Fabrication and characterization of Li2(Fe,Mn)SiO4 cathode materials for new generation lithium-ion batteries

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Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are omnipresent in everyday applications powering the various portable electronics to which consumers have come to depend on in ever increasing numbers. It will not be an exaggeration to say that such widespread use of portable electronics has largely happened thanks to the LIB that outperforms previous battery types thanks to relatively higher energy density and lower weight. Now LIBs are called to power the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and electric vehicles (EV) as our society is moving towards electrification of transportation and grid-integration of renewable energy sources like solar to address the serious global issues of climate change and fossil fuel depleted resources. The electric automobile energy storage industry is forecasted to reach an annual economic output of $22 billion by 2020. Our industrial partner, Hydro-Québec, is actively engaged in capitalizing on these aspects of the green economy. In this research program, cutting-edge collaborative research with the active support of Hydro-Québec is undertaken aiming to contribute towards the development of next generation lithium-ion battery nanostructured electrode materials characterized by high energy density, fast charging rates, safety, long lifetime but also lower cost to meet the emerging electric automotive industry needs. The proposed project provides a tremendous opportunity for breakthrough materials research, training of highly qualified personnel (>20 over the 3-year period of the project), and advanced technology commercialization potential that can ultimately lead to tangible economic benefits. The proposed research will help build critical mass of Li-ion battery research capacity further making Canada a major player in the fast growing green industry that is strategic to our sustainable economic and energy future.