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: Embodiments of an electrolyte for a hybrid magnesium-alkali metal ion battery are disclosed. The electrolyte includes a magnesium salt, a Lewis acid, and an alkali metal salt. Embodiments of battery systems including the electrolyte also are disclosed.

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: Magnesium energy storage devices that take advantage of magnesium-based anodes while maintaining practical energy densities can be useful for large-scale energy storage as well as other applications. One such device can include a negative electrode having magnesium and a positive electrode material that can flow in a batch or continuous manner. The flowable positive electrode material can result in an increased practical energy density because the fresh active material can be flowed to the positive electrode, and as a result can be theoretically infinite in size. The positive electrode can include a cathode suspension contacting a positive current collector and having particulates of a cathode magnesium intercalation compound, a cathode magnesium conversion compound, a redox active species, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Nanostructured bismuth materials can be utilized as an insertion material in electrodes for magnesium energy storage devices to take advantage of short diffusion lengths for Mg2+. The result can be a significantly increased charge/discharge rates and/or improved cycling stabilities. In one example, an energy storage device has magnesium as an electroactive species, an electrolyte salt containing magnesium, and an anode having bismuth nanostructures. The bismuth nanostructures have at least one dimension that is less than or equal to 25 nm. At least a portion of the magnesium is reversibly inserted into, and extracted from, the anode during discharging and charging states, respectively.

Abstract: For a metal anode in a battery, the capacity fade is a significant consideration. In energy storage devices having an anode that includes Mg, the cycling stability can be improved by an electrolyte having a first salt, a second salt, and an organic solvent. Examples of the organic solvent include diglyme, triglyme, tetraglyme, or a combination thereof. The first salt can have a magnesium cation and be substantially soluble in the organic solvent. The second salt can enhance the solubility of the first salt and can have a magnesium cation or a lithium cation. The first salt, the second salt, or both have a BH4 anion.

Abstract: The performance of sodium-based energy storage devices can be improved according to methods and devices based on surface-driven reactions between sodium ions and functional groups attached to surfaces of the cathode. The cathode substrate, which includes a conductive material, can provide high electron conductivity while the surface functional groups can provide reaction sites to store sodium ions. During discharge cycles, sodium ions will bind to the surface functional groups. During charge cycles, the sodium ions will be released from the surface functional groups. The surface-driven reactions are preferred compared to intercalation reactions.

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: 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.