Nano-structured lithium-ion battery-supercapacitor hybrids with intergrown electrodes.

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Renewable energy, driven by growing concerns about the impact of fossil-fuel consumption, is at an all time high. As such, exciting research is being conducted in laboratories around the world to produce new technologies for energy generation and consumption reduction. Our own research program focuses on the development of devices for energy storage i.e. lithium batteries. This proposal presents our flagship: the 3D battery with interpenetrating electrodes. The objective is to transform how batteries are constructed, to A) minimize the "dead weight" that does not store charge in the battery (the current collector, carbon additives etc.) and B) reduce the energy loss during high power operation. To this end we must do away with the solid-state cathode material AND the carbon/polymer binder/active material composite electrode that has been the hallmark of lithium-ion batteries since their inception in the 1980ies. The charge will instead be stored in redox molecules linked to conducting polymers. This paradigm shift has several advantages in addition to providing a material that can interpenetrate the porous anode, such as an unprecedented ability to tailor the redox process using modern molecular synthesis. Our research program therefore provides an interdisciplinary and diversified HQP training environment covering organic, polymeric and solid-state chemistry, material characterization, electrochemistry, and computer modeling. Because batteries offer a unique ability to store energy from renewable sources like wind and solar, the targeted devices and the trained HQP will be in a strong position to improve Canada's environment. Further, the targeted 3D batteries as high power devices are uniquely suited for energy recovery in cars, elevators, cranes etc. As such, this proposals potential for driving economic development in Canada comes from producing 3D battery technology,their application, and the trained HQP's that will help support Canadian industry's bid for the highly expansive and lucrative lithium battery market.