Abstract: Embodiments of a method for cycling a rechargeable alkali metal battery with high Coulombic efficiency (CE) are disclosed. A slow charge/rapid discharge protocol is used in conjunction with a concentrated electrolyte to achieve high CE in rechargeable lithium and sodium batteries, include anode-free batteries. In some examples, the CE is ?99.8%.

Abstract: Improved lithium-sulfur energy storage systems can utilizes LixSy as a component in an electrode of the system. For example, the energy storage system can include a first electrode current collector, a second electrode current collector, and an ion-permeable separator separating the first and second electrode current collectors. A second electrode is arranged between the second electrode current collector and the separator. A first electrode is arranged between the first electrode current collector and the separator and comprises a first condensed-phase fluid comprising LixSy. The energy storage system can be arranged such that the first electrode functions as a positive or a negative electrode.

Abstract: A solid-state lithium ion battery is disclosed. The battery includes an anode containing an anode active material. The battery also includes a cathode containing a cathode active material. The battery further includes a solid-state electrolyte material. The electrolyte material contains a salt or salt mixture with a melting point below approximately 300 degrees Celsius. The battery has an operating temperature of less than about 80 degrees Celsius.

Abstract: Embodiments of a non-aqueous electrolyte for a rechargeable sodium (Na)-based battery comprise a sodium salt and a nonaqueous solvent, the electrolyte having a sodium salt concentration ?2.5 M or a solvent-sodium salt mole ratio ?4:1. Na-based rechargeable batteries including the electrolyte exhibit both high cycling stability and high coulombic efficiency (CE). Some embodiments of the disclosed batteries attain a CE?80% within 10-30 charge-discharge cycles and maintain a CE?80% for at least 100 charge-discharge cycles. In certain embodiments, the battery is an anode-free battery in the as-assembled initial state.

Abstract: An end cap assembly for an electric motor has a brush assembly, a circuit board, an inductor and a grounded metal element. The brush assembly has a plurality of brushes. The circuit board is fixed relative to the brush assembly. The inductor is electrically connected to the circuit board. The grounded metal element is positioned between the brushes and the inductor to absorb high frequency electromagnetic radiation transmitted from the brushes to the inductor.

Abstract: Electrodeposition and energy storage devices utilizing an electrolyte having a surface-smoothing additive can result in self-healing, instead of self-amplification, of initial protuberant tips that give rise to roughness and/or dendrite formation on the substrate and anode surface. For electrodeposition of a first metal (M1) on a substrate or anode from one or more cations of M1 in an electrolyte solution, the electrolyte solution is characterized by a surface-smoothing additive containing cations of a second metal (M2), wherein cations of M2 have an effective electrochemical reduction potential in the solution lower than that of the cations of M1.

Abstract: Redox flow batteries (RFB) have attracted considerable interest due to their ability to store large amounts of power and energy. Non-aqueous energy storage systems that utilize at least some aspects of RFB systems are attractive because they can offer an expansion of the operating potential window, which can improve on the system energy and power densities. One example of such systems has a separator separating first and second electrodes. The first electrode includes a first current collector and volume containing a first active material. The second electrode includes a second current collector and volume containing a second active material. During operation, the first source provides a flow of first active material to the first volume. The first active material includes a redox active organic compound dissolved in a non-aqueous, liquid electrolyte and the second active material includes a redox active metal.

Abstract: Methods for releasing associated guest materials from a metal organic framework are provided. Methods for associating guest materials with a metal organic framework are also provided. Methods are provided for selectively associating or dissociating guest materials with a metal organic framework. Systems for associating or dissociating guest materials within a series of metal organic frameworks are provided. Gas separation assemblies are provided.

Abstract: Electrodeposition involving an electrolyte having a surface-smoothing additive can result in self-healing, instead of self-amplification, of initial protuberant tips that give rise to roughness and/or dendrite formation on the substrate and/or film surface. For electrodeposition of a first conductive material (C1) on a substrate from one or more reactants in an electrolyte solution, the electrolyte solution is characterized by a surface-smoothing additive containing cations of a second conductive material (C2), wherein cations of C2 have an effective electrochemical reduction potential in the solution lower than that of the reactants.

Abstract: Methods for making composite anodes, such as macroporous composite anodes, are disclosed. Embodiments of the methods may include forming a tape from a slurry including a substrate metal precursor, an anode active material, a pore-forming agent, a binder, and a solvent. A laminated structure may be prepared from the tape and sintered to produce a porous structure, such as a macroporous structure. The macroporous structure may be heated to reduce a substrate metal precursor and/or anode active material. Macroporous composite anodes formed by some embodiments of the disclosed methods comprise a porous metal and an anode active material, wherein the anode active material is both externally and internally incorporated throughout and on the surface of the macroporous structure.

Abstract: An energy storage device comprising: (A) an anode comprising graphite; and (B) an electrolyte composition comprising: (i) at least one carbonate solvent; (ii) an additive selected from CsPF6, RbPF6, Sr(PF6)2, Ba(PF6)2, or a mixture thereof; and (iii) a lithium salt.

Abstract: Electrodeposition involving an electrolyte having a surface-smoothing additive can result in self-healing, instead of self-amplification, of initial protuberant tips that give rise to roughness and/or dendrite formation on the substrate and/or film surface. For electrodeposition of a first conductive material (C1) on a substrate from one or more reactants in an electrolyte solution, the electrolyte solution is characterized by a surface-smoothing additive containing cations of a second conductive material (C2), wherein cations of C2 have an effective electrochemical reduction potential in the solution lower than that of the reactants.

Abstract: The Coulombic efficiency of metal deposition/stripping can be improved while also preventing dendrite formation and growth by an improved electrolyte composition. The electrolyte composition also reduces the risk of flammability. The electrolyte composition includes a polymer and/or additives to form high quality SEI layers on the anode surface and to prevent further reactions between metal and electrolyte components. The electrolyte composition further includes additives to suppress dendrite growth during charge/discharge processes. The electrolyte composition can also be applied to lithium and other kinds of energy storage devices.

Abstract: Some batteries can exhibit greatly improved performance by utilizing electrodes having randomly arranged graphene nanosheets forming a network of channels defining continuous flow paths through the electrode. The network of channels can provide a diffusion pathway for the liquid electrolyte and/or for reactant gases. Metal-air batteries can benefit from such electrodes. In particular Li-air batteries show extremely high capacities, wherein the network of channels allow oxygen to diffuse through the electrode and mesopores in the electrode can store discharge products.

Abstract: Modifications to the surface of an electrode and/or the surfaces of the electrode material can improve battery performance. For example, the modifications can improve the capacity, rate capability and long cycle stability of the electrode and/or may minimize undesirable catalytic effects. In one instance, metal-ion batteries can have an anode that is coated, at least in part, with a metal fluoride protection layer. The protection layer is preferably less than 100 nm in thickness. The anode material is fabricated according to methods that result in improved anode performance.

Abstract: A method for making a lithium battery or lithium ion battery having nitrogen silylated compounds as additives in a nonaqueous electrolytic solution. Batteries using this electrolytic solution have long cycle life and high capacity retention.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of lithium/air batteries and methods of making and using the same. Certain embodiments are pouch-cell batteries encased within an oxygen-permeable membrane packaging material that is less than 2% of the total battery weight. Some embodiments include a hybrid air electrode comprising carbon and an ion insertion material, wherein the mass ratio of ion insertion material to carbon is 0.2 to 0.8. The air electrode may include hydrophobic, porous fibers. In particular embodiments, the air electrode is soaked with an electrolyte comprising one or more solvents including dimethyl ether, and the dimethyl ether subsequently is evacuated from the soaked electrode. In other embodiments, the electrolyte comprises 10-20% crown ether by weight.

Abstract: Non-aqueous electrolyte solutions capable of protecting negative electrode materials such as lithium metal and carbonaceous materials in energy storage electrochemical cells (e.g., lithium metal batteries, lithium ion batteries and supercapacitors) include an electrolyte salt, a non-aqueous electrolyte solvent mixture, an unsaturated organic compound 4-methylene-1,3-dioxolan-2-one or 4,5-dimethylene-1,3-dioxolan-2-one, and other optional additives. The 1,3-dioxolan-2-ones help to form a good solid electrolyte interface on the negative electrode surface.

Abstract: The Coulombic efficiency of lithium deposition/stripping can be improved while also substantially preventing lithium dendrite formation and growth using particular electrolyte compositions. Embodiments of the electrolytes include organic solvents and their mixtures to form high-quality SEI layers on the lithium anode surface and to prevent further reactions between lithium and electrolyte components. Embodiments of the disclosed electrolytes further include additives to suppress dendrite growth during charge/discharge processes. The solvent and additive can significantly improve both the Coulombic efficiency and smoothness of lithium deposition. By optimizing the electrolyte formulations, practical rechargeable lithium energy storage devices with significantly improved safety and long-term cycle life are achieved. The electrolyte can also be applied to other kinds of energy storage devices.

Abstract: Some batteries can exhibit greatly improved performance by utilizing electrodes having randomly arranged graphene nanosheets forming a network of channels defining continuous flow paths through the electrode. The network of channels can provide a diffusion pathway for the liquid electrolyte and/or for reactant gases. Metal-air batteries can benefit from such electrodes. In particular Li-air batteries show extremely high capacities, wherein the network of channels allow oxygen to diffuse through the electrode and mesopores in the electrode can store discharge products.