Abstract: A solid-state electrolyte composition for a lithium battery. The composition includes a polymeric matrix material, inorganic nanoparticles dispersed in or chemically bonded with the polymeric matrix material, and a lithium salt. The nanoparticles are formed of a compound including lithium and a different semi-metal element or metal element. Exemplary inorganic nanoparticles include a Li-rich super ionic conductor having a LixMyPzSq structural formula, wherein M refers to the different semi-metal element or a metal element.

Abstract: Transition metal MXene catalysts and methods for using with electrochemical cells for reduction of carbon dioxide and production of hydrocarbons. The transition metal catalysts include nanostructured transition metal carbides, nitrides, or carbonitrides. The method includes electrochemically reducing carbon dioxide in an electrochemical cell, by contacting the carbon dioxide with at least one transition metal carbide, nitride, or carbonitride catalyst in the electrochemical cell and applying a potential to the electrochemical cell. Also an apparatus and method for energy production and carbon sequestration. A photovoltaic cell is paired with an electrochemical cell, wherein a cathode side of the electrochemical cell reduces carbon dioxide to hydrocarbon, and an anode side of the electrochemical cell oxidizes water to oxygen. The hydrocarbon outlet can be connected to a heating element of an air handling unit, and the oxygen can likewise be introduced to the unit for air improvement.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell and method of use, including an anode of metal, an air permeable cathode, an electrolyte between the anode and the cathode, and a transition metal phosphide catalyst on the cathode or between the cathode and the electrolyte. Also, a method of generating electrical current with an electrochemical cell by introducing a transition metal phosphide catalyst on a cathode side of the electrochemical cell. The catalyst can be in the form of any suitable nanostructure, such as molybdenum phosphide nanoflakes.

Abstract: A solid-state electrolyte composition for a lithium battery. The composition includes a polymeric matrix material, inorganic nanoparticles dispersed in or chemically bonded with the polymeric matrix material, and a lithium salt. The nanoparticles are formed of a compound including lithium and a different semi-metal element or metal element. Exemplary inorganic nanoparticles include a Li-rich super ionic conductor having a LixMyPzSq structural formula, wherein M refers to the different semi-metal element or a metal element.

Abstract: Methods and devices for generating hydrogen gas with an electrocatalytic energy conversion cell by introducing a tri-transition metal phosphide catalyst at or on an electrode of the electrocatalytic energy conversion cell. The electrocatalytic energy conversion cell includes a first electrode including a tri-transition metal phosphide catalyst, such as M03P, a second electrode of an anodic material, an electrolyte disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an electric potential source connected to both electrodes. Oxidation and reduction reactions, such as hydrogen evolution reactions, occur at the first electrode.

Abstract: Transition metal MXene catalysts and methods for using with electrochemical cells for reduction of carbon dioxide and production of hydrocarbons. The transition metal catalysts include nanostructured transition metal carbides, nitrides, or carbonitrides. The method includes electrochemically reducing carbon dioxide in an electrochemical cell, by contacting the carbon dioxide with at least one transition metal carbide, nitride, or carbonitride catalyst in the electrochemical cell and applying a potential to the electrochemical cell. Also an apparatus and method for energy production and carbon sequestration. A photovoltaic cell is paired with an electrochemical cell, wherein a cathode side of the electrochemical cell reduces carbon dioxide to hydrocarbon, and an anode side of the electrochemical cell oxidizes water to oxygen. The hydrocarbon outlet can be connected to a heating element of an air handling unit, and the oxygen can likewise be introduced to the unit for air improvement.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to batteries. The disclosure relates more specifically to improved catalyst systems for metal-air batteries. A metal-air battery comprising: an anode comprising a metal; a cathode comprising at least one transition metal dichalcogenide; and an electrolyte in contact with the anode and the transition metal dichalcogenide of the cathode, wherein the electrolyte comprises at least 50% by weight of an ionic liquid, is disclosed herein.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell and method of use, including an anode of metal, an air permeable cathode, an electrolyte between the anode and the cathode, and a transition metal phosphide catalyst on the cathode or between the cathode and the electrolyte. Also, a method of generating electrical current with an electrochemical cell by introducing a transition metal phosphide catalyst on a cathode side of the electrochemical cell. The catalyst can be in the form of any suitable nanostructure, such as molybdenum phosphide nanoflakes.

Abstract: The disclosure relates more specifically to protected anodes for batteries, and to methods for making such anodes. One aspect of the disclosure is a method for preparing a protected anode, the method including providing an electrochemical cell comprising a cathode comprising at least one transition metal dichalcogenide, an anode comprising a metal, an electrolyte in contact with the transition metal dichalcogenide of the cathode and the metal of the anode, and carbon dioxide dissolved in the electrolyte; and performing a discharge-charge cycle comprising discharging the electrochemical cell, and applying a voltage across the anode and the cathode for a time sufficient to charge the electrochemical cell; wherein the electrochemical cell is substantially free of water; and wherein one or more chemical species formed in the discharge-charge cycle and dissolved in the electrolyte are deposited onto the anode.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to improved methods for the reduction of carbon dioxide. The disclosure relates more specifically to catalytic methods for electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide that can be operated at commercially viable voltages and at low overpotentials. The disclosure uses a transition metal dichalcogenide and helper catalyst in contact within the cell.

Abstract: the present disclosure relates to photoelectrochemical cells and methods for using such for reduction of carbon dioxide and oxidation of water. In one aspect, the disclosure provides a method of electrochemically reducing carbon dioxide in an electrochemical cell, comprising contacting the carbon dioxide with at least one transition metal dichalcogenide in the electrochemical cell and at least one helper catalyst and applying a potential to the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to batteries. The disclosure relates more specifically to improved catalyst systems for metal-air batteries. A metal-air battery comprising: an anode comprising a metal; a cathode comprising at least one transition metal dichalcogenide; and an electrolyte in contact with the anode and the transition metal dichalcogenide of the cathode, wherein the electrolyte comprises at least 50% by weight of an ionic liquid, is disclosed herein.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to improved methods for the reduction of carbon dioxide. The disclosure relates more specifically to catalytic methods for electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide that can be operated at commercially viable voltages and at low overpotentials. The disclosure uses a transition metal dichalcogenide and helper catalyst in contact within the cell.