3D battery imaging reveals the secret real-time life of lithium metal cells

Science Daily  March 9, 2023 An international team of researchers (Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland) succeeded in observing how the lithium metal in the cell behaves as it charges and discharges. They developed an operando synchrotron X-ray tomographic microscopy method capable of probing in real-time the formation, growth, and dissolution of Li microstructures during the cycling of a Li||Cu cell containing a standard non-aqueous liquid electrolyte solution. This enabled tracking the evolution of deposited Li metal as a function of time and applied current density and distinguishing the formation of electrochemically inactive Li from the active bulk of Li microstructures. Now the […]

Researchers identify alternative to lithium-based battery technology

Science Daily  May 31, 2022 To make all-solid-state sodium batteries (ASSSBs) commercially viable a team of researchers in the US (University of Houston, Iowa State University, Purdue University, Rice University, Northern Illinois University, UC Irvine) has developed a family of oxysulfide glass solid electrolytes (SEs) that not only exhibit the highest critical current density among all Na-ion conducting sulfide-based SEs, but also enable high-performance ambient-temperature sodium-sulfur batteries. By forming bridging oxygen units, the solid electrolytes undergo pressure-induced sintering at room temperature, resulting in a fully homogeneous glass structure with robust mechanical properties. The self-passivating solid electrolyte interphase at the Na|SE […]

DARPA Seeks Proposals for Third OFFSET Swarm Sprint, Awards Contracts for Second

DARPA News  October 12, 2018 DARPA’s OFFensive Swarm-Enabled Tactics (OFFSET) envisions swarms of 250 collaborative autonomous systems providing critical insights to small ground military units in urban areas with limited sight lines constrain communications and mobility. Swarm sprints allow for incorporation of emerging technology and new performers throughout the life of the program. Each of five core sprints focuses on one or more of the key OFFSET thrust – or topic – areas: swarm tactics, swarm autonomy, human-swarm teaming, virtual environment, and physical testbed. Each topic emphasizes slightly different perspectives, but ultimately aims to enable breakthroughs in swarm capabilities…read more. Solicitation