Xiaochuan Lu

Bio: Xiaochuan Lu is an academic researcher from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The author has contributed to research in topics: Battery (electricity) & Electrolyte. The author has an hindex of 25, co-authored 54 publications receiving 5309 citations. Previous affiliations of Xiaochuan Lu include Battelle Memorial Institute & North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

Electrochemical Energy Storage for Green Grid

Abstract: The is a comprehensive review on the needs and potential storage technologies for electrical grid that is expected to integrate significant levels of renewables. This review offers details of the technologies, in terms of needs, status, challenges and future R&d directions.

A Low Cost, High Energy Density, and Long Cycle Life Potassium–Sulfur Battery for Grid-Scale Energy Storage

Abstract: A potassium-sulfur battery using K(+) -conducting beta-alumina as the electrolyte to separate a molten potassium metal anode and a sulfur cathode is presented. The results indicate that the battery can operate at as low as 150 °C with excellent performance. This study demonstrates a new type of high-performance metal-sulfur battery that is ideal for grid-scale energy-storage applications.

Liquid-metal electrode to enable ultra-low temperature sodium–beta alumina batteries for renewable energy storage

Abstract: Sodium–beta alumina batteries often need high operating temperatures, and one of the reasons is poor wettability of liquid sodium on the surface of beta alumina Here, Lu et al report an alloying strategy that improves the wettability, allowing the batteries to be operated at much lower temperatures

Tuning the Anode-Electrolyte Interface Chemistry for Garnet-Based Solid-State Li Metal Batteries.

Abstract: Lithium (Li) metal is a promising candidate as the anode for high-energy-density solid-state batteries. However, interface issues, including large interfacial resistance and the generation of Li dendrites, have always frustrated the attempt to commercialize solid-state Li metal batteries (SSLBs). Here, it is reported that infusing garnet-type solid electrolytes (GSEs) with the air-stable electrolyte Li3 PO4 (LPO) dramatically reduces the interfacial resistance to ≈1 Ω cm2 and achieves a high critical current density of 2.2 mA cm-2 under ambient conditions due to the enhanced interfacial stability to the Li metal anode. The coated and infused LPO electrolytes not only improve the mechanical strength and Li-ion conductivity of the grain boundaries, but also form a stable Li-ion conductive but electron-insulating LPO-derived solid-electrolyte interphase between the Li metal and the GSE. Consequently, the growth of Li dendrites is eliminated and the direct reduction of the GSE by Li metal over a long cycle life is prevented. This interface engineering approach together with grain-boundary modification on GSEs represents a promising strategy to revolutionize the anode-electrolyte interface chemistry for SSLBs and provides a new design strategy for other types of solid-state batteries.

Electrical Energy Storage for the Grid: A Battery of Choices

Abstract: The increasing interest in energy storage for the grid can be attributed to multiple factors, including the capital costs of managing peak demands, the investments needed for grid reliability, and the integration of renewable energy sources. Although existing energy storage is dominated by pumped hydroelectric, there is the recognition that battery systems can offer a number of high-value opportunities, provided that lower costs can be obtained. The battery systems reviewed here include sodium-sulfur batteries that are commercially available for grid applications, redox-flow batteries that offer low cost, and lithium-ion batteries whose development for commercial electronics and electric vehicles is being applied to grid storage.

Electrochemical Energy Storage for Green Grid

Abstract: The is a comprehensive review on the needs and potential storage technologies for electrical grid that is expected to integrate significant levels of renewables. This review offers details of the technologies, in terms of needs, status, challenges and future R&d directions.

Toward Safe Lithium Metal Anode in Rechargeable Batteries: A Review.

Abstract: The lithium metal battery is strongly considered to be one of the most promising candidates for high-energy-density energy storage devices in our modern and technology-based society. However, uncontrollable lithium dendrite growth induces poor cycling efficiency and severe safety concerns, dragging lithium metal batteries out of practical applications. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the lithium metal anode and its dendritic lithium growth. First, the working principles and technical challenges of a lithium metal anode are underscored. Specific attention is paid to the mechanistic understandings and quantitative models for solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation, lithium dendrite nucleation, and growth. On the basis of previous theoretical understanding and analysis, recently proposed strategies to suppress dendrite growth of lithium metal anode and some other metal anodes are reviewed. A section dedicated to the potential of full-cell lithium metal batteries for practical applicatio...

Sodium‐Ion Batteries

Abstract: The status of ambient temperature sodium ion batteries is reviewed in light of recent developments in anode, electrolyte and cathode materials. These devices, although early in their stage of development, are promising for large-scale grid storage applications due to the abundance and very low cost of sodium-containing precursors used to make the components. The engineering knowledge developed recently for highly successful Li ion batteries can be leveraged to ensure rapid progress in this area, although different electrode materials and electrolytes will be required for dual intercalation systems based on sodium. In particular, new anode materials need to be identified, since the graphite anode, commonly used in lithium systems, does not intercalate sodium to any appreciable extent. A wider array of choices is available for cathodes, including high performance layered transition metal oxides and polyanionic compounds. Recent developments in electrodes are encouraging, but a great deal of research is necessary, particularly in new electrolytes, and the understanding of the SEI films. The engineering modeling calculations of Na-ion battery energy density indicate that 210 Wh kg−1 in gravimetric energy is possible for Na-ion batteries compared to existing Li-ion technology if a cathode capacity of 200 mAh g−1 and a 500 mAh g−1 anode can be discovered with an average cell potential of 3.3 V.