Lithium Ion Batteries with Titania/AnGraphene Anodes
The invention report discloses nanostructured composites intended for energy storage applications, e.g. Li-ion batteries, and the method of producing the composites. The materials concept and approach have been successfully reduced recently into practice. The nano-composites are made from a semi-conductive, electrochemically active phase and a highly electron conductive minor phase, in particular graphene that electrically interconnects the active phase in three dimensions, only with a very small amount (~1%). One step, scalable approach was conceived and successfully used to fabricate the nanocomposites. The synthesized composites as electrodes of Li-ion batteries demonstrated significantly improved electrochemical performance, in particular in the power and energy. Thus the nanocomposites are promising electrode materials in high energy/power batteries for applications, such as plug in hybrid electrical vehicles.
Nanocomposite of Graphene and Metal Oxide Materials
The invention report discloses nanostructured composites intended for energy storage applications, e.g. Li-ion batteries, and the method of producing the composites. The materials concept and approach have been successfully reduced recently into practice. The nano-composites are made from a semi-conductive, electrochemically active phase and a highly electron conductive minor phase, in particular graphene that electrically interconnects the active phase in three dimensions, only with a very small amount (~1%). One step, scalable approach was conceived and successfully used to fabricate the nanocomposites. The synthesized composites as electrodes of Li-ion batteries demonstrated significantly improved electrochemical performance, in particular in the power and energy. Thus the nanocomposites are promising electrode materials in high energy/power batteries for applications, such as plug in hybrid electrical vehicles.
Nanocomposite of Graphene and Metal Oxide Materials
The invention report discloses nanostructured composites intended for energy storage applications, e.g. Li-ion batteries, and the method of producing the composites. The materials concept and approach have been successfully reduced recently into practice. The nano-composites are made from a semi-conductive, electrochemically active phase and a highly electron conductive minor phase, in particular graphene that electrically interconnects the active phase in three dimensions, only with a very small amount (~1%). One step, scalable approach was conceived and successfully used to fabricate the nanocomposites. The synthesized composites as electrodes of Li-ion batteries demonstrated significantly improved electrochemical performance, in particular in the power and energy. Thus the nanocomposites are promising electrode materials in high energy/power batteries for applications, such as plug in hybrid electrical vehicles.
CURVED ION MOBILITY ARCHITECTURE (iEdison No. 0685901-21-0089, NIH Grant No. GM130709)
Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) has been increasingly utilized for the analysis of a variety of molecules and for a myriad of applications that range from the detection of explosives to disease biomarkers. The utility of IMS is largely determined by its resolving power, or in other words, its ability to distinguish molecular signatures from each other and noise. Since the resolving power is determined by the ion path length. Increasing the path length in IMS, however, comes with the challenge of the instrument footprint and the ability to construct such instruments for benchtop and field applications. In this disclosure, we describe a device and a method to substantially increase the path length of the IMS device with minimal change to its footprint or its operating conditions. In one embodiment, ions can be manipulated in the gap between 2 or more concentric surfaces where ions after traveling through an ion path defined by 2 concentric surfaces move to the next ion path defined by 2 other concentric surfaces. In this manner, while the circular surface provides the most compact form, the ion path length is extended. The helical path is advantageous in that it maximizes the available space for path length and also avoids the use of u-turns to move ions. In another embodiment, 2 parallel surfaces with a gap between them are coiled into a helical shape. The helical path length can be continuous throughout the entire device so ions movement from one gap to the next is seamless and avoids field discontinuity that causes ion losses and/or resolving power. In a third embodiment, a single surface with electrodes patterned on both sides of the surface is coiled into itself such that a gap is created where the appropriate potentials are applied to manipulate ions. The path length as defined by 2 concentric surfaces can be a serpentine, helical, or combination of both. Electric fields used in these embodiments are a combination of oscillatory and static nature that act to confine ions preventing their losses and propelling ions through the entire device. These embodiments allow for extending the path length and therefore the resolving power of IMS in a compact footprint.
INJECTABLE ACOUSTIC TRANSMISSION DEVICES AND PROCESS FOR MAKING AND USING SAME
Injectable acoustic tags and a process of making are described for tracking host animals in up to three dimensions. The injectable acoustic tags reduce adverse biological effects and have a reduced cost of manufacture compared with conventional surgically implanted tags. The injectable tags are powered by a single power source with a lifetime of greater than 30 days. The injectable tags have an enhanced acoustic signal transmission range that enhances detection probability for tracking of host animals.
Battery Charging Control Methods, Electric Vehicle Charging Methods, Battery Charging Apparatus and Rechargeable Battey Systems
The invention represents an algorithm to provide a form of regulation up and down services to the electric power grid using a plug-in electric hybrid vehicle (PHEV/EV) or electric vehicle (EV). The basis for this regulation will come from frequency measurements of the power grid. The actual charge rate of the PHEV/EV charger will be adjusted using this regulation signal and information about any charging constraints imposed upon the charger (such as a desired finish time).
Battery charging control methods, electrical vehicle charging methods, battery charging control apparatus, and electrical vehicles
Battery charging control methods, electrical vehicle charging methods, battery charging control apparatus, and electrical vehicles are described. In one arrangement, battery charging control methods include accessing price information for electrical energy supplied by an electrical power distribution system and controlling an adjustment of an amount of the electrical energy from the electrical power distribution system used to charge a rechargeable battery at different moments in time using the price information. Other arrangements are described.
PLASMA MODIFICATION OF ADHESIVE AND SUBSTRATE SURFACES FOR USE IN ADHESIVEJOINT APPLICATIONS (iEdison No. 0685901-23-0109)
Weak interfacial bonding between carbon-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polymer (CFRTP) and thermoset adhesive is the Achilles' heel for adhesive jointing of CFRTP with other materials. In this invention, we propose a surface modification method that involves plasma treating both adhesive and substrate surfaces to enhance the fracture resistance of dissimilar metal-CFRTP materials bonded with adhesive. We used a high-power plasma treater with compressed air gas to treat the substrate surfaces, and a lower-power plasma treater with a mixture of oxygen and argon gases to treat the adhesives. To test the effectiveness of our proposed method, we performed single lap shear tests on metal-CFRTP joints with optimized treatment parameters for both adhesive and substrates. Our results demonstrate that lap shear strength (LSS) of the joints can be improved by more than 250% compared to as-received counterparts, and more than 50% compared to the case of only treating substrate surfaces. This invention has the potential to make significant contributions to the field of adhesive joining by enhancing the damage tolerance of CFRTP joints with other materials.