Nanostructured Electrodes for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage

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There is a growing awareness that nanotechnology will have a profound impact on energy generation and storage. Dr. Sun will continue to use his expertise in nanotechnology to address challenges in the use to clean energy. The objective of this proposed application is to lead a vigorous research program on the controlled synthesis and characterization of nanostructured materials as electrodes to address challenges in fuel cells and Li batteries. This proposal covers basic studies in two areas: (i) nanostructured materials as novel catalyst for PEM fuel cells in energy conversion; and (ii) nanostructured materials as advanced cathodes and solid-state electrolytes for Li-Air batteries in energy storage. An important aspect in this proposed research is to apply various advanced characterization techniques for the investigation of structure and bonding of catalysts, catalysts-support interactions, and nanostructures as well as reaction mechanisms. The Discovery Grant (DG) supports fundamental studies and basic science while Dr. Sun's other funding supports more applied studies. For PEM fuel cells, cost and durability are two major roadblocks that have to be overcome before the PEMFC system can become economically viable. Current PEMFC technology still suffers from low platinum utilization, limited mass transport capability, and poor electrochemical stability of the carbon black-based support in the electrode structure. Therefore, novel electrode design, and development of a low cost and stable catalyst and support will provide us the means to reduce the cost and performance gaps towards commercial viability. The specific objectives include: Objective 1- single-atom or cluster Pt-based catalysts by atomic layer deposition technique; and Objective 2 - one-dimensional Pt-based ultra-thin nanowire nanostructures as novel catalysts. It is expected that integrated nanostructured-based fuel cell electrodes will be ideal materials for providing a higher catalytic performance, high catalyst utilization, high durability, and a longer fuel cell operational life. Li-Air batteries have attracted much attention due to their extremely high-energy density potential for Electric Vehicles; however, critical challenges to be addressed relate to the slow rate of O2 reduction in the cathode electrode and highly unstable electrolytes. The specific objectives include: Objective 3 - 3D non-carbon nanostructured electrodes and novel catalysts for Li-Air batteries; and Objective 4 - all solid-state electrolytes for Li-air batteries. It is expected that the combination of 3D nanostructured electrodes, novel catalysts synthesized by ALD and solid-state electrolytes will result in high capacity and stability electrodes for Li-Air batteries. The in-situ characterization techniques such as in-situ XRD and synchrotron will help to increase understanding of the relationship between the discharge/charge products and applied catalysts and electrolytes, leading to designing and developing highly effective electrodes. This innovative research program will take full advantage of Dr. Sun' expertise in nanotechnology for clean energy. The training provided by the proposed program will give HQP transferable skills in nanotechnology and clean energy including all aspects from synthesis of nanomaterials, advanced characterization to electrode fabrication so that they will be in high demand both in the industrial and academic sectors in Canada. The successful completion of the proposed program will be of benefit to Canadian industry, and to the nanotechnology community by accelerating the fuel cell and Li-Air battery commercialization process and directly reducing environmental pollution.