LLNL researchers have developed a method to enhance the performance of polyelectrolyte membranes by using a humidity-controlled crosslinking process which can be applied to precisely adjust the water channels of the membrane.
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![Diffuse discharge circuit breaker with latching switch](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2024-02/Diffuse%20discharge%20circuit%20breaker.png?itok=qWpciEtY)
A thyristor will stay conducting until the current through the device is zero (“current zero”) or perhaps slightly negative. LLNL’s approach is to use the opticondistor (“OTV”) to force this current zero in order to force the device into an “off” state. By combining a light-activated thyristor with an OTV, a noise-immune, high efficiency, high-power switching device can be constructed. The…
![Examples of different UV exposure patterns printed from the same multi-material resin. Darker yellow regions have higher UV exposure times leading to tougher regions.](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2024-01/UV%20exposure%20patterns.jpg?itok=gxDjP8_E)
LLNL researchers have developed an innovative and uniform single-pot polymer multi-material system, based on a combination of 3 different reactive chemistries. By combining the three different constituent monomers, fine control of mechanical attributes, such as elastic modulus, can be achieved by adjusting the dosage of UV light throughout the additive manufacturing process. This results in…
![Top down view of a Gas phase synthesized graphene (GSG) UV curable polymer composite film.](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2024-01/GSG%20UV%20curable%20polymer%20composite%20film.jpg?itok=9K-LMcLo)
LLNL researchers have developed a method to incorporate gas phase synthesized graphene (GSG) as a unique additive in a UV-crosslinkable polymer formulation. The GSG is added by using a planetary mixer to obtain a homogenous suspension of GSG in polymer. The resulting formulation is highly stable and doesn't show signs of phase separation or solid sedimentation. The polymer formulation is then…
![SEM image of tantalum airbridges](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2023-12/SEM%20image%20of%20tantalum%20airbridges.png?itok=ZSZvL90K)
LLNL researchers developed a novel method to nucleate the alpha phase of Tantalum on a polymer surface at room temperature, allowing for the controllable formation of a variety of 3D structures, such as airbridges. Using this method with a subsequent Piranha etch results in the complete removal of the residues of the polymer 'scaffolding' or template while allowing the deposited tantalum…
![Powder in Chemical Watch Glass](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2023-12/gray%20powder.jpeg?itok=u_5ZtG7H)
LLNL researchers have developed a Li-Sn-Zn ternary alloy and its method of production. Instead of traditional alloying techniques, the alloy was synthesized using mechanical alloying (high energy ball milling). With high purity elemental powders of lithium, tin and zinc, LLNL researchers were able to prepare Li60Sn20Zn20 as well as Li70Sn20Zn10 nanopowders.
![Custom PCB design of a PCSS Laser Diode Driver](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2023-11/PCSS%20Laser%20Diode%20Driver.png?itok=WQ2FNHQF)
LLNL researchers have invented an ultrafast PCSS to drive a high-power laser diode with arbitrary pulse widths. These devices operate by supplying a high voltage (>10 kV) to one side of the switch. A short pulse of light illuminates the semiconductor, instantly turning it from highly resistive to highly conductive.
![LLNL energy grid protection device](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2023-10/LLNL%20energy%20grid%20protection%20device_0.png?itok=vpqzRY_R)
The approach is to leverage the fact that a momentary “load” equal to the power transmission line impedance, (Z0), during the transient can suppress its propagation. Z(0) is typically a fixed impedance of several hundred ohms based on the geometry of most single wire transmission lines.
So, an isolated self-powered opticondistor (OTV) system may provide an ultrafast method of…
![JFET Device Structure](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2023-10/JFET%20device%20structure.png?itok=NRzXbnhk)
LLNL’s novel approach is to use diamond substrates with the desired donor (nitrogen) and acceptor (boron) impurities. In order to optically activate these deep impurities, the invention requires at least one externally or internally integrated light source. The initial exposure to light can set up the desired conduction current, after which the light source could be turned off. Even with…
![Tunneling Diode between two DSRDs](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2023-10/TunnelingDiode.png?itok=DfeB26vp)
Instead of producing individual DSRDs and bonding them, Tunnel DSRD's entire stack structure is grown epitaxially on a n- or p-type silicon wafer, resulting in a novel, “monolithic” stacked DSRD. A tunnel diode is essentially a diode with very highly doped p and n regions such that the reverse breakdown voltage is 200 meV or lower.
![Boss Circuit Breaker](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2023-09/Boss%20Circuit%20Breaker.png?itok=7XJ44vZ0)
LLNL’s novel approach to enable MVDC power systems to operate safely is to develop a wideband gap bulk optical semiconductor switch (WBG BOSS) circuit breaker. For higher power, efficiency and temperature operation, vanadium-doped silicon carbide (V-doped SiC) appears to be the most promising basis for WBG BOSS circuit breaker (other dopants like aluminum, boron and nitrogen may further…
![Sub-device integrated with Main device of the flow battery (A) and a cross-section of the sub-device (B)](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2023-09/Sub-device%20for%20flow%20battery.png?itok=72VMgGtP)
LLNL researchers has developed an approach to mitigate HER on the ‘plating’ electrode, which uses a sub-device as a rebalancing cell to restore electrolyte properties, including pH, conductivity, and capacity across the main device of the flow battery. This sub-device, which may need to be powered externally, has three major physical components: (1) a cathode electrode, (2) an anode electrode…
![Electrical grid](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2022-06/electricaGrid875x500px.jpg?itok=vKB8x1kB)
LLNL has developed a novel methodology for using commercially available automated sensors and actuators which can be deployed at scale in large appliances and plug-in EVs to provide as needed electric grid stabilization capabilities. The approach comprises of a population of voltage relays with a range of setpoints that would gradually reduce load as voltage falls. More severe voltage…
![Scanning electron microscopy image of carbonized resorcinol-formaldehyde formulation.](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2023-07/SEM%20image%20of%20carbonized%20resorcinol-formaldehyde%20formulation.png?itok=46D5k1qt)
LLNL inventors have created innovative steps in the synthesis, carbonation and activation steps of aerogel manufacturing that allows for large scale production. These steps are:
1. Synthesis: a novel pre-cure step with subsequent gelation (RF precursor solution is heated with stirring to achieve a mixed liquid intermediate temperature, the precursor solution is then allowed to cool,…
![Electrodeposition of Zn onto 3D printed copper nanowire (CuNW)](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2023-07/ElectrodepositionofZnon3dprintedCuNW.jpg?itok=2G2D1kt9)
Improving the active material of the Zn anode is critical to improving the practicality of Zn-MnO2 battery technology. LLNL researchers have developed a new category of 3D structured Zn anode using a direct-ink writing (DIW) printing process to create innovative hierarchical architectures. The DIW ink, which is a gel-based mixture composed of zinc metal powder and organic binders, is extruded…
![Livermore researchers support efforts to limit the need for rare-earth elements in U.S. clean-energy technologies.](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2023-07/Reducing%20Reliance%20on%20Critical%20Materials.png?itok=IuC6bH4r)
CMI—a DOE Energy Innovation Hub—is a public/private partnership led by the Ames Laboratory that brings together the best and brightest research minds from universities, national laboratories (including LLNL), and the private sector to find innovative technology solutions to make better use of materials critical to the success of clean energy technologies as well as develop resilient and secure…
![Compared with conventional slurry-based film electrode manufacturing methods, dry laser powder bed fusion is promising in generating structured electrodes for high power, low cost lithium ion batteries](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2023-06/conventional%20vs%20laser%20PBF%20for%20electrodes.jpg?itok=4KG4KLlE)
To address many of the aforementioned challenges of manufacturing LIBs and SSBs, LLNL researchers have developed a number of inventions that offer proposed solutions for their components:
![A sample of micro-architectured graphene aerogel, made from one of the lightest materials on Earth, sits atop a flower.](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2023-06/micro-architectured%20graphene%20aerogel.jpg?itok=t56kL59Q)
To overcome challenges that existing techniques for creating 3DGs face, LLNL researchers have developed a method that uses a light-based 3D printing process to rapidly create 3DG lattices of essentially any desired structure with graphene strut microstructure having pore sizes on the order of 10 nm. This flexible technique enables printing 3D micro-architected graphene objects with complex,…
![One embodiment of a solid-state lithium-air battery based on gyroid foams.](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2023-06/Li-Air%20Battery%20Gyroid%20Foam.jpg?itok=gPAwVj0O)
LLNL researchers have developed a new 3D printable lithium-air battery that uses a novel thin solid state ceramic electrolyte. LLNL’s invention overcomes the combined challenges of low power density and low cycle life in previously designed lithium-air batteries by using solid state electrolytes to achieve stability and multiscale structuring of the electrolyte to achieve low interfacial…
![thermoelectric cooler (TEC) embedded substrate for cooling of high power devices](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2023-06/TEC%20embedded%20substrate.png?itok=vEz7ndQ8)
For cooling a high power device, the novel approach is to use a thermoelectric cooler (TEC)-based embedded substrate with proper selection of the TEC material as an active cooler. The packaging configuration of TEC allows cooling the entire die without the use of a fluid. The process is compatible with the thin film TEC material. Standard semiconductor processes can be used to manufacture…
![Biosorption-based REE recovery and Sc extraction from low-grade feedstocks.](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2023-06/Biosorption-based%20Sc%20separation.png?itok=nULPXLYl)
The novel technology developed at LLNL is a new, effective means of separating and concentrating Sc from lanthanides and non-REEs in unconventional, waste-derived feedstocks, thereby transforming an essentially valueless solution into valuable Sc concentrates. The results represent an important advance in the development of an environmentally sustainable alternative to organic solvent-based…
![SEM image of a prototype for a neural implant shuttle etched into a non-SOI wafer. The 7:1 (Si:Photoresist) etch selectivity used here allowed for a maximum structure height of 32 μm, with up to 75 steps of 0.4 μm height each. Scale bar 100 μm.](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2023-05/SEM%20image%20prototype%20neural%20implant%20shuttle.png?itok=fpnfB5Yr)
For this method, a Silicon on Insulator (SOI) wafer is used to tailor etch rates and thickness in initial steps of the process. The simple three step process approach is comprised of grayscale lithography, deep reactive-ion etch (DRIE) and liftoff of the SOI wafer. The liftoff process is used to dissolve the insulating layer, thus separating sections of the wafer as individual silicon…
![Unique LLNL capabilities enable GaN superjunctions](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2023-05/GaNSuperjunctions.png?itok=UtrYddDz)
The approach is to use Charge Balance Layers (CBLs) to create a superjunction device in wide bandgap materials. These CBLs enable the device to effectively spread the electric field over 2- or 3-dimensions within a semiconductor voltage sustaining layer instead of 1-dimension, thereby increasing the maximum voltage a device is capable of withstanding. The challenge of using CBLs is the…
![natural protein lanmodulin, LanM (blue) bound to three REE ions (cyan).](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2023-05/LanMwithREEions.png?itok=UcejC0kj)
LLNL researchers along with collaborators at Pennsylvania State University have found that a newly discovered natural protein named Lanmodulin (LanM) could be a potential candidate for extracting REEs from ore or other sources such as coal ash as well as purifying the REE material. Through joint research, the scientists found that LanM undergoes a large conformational change in response to…
![IPO logo over a face profile with interconnected lines](/sites/default/files/2020-11/IPO_logo_placeholder.jpg)
LLNL researchers have developed a custom formulated extreme low viscosity reactive silicone resin base modified with a temperature dependent thixotrope along with a modified catalyst package. The uncatalyzed composition is capable of accepting loadings of polymer microspheres sufficient to produce a cured bulk rubber that has a density as low as 0.3 g/cc, thus compatible with high-resolution…
![nanocomposite_aerogel.jpg nanocomposite_aerogel](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2019-08/nanocomposite_aerogel.jpg?itok=PuNPrvkg)
Livermore researchers have developed two novel TiCl4 based non-alkoxide sol-gel approaches for the synthesis of SiO2/TiO2 nanocomposite aerogels. Composite SiO2-TiO2 aerogels were obtained by epoxide-assisted gelation (EAG route) of TiCl4/DMF solution in the presence SiO2 aerogel particles. Additionally, the same TiCl4/DMF solution was employed to prepare SiO2@TiO2 aerogels by a facile one-…
![freeze_casting_porous_materials](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2022-06/freeze_casting_porous_materials.png?itok=2twOT_K3)
The LLNL method is based on freeze‐casting of aerosolized and pressurized metal salt solutions and subsequent thermal processing. This method generates both porous particles with sizes down to one micron and macroscopic monoliths with nanometer scale ligaments/struts. The material's density can be controlled during the freeze‐dried stage. Compared to conventional approaches, this method…
![CNT Carbon Nanotube yarns support spherical](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2022-06/CNT%20yarns%20support%20spherical.jpg?itok=ndieUaDs)
LLNL has developed a liquid-free method that increases the overall mechanical resistance of self-supported, carbon nanotube assemblies through nanoscale reinforcement by gas-phase deposition of a thermally cross-linkable polymer. Polymer-reinforcement increases the strength of CNT yarns after crosslinking. For example, a minimal amount (<200 nm) of poly-glycidyl metacrylate (PGMA) deposited…
![Bio-Based Shape Memory Polymer](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2022-06/Bio-Based%20Shape%20Memory%20Polymer.png?itok=LD-aph8l)
LLNL researchers have developed a novel method of 3D printing regular microstructured architectures and subsequent complex macrostructures from additively manufactured bio-based composite thermoset shape memory polymer composite materials. This technology for 3D additively manufactured parts utilizes up to a 4 axis control DIW system for fabricating bio based thermally cured epoxy based SMP…
![composite_material](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2022-06/composite_material1.jpg?itok=fS_as8eL)
LLNL researchers have developed the hardware and chemistry to allow additive manufacturing of short carbon fibers in a thermoset polymer matrix which have a high degree of structural alignment over conventional cast or pressed short/chopped carbon fiber polymer composites.
The invention is based on the shear dispersal, alignment and concentration of fiber fraction within a resin…
![metallic_nanospheres.jpg metallic_nanospheres](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2019-08/metallic_nanospheres.jpg?itok=-j4nK6vi)
The nanosphere synthesis process works when a nanostructured substrate is heated above a critical temperature in the presence of a small amount of metal on the nanostructured surface. The metal acts as a particular type of catalyst for nanowire formation. It is periodically segregated within the nanowire in a thermodynamically well-defined process as nanowires grow. The result is…
![plants Lattice](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2022-06/plantsLattice2_875x500px.jpg?itok=3ArsXjAU)
Redox ion-exchange polymers ("redox-ionites") and membranes possessing cation- and anion- exchange, amphoteric, complex-forming and oxidation-reduction abilities have been developed on the basis of the biocompatible synthetic and chemically modified natural polymers. In addition, developments have been made towards methods of obtaining of water-soluble and spatially cross-linked ionites of…
![3D printed electrodes](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2022-06/3D%20printed%20electrodes.jpg?itok=HPvcODM8)
Nanomaterials that are emerging out of cutting edge nanotechnology research are a key component for an energy revolution. Carbon-based nanomaterials are ushering in the "new carbon age" with carbon nanotubes, nanoporous carbons, and graphene nanosheets that will prove necessary to provide sustainable energy applications that lessen our dependence on fossil fuels.
Carbon aerogels (CAs)…
![Batteryless Sensor](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2022-06/batteryless%20sensor.jpg?itok=OiEAlv22)
Chemical and biological sensors based on nanowire or nanotube technologies exhibit observable ultrasensitive detection limits due to their unusually large surface-to-volume architecture. This suggests that nanosensors can provide a distinct advantage over conventional designs. This advantage is further enhanced when the nanosensor can harvest its meager power requirements from the surrounding…
![Electromechanical battery](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2022-06/Electromechanical%20battery.jpg?itok=vgNlfBIu)
The design calculations that have been performed in exploring the potentialities of LLNL's new approaches to flywheel energy storage have been built on existing and past LLNL flywheel programs, including a program aimed at flywheel systems for the bulk storage of electricity at utility scale. To achieve the requirements of such systems, as mentioned above, LLNL has developed some key new…
![3D printed electrodes](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_exact_400x400_/public/2022-06/3D%20printed%20electrodes.jpg?itok=HPvcODM8)
LLNL has developed novel nanoporous carbon materials for the surface-stress-induced actuator technology. The morphology of these materials has been designed to combine high surface area and mechanical strength. The process allows for the fabrication of large monolithic pieces with low densities and high structural integrity. One actuation technology relies on electrochemically- induced changes…