Smart graphene-based composites for high-energy and self-healing lithium-ion batteries

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Lithium based rechargeable battery technologies have become the focal point of research to fulfill the requirements of electric vehicles (EVs). The most commonly used LIBs utilize graphite and transition metal oxides as anode and cathode materials, respectively. Such a battery can only provide an energy density of ~150 Wh kg-1 due to the low specific capacities of the electrode materials. To meet the requirements of both high energy and power density with cycle durability of modern EVs, the next generation of active material is necessary. The proposed project will specifically address critical technical barriers to the improved performance including energy density, cycling stability and safety as well as power density of lithium ion batteries, while strategically lowering the cost of commercial production by designing and developing smart graphene-based nanostructured composites for automotive applications. The novel graphene-based composite materials can overcome the existing challenges of energy density, cycling life, and safety as well as cost of current lithium-ion batteries. This work entails a unique approach in the development of highly porous graphene materials based Si nanoparticles to create a unique 3D architecture. Another approach is development of practical battery from self-healing functionalized smart electrode fabrication for safe operation of LIBs. From the development of proposed research, it is expected that utilizing high quality modified graphene and silicon/graphene composite nanomaterials will efficiently overcome the current challenges of commercial electrodes, which will play the key role in improving the energy density, cycling stability, safety and power performance of LIBs. It can be predicted that the success of the proposed high-performance LIBs will reduce both toxic and greenhouse gas emissions by improving energy efficiency and integrating with transportation and green energy systems including solar and wind energy, and this will provide significant social and environmental benefits to all Canadians. The expertise developed and the training of HQP in this research project will contribute to expanding industrial and business activities and enterprises in Canada and maintain Canada's lead in LIBs technology as well as the emerging graphene production market.