In situ x‐ray diffraction has been shown to be a powerful tool for the study of the crystallographic changes that occur in a material as intercalation proceeds. Here we report the development of an in situ cell based on coin cell hardware and Bellcore plastic electrode technology. The coin cell hardware makes construction very simple, the cells seal well and cycle just as regular coin cells do. Therefore extended in situ x‐ray studies as a function of cycle number are now possible. We demonstrate the new design with preliminary experiments on LiMnO2 and LiMn2O4 .

Orthorhombic LiMnO~ prepared at temperatures near 100~ was evaluated for suitability as a high-capacity cathode for Li-ion cells. Carbon/LiMnO2 test cells showed initial reversible capacities of about 170 mAh/g of LiMnO2. This is much larger than that typically obtained from carbon/LiMn204 cells, about ii0 mAh/g. The capacity of the LiMnO2 cells is divided approximately equally between 3 and 4 V plateaus. The cells exhibit little capacity loss with cycle number when restricted to either the 3 or the 4 ~ plateau. The capacity loss is most'rapid when the cells are cycled over both plateaus. Using Li/LiMnQ cells, we investigated the reasons for the cycling behavior and capacity loss with cycle number. We believe that LiMnQ is an excellent candidate for the cathode of the coming generation of low-cost, high-energy Li-ion cells.) unless CC License in place (see abstract). ecsdl.org/site/terms_use address. Redistribution subject to ECS terms of use (see 130.179.16.201 Downloaded on 2015-06-09 to IP ABSTRACTThe electrochemical reactions of selenium species in a basic AICI3-NaCI melt has been studied by measuring EMF of an Na/SeCl~ cell. The reaction mechanism between elemental and tetravalent selenium consists of at least four electrochemical steps, including intermediates such as Se 2 § Se~ +, and Se~*. The reaction sequence from Se 4 § to Se~ § is discussed. The formal potential for each reaction is also determined.

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A new mass production technology for CIS-absorber formation yielding high-average module efficiencies is introduced. A novel custom-designed oven very successfully exploits the principle of forced convection during heating, CIS formation reaction, and cooling. Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S) 2 absorbers are formed by metal precursor deposition on soda lime glass followed by reaction in selenium/sulfur atmosphere. Processing is performed in a multiplechamber equipment which handles corrosive, flammable, and toxic process gases from atmospheric pressure to vacuum at high durability. The substrates (size: 50 cm × 120 cm) are processed in batches up to 102 substrates, applying forced convection for very homogenous heat transfer and high heating and cooling rates. Multiple-chamber design and batch size yield high throughput at cycle times above 1 h. This approach combines the specific advantages of batch type and inline processing. An excellent average efficiency of 14.3% with a narrow distribution (+/−0.31%) and a peak efficiency of 15.1% is shown with this technology. Module characteristic distributions during pilot production are presented. Detailed layer analytics is discussed. This straightforward reliable mass production technology is a key for highest module performance and for upscaling. Module efficiencies of 17% can be reached, enabling production costs below 0.38 US$/Wp in a projected GWp plant.