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A D V A N C E D
M A T E R I A L S
&
P R O C E S S E S | J U N E
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To test the new configuration,
researchers used a cell containing
a lithiated oxide cathode, a silicon-
graphite anode, and various electro-
lytes, including ones containing fluo-
roethylene carbonate (FEC) or vinylene
carbonate (VC) additives. While silicon-
containing electrodes could double the
energy stored in lithium-ion cells—a
boon for extending electric vehicle driv-
ing range—these cells degrade more
quickly. The Argonne team used the
new configuration to test the impact
of the FEC and VC additives, and con-
firmed their beneficial effects, not only
at reducing capacity loss but in mitigat-
ing the impedance rise in cells without
them.
IMAGING A BETTER FUTURE
FOR UK STEEL
Manuch Soleimani, a researcher
from the University of Bath, UK,
received a grant to develop a real-time,
nondestructive, reliable measurement
method for detecting defects or failures
in molten steel during continuous cast-
ing. The process involves positioning a
contactless bracelet around the billet to
continually measure the electrical con-
ductivity of the different states of the
solidifying steel, providing an image of
the structural composition of the steel
as it cools. Soleimani, associate profes-
sor in the department of electronic and
electrical engineering, received a three-
year EU Horizon 2020 grant to develop
the method, which uses induction
tomography, an emerging, noninvasive
imaging technique already employed in
applications such as medical diagnos-
tics, geophysical exploration, and civil
engineering. He will collaborate with
colleagues at the Fundacion Tecnalia
Two reference electrodes within a battery
cell.
Manuch Soleimani is leading a three-year
project to develop new technology to
support the UK & EU steel industry.
Research and Innovation, Spain, as
well as Italian steel companies Ferriere
Nord and Ergolines Lab on the so-called
Shell-Thick project. Hopes are high
that the process could boost the com-
petitiveness and sustainability of the
UK and EU steel industries, which face
stiff competition from highly subsidized
steel production in China.