Solution Structure and Interfaces of Advanced Battery Electrolytes by Multinuclear NMR
EMSL Project ID
60259
Abstract
The detailed investigation of advanced battery electrolyte solution structure and dynamics is critical to the ongoing development and capability expansion of alternative battery technologies for grid storage. Fundamental studies inform the design of performance-enhancing electrolyte additives and optimal solvent composition. Herein, we propose research focused on multinuclear solution-state NMR with the aim of working towards a thorough elucidation of the electrolyte solution structure in Pb-acid, vanadium redox-flow, iron-chromium redox-flow and aqueous Zn-MnO2 battery systems. The results will contribute towards the resolution of key scientific questions regarding the efficacy of deep cycling, the thermal stability, and the intercalation mechanism, respectively, for these systems, which are candidates for inexpensive energy storage and grid applications. The Pb-acid results will be directly used to benchmark extracted electrolyte samples from commercial batteries, in order to probe the degradation over high-stress cycling. In addition to bulk electrolyte properties, the research will also explore the electrolyte-electrode interface for the Zn-MnO2 and Pb-acid systems by combining solid-state NMR and EPR measurements for cycled electrodes. The obtained results will have a significant impact in persistent scientific debate for these systems regarding their commercial viability and future development in grid storage.The success of both the bulk and electrode interface approaches hinges on the availability of magnetic resonance resources capable of interrogating a wide range of nuclei (1H, 7Li, 14N, 17O, 23Na, 33S, 39K, 51V, 67Zn, 87Rb, 133Cs, and 207Pb), for spectral measurements, relaxation, and diffusivity studies over a wide range of temperatures. The necessary array of magnetic resonance tools required for these characterizations are only available in the EMSL user facility, and studies of this scope are the most effective way to holistically examine the key scientific questions surrounding these battery systems.
Project Details
Start Date
2021-12-01
End Date
2022-09-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members