Abstract: A flow cell for reducing carbon dioxide may include a first chamber having a gold coated gas diffusion layer working electrode, a reference electrode, and a water-in-salt electrolyte comprising a super concentrated aqueous solution of lithium bis-(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI). A second chamber adjacent the first chamber has a gold coated gas diffusion layer counter electrode and the water-in-salt electrolyte. The second chamber being separated from the first chamber by a proton exchange membrane. A reservoir coupled to each of the first and the second chambers with a pump contains a volume of the water-in-salt electrolyte and a head space.

Abstract: A flow cell for reducing carbon dioxide may include a first chamber having a gold coated gas diffusion layer working electrode, a reference electrode, and a water-in-salt electrolyte comprising a super concentrated aqueous solution of lithium bis-(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI). A second chamber adjacent the first chamber has a gold coated gas diffusion layer counter electrode and the water-in-salt electrolyte. The second chamber being separated from the first chamber by a proton exchange membrane. A reservoir coupled to each of the first and the second chambers with a pump contains a volume of the water-in-salt electrolyte and a head space.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making fire-resistant battery cells comprising nonflammable electrolytes, and use thereof.

Abstract: Solar rechargeable battery combines the advantages of photoelectrochemical devices and batteries and has emerged as an attractive alternative to artificial photosynthesis for large-scale solar energy harvesting and storage. Due to the low photovoltages by the photoelectrodes, however, most previous demonstrations of unassisted photocharge have been realized on systems with low open circuit potentials (<0.8 V). In response to this critical challenge, here the present disclosure shows that the combined photovoltages exceeding 1.4 V can be obtained using a Ta3N5 nanotube photoanode and a GaN nanowire/Si photocathode with high photocurrents (>5 mA/cm2). The photoelectrode system makes it possible to operate a 1.2 V alkaline anthraquinone/ferrocyanide redox battery with a high ideal solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency of 3.0% without externally applied potentials. Importantly, the photocharged battery was successfully discharged with a high voltage output.

Abstract: The present invention demonstrates Br2-based conversion chemistry is a potential route toward rechargeable Mg-batteries. Compared with Mg-ion or Mg-air chemistries, the Mg—Br2 system features fast kinetics and good cyclability. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a rechargeable non-aqueous, dual-electrolyte scheme. In one embodiment, the anolyte consisted of Mg(TFSI)2 dissolved in a monoglyme and diglyme mixture, whereas the catholyte was composed of Mg(TFSI)2 in PYR14TFSI ionic liquid mixed with active bromine species. When Mg was used as the anode, an open circuit voltage of 3.0 V (vs. Mg2+/Mg) was measured.

Abstract: Solar rechargeable battery combines the advantages of photoelectrochemical devices and batteries and has emerged as an attractive alternative to artificial photosynthesis for large-scale solar energy harvesting and storage. Due to the low photovoltages by the photoelectrodes, however, most previous demonstrations of unassisted photocharge have been realized on systems with low open circuit potentials (<0.8 V). In response to this critical challenge, here the present disclosure shows that the combined photovoltages exceeding 1.4 V can be obtained using a Ta3N5 nanotube photoanode and a GaN nanowire/Si photocathode with high photocurrents (>5 mA/cm2). The photoelectrode system makes it possible to operate a 1.2 V alkaline anthraquinone/ferrocyanide redox battery with a high ideal solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency of 3.0% without externally applied potentials.

Abstract: The present invention demonstrates Br2-based conversion chemistry is a potential route toward rechargeable Mg-batteries. Compared with Mg-ion or Mg-air chemistries, the Mg—Br2 system features fast kinetics and good cyclability. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a rechargeable non-aqueous, dual-electrolyte scheme. In one embodiment, the anolyte consisted of Mg(TFSI)2 dissolved in a monoglyme and diglyme mixture, whereas the catholyte was composed of Mg(TFSI)2 in PYR14TFSI ionic liquid mixed with active bromine species. When Mg was used as the anode, an open circuit voltage of 3.0 V (vs. Mg2+/Mg) was measured.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to new materials based on C49 titanium disilicide (TiSi2) as a new, layered anode material, within which lithium ions can react with the Si-only layers. Stabilization by a coating a thin layer of oxide on the surface of TiSi2 significantly improves the charge and discharge performance.

Abstract: The invention provides a unique catalyst system without the need for carbon. Metal nanoparticles were grown onto conductive, two-dimensional material of TiSi2 nanonet by atomic layer deposition. The growth exhibited a unique selectivity with the elemental metal deposited only on defined surfaces of the nanonets in nanoscale without mask or patterning.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to new materials based on C49 titanium disilicide (TiSi2) as a new, layered anode material, within which lithium ions can react with the Si-only layers. Stabilization by a coating a thin layer of oxide on the surface of TiSi2 significantly improves the charge and discharge performance.

Abstract: Hetero-nanostructure materials for use in energy-storage devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, a hetero-nanostructure material (100) includes a silicide nanoplatform (110), ionic host nanoparticles (120) disposed on the silicide nanoplatform (110) and in electrical communication with the silicide nanoplatform (110), and a protective coating (130) disposed on the silicide nanoplatform (110) between the ionic host nanoparticles (120). In some embodiments, the silicide nanoplatform (110) includes a plurality of connected and spaced-apart nanobeams comprising a silicide core (110), ionic host nanoparticles (120) formed on the silicide core, and a protective coating (130) formed on the silicide core (110) between the ionic host nanoparticles (120).

Abstract: Photochemical devices having hematite photovoltaic junctions and methods for forming such devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, a photovoltaic device includes a substrate and a photovoltaic junction deposited on the substrate, the photovoltaic junction having a n-type hematite and a p-type hematite.

Abstract: A patterning method for the creation of two-dimensional nanowire structures. Nanowire patterning methods are used with lithographical patterning approaches to form patterns in a layer of epoxy and resist material. These patterns are then transferred to an underlying thin film to produce a two-dimensional structure with desired characteristics.

Abstract: Dual absorber electrodes are disclosed. In some embodiments, a dual absorber electrode includes a first absorber material, such as silicon, having a first bandgap, and a second absorber material, such as hematite, deposited on a surface of the first absorber material, the second absorber material having a second bandgap larger than the first bandgap of the first absorber. In some embodiments, the dual absorber electrodes of the present embodiment may be utilized in an electrolytic cell for water splitting.

Abstract: Nanonet-based hematite hetero-nanostructures (100) for solar energy conversions and methods of fabricating same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a hetero-nanostructure (100) includes a plurality of connected and spaced-apart nanobeams (110) linked together at an about 90° angle, the plurality of nanobeams (110) including a conductive silicide core having an n-type photo-active hematite shell. In an embodiment, a device (1100) for splitting water to generate hydrogen and oxygen includes a first compartment (1120) having a two-dimensional hetero-nanostructure (1125), the hetero-nanostructure having a plurality of connected and spaced-apart nanobeams, each nanobeam substantially perpendicular to another nanobeam, the plurality of nanobeams including an n-type photoactive hematite shell having a conductive core; and a second compartment (1110) having a p-type material (1115), wherein the first compartment (1120) and the second compartment (1110) are separated by a semi-permeable membrane.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to hetero-nano structure materials for use in energy-storage devices, and more particularly to the fabrication of hetero-nanostructure materials and the use of the hetero-nano structure materials as battery electrodes. In an embodiment, a Si/TiSi2 electrode 1000 of the present disclosure includes a plurality of Si/TiSi2 nanonets 1001 formed on a surface of a supporting substrate 1100, wherein each of the Si/TiSi2 nanonets 1001 includes a plurality of connected and spaced-apart nanobeams linked together at an about 90-degree angle, wherein the nanobeams are composed of a conductive silicide core having a silicon particulate coating.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to hetero-nanostructures for efficient solar energy conversions, and more particularly to the fabrication of titanium dioxide hetero-nanostructures and methods of using same for water splitting. In an embodiment, a hetero-nanostructure includes a plurality of connected and spaced-apart nanobeams linked together at an about 90-degree angle, the plurality of nanobeams including a conductive silicide core having an n-type photoactive titanium dioxide shell.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to the fabrication of complex two-dimensional conductive silicide nanostructures, and methods of fabricating the nanostructures. In an embodiment, a conductive silicide includes a plurality of connected and spaced-apart nanobeams linked together at an about 90-degree angle, the plurality of nanobeams forming a two-dimensional nanostructure having a mesh-like appearance. In an embodiment, a method of fabricating a two-dimensional conductive silicide includes performing chemical vapor deposition, wherein one or more gas or liquid precursor materials carried by a carrier gas stream react to form a nanostructure having a mesh-like appearance and including a plurality of connected and spaced-apart nanobeams linked together at an about 90-degree angle.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to the fabrication of complex two-dimensional conductive silicide nanostructures, and methods of fabricating the nanostructures. In an embodiment, a conductive silicide includes a plurality of connected and spaced-apart nanobeams linked together at an about 90-degree angle, the plurality of nanobeams forming a two-dimensional nanostructure having a mesh-like appearance. In an embodiment, a method of fabricating a two-dimensional conductive silicide includes performing chemical vapor deposition, wherein one or more gas or liquid precursor materials carried by a carrier gas stream react to form a nanostructure having a mesh-like appearance and including a plurality of connected and spaced-apart nanobeams linked together at an about 90-degree angle.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to hetero-nanostructures for efficient solar energy conversions, and more particularly to the fabrication of titanium dioxide hetero-nanostructures and methods of using same for water splitting. In an embodiment, a hetero-nanostructure includes a plurality of connected and spaced-apart nanobeams linked together at an about 90-degree angle, the plurality of nanobeams including a conductive silicide core having an n-type photoactive titanium dioxide shell.