Abstract: An ion-conducting structure comprises a metal-fibril complex formed by one or more elementary nanofibrils. Each elementary nanofibril can be composed of a plurality of cellulose molecular chains with functional groups. Each elementary nanofibril can also have a plurality of metal ions. Each metal ion can act as a coordination center between the functional groups of adjacent cellulose molecular chains so as to form a respective ion transport channel between the cellulose molecular chains. The metal-fibril complex can comprise a plurality of second ions. Each second ion can be disposed within one of the ion transport channels so as to be intercalated between the corresponding cellulose molecular chains. In some embodiments, the metal-fibril complex is formed as a solid-state structure.

Abstract: Metal alloy layers on substrates. The metal-alloy layers (e.g., lithium-metal layers, sodium-metal layers, and magnesium-metal layers) can be disposed on, for example, a solid-state electrolyte material. The metal-alloy layers can be used in, for example, solid-state batteries. A metal alloy layer can be an anode or part of an anode of a solid state battery.

Abstract: Highly transparent (up to 92% light transmittance) wood composites have been developed. The process of fabricating the transparent wood composites includes lignin removal followed by index-matching polymer infiltration resulted in fabrication of the transparent wood composites with preserved naturally aligned nanoscale fibers. The thickness of the transparent wood composite can be tailored by controlling the thickness of the initial wood substrate. The optical transmittance can be tailored by selecting infiltrating polymers with different refractive indices. The transparent wood composites have a range of applications in biodegradable electronics, optoelectronics, as well as structural and energy efficient building materials. By coating the transparent wood composite layer on the surface of GaAs thin film solar cell, an 18% enhancement in the overall energy conversion efficiency has been attained.

Abstract: Solar cell substrates require high optical transparency, but also prefer high optical haze to increase the light scattering and consequently the absorption in the active materials. Unfortunately there is a tradeoff between these optical properties, which is exemplified by common transparent paper substrates exhibiting a transparency of about 90% yet a low optical haze (<20%). In this work we introduce a novel transparent paper made of wood fibers that display both ultra-high optical transparency (˜96%) and ultra-high haze (˜60%), thus delivering an optimal substrate design for solar cell devices. Compared to previously demonstrated nanopaper composed of wood-based cellulose nanofibers, our novel transparent paper has better dual performance in transmittance and haze, but also is fabricated at a much lower cost. This high-performance, low-cost transparent paper is a potentially revolutionary material that may influence a new generation of environmentally friendly printed electronics.

Abstract: One or more interfacial layers in contact with a solid-state electrolyte and hybrid electrolyte materials. Interfacial layers comprise inorganic (e.g., metal oxides and soft inorganic materials) or organic materials (e.g., polymer materials, gel materials and ion-conducting liquids). The interfacial layers can improve the electrical properties (e.g., reduce the impedance) of an interface between an a cathode and/or anode and a solid-state electrolyte. The interfacial layers can be used in, for example, solid-state batteries (e.g., solid-state, ion-conducting batteries).

Abstract: Solar thermal devices are formed from a block of wood, where the natural cell lumens of the wood form an interconnected network that transports fluid or material therein. The block of wood can be modified to increase absorption of solar radiation. Combining the solar absorption effects with the natural transport network can be used for various applications. In some embodiments, heating of the modified block of wood by insolation can be used to evaporate a fluid, for example, evaporating water for extraction, distillation, or desalination. In other embodiments, heating of the modified block of wood by insolation can be used to change transport properties of a material to allow it to be transported in the interconnected network, for example, heating crude oil to adsorb the oil within the block of wood.

Abstract: Cellulose nanofibers (CNF) act as a dispersing agent to directly exfoliate graphite in an aqueous solution using sonication. The resulting suspension has graphite flakes, each having 2-20 monolayers, a relatively large lateral dimension, and a plurality of CNF decorating its surfaces and edges. The dispersing effect of the CNF allows the graphite-CNF suspension to be stored without degradation until desired use. The graphite-CNF suspension can be used to form various composite structures, such as by spraying, coating, pouring, extruding, or printing the suspension, and then drying the suspension. The resulting composite structures have improved tensile strength and toughness due to hydrogen bond interactions between the CNF and graphite.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a membrane are described. The method includes causing a nanomaterial to contact at least a portion of a wall of at least on channel extending through a membrane, and causing the nanomaterial to adhere to the portion of the wall of the at least one channel. A fluid filtration system is also described. The filtration system includes a housing and a filter membrane. The housing may have a reservoir and a filter compartment. The filter membrane may have a channel extending therethrough. The channel may have a plurality of micropores along a wall thereof. The filter compartment may be configured to receive the filter membrane therein, the filter membrane configured to guide fluid thereacross to remove substances from the fluid or to modify substances in the fluid.

Abstract: A battery cells that include sulfide cathodes are described with examples being suitable for operation at elevated temperatures. Also described are methods of making and using these battery cells.

Abstract: A protection layer is formed on a highly-reactive substantially-pure metal anode to a thickness of between 1 nm and 200 nm, inclusive, using atomic layer deposition (ALD). The ALD protection layer allows the conduction of ions of the metal of the anode therethrough but suppresses electron transport therethrough. The ALD protection layer may also be effective to inhibit passage of air and/or water therethrough. The ALD protection layer can allow more relaxed purity requirements for subsequent battery assembly, electrolyte specifications, and/or cathode gas purity. Fabrication methods for the protection layers, protected metal anodes, and systems and devices incorporating such protected metal anodes are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Composite material and method of manufacture is provided. The composite material is manufactured by a solventless and binderless dry compression process.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes various types of batteries, including lithium-ion batteries having an anode assembly comprising: an anode comprising a first porous ceramic matrix having pores; and a ceramic separator layer affixed directly or indirectly to the anode; a cathode; an anode-side current collector contacting the anode; and anode active material comprising lithium located within the pores or cathode active material located within the cathode; wherein, the ceramic separator layer is located between the anode and the cathode, no electrically conductive coating on the pores contacts the separator layer, and in a fully charged state, lithium active material in the anode does not contact the separator layer. Also disclosed are methods of making and methods of using such batteries.

Abstract: A flexible structure is formed by subjecting cellulose-based natural wood material to a chemical treatment that partially removes hemicellulose and lignin therefrom. The treated wood has a unique 3-D porous structure with numerous channels, excellent biodegradability and biocompatibility, and improved flexibility as compared to the natural wood. By further modifying the treated wood, the structure can be adapted to particular applications. For example, nanoparticles, nanowires, carbon nanotubes, or any other coating or material can be added to the treated wood to form a hybrid structure. In some embodiments, open lumina with-in the structure can be at least partially filled with a non-wood substance, such as a flexible polymer, or with entangled cellulose nanofibers.

Abstract: Batteries and battery cells are described including batteries and battery cells having solid-state components such as porous and/or dense solid state components. Aspects of dimensions, porosity and pore structure are also described.

Abstract: A delignified wood material is formed by removing substantially all of the lignin from natural wood. The resulting delignified wood retains cellulose-based lumina of the natural wood, with nanofibers of the cellulose microfibrils being substantially aligned along a common direction. The unique microstructure and composition of the delignified wood can provide advantageous thermal insulation and mechanical properties, among other advantages described herein. The thermal and mechanical properties of the delignified wood material can be tailored by pressing or densifying the delignified wood, with increased densification yielding improved strength and thermal conductivity. The chemical composition of the delignified wood also offers unique optical properties that enable passive cooling under solar illumination.

Abstract: A super strong and tough densified wood structure is formed by subjecting a cellulose-based natural wood material to a chemical treatment that partially removes lignin therefrom. The treated wood retains lumina of the natural wood, with cellulose nanofibers of cell walls being aligned. The treated wood is then pressed in a direction crossing the direction in which the lumina extend, such that the lumina collapse and any residual fluid within the wood is removed. As a result, the cell walls become entangled and hydrogen bonds are formed between adjacent cellulose nanofibers, thereby improving the strength and toughness of the wood among other mechanical properties. By further modifying, manipulating, or machining the densified wood, it can be adapted to various applications.

Abstract: Solid-state, ion-conducting batteries with an ion-conducting, solid-state electrolyte. The solid-state electrolyte has at least one porous region (e.g., porous layer) and a dense region (e.g., dense layer). The batteries are, for example, lithium-ion, sodium-ion, or magnesium-ion conducting solid-state batteries. The ion-conducting, solid-state electrolyte is, for example, a lithium-garnet material.

Abstract: Provided are solid-state hybrid electrolytes. The hybrid electrolytes have a polymeric material layer, which may be a polymer/copolymer layer or a gel polymer/copolymer layer, disposed on at least a portion of an exterior surface or all of the exterior surfaces of a solid-state electrolyte. A hybrid electrolyte can form an interface with an electrode of an ion-conducting battery that exhibits desirable properties. The solid-state electrolyte can comprise a monolithic SSE body, a mesoporous SSE body, or an inorganic SSE having fibers or strands, which may be aligned. In the case of solid-state electrolytes that have strands, the strands can be formed using a sacrificial template. The hybrid solid-state electrolytes can be used in ion-conducting batteries, which may be flexible, ion-conducting batteries.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of fabricating a battery or battery component having a solid state electrolyte. A scaffold is provided, the scaffold comprising: a dense central layer comprising a dense electrolyte material, the dense central layer having a first surface, and a second surface opposite the first surface; a first porous layer comprising a first porous electrolyte material, the first porous layer disposed on the first surface of the dense central layer, the porous electrolyte material having a first network of pores therein; wherein each of the dense electrolyte material and the first porous electrolyte material are independently selected from garnet materials. Carbon is infiltrated into the first porous layer. Sulfur is also infiltrated into the first porous layer. The battery component may be used in a variety of battery configurations.

Abstract: Cathode-electrolyte constructs, including such constructs in electrochemical systems, such as batteries are discussed. The cathode-electrolyte constructs can include a solid state electrolyte (SSE) and a cathode that includes particulate cathode material and the cathode conformally contacts the solid state electrolyte. Also discussed are methods of making cathode-electrolyte constructs and batteries.