Abstract: Anode-protective layer for inhibiting growth of dendrites from an anode. In some embodiments, an anode-protective layer of this disclosure includes a coating comprising a polymer system, one or more salts dispersed within the polymer system, and ceramic oxide particles dispersed within the polymer system. In some embodiments, the polymer system includes two or more polymers, with one polymer containing fluorine and at least one other polymer containing nitrogen. In some embodiments, the coating is applied to a porous material, such as a porous separator. In some embodiments, the anode comprises at least one active metal, such as lithium, and the salt(s) comprise the active metal. Electrochemical cells and secondary batteries that include an anode-protective layer are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for manufacturing and implementing liquid electrolytes for aluminum-based rechargeable batteries and other secondary batteries. The liquid electrolytes may be formed from electrolyte compositions that are selected for lower corrosiveness in certain environments. In some examples, an electrolyte composition may include a salt at least partially dissolved in a solvent, the salt including Al(TFSI)3, Al(FSI)3, or AlI3. In certain examples, the electrolyte composition is free of chlorine. In additional or alternative examples, the electrolyte composition may further include one or more additives, such as a halide or crown. In some examples, the salt may be formed via a neutralization reaction of a Lewis acid and a Lewis base.

Abstract: A process for forming a lithium-metal-oxygen film on a lithium SSE. A metal-ligand complex is exposed to the SSE such as for 30-600 seconds in a chemical vapor transfer reactor at a temperature of 200-350° C.

Abstract: A process for forming cubic LLZO through the use of atomic mixing of metal salts used in an aerosol process. The cubic LLZO is formed at temperatures below 1000° C.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for manufacturing and implementing solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) for aluminum-based rechargeable batteries and other secondary batteries. In some examples, a SSE composition may include a mixture including urea, sodium chloride, sodium borate, magnesium sulfate, and sodium silicate. In certain examples, the SSE composition may further include carboxymethyl cellulose. In some examples, an aluminum-based secondary battery may be formed by applying a first portion of the SSE composition to an aluminum-based anode via slot-die coating and a second portion of the SSE composition to a cellulose membrane to form a SSE layer, and combining the coated aluminum-based anode, the SSE layer, and a sulfur-based cathode. In certain examples, a current pulse may be applied to the aluminum-based secondary battery to activate in situ solid-electrolyte interphase layers.

Abstract: A dry process for coating Ni-rich cathode powder with cubic LLZO powder prepared by flame spray pyrolysis.

Abstract: Functionalized porous matrices that store functional liquids prior to being installed into an electrochemical cell, such as a battery cell or supercapacitor. In some embodiments, a functionalized porous matrix of the present disclosure may be deployed as a separator in the cell. In some embodiments, the porous matrix provides a storage reservoir for one or more functional liquids that participate(s) in a process within a cell, such as a process that inhibits or prevents growth and/or proliferation of filaments (e.g., dendrites) of an active electrode material. For example, in some embodiments, a functional liquid may be reactive to the active material so that when a filament encounters the functional liquid a reaction between the filament and the functional liquid forms a stable product that inhibits further growth of the filament. In some embodiments, the functional liquid participates in forming a solid electrolyte interphase layer.

Abstract: A process for forming a lithium-metal-oxygen film on a lithium SSE. A metal-ligand complex is exposed to the SSE such as for 30-600 seconds in a chemical vapor transfer reactor at a temperature of 200-350° C.

Abstract: A dry process for coating Ni-rich cathode powder with cubic LLZO powder prepared by flame spray pyrolysis.

Abstract: A process for forming cubic LLZO through the use of atomic mixing of metal salts used in an aerosol process. The cubic LLZO is formed at temperatures below 1000° C.