First-principles investigation of Li intercalation kinetics in phospho-olivines

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering, 2013.Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.Includes bibliographical references (p. 141-150).This thesis focuses broadly on characterizing and understanding the Li intercalation mechanism in phospho-olivines, namely LiFePO₄ and Li(Fe,Mn)PO₄, using first-principles calculations. Currently Li-ion battery technology is critically relied upon for the operation of electrified vehicles, but further improvements mainly in cathode performance are required to ensure widespread adoption, which in itself requires learning from existing commercial cathode chemistries. LiFePO₄ is presently used in commercial Li-ion batteries, known for its rapid charge and discharge capability but with underwhelming energy density. This motivates the three central research efforts presented herein. First, we investigate the modified phase diagram and electrochemical properties of mixed olivines, such as Li(Fe,Mn)PO₄, which offer improved theoretical energy density over LiFePO₄ (due to the higher redox voltage associated with Mn²+/Mn³+). The Lix(FelyMny)PO₄ phase diagram is constructed by Monte Carlo simulation on a cluster expansion Hamiltonian parametrized by first-principles determined energies. Deviations from the equilibrium phase behavior and voltages of pure LiFePO₄ and LiMnPO₄ are analyzed and discussed to good agreement with experimental observations. Second, we address why LiFePO₄ exhibits superior rate performance strictly when the active particle size is brought down to the nano-scale. By considering the presence of immobile point defects residing in the 1D Li diffusion path, specifically by calculating from first principles both defect formation energies and Li migration barriers in the vicinity of likely defects, the Li diffusivity is recalculated and is found to strongly vary with particle size. At small particle sizes, the contribution from defects is small, and fast 1D Li diffusion is accessible. However, at larger particle sizes (pm scale and above) the contribution from defects is much larger. Not only is Li transport impeded, but it is also less anisotropic in agreement with experiments on large LiFePO₄ single crystals. Third, we investigate why LiFePO₄ can be charged and discharged rapidly despite having to undergo a first-order phase transition. Conventional wisdom dictates that a system with strong equilibrium Li segregation behavior requires both nucleation and growth in the charge and discharge process, which should impede the overall kinetics. Rather, through first-principles calculations, we determine the minimal energy required to access a non-equilibrium transformation path entirely through the solid solution. Not only does this transformation mechanism require little driving force, but it also rationalizes how a kinetically favorable but nonequilibrium path is responsible for the extremely high rate performance associated with this material. The consequences of a rapid non-equilibrium single-particle transformation mechanism on (dis)charging a multi-particle assembly, as is the case in porous electrodes, are discussed and compared to experimental observations.by Rahul Malik.Ph.D

CRIMINAL DISPOSAL OF THE DEAD AFTER HOMICIDAL STRANGULATION: AUTOPSY DEFYING PUTREFACTION AND EVIL MOTIVES ONCE AGAIN

Homicide with concealment of the corpse is a rarely encountered phenomenon in routine forensic work. Such cases represent a challenge by the fact that the bodies or parts thereof are unknown, without any relevant history, and usually depict well-established changes of putrefaction at autopsy. However, a proper scrutiny of the circumstances along with discovery of significant injuries at autopsy may bring a breakthrough to the case. A case of putrefied and unidentified male dead body is hereby described that was killed by ligature strangulation followed by dumping into a deep water channel which was, however, preceded by tying-up of extremities with a strong metallic chain. The postmortem findings along with the ancillary investigations and case circumstances helped in concluding the cause and manner of death which was subsequently followed by the arrest of the perpetrators who submitted and explained the whole story of the crime. Various possible means of suicide, including a self-application of restraint, were excluded from the study

Understanding the Initial Stages of Reversible Mg Deposition and Stripping in Inorganic Non-Aqueous Electrolytes

Multi-valent (MV) battery architectures based on pairing a Mg metal anode with a high-voltage ($\sim$ 3 V) intercalation cathode offer a realistic design pathway toward significantly surpassing the energy storage performance of traditional Li-ion based batteries, but there are currently only few electrolyte systems that support reversible Mg deposition. Using both static first-principles calculations and $ab\; initio$ molecular dynamics, we perform a comprehensive adsorption study of several salt and solvent species at the interface of Mg metal with an electrolyte of Mg$^{2+}$ and Cl$^-$ dissolved in liquid tetrahydrofuran (THF). Our findings not only provide a picture of the stable species at the interface, but also explain how this system can support reversible Mg deposition and as such we provide insights in how to design other electrolytes for Mg plating and stripping. The active depositing species are identified to be (MgCl)$^+$ monomers coordinated by THF, which exhibit preferential adsorption on Mg compared to possible passivating species (such as THF solvent or neutral MgCl$_2$ complexes). Upon deposition, the energy to desolvate these adsorbed complexes and facilitate charge-transfer is shown to be small ($\sim$ 61 $-$ 46.2 kJ mol$^{-1}$ to remove 3 THF from the strongest adsorbing complex), and the stable orientations of the adsorbed but desolvated (MgCl)$^+$ complexes appear favorable for charge-transfer. Finally, observations of Mg-Cl dissociation at the Mg surface at very low THF coordinations (0 and 1) suggest that deleterious Cl incorporation in the anode may occur upon plating. In the stripping process, this is beneficial by further facilitating the Mg removal reaction

Consumer Perception Towards Traceable Dairy Products: an Empirical Study

Background: Growing concerns about food safety and quality practices require the dairy industry to sustain accountability and transparency. Knowing consumer perceptions and attitudes regarding traceability is critical for developing efficient market-driven approaches.Purpose of the Study: This empirical research explores consumer perceptions of product traceability within the dairy industry. It seeks to address the gap between industry practices and consumer demands by investigating their preferences, perceptions, and issues, which leads to enhanced decision-making, transparency, and a sustainable future.Design Methodology/Approach: A literature review was conducted to identify research gaps. The authors developed a questionnaire about traceability in the context of food safety and quality awareness. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to analyze the data collected from 439 respondents, and Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to factor categorization and analyze consumer perception of traceability.Findings: The reliability analysis of the data shows a significantly high reliability of data. Five factors were extracted after performing EFA, and factor loadings and communality were acceptable. The research indicates that consumer demand for transparency in the dairy industry is increasing. Consumers are increasingly interested in learning about the historical background of dairy products, production practices, and ethical aspects. Traceability becomes an influential factor in purchases and devotion to a brand.Originality/Value: This study contributes to consumer awareness and allows industry stakeholders to improve the quality and safety of food techniques, promoting transparency at all supply chain stages