Batteries

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January 6, 2022
News Feature
First realistic portraits of squishy layer that’s key to battery performance
Cryo-EM snapshots of the solid-electrolyte interphase, or SEI, reveal its natural swollen state and offer a new approach to lithium-metal battery design.
Electron microscope image of a sample grid with tiny holes holding thin films of battery electrolyte and tiny lithium metal wires
January 3, 2022
News Feature
Revitalizing batteries by bringing ‘dead’ lithium back to life
Islands of inactive lithium creep like worms to reconnect with their electrodes, restoring a battery’s capacity and lifespan.
Conceptual illustration shows an EKG-like pulse of energy flatlining as it enters a battery, then coming back to life as it exits
October 13, 2021
News Brief
SSRL and LCLS Host 2021 Users’ Meeting
Scientists who perform experiments at SLAC’s lightsources gathered online for research talks, workshops and discussions.
Aerial view of industrial-looking research buildings
August 26, 2021
News Brief
How extreme cold can crack lithium-ion battery materials, degrading performance
Storing the rechargeable batteries at sub-freezing temperatures can crack the battery cathode and separate it from other parts of the battery, a new study shows.
A drone flying on Mars
July 9, 2021
News Feature
SLAC hosts Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm for a virtual visit
She toured the lab’s powerful X-ray laser, looked at the construction of the world’s largest digital camera, and discussed climate research, industries of the future, and diversity, equity and inclusion in the sciences.
Secretary Granholm virtual visit
June 14, 2021
News Feature
Scientists discover how oxygen loss saps a lithium-ion battery’s voltage
Measuring the process in unprecedented detail gives them clues to how to minimize the problem and protect battery performance.
Illustration of oxygen atoms leaving a lithium-ion battery as lithium flows in alongside a battery whose energy is being sapped by this process
March 22, 2021
News Feature
First closeups of how a lithium-metal electrode ages
Scientists have documented a process that makes these next-gen batteries lose charge – and eventually some of their capacity for storing energy – even when a device is turned off.
January 13, 2021
News Feature
Yi Cui will receive E.O. Lawrence Award
A pioneer in clean energy technology at Stanford and SLAC, he is one of eight scientists and engineers honored by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Photo of Stanford and SLAC Professor Yi Cui
November 25, 2020
News Feature
External
Yi Cui, Risa Wechsler named AAAS fellows
Cui was honored for his work on materials chemistry for energy and the environment, and Wechsler for scientific contributions and leadership of large programs in cosmology.
Portraits of Yi Cui and Risa Wechsler
October 15, 2020
Press Release
A new approach boosts lithium-ion battery efficiency and puts out fires, too
Adding polymers and fireproofing to a battery’s current collectors makes it lighter, safer and about 20% more efficient.
Conceptual illustration of advantages of redesigned current collector

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