New electrode materials in nano-scale dimensions

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The demand for energy worldwide has been rising at an accelerated pace and renewable energy is among Canada's current strategic plans. Thus, the need for effective energy storage methods has never been greater. Lithium-ion batteries (LIB) store more energy per volume than any other portable rechargeable battery. However, the energy density of future LIB will only improve significantly through radical changes to its active materials. Our research program aims to improve cathode and anode materials using nanomaterials prepared through innovated biologically assisted and colloidal metal synthetic routes. First, we propose to synthesize metal phosphate cathode material within an apoferritin cage, a protein used by the human body to store iron. The phosphate will be limited to the size of the protein cage (~8 nm), a nearly 10-fold reduction in size compared to traditional synthesis methods. This should provide a considerable increase in its conductivity. Also, the use of a room temperature synthesis instead of a high temperature solid state method will provide a more eco-friendly energy storage material. Second, we aim to reduce the inactive component of LIB metal-based anodes through novel solution-based "bottom-up" approaches to nanoparticle (NP) synthesis. We will focus on metal electrodes, optimizing various morphologies (dots, wire, core/shell) through numerous synthetic parameters (ligands, temperature, time). The advantage of colloidal metal NPs for LIB anodes is that their passivation protects sensitive elements towards oxidation and prevents the aggregation of the metal particles upon reaction with lithium. This will realize new metal anodes capable of alloying reversibly with large amounts of lithium leading to improve cell density. Our program will therefore combine elements of novel synthetic techniques for nanomaterials while developing a fundamental understanding of state-of-the-art nano-electrode materials that will lead to a breakthrough for today's energy storage technology.