Abstract:
Sulfur containing nanoparticles that may be used within cathode electrodes within lithium ion batteries include in a first instance porous carbon shape materials (i.e., either nanoparticle shapes or “bulk” shapes that are subsequently ground to nanoparticle shapes) that are infused with a sulfur material. A synthetic route to these carbon and sulfur containing nanoparticles may use a template nanoparticle to form a hollow carbon shape shell, and subsequent dissolution of the template nanoparticle prior to infusion of the hollow carbon shape shell with a sulfur material. Sulfur infusion into other porous carbon shapes that are not hollow is also contemplated. A second type of sulfur containing nanoparticle includes a metal oxide material core upon which is located a shell layer that includes a vulcanized polymultiene polymer material and ion conducting polymer material. The foregoing sulfur containing nanoparticle materials provide the electrodes and lithium ion batteries with enhanced performance.
Abstract:
Systems and methods to upgrade a feedstock include a metal/oxygen electrochemical cell having a positive electrode, a negative electrode and an electrolyte in which the cell is configured to produce superoxide. The superoxide can react or complex with a feedstock to upgrade the feedstock.
Abstract:
A non-aqueous Na-oxygen battery utilizes a gas mixture of CO2 and O2 as fuel. The battery exhibits a comparatively high specific energy of 6500-7000 Whkg−1 over a range of CO2 feed compositions. The energy density achieved is higher, by 200% to 300%, than obtained with pure oxygen feed. Ex-situ FTIR and XRD analysis confirm Na2O2, Na2C2O4 and Na2CO3 as discharge products. The Na—O2/CO2 battery provides a promising approach for CO2 capture and conversion into electrical energy. The Na—O2/CO2 battery may be extended to other metals. In addition, operation of a metal battery fueled at least in-part by carbon dioxide within an optimal temperature range is considered.
Abstract:
A non-aqueous Na-oxygen battery utilizes a gas mixture of CO2 and O2 as fuel. The battery exhibits a comparatively high specific energy of 6500-7000 Whkg−1 over a range of CO2 feed compositions. The energy density achieved is higher, by 200% to 300%, than obtained with pure oxygen feed. Ex-situ FTIR and XRD analysis confirm Na2O2, Na2C2O4 and Na2CO3 as discharge products. The Na—O2/CO2 battery provides a promising approach for CO2 capture and conversion into electrical energy. The Na—O2/CO2 battery may be extended to other metals. In addition, operation of a metal battery fueled at least in-part by carbon dioxide within an optimal temperature range is considered.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to nano structures of metal oxides having a nanostructured shell (or wall), and an internal space or void. Nanostructures may be nanoparticles, nanorod/belts/arrays, nanotubes, nanodisks, nanoboxes, hollow nanospheres, and mesoporous structures, among other nanostructures. The nanostructures are composed of polycrystalline metal, oxides such as SnO2. The nanostructures may have concentric walls which surround the internal space of cavity. There may be two or more concentric shells or walls. The internal space may contain a core such ferric oxides or other materials which have functional properties. The invention also provides for a novel, inexpensive, high-yield method for mass production of hollow metal oxide nanostructures. The method may be template free or contain a template such as silica. The nanostructures prepared by the methods of the invention provide for improved cycling performance when tested using rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
Abstract:
Nano-colloids of near monodisperse, carbon-coated SnO2 nano-colloids. There are also carbon-coated SnO2 nanoparticles. There are also SnO2/carbon composite hollow spheres as well as an anode of a Li-ion battery having the nano-colloids. There is also a method for synthesizing SnO2 nano-colloids. There are also coaxial SnO2@carbon hollow nanospheres, a method for making coaxial SnO2@carbon hollow nanospheres and an anode of a Li-ion battery formed from the coaxial SnO2@carbon hollow nanospheres.