TY - JOUR A1 - Wu, J. A1 - Gong, M. A1 - Zhang, W. A1 - Mehmood, Asad A1 - Zhang, J. A1 - Ali, G. A1 - Kucernak, A. T1 - Simultaneously incorporating atomically dispersed Co-Nₓ sites with graphitic carbon layer-wrapped Co₉S₈ nanoparticles for oxygen reduction in acidic electrolyte N2 - A facile yet robust synthesis is reported herein to simultaneously incorporate atomically dispersed Co-Nₓ sites with graphitic layer-protected Co₉S₈ nanoparticles (denoted as Co SACs+Co₉S₈) as an efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction in acidic solution. The Co SACs+Co₉S₈ catalyst shows low H₂O₂ selectivity (∼5 %) with high half-wave potential (E1/2) of ∼0.78 V(RHE) in 0.5 M H₂SO₄. The atomic sites of the catalyst were quantified by a nitrite stripping method and the corresponding site density of the catalyst is calculated to be 3.2×10¹⁸ sites g⁻¹. Besides, we also found the presence of a reasonable amount of Co₉S₈ nanoparticles is beneficial for the oxygen electrocatalysis. Finally, the catalyst was assembled into a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for evaluating its performance under more practical conditions in proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system. KW - Co−N-Cs KW - Fuel cells KW - Single-atom catalysts KW - Oxygen reduction reaction KW - PGM-free catalysts PY - 2023 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-575993 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/celc.202300110 SN - 2196-0216 VL - 10 IS - 12 SP - 1 EP - 9 PB - Wiley-VCH CY - Weinheim AN - OPUS4-57599 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Gong, M. A1 - Mehmood, Asad A1 - Ali, B. A1 - Nam, K.-W. A1 - Kucernak, A. T1 - Oxygen Reduction Reaction Activity in Non-Precious Single-Atom (M−N/C) Catalysts − Contribution of Metal and Carbon/Nitrogen Framework-Based Sites N2 - We examine the performance of a number of single-atom M−N/C electrocatalysts with a common structure in order to deconvolute the activity of the framework N/C support from the metal M−N4 sites in M−N/Cs. The formation of the N/C framework with oordinating nitrogen sites is performed using zinc as a templating agent. After the formation of the electrically conducting carbon−nitrogen metal-coordinating network, we (trans)metalate with different metals producing a range of different catalysts (Fe−N/C, Co−N/C, Ni−N/C, Sn−N/C, Sb−N/C, and Bi−N/C) without the formation of any metal particles. In these materials, the structure of the carbon/nitrogen framework remains unchanged-only the coordinated metal is substituted. We assess the performance of the subsequent catalysts in acid, near-neutral, and alkaline environments toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and ascribe and quantify the performance to a combination of metal site activity and activity of the carbon/nitrogen framework. The ORR activity of the carbon/nitrogen framework is about 1000-fold higher in alkaline than it is in acid, suggesting a change in mechanism. At 0.80 VRHE, only Fe and Co contribute ORR activity significantly beyond that provided by the carbon/nitrogen framework at all pH values studied. In acid and near-neutral pH values (pH 0.3 and 5.2, respectively), Fe shows a 30-fold improvement and Co shows a 5-fold improvement, whereas in alkaline pH (pH 13), both Fe and Co show a 7-fold improvement beyond the baseline framework activity. The site density of the single metal atom sites is estimated using the nitrite adsorption and stripping method. This method allows us to deconvolute the framework sites and metal-based active sites. The framework site density of catalysts is estimated as 7.8 × 1018 sites g−1. The metal M−N4 site densities in Fe−N/C and Co−N/C are 9.4 × 1018 sites−1 and 4.8 × 1018 sites g−1, respectively. KW - Active site density KW - Fuel cells KW - Single-atom catalysts KW - Oxygen reduction reaction KW - PGM-free catalysts KW - M−N/Cs PY - 2023 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-575640 DO - https://doi.org/10.1021/acscatal.3c00356 SN - 2155-5435 VL - 13 IS - 10 SP - 6661 EP - 6674 PB - American Chemical Society AN - OPUS4-57564 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Schwarz, Irina A1 - Rieck, Arielle T1 - Valorization of carbon dioxide by electrocatalytic reduction coupled to acetogens via multiple electron carriers (Ecat-acetogens) N2 - To alleviate CO2 emissions and their impact on climate change, converting carbon dioxide into valuable products such as multi-carbon organic chemicals is of great importance. CO2 can be converted via different pathways such as electrochemical, photo-electrochemical and biological etc. Each approach offers distinct merits but also certain challenges in terms of process efficiency, product selectivity and implementation at scale etc. Therefore, developing coupled CO2 conversion systems, for instance bioelectrochemical reactors, can potentially address some of those challenges.[1] In this work, the focus is on developing cost-efficient, biocompatible, and high activity porous M-N-C catalysts with M = Ni and Co that are atomically dispersed as NiN4 and CoN4 active sites in porous carbon matrix. Ni- and Co-N-Cs are prepared by active-site imprinting approach using Mg as an imprinter.[2][3] Pyrolysis of Mg-N-C is carried out in a salt-melt at high temperatures (≥ 800 oC) and followed by an exchange with Ni or Co at low temperatures. N2-sorption of the materials reveal a micro-mesoporous structure with high surface areas (> 1000 m2 g-1) and a mass-transport enabling pore system. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) reveal the existence of atomically dispersed single atom active sites with defined active site structure. A variety of Ni-N-Cs and Co-N-Cs were tested for CO2R activity in a rotating disc electrode (RDE) setup, showing high activity and selectivity towards CO2R versus the competing HER. Subsequently, these catalysts were implemented in a home-made bio-electrocatalytical system (BES) consisting of a bioreactor coupled to a CO2 electrolysis cell. Here, CO2 is first electrochemically converted to CO in the electrolysis cell which is then directly fed to bacteria (Clostridium ragsdalei) in bioreactor who further metabolize it to valuable carbon compounds such as acetate. In the BES, partial pressures of CO reached a maximum of 5.7 mbar and that of hydrogen was 2.7 mbar after 30 h. A specific exponential bacterial growth rate of 0.16 h-1 was observed with acetate formation rate of 1.8 mg L-1 h-1 and an acetate concentration of 0.103 g L-1 corresponding to acetate formation rate of 0.73 mmol d-1. As will be discussed in greater details in this talk, we have successfully demonstrated the validity of a coupled bio-electrocatalytical system concept operating with Co- and Ni-N-C catalysts for CO2 conversion. T2 - Joint SPP Conference CY - Jena, Germany DA - 06.11.2024 KW - CO2 Reduktion KW - Bioelectrocatalytical system PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-61993 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Schwarz, Irina A1 - Rieck, Arielle T1 - Valorization of carbon dioxide by electrocatalytic reduction coupled to acetogens via multiple electron carriers (Ecat-acetogens) N2 - For the realization of a sustainable energy economy, it is of great importance to develop CO2 -neutral methods producing multi-carbon organic chemicals used as feedstock as well as carbon-neutral fuels by CO2 capture and conversion. In this work, a bio-electrocatalytical system (BES) consisting of a bioreactor coupled to a CO2 electrolysis cell is established. CO2 is first electrochemically converted to CO in electrolysis cell which is then directly fed to bacteria (acetogens) to further metabolize it to valuable carbon compounds such as acetate. The objective of this study is to develop cost-efficient, biocompatible and high activity electrocatalysts that can selectively convert CO2 to CO. Porous nitrogen-doped carbons containing atomically dispersed Ni and Co (Ni or Co-N-Cs) are prepared by active-site imprinting approach. First, synthesis of Mg- or Zn-N-C was carried out through pyrolysis of precursors in a salt melt followed by exchange with Ni or Co. N2-sorption porosimetry of the materials reveal a micro-mesoporous structure with high surface areas (> 1000 m2 g-1) and a mass-transport enabling pore system. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) reveal the existence of single atom sites with no formation of nanoparticles. A variety of Ni-N-Cs and Co-N-Cs were tested for CO2R activity in a rotating disc electrode (RDE) setup, showing high activity (Tafel slopes range from 77 – 130 mV/decade) and selectivity towards CO2R versus the competing HER. Before operation in the BES, first tests were performed in a single cell. Significantly increased current was detected in the CO2R test in CO2-saturated electrolyte vs. in N2 -saturated electrolyte indirectly proving formation of carbon monoxide (CO). Transfer of the electrolysis cell operation into the BES proved to be successful. For biotic operation, the BES was inoculated with Clostridium ragsdalei. Partial pressures pCO reached a maximum of 5.7 mbar and pH2 was 2.7 mbar after 30h. The reduction of partial pressures is interpreted as the consumption of the gases by C.ragsdalei. We report a specific exponential growth rate of 0.16 h-1, acetate formation rate of 1.8 mg L-1 h-1 and an acetate concetration of 0.103 g L-1 corresponding to acetate formation rate of 0.73 mmol d-1.In this work we successfully demonstrated an integrated bio-electrocatalytic system (BES) to convert CO2 into value-added chemicals. The usage of a Co- and Ni-N-Cs as the reduction catalyst within the BES allowed production of CO and H2 with relative selectivity for CO resulting in the growth of Clostridium ragsdalei and acetate production. T2 - Joint SPP Conference CY - Jena, Germany DA - 06.11.2023 KW - Bioelectrocatalytical system PY - 2023 AN - OPUS4-61995 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Schwarz, Irina A1 - Rieck, Arielle T1 - Valorization of carbon dioxide by electrocatalytic reduction coupled to acetogens via multiple electron carriers (Ecat-acetogens) N2 - To alleviate CO2 emissions and their impact on climate change, converting carbon dioxide into valuable products such as multi-carbon organic chemicals is of great importance. CO2 can be converted via different pathways such as electrochemical, photo-electrochemical and biological etc. Each approach offers distinct merits but also certain challenges in terms of process efficiency, product selectivity and implementation at scale etc. Therefore, developing coupled CO2 conversion systems, for instance bioelectrochemical reactors, can potentially address some of those challenges.[1] In this work, the focus is on developing cost-efficient, biocompatible, and high activity porous M-N-C catalysts with M = Ni and Co that are atomically dispersed as NiN4 and CoN4 active sites in porous carbon matrix. Ni- and Co-N-Cs are prepared by active-site imprinting approach using Mg as an imprinter.[2][3] Pyrolysis of Mg-N-C is carried out in a salt-melt at high temperatures (≥ 800 oC) and followed by an exchange with Ni or Co at low temperatures. N2-sorption of the materials reveal a micro-mesoporous structure with high surface areas (> 1000 m2 g-1) and a mass-transport enabling pore system. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) reveal the existence of atomically dispersed single atom active sites with defined active site structure. A variety of Ni-N-Cs and Co-N-Cs were tested for CO2R activity in a rotating disc electrode (RDE) setup, showing high activity and selectivity towards CO2R versus the competing HER. Subsequently, these catalysts were implemented in a home-made bio-electrocatalytical system (BES) consisting of a bioreactor coupled to a CO2 electrolysis cell. Here, CO2 is first electrochemically converted to CO in the electrolysis cell which is then directly fed to bacteria (Clostridium ragsdalei) in bioreactor who further metabolize it to valuable carbon compounds such as acetate. In the BES, partial pressures of CO reached a maximum of 5.7 mbar and that of hydrogen was 2.7 mbar after 30 h. A specific exponential bacterial growth rate of 0.16 h-1 was observed with acetate formation rate of 1.8 mg L-1 h-1 and an acetate concentration of 0.103 g L-1 corresponding to acetate formation rate of 0.73 mmol d-1. As will be discussed in greater details in this talk, we have successfully demonstrated the validity of a coupled bio-electrocatalytical system concept operating with Co- and Ni-N-C catalysts for CO2 conversion. T2 - eBiotech Workshop Week + Status Seminar CY - Jena, Germany DA - 19.03.2023 KW - Bioelectrocatalytical system PY - 2023 AN - OPUS4-61997 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Zhang, Wuyi A1 - Mehmood, Asad A1 - Ali, Ghulam A1 - Liu, Hui A1 - Chai, Liyuan A1 - Wu, Jun A1 - Liu, Min T1 - Nickel Nanocluster-Stabilized Unsaturated Ni–N3 Atomic Sites for Efficient CO2-to-CO Electrolysis at Industrial-Level Current N2 - Unsaturated Ni single-atom catalysts (SACs), Ni-Nx (x=1,2,3), have been investigated to break the conventional Ni-N4 structural limitation and provide more unoccupied 3d orbitals for CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) intermediates adsorption, but their intrinsically low structural stability has seriously hindered their applications. Here, we developed a strategy by integrating Ni nanoclusters to stabilize unsaturated Ni-N3 atomic sites for efficient CO2 electroreduction to CO at industrial-level current. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations revealed that the incorporation of Ni nanocluster effectively stabilizes the unsaturated Ni-N3 atomic sites and modulates their electronic structure to enhance the adsorption of the key intermediate *COOH during CO2RR. Guided by these insights, we prepared an optimal composite catalyst, Ni6@Ni-N3, which features a Ni6N6 nanocluster surrounded by six Ni-N3 single atoms sites, through low-temperature pyrolysis. The morphology and coordinative structure of Ni6@Ni-N3 were confirmed by an aberration-corrected transmission electron microscope (AC-TEM) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). As a result, Ni6@Ni-N3 demonstrated a remarkably high CO Faradaic efficiency (FECO) of 99.7 % and a turnover frequency (TOF) of 83984.2 h−1 at 500 mA cm−2 under −1.15 VRHE, much better than those of Ni-N4 with a lower FECO of 86 % at 100 mA cm−2 and a TOF of 39309.9 h−1under identical potential. XAS analyses of Ni6@Ni-N3 before and after long-term CO2RR testing confirmed the excellent stability of its coordinative environment. This work highlights a generalizable approach for stabilizing unsaturated single-atom catalysts, paving the way for their application in high-performance CO2RR. KW - Electrochemical CO2 conversion KW - Single atom catalysts KW - CO2 electrolysis PY - 2025 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202424552 SN - 1521-3773 VL - 64 IS - 13 SP - 1 EP - 10 PB - Wiley-VCH CY - Weinheim AN - OPUS4-62926 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - GEN A1 - Braga, Daniel S. A1 - Pedersen, Angus A1 - Riyaz, Mohd A1 - Barrio, Jesús A1 - Bagger, Alexander A1 - Neckel, Itamar T. A1 - Mariano, Thiago M. A1 - Winkler, Manuel E. G. A1 - Stephens, Ifan E. L. A1 - Titirici, Maria‐Magdalena A1 - Nagao, Raphael T1 - Inside back cover image for the article "In situ structural evolution and activity descriptor of atomically dispersed catalysts during nitrate electroreduction" N2 - This cover illustrates the electrosynthesis of ammonia through the reduction of nitrate ions on metallic clusters formed from single atom catalysts. The artwork highlights the catalytic interface where molecular transformations occur, linking nanoscale reactions to sustainable fertilizer production. By converting pollutants into value-added products, this work envisions a green pathway toward circular nitrogen management and enhanced agricultural sustainability. More details can be found in the Research Article (DOI: 10.1002/advs.202510282) by Maria-Magdalena Titirici, Raphael Nagao, and co-workers. KW - Single atom KW - Nitrate reduction KW - In situ KW - Structure-activity-selectivity PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-652626 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.71951 SN - 2198-3844 VL - 12 IS - 39 SP - 1 PB - Wiley-VCH CY - Weinheim AN - OPUS4-65262 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Dayani, Shahabeddin A1 - Markötter, Henning A1 - Krug von Nidda, Jonas A1 - Schmidt, Anita A1 - Bruno, Giovanni T1 - Quantification of the Deep Discharge Induced Asymmetric Copper Deposition in Lithium‐Ion Cells by Operando Synchrotron X‐Ray Tomography N2 - AbstractLithium‐ion cells connected in series are prone to an electrical safety risk called overdischarge. This paper presents a comprehensive investigation of the overdischarge phenomenon in lithium‐ion cells using operando nondestructive imaging. The study focuses on understanding the behavior of copper dissolution and deposition during overdischarge, which can lead to irreversible capacity loss and internal short‐circuits. By utilizing synchrotron X‐ray computed tomography (SXCT), the concentration of dissolved and deposited copper per surface area is quantified as a function of depth of discharge, confirming previous findings. The results also highlight for the first time a nonuniform distribution pattern for copper deposition on the cathode. This research provides insights for safer battery cell design. KW - Lithium Ion Batteries KW - Deep Discharge KW - Computer Tomography KW - Copper Deposition KW - Litium Ion Cells PY - 2023 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-592717 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/admt.202301246 SP - 1 EP - 7 PB - Wiley AN - OPUS4-59271 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Böttcher, Nils A1 - Dayani, Shahabeddin A1 - Markötter, Henning A1 - Schmidt, Anita A1 - Kowal, J. A1 - Lu, Y. A1 - Krug von Nidda, Jonas A1 - Bruno, Giovanni T1 - Visualization of stepwise electrode decomposition in a nail penetrated commercial lithium-ion cell using low-temperature synchrotron X-ray computed tomography N2 - The transition towards zero carbon emissions in power generation hinges on the integration of efficient electrical energy storage systems, with lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) positioned as a pivotal technology. While generally safe, deviations in their operational guidelines due to manufacturing defects or misuse can lead to critical safety concerns, notably thermal runaway (TR) events. Internal short circuits (ISCs) are primary initiators of TR within LIBs. For abuse testing, ISCs are often triggered by nail penetration. This study explores the morphological changes and mechanisms underlying ISC-induced TR in LIBs using operando synchrotron X-ray computed tomography (SXCT) at subzero temperatures. A novel cryogenic setup was developed to control a stepwise temperature increase in the damaged sample while monitoring electrochemical characteristics and simultaneously enabling acquisition of high-resolution SXCT images. The findings reveal that conducting nail penetration at minus 80°C prevents immediate TR, enabling detailed analysis of subsequent structural and electrochemical behavior during controlled thawing. Thus, the initiation of TR processes at localized ISC sites has been observed, evidenced by voltage fluctuations and morphological changes, such as cathode material cracking and decomposition. These results underscore the importance of temperature control in mitigating TR risks and provide critical insights into the internal dynamics of LIBs under abusive conditions. The developed cryogenic SXCT methodology offers a powerful tool for non-destructive, high-resolution investigation of battery failure mechanisms, contributing to the enhancement of LIB safety. KW - Tomography KW - X-ray imaging KW - Lithium-ion battery PY - 2024 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-611327 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2024.235472 VL - 623 SP - 1 EP - 10 PB - Elsevier CY - New York, NY AN - OPUS4-61132 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Appel, Paul Alexander T1 - Developing Tailor-Made Core-Shell Carbon Anode Materials for Sodium Ion Batteries N2 - Hard carbons (HCs) are currently one of the most promising anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). However, the Na storage mechanism remains controversial, leaving the theoretical limits of carbon anodes unclear. To deconvolute the specific capacity from irreversible capacity losses, resulting from the formation of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), core-shell carbon materials were synthesized. Based on these core-shell materials, extensive operando characterization was developed and undertaken to investigate the storage mechanism of sodium. T2 - Sodium Ion Battery Symposium CY - Berlin, Germany DA - 23.09.2024 KW - Energy Materials PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-62005 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Gong, Mengjun A1 - Mehmood, Asad A1 - de Oliveira Guilherme Buzanich, Ana A1 - Fellinger, Tim-Patrick A1 - Jackson, Colleen A1 - Cui, Junyi A1 - Drazic, Goran A1 - Kucernak, Anthony T1 - Designing Co–N/C Cathode Catalysts with Dense Atomic Cobalt Sites for Enhanced PEMFC Performance N2 - Metal-nitrogen/carbon (M-N/C) catalysts, particularly those incorporating Fe,Co, or Mn, are among the most promising non-platinum group catalysts forthe acidic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cells. This study reports aCo-N/C catalyst featuring high (3 wt%) cobalt content exclusively present asatomic sites. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis confirms atetrapyridinic Co-N4 coordination environment in the optimized (3.0)Co-N/C𝚫catalyst. The high cobalt loading leads to a significant density ofelectrochemically accessible active sites, 3.58 × 10 19 sites g−1 , quantified viathe nitrite stripping method. The catalyst demonstrates excellent ORR activityin a rotating ring-disk electrode setup, achieving a half-wave potential (E 1/2 ) of0.76 V at a low loading of 0.2 mg cm−2 and a mass activity of 3.5 A g−1 at 0.80VRHE . Single-cell hydrogen-oxygen PEMFC tests achieve a peak power densityexceeding 1.3 W cm−2 (iR-corrected). Under hydrogen-air condition, thecatalyst delivers 0.54 A cm−2 at 0.60 V (0.39 W cm−2 ). Despite the intrinsicallyhigher turnover frequency of Fe-based sites, the optimized(3.0)Co-N/C𝚫 catalyst achieves similar fuel cell performance to that of Fe-N/C,highlighting the critical role of site density in overall activity. KW - Fuel cells KW - Single atom catalysts KW - Oxygen reduction reaction KW - Non-precious catalysts PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-644276 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202516060 SN - 2198-3844 SP - 1 EP - 11 PB - Wiley VHC-Verlag AN - OPUS4-64427 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - INPR A1 - Rieck, Arielle A1 - Low, Jian Liang A1 - Dietzmann, Simon A1 - Radnik, Jörg A1 - Teimouri, Zahra A1 - Higgins, Drew A1 - Hodoroaba, Vasile-Dan A1 - Mehmood, Asad A1 - Fellinger, Tim-Patrick T1 - Understanding the Activity Trade-Off between Tetrapyrrolic Fe-NCs and Co-NCs in the Alkaline Oxygen Reduction Reaction N2 - A water-free ionothermal synthesis of porous magnesium-imprinted nitrogen-doped carbon (Mg–NC) materials is introduced to prepare a platform material to investigate electrocatalytic structure-performance relations. Atomically dispersed Co- and Fe-NCs isomorphic to the pristine Mg-NCs are prepared by ion-exchange reactions. The current Mg-templating strategy enables relatively high pyrolysis product yields of up to 50 wt% and resultant Fe-NC and Co-NC catalysts contain high and comparable active metal loading of up to 2.52 wt% Fe and 2.29 wt% Co, respectively. A combination of X-ray spectroscopies with DFT studies reveals a tetrapyrrolic structure of the coordination sites, originating from a pyrolytic magnesium template ion reaction within the ionothermal synthesis. Two sets of highly active isomorphic tetrapyrrolic Fe-NCs and Co-NCs are utilized to understand the differences in intrinsic electrocatalytic performance of Co-NCs and Fe-NCs towards the alkaline oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Despite their superior valence electronic properties to facilitate the initial outer-sphere electron transfer to O2, Co-NCs show significantly lower performance than Fe-NC with comparable loading. Although the generally discussed weaker binding of peroxide intermediates to CoN4 sites compared to FeN4 sites is evident, experimental and theoretical investigation reveal that it is the underlying peroxide oxidation activity that suppresses the oxygen reduction activity of M-NCs. The high peroxide oxidation activity of Co-NCs explains their reduced alkaline ORR relative to Fe-NCs, shedding light on the understated significance of controlling peroxide chemistry for the optimizing cathodic performance. KW - Magnesium Imprinting KW - Tetrapyrrolic Sites KW - Metal- and nitrogen-doped carbon (M-N-C) KW - Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) KW - Nitrogen doped Carbon PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-651487 DO - https://doi.org/10.26434/chemrxiv-2025-s59s5 SP - 1 EP - 24 AN - OPUS4-65148 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Böttcher, Nils A1 - Sander, Luise A1 - Ulbricht, Alexander A1 - Widjaja, Martinus Putra A1 - Fellinger, Tim-Patrick A1 - Schmidt, Anita A1 - Krug von Nidda, Jonas T1 - Sodium-ion battery research @ BAM (I): investigating the thermal runaway behaviour of commercial sodium-ion battery cells N2 - Commercially available sodium-ion battery (SIB) cells, with energy densities comparable to lithium-ion battery (LIB) cells based on LiFePO4, were investigated regarding their safety behaviour under thermal abuse conditions. Tests were carried out in an inert atmosphere. The SIB-cells went into thermal runaway (TR), intriguingly, even at a rather low state of charge of 30%. The TR-event was coupled with a pronounced jelly roll ejection, challenging the interpretation of the TR-diagrams. These findings highlight the necessity of incorporating SIB-cells into the ongoing safety classification discussions for LIB-cells. KW - Sodium Ion Batteries KW - Thermal Runaway KW - Battery safety PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-647652 DO - https://doi.org/10.1039/d5se00687b SN - 2398-4902 VL - 9 IS - 21 SP - 5832 EP - 5838 PB - Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) AN - OPUS4-64765 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Wu, Shu-Han T1 - Exploring Sodium Ion Storage: Combining a MOF Derived Carbon Core with a Sieving Carbon Shell to Illuminate Adsorptive Site Influences N2 - Unlike lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) where crystalline graphite is commonly used as the negative electrode material, disordered carbons are regarded as more promising forsodium-ion batteries (SIBs). However, further advances towards better reversibility and higher specific capacity are still needed to match or even exceed the properties of graphite in LIBs. The main challenge is the complex and unpredictable Na+ storage mechanism in disordered carbons. [1] Method: Recently, Matsukawa et al. have reported that the reversibility of (de)sodiation processes of disordered carbons is better for ultra microporous carbons.[2] Ultra micropores are accessible only to Na+ ions and not to solvent molecules. Therefore, the ultra micopores can be used for Na-storage, however, do not significantly contribute to side reactions caused by solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation, which reduces the related irreversible capacity loss. Building on this concept, the origins of specific capacity and irreversible losses were further explored by modifying the chemical composition of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) derived carbons, while maintaining comparable porosity. This involved adjusting the nitrogen content through temperature variation. Additionally, these ZIF-8 derived carbons were enhanced with a protective ion sieving carbon shell formed by chemical vapor deposition. This shell enables effective distinction between reversible and irreversible Na+ storage. Results: The tailor-made core-shell carbons with higher nitrogen content demonstrate greater capacity in the sloping region, but lower capacity in the plateau region of the voltage profile. In addition, they show reduced specific capacities compared to materials with lower nitrogen content. Lastly, it is important to highlight that the incorporation of sieving carbons results in a significant overall increase in capacity compared to materials without sieving carbons. The highest capacities were obtained for the core shell carbon pyrolyzed at 1000°C reaching reversible capacities of 381 +/- 4 mAh g–1 . Discussion: The nitrogen active sites in the as-synthesized materials facilitate the adsorption of Na+ ions, indicating that Na+ ions preferentially adhere to these active sites during the sodiation process. Moreover, the relatively low capacity observed in materials with higher nitrogen content may be attributed to their lower electrical conductivity. T2 - Batterieforum 2025 CY - Berlin, Germany DA - 21.01.2025 KW - Sodium-ion batteries KW - Hard carbon KW - Core-shell materials PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-65131 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Mieller, Björn T1 - Characterization of Beta-Alumina Solid Electrolyte by Coin Cell Testing N2 - All solid-state batteries (ASSBs) are the subject of widespread research, one reason being their predicted increased safety [1]. Variants of beta-alumina solid electrolyte (BASE), a promising solid electrolyte for sodium ion batteries, exhibit ion conductivities up to 5 mS/cm at room temperature, which motivates targeted research and testing [2]. Dedicated measurement cells for conductivity measurements and cycling of ASSBs are available, providing even pressure and temperature control. However, these are often costly and thus unsuitable for long-term studies with many cells. In contrast, coin cells are a practical and scalable approach for such ASSB studies, despite poor pressure control and other influencing factors that may affect the reproducibility of results [3]. This study investigates the extent to which reliable measurement data can be obtained from symmetrical Na/BASE/Na coin cells. Therefore, several testing procedures and different cell architectures are considered. The experiments are supported by an electrical equivalent circuit model. The modeling approach and both measured and numerically simulated data are presented. The coin cell results are compared to data acquired using a designated ASSB setup (CompreCell and CompreFrame by RHD). T2 - XIXth Conference of the EuropeanCeramic Society / SBS6 InternationalSodium Battery Symposium CY - Dresden, Germany DA - 01.09.2025 KW - Beta aluminate solid electrolyte KW - Coin cell PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-64055 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Wu, Shu-Han A1 - Appel, Paul Alexander T1 - DialySorb N2 - Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been one of the greatest achievements in the field of energy storage of the last century. However, with the increasing demand for energy storage, battery technologies must be diversified according to their specific requirements in different applications. In terms of stationary energy storage and electric vehicles, sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are considered to be the most attractive alternative to LIBs due to the uniformly high abundance and cost-effectiveness of raw materials, enabling large-scale and low-cost energy storage. Unlike LIBs where crystalline graphite is commonly used as the anode material, disordered carbons are regarded as more promising for SIBs. However, further advances towards better reversibility and higher specific capacity are still needed to match or exceed that of graphite in LIBs. The main challenge is the complex and unpredictable Na+ storage mechanism in disordered carbons, as they may have different properties depending on the precursors and carbonization conditions. [1] Recently, Matsukawa et al. have reported that the reversibility of (de)sodiation processes of disordered carbons is better for ultramicroporous carbons.[2] These pores are accessible only to Na+ ions and not to solvent molecules. Therefore, the (de)sodiation processes are protected from the side reactions caused by the solvent, which reduces the related irreversible capacity loss. With this idea, the origin of the specific capacity and irreversible losses will be further investigated by tailoring chemical composition (e.g., heteroatom doping) as well as pore structure of hard carbons used as anode materials in SIBs. For the synthesis scalable and industrially relevant processes will be used. The structure and morphology of the materials will be characterized by electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. In addition, different gas sorption techniques will be carried out to analyze the porosity, pore sizes and specific surface areas. The electrochemical performance of the prepared materials will be evaluated based on coin cells, three-electrode Swagelok cells, and pouch cells. Moreover, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy will be performed to help understand the mechanism of Na+ storage. T2 - Electrochemistry 2022 (GDCh confernece) CY - Berlin, Germany DA - 27.09.2022 KW - Na-ion Battery PY - 2022 AN - OPUS4-62013 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Scharpmann, Philippa A1 - Leonhardt, Robert A1 - Schmidt, Anita A1 - Kowal, Julia A1 - Tichter, Tim A1 - Krug von Nidda, Jonas T1 - Exploring restrictive overdischarge cycling as a method to accelerate characteristic ageing in lithium-ion cells N2 - This study presents a test protocol that greatly accelerates the ageing process of lithium-ion battery cells comprising a positive electrode of nickel manganese cobalt oxide while preserving their characteristic degradation upon cyclic ageing. Applying a repetitive restricted overdischarge, resulting in a depth of discharge larger than 100%, a capacity loss of 20% is achieved over five times faster compared to conventional cycling. The well-known overdischarge degradation phenomenon of copper current collector dissolution is deliberately prevented by setting a discharge cutoff voltage above the theoretical threshold of copper oxidation. Hence, the accelerated degradation can be primarily connected to solid electrolyte interphase growth. A comparative assessment of the ageing dynamics using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and differential voltage analysis hints towards similar, characteristic degradation processes during accelerated and conventional ageing. A post-ageing examination of the electrical behaviour (i.e., coulombic and energy efficiency, capacity fade) under reference conditions reveals very little to no lasting damages caused by overdischarging. Additionally, post-mortem analysis discloses no increased copper dissolution when comparing cells subjected to accelerated and conventional ageing. Generally, the developed ageing method appears suitable for providing cells with a defined state of health at a reasonable timescale without altering the main degradation mechanisms significantly. KW - Lithium-ion cell KW - Accelerated ageing KW - Overdischarge KW - Degradation processes KW - Differential voltage analysis KW - Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy PY - 2026 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-650917 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2025.239072 SN - 0378-7753 VL - 665 SP - 1 EP - 9 PB - Elsevier B.V. AN - OPUS4-65091 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Cornelio, Andrea T1 - NASICON Electrolytes for Room-Temperature Sodium-Sulfur Batteries: from Material Synthesis to Cell Testing N2 - Solid electrolytes (SE) allow to employ alkali-metal negative electrodes (NE) in new cell concepts, increasing energy density and safety of batteries for stationary and portable applications. The aim of this research is to develop a novel NASICON (NA Super Ionic CONductor) electrolyte for room-temperature (RT) sodium-sulfur (Na-S) cells employing a liquid sodium-potassium (Na-K) alloy at the SE/NE interface. The Na-K alloy can improve the interfacial contact between the sodium-metal NE and the SE. T2 - Batterieforum Deutschland 2026 CY - Berlin, Germany DA - 20.01.2026 KW - NASICON KW - Solid Electrolytes KW - Synthesis KW - Characterization KW - Na batteries KW - Electrochemical testing PY - 2026 AN - OPUS4-65423 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Appel, Paul Alexander T1 - Probing Structural Changes in Sodium-Ion Battery materials with Operando SAXS N2 - Operando small-angle X-Ray scattering (SAXS) can provide direct insight into nanoscale structural changes occurring during electrochemical operation. This workshop will provide a general overview of the fundamentals of SAXS and highlight its potential on a range of case studies. This talk will highlight how operando SAXS complements conventional electrochemical characterization by revealing dynamic, irreversible structural processes that govern performance and stability in energy storage materials T2 - Operando Workshop CY - Berlin, Germany DA - 17.09.2025 KW - Small Angle X-Ray Scattering KW - Operando Measurments PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-65119 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Cornelio, Andrea T1 - NASICON Electrolytes for Room-Temperature Sodium-Sulfur Batteries with NaK Alloy Negative Electrode Interface N2 - The aim of the research is to develop a novel NASICON (NA Super Ionic CONductor) electrolyte for room-temperature (RT) sodium-sulfur (Na-S) cells employing a liquid sodium-potassium (NaK) alloy at the negative-electrode interface. The NaK alloy can improve the interfacial contact between the sodium-metal electrode and the solid electrolyte. The synthesized NASICON material must be stable with the alkali-metal alloy and provide good electrochemical performance at RT. T2 - 6th Sodium Battery Symposium CY - Dresden, Germany DA - 03.09.2025 KW - Solid Electrolyte KW - NASICON KW - Solid-state batteries KW - Sodium conductors KW - Material synthesis PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-64080 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER -