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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 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Impacts of Lanthanum Impurities on Nickel-Rich Cathode Materials

The widespread use of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has led to environmental concerns and exacerbated the scarcity of essential minerals, underscoring the urgent need for effective recycling strategies. Among various recycling methods, the hydrometallurgical process is distinguished by its energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact. Nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries are a significant source of nickel sulfate (NiSO 4 ) for hydrometallurgical recycling due to their substantial nickel content. A significant challenge arises from the effective separation of lanthanum (La), which results in at least 20 ppm of La being present in the recycled NiSO 4 . This study explores a critical aspect of the recycling process: the impact of La 3+ impurities, introduced through recycled NiSO 4 , on the performance of the synthesized nickel-rich cathode materials. We conducted a thorough investigation into how La 3+ influences morphology and structural integrity during both the synthesis of precursors and the production of cathode materials. Our findings indicate that La 3+ impurities do not adversely affect the morphology or structural integrity of the cathode precursors relative to virgin materials. However, higher concentrations of La 3+ reduce the discharge capacity with enhanced cycle stability by minimizing cation mixing between lithium (Li + ) and nickel (Ni 2+ ) ions within the cathode. Furthermore, this stability is crucial for extending battery life. Therefore, controlling the concentration of La 3+ impurities is essential for optimizing the electrochemical performance of recycled cathode materials.

Corrosion↗
DOE OSTI2021

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↗
DOE OSTI2022

A subdermal tagging technique for juvenile sturgeon using a new self-powered acoustic tag

Abstract Background A new technology for a self-powered acoustic tag (SPT) was developed for active tracking of juvenile fish, intended to avoid the typical battery life constraints associated with active telemetry technology. We performed a laboratory study to evaluate a subdermal tagging technique for the SPT and effects of the tag on survival, tag retention, and growth in juvenile white sturgeon ( Acipenser transmontanus ). Results Survival was associated with tag retention. White sturgeon implanted with the SPT ( n = 30) had 93% survival and tag retention by day 28, 67% by day 101, and 38% by day 595 post-tagging. Sturgeon implanted with a passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag only (control group) had 96% survival and tag retention by day 28, and through day 101 post-tagging. Fish in the PIT group were repurposed after day 101, so no comparisons with this group were made at day 595 post-tagging. Specific growth rate (SGR) for fork length was a median of 0.25% day −1 by day 28 for the SPT group, which was significantly lower than the PIT group (median: 0.42% day −1 ; n = 27). The SPT and PIT groups had similar SGR fork length by day 101 post-tagging (0.22 and 0.25% day −1 , respectively). SGR weight was also lower for the SPT group compared to the PIT group on day 28 (1.39 and 2.11% day −1 , respectively), but the difference again dissipated by day 101 (0.79 and 0.88% day −1 , respectively). Conclusion The tagging technique and placement of the SPT allowed the tag to remain upright along the flank of the sturgeon to ensure maximum battery output of the SPT; however, retention rates of the SPT were not ideal. We provided suggestions to improve the tagging technique. Suggestions included tagging fish that are > 400 mm FL, moving the incision location to extend the cavity and create a pocket for the placement of the SPT, and performing a quantitative wound-healing evaluation. Future studies are therefore recommended to evaluate these suggestions.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Revisiting the Role of Conductivity and Polarity of Host Materials for Long-Life Lithium–Sulfur Battery

Despite their high theoretical energy density and low cost, lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) suffer from poor cycle life and low energy efficiency owing to the polysulfides shuttle and the electronic insulating nature of sulfur. Conductivity and polarity are two critical parameters for the search of optimal sulfur host materials. However, their role in immobilizing polysulfides and enhancing redox kinetics for long-life LSBs are not fully understood. In this work we have conducted an evaluation on the role of polarity over conductivity by using a polar but nonconductive platelet ordered mesoporous silica (pOMS) and its replica platelet ordered mesoporous carbon (pOMC), which is conductive but nonpolar. It is found that the polar pOMS/S cathode with a sulfur mass fraction of 80 wt% demonstrates outstanding long-term cycle stability for 2000 cycles even at a high current density of 2C. Furthermore, the pOMS/S cathode with a high sulfur loading of 6.5 mg cm -2 illustrates high areal and volumetric capacities with high capacity retention. Complementary physical and electrochemical probes clearly show that surface polarity and structure are more dominant factors for sulfur utilization efficiency and long-life, while the conductivity can be compensated by the conductive agent involved as a required electrode material during electrode preparation. The present findings shed new light on the design principles of sulfur hosts towards long-life and highly efficient LSBs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Voltage and temperature effects on low cobalt lithium-ion battery cathode degradation

Degradation of low cobalt lithium-ion cathodes was tested using a full factorial combination of upper cut-off voltage (4.0 V and 4.3 V vs. Li/Li + ) and operating temperature (25 °C and 60 °C). Half-cell batteries were analyzed with electrochemical and microstructural characterization methods. Electrochemical performance was assessed with galvanostatic cycling, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) supported by distribution of relaxation times (DRT) analysis. Electrode microstructure was characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) imaging. Higher cut-off voltage cycling shows presence of NiO x formation, a low diffusivity rock-salt phase, in both CV and XRD data. XRD patterns confirmed that the rock-salt phase was beginning to form at the low cut-off voltage at high temperature, but in much lower intensity than at the high cut-off voltage. Higher temperature accelerates degradation processes at both voltages. Degradation factors at high temperature include NiO x formation, cathode material dissolution, and electrolyte decomposition. SEM analysis suggests that supporting phases may isolate and disconnect active material particles reducing capacity retention and battery life cycle. DRT analysis and XANES imaging show that both high temperature samples revealed a NiO x phase based on an increased diffusive impedance and a visible shift in the XANES spectra. The low cut-off voltage, high temperature sample showed a split peak and shift to lower energies indicating early formation of the NiO x phase. The diffusive impedance, which hinders intercalation and deintercalation, is driven by the formation of the NiO x phase. While primarily driven by cut-off voltage, elevated temperature also contributes to this degradation mechanism.

electrochemical impedance spectroscopy↗
NASA NTRS2020

Electromagnetic Pain Relief/Blocking: Feasibility Assessment

Context/Background: Astronauts use pharmaceuticals during spaceflight to manage acute and chronic pain, but use of analgesics will have drawbacks for exploration-class missions because the shelf life of these medications is limited, resupply will be curtailed, astronauts may develop tolerance and/or addiction to these medications, and side effects can include impairment of cognitive abilities. Electromagnetic devices have been developed that treat pain terrestrially by affecting neuromodulation–dubbed “electroceuticals”, these devices have varied mechanisms of action that either stimulate or suppress neural activity in the central nervous system or peripheral nerves. Objective/Purpose: The available literature was reviewed and FDA-approved pain treatments (both pharmacological and non-pharmacological), as well as those currently under development, were assessed for their suitability for use in exploration class spaceflight missions. Data Sources: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting closure of libraries, data sources were restricted to those available digitally. Online database searches included PubMed, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, federal grant award databases (National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Department of Defense (DoD), National Institutes of Health (NIH)), and general internet searches. More than 1,600 records were reviewed in this effort. Study Selection/Eligibility Criteria: Targeted searches included different aspects of pain management. Priority was given to review studies, to cover as much of the available literature as possible in this limited effort. Study Appraisal and Synthesis Methods/Data Extraction and Data Synthesis: The titles of the studies and the awards that were obtained by searching online databases were reviewed and further information was sought for the relevant titles. Abstracts or award summaries were generally available online; for journal abstracts, full text articles were either available online or were requested via interlibrary loan. Results: An overwhelming majority of the literature focuses on the treatment of chronic rather than acute pain because it is assumed that acute pain only rarely fails to resolve and instead transitions into chronic pain when the central nervous system becomes hypersensitized. The available electromagnetic devices marketed for pain treatment have varying levels of invasiveness, use different mechanisms of action, and have demonstrated varying efficacy when evaluated scientifically. A truly noninvasive, highly efficient device is desired for use during spaceflight. One portable, self-contained, FDA-approved device was identified that, from preliminarily assessment, best met these criteria; the device noninvasively applies pulsed shortwave therapy (PSWT) to modify pain signals from peripheral nerves, however, the device has limited battery life and the effects are relatively non-selective in type of neural signal modified. Limitations: This current effort, although extensive, did not identify a comprehensive list of all alternatives for pain treatment. Once the pandemic limitations are lifted, a longer, more thorough effort may find additional options. Conclusions/Implications: The ideal electromagnetic pain treatment device for use on exploration-class spaceflight missions does not yet exist, but it may be available soon. It is not feasible for NASA to develop medical devices due to the schedule constraints for pending exploration-class missions, but adapting a promising device that is already FDA-approved might be an option. Monitoring research that is ongoing at other federal agencies is recommended, and further review of the candidate PSWT device identified in this current effort may be warranted.

Carol Mullenax↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Electromagnetic Pain Relief/Blocking: Feasibility Assessment

CONTEXT/BACKGROUND Astronauts use pharmaceuticals during spaceflight to manage acute and chronic pain, but use of analgesics will have drawbacks for exploration-class missions because the shelf life of these medications is limited, resupply will be curtailed, astronauts may develop tolerance and/or addiction to these medications, and side effects can include impairment of cognitive abilities. Electromagnetic devices have been developed that treat pain terrestrially by affecting neuromodulation–dubbed “electroceuticals”, these devices have varied mechanisms of action that either stimulate or suppress neural activity in the central nervous system or peripheral nerves. OBJECTIVE/PURPOSE The available literature was reviewed and FDA-approved pain treatments (both pharmacological and non-pharmacological), as well as those currently under development, were assessed for their suitability for use in exploration class spaceflight missions. DATA SOURCES Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting closure of libraries, data sources were restricted to those available digitally. Online database searches included PubMed, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, federal grant award databases (National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Department of Defense (DoD), National Institutes of Health (NIH)), and general internet searches. More than 1,600 records were reviewed in this effort. STUDY SELECTION/ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Targeted searches included different aspects of pain management. Priority was given to review studies, to cover as much of the available literature as possible in this limited effort. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS/DATA EXTRACTION AND DATA SYNTHESIS The titles of the studies and the awards that were obtained by searching online databases were reviewed and further information was sought for the relevant titles. Abstracts or award summaries were generally available online; for journal abstracts, full text articles were either available online or were requested via interlibrary loan. RESULTS An overwhelming majority of the literature focuses on the treatment of chronic rather than acute pain because it is assumed that acute pain only rarely fails to resolve and instead transitions into chronic pain when the central nervous system becomes hypersensitized. The available electromagnetic devices marketed for pain treatment have varying levels of invasiveness, use different mechanisms of action, and have demonstrated varying efficacy when evaluated scientifically. A truly noninvasive, highly efficient device is desired for use during spaceflight. One portable, self-contained, FDA-approved device was identified that, from preliminarily assessment, best met these criteria; the device noninvasively applies pulsed shortwave therapy (PSWT) to modify pain signals from peripheral nerves, however, the device has limited battery life and the effects are relatively non-selective in type of neural signal modified. LIMITATIONS This current effort, although extensive, did not identify a comprehensive list of all alternatives for pain treatment. Once the pandemic limitations are lifted, a longer, more thorough effort may find additional options. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS The ideal electromagnetic pain treatment device for use on exploration-class spaceflight missions does not yet exist, but it may be available soon. It is not feasible for NASA to develop medical devices due to the schedule constraints for pending exploration-class missions, but adapting a promising device that is already FDA-approved might be an option. Monitoring research that is ongoing at other federal agencies is recommended, and further review of the candidate PSWT device identified in this current effort may be warranted.

C A Mullenax↗
DOE OSTI2021

Understanding Solvation Behavior of the Saturated Electrolytes with Small/Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering and Raman Spectroscopy

Concentrated electrolytes are attracting significant attention because the solvation structures could stabilize the interface, encouraging novel electrolyte development for high-voltage and long-cycle-life batteries. Saturated electrolytes, which have the highest salt concentrations, have been rarely studied because of their shortcomings of high viscosity and low ionic conductivity. Nevertheless, the exciting solvation structure in saturated solution is still worth studying, significantly broadening the comprehensive understanding of the solvation processes. In this work, we investigate the saturated lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) dissolved in seven different organic solvents, including propylene carbonate (PC), tetrahydrofuran (THF), acetonitrile (ACN), dimethylformamide (DMF), 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME), diethylene glycol dimethyl ether (Diglyme), and tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether (Tetraglyme). The combined small/wide-angle X-ray scattering and Raman spectroscopy are employed to study the global and local solvation structure. Here, this work demonstrates a method for detecting the structure of liquids, which will facilitate the study of structure–performance relationships and the screening of new electrolytes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

Microstrain screening towards defect-less layered transition metal oxide cathodes

Microstrain and the associated surface-to-bulk propagation of structural defects are known to be major roadblocks to developing high-energy and long-life batteries. However, the origin and effects of microstrain during the synthesis of battery materials remain largely unknown. Here, in this study, we perform microstrain screening during real-time and realistic synthesis of sodium layered oxide cathodes. Evidence gathered from multiscale in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction and microscopy characterization collectively reveals that the spatial distribution of transition metals within individual precursor particles strongly governs the nanoscale phase transformation, local charge heterogeneity and accumulation of microstrain during synthesis. This unexpected dominance of transition metals results in a counterintuitive outward propagation of defect nucleation and growth. These insights direct a more rational synthesis route to reduce the microstrain and crystallographic defects within the bulk lattice, leading to significantly improved structural stability. The present work on microstrain screening represents a critical step towards synthesis-by-design of defect-less battery materials.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

A Hybrid Fuel Cell and Battery Storage Power Management for Grid-Interactive EV Charging Station

With the increasing adoption of renewable energy sources in grid-interactive Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations, the role of energy storage systems has become critical. While large energy storage systems have mitigated the intermittency of renewable energy, integrating multi-source energy management with prioritized charging can further enhance the reliability of charging stations (CS). This paper presents a decentralized energy management (DEM) approach combining battery energy storage (BES) and fuel cell (FC) systems using a rule-based line resistance correction droop (LRCD) control technique. The proposed droop control dynamically adjusts the gain to balance the state-of-charge (SoC) of the BES, enhancing power support longevity and improving battery life under varying capacity conditions by reducing current stress. Additionally, the paper addresses the challenges of using fuel cells in linear regions to optimize efficiency and manage various charging scenarios. The CS integrates unity power factor grid interaction, and power support for auxiliary loads, maintaining harmonic distortion within 5% during grid islanding. The approach evaluates DC bus voltage regulation under various scenarios of PV array power fluctuations and dynamic load variations, in both grid-connected and standalone operations. In conclusion, the proposed control strategy is validated on a laboratory prototype through various dynamic load variation and grid islanding scenarios.

Khalid, Mohd [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)↗
DOE OSTI2024

Evaluation of survival estimates generated from tracking downstream migrating juvenile sea lamprey ( Petromyzon marinus ) with a miniature acoustic telemetry tag

Fish that undertake juvenile migration pass through habitats that vary in mortality risk. The ability to identify regions of persistently low survival would improve fishery management. We conducted a field study combined with predictive modeling of survival in downstream migrating juvenile sea lamprey using a new micro-acoustic telemetry tag designed for implantation into small, slender-bodied fishes. Detection data were collected from eight receivers placed across a coastal riverine–wetland–lake complex. Juvenile sea lamprey initiated downstream movement near nautical twilight, stopped frequently, and were more likely to move during high river discharge. Estimated survival was highest in the riverine reach, declined through the river–wetland complex, and dropped precipitously in the drowned rivermouth lake. However, the high transmission rate and resulting short battery life of the microtransmitters (as configured) likely resulted in missed detections in the lower reaches. Simulation analyses suggested survival estimation could be improved by increasing the number of tagged lamprey and staggering release locations. We offer practical recommendations for the use of this new transmitter in field studies with small anguilliform fish.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Current UAS Capabilities for Geospatial Spectral Solutions

Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are playing an increasingly pivotal role in advancing the remote collection of data. The various datasets collected by these cutting-edge systems provide near-real-time information and help inform end users on everything from disaster recovery efforts to monitoring atmospheric constituents. This chapter focuses on how the collection of imagery has progressed over time, including the pivotal role UAS play in building large-scale datasets driving data analysis. The authors report the findings of a 2018–2021 survey of the fields that use UAS, the UAS platforms most commonly used, and the sensor components users select to outfit their UAS. The chapter will also discuss the range of platforms currently available, with a specific focus on issues including battery life, data downlinks, data processing times, edge computing, and availability of new sensors. The authors will also discuss the future direction of UAS platforms as well as many of the problems associated with the high spatial and temporal resolution of modern geospatial datasets.

Cotten, David↗
DOE OSTI2021

The CanBikeCO Mini Pilot: Preliminary Results and Lessons Learned

In fall 2020, the Colorado Energy Office, as part of the State of Colorado’s “Can Do Colorado” initiative, initiated a project aimed at encouraging energy-efficient transportation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The initial mini-pilot provided e-bikes to 13 low-income households under an individual ownership model. This report assesses the impact of providing this additional mobility option on the travel behavior of participants. It also outlines the lessons learned from deploying a continuous monitoring platform to track the travel behavior. These lessons will influence the evaluation component for the full pilot, which will cover multiple geographic regions, starting in summer 2021, and run for 2 years. The continuous data collection was enabled by a customized version of the open-source e-mission platform, called CanBikeCO, configured with a behavioral gamification feature. The Colorado Energy Office used this system to collect a unique data set consisting of 3 months of partially automated travel diaries, combining sensed and surveyed data and linked with demographic information, from 12 participants. The data collection process worked well overall: users generally liked the app, appreciated the game, and did not complain about battery life. The long tracking period introduced behavioral challenges in user engagement, which we plan to address using repeated patterns and automated status checks for the full pilot. The analysis results, based on the subset of trips with user-reported labels (68%), indicate that the e-bike was the dominant commute mode share (31%), in sharp contrast to the census bicycle commute mode share (<1%). E-bike trips primarily replaced single-occupancy vehicle (SOV) trips (28%), followed closely by walking (24%) and regular bike (20%). The nonmotorized mode replacement corresponds to lower travel time and increased productivity enabled by the program. The emissions impact analysis of the program, computed using trip-level energy intensity factors, indicates savings of 1,367 lbs. of CO 2 . Although the results are strongly positive, the narrow demographic profile of study participants, their limited mobility alternatives, and nonuniform labeling indicate caution in broader interpretation. These preliminary results do suggest that such programs, supported by real-time education and support from program managers, can simultaneously meet equity and sustainability goals. The planned full pilot, addressing the data collection challenges and broadening the geographic scope, will provide additional insights into the generality of this approach.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2021

Cloud Droplet Measurement System for the ARM Tethered Balloon System (TBS) Field Campaign Report

The Mesa Photonics' cloud droplet measurement system (CDMS) performs in situ measurement of droplet size distribution and droplet number density in clouds. These characteristics are important cloud microphysical properties that are critical input parameters for atmospheric models and are also useful for proper calibration and validation of performance of other atmospheric measurement instrumentation. This small campaign was the first project (out of two) that involved integration of the CDMS into the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) user facility’s tethered balloon system (TBS) and its initial testing at the ARM Southern Great Plains (SGP) atmospheric observatory. The follow-up campaign (AFC07016) involved testing of the CDMS under relevant conditions at the third ARM Mobile Facility (AMF3) at Oliktok Point, Alaska and making in situ measurements in clouds. The goal of this small field campaign was to deploy the CDMS on the ARM TBS, demonstrate its integrity and compatibility with the TBS, and test the wireless telecommunication system in preparation for subsequent in-cloud measurements at ARM’s North Slope of Alaska (NSA) observatory at Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow). The specific technical objectives included: (1) Integration of the Mesa Photonics' CDMS into the ARM TBS, (2) testing of the wireless telecommunication system of the CDMS, (3) evaluating the data acquisition software and image processing algorithms especially under high-background-illumination conditions, and (4) testing the ruggedness of the instrument's optical alignment and other performance characteristics. All objectives have been successfully met. The mounting hardware was designed and built mostly at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), which allowed reliable mounting of the CDMS on the TBS and co-locating the CDMS with other instruments. The field tests were performed by the principal investigator (PI) in collaboration with the TBS operational crew led by D. Dexheimer. The field testing demonstrated good compatibility of the CDMS with the TBS. During the TBS flights, the crew did not experience any operational issues with the CDMS. The instrument demonstrated reliable operational characteristics, including sufficient battery life and good thermal management. The wireless telecommunication system has been successfully tested at TBS flight altitudes of up to 1000 m. During all flights, the CDMS raw data were wirelessly transmitted to the ground station and processed in real time. The ruggedness of the instrument's optical alignment was evaluated by performing calibration of the CDMS (using Mesa Photonics' fixed-size monodisperse droplet generator) before and after the campaign. The calibration was stable within the instrument's measurement precision. In summary, the campaign demonstrated good compatibility of the Mesa Photonics' CDMS with the ARM TBS. The flight tests confirmed the mechanical integrity of the CDMS and stability of its optical layout, as well as reliability of the wireless telecommunication system. Successful completion of this campaign provided a solid basis for the next campaign (AFC07016, November 2020), that involved testing of the CDMS during in-cloud TBS flights at AMF3 at Oliktok Point.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Development of electronically passivating surfaces to enhance battery performance

For many decades, lithium metal batteries (LMBs) have been studied for their high energy density, though they suffer from high reactivity, which safety concerns such as explosions and fires. These events can occur as a result of degradation due to redox reactions and lithium morphology that evolve during cycling. Mostly, the failure is caused by the electrolyte degradation leading to the creation of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), which tends to induce electron leakage, lithium dendrite growth, and capacity decay. SEI formation is practically inevitable. This work investigated the minimization of degradation events by modifying different battery configurations. Modifications were made by exchanging electrolytes, electrode surfaces, and even annexing innovative components. Our goal is to achieve a configuration where Li-ion transfer is facilitated, and electron transfer is limited which would enable a longer lithium metal battery life cycle. When performing these modifications and testing their electrochemical performance, a current reduction was observed when the electrodes were spontaneously coated with preformed SEI. Herein several classes of artificial SEI layers are explored for their ability to form passivating layers through use of a redox active molecule.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Gaussian process regression for radiological contamination mapping- Applied to optimal motion planning for mobile sensor platforms [Slides]

Want to achieve best representative characterization of the entire area efficiently and accurately-Unmanned aerial/ground vehicles (UAV/UGVs) for contamination mapping. Some major challenges include: Limited battery life (move smart), Human operated (fully autonomous controls) and Many measurements (predictive mapping capabilities). The objective: Develop fully autonomous controls for mobile sensor platforms to improve efficiency and maintain performance.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Deactivation and Cathode-Healing™ to support the Low-Cost US Supply Chain

Lithium-ion recycling is challenged by cost and safety related to reactivity of lithium and electrolytes. OnTo’s deactivation eliminates flammability and residual reactivity enabling a roadmap for safe, low-cost end-of-life battery services essential to the industry. Deactivation coupled with Cathode-healing provides safety and efficiency in material recycling that can be applied all along the manufacturing value chain. Dr. Sloop will present recent developments in application and scale of these innovative technologies.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Zero-Power Wireless Infrared Digitizing Sensors for Large Scale Energy-Smart Farm

This project, funded by ARPA-E and led by Northeastern University, developed zeropower infrared digitizing sensors to optimize irrigation and enhance crop yields. Traditional water stress detection methods are costly and require frequent maintenance, limiting their effectiveness. Our research identified shortwave infrared (SWIR) transmittance as the most reliable indicator of plant water stress and developed plasmonically enhanced micromechanical photoswitches (PMPs) that operate with minimal power. The sensors offer low-cost, large-scale deployment, auto-calibration across different crops, and a 10-year battery life, significantly reducing maintenance costs. The system achieved 4x greater accuracy than conventional soil moisture sensors while ensuring economic feasibility. By enabling precision irrigation, this technology conserves water, enhances crop productivity, and lowers operational costs, making it a scalable solution for sustainable agriculture and global food security.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗