1. Enhancing Zinc-Air Battery Performance: The Role of Ternary Nickel-Cobalt Chalcogenides As Bifunctional Photoelectrocatalysts
D. Pikulrat, P. Wuamprakhon, T. Butburee, K. Faungnawakij, and M. Sawangphruk
245th ECS Meeting (May 26-30, 2024)
Abstract
In recent years, zinc-air batteries have gained attention as potential high-capacity energy storage systems. A key challenge in their advancement is the sluggish kinetics of the air-electrode catalysts. This study examines the catalytic efficiency of ternary nickel-cobalt chalcogenides, particularly nanotubular NiCo2O4, as dual-purpose photoelectrocatalysts in zinc-air batteries, highlighting their enhanced photoactivity. We also assess similar compounds, NiCo2S4 and NiCo2Se4, to fine-tune the bandgap. NiCo2Se4 stands out for its reduced overpotential in the oxygen evolution reaction compared to NiCo2S4 and NiCo2O4. Conversely, NiCo2S4 demonstrates a lower onset potential for the oxygen reduction reaction than its counterparts. The differences in bandgap among these materials significantly impact and improve their photoelectrochemical behaviors, thus boosting the performance of zinc-air batteries. Nonetheless, these materials exhibit stability issues. To address this, we applied an alumina coating via atomic layer deposition, enhancing surface protection and maintaining catalyst effectiveness. This research offers significant contributions toward developing materials for improved energy conversion technologies.
2. Effects of Extreme Low Temperatures on Carbon-Based Supercapacitors
A. Limsukhon, P. Wuamprakhon, W. Tejangkura, T. Sangsanitt, and M. Sawangphruk
245th ECS Meeting (May 26-30, 2024)
Abstract
This comprehensive study delves into the effects of severe cold exposure, specifically liquid nitrogen temperatures, on the functionality of carbon-based supercapacitors. It identifies a slight reduction in capacitance, a direct consequence of the degradation of electrode materials. This degradation is linked to the glass transition in the styrene butadiene rubber binder, leading to decreased adhesion of the active materials in the electrodes. The study highlights the escalated charge transfer resistance post-exposure, pointing to a decrease in efficiency. Significantly, this research emphasizes the crucial role of binder materials in supercapacitor design for low-temperature environments, suggesting that both electrolytes and binders should be equally considered in the development of supercapacitors for harsh climates. The findings contribute valuable insights into enhancing supercapacitor resilience and performance in extreme conditions, paving the way for more robust energy storage solutions.
D. Pikulrat, P. Wuamprakhon, T. Butburee, K. Faungnawakij, and M. Sawangphruk
245th ECS Meeting (May 26-30, 2024)
Abstract
In recent years, zinc-air batteries have gained attention as potential high-capacity energy storage systems. A key challenge in their advancement is the sluggish kinetics of the air-electrode catalysts. This study examines the catalytic efficiency of ternary nickel-cobalt chalcogenides, particularly nanotubular NiCo2O4, as dual-purpose photoelectrocatalysts in zinc-air batteries, highlighting their enhanced photoactivity. We also assess similar compounds, NiCo2S4 and NiCo2Se4, to fine-tune the bandgap. NiCo2Se4 stands out for its reduced overpotential in the oxygen evolution reaction compared to NiCo2S4 and NiCo2O4. Conversely, NiCo2S4 demonstrates a lower onset potential for the oxygen reduction reaction than its counterparts. The differences in bandgap among these materials significantly impact and improve their photoelectrochemical behaviors, thus boosting the performance of zinc-air batteries. Nonetheless, these materials exhibit stability issues. To address this, we applied an alumina coating via atomic layer deposition, enhancing surface protection and maintaining catalyst effectiveness. This research offers significant contributions toward developing materials for improved energy conversion technologies.
2. Effects of Extreme Low Temperatures on Carbon-Based Supercapacitors
A. Limsukhon, P. Wuamprakhon, W. Tejangkura, T. Sangsanitt, and M. Sawangphruk
245th ECS Meeting (May 26-30, 2024)
Abstract
This comprehensive study delves into the effects of severe cold exposure, specifically liquid nitrogen temperatures, on the functionality of carbon-based supercapacitors. It identifies a slight reduction in capacitance, a direct consequence of the degradation of electrode materials. This degradation is linked to the glass transition in the styrene butadiene rubber binder, leading to decreased adhesion of the active materials in the electrodes. The study highlights the escalated charge transfer resistance post-exposure, pointing to a decrease in efficiency. Significantly, this research emphasizes the crucial role of binder materials in supercapacitor design for low-temperature environments, suggesting that both electrolytes and binders should be equally considered in the development of supercapacitors for harsh climates. The findings contribute valuable insights into enhancing supercapacitor resilience and performance in extreme conditions, paving the way for more robust energy storage solutions.
3. Advancements in Alumina Ultrathin Coatings for Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of Ni-Rich NMC811 Thick Electrodes
S. Prempluem, T. Sangsanit, K. Homlamai, N. Anansuksawat, and M. Sawangphruk
245th ECS Meeting (May 26-30, 2024)
Abstract
Lithium-ion batteries, renowned for their high energy density, face a significant challenge in the development of stable, high-performing, and cost-effective cathode materials. Ni-rich cathodes, while promising, suffer from instability issues such as microcracking, high surface reactivity, phase transformation, and thermal runaway. This study introduces a breakthrough: the application of an alumina (Al2O3) ultrathin coating to enhance the stability of Ni-rich thick electrodes. The uniform distribution of the Al2O3 coating across the electrode acts as a protective barrier, effectively reducing oxygen lattice release and microcracking. Our findings reveal that this atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique markedly boosts the cycling stability of the electrodes. Coated electrodes maintained high specific capacity after long cycling, significantly outperforming uncoated electrodes, which retained only small capacity. This innovative approach shows great potential for the development of high-performance and stable lithium-ion batteries.
4. Non-Flammable Electrolyte for Large-Scale Ni-Rich Li-Ion Batteries: Reducing Thermal Runaway Risks
T. Sangsanit, K. Homlamai, N. Joraleechanchai , S. Prempluem, W. Tejangkura, and M. Sawangphruk
245th ECS Meeting (May 26-30, 2024)
Abstract
This research explores the properties and applications of flame-retardant esters (FREs), specifically triethyl phosphate (TEP) and tributyl phosphate (TBP), within electrolyte systems. The investigation assesses their roles as additives (30%v/v) and primary solvents (80%v/v) in conjunction with carbonate-based electrolytes (1.0 M LiPF6 in EC:DEC:EMC) and a novel non-flammable electrolyte formulation (1.2 M LiPF6 in 70%v/v TEP with 30%v/v fluoroethylene carbonate, FEC). Results indicate that incorporating FREs as additives adversely affects cell performance and maintain flammability risks, necessitating alternative strategies for achieving nonflammability. However, utilizing FREs as primary solvents alongside carbonate solvents shows promise for developing non-flammable electrolytes, despite concerns such as reductive decomposition that may limit suitability for certain battery cells. Conversely, the incorporation of 70%v/v FREs with 30%v/v FEC in the new electrolyte formulation yields a stable solid electrolyte interface, inhibiting FRE decomposition and sustaining battery cycling performance. This combination offers a potential solution for producing non-flammable electrolytes, serving as a viable alternative to solid-state electrolytes. The compatibility of the 1.2 M LiPF6 in TEP:FEC, 70:30 %v/v formulation with existing battery manufacturing processes further enhances its applicability.
5. Assessing the Impact of Silicon Inclusion in Graphite Anodes on Cylindrical Full-Cell Ni-Rich Li-Ion Battery Performance
Purin Krapong, Nattanon Joraleechanchai, Kan Homlamai, Apichanont Limsukhon, Thitiphum Sangsanit, Nichakarn Anansuksawat, Montree Sawangphruk
245th ECS Meeting (May 26-30, 2024)
Abstract
The electrification of transportation necessitates batteries with higher energy densities to achieve extended driving ranges. While graphite, the long-standing anode material of choice, nears its theoretical capacity limits, silicon emerges as a promising high-capacity alternative. However, silicon's substantial volume expansion during charge/discharge cycles, which consumes active lithium, presents a significant challenge. Blending silicon with graphite is a common strategy to mitigate this issue. Yet, translating half-cell results to full-cell batteries, especially those with constrained Li+ availability, remains complex. This study examines the impact of adding a minimal 2% silicon to graphite on the full-cell performance of 18650 batteries equipped with Ni-rich NCA90 cathodes. Our findings reveal that even this slight silicon inclusion markedly influences full-cell behavior, particularly at the initial charging phase and final discharge. Silicon-graphite electrodes are thinner than their pure graphite counterparts for the same capacity, but they exhibit reduced availability of active Li+, leading to greater cathode material degradation. These results highlight the need for careful assessment of the trade-offs between capacity, cycling stability, and cathode material loss when employing silicon-graphite anodes in full-cell batteries.