Tuning electrochemical potential of LiCoO2 with cation substitution: first principles predictions and electronic origin

We simulate substitution of various elements (X = Be, Mg, Al, Ga, Si and Ti) for Co using first-principles density functional theory and predict changes in its electrochemical potential. While the electrochemical potential of LiCoO2 is enhanced with substitution of Be, Mg, Al and Ga for Co, an opposite effect is predicted of Si and Ti substitution.

Methodology for sizing the solar field for parabolic trough technology with thermal storage and hydribization

A detailed methodology to design the size of solar field for a parabolic trough plant is not explicitly available in open literature, particularly if thermal storage and hybridization are also considered, as most of the papers present a gross overview.

Challenges and opportunities for Solar Tower technology in India

Solar Tower technology has gained considerable momentum over the past decade .Unlike the parabolic trough, Solar Tower has a lot of variants in terms of type of receivers, working fluids, power cycles, size of heliostats, etc .Most of the literature available on this technology does not address in great depths, details of various parameters associated with tower technology.The role and significance of this technology is brought out in the context of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) in order to achieve grid-connected solar power.

Sea level rise and climate change exiles: A possible solution

Will rising sea levels cause mass migrations of people from low-lying, impoverished equatorial areas into regions of higher ground—and if so, what will their reception be by their hosts? What can world leaders do to prepare for the population shifts likely to come from sea level rise already under way from the current high levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

Mechanism of Charge Transfer in Olivine-Type LiFeSiO4 and LiFe0.5M0.5SiO4 (M = Mg or Al) Cathode Materials: First-Principles Analysis

Olivine silicates LiMSiO4 (where M = Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni) are promising candidates for the next generation of cathode materials for use in lithium ion batteries (LIB). Among these compounds, LiFeSiO4 is an attractive choice due to its low cost, environmental friendliness, high safety, and stability In this work, we use first-principles density functional theory-based calculations to determine the structural and electrochemical properties of olivine-type LiFeSiO4 and LiFe05M05SiO4 (where M = Mg or Al). 

Rechargeable Sodium-ion Battery: High Capacity Ammonium Vanadate Cathode with Enhanced Stability at High Rate

Sodium-ion battery (NIB) cathode performance based on ammonium vanadate is demonstrated here as having high capacity, long cycle life and good rate capability. The simple preparation process and morphology study enable us to explore this electrode as suitable NIB cathode. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) calculation is envisioned for the NH4V4O10 cathode, and three possible sodium arrangements in the structure are depicted for the first time.

Materials & Engineering: Propelling Innovation

Materials and engineering are soulmates. Materials transform designs and equations into artifacts. Engineering, in turn, enables this transformation. Advancements in one have propelled advances in the other, creating new and well-integrated technologies. The relationship between materials and applications remained empirical throughout most of history, with clever artisans shaping materials that were obtained in native form in land and riverbeds.

Preparation, Structure Study and Electrochemistry of Layered H2V3O8 Materials: High Capacity Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode

The present study explores H2V3O8 as high capacity cathode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIB's). Despite having high discharge capacity, H2V3O8 material suffers from poor electrochemical stability for prolonged cycle life. Ultra-long H2V3O8 nanobelts with ordered crystallographic patterns are synthesized via a hydrothermal process to mitigate this problem. The growth of the crystal is facile along [001] direction, and the most common surface is (001) as suggested by Wulff construction study.

Reviewing India's National Mission on Electric Vehicles

In 2010, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy proposed a 20% subsidy for electric vehicles through a scheme called the Alternate Fuels for Surface Transportation Programme. This resulted in a big leap in sales of electric vehicles, mostly in the e-bikes segment. However, this initial spurt in sales was followed by a slump. This article analyses why electrical vehicles have not taken off in India, and suggests alternatives.