Naoki Nitta

Bio: Naoki Nitta is an academic researcher from Georgia Institute of Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Electrolyte & Lithium. The author has an hindex of 17, co-authored 28 publications receiving 5440 citations. Previous affiliations of Naoki Nitta include Rice University.

High‐Capacity Anode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Choice of Elements and Structures for Active Particles

Abstract: Growing market demand for portable energy storage has triggered significant research on high-capacity lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery anodes. Various elements have been utilized in innovative structures to enable these anodes, which can potentially increase the energy density and decrease the cost of Li-ion batteries. In this review, electrode and material parameters are considered in anode fabrication. The periodic table is then used to explore how the choice of anode material affects rate performance, cycle stability, Li-ion insertion/extraction potentials, voltage hysteresis, volumetric and specific capacities, and other critical parameters. Silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), and tin (Sn) anodes receive more attention in literature and in this review, but other elements, such as antimony (Sb), lead (Pb), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), gallium (Ga), phosphorus (P), arsenic (As), bismuth (Bi), and zinc (Zn) are also discussed. Among conversion anodes focus is placed on oxides, nitrides, phosphides, and hydrides. Nanostructured carbon (C) receives separate consideration. Issues in high- capacity research, such as volume change, insufficient coulombic efficiency, and solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer stability are elucidated. Finally, advanced carbon composites utilizing carbon nanotubes (CNT), graphene, and size preserving external shells are discussed, including high mass loading (thick) electrodes and electrodes capable of providing load-bearing properties.

Lithium Iodide as a Promising Electrolyte Additive for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries: Mechanisms of Performance Enhancement

Abstract: Lithium Iodide (LiI) is reported as a promising electrolyte additive for lithium-sulfur batteries. It induces formation of Li-ion-permeable protective coatings on both positive and negative electrodes, which prevent the dissolution of polysulfides on the cathode and reduction of polysulfides on the anode. In addition to enhancing the cell cycle stability, LiI addition also decreases the cell overpotential and voltage hysteresis.

In Situ Formation of Protective Coatings on Sulfur Cathodes in Lithium Batteries with LiFSI‐Based Organic Electrolytes

Abstract: Development of sulfur cathodes with 100% coulombic efficiency (CE) and good cycle stability remains challenging due to the polysulfide dissolution in electrolytes. Here, it is demonstrated that electrochemical reduction of lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) based electrolytes at a potential close to the sulfur cathode operation forms in situ protective coating on both cathode and anode surfaces. Quantum chemistry studies suggest the coating formation is initiated by the FSI(-F) anion radicals generated during electrolyte reduction. Such a reduction additionally results in the formation of LiF. Accelerated cycle stability tests at 60 °C in a very simple electrolyte (LiFSI in dimethoxyethane with no additives) show an average CE approaching 100.0% over 1000 cycles with a capacity decay less than 0.013% per cycle after stabilization. Such a remarkable performance suggests a great promise of both an in situ formation of protective solid electrolyte coatings to avoid unwanted side reactions and the use of a LiFSI salt for this purpose.

Freestanding Macroporous Silicon and Pyrolyzed Polyacrylonitrile As a Composite Anode for Lithium Ion Batteries

Abstract: Silicon continues to draw great interest as an anode material for lithium ion batteries due to its large specific capacity for lithium. Macroporous silicon produced by electrochemical etching is one of several anode materials of interest, but its energy density is oftentimes limited due to its attachment to an unreactive silicon substrate. Here, we present a novel “lift-off” method by which a freestanding macroporous silicon film (MPSF) is electrochemically detached from the underlying bulk silicon and combined with pyrolyzed polyacrylonitrile (PAN), a conductive polymer that forms a conjugated-chain chemical structure. We report the performance of these silicon thin films with and without pyrolyzed PAN.

Sodium-ion batteries: present and future

Abstract: Energy production and storage technologies have attracted a great deal of attention for day-to-day applications. In recent decades, advances in lithium-ion battery (LIB) technology have improved living conditions around the globe. LIBs are used in most mobile electronic devices as well as in zero-emission electronic vehicles. However, there are increasing concerns regarding load leveling of renewable energy sources and the smart grid as well as the sustainability of lithium sources due to their limited availability and consequent expected price increase. Therefore, whether LIBs alone can satisfy the rising demand for small- and/or mid-to-large-format energy storage applications remains unclear. To mitigate these issues, recent research has focused on alternative energy storage systems. Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are considered as the best candidate power sources because sodium is widely available and exhibits similar chemistry to that of LIBs; therefore, SIBs are promising next-generation alternatives. Recently, sodiated layer transition metal oxides, phosphates and organic compounds have been introduced as cathode materials for SIBs. Simultaneously, recent developments have been facilitated by the use of select carbonaceous materials, transition metal oxides (or sulfides), and intermetallic and organic compounds as anodes for SIBs. Apart from electrode materials, suitable electrolytes, additives, and binders are equally important for the development of practical SIBs. Despite developments in electrode materials and other components, there remain several challenges, including cell design and electrode balancing, in the application of sodium ion cells. In this article, we summarize and discuss current research on materials and propose future directions for SIBs. This will provide important insights into scientific and practical issues in the development of SIBs.

30 Years of Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Abstract: Over the past 30 years, significant commercial and academic progress has been made on Li-based battery technologies. From the early Li-metal anode iterations to the current commercial Li-ion batteries (LIBs), the story of the Li-based battery is full of breakthroughs and back tracing steps. This review will discuss the main roles of material science in the development of LIBs. As LIB research progresses and the materials of interest change, different emphases on the different subdisciplines of material science are placed. Early works on LIBs focus more on solid state physics whereas near the end of the 20th century, researchers began to focus more on the morphological aspects (surface coating, porosity, size, and shape) of electrode materials. While it is easy to point out which specific cathode and anode materials are currently good candidates for the next-generation of batteries, it is difficult to explain exactly why those are chosen. In this review, for the reader a complete developmental story of LIB should be clearly drawn, along with an explanation of the reasons responsible for the various technological shifts. The review will end with a statement of caution for the current modern battery research along with a brief discussion on beyond lithium-ion battery chemistries.

Handbook of Chemistry and Physics

Abstract: There is a special reason for reviewing this book at this time: it is the 50th edition of a compendium that is known and used frequently in most chemical and physical laboratories in many parts of the world. Surely, a publication that has been published for 56 years, withstanding the vagaries of science in this century, must have had something to offer. There is another reason: while the book is a standard fixture in most chemical and physical laboratories, including those in medical centers, it is not as frequently seen in the laboratories of physician's offices (those either in solo or group practice). I believe that the Handbook can be useful in those laboratories. One of the reasons, among others, is that the various basic items of information it offers may be helpful in new tests, either physical or chemical, which are continuously being published. The basic information may relate

A review of electrolyte materials and compositions for electrochemical supercapacitors

Abstract: Electrolytes have been identified as some of the most influential components in the performance of electrochemical supercapacitors (ESs), which include: electrical double-layer capacitors, pseudocapacitors and hybrid supercapacitors. This paper reviews recent progress in the research and development of ES electrolytes. The electrolytes are classified into several categories, including: aqueous, organic, ionic liquids, solid-state or quasi-solid-state, as well as redox-active electrolytes. Effects of electrolyte properties on ES performance are discussed in detail. The principles and methods of designing and optimizing electrolytes for ES performance and application are highlighted through a comprehensive analysis of the literature. Interaction among the electrolytes, electro-active materials and inactive components (current collectors, binders, and separators) is discussed. The challenges in producing high-performing electrolytes are analyzed. Several possible research directions to overcome these challenges are proposed for future efforts, with the main aim of improving ESs' energy density without sacrificing existing advantages (e.g., a high power density and a long cycle-life) (507 references).