Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for synthesis of submicron-scale or micron-scale single crystal cathode (SCC) material, such as NMC, using a feedstock and microwave plasma processing. Microwave plasma processing of these SCC materials provides a low cost, scalable approach. In some embodiments, advanced SCC materials may be synthesized through microwave plasma processing of feedstock materials, wherein the SCC materials may comprise at least 80% nickel. In some embodiments, the microwave plasma processing may enable synthesis of SCC materials with very short calcination.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems, methods, and compositions of lithium oxides. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the systems, methods, and compositions are directed to micron-sized lithium oxide particles that are optimally dense and spherical for use in lithium battery applications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and devices for rapid synthesis of materials. In some embodiments, a system may comprise a material processing apparatus for processing a material, the material processing apparatus comprising a material passage structure in communication with a material feeding inlet, the material passage structure located within a reaction chamber, and the material feeding inlet configured to receive a material and transfer the material to the material passage structure; and a heat source in communication with the reaction chamber, the heat source comprising one or more of: plasma, flame, combustion sources, resistive heaters, heated liquid baths, electromagnetic radiation, and/or induction heaters, wherein the material passage structure is located within, surrounding, or adjacent to the heat source, such that the material passage structure is heated by the heat source and the material is converted to a product within the material passage structure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for synthesis of polymer derived ceramic materials, including silicon oxycarbide comprising silicon metal. In some embodiments, the silicon metal is formed by carbothermal reduction during thermal processing. In some embodiments, the thermal processing comprises microwave plasma processing. In some embodiments, the silicon metal forms nanodomains within a structure of the silicon oxycarbide ceramic material.

Abstract: Provided are electrochemically active particles suitable for use as an active material in a cathode of a lithium ion electrochemical cell that include: a plurality of crystallites comprising a first composition comprising lithium, nickel, and oxygen; and a grain boundary between adjacent crystallites of the plurality of crystallites and comprising a second composition comprising lithium, nickel, and oxygen; wherein the grain boundary has a higher electrochemical affinity for lithium than the crystallites. The higher electrochemical affinity for Li leads to increased Li retention in the grain boundaries during or at charge relative to the bulk crystallites and stabilizes the structure of the grain boundaries and crystallites for improved cycling stability with no appreciable loss in capacity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for synthesis of submicron-scale or micron-scale single crystal cathode (SCC) material, such as NMC, using a feedstock and microwave plasma processing. Microwave plasma processing of these SCC materials provides a low cost, scalable approach. In some embodiments, advanced SCC materials may be synthesized through microwave plasma processing of feedstock materials, wherein the SCC materials may comprise at least 80% nickel. In some embodiments, the microwave plasma processing may enable synthesis of SCC materials with very short calcination.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of producing Si or SiOx from inexpensive silica sources. In some embodiments, plasma processing can be used to covert the silica sources to the silicon products. Unique morphologies can be formed in some embodiments. In some embodiments, reducing agents, catalysts, and/or salts can be used to provide advantageous properties.

Abstract: Provided are electrochemically active secondary particles that provide excellent capacity and improved cycle life. The particles are characterized by a plurality of nanocrystals with small average crystallite size. The reduced crystallite size reduces impedance generation during cycling thereby improving capacity and cycle life. Also provided are methods of forming electrochemically active materials, as well as electrodes and electrochemical cells employing the secondary particles.

Abstract: Provided are electrochemically active particles suitable for use as an active material in a cathode of a lithium ion electrochemical cell that include: a plurality of crystallites comprising a first composition comprising lithium, nickel, and oxygen; and a grain boundary between adjacent crystallites of the plurality of crystallites and comprising a second composition comprising lithium, nickel, and oxygen; wherein the grain boundary has a higher electrochemical affinity for lithium than the crystallites. The higher electrochemical affinity for Li leads to increased Li retention in the grain boundaries during or at charge relative to the bulk crystallites and stabilizes the structure of the grain boundaries and crystallites for improved cycling stability with no appreciable loss in capacity.

Abstract: Provided are electrochemically active secondary particles that provide excellent capacity and improved cycle life. The particles are characterized by a plurality of nanocrystals with small average crystallite size. The reduced crystallite size reduces impedance generation during cycling thereby improving capacity and cycle life. Also provided are methods of forming electrochemically active materials, as well as electrodes and electrochemical cells employing the secondary particles.

Abstract: The present techniques relate to formulations that include a first part containing active molecules that have an average of at least one thiol group per active molecule and an average of at least one hydroxyl group per active molecule, and a second part containing monomer molecules that have an average of at least two isocyanate groups per monomer molecule. The composition may be mixed with a catalyst composition that contains at least one amine catalyst and at least one metal catalyst. This mixed catalyst composition will substantially cure a mixture of the first part and the second part within less than about 48 hours at ambient temperature.