Abstract: A method is described whereby a thin, self-assembled ionic liquid layer (SAILL) is produced through careful consideration of surface functionalization of a nanoporous membrane and solution additions. As an example, an EMIM-TFSI ionic liquid layer was produced in the nanopores of a selectively functionalized alumina membrane. The membrane surface functionality controls where the SAILL is located and ultimately, its thickness.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the modification of sodium electrochemical interfaces to improve performance of sodium ion-conducting ceramics in a variety of electrochemical applications. Enhanced mating of the separator-sodium interface by means of engineered coatings or other surface modifications results in lower interfacial resistance and higher performance at increased current densities, enabling the effective operation of molten sodium batteries and other electrochemical technologies at low and high temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the modification of sodium electrochemical interfaces to improve performance of NaSICON-type ceramics in a variety of electrochemical applications. Enhanced mating of the separator-sodium interface by means of engineered coatings or other surface modifications results in lower interfacial resistance and higher performance at increased current densities, enabling the effective operation of molten sodium batteries and other electrochemical technologies at low and high temperatures.

Abstract: An electrocatalyst comprises a crumpled transition metal dichalcogenide support loaded with catalytic metal nanoparticles through spontaneous reduction reactions. The support can be prepared by hydrothermal conversion of 2D nanosheets to 3D hierarchically crumpled sheets. As an example, using crumpled MoS2 as a support, highly tunable Ru loadings were obtained using the electrostatic interaction between MoS2 and RuCl3 in solution. Control over Ru loading was leveraged to produce Ru—MoS2 electrocatalysts that demonstrate different nitrogen reduction reaction activities, and which show varying resistance to electrochemical sintering and deactivation. Further, these high surface area materials can be utilized for many applications, including electrocatalysts, supercapacitors, and batteries.

Abstract: An electrocatalyst comprises a crumpled transition metal dichalcogenide support loaded with catalytic metal nanoparticles through spontaneous reduction reactions. The support can be prepared by hydrothermal conversion of 2D nanosheets to 3D hierarchically crumpled sheets. As an example, using crumpled MoS2 as a support, highly tunable Ru loadings were obtained using the electrostatic interaction between MoS2 and RuCl3 in solution. Control over Ru loading was leveraged to produce Ru—MoS2 electrocatalysts that demonstrate different nitrogen reduction reaction activities, and which show varying resistance to electrochemical sintering and deactivation. Further, these high surface area materials can be utilized for many applications, including electrocatalysts, supercapacitors, and batteries.

Abstract: A molten sodium-based battery comprises a robust, highly Na-ion conductive, zero-crossover separator and a fully inorganic, fully liquid, highly cyclable molten cathode that operates at low temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the modification of sodium electrochemical interfaces to improve performance of NaSICON-type ceramics in a variety of electrochemical applications. Enhanced mating of the separator-sodium interface by means of engineered coatings or other surface modifications results in lower interfacial resistance and higher performance at increased current densities, enabling the effective operation of molten sodium batteries and other electrochemical technologies at low and high temperatures.

Abstract: A molten sodium-based battery comprises a robust, highly Na-ion conductive, zero-crossover separator and a fully inorganic, fully liquid, highly cyclable molten cathode that operates at low temperatures.

Abstract: Nanostructured polyelectrolyte bilayers deposited by Layer-by-Layer deposition on nanoporous membranes can be selectively crosslinked to modify the polyelectrolyte charge density and control ionic selectivity independent of ionic conductivity. For example, the polyelectrolyte bilayer can comprise a cationic polymer layer, such as poly(ethyleneimine), and an anionic polymer layer, such as poly(acrylic acid). Increasing the number of bilayers increases the cation selectivity when the poly(ethyleneimine) layer is crosslinked with glutaraldehyde. Crosslinking the membranes also increases the chemical and mechanical strength of the polyelectrolyte films. This controllable and inexpensive method can be used to create ion-selective and mechanically robust membranes on porous supports for a wide range of applications.

Abstract: Nanostructured polyelectrolyte bilayers deposited by Layer-by-Layer deposition on nanoporous membranes can be selectively crosslinked to modify the polyelectrolyte charge density and control ionic selectivity independent of ionic conductivity. For example, the polyelectrolyte bilayer can comprise a cationic polymer layer, such as poly(ethyleneimine), and an anionic polymer layer, such as poly(acrylic acid). Increasing the number of bilayers increases the cation selectivity when the poly(ethyleneimine) layer is crosslinked with glutaraldehyde. Crosslinking the membranes also increases the chemical and mechanical strength of the polyelectrolyte films. This controllable and inexpensive method can be used to create ion-selective and mechanically robust membranes on porous supports for a wide range of applications.