ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | JULY/AUGUST 2025 1 1 particles first condense before transforming into ordered crystal structures. During the experiments, Zang came across a rod-shaped crystal he could not identify. He compared the unknown structure with more than a thousand crystals found in the natural world and could not find a match. The discovery of Zangenite creates an opportunity to explore applications for hollow, low-density crystals. A deeper understanding of how crystals form holds promise for developing new materials, including photonic bandgap materials useful for lasers, fiberoptic cables, solar panels, and other technologies that transmit or harvest light. nyu.edu. LEARNING WHY LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES FAIL Using a new computational model, a University of Wisconsin-Madison mechanical engineering professor achieved a new understanding of why lithium-ion batteries fail. Developed by Weiyu Li, the model explains lithium plating, in which fast charging triggers metallic lithium to build up on the surface of a battery’s anode, causing the battery to degrade faster or catch fire. This knowledge could lead to fast-charging lithium-ion batteries that are safer and longer-lasting. Until now, the mechanisms that trigger lithium plating were not well understood. With her model, Li studied lithium plating on a graphite anode in a lithium-ion battery. The model revealed how the complex interplay between ion transport and electrochemical reactions drives lithium plating. “Using this model, I was able to establish relationships between key factors, such as operating conditions and material properties, and the onset of lithium plating,” says Li. “From these results, I created a diagram that provides physics-based guidance on strategies to mitigate plating. The diagram makes A model of lithium plating on a graphite particle coated with a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer. Courtesy of Weiyu Li/ACS. these findings very accessible, and researchers can harness the results without needing to perform any additional simulations.” Li adds that her model offers a way to investigate the onset of lithium plating over a wide range of conditions, enabling a more comprehensive picture of the phenomenon. wisc.edu. Fibercraft™ Heating Elements Offer Superior Performance in High-Temperature Applications. • Temp Range up to 1200°C (2200°F) • Exceptional Durability • Versatile Application • Customizable Design TC 8.375X5.5625_031025.indd 1 3/11/25 2:10 PM
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