Research Highlights
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Thermodynamic Overpotentials and Nucleation Rates for Electrodeposition on Metal Anodes
Thermodynamic contributions to overpotentials are predicted for seven metals relevant for next-generation metal anode batteries: Al, Ca, K, Li, Mg, Na, and Zn. In addition, a multi-scale model that combines these predictions with nucleation theory is used to estimate nucleation rates for electrodeposits on these electrodes. Read More
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Correlating Lattice Distortions, Ion Migration Barriers, and Stability in Solid Electrolytes
The discovery of solid electrolytes remains an important scientific goal. This search has been slowed, however, by incomplete understanding of the chemical and structural features that give rise to high ionic mobility. Read More
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Advanced Continuum Models for Simulations of Electrified Interfaces
Development of a novel formalism and methodology to model electrolyte composition at electrified (electrode) interfaces. Predictions that minor species (from the bulk perspective) may become dominant at the electrified interface. Read More
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Microscopic View of the Ethylene Carbonate Based Lithium-Ion Battery Electrolyte by Small Angle X-ray Scattering
We report, for the first time, the observation of EC nanoclusters in both EC/EMC solvent mixture and the LiPF6/EC/EMC electrolyte through Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) studies. We detect and estimate the size of LiPF6 ion pair in these carbonate-based electrolytes. Read More
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Solvation Structure and Dynamics of Li+ in Ternary Ionic Liquid-Lithium Salt Electrolytes
The local structure of Li+ in this eutectic is found to be heterogenous and preferentially solvated by [DCA], which is related to the transport properties. Read More
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Tailoring the Electrochemical Activity of Magnesium Chromium Oxide Towards Mg Batteries Through Control of Size and Crystal Structure
Reversible magnesium removal from MgCr2O4 was induced by nanosizing and introducing significant structural defects to reduce diffusion the distance and overcome the activation energy barrier. Read More
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Topical Review: In Situ and Ex Situ NMR for Battery Research
We review scientific studies where nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) proves an indispensable tool for obtaining detailed molecular level understanding of electrochemical processes for energy storage. Featured advances include in situ NMR analyses where the chemistries within a functioning battery are probed during cell cycling. Read More
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Anion Enhancement at the Liquid-Vacuum Interface of an Ionic Liquid Mixture
IL-vacuum interface was studied and a quantitative connection between molecular simulations and angle-resolved X-ray photoemission was achieved. Read More
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Simulation and Measurement of Water-induced Liquid-liquid Phase Separation of Imidazolium Ionic Liquid Mixtures
Computationally predicted liquid-liquid phase equilibrium confirmed by experimental measurements. Read More
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Elucidating the Nuanced Effects of Thermal Pretreatment on Carbon Paper Electrodes for Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
The chemical and physical properties of carbon paper electrodes treated at temperatures between 400-500 °C for 30 hours were quantified, and the subsequent impact of these properties on the performance of vanadium redox flow batteries explained. We find that the oxygen content and electrochemically active surface area, two parameters that govern the kinetic performance of the vanadium flow battery, follow opposing temperature trends; thus, optimal performance is achieved at a balance of these properties rather than a maximization of each. Read More
Latest Updates
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You’re Invited - JCESR and Beyond: Translating the Basic Science of Batteries
Please join us at Argonne National Laboratory on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 for JCESR and Beyond: Translating the Basic Science of Batteries. Registration is now open. This in-person event will celebrate 10 years of research from the Joint Center… Read More
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A Message from JCESR: In Memory of George Crabtree
It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to George Crabtree, a Senior Scientist and Distinguished Fellow at Argonne National Laboratory, and Director of the Joint Center for Energy Storage Research (JCESR), who passed away unexpectedly on January 23. Dr. Read More
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Cyanopyridines As Extremely Low-Reduction-Potential Anolytes for Nonaqueous Redox Flow Batteries
Discovery of a cyanophenylpyridine derivative with a very low reduction potential and good stability during cycling. Read More
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Characterizing Redoxmer – Electrode Kinetics Using a SECM-Based Spot Analysis Method
Identified asymmetries in electron transfer (ET) kinetics between the reduction and oxidation of ferrocene-based redoxmers by measuring the ET rate constants (kf/kb) as a function of electrode potential. Read More
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Benzotriazoles as Low Potential Anolytes for Non-Aqueous Redox Flow Batteries
We developed an easy-to-synthesize benzotriazole-based anolyte with a high energy redox potential (-2.3 V vs Fc/Fc+) and high solubility that demonstrates stable electrochemical cycling performance. Read More