A team of scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory have discovered an intriguing “cooperative” behavior among components in batteries that points to an exciting new approach to designing next-generation technologies. The team found that combining two different types of anions, negatively charged ions, with cations, positively charged ions, can significantly improve the overall battery’s performance.
Tag: Energy Technology and Storage
Media Tip: An ingredient in toothpaste may make electric cars go farther
An ingredient in many toothpastes is sodium fluoride, a compound of fluorine. It is added to protect teeth against decay. But compounds containing fluorine have other practical uses that might surprise you. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory scientists have discovered a fluoride electrolyte that could protect a next generation battery against performance decline.
Media Tip: Previously unknown pathway to batteries with high energy, low cost and long life
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory scientists have discovered a new pathway to enhance lithium-sulfur batteries, addressing their major drawback of short lifetimes. The discovery, published in Nature, reveals a previously unknown reaction mechanism that overcomes rapid performance decline in lithium-sulfur batteries.
Media Tip: Cathode innovation makes sodium-ion battery an attractive option for electric vehicles
The U.S, Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory researchers have invented and patented a new cathode material that could pave the way for eco- and budget-friendly electric vehicles. The material is inspired by earlier work at Argonne that led to the lithium-ion batteries in the Chevy Volt and Bolt. It could help the supply of low-cost and abundant elements for electric vehicle batteries.
Argonne, Achates Power break new ground developing hydrogen-powered engine for decarbonizing long-haul commercial vehicles
Argonne scientists demonstrate potential of opposed-piston engine powered by zero-carbon hydrogen
Getting to know the ‘ghost’ inside batteries
Argonne researchers have shed important new light on what the early signs of battery failure look like.
Media Tip: A call for better energy system models to enable a decarbonized future
Leading modeling experts from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory and other institutions are sounding the alarm about the urgent need for improved energy system models in a recent Nature Energy paper.
Modeling a net-zero future: Energy experts harness simulation for global decarbonization
The Department of Energy’s Net Zero World Initiative promotes knowledge exchange and fosters global decarbonization community.
A revolution in the making
Argonne National Laboratory is shaping Industry 4.0 with groundbreaking research into advanced ways of making things more effective, efficient and economical, using the most cutting-edge materials and processes, with the lowest possible environmental impact.
Plastic production via advanced recycling lowers GHG emissions
Research by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory reveals that recycling post-use plastic through pyrolysis can reduce GHG emissions by 18-23%. Approach can potentially enhance sustainability by minimizing waste and fossil resource reliance.
A call for better energy system models to enable a decarbonized future
Top modeling experts detail how to improve energy system models so that they properly account for the technical characteristics of energy storage and how storage interacts with the grid.
Harnessing the power of water: Argonne and NREL study shows the potential of pumped storage hydropower in Alaska
Scientists study the role of pumped storage hydropower in Alaska’s clean energy future.
An ingredient in toothpaste may make electric cars go farther
Argonne scientists have developed a fluoride-containing electrolyte for lithium metal batteries that could boost the electric vehicle industry. The usefulness of this electrolyte extends to other types of advanced battery systems beyond lithium ion.
A first step to designing better solid-state batteries
Researchers from Argonne and Northeastern University in Boston characterized reactions in all-solid-state lithium batteries.
A new look at the electric vehicle supply chain as battery-powered cars hit the roads en masse
Researchers at Argonne have published a series of reports that look at how production of electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries for cars are reshaping the transportation sector, with impacts ranging from job creation to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
How Argonne makes the power grid more reliable and resilient
Argonne National Laboratory helps secure the nation’s energy future through innovative methods of deeply understanding the complexities of the electric power system.
Argonne points the way to a sustainable circular economy for plastics
Argonne scientists are studying the environmental and economic impact of plastic bottles using mechanical, chemical and upcycling recycling approaches.
Multilab Separations Consortium puts biofuel on the path to decarbonization
BETO Bioprocessing Separations Consortium spotlights projects from three-year work period.
U.S. Department of Energy and Stellantis announce the Battery Workforce Challenge
BattChallenge is a three-year competition joining universities with vocational partners, such as community colleges, trades and apprenticeship programs, to design, build, test and integrate an advanced EV battery into a future Stellantis vehicle.
Argonne is helping U.S. companies advance battery recycling technology and strengthen the nation’s battery supply chain
Companies from across the United States have partnered with the experts at Argonne to advance their battery reuse and recycling projects, thanks to funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Sixbert Muhoza studies a new class of materials that could help fight climate change
A scholar in Argonne’s Applied Materials Division, Sixbert Muhoza is studying a new class of materials called MXenes that could improve batteries and help convert carbon dioxide to fuel.
Argonne drops data on the question of efficient drone use for e-commerce deliveries
New models developed by Argonne can help industry discover the energy impact of drone delivery for e-commerce goods. A new study focuses on drone energy consumption compared to using conventional diesel trucks and battery-operated electric vehicles.
Li-Bridge outlines steps for U.S. to double annual lithium battery revenues to $33 billion and provide 100,000 jobs by 2030
A public-private alliance, convened by the U.S. Department of Energy and managed by Argonne National Laboratory, released an action plan to accelerate the creation of a robust domestic manufacturing base and supply chain for lithium-based batteries.
5 Ways Argonne is driving auto innovation
Spotlighting Argonne innovations in electric vehicles during the Chicago Auto Show.
Three Argonne researchers inducted into AAAS
John Mitchell, Valerie Taylor and Lisa Utschig were selected by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) to be inducted as fellows.
Scientists develop more humane, environmentally friendly battery material
Scientists have developed a new lithium-ion battery cathode that is free of cobalt, making it more attractive geopolitically.
George Crabtree, energy trailblazer remembered as a “great listener” and “boundless explorer”, dead at 78
George Crabtree, director of the Joint Center for Energy Storage Research at Argonne and a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, is fondly remembered for his impactful leadership that elevated energy research.
A year in review: Argonne’s breakthroughs in 2022
Argonne researchers put their stamp on 2022 with accomplishments as varied as quantum science, wearable medical sensors, and climate change resilience and recovery.
Spinoff from Argonne-led innovation hub opens new frontier for batteries
Innovative battery material originally discovered by the Joint Center for Energy Storage Research enables the successful trajectory of California-based Blue Current.
Designing better battery electrolytes
Argonne scientists give the lay of the land in the quest for electrolytes that could enable revolutionary battery chemistries.
Scientists enhance stability of new material for solar cells
Scientists at the University of Missouri used Argonne’s Advanced Photon Source to identify the structure of a perovskite material grown using chemical vapor deposition, potentially representing a breakthrough for solar cells.
Argonne researchers awarded $3.8 million to study clean energy
Argonne chemist Karen Mulfort and her research team were awarded $3.8 million across three years to study clean energy.
Promise of zinc-ion batteries for electric grid storage is currently overestimated, scientists say
Because they can work well in water-containing environments and are lower cost, zinc-ion batteries are attractive, but they have drawbacks.
Chris Heckle named manufacturing director at Argonne National Laboratory
Globally recognized research and development leader Chris Heckle has been appointed as the first director of the Materials Manufacturing Innovation Centerat the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory.
Building a robust battery recycling industry, one company at a time
An Argonne model informed the technology of two teams that won a prestigious battery recycling prize.
Argonne and Oak Ridge national laboratories collaborate with Wabtec on hydrogen-powered trains to decarbonize rail industry
Argonne and Oak Ridge national labs have entered into CRADAs with Wabtec, to study hydrogen as an alternative to diesel fuel in the rail industry.
What will it cost to cut the carbon footprint of cars sold in the U.S?
Argonne worked with automakers and energy companies to conduct a cradle-to-grave analysis of light-duty vehicles, which estimated the current and potential future costs and greenhouse gas emissions for vehicles over the entire course of their life cycle.
Entrepreneurship program at Argonne National Laboratory opens applications for startups
Chain Reaction Innovations, the entrepreneurship program at Argonne National Laboratory, is accepting applications for its next fellowship cohort.
5 big strides from Argonne towards nuclear energy’s future
Nuclear energy is an exciting carbon-free energy source. Recent work at Argonne National Laboratory shows how nuclear energy can improve and why it is such an enticing resource in the fight against climate change.
Fueling your curiosity: Argonne answers top questions on hydrogen fuel
As part of National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day, Argonne answers common questions surrounding hydrogen as an energy carrier.
Helping companies improve energy efficiency through high performance computing
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded DOE’s Argonne National Laboratory with $600,000 in federal funding to work on two new projects that will advance cutting edge manufacturing and clean energy technologies.
Argonne’s Pietro Papa Lopes named “Rising Star” by the American Chemical Society
Materials scientist Pietro Papa Lopes was named a 2022 “Rising Star” by the American Chemical Society.
New cathode design solves major barrier to better lithium-ion batteries
New method for preparing cathode materials eliminates stumbling block to better lithium-ion batteries. New structure for cathode particles could lead to new generation of longer-lasting and safer batteries able to power vehicles for longer driving ranges.
Argonne researchers win four 2022 R&D 100 awards
R&D Magazine has recognized four Argonne projects with R&D 100 Awards.
Argonne scientist elected Fellow of the Electrochemical Society
Argonne’s Deborah Myers has been elected a Fellow of the Electrochemical Society. She is recognized for technological contributions to electrochemical and solid-state science and technology and for active membership and involvement in the Society.
Can farms produce to the max and still reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
American farms produce food, animal feed and biofuel for the world. Scientists from Argonne National Laboratory are providing valuable tools to help big agriculture make decisions that maximize potential but cancel out greenhouse gas emissions.
Michael Thackeray named Fellow of the Royal Society
Argonne’s Michael Thackeray has been named Fellow of the Royal Society for his pivotal research on lithium-ion batteries.
The future of flight: decarbonizing aviation
Argonne hosted a sustainable aviation fuels workshop, bringing together over 100 leaders in the U.S. aviation industry to discuss their mutual goals of achieving a greener future for commercial aviation.
Center advancing beyond lithium battery technologies generates 30-plus patents for licensing
Researchers at the Joint Center for Energy Storage Research have invented a wide and diverse range of technologies in the “beyond lithium-ion” space, including 30-plus patents now available for licensing.
Researchers now able to predict battery lifetimes with machine learning
Scientists at Argonne have used machine learning algorithms to predict how long a lithium-ion battery will last.