(NURP) Electrochemical and Transport Evolution Dynamics in Sodium-Sulfur Electrodes
Abstract
ABSTRACT (Approved for Public Release):The future advancement in electrochemical energy storage relies on exploring novel chemistries. The state-of-the-art lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries based on intercalation chemistry are reaching their theoretical limits resulting in the plateauing enhancement in energy density, and hence these energy storage systems cannot keep up with the increasing energy demand of electrifiedtransportation and beyond. Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) based conversion chemistry batteries, on the other hand, have engendered tremendous interest, due to the theoretical gravimetric and volumetric energy densities surpassing significantly that of the current and projected performance metrics of Li-ion batteries. Regarded as the most promising post lithium-ion battery technology due to itsextremely high theoretical energy density, the Li-S rechargeable battery chemistry has not yet been commercialized due to the poor conductivity of sulfur which limits achievable energy density and intermediate polysulfide ~shuttle~ which contributes to early end of life. A scientifically promisingand economical direction is the replacement of the lithium metal anode with the widely abundant sodium (Na) metal in conjunction with a composite selenium-sulfur cathode. Electronic conductivity of selenium (Se) is roughly twenty times that of sulfur, consequently, composite selenium-sulfur cathodes with optimal ratio of the constituents can circumvent electronic transport limitations, a major hindrance of the current sulfur cathodes. This forms the rationale and foundation for this proposed research effort. Apropos, this project will seek to investigate the underlying mechanistic complexations due to electrochemical and transport evolution dynamics in the Na-Se/S battery chemistry which includes sodium metal anode and composite seleniumsulfur cathode.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2019
- Source ID
- N000141912529
Entities
People
- Partha P. Mukherjee
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Virginia