Abstract: The present technology discloses lithium metal polyanion (LMX) cathode compounds which contain a mixture of SiO4 and PO4 anions. Compounds based on silicate SiO4 anions can exhibit significantly higher gravimetric capacities than conventional lithium iron phosphate (LFP) materials. The present technology offers electrochemical advantages of the LMX compounds over compounds fabricated with only SiO4 anions. Machine learning can be used to provide the synthesis conditions and the stoichiometry of LMX compounds to maximize the gravimetric energy density of a battery cell.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of polymers. More specifically, the invention comprises thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers comprising polyesters comprising nitro-substituted dicarboxylic acids that are products obtained by decomposition of polyethylene. The thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers described herein exhibit higher glass transition temperatures and higher Shore A hardness compared to thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers synthesized from similar polyester diols made from virgin monomers that do not contain nitro substitution.

Abstract: Commercially-available lithium metal foils have been found to have a high density of crystalline defects. When such foils are used as the anode in a secondary lithium metal battery cell, repeated cycling may lead to the formation of lithium shunts near the crystalline defects, which can cause shorting. Methods described herein may be used to reduce the density of crystalline defects in lithium metal foils. Such lithium metal can be used as the anode in lithium battery cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of polymers. More specifically, the invention comprises photopolymerizable polyesters and polyester urethane oligomers comprising nitro-substituted dicarboxylic acids that are products obtained by decomposition of polyethylene. The composition described herein are useful for 3D printing, coatings and other uses.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of polymers. More specifically, the invention comprises photopolymerizable polyesters and polyester urethane oligomers comprising nitro-substituted dicarboxylic acids that are products obtained by decomposition of polyethylene. The composition described herein are useful for 3D printing, coatings and other uses.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of polymers. More specifically, the invention comprises thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers comprising polyesters comprising nitro-substituted dicarboxylic acids that are products obtained by decomposition of polyethylene. The thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers described herein exhibit higher glass transition temperatures and higher Shore A hardness compared to thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers synthesized from similar polyester diols made from virgin monomers that do not contain nitro substitution.

Abstract: A novel solid block copolymer electrolyte material is described. The material has first structural polymer blocks that make up a structural domain that has a modulus greater than 1×107 Pa at 25° C. There are also second ionically-conductive polymer blocks and a salt that make up an ionically-conductive domain adjacent to the structural domain. Along with the second ionically-conductive polymers, there is also a crosslinked network of third polymers, which interpenetrates the ionically-conductive domain. The third polymers are miscible with the second polymers. It has been shown that the addition of such an interpenetrating, crosslinked polymer network to the ionically-conductive domain improves the mechanical properties of the block copolymer electrolyte with no sacrifice in ionic conductivity.

Abstract: A polymer that can be used as a binder for sulfur-based cathodes in lithium batteries is disclosed. The polymer includes in its composition olefinic groups capable of reaction with and entrapment of polysulfide species. Beneficial effects include reductions in capacity loss and/or ionic resistance gain.

Abstract: Composites of lithium-ion-conducting ceramic and polymeric materials make superior separators and electrolytes for use in lithium batteries. The ceramic material provides a high conductivity pathway for lithium-ions, enhancing the properties of the less conductive polymeric material. The polymeric material provides flexibility, binding, and space-filling properties, mitigating the tendency of rigid ceramic materials to break or delaminate. The interface between the polymer and ceramic can be made to have a low ionic resistance through the use of additives and coatings.

Abstract: Commercially-available lithium metal foils have been found to have a high density of crystalline defects. When such foils are used as the anode in a secondary lithium metal battery cell, repeated cycling may lead to the formation of lithium shunts near the crystalline defects, which can cause shorting. Methods described herein may be used to reduce the density of crystalline defects in lithium metal foils. Such lithium metal can be used as the anode in lithium battery cells.

Abstract: Polymer electrolytes incorporating PS-PEO block copolymers, PXE additives, and lithium salts provide improved physical properties relative to PS-PEO block copolymers and lithium salt alone, and thus provide improved battery performance.

Abstract: Electrode assemblies for use in electrochemical cells are provided. The negative electrode assembly includes negative electrode active material and an electrolyte chosen specifically for its useful properties in the negative electrode. Such properties include reductive stability and ability to accommodate expansion and contraction of the negative electrode active material. Similarly, the positive electrode assembly includes positive electrode active material and an electrolyte chosen specifically for its useful properties in the positive electrode. These properties include oxidative stability and the ability to prevent dissolution of transition metals used in the positive electrode active material. A third electrolyte can be used as separator between the negative electrode and the positive electrode. A cell is constructed with a cathode that includes a fluorinated electrolyte which does not penetrate into the solid-state polymer electrolyte separator between it and the lithium-based anode.

Abstract: A polymer to be used as a binder for sulfur-based cathodes in lithium batteries that includes in its composition electrophilic groups capable of reaction with and entrapment of polysulfide species. Beneficial effects include reductions in capacity loss and ionic resistance gain.

Abstract: A polymer to be used as a binder for sulfur-based cathodes in lithium batteries that includes in its composition electrophilic groups capable of reaction with and entrapment of polysulfide species. Beneficial effects include reductions in capacity loss and ionic resistance gain.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte material that has both structural and conductive phases and is easy and inexpensive to manufacture is provided. The material has rigid spheres in a close-packed arrangement. Some or essentially all of the spheres are connected to their nearest neighbors through a fusion process. A solution of conductive electrolyte fills the interstices. Such an electrolyte offers excellent resistance to growth of lithium dendrites in secondary lithium battery cells.

Abstract: Syntheses of alternating copolymers based on PEO and fluorinated polymers are described. Introduction of fluorinated polymer chains reduces the Tm of PEO and also increases the affinity and miscibility with ionic liquids, which improves ionic conductivity even at room temperature. The disclosed polymers containing PFPE have superior safety and are more flame retardant as compared to traditional electrolytes. Such alternating copolymers can be used as solid or gel electrolytes in Li batteries.

Abstract: Polymer electrolytes incorporating PS-PEO block copolymers, PXE additives, and lithium salts provide improved physical properties relative to PS-PEO block copolymers and lithium salt alone, and thus provide improved battery performance.

Abstract: Syntheses of alternating copolymers based on PEO and fluorinated polymers are described. Introduction of fluorinated polymer chains reduces the Tm of PEO and also increases the affinity and miscibility with ionic liquids, which improves ionic conductivity even at room temperature. The disclosed polymers containing PFPE have superior safety and are more flame retardant as compared to traditional electrolytes. Such alternating copolymers can be used as solid or gel electrolytes in Li batteries.

Abstract: In a solid-state lithium-metal/sulfur-based battery cell, barriers to sulfur and polysulfide diffusion are included in or used as an ionically conductive electrolyte in the cathode or separator layers. During operation of the battery, the barrier materials are positioned to either 1) rapidly react with any free sulfur or lithium polysulfide species that are generated, forming stable carbon-sulfur bond(s) and preventing further migration of the sulfur or polysulfide species or 2) prevent the formation and diffusion of elemental sulfur or free lithium polysulfide species. Regardless of the identity of the sulfur/polysulfide species, the sulfur-containing species is prevented from diffusing to the anode and causing capacity fade and higher internal resistance to ion flow.

Abstract: A polymer to be used as a binder for sulfur-based cathodes in lithium batteries that includes in its composition electrophilic groups capable of reaction with and entrapment of polysulfide species. Beneficial effects include reductions in capacity loss and ionic resistance gain.