Abstract: An electrochemical cell is disclosed and comprises an electrolyte between a cathode and an anode and a protective layer between the anode and the electrolyte. The protective layer comprises a porous layer over the anode and a dense layer over the porous layer, each of the porous layer and the dense layer comprising an inorganic compound, an organic compound, or an inorganic-organic composite. Additional electrochemical cells are disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of forming an electrochemical cell.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to determining a lithium-plating state of a battery. Various embodiments include a method including: observing a first characteristic of a battery, observing a second characteristic of the battery, and determining, based on the first characteristic and the second characteristic, a lithium-plating state of the battery. In some embodiments, the first characteristic and the second characteristic may each be one of: a rate of change of the capacity per cycle over a number of cycles, end-of-charge rest voltage over a number of cycles, and a coulombic efficiency over a number of cycles. Related devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing failure mechanisms and for predicting lifetime of metal batteries include monitoring rest voltage and Coulombic Efficiency over relatively few cycles to provide profiles that indicate, by the trends thereof, a particular failure mechanism (e.g., electrolyte depletion, loss of metal inventory, increased cell impedance). The methods also include cycling over relatively few cycles an anode-free cell, having the same cathode and electrolyte as the metal battery, but with a current collector instead of the anode. Discharge capacity is monitored and profiled, and a discharge capacity curve is fitted to the discharge capacity profile to discern a capacity retention per cycle. The lifetime of the metal battery is determined using the capacity retention per cycle discerned from the anode-free cell. Related systems include a metal-based battery and an anode-free cell or a battery cell reconfigurable between a metal-based and an anode-free cell.

Abstract: A method of operating an energy storage device comprises applying external pressure onto an electrochemical cell during charging and/or discharging. The cell comprises a sulfur-based cathode within a compressible vessel. An energy storage system may include plates and at least one electrochemical cell that includes—within a compressible vessel—a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte. The cathode comprises a sulfur-based active material. In a method of assembling a system for operating an energy storage device, at least one electrochemical cell is disposed between a pair of plates and adjacent pressure sensor(s). A distance between the plates is fixed at which a measured pressure is within a range from greater than about 0 kPa to about 689 kPa above ambient pressure. The plate-separation distance is maintained while charging or discharging the electrochemical cell(s).

Abstract: Systems and methods for coating a metallic component are provided. In one embodiment, a metallic coating may be disposed in a plating bath comprising AlBr3. The metallic coating may be coupled with, or configured as, a working electrode. A counter electrode formed of aluminum may be disposed within the plating bath. An electric current may be applied between the two electrodes resulting in the electrodeposition of aluminum on the metallic component. In one particular embodiment, the plating bath may include LiBr, KBr and CsBr, with AlBr3 being present in an amount of approximately 80 percent or greater by weight. Various types of metals may be coated with aluminum using embodiments of the present disclosure. Additionally, the methods and systems described herein are amenable to coating of complex geometries.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing failure mechanisms and for predicting lifetime of metal batteries include monitoring rest voltage and Coulombic Efficiency over relatively few cycles to provide profiles that indicate, by the trends thereof, a particular failure mechanism (e.g., electrolyte depletion, loss of metal inventory, increased cell impedance). The methods also include cycling over relatively few cycles an anode-free cell, having the same cathode and electrolyte as the metal battery, but with a current collector instead of the anode. Discharge capacity is monitored and profiled, and a discharge capacity curve is fitted to the discharge capacity profile to discern a capacity retention per cycle. The lifetime of the metal battery is determined using the capacity retention per cycle discerned from the anode-free cell. Related systems include a metal-based battery and an anode-free cell or a battery cell reconfigurable between a metal-based and an anode-free cell.

Abstract: A method of recovering metals from electronic waste comprises providing a powder comprising electronic waste in at least a first reactor and a second reactor and providing an electrolyte comprising at least ferric ions in an electrochemical cell in fluid communication with the first reactor and the second reactor. The method further includes contacting the powders within the first reactor and the second reactor with the electrolyte to dissolve at least one base metal from each reactor into the electrolyte and reduce at least some of the ferric ions to ferrous ions. The ferrous ions are oxidized at an anode of the electrochemical cell to regenerate the ferric ions. The powder within the second reactor comprises a higher weight percent of the at least one base metal than the powder in the first reactor. Additional methods of recovering metals from electronic waste are also described, as well as an apparatus of recovering metals from electronic waste.

Abstract: A method of electrochemically reducing CO2 comprises introducing a first feed stream comprising H2O to a positive electrode of an electrolysis cell comprising the positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a proton conducting membrane. A second feed stream comprising a solvent and a non polar form of a switchable polarity material is directed into a CO2 capture apparatus. A third feed stream comprising CO2 is directed into the CO2 capture apparatus to interact with the second feed stream and form a first product stream comprising the solvent and a polar form of the switchable polarity material. The first product stream is introduced to the negative electrode. A potential difference is applied between the positive electrode and the negative electrode to convert the polar form of the switchable polarity material into CO2 and the non-polar form and to form products from the CO2 and the solvent. A CO2 treatment system is also described.

Abstract: A method of electrochemically reducing CO2 comprises introducing a first feed stream comprising H2O to a positive electrode of an electrolysis cell comprising the positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a proton conducting membrane. A second feed stream comprising a solvent and a non polar form of a switchable polarity material is directed into a CO2 capture apparatus. A third feed stream comprising CO2 is directed into the CO2 capture apparatus to interact with the second feed stream and form a first product stream comprising the solvent and a polar form of the switchable polarity material. The first product stream is introduced to the negative electrode. A potential difference is applied between the positive electrode and the negative electrode to convert the polar form of the switchable polarity material into CO2 and the non-polar form and to form products from the CO2 and the solvent. A CO2 treatment system is also described.

Abstract: A method of recovering metals from electronic waste comprises providing a powder comprising electronic waste in at least a first reactor and a second reactor and providing an electrolyte comprising at least ferric ions in an electrochemical cell in fluid communication with the first reactor and the second reactor. The method further includes contacting the powders within the first reactor and the second reactor with the electrolyte to dissolve at least one base metal from each reactor into the electrolyte and reduce at least some of the ferric ions to ferrous ions. The ferrous ions are oxidized at an anode of the electrochemical cell to regenerate the ferric ions. The powder within the second reactor comprises a higher weight percent of the at least one base metal than the powder in the first reactor. Additional methods of recovering metals from electronic waste are also described, as well as an apparatus of recovering metals from electronic waste.

Abstract: A method of recovering metals from electronic waste comprises providing a powder comprising electronic waste in at least a first reactor and a second reactor and providing an electrolyte comprising at least ferric ions in an electrochemical cell in fluid communication with the first reactor and the second reactor. The method further includes contacting the powders within the first reactor and the second reactor with the electrolyte to dissolve at least one base metal from each reactor into the electrolyte and reduce at least some of the ferric ions to ferrous ions. The ferrous ions are oxidized at an anode of the electrochemical cell to regenerate the ferric ions. The powder within the second reactor comprises a higher weight percent of the at least one base metal than the powder in the first reactor. Additional methods of recovering metals from electronic waste are also described, as well as an apparatus of recovering metals from electronic waste.

Abstract: A phosphoranimine compound comprising a cationic portion bonded to a nitrogen atom of the phosphoranimine compound, a phosphorus atom bonded to the nitrogen atom, pendant groups bonded to the phosphorus atom, and a counterion. An electrolyte solution comprising at least one phosphoranimine compound is also disclosed, as is an energy storage device including the electrolyte solution.

Abstract: A system and process are disclosed for electrochemically upgrading bio-oils and bio-crudes that enhance yields of selected reduction products for subsequent production of bio-based fuels.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining self-discharge currents in an energy storage cell and detecting internal shorts are disclosed. A system includes a DC voltage source configured to provide a constant test voltage selected to be less than an open-circuit voltage of an energy storage cell to the energy storage cell. The system also includes a current measuring device operably coupled between the DC voltage source and the energy storage cell, and control circuitry operably coupled to the current measuring device. A method includes applying the constant test voltage, and measuring the test current flowing between the DC voltage source and the energy storage cell until after the test current switches from a negative current to a positive current. The method also includes determining a self-discharge current of the energy storage cell by analyzing the measured test current with computational models that capture physical processes tied to the test methods.

Abstract: Systems and methods for coating a metallic component are provided. In one embodiment, a metallic coating may be disposed in a plating bath comprising AlBr3. The metallic coating may be coupled with, or configured as, a working electrode. A counter electrode formed of aluminum may be disposed within the plating bath. An electric current may be applied between the two electrodes resulting in the electrodeposition of aluminum on the metallic component. In one particular embodiment, the plating bath may include LiBr, KBr and CsBr, with AlBr3 being present in an amount of approximately 80 percent or greater by weight. Various types of metals may be coated with aluminum using embodiments of the present disclosure. Additionally, the methods and systems described herein are amenable to coating of complex geometries.

Abstract: A method of recovering metals from electronic waste comprises providing a powder comprising electronic waste in at least a first reactor and a second reactor and providing an electrolyte comprising at least ferric ions in an electrochemical cell in fluid communication with the first reactor and the second reactor. The method further includes contacting the powders within the first reactor and the second reactor with the electrolyte to dissolve at least one base metal from each reactor into the electrolyte and reduce at least some of the ferric ions to ferrous ions. The ferrous ions are oxidized at an anode of the electrochemical cell to regenerate the ferric ions. The powder within the second reactor comprises a higher weight percent of the at least one base metal than the powder in the first reactor. Additional methods of recovering metals from electronic waste are also described, as well as an apparatus of recovering metals from electronic waste.

Abstract: A method of recovering metals from electronic waste comprises providing a powder comprising electronic waste in at least a first reactor and a second reactor and providing an electrolyte comprising at least ferric ions in an electrochemical cell in fluid communication with the first reactor and the second reactor. The method further includes contacting the powders within the first reactor and the second reactor with the electrolyte to dissolve at least one base metal from each reactor into the electrolyte and reduce at least some of the ferric ions to ferrous ions. The ferrous ions are oxidized at an anode of the electrochemical cell to regenerate the ferric ions. The powder within the second reactor comprises a higher weight percent of the at least one base metal than the powder in the first reactor. Additional methods of recovering metals from electronic waste are also described, as well as an apparatus of recovering metals from electronic waste.

Abstract: An electrolyte solution comprising at least one phosphoranimine compound and a metal salt. The at least one phosphoranimine compound comprises a compound of the chemical structure where X is an organosilyl group or a tert-butyl group and each of R1, R2, and R3 is independently selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group, an aryl group, an alkoxy group, or an aryloxy group. An energy storage device including the electrolyte solution is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining self-discharge currents in an energy storage cell and detecting internal shorts are disclosed. A system includes a DC voltage source configured to provide a constant test voltage selected to be less than an open-circuit voltage of an energy storage cell to the energy storage cell. The system also includes a current measuring device operably coupled between the DC voltage source and the energy storage cell, and control circuitry operably coupled to the current measuring device. A method includes applying the constant test voltage, and measuring the test current flowing between the DC voltage source and the energy storage cell until after the test current switches from a negative current to a positive current. The method also includes determining a self-discharge current of the energy storage cell by analyzing the measured test current with computational models that capture physical processes tied to the test methods.

Abstract: A method of recovering metals from electronic waste comprises providing a powder comprising electronic waste in at least a first reactor and a second reactor and providing an electrolyte comprising at least ferric ions in an electrochemical cell in fluid communication with the first reactor and the second reactor. The method further includes contacting the powders within the first reactor and the second reactor with the electrolyte to dissolve at least one base metal from each reactor into the electrolyte and reduce at least some of the ferric ions to ferrous ions. The ferrous ions are oxidized at an anode of the electrochemical cell to regenerate the ferric ions. The powder within the second reactor comprises a higher weight percent of the at least one base metal than the powder in the first reactor. Additional methods of recovering metals from electronic waste are also described, as well as an apparatus of recovering metals from electronic waste.