27 innovations from Bar-Ilan University, available for licensing, co-investment, or spin-out through BIRAD.
Noked Malachi
In the present work, we purpose to achieve cobalt-free high capacity cathode for Na-ion batteries using high entropy approach. High entropy approach comprises the mixing of more than five elements in a single phase which itself is a challenge as it involves interplay between different elements to get the desired properties. Here, Li is introduced in the composition to get high configurational entropy that offers Na vacant sites, hence stabilizes the crystal structure by entropy stabilization, accelerate the kinetics and improves the air stability. With the optimization in the composition of cathode, a reversible capacity of 109 mAh g-1 (2-4V) and 144 mAh g-1 (2-4.3V) is observed in first few cycles with a significant stability during prolong cycling. Further, insitu and exsitu diffraction studies during charging and discharging has revealed that the high entropy strategy is successful in overcoming the complex phase transition in O3 layered structure by suppressing the O3’ phase. The impressive outcomes of the present work strongly motivate to pursue high entropy approach in developing efficient cathode for Na-ion batteries.
Noked Malachi
This study demonstrates that partial substitution of F⁻ with less electronegative Br⁻ in NVPF facilitates the electrochemical activation of the third Na ion while preserving structural integrity. A series of Br-substituted NVPF hollow microspheres, Na₃V₂(PO₄)₂F3(1-x)Br3x (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4), were synthesized and evaluated. Among them, NVPF-Br (x=0.2) exhibited the highest electrochemical performance, delivering a high discharge capacity of 169 mA h g⁻¹ at 64 mA g⁻¹ within a 1.2–4.3 V window and retaining 134 mA h g⁻¹ with 100% coulombic efficiency after 150 cycles. Structural analysis revealed that Br substitution expands the 2D tunnel framework, enabling faster Na-ion diffusion
Noked Malachi
Na4Fe3(PO4)2(P2O7) is an emerging cathode material for next-generation Na-ion batteries owing to its environmentally benign nature, cost-effectiveness, and optimal operating potential. However, the sluggish Na-ion kinetics and poor electronic conductivity have hampered its commercialization. This study aims to address these setbacks through a medium-entropy dual-ion doping strategy, in which both cations (V3+, Mn2+) and anions (F–, SO42–, BO33-) are doped via a scalable sol-gel synthesis, forming Na3.64Fe2.94V0.03Mn0.03(PO4)1.94F0.03(BO3)0.03(P2O7) (NFPP-ME-BO3) and Na3.61Fe2.94V0.03Mn0.03(PO4)1.94F0.03(SO4)0.03(P2O7) (NFPP-ME-SO4). Herein, transition-metal (TM) doping enhances electronic conductivity by reducing the gap between the valence and conduction bands, while poly-anion dopants (BO33-, SO42-) act as pillars, improving structural stability and expanding the diffusion channel, thereby facilitating Na-ion diffusion. To demonstrate its practical relevance, full cells were fabricated against hard carbon and Fe3O4 as the anodes.
Shuki Wolfus
State-of-the-art receivers in wireless charging for electric vehicles consist of horizontal coils (where the coil plane is parallel to the road). We propose a revolutionary coil configuration which maximizes flux collection in the receiving coils. This configuration consists of coils vertically situated to the magnetic flux with a ferromagnetic core within the coils. The magnetic core on which the vertical coils are wound, support the enhancement of flux collection while keeping the height of the coils limited as required. This innovation has been proved for its feasibility and advantageous in simulation based studies as well as in downscaled experimental model.
Aurbach Doron
We intend to prepare and optimize anodes in rechargeable aqueous Na ions batteries for large & safe energy storage. The invention includes selection of appropriate redox polymers add to it carbon nanotubes, thus preparing stand-alone composite electrodes. We will select also appropriate electrolyte solutions, and will optimize parameters in prototype Na ion cells.
Noked Malachi
Zinc–bromine batteries (ZBBs) are promising candidates for large-scale energy storage due to their low cost, inherent safety, and high theoretical energy density. However, conventional flow-based ZBBs suffer from low system-level energy density and operational complexity. Recent interest has shifted toward flowless ZBBs (FL-ZBBs) configuration, yet these face critical challenges associated with uncontrolled diffusion and self-discharge (SD) of bromine species at the cathode. One of the holy grails in addressing these challenges is the use of quaternary ammonium salts (NR₄⁺), which interact with bromine species to inhibit their diffusion. In this work, through a targeted localized presence (TLP) approach, wherein bromine-complexing agents (BCAs) are impregnated directly into porous carbon cathodes, we demonstrate that phosphonium-based BCAs, particularly tetrabutylphosphonium bromide (TBP), outperform traditional ammonium-based analogs in FL-ZBBs. TBP enables high Coulombic efficiency (>98.5%, 1 A g⁻¹) for 145 mAh g⁻¹, reduces the SD phenomenon, and achieves long-term cycling stability of over 500 cycles with >97% CE (1.5 A g⁻¹, 145 mAh g⁻¹), even under low electrolyte concentrations (0.5M ZnBr2). The enhanced performance is attributed to faster 2Br⁻/Br₂ redox kinetics, as demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry, and improved molecular polybromide∙∙∙PR₄⁺ interactions, highlighting phosphonium salts as more attractive BCA compounds for high-performance FL-ZBBs.
Strelniker Yakov
We predicted that the negative permittivity can be used for attraction of like charged particles instead of repulsion. This can lead to creation of electron-electron pairs similar to Cooper pairs (with possibilities to reach superconductivity at room temperature). This phenomenon can be used also for nucleus-nucleus pairing with possibilities of low energy nuclear fusion. Negative values of permittivity we propose to achieve due to the localized surface plasmon resonances in metamaterials. These resonance frequencies can be varied over a wide range by application of static magnetic or electric fields.
Zitoun David
A rechargeable sodium-bromine battery with optimized cathode has high energy density. The cathode includes conductive porous carbon, sodium-bromine and bromine complexing agent (BCA). The bromine is used as an alternative sodium redox couple in the cathode. The electrolyte is based on sodium salts, dissolved in organic carbonates. During the charge, bromides oxidized to bromine, which safely complexed in the BCA. Sodium ions are crossing the electrolyte and reduced to sodium at the anode. The opposite reactions occur during the discharge mode. The present disclosure reveals a coin cell level battery with capacity in the range of 196 to 202 mAh/g at a discharge rate of 0.7C and 280 to 290 mAh/g at a discharge rate of 0.63C and has a capacity retention in the range of 92 to 99% at discharge rate of 0.7C.
Naveh Doron
A system comprising one or more spectrometers coupled to one or more battery cells, wherein the one or more spectrometers generate one or more electrical signals in response to an incident source in proximity to the one or more battery cells, and wherein the electrical signals comprise spectral data associated with emissions from the one or more battery cells. The system further comprising a computing device configured to receive the spectral data and one or more operating variables, compare the spectral data with reference spectral data and the one or more operating variables, and determine a presence of abnormal operating conditions of the one or more battery cells based on the comparison.
Shuki Wolfus
The invention is an electromagnetic active protection system, designed to neutralize kinetic energy penetrators (such as armor-piercing rods) before they strike a vehicle's main armor. The system consists of an array of charged conductive plates; when a projectile traverses the array, it physically bridges the gap between electrodes, acting as a closing switch to trigger a rapid, high-current electrical pulse. This discharge exploits the "skin effect" to concentrate intense heat specifically at the projectile's tip, softening it significantly, while simultaneously generating an asymmetric Lorentz force that induces a yaw (tilt) angle. The combination of tip softening, shear stresses from differential thermal expansion, and mechanical tumbling causes the projectile to fracture or shatter upon impact, drastically reducing its penetration capability.
Elbaz Alon Lior
We developed a new family of catalysts and supports for electrolyzers, based on aerogel chemistry. Transition metals such as Ni, Fe, Co, Ti, Cu, and others have been used to synthesized single, double and triple metal oxides in high surface area morphology called aerogel. This allows high catalyst utilization and synergistic effect between the metal to achieve significantly better performance in electrolyzers to produce green hydrogen.
Noked Malachi
This new form is submitted to replace Tagliot no. 108, that was already approved, since there is a need to add an Inventor Limited stability of most electrode materials (EM) under stringent operating conditions is a matter of concern for the battery research community and industry. In past few years, it has been demonstrated that EMs degrade through their reactive interface with the electrolyte. Undesirable interfacial reactions result in formation of solid precipitates that impede the charge transfer, and can serve as an active site for electrolyte consumption, anode corrosion and passivation, thereby, leading to inefficient lithium/sodium ion batteries (LIB/SIB). Especially, the progress of high energy and high voltage batteries is mostly restricted by issues associated with the electrode/electrolyte interfacial instability and electro-chemomechanical degradation under the operation conditions7–9. Consequently, stabilizing the interface by creating a protection layer commonly known as “artificial solid electrolyte interphase (ASEI)” can significantly enhance battery performance by stabilizing the functional interface and avoiding the undesirable parasitic reactions between electrode and electrolyte. Significance of this invention resides in bringing a new class of metalloid based protection layers with a diverse range of tailor made options into the field of electrochemical energy storage. This is a completely new thin films composition to explore for the battery community. The proposed silicon based compounds can also be extended to the field of solid state electrolyte with the benefit of metal enrichment and optimized ionic conductivity. Additionally, the special compound used as precursor herein, enables the synthesis of thin complex layer using a single source compound
