Powder Materials for Energy Applications: Novel Powder Materials
Sponsored by: TMS Materials Processing and Manufacturing Division, TMS: Powder Materials Committee
Program Organizers: Kathy Lu, University of Alabama Birmingham; Eugene Olevsky, San Diego State University; Hang Yu, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University; Ruigang Wang, Michigan State University; Isabella Van Rooyen, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Tuesday 8:30 AM
March 16, 2021
Room: RM 24
Location: TMS2021 Virtual
Session Chair: Kathy Lu, University of Alabama Birmingham
8:30 AM
Synthesis of Chicken Feather Fiber Bio-waste Derived Sustainable Nitrogen Doped-carbon Material: Vijaya Rangari1; Zaheeruddin Mohammed1; Zahria Duncan1; Shaik Jeelani1; 1Tuskegee University
Highly graphitic and porous nitrogen doped carbon with nano structured morphologies was synthesized from sustainable source of chicken feather fibers (CFF). Thermal degradation behavior of CFF was studied to design appropriate pyrolysis profile for carbon synthesis. A simple two-step high pressure/temperature pyrolysis scheme was implemented, wherein during the first step an intermediate crosslinking mechanism at 230 °C was responsible for maintaining the intact fibrous structure of feather material. The second step of pyrolysis at 1100 °C helped in proper graphitization of carbon resulting in formation of semi crystalline carbon with nanopore size distribution. Crystallinity and surface functional groups of carbon material was characterized using XRD and FTIR studies. Graphitization of carbon was studied using Raman spectroscopy. Structure, composition and morphology of carbon were studied using TEM, SEM and EDS analysis. Nitrogen doped carbon thus derived has great potential as anode material for energy storage applications.
8:50 AM Invited
Mechanical Activation Enhanced Solid-state Synthesis of NaCrO2 Cathode Material for Na-ion Batteries: Leon Shaw1; Mei Luo1; Angel Ortiz2; 1Illinois Institute of Technology; 2Universidad de Extremadura
NaCrO2 has been studied lately as a promising cathode material for Na-ion batteries. Here, we have conducted the first investigation on mechanical activation enhanced (MAE) synthesis of NaCrO2 via in-situ synchrotron X-ray diffractometry (SXRD). MA of the reactant mixture is achieved via high-energy ball milling at room temperature before the high temperature reaction. It is found that MA can result in significant changes in the synthesis reaction of NaCrO2, including an increased reaction kinetics, an alternation of the reaction pathway, and a complete reaction at 900 C to form thermally-stable O3-NaCrO2 phase. In contrast, without MA the reaction product at 900 C is a highly impure NaCrO2 with poor thermal stability. The thermally-stable O3-NaCrO2 powder has a much higher specific capacity and better capacity retention over 300 charge/discharge cycles than the counterpart without MA. This study offers a new direction in synthesizing high performance NaCrO2 cathode material in the future.
9:20 AM Invited
Powder to Energy Application: Jung Choi1; John Hardy1; 1Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
There are many energy sources in the world. Among them, we focus on solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), which is a very energy efficient energy generation technology. This energy conversion device is operating high-temperature; hence various fuel sources can be used. However, because of that high-temperature operation, interconnect material making chromium evaporation, and it makes cathode poisoning. To mitigate this issue, an alumina coating and a (Mn, Co)3O4-CeO spinel coating were developed at PNNL. For this work, we will show how we used powder processing technology to make excellent SOFC performance.
9:50 AM Invited
Powder Characteristics of Perovskite Anodes on the Electrochemical Performance of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell: A Perspective: Manoj Mahapatra1; 1University of Alabama at Birmingham
ABO3 perovskites, double perovskites, and ruddlesden-popper perovskites are being extensively investigated for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anodes. Mixed ionic-electronic conductivity primarily determines the performance while thermochemical durability and thermomechanical integrity decides service life. In addition to composition; ceramic processing including powder synthesis and sintering plays pivotal role on the evolution of surface, interface, and bulk microstructure. Most of the literature reports a great deal in composition-microstructure-electrochemical performance relationship of individual perovskites. However, differing results of similar material systems are often overlooked. Understanding the factors contributing to the inconsistent results potentially accelerates materials selection and fabrication. Model ABO3 perovskite anodes such as SrTiO3 and LaFeO3 system will be investigated, based on literature, to find out the origin of inconsistency. Emphasis will be given on the powder characteristics such as particle size, morphology, and exolution of conductive phase on the thermo-physical properties and electrochemical performance of the anodes.
10:20 AM
Structural Evolution and Electrical Conductivity of Ti3C2-SiOC Systems: Kathy Lu1; Sanjay Kumar1; 1Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
In this study, Ti3C2 MXene was exfoliated and surface functionalized before being introduced into polysiloxane (PSO) for cross-linking. The cross-linked samples were pyrolyzed in an Ar atmosphere. The phase characteristics and microstructures of exfoliated Ti3C2 MXene were examined using X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy while the surface functionalization was analysed using Raman spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis were also used to understand the phase and microstructural evolution. Electrical conductivity of the Ti3C2-SiOC systems was measured up to 8000C in Ar atmosphere. The high electrical conductivity is attributed to the presence of graphitic carbon and exfoliated Ti3C2 in the SiOC matrix. The electrical conductivity values and compositions were used to model the electrical conductivity pathways. Simulated results revealed that the electrical conductivity followed the percolation model.