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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 145 records · Page 8
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Highly efficient interface stabilization for ambient-temperature quasi-solid-state sodium metal batteries

Solid-state sodium (Na) batteries (SSSBs) using sulfide-based solid electrolytes (SSEs) hold tremendous promise due to their high theoretical specific capacity, enhanced safety and abundant resources. However, detrimental interfacial issues between SSEs and Na metal present a major challenge to the advancement of sulfide-based SSSBs. To address interfacial issues, we demonstrate an efficient approach by incorporating an ionic liquid electrolyte ((PYR/Na)TFSI) as interlayer to stabilize the Na metal/SSE interface. The presence of the (PYR/Na)TFSI interlayer enables the formation of a stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) to prevent the harmful reactions and inhibit Na dendrites. Combination of ab initio molecular dynamics simulations and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that this stable SEI is largely composed of reduced products of TFSI -, such as NaF and CF 3 . As a result, the symmetric cells exhibited stable Na plating/striping cycling for 300 h at 0.1 mA cm -2 . In addition, FeS2||Na quasi-solid-state batteries delivered an impressive specific capacity of over 300 mAh g -1 under the current density of 20 mA g -1 at room temperature. Under a higher current density (100 mA g -1 ), such batteries performed with long-term cycling stability and maintained a specific capacity of around 103 mAh g -1 after 330 cycles. This work demonstrates the novel perspective of using an ionic liquid interlayer to address interfacial issues, contributing to the advancement of high-performance SSSBs for the next-generation energy storage systems.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Design of Sodium Chalcohalide Solid Electrolytes with Mixed Anions for All‐Solid‐State Sodium‐Ion Batteries

Solid-state sodium-ion batteries (SSNIBs) have emerged as a promising alternative to lithium-ion systems for grid-scale energy storage, owing to sodium's abundance and the improved safety of solid-state designs. Among various solid-state electrolytes (SSEs), halide-based Na + SSEs offer high electrochemical stability but are limited by low ionic conductivity and poor thermal stability. Herein, a novel class of sodium hafnium chalcohalide SSEs is reported with a dual-anion (S 2− /Cl − ) framework, with a high ionic conductivity of 4.5 × 10 −4 S cm −1 . The incorporation of sulfur enhances Na⁺ mobility by reducing the migration barrier through increased anion polarizability and expanded diffusion pathways. Additionally, S 2− contributes to stronger interatomic bonding, leading to higher cohesive energy density, improved thermal stability, and mechanical robustness. These SSEs exhibit minimal sulfur oxidation and excellent chemical/electrochemical interface stability with different cathode materials, such as O3-layered NaNi 1/3 Fe 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 , P2/O3 layered Na 0.85 Mn 0.5 Ni 0.4 Fe 0.1 O 2 , and Na 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 cathodes. As a result, SSNIBs with P2/O3 layered Na 0.85 Mn 0.5 Ni 0.4 Fe 0.1 O 2 employing the sodium hafnium chalcohalide SSEs demonstrate outstanding cycling performance, achieving a capacity retention of 88.5% after 200 cycles at 0.1 C. This study establishes a new design strategy for high-performance SSEs, demonstrating that mixed-anion frameworks offer a viable route to overcome the intrinsic limitations of single-anion electrolytes in next-generation SSNIBs.

DFT calculation↗
DOE OSTI2026

Rational Electrolyte Formulation for Sodium Metal Batteries Operating in Extremely Cold Environments

Sodium metal batteries have shown considerable potential when operated at ambient temperatures. However, their performance in cold environments is constrained by increased electrolyte resistance with decreasing temperature and dendritic sodium plating associated with unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), which are primarily influenced by the electrolyte composition. In this study, we present an electrolyte formulation that remains thermally stable down to −150 °C, which not only facilitates low internal resistance but also contributes to the formation of a protective SEI under cryogenic conditions. When cycled at −40 °C at 1 mA cm −2 , the sodium metal electrode exhibits a low overpotential of only 16 mV over 750 h; even at an ultra-low temperature of −80 °C, the electrode demonstrates remarkable long-term stability with a low overpotential of 54 mV sustained over 1500 h at 0.5 mA cm −2 . Furthermore, full cell evaluations when paring with Na 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 cathode reveal a high average Coulombic efficiency exceeding 99.1% and a capacity retention over 83% after 100 cycles at both −40 °C and −80 °C.

Electrolyte↗
DOE OSTI2024

Self‐Templated 3D Sulfide‐Based Solid Composite Electrolyte for Solid‐State Sodium Metal Batteries

Abstract Rechargeable solid‐state sodium metal batteries (SSMBs) experience growing attention owing to the increased energy density (vs Na‐ion batteries) and cost‐effective materials. Inorganic sulfide‐based Na‐ion conductors also possess significant potential as promising solid electrolytes (SEs) in SSMBs. Nevertheless, due to the highly reactive Na metal, poor interface compatibility is the biggest obstacle for inorganic sulfide solid electrolytes such as Na 3 SbS 4 to achieve high performance in SSMBs. To address such electrochemical instability at the interface, new design of sulfide SE nanostructures and interface engineering are highly essential. In this work, a facile and straightforward approach is reported to prepare 3D sulfide‐based solid composite electrolytes (SCEs), which utilize porous Na 3 SbS 4 (NSS) as a self‐templated framework and fill with a phase transition polymer. The 3D structured SCEs display obviously improved interface stability toward Na metal than pristine sulfide. The assembled SSMBs (with TiS 2 or FeS 2 as cathodes) deliver outstanding electrochemical cycling performance. Moreover, the cycling of high‐voltage oxide cathode Na 0.67 Ni 0.33 Mn 0.67 O 2 (NNMO) is also demonstrated in SSMBs using 3D sulfide‐based SCEs. This study presents a novel design on the self‐templated nanostructure of SCEs, paving the way for the advancement of high‐energy sodium metal batteries.

Guo, Xiaolin↗
DOE OSTI2022

Highly Reversible Sodium Metal Battery Anodes via Alloying Heterointerfaces

As a promising pathway toward low-cost, long-duration energy storage, rechargeable sodium batteries are of increasing interest. Batteries that incorporate metallic sodium as anode promise a high theoretical specific capacity of 1166 mAh g –1 , and low reduction potential of –2.71 V. The high reactivity and poor electrochemical reversibility of sodium anodes render sodium metal anode (SMA) cells among the most challenging for practical implementation. Here, the failure mechanisms of Na anodes are investigated and the authors report that loss of morphological control is not the fundamental cause of failure. Rather, it is the inherently poor anchoring/root structure of electrodeposited Na to the electrode substrate that leads to poor reversibility and cell failure. Poorly anchored Na deposits are prone to break away from the current collector, producing orphaning and poor anode utilization. Thin metallic coatings in a range of chemistries are proposed and evaluated as SMA substrates. Based on thermodynamic and ion transport considerations, such substrates undergo reversible alloying reactions with Na and are hypothesized to promote good root growth—regardless of the morphology. Among the various options, Au stands out for its ability to support long Na anode lifetime and high reversibility (Coulombic Efficiency > 98%), for coating thicknesses in the range of 10–1000 nm. Finally, as a first step toward evaluating practical utility of the anodes, their performance in Na||SPAN cells with N:P ratio close to 1:1 is evaluated.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Heterostructure engineering in electrode materials for sodium-ion batteries: Recent progress and perspectives

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have stepped into the spotlight as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries for large-scale energy storage systems. However, SIB electrode materials, in general, have inferior performance than their lithium counterparts because Na + is larger and heavier than Li + . Heterostructure engineering is a promising strategy to overcome this intrinsic limitation and achieve practical SIBs. We provide a brief review of recent progress in heterostructure engineering of electrode materials and research on how the phase interface influences Na + storage and transport properties. Efficient strategies for the design and fabrication of heterostructures (in situ methods) are discussed, with a focus on the heterostructure formation mechanism. The heterostructure's influence on Na + storage and transport properties arises primarily from local distortions of the structure and chemomechanical coupling at the phase interface, which may accelerate ion/electron diffusion, create additional active sites, and bolster structural stability. Finally, we offer our perspectives on the existing challenges, knowledge gaps, and opportunities for the advancement of heterostructure engineering as a means to develop practical, high-performance sodium-ion batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Materials design of sodium chloride solid electrolytes Na3MCl6 for all-solid-state sodium-ion batteries

All-solid-state sodium-ion batteries have attracted increasing attention owing to the low cost of sodium and the enhanced safety compared to conventional Li-ion batteries. Recently, halides have been considered as promising solid electrolytes (SEs) due to their favorable combination of high ionic conductivity and chemical stability against high-voltage cathode materials. Although a wide variety of lithium chloride SEs, Li 3 MCl 6 , have been developed for high-voltage all-solid-state batteries, only a limited number of sodium chloride SEs have been reported. This study aims to offer a material design insight for the development of sodium chloride SEs through systematic assessment of the phase stability, electrochemical stability, and transport properties of novel Na 3 MCl 6 SEs. Structural calculations indicate that Na 3 MCl 6 exhibits trigonal $P\bar{3}$1c, monoclinic P2 1 /n, and trigonal $R\bar{3}$ phases, and the stable phase of Na 3 MCl 6 is dependent on the type and ionic radius of M. Na 3 MCl 6 typically exhibits a high oxidation potential, demonstrating good electrochemical stability against cathodes. The bond-valence site energy and ab initio molecular dynamics calculations revealed that Na 3 MCl 6 with P2 1 /n and $R\bar{3}$ phases showed low ionic conductivity, while the $P\bar{3}$1c phase slightly improved the ionic conductivity of Na 3 MCl 6 . The formation of Na vacancies by aliovalent substitution considerably increased the ionic conductivity up to four orders of magnitude for pristine Na 3 MCl 6 , exhibiting ~10 –5 S cm –1 for trigonal $P\bar{3}$1c and $R\bar{3}$ phases. The formation of defects could further enhance the ionic conductivity of Na 3 MCl 6 , and the optimization of defect type and ratio can be helpful in developing superionic Na chloride SEs. The material design of Na 3 MCl 6 in this study will provide fundamental guidelines for the development of novel sodium halide SEs for all-solid-state sodium-ion batteries.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2020

Highly Reversible Sodiation/Desodiation from a Carbon-Sandwiched SnS2 Nanosheet Anode for Sodium Ion Batteries

The further improvement of sodium ion batteries requires the elucidation of the mechanisms pertaining to reversibility, which allows the novel design of the electrode structure. Her; through a hydrogel-embedding method, we are able to confine the growth of few-layer SnS 2 nanosheets between a nitrogen- and sulfur-doped carbon nanotube (NS-CNT) and amorphous carbon. The obtained carbon-sandwiched SnS 2 nanosheets demonstrate excellent sodium storage properties. In operando small-angle X-ray scattering combined with the ex situ X-ray absorption near edge spectra reveal that the redox reactions between SnS 2 /NS-CNT and the sodium ion are highly reversible. Furthermore, on the contrary, the nanostructure evolution is found to be irreversible, in which the SnS 2 nanosheets collapse, followed by the regeneration of SnS 2 nanoparticles. This work provides operando insights into the chemical environment evolution and structure change of SnS 2 -based anodes, elucidating its reversible reaction mechanism, and illustrates the significance of engineered carbon support in ensuring the electrode structure stability.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Review of Layered Transition Metal Oxide Materials for Cathodes in Sodium-Ion Batteries

The growing interest in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) is driven by scarcity and the rising costs of lithium, coupled with the urgent need for scalable and sustainable energy storage solutions. Among various cathode materials, layered transition metal oxides have emerged as promising candidates due to their structural similarity to lithium-ion battery (LIB) counterparts and their potential to deliver high energy density at reduced costs. However, significant challenges remain, including limited capacity at high charge/discharge rates and structural instability during extended cycling. Addressing these issues is critical for advancing SIB technology toward industrial applications, particularly for large-scale energy storage systems. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of layered sodium transition metal oxides, focusing on their structural properties, electrochemical performance, and degradation mechanisms. Special attention is given to the intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to their instability, such as structural phase transitions, and cationic/anionic redox behavior. Additionally, recent advancements in material design strategies, including doping, surface modifications, and composite formation, are discussed to highlight the progress toward enhancing the stability and performance of these materials. This work aims to bridge the knowledge gaps and inspire further innovations in the development of high-performance cathodes for sodium-ion batteries.

Ahangari, Mehdi (ORCID:0000000345803969)↗
DOE OSTI2022

Sodium-ion Battery

Room temperature rechargeable sodium-ion batteries (NIBs) are one of the most promising candidates for large-scale energy storage and load leveling of renewable energy sources due to the abundance, low cost of Na resources, and their relatively high energy density. NIBs are primarily based on intercalation chemistry and are similar to Lithium-ion batteries (LIB). The rich knowledge gained in LIBs for the past 4 decades have accelerated the discovery and development of high energy density NIBs cathode and anode materials. The use of sustainable Na, Al current collector, and Mn and Fe based cathode materials is expected to stabilize the cost and demand for Li, Co, Ni and Cu.

Omenya, Fredrick O.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Entropy and crystal-facet modulation of P2-type layered cathodes for long-lasting sodium-based batteries

Abstract P2-type sodium manganese-rich layered oxides are promising cathode candidates for sodium-based batteries because of their appealing cost-effective and capacity features. However, the structural distortion and cationic rearrangement induced by irreversible phase transition and anionic redox reaction at high cell voltage (i.e., >4.0 V) cause sluggish Na-ion kinetics and severe capacity decay. To circumvent these issues, here, we report a strategy to develop P2-type layered cathodes via configurational entropy and ion-diffusion structural tuning. In situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction combined with electrochemical kinetic tests and microstructural characterizations reveal that the entropy-tuned Na 0.62 Mn 0.67 Ni 0.23 Cu 0.05 Mg 0.07 Ti 0.01 O 2 (CuMgTi-571) cathode possesses more {010} active facet, improved structural and thermal stability and faster anionic redox kinetics compared to Na 0.62 Mn 0.67 Ni 0.37 O 2 . When tested in combination with a Na metal anode and a non-aqueous NaClO 4 -based electrolyte solution in coin cell configuration, the CuMgTi-571-based positive electrode enables an 87% capacity retention after 500 cycles at 120 mA g −1 and about 75% capacity retention after 2000 cycles at 1.2 A g −1 .

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
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↗
NASA NTRS1990

Sodium-sulfur battery flight experiment definition study

Sodium-sulfur batteries are considered to be one of the most likely battery systems for space applications. Compared with the Ni-H2 or Ni-Co battery systems, Na-S batteries offer a mass reduction by a factor of 2 to 4, representing significant launch cost savings or increased payload mass capabilities. The Na-S battery operates at between 300 and 400 C, using liquid sodium and sulfur/polysulfide electrodes and solid ceramic electrolyte; the transport of the electrode materials to the surface of the electrolyte is through wicking/capillary forces. This paper describes five tests identified for the Na-S battery flight experiment definition study, which include the cell characterization test, the reactant distribution test, the current/temperature distribution test, the freeze/thaw test, and the multicell LEO test. A schematic diagram of Na-S cell is included.

Chang, Rebecca↗
DOE OSTI2020

Iron-Doped Sodium Vanadium Oxyflurophosphate Cathodes for Sodium-Ion Batteries—Electrochemical Characterization and In Situ Measurements of Heat Generation

Sodium-ion batteries (NaIBs) are increasingly being envisioned for grid-scale energy-storage systems because of cost advantages. However, implementation of this vision has been challenged by the low-energy densities delivered by most NaIB cathodes. Toward addressing this challenge, the authors report the synthesis and characterization of a new iron-doped Na 3 Fe 0.3 V 1.7 O(PO 4 ) 2 F 2 cathode using a novel facile hydrothermal route. The synthesized material was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Mössbauer spectroscopy techniques. The obtained discharge capacity in the half-cell configuration lies from 119 to 125 to 130 mA h/g at C/10 while tested using three different electrolyte formulations, dimethyl carbonate–ethylene carbonate (EC)–propylene carbonate (PC), diethyl carbonate–EC, and EC–PC, respectively. The synthesized cathodes were also evaluated in full-cell configurations, which delivered an initial discharge capacity of 80 mA h/g with NaTi 2 (PO 4 ) 3 MWCNT as the anode. Ionic diffusivity and interfacial charge transfer kinetics were also evaluated as a function of temperature and sodium concentration, which revealed that electrochemical rate performances in this material were limited by charge-transfer kinetics. To understand the heat generation mechanism of the Na/Na 3 Fe 0.3 V 1.7 O(PO 4 ) 2 F 2 half-cell during charge and discharge processes, an electrochemical isothermal calorimetry measurement was carried out at different current rates for two different temperatures (25 and 45 °C). The results showed that the amount of heat generated was strongly affected by the operating charge/discharge state, C-rate, and temperature. Altogether, this work provides a new synthesis route for the development of iron-doped Na 3 Fe 0.3 V 1.7 O(PO 4 ) 2 F 2 -based high-performance sodium cathode materials aimed at providing a viable pathway for the development and deployment of large-scale energy-storage based on sodium battery systems.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Eutectic Synthesis of the P2-Type Na x Fe 1/2 Mn 1/2 O 2 Cathode with Improved Cell Design for Sodium-Ion Batteries

An engaging area of research in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) has been focusing on discovery, design, and synthesis of high-capacity cathode materials in order to boost energy density to levels close enough to that of state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries. Of particular interest, P2-type layered oxide, Na 2/3 Fe 1/2 Mn 1/2 O 2 , has been researched as a potential cathode in SIBs based on its high theoretical capacity of 260 mA h/g and use of noncritical materials. However, the reported synthesis methods are not only complex and energy-demanding but also often yield inhomogeneous and impure materials with capacities less than 200 mA h/g under impractical test conditions. Here, we report a novel synthesis route using low-temperature eutectic reaction to produce highly homogeneous, crystalline, and impurity-free P2-Na x Fe 1/2 Mn 1/2 O 2 with enhanced Na-ion diffusivity and kinetics. The overall electrochemical performances of the Na-ion cells have been improved by pairing the P2-cathode with presodiated hard carbon anodes, leading to reversible capacities in the range of 180 mA h/g. This new approach is a contribution toward the simplification of synthesis and scalability of sodium-based cathodes with high crystallinity and fine-tuned morphology and the realization of a sodium-ion battery system with lower cost and improved electrochemical performance.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Neutron Scattering in Sodium-Ion Battery Research: Progress and Prospects

Sodium-ion batteries have attracted renewed interest in recent years and are widely studied as a complementary power source to Li-ion batteries for large-scale stationary energy storage and small electric vehicles. Compared with Li-ion batteries, Na-ion batteries offer several advantages, including elemental abundance, lower cost, improved safety, and better low-temperature performance. An in-depth understanding of Na-ion batteries across multiple length and time scales has further accelerated the rapid development of this technology. Among the various advanced characterization techniques used to study Na-ion batteries, neutron scattering has gained significant traction in recent years. It has become a powerful and versatile tool for probing structure, morphology, and sodium-ion dynamics over a wide range of length and time scales. In this article, we will briefly review the development of neutron scattering technology and highlight recent advances in applying neutron-based techniques—including neutron diffraction, total scattering, small-angle scattering, quasi-elastic/inelastic scattering, and neutron imaging—to Na-ion battery materials. We also provide perspectives on future technique developments, particularly in the realm of in situ and operando neutron scattering characterization, and discuss how these approaches could further enhance our understanding of Na-ion battery systems.

Liu, Jue [ORNL] (ORCID:000000024453910X)↗
DOE OSTI2026

Molecular Tuning of Ether Cosolvent Chemistry for High-Voltage Sodium-Ion Batteries

Ethers as electrolyte cosolvents in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) provide favorable Na + solvation and interfacial properties, but their low oxidative stability limits their use in high-voltage SIBs. Herein, we address this limitation via molecular tuning of ether cosolvents for high-voltage (4.2 V) hard carbon || NaNi 0.33 Fe 0.33 Mn 0.33 O 2 full cells. Tetrahydropyran (THP) is functionalized with a nitrile group to form tetrahydropyran-4-carbonitrile (THPCN). To delineate the effect of nitrile functionalization and benchmark ether against a conventional carbonate, THP, THPCN, and diethyl carbonate (DEC) are evaluated as cosolvents with ethylene carbonate. Nitrile functionalization lowers the HOMO energy of the ether, extends the electrolyte stability window, and alters Na⁺ solvation. Spectroscopic techniques and molecular dynamics simulations reveal that THPCN exhibits predominantly aggregate-dominated solvation (95.1 %) with weakened Na + -solvent interactions, producing the most anion-rich environment relative to DEC and THP cosolvents. THPCN-modified solvation promotes the formation of highly conductive, fluorine-enriched interphases that suppress parasitic reactions. Pouch full cells with THPCN sustained ~ 600 cycles at 4.2 V, outperforming THP and DEC. Operando gas analysis reveals that THPCN reduces CO 2 generation by 45% and H 2 generation by 30% relative to THP. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate nitrile functionalization as a molecular design strategy to stabilize ethers and enable high-voltage SIBs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Novel Q-Carbon Anodes for Sodium-Ion Batteries

The lack of a standard anode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) has greatly hindered their applications. Herein, we show that a novel phase of carbon, namely Q-carbon, is an effective anode material for sodium-ion batteries. The Q-carbon, which is a metastable phase of carbon consisting of about 80% sp 3 - and 20% sp 2 -bonded carbon, is synthesized by nonequilibrium pulsed laser annealing and arc-discharge methods. Two types of Q-carbons, Q1 and Q2, were evaluated as anode material for SIBs. Q1 had a slow quench and was used as the control, whereas Q2 was Q-carbon with a rapid quenching. Q1 exhibits a high initial columbic efficiency of 81% and a low-capacity retention of less than 60%, whereas Q2 has a low initial columbic efficiency of 58% and a high-capacity retention of 81%. Q2 exhibits a stable capacity of 168 mAh·g −1 at a cycling rate of C/3 (124 mA·g −1 ), which is comparable to other hard carbon anodes reported in the literature. This unique synthesis method opens a pathway for the further tuning of Q-carbon with higher trapping/charging of Na + ions in improved SIBs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗