Electrochemical performance of a nickel-rich LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 cathode material for lithium-ion batteries under different cut-off voltages

A spherical-like Ni0.6Co0.2Mn0.2(OH)2precursor was tuned homogeneously to synthesize LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries. The effects of calcination temperature on the crystal structure, morphology, and the electrochemical performance of the as-prepared LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2were investigated in detail. The as-prepared material was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, laser particle size analysis, charge–discharge tests, and cyclic voltammetry measurements. The results show that the spherical-like LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2material obtained by calcination at 900°C displayed the most significant layered structure among samples calcined at various temperatures, with a particle size of approximately 10 μm. It delivered an initial discharge capacity of 189.2 mAh•g−1at 0.2C with a capacity retention of 94.0% after 100 cycles between 2.7 and 4.3 V. The as-prepared cathode material also exhibited good rate performance, with a discharge capacity of 119.6 mAh•g−1at 5C. Furthermore, within the cut-off voltage ranges from 2.7 to 4.3, 4.4, and 4.5 V, the initial discharge capacities of the calcined samples were 170.7, 180.9, and 192.8 mAh•g−1, respectively, at a rate of 1C. The corresponding retentions were 86.8%, 80.3%, and 74.4% after 200 cycles, respectively. © 2017, University of Science and Technology Beijing and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Molecular Dynamics, Physical Properties, Diffusion Coefficients and Activation Energy of the Lithium Oxide (Li-O) and Sodium Oxide (Na-O) Electrolyte (Cathode)

This work is a simulation model with the LAMMPS calculation code of an electrode based on alkali metal oxides (lithium, sodium and potassium) using the Lennard Jones potential. For a multiplicity of 8*8*8, we studied a gap-free model using molecular dynamics. Physical quantities such as volume and pressure of the Na-O and Li-O systems exhibit similar behaviors around the thermodynamic ensembles NPT and NVE. However, for the Na2O system, at a minimum temperature value, we observe a range of total energy values;in contrast, for the Li2O system, a minimum energy corresponds to a range of temperatures. Finally, for physicochemical properties, we studied the diffusion coefficient and activation energy of lithium and potassium oxides around their melting temperatures. The order of magnitude of the diffusion coefficients is given by the relation Dli-O >DNa-O for the multiplicity 8*8*8, while for the activation energy, the order is well reversed EaNa-O > EaLi-O.

Empowering the Future: Exploring the Construction and Characteristics of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium element has attracted remarkable attraction for energy storage devices, over the past 30 years. Lithium is a light element and exhibits the low atomic number 3, just after hydrogen and helium in the periodic table. The lithium atom has a strong tendency to release one electron and constitute a positive charge, as Li . Initially, lithium metal was employed as a negative electrode, which released electrons. However, it was observed that its structure changed after the repetition of charge-discharge cycles. To remedy this, the cathode mainly consisted of layer metal oxide and olive, e.g., cobalt oxide, LiFePO4, etc., along with some contents of lithium, while the anode was assembled by graphite and silicon, etc. Moreover, the electrolyte was prepared using the lithium salt in a suitable solvent to attain a greater concentration of lithium ions. Owing to the lithium ions’ role, the battery’s name was mentioned as a lithium-ion battery. Herein, the presented work describes the working and operational mechanism of the lithium-ion battery. Further, the lithium-ion batteries’ general view and future prospects have also been elaborated.

Design and Analysis of MEMS Based Aluminum Nitride (AlN), Lithium Niobate (LiNbO₃) and Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Cantilever with Different Substrate Materials for Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Harvesters Using COMSOL Multiphysics Software

Interest in energy harvesters has grown rapidly over the last decade. The cantilever shaped piezoelectric energy harvesting beam is one of the most employed designs, due to its simplicity and flexibility for further performance enhancement. The research effort in the MEMS Piezoelectric vibration energy harvester designed using three types of cantilever materials, Lithium Niobate (LiNbO3), Aluminum Nitride (AlN) and Zinc Oxide (ZnO) with different substrate materials: aluminum, steel and silicon using COMSOL Multiphysics package were designed and analyzed. Voltage, mechanical power and electrical power versus frequency for different cantilever materials and substrates were modeled and simulated using Finite element method (FEM). The resonant frequencies of the LiNbO3/Al, AlN/Al and ZnO/Al systems were found to be 187.5 Hz, 279.5 Hz and 173.5 Hz, respectively. We found that ZnO/Al system yields optimum voltage and electrical power values of 8.2 V and 2.8 mW, respectively. For ZnO cantilever on aluminum, steel and silicon substrates, we found the resonant frequencies to be 173.5 Hz, 170 Hz and 175 Hz, respectively. Interestingly, ZnO/steel yields optimal voltage and electrical power values of 9.83 V and 4.02 mW, respectively. Furthermore, all systems were studied at different differentiate frequencies. We found that voltage and electrical power have increased as the acceleration has increased.

CO2 Transformation at Controlled Temperature with Lithium Hydroxide Solution and Metallic Lithium

This paper presents a study on CO2 atmospheric transformation which was reacted directly with lithium hydroxide solution and metallic lithium. This solution was obtained through the reaction between metallic lithium and deionized water where hydrogen is produced and by exposing the metal at ambient conditions. In the transformation process, atmospheric CO2 gas reacts directly with LiOH solution, in both cases, the CO2 transformation kinetics was different. For this purpose, reactions between CO2 and LiOH solution were carried out under controlled temperature and the second process only with metallic lithium, which was exposed at room temperature, however, in these two processes lithium carbonate oxide was formed and identified. According to the results, the efficiency in CO2 transformation is a function of temperature value which was variable until completely obtaining the by-product, its XRD characterization indicated the formation only of Li2CO3 in both procedures. Under laboratory conditions lithium compounds selectively reacted with CO2. In the same way, there is an alternative procedure to obtain LiOH and Li2CO3 for different applications in various areas.

Effect of Lithium Chloride on the Fibre Length Distribution, Processing Temperature and the Rheological Properties of High-Yield-Pulp-Fibre-Reinforced Modified Bio-Based Polyamide 11 Composite

The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of lithium chloride (LiCl) on the fibre length distribution, melting temperature and the rheological characteristics of high yield pulp fibre reinforced polyamide biocomposite. The inorganic salt lithium chloride (LiCl) was used to decrease the melting and processing temperature of bio-based polyamide 11. The extrusion method and Brabender mixer approaches were used to carry out the compounding process. The densities and fibre content were found to be increased after processing using both compounding methods. The HYP fibre length distribution analysis realized using the FQA equipment showed an important fibre-length reduction after processing by both techniques. The rheological properties of HYP-reinforced net and modified bio-based polyamide 11 “PA11” (HYP/PA11) composite were investigated using a capillary rheometer. The rheological tests were performed in function of the shear rate for different temperature conditions. The low-temperature process compounding had higher shear viscosity;this was because during the process the temperature was low and the mixing and melting were induced by the high shear rate created during compounding process. Experimental test results using the extrusion process showed a steep decrease in shear viscosity with increasing shear rate, and this melt-flow characteristic corresponds to shear-thinning behavior in HYP/PA11, and this steep decrease in the melt viscosity can be associated to the hydrolyse reaction of nylon for high pulp fibre moisture content at high temperature. In addition to the low processing temperature, the melt viscosity of the biocomposite using the Brabender mixer approach increases with increasing shear rate, and this stability in the increase even at high shear rate for high pulp moisture content is associated to the presence of inorganic salt lithium chloride which creates the hydrogen bonds with pulp during the compounding process.

Molecular Dynamics, Diffusion Coefficients and Activation Energy of the Electrolyte (Anode) in Lithium (Li and Li+), Sodium (Na and Na+) and Potassium (K and K+)

This work is a simulation modelling with the LAMMPS calculation code of an electrode based on alkali metals (lithium, sodium and potassium) using the MEAM potential. For different multiplicities, two models were studied;with and without gap. In this work, we present the structural, physical and chemical properties of the lithium, sodium and potassium electrodes. For the structural properties, the cohesive energy and the mesh parameters were calculated, revealing that, whatever the chemical element selected, the compact hexagonal hcp structure is the most stable, followed by the face-centred cubic CFC structure, and finally the BCC structure. The most stable structure is lithium, with a cohesion energy of -6570 eV, and the lowest bcc-hcp transition energy of -0.553 eV/atom, followed by sodium. For physical properties, kinetic and potential energies were calculated for each of the sectioned chemical elements, with lithium achieving the highest value. Finally, for the chemical properties, we studied the diffusion coefficient and the activation energy. Only potassium followed an opposite order to the other two, with the quantities with lacunae being greater than those without lacunae, whatever the multiplicity. The order of magnitude of the diffusion coefficients is given by the relationship DLi > DNa > Dk for the multiplicity 6*6*6, while for the activation energy the order is reversed.

Separator coatings as efficient physical and chemical hosts of polysulfides for high-sulfur-loaded rechargeable lithium–sulfur batteries

Lithium-sulfur batteries(LSBs)are promising alternative energy storage devices to the commercial lithium-ion batteries.However,the LSBs have several limitations including the low electronic conductivity of sulfur(5×10^-30S cm^-1),associated lithium polysulfides(PSs),and their migration from the cathode to the anode.In this study,a separator coated with a Ketjen black(KB)/Nafion composite was used in an LSB with a sulfur loading up to 7.88 mg cm^-2to mitigate the PS migration.A minimum specific capacity(Cs)loss of 0.06%was obtained at 0.2 C-rate at a high sulfur loading of 4.39 mg cm^-2.Furthermore,an initial areal capacity up to 6.70 mAh cm^-2 was obtained at a sulfur loading of 7.88 mg cm^-2.The low Cs loss and high areal capacity associated with the high sulfur loading are attributed to the large surface area of the KB and sulfonate group(SO3^-)of Nafion,respectively,which could physically and chemically trap the PSs.

Modification of Li Anode with Perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane to Enhance the Performance of Lithium Metal Battery

The solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the surface of lithium metal anodes can dictate the electrochemical performance of lithium-metal-based batteries. Due to ineffective adhesion, the natural SEI layer may detach from the lithium negative electrode during interface fluctuations, thereby deteriorating the electrochemical performance of lithium-metal-based batteries. This work introduces perfluorosiloxane coupling agents as interfacial adhesion promoters, chemically bonding and physically entangling the lithium metal with the SEI via the formation of Li-O-Si bonds with the inorganic reactive groups anchoring to the Li substrate and the organic functional groups participating in the formation of the SEI layer, thus binding with its components. Lithium metal batteries modified with silane coupling agents exhibit superior electrochemical performance compared to unmodified lithium metal batteries. The modified lithium metal battery retains a specific capacity of 162 mAh/g after 200 cycles, while the unmodified lithium metal battery only retains 140 mAh/g.

Nanocarbons and their hybrids as catalysts for non-aqueous lithium–oxygen batteries

Rechargeable lithium-oxygen (Li–O2) batteries have been considered as the most promising candidates for energy storage and conversion devices because of their ultra high energy density. Until now, the critical scientific challenges facing Li–O2batteries are the absence of advanced electrode architectures and highly efficient electrocatalysts for both oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which seriously hinder the commercialization of this technology. In the last few years, a number of strategies have been devoted to exploring new catalysts with novel structures to enhance the battery performance. Among various of oxygen electrode catalysts, carbon-based materials have triggered tremendous attention as suitable cathode catalysts for Li–O2batteries due to the reasonable structures and the balance of catalytic activity, durability and cost. In this review, we summarize the recent advances and basic understandings related to the carbon-based oxygen electrode catalytic materials, including nanostructured carbon materials (one-dimensional (1D) carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers, 2D graphene nanosheets, 3D hierarchical architectures and their doped structures), and metal/metal oxide-nanocarbon hybrid materials (nanocarbon supporting metal/metal oxide and nanocarbon encapsulating metal/metal oxide). Finally, several key points and research directions of the future design for highly efficient catalysts for practical Li–O2batteries are proposed based on the fundamental understandings and achievements of this battery field. © 2016 Science Press

A Nonlinear Observer Approach of SOC Estimation Based on Hysteresis Model for Lithium-ion Battery

In this paper, a state of charge U+0028 SOC U+0029 estimation approach for lithium-ion battery based on equivalent circuit model and the input-to-state stability U+0028 ISS U+0029 theory has been proposed. According to the electrochemical performance of lithiumion battery, the equivalent circuit model with two RC networks is established, which includes hysteresis characteristic in inner electrochemical response process. The nonlinear relation between open circuit voltage U+0028 OCV U+0029 and SOC is obtained from a rapid test. Exponential fitting method is used to identify the parameters of the model. A novel state observer based on ISS theory is designed for lithium-ion battery SOC estimation. The designed observer is tested on AMESim and Simulink co-simulation. The simulation results show that the proposed method has a high SOC estimation accuracy with an error of about 2 percent. © 2017 Chinese Association of Automation.

Graphene/RuO2 nanocrystal composites as sulfur host for lithium-sulfur batteries

An optimized graphene/RuO2/S composite is prepared by hydrothermal growth of RuO2 particles on graphene oxide sheets as the positive electrode for rechargeable lithium-sulfur batteries. The electrode with 6.1 wt% RuO2 nanocrystals and a high sulfur content of 79.0 wt% delivers an optimal electrochemical performance with high residual capacities of 508 mAh g-1 after 200 cycles and 389 m Ah g-1 after800 cycles at 1 C with a low capacity decay of 0.054%. The RuO2 nanocrystals promote the redox reaction kinetics and facilitate the transformation of sulfur chemistry, leading to large improvements in reversibility and rate capability of the composite electrode. The density functional theory calculations signify the formation of Li–O and Ru–S bonds through chemical interactions between RuO2 and Li polysulfides while the adsorption energies between graphene and polysulfide species are much higher in the presence of RuO2 than that of the neat graphene acting alone. These discoveries support the efficient entrapment of polysulfides by the composite electrode to the benefit of enhanced cyclic stability of the battery.

Sulfur-encapsulated in heteroatom-doped hierarchical porous carbon derived from goat hair for high performance lithium–sulfur batteries

Biomass-derived carbon materials have aroused widespread concern as host material of sulfur to enhance electrochemical performances for lithium–sulfur batteries. Herein, goat hair, as a low-cost and eco-friendly precursor, is employed to fabricate cauliflower-like in-situ nitrogen, oxygen and phosphorus tri-doped porous biomass carbon(NOPC) by a facile activation with H_3PO_4 and carbonization process.The morphology and microstructure of NOPC can be readily tuned by altering pyrolysis temperature. The as-prepared NOPC matrix material carbonized at 600 °C possesses 3D hierarchical porous structure, high specific surface area(535.352 m^2 g^(-1)), and appropriate pore size and pore size distribution. Encapsulating sulfur into the NOPC depends on a stem-melting technology as cathode materials of Li–S batteries. Due to the synergistic effect of special physical structure and inherent tri-doping of N, O and P, electrons and ions transfer and utilization of active sulfur in the materials are improved, and the shuttle behaviors of soluble lithium polysulfides are also mitigated. Consequently, the S/NOPC-600 composite exhibits excellent electrochemical performance, giving a high initial discharge capacity of 1185 mA h g^(-1) at 0.05 C and maintaining a relatively considerable capacity of 489 m A h g^(-1) at 0.2 C after 300 cycles. Our work shows that a promising candidate for cathode material of Li–S batteries can be synthesized using low-cost and renewable biomass materials by a facile process.

Three-dimensional matrix for lithium metal anode for next-generation rechargeable batteries: Structure design and interface engineering

The next-generation batteries with very high energy/power densities, affordable cost, safe operation are of paramount importance to electric vehicles and grid-scale storage. Lithium (Li) metal anode paired with conversion reaction cathodes (sulfur and oxygen) is regarded as a Holy Grail research because such battery system can employ earth-abundant elements and afford 3?5 times higher energy density than current lithium ion batteries (3500 Wh kg^-1 for lithium-oxygen batteries and 2600 Wh kg^-1 for lithium-sulfur batteries)[1].

Metal–Oleate Complex?Derived Bimetallic Oxides Nanoparticles Encapsulated in 3D Graphene Networks as Anodes for Efficient Lithium Storage with Pseudocapacitance

In this manuscript, we have demonstrated the delicate design and synthesis of bimetallic oxides nanoparticles derived from metal–oleate complex embedded in 3D graphene networks(MnO/CoMn_2O_4  GN), as an anode material for lithium ion batteries. The novel synthesis of the MnO/CoMn_2O_4  GN consists of thermal decomposition of metal–oleate complex containing cobalt and manganese metals and oleate ligand, forming bimetallic oxides nanoparticles, followed by a selfassembly route with reduced graphene oxides. The MnO/CoMn_2O_4  GN composite, with a unique architecture of bimetallic oxides nanoparticles encapsulated in 3D graphene networks, rationally integrates several benefits including shortening the di usion path of Li^+ ions, improving electrical conductivity and mitigating volume variation during cycling. Studies show that the electrochemical reaction processes of MnO/Co Mn_2O_4  GN electrodes are dominated by the pseudocapacitive behavior, leading to fast Li^+ charge/discharge reactions. As a result, the MnO/CoMn_2O_4  GN manifests high initial specific capacity, stable cycling performance, and excellent rate capability.

Three dimensional porous frameworks for lithium dendrite suppression

Lithium metal is a promising anode material owing to its very low electrochemical potential and ultrahigh specific capacity.However,the growth of lithium dendrites could result in a short lifespan,low coulombic efficiency,and potential safety hazards during the progress of lithium plating/stripping.These factors drastically hinder its application in lithium metal batteries.This review focuses on the use of three dimensional(3D)porous host frameworks to improve Li plating/stripping behaviors,accommodate the change in volume,and suppress or block lithium dendrite growth.Various 3D porous frameworks,including the conductive carbon-based,metal-based,and lithiophilic inorganic-compound frameworks are introduced and summarized in detail.The particular functions,relative developments,and optimized strategies of various 3D porous frameworks for lithium deposition/dissolution behaviors are discussed.Moreover,the challenges and promising developments in the field of Li metal anodes will be discussed at the end of this review.

Physical and Electrolytic Properties of Monofluorinated Ethyl Acetates and Their Application to Lithium Secondary Batteries

Ethyl acetate (EA) shows low viscosity for its relative permittivity. Monofluorinated organic solvents exert the polar effect on the various properties. We have investigated the effect of position isomerism on the physical and electrochemical properties of two monofluorinated carboxylates: 2-fluoroethyl acetate (2FEA) and ethyl fluoroacetate (EFA). Relative permittivity of 2FEA was lower than that of EFA, whereas viscosity of 2FEA was higher. Electrolytic conductivity of a LiPF6 solution in 2FEA was lower than that in EFA, but higher than that in EA at high temperatures. The use of 2FEA as a co-solvent improved cycling efficiency and suppressed fading of discharge capacity of a Li|LiCoO2 coin cell at high cycle numbers.

EFFECT OF LITHIUM-BASE CATALYST ON THE RATE OF TRANSESTERIFICATION OF DMT WITH EG AND ON THE QUALITY OF PET

New catalysts combined with an organic or inorganic lithium salt (lithium acetate or lithiumchloride) and a conventional catalyst for the transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate withethylene glycol have been studied. Reaction mechanism in presence of lithium-base catalyst hasbeen proposed. A synergistic action of two classes of catalysts creates the speed-up of initial re-action particularly in presence of lithium acetate. The presence of lithium base catalyst can re-duce diethylene glycol content and raise the melting point of final PET product, but almostuneffect PET molecular weight distribution.

Lithium ion battery cathode material LiNi_yCo_zMn_(1-y-z)O_2

A new lithium ion battery cathode material, composite oxide LiNi y Co z Mn 1- y-z O 2, was synthesized. The structure and physical properties of the material, including composition, distribution of size, density and specific surface area, were discussed. The characteristic of charge and discharge, reversible specific capacity and cycle property were also studied. The relationship between the structure and properties of the composite oxides was explored. The results show that the composite oxide with a reasonable composition is beneficial to the improvement and enhancement of the properties.

Lithium promotes recovery of neurological function after spinal cord injury by inducing autophagy

Lithium promotes autophagy and has a neuroprotective effect on spinal cord injury（SCI）; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of lithium and the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine（3-MA） in a rat model of SCI. The rats were randomly assigned to the SCI, lithium, 3-MA and sham groups. In the 3-MA group, rats were intraperitoneally injected with 3-MA（3 mg/kg） 2 hours before SCI. In the lithium and 3-MA groups, rats were intraperitoneally injected with lithium（LiCl; 30 mg/kg） 6 hours after SCI and thereafter once daily until sacrifice. At 2, 3 and 4 weeks after SCI, neurological function and diffusion tensor imaging indicators were remarkably improved in the lithium group compared with the SCI and 3-MA groups. The Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale score and fractional anisotropy values were increased, and the apparent diffusion coefficient value was decreased. Immunohistochemical staining showed that immunoreactivities for Beclin-1 and light-chain 3 B peaked 1 day after SCI in the lithium and SCI groups. Immunoreactivities for Beclin-1 and light-chain 3 B were weaker in the 3-MA group than in the SCI group, indicating that 3-MA inhibits lithium-induced autophagy. Furthermore, NeuN＋ neurons were more numerous in the lithium group than in the SCI and 3-MA groups, with the fewest in the latter. Our findings show that lithium reduces neuronal damage after acute SCI and promotes neurological recovery by inducing autophagy. The neuroprotective mechanism of action may not be entirely dependent on the enhancement of autophagy, and furthermore, 3-MA might not completely inhibit all autophagy pathways.