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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 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Cracking the failure of lithium batteries

Lithium batteries that use a solid electrolyte have the potential to improve safety and increase the amount of stored energy . This makes solid-state electrochemical cells a promising option for electric vehicles and wearable devices. However, nonuniform plating or stripping of lithium at the interface between an anode (negative electrode) and the electrolyte during charging and discharging leads to growth of detrimental lithium filaments (dendrites) that short-circuit the battery cell. This problem even occurs when the battery operates at small currents. The underlying mechanism of this failure is not well understood. On page 311 of this issue, Wang et al. (1) report that structural defects accumulate in the lithium metal anode under repeated charging and discharging at a small current. This is similar to mechanical fatigue that is observed over longer periods of intermittent straining of a material. Here, the observation could guide the design of lithium batteries with increased life span.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Lithium Difluorophosphate as a Dendrite-Suppressing Additive for Lithium Metal Batteries

The growth of lithium (Li) dendrite and the low Coulombic efficiency (CE) of Li anode during repeated Li plating/stripping processes are the two major obstacles to the development of rechargeable Li metal batteries (LMBs). Introducing a dendrite-suppressing additive into the nonaqueous electrolyte is one of the facile and effective solutions to promote the commercialization of LMBs. Herein, Li difluorophosphate (LiPO2F2, LiDFP) is used as an electrolyte additive to suppress the growth of Li dendrites by forming a vigorous and stable solid electrolyte interphase layer on the Li metal surface. Moreover, the Li CE can be largely improved from 84.6% for the conventional LiPF6-based electrolyte to 95.2% by the addition of an optimal concentration of LiDFP at 0.15 M. The optimal LiDFP-containing electrolyte can allow the Li||Li symmetric cells to cycle stably for more than 500 and 200 h at 0.5 and 1.0 mA cm-2, respectively, much longer than the control electrolyte without LiDFP additive. Meanwhile, this LiDFP-containing electrolyte can also greatly enhance the cycle life of the Li||LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 cells with a moderately high mass loading of 9.7 mg cm-2. These results demonstrate that LiDFP has extensive application prospects as a dendrite-suppressing additive in advanced LMBs.

Shi, Pengcheng↗
DOE OSTI2023

Prospective Application, Mechanism, and Deficiency of Lithium Bis(oxalate)Borate as the Electrolyte Additive for Lithium-Batteries

Lithium bis(oxalate)borate (LiBOB) is one of the most common film-forming electrolyte additives used in lithium ion batteries (LIBs), since it can form a dense boron-containing polymer as a solid electrolyte interlayer (or cathode electrolyte interlayer) in order to isolate the electrode material from the electrolyte and prevent side reactions. LiBOB can serve as HF scavenger to maintain the structural integrity of electrodes via avoiding the transition metal dissolution caused by HF attack. Additionally, LiBOB also can react with LiPF 6 to generate lithium difluoro (oxalate)borate (LiDFOB) that can be further used as a clean-up agent for reactive oxygen radicals. This article lists the application of LiBOB in high capacity and high voltage cathode materials, and also reviews the working mechanisms of LiBOB used in these materials to improve the performance of LIBs. Finally, it presents the current shortcomings of LiBOB and strategies to overcome these. This article is expected to provide useful insights for employing LiBOB as a feasible method of dealing with the difficulty of running high capacity LIBs stably under high voltage.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Recent progress and future prospects of atomic layer deposition to prepare/modify solid-state electrolytes and interfaces between electrodes for next-generation lithium batteries

Lithium ion batteries (LIBs) are encouraging electrochemical devices with remarkable properties including a high energy/power density, fast charging capability, and low self-discharge rate. Further increase in energy density as well as safe usage is needed for next-generation LIBs in electric transportation vehicles. Solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) are very promising for high-performance LIBs since they enable improved safety along with increased energy density compared to flammable liquid organic electrolytes. However, utilizing SSEs with a Li metal anode is very challenging due to the possibility of undesired side reactions and the formation of an unstable solid-electrolyte interphase. Therefore, it is critical to enhance the stability of SSEs against the Li anode. One feasible approach is to form a thin and conductive interlayer between the Li anode and solid-state electrolyte. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a unique technique for conformal coating of complex 3D structures with finely controlled film thickness (at the atomic scale). ALD coating on the surface of SSEs can be adopted for engineering solid-electrolyte interfaces with desired attributes and improved stability. In this review paper, we have discussed recent progress in implementing the ALD technique for depositing thin layers on various SSE configurations including lithium phosphorus oxynitride (LiPON), garnets, oxides, perovskites, sulphides, Li 3 BO 3 –Li 2 CO 3 (LBCO), and sodium super ionic conductors (NASICON). We have also highlighted the major areas for future research and development in the field. We believe that this review will be very helpful for directing future research on implementing ALD for synthesizing stable and high-performance SSEs with an engineered solid-electrolyte interface for next-generation electrochemical devices (e.g., Li-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and flow batteries).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Lithium anode stable in air for low-cost fabrication of a dendrite-free lithium battery

Lithium metal, the ideal anode material for rechargeable batteries, suffers from the inherent limitations of sensitivity to the humid atmosphere and dendrite growth. Herein, low-cost fabrication of a metallic-lithium anode that is stable in air and plated dendrite-free from an organic-liquid electrolyte solves four key problems that have plagued the development of large-scale Li-ion batteries for storage of electric power. Replacing the low-capacity carbon anode with a safe, dendrite-free lithium anode provides a fast charge while reducing the cost of fabrication of a lithium battery, and increasing the cycle life of a rechargeable cell by eliminating the liquid-electrolyte ethylene-carbonate additive used to form a solid-electrolyte interphase passivation layer on the anode that is unstable during cycling. This solution is accomplished by formation of a hydrophobic solid-electrolyte interphase on a metallic-lithium anode that allows for handling of the treated lithium anode membrane in a standard dry room during cell fabrication.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Toward All-Solid-State Lithium Batteries: Three-Dimensional Visualization of Lithium Migration in β-Li 3 PS 4 Ceramic Electrolyte

All-solid lithium batteries are an attractive next-generation technology that use ion-conducting solids such as ..beta..-Li3PS4 (LPS) to enable use of a lithium metal anode, which increases theoretical capacity and widens the stable voltage window over traditional lithium-ion systems. These ion-conductive solids also provide increased safety by replacing flammable liquid electrolytes. Although solid-state electrolytes are significantly more stable and dendrite-resistant than traditional liquid electrolytes, lithium anodes in all-solid systems may nevertheless grow dendrites under high stress or repeated cycling, leading to short circuits and premature battery breakdown. For this reason, we study the formation and propagation of Li metal features within solid electrolytes using synchrotron-based X-ray tomography with in-situ current-voltage cycling supported by our custom sample platform. Our results demonstrate the ability of this technique to delineate different layers of the Li/LPS/Li structure with spatial resolution approaching 1 um. At this resolution, we are able to detect expansion of voids, especially in early stages of cycling. This expansion of voids is observed throughout the volume of the symmetric cells and visually resembles propagation of cracks resulting from interactions between the Li metal and pre-existing voids in the LPS electrolyte.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Important Factors for the Reliable and Reproducible Preparation of Non-aqueous Electrolyte Solutions for Lithium Batteries

Electrolyte solutions play a crucial role in rechargeable lithium batteries. Driven by an ever-increasing demand for better batteries, more and more stringent performance requirements are being asked of electrolytes. This demand to achieve electrolytes beyond the state-of-the-art has driven an increasing number of publications over the past decade. Nevertheless, a detailed description of electrolyte preparation is frequently missing when reporting new electrolytes for batteries, creating a barrier for others to reproduce important findings. In addition, false or misleading information in a paper may result from unintentional inaccuracies during the electrolyte preparation process. This article highlights important factors for the reliable and reproducible preparation of non-aqueous electrolyte solutions for lithium batteries, with the aim of encouraging researchers to follow more rigorous reporting standards.

Cao, Xia↗
DOE OSTI2019

CuS and Cu 2 S as Cathode Materials for Lithium Batteries: A Review [A Review on CuS and Cu 2 S as Cathode Materials for Lithium Batteries]

Nowadays, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) take a very important role for energy storage. LIBs are dominant in consumer electronics, and they have also entered the market of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in HEVs, and pure EVs. However, state-of-the-art LIBs are electrochemically intercalation-based and are still limited in energy density and power rates. To address these challenges and others (e. g. safety issues and cost), conversion-based copper sulfides (Cu x S, 1≤x≤2) have been investigated as alternative cathodes for improved electrochemical performance, that is, higher energy density, better cycling stability, and enhanced rate capability. In this paper, we summarize the recent research progress on Cu x S to gain a better understanding of the material's electrochemical mechanisms and develop feasible strategies for improving its performance.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
NASA NTRS1986

Safety considerations for fabricating lithium battery packs

Lithium cell safety is a major issue with both manufacturers and end users. Most manufacturers have taken great strides to develop the safest cells possible while still maintaining performance characteristics. The combining of lithium cells for higher voltages, currents, and capacities requires the fabricator of lithium battery packs to be knowledgable about the specific electrochemical system being used. Relatively high rate, spirally wound (large surface area) sulfur oxychloride cells systems, such as Li/Thionyl or Sulfuryl chloride are considered. Prior to the start of a design of a battery pack, a review of the characterization studies for the cells should be conducted. The approach for fabricating a battery pack might vary with cell size.

Ciesla, J. J.↗
DOE OSTI2020

TiO2 Nanocrystal-Framed Li 2 TiSiO 5 Platelets for Low-Voltage Lithium Battery Anode

Titanium-based anode materials are attracting considerable attention for use in high-performance lithium-ion batteries, but the compromised energy density caused by high voltage plateaus and unsatisfactory capacities severely retards their practical applications. Herein, a molten-salt synthesis of Li 2 TiSiO 5 crystalline platelets and a subsequent selective facet modification by in situ growth of TiO 2 nanocrystal frames are facilely achieved. The discharge voltage plateau at around 0.5 V renders the Li 2 TiSiO 5 anode safe compared with graphite and confers a high energy density compared with zero-strain Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 anode. With the optimized size, structure, and content of modified TiO2 nanocrystals associated with the exposed (001) plane of Li 2 TiSiO 5 , the Li 2 TiSiO 5 -based anodes can deliver a capacity of above 300 mAh g -1 , enhanced rate performance, and a capacity retention of 66% after 10 000 cycles. In situ X-ray diffraction and ex situ transmission electron microscopy have demonstrated the structural stability of the anodes upon charge/discharge. Further theoretical calculation reveals 3D migration paths of Li + ions in Li 2 TiSiO 5 . The selective modification of in situ grown TiO2 nanocrystals on certain facets of crystallites opens a new door for the development of electrode materials possessing superior electrochemical properties.

anodes↗
DOE OSTI2025

Valuation of Anode Materials for High-Performance Lithium Batteries: From Graphite to Lithium Metal and Beyond

Lithium-ion batteries have revolutionized energy storage, yet advanced technologies such as electric vehicles and eVTOLs demand even higher performance and safety. Anodes, the negative electrodes, are crucial in enhancing batteries’ safety, lifespan, and fast-charging capabilities. This review paper comprehensively evaluates the progression of anode materials from traditional graphite to advanced anodes like lithium metal. Graphite anodes, with a capacity of 372 mAh g −1 , enabled the first commercial lithium-ion batteries, but future applications require higher energy densities and fast-charging capabilities. Emerging anode materials, including alloying, and conversion types, as well as lithium metal, offer significantly higher capacities, with lithium metal offering a theoretical capacity of 3 860 mAh g −1 . However, these advanced anodes face challenges such as volume expansion, high surface reactivity, sluggish Li+ kinetics, and unstable lithium deposition morphologies. Here, this review critically examines the electrochemical performance, interfacial properties, mechanical attributes, and stability issues of various anode materials. It further discusses solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation, strategies for enhancing interface stability, and the requirements of anodes for solid-state batteries. Additionally, the review explores potential solutions for limitations with each anode type, highlights innovative anode-free architectures, and evaluates the current and future trends of battery anode industries. Ultimately, this paper aims to guide the development of high-performance anode materials, paving the way for the next generation of efficient, reliable lithium batteries.

Alloying anodes↗
DOE OSTI2019

High energy density secondary lithium batteries

A lithium ion battery includes a positive electrode comprising carbon fibers, a binder composition with conductive carbon, and a lithium rich composition. The lithium rich composition comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of Li1+x(My MzII MwIII)O2 where x+y+z+w=1, and xLi2MnO3(1−x)LiMO2, where x=0.2-0.7, and where M, MII and MIII are interchangeably manganese, nickel and cobalt, and LiM2−xMxIIO4, where M and MII are manganese and nickel, respectively, with x=0.5. A negative electrode comprises carbon fibers having bound thereto silicon nanoparticles, and a mesophase pitch derived carbon binder between the silicon nanoparticles and the carbon fibers. An electrolyte is interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. Methods of making positive and negative electrodes are also disclosed.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2021

High energy density secondary lithium batteries

A lithium ion battery includes a positive electrode comprising carbon fibers, a binder composition with conductive carbon, and a lithium rich composition. The lithium rich composition comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of Li 1+x (My Mz II Mw III )O 2 where x+y+z+w = 1, and where M, M II and M III are interchangeably manganese, nickel and cobalt, and LiM* 2-x M x * II O 4 , where M* and M* II are manganese and nickel, respectively, with x = 0.5. A negative electrode comprises carbon fibers having bound thereto silicon nanoparticles, and a mesophase pitch derived carbon binder between the silicon nanoparticles and the carbon fibers. An electrolyte is interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. Methods of making positive and negative electrodes are also disclosed.

Nanda, Jagjit↗