Abstract: An electrochemical cell and a method of manufacturing the electrochemical cell are provided. The method includes: spraying a precursor solution on an anode, the precursor solution including a metal salt dissolved in a solvent and the anode being at a temperature of 250° C. or greater; reacting the metal salt on the anode to form a buffer layer; and attaching a solid-state electrolyte to the buffer layer.

Abstract: A buffered negative electrode-electrolyte assembly includes: a porous negative electrode comprising a metal, a transition metal nitride, or a combination thereof; a solid-state electrolyte; and a buffer layer between the porous negative electrode and the solid-state electrolyte. The buffer layer comprising a buffer composition according to Formula (1) MmNnZzHhXx. The buffer composition has an electronic conductivity that is less than or equal to 1×10-2 times an electronic conductivity of the solid-state electrolyte, and the buffer composition has an ionic conductivity less than or equal to 1×10-6 times an ionic conductivity of the solid-state electrolyte.

Abstract: A buffered negative electrode-electrolyte assembly includes: a porous negative electrode comprising a metal, a transition metal nitride, or a combination thereof; a solid-state electrolyte; and a buffer layer between the porous negative electrode and the solid-state electrolyte. The buffer layer comprising a buffer composition according to Formula (1) MmNnZzHhXx. The buffer composition has an electronic conductivity that is less than or equal to 1×10?2 times an electronic conductivity of the solid-state electrolyte, and the buffer composition has an ionic conductivity less than or equal to 1×10?6 times an ionic conductivity of the solid-state electrolyte.

Abstract: A mixed ionic-electronic conductor (MIEC) in contact with a solid electrolyte includes a material having a bandgap less than 3 eV. The material includes an end-member phase directly connected to an alkali metal by a tie-line in an equilibrium phase diagram. The material is thermodynamically stable with a solid electrolyte. The MIEC includes plurality of open pores, formed within the MIEC, to facilitate motion of the alkali metal to at least one of store the alkali metal in the plurality of open pores or release the alkali metal from the plurality of open pores. The solid electrolyte has an ionic conductivity to ions of the alkali metal greater than 1 mS cm?1, a thickness less than 100 ?m, and comprises at least one of a ceramic or a polymer.

Abstract: A buffered negative electrode-electrolyte assembly includes: a porous negative electrode comprising a metal, a transition metal nitride, or a combination thereof; a solid-state electrolyte; and a buffer layer between the porous negative electrode and the solid-state electrolyte. The buffer layer comprising a buffer composition according to Formula (1) MmNnZzHhXx. The buffer composition has an electronic conductivity that is less than or equal to 1×10?2 times an electronic conductivity of the solid-state electrolyte, and the buffer composition has an ionic conductivity less than or equal to 1×10?6 times an ionic conductivity of the solid-state electrolyte.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide functionalized carbon nanostructures for use in various devices, including photovoltaic devices (e.g., solar cells). In some cases, the carbon nanostructures are fullerenes substituted with one or more isobenzofulvene species and/or indane species. Devices including such materials may exhibit increased efficiency, increased open circuit potential, high electron/hole mobility, and/or low electrical resistance.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide functionalized carbon nanostructures for use in various devices, including photovoltaic devices (e.g., solar cells). In some cases, the carbon nanostructures are fullerenes substituted with one or more isobenzofulvene species and/or indane species. Devices including such materials may exhibit increased efficiency, increased open circuit potential, high electron/hole mobility, and/or low electrical resistance.