields materials with controlled microstructure, morphology, and porosity conducive to energy storage. Our CO 2 -derived carbon demonstrates remarkable specific capacity, superior rate capability, and stable cycling performance as a SIB anode. This innovative strategy harnesses waste CO 2 toward advancing SIB energy technology.

CO2-derived carbon↗
DOE OSTI2026

Electrode-omics reveals epochs in silicon anode evolution underpinning electrochemomechanical resilience

Here, we advance electrode-omics to identify evolutionary bursts by which ethereal locally superconcentrated electrolytes (LSCEs) mitigate silicon anode degradation through its epochs of electrochemical and chemical reactions. Anode composites form initially at high potential from ethereal solvent and anion [bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (FSI − )] redox. A first evolutionary burst at lower potential enriches composites with lithium alkoxides (LiO–R) and lithium oxide (Li 2 O) and depletes sulfur oxides (SO x ) species. As the cells are cycled, a second evolutionary burst takes place, where previously extinct SO x species reemerge concurrently with a loss of LiO–R and Li 2 O. This identifies reactions rooted in “SuFEx” chemistry, where oxoanionic LiO–R and Li 2 O species, electrochemically generated in the solid-electrolyte interphase, chemically react with FSI − in the electrolyte to form emergent species. This sequence of evolutionary bursts produces a mechanically resilient composite that reduces silicon anode cracking over hundreds of cycles, leading to overpotential increase of only ~0.01 volts after 200 cycles.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS2014

Investigation of Metal Oxide/Carbon Nano Material as Anode for High Capacity Lithium-ion Cells

NASA is developing high specific energy and high specific capacity lithium-ion battery (LIB) technology for future NASA missions. Current state-of-art LIBs have issues in terms of safety and thermal stability, and are reaching limits in specific energy capability based on the electrochemical materials selected. For example, the graphite anode has a limited capability to store Li since the theoretical capacity of graphite is 372 mAh/g. To achieve higher specific capacity and energy density, and to improve safety for current LIBs, alternative advanced anode, cathode, and electrolyte materials are pursued under the NASA Advanced Space Power System Project. In this study, the nanostructed metal oxide, such as Fe2O3 on carbon nanotubes (CNT) composite as an LIB anode has been investigated.

battery performance↗
DOE OSTI2025

Crossover Effects of Transition‐Metal Ions on Lithium‐Metal Anode in Localized High Concentration Electrolytes

Abstract The stability of the solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) is critical to the cycle life of lithium‐metal batteries (LMBs). While the crossover effect of transition‐metal ions from cathode to anode is extensively studied in lithium‐ion batteries with graphite anodes, its impact on LMBs remains largely unexplored. Herein, this study investigates the electrochemical and chemical properties of SEI layers formed on lithium‐metal anodes in localized high‐concentration electrolytes (LHCEs) containing dissolved transition‐metal ions (Ni 2+ , Mn 2+ , and Co 2+ ). It is demonstrated that transition‐metal ions in LHCEs reduce the coulombic efficiency (CE) and significantly degrade the cycle life of LMBs. Time‐of‐flight secondary‐ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) reveals that SEI structures differ depending on the dissolved TM ion, with Mn 2+ and Co 2+ inducing severe destabilization, and Ni 2+ exhibiting a less severe impact. These findings underscore the detrimental effects of transition‐metal crossover effects in LMB systems.

Guo, Zezhou [Materials Science and Engineering Pro↗
DOE OSTI2025

Elucidating the Effects of LiF on Lithium Metal Anodes

LiF is widely recognized as a crucial component of a solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) for Li metal anodes. However, the roles of LiF in the SEI remain elusive. Herein, we examined the evolution of SEI influenced by LiF and identified distinct features that elucidate functional characteristics of LiF for Li metal anodes. Through comprehensive empirical and theoretical analyses, we found that LiF enriches Li2O within the SEI, forms LiF/Li2O interfaces, exhibits non-negligible solubility with spontaneous dissolution-reprecipitation behavior in the electrolyte, and works synergistically with Li2O. These findings shed light on the effects of LiF on Li metal anodes and the arrangement characteristic of LiF within the SEI. By integrating key discoveries regarding LiF, a projected working mechanism for LiF is illustrated. Overall, our study on LiF provides valuable insights that advance the understanding of the SEI and interphase nanostructures, contributing to the development of more reliable and practical Li metal batteries.

Kim, Mun Sek↗
DOE OSTI2024

Low Melting Temperature Gallium–Indium Liquid Metal Anode for Solid-State Li-Ion Batteries

Solid-state Li-ion batteries are attracting attention for their enhanced safety features, higher energy density, and broader operational temperature range compared to systems based on liquid electrolytes. However, current solid-state Li-ion batteries face performance challenges, such as suboptimal cycling and poor rate capabilities, often due to inadequate interfacial contact between the solid electrolyte and electrodes. To address this issue, we incorporated a gallium–indium (Ga–In) liquid metal as the anode in a solid-state Li-ion battery setup, employing Li 6 PS 5 Cl as the solid electrolyte. Operating at room temperature, this configuration achieved an initial capacity of 389 mAh g –1 and maintained 88% of this capacity after 30 cycles at a 0.05 C rate. It also demonstrated a capacity retention of 66% after 500 cycles at a 0.5 C rate. In comparison to solid anode materials, such as tin, the Ga–In liquid metal exhibited superior cycling stability and rate capacity, which is due to the self-healing and fluid properties of the alloy that ensure stable interfacial contact with solid electrolytes. In situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) and ex situ scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses revealed that indium does not directly participate in the lithiation/delithiation process. Instead, it helps maintain the alloy’s low melting point, facilitating its return to a liquid state after delithiation. In a comparative analysis of stack pressure during cycling in cells utilizing Ga–In liquid metal and tin, the Ga–In liquid metal cell demonstrated an ability to buffer pressure increases associated with deformation. In conclusion, these findings suggest a promising approach for enhancing solid-state batteries by integrating liquid metal anodes, which improve interfacial contact and stability.

Alloys↗
DOE OSTI2024

Fracture Dynamics in Silicon Anode Solid-State Batteries

Solid-state batteries (SSBs) with silicon anodes could enable improved safety and energy density compared to lithium-ion batteries. However, degradation arising from the massive volumetric changes of silicon anodes during cycling is not well understood in solid-state systems. Here, we use operando X-ray computed microtomography to reveal micro- to macro-scale chemo-mechanical degradation processes of silicon anodes in SSBs. Mud-type channel cracks driven by biaxial tensile stress form across the electrode during delithiation. We also find detrimental cracks at the silicon/ solid electrolyte interface that form due to local reaction competition between neighboring domains of different sizes. Continuum phase-field damage modeling quantifies stress-driven channel cracking and shows that the lithiated silicon stress state is critical for determining the extent of interfacial fracture. This work reveals the mechanisms that govern SSBs compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries and provides guidelines for engineering chemomechanically resilient electrodes for high-energy batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Mitigating Hydrogen-Induced Degradation of Iridium Anodes in Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers

One promising method for reducing precious metal usage in proton exchange membrane water electrolysis is lowering iridium (Ir) loading at the anode. However, low-loading Ir catalysts often suffer from poor stability under high current densities. In this study, hydrogen (H2) crossover from the cathode to the anode is identified as a key degradation pathway. Temperature-programmed reduction confirms the reduction of IrO2 at 80 °C in a hydrogen environment, highlighting the vulnerability of IrO2-based catalysts to H2 exposure. To mitigate this effect, palladium (Pd) is introduced as an anode additive, acting as an H2 oxidation catalyst and mitigating IrO2 reduction. This protective role is verified by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy and in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy, showing significantly suppressed Ir dissolution at 80 °C under H2 flow when an O-covered Pd surface is present at oxygen evolution reaction potentials. Results from the current study identify a new strategy in improving activity and durability of catalysts in electrolyzers.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Revealing the potential of nickel zinc ferrite: Facile synthesis and cost-effective anode for lithium-ion batteries

The increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) underscores the need for cost-effective alternative anode materials to ensure efficient Li-ion storage, given their pivotal role in various industries. This research focuses on the facile synthesis of nickel zinc ferrite (NZFO: Ni 0.65 Zn 0.35 Fe 2 O 4 ) and conducts comprehensive electrochemical analyses to evaluate its potential as a high-capacity alternative anode material for LIBs. The NZFO-CMR [sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (2%) and styrene-butadiene rubber (1%)] exhibited an initial delithiated capacity of ∼1232 mA h g −1 and maintained a stable capacity of around 358 mA h g −1 , along with an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.6% over 200 cycles. Cyclic voltammetry analysis revealed that Li-ion insertion was predominantly governed by ion diffusion, and the consistent correlation observed in electrochemical impedance spectroscopy spectra indicated stable electrochemical behavior throughout cycling. The facile synthesis approach and reasonable electrochemical performance of NZFO suggest its potential as an alternative anode material for advancing LIB's technology.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Surface deformation coupled with self-organized pattern on a liquid anode of 1 atm DC glow discharge

Intricate, self-organized plasma structures observed above the surface of a liquid anode of atmospheric DC glow discharge were found to give rise to coherent, organized surface deformation and mechanical wave formation at the plasma–liquid interface. This new phenomenon indicates that the liquid is closely coupled to the plasma by the anode sheath’s electrohydrodynamic (EHD) force. A scientific question then arises: Do surface perturbations, coupled with the nonuniform surface charge distribution, enhance the electric field and induce self-organization? Using the reflective background-oriented schlieren technique, the liquid surface profile under the plasma pattern was measured for the first time. The results show that surface distortions are driven by the repulsive Coulomb force of nonuniform net-negative surface charge acted by the anode sheath field. The impacts of various operating parameters on the patterns and surface waves were examined, revealing the significance of gas heating and liquid charge relaxation time in the pattern formation mechanism. Time-resolved dynamics of a pulsed DC discharge indicated that the surface deformation only appeared after the establishment of plasma patterns. Statistically, the surface wave under the plasma has high wave numbers (8000–16000 m −1 ) and small amplitudes ($<$ 10 µm), generally found in the capillary wave regime. Yet the motion of surface deformations is in tandem with the plasma pattern and exhibits a nondispersive nature of constant phase velocity (0.1–0.4 m s −1 ), suggesting the dominant role of EHD force over the surface tension in the observed surface wave. These results indicate that the deformed liquid surface is driven by the EHD force of the plasma sheath. Although they share a similar geometry, the deformation and wave dynamics of the liquid surface do not stimulate a plasma pattern. Importantly, the complex EHD coupling in the plasma–liquid system raises awareness and new challenges for plasma control engineering, and the quantitative characteristics of the nondispersive surface wave are informative for advancing relevant theory and modeling.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗