Understanding the cycling and degradation of atomically thin 2D/1D anodes for Li & Na-ion batteries with in-situ & operando scanning probe microscopy

2D、1D和0D材料的独特性质，与其块状层状材料隔离开来，引发了一场材料革命。它们具有独特的性质，高表面积，导电性和机械稳定性，并可组装成功能薄膜和电极。因此，预计这些材料将在未来的能源生产和储存中发挥巨大作用。最近的工作提出了一种在液体中形成2D纳米片的新方法，[1]和具有独特特性的一维聚异戊二烯纳米带（PNR）[2]。利用大气控制电化学原子力显微镜（EC-AFM）[3]和相关技术'SECM-AFM'（英国很少有实验室建立这种方法）成功的候选者将在2D和1D纳米材料电极的充电-放电循环期间对2D和1D纳米材料电极表面的纳米级变化进行成像和电化学测量。这将显示材料微/纳米结构变化（溶胀、开裂、表面层形成、金属电镀）对电池性能的影响。当与X射线光电子能谱（XPS）结合时，在该项目中可能没有空气暴露，我们将定量分析相同颗粒在各种荷电状态下的化学成分（非原位）。这将使材料的化学和机械性能的真正代表性的理解。这些核心技术将由两个机构的广泛的其他表征工具，包括电子显微镜，（SEM，TEM），X射线衍射，显微拉曼光谱，EIS和广泛的电化学技术。在这个项目中，学生将发展在合成，电池制造，电化学和先进的表征储能，同时与工业界和学术界建立密切联系。[1]Cullen PL et al.霍华德CA，"二维材料的离子溶液。"Nature Chemistry 9.3（2017）[2] Watts MC et al.霍华德CA "磷烯纳米带的生产"自然568，216 - 220（2019）。[3]Zhang et al.米勒TS "石墨阳极上固体电解质界面形成的操作电化学原子力显微镜：SEI形态和机械性能的演变" ACS App Mat. 1944 - 8244（2021）

The unique properties of 2D, 1D and 0D materials, isolated from their bulk layered materials, has sparked a materials revolution. They have distinctive properties, high surface areas, electrical conductivity and mechanical stability, and can be assembled into functional films and electrodes. It is therefore anticipated that these materials will play an enormous role in future energy generation and storage. Recent work has presented a new method for forming 2D nanosheets in liquids, [1] and 1D phosperene nano-ribbons (PNRs) with unique characteristics [2].By utilising atmospherically controlled electrochemical atomic force microscopy (EC-AFM)[3] and the related technique 'SECM-AFM' (methods few labs in the UK are set up to exploit) the successful candidate will image and electrochemically characterise nanoscale changes at the surface of 2D and 1D nanomaterial electrodes during their charge-discharge cycle. This will show the effects of material micro/nano-structure change (swelling, cracking, surface layer formation, metal plating) on cell performance. When combined with x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), possible in this project without air exposure, we will quantitatively characterise the chemical composition of the same particles at various states of charge (ex-situ). This will enable a truly representative understanding of the materials' chemical and mechanical properties. These core techniques will be complemented by a wide array of other characterisation tools at both institutions including electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), x-ray diffraction, micro-Raman spectroscopy, EIS and a broad range of electrochemical techniques.In this project, the student will develop multidisciplinary skills in synthesis, battery fabrication, electrochemistry and advanced characterisation for energy storage, whilst developing strong links with industry and academia.[1] Cullen PL et al...Howard CA, "Ionic solutions of two-dimensional materials." Nature Chemistry 9.3 (2017)[2] Watts MC et al...Howard CA "Production of phospherene nanoribbons" Nature 568, 216-220 (2019).[3] Zhang et al.... Miller TS "Operando Electrochemical Atomic Force Microscopy of Solid-Electrolyte Interphase Formation on Graphite Anodes: The Evolution of SEI Morphology and Mechanical Properties" ACS App Mat. 1944-8244 (2021)