Advanced Materials for Novel Energy Storage Technologies Beyond Lithium-Ion Batteries

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New rechargeable battery technologies play an important role in replacing lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) towards next-generation electronics, electric vehicles and grid energy storage applications. They address the challenges of (i) energy density, that of LIBs has already reached the limit; (ii) the cost, that of LIBs is steadily increasing due to the uneven distribution of Li resources; and (iii) the safety, where LIBs suffer from fire risks arising from the flammable organic solvents in electrolyte. Therefore, the LONG-TERM OBJECTIVE of my research is to develop new rechargeable battery technologies beyond conventional LIBs, including Li-S, Na/Mg/Al-ion, and aqueous Zn-ion batteries. ******Li-S chemistry enables an extremely high theoretical energy (2,600 vs. 440 W h kg-1 of LIBs), while utilizing other alkaline ions such as Na+, Mg2+, and Al3+ can effectively mitigates Li shortage due to their high abundance. Aqueous batteries utilizing low-cost and safe water-based electrolytes are also promising alternatives. Particularly, Zn2+ based batteries are advantageous owing to the stability in water, low cost, and low redox potential providing high energy. Advanced electrode energy material is critical to improve the electrochemical performance in terms of specific capacity, cyclability, and rate capability. Hence, the SHORT-TERM OBJECTIVES (next 5 years) of this research are: (i) to design and develop novel nanoarchitectured energy materials with desired morphologies and structures; (ii) to study and analyze electrochemical behaviors of these materials for Li-S, Na/Mg/Al-ion, and aqueous Zn-ion batteries; (iii) to understand electrochemical insertion/de-insertion mechanisms of these materials at the molecular level, and to correlate the electrochemical performance with the materials' microstructures and nanoarchitectures. Research will focus on building microstructures which favor ions/electrons transfer, charge separation, redox reactions especially occurring within the electrode or at the interface of electrode and electrolyte. Special focus will be given to understand electrochemical behaviors by correlating the performance with materials properties. ******This research program will provide top-leveled HQP training in broad areas spanning materials science, nanotechnology and clean energy technologies. The execution of this research will create many opportunities for global collaborations with researchers, industrial partners and investors. The success of this research program will not only benefit related industries such as battery, electronics, automobile, and manufacturing, but also create both short- and long-term jobs, which positions Canada as a leader in the rapidly growing markets. The realization of these battery technologies will reduce greenhouse gas emission, providing significant social and environmental benefits to all Canadians.