January 11, 2016, Research Highlights

Simulations of Anodic Nanopore Growth Using the Smoothed Boundary and Level Set Methods

A new numerical approach for simulating the growth of nanopores during the anodization (electrochemical oxidation) of aluminum was developed, allowing the multidimensional extension of a successful one-dimensional model with a series of interfacial. Simulations indicate that anions adsorbed to the alumina surface play a significant role in the growth and morphology of the nanopores. Read More

December 30, 2015, Research Highlights

Computational Examination of Orientation-Dependent Morphological Evolution during the Electrodeposition and Electrodissolution of Magnesium

A new model of electrodeposition was developed that includes crucial phenomena required to simulate Mg battery anode cycling and yields results that are consistent with experimental observations. Read More

December 18, 2015, Research Highlights

Reversible Magnesium Intercalation into a Layered Oxyfluoride Cathode

Magnesium was reversibly intercalated at room temperature into an oxyfluoride cathode without the co-intercalation of electrolytes or protons and without the formation of unwanted side-products that commonly plague oxide cathodes. Read More

December 7, 2015, Research Highlights

Phase-Controlled Electrochemical Activity of Epitaxial Spinel Thin films as Mg-Cathodes

Epitaxial thin film cathodes of MgMn2O4 (“MMO”) are stabilized in two distinct phases (tetragonal vs. cubic) which reveal distinct electrochemical activities for reversible Mg2+ insertion. Read More

November 24, 2015, Research Highlights

The First Ca-ion Rechargeable Battery

We have demonstrated the first ever rechargeable battery utilizing calcium as the working ion. Read More

May 23, 2015, Research Highlights

Current Collector Corrosion in Ca-Ion Batteries

This study identified and verified corrosion of the metallic current collectors in a series of multivalent electrolyte/electrode systems; calcium based systems were shown to be particularly susceptible to corrosion. Read More

April 17, 2015, Research Highlights

Demonstration of Magnesium Intercalation into a High-Voltage Oxide Electrode

First demonstration of reversible insertion of multivalent magnesium ions (Mg2+) into a spinel-type manganese oxide (Mn2O4), using multi-modal characterization Read More

April 8, 2015, Research Highlights

Understanding the Initial Stages of Reversible Mg Deposition and Stripping in Inorganic Nonaqueous Electrolytes

The chemical species at the Mg-anode surface in the presence of Magnesium Aluminum-Chloro complex (MACC) electrolyte were identified. While solvent molecules (THF and DME) are loosely bound at the Mg(0001) surface, the constituents of the MACC electrolyte (e.g. MgCl+, see diagram) are strongly anchored at the electrode. Read More

March 2, 2015, Research Highlights

A Lewis Acid-free and Phenolate-based Magnesium Electrolyte for Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries

A novel Lewis acid-free all magnesium electrolyte containing 2,6-di-tert-butylphenoxidemagnesium chloride ((DTBP)MgCl + MgCl2) has been deliberately developed. The obtained electrolyte possesses the oxidative stability of up to 2.3 V (vs Mg/Mg2+) with 100% coulombic efficiency, which is comparable to its AlCl3 counterpart. Read More

February 10, 2015, Research Highlights

Electrolyte Genome Reveals New Instability Mechanism in Mg Electrolytes

imulations of a matrix of Mg salt and solvent combinations revealed a strong tendency to ion pair formation. Close association of the salt anion and cation within the first solvation shell, even at modest concentrations. Read More