Single Atom Catalysts and Atomic Scale Design of Interface for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage

人们越来越意识到，纳米技术将对能源生产和储存产生深远的影响。孙博士将继续利用他在纳米技术方面的专业知识来应对燃料电池和固态锂电池的关键挑战，但在未来六年内，他的工作将突出从纳米尺度到原子尺度的更小尺度。 这项提议的目的是领导一个积极的研究计划，建立在原子层沉积（ALD）和分子层沉积（MLD）技术的能源应用。该提案涵盖两个主题的基础研究：（i）作为质子交换膜（PEM）燃料电池新型催化剂的单原子材料;以及（ii）下一代全固态电池的原子尺度设计和界面工程。一个重要的方面是应用各种先进的表征技术（包括原位/操作）的基本理解。发现基金（DG）支持基础研究和基础科学，而孙博士的其他资金支持更多的应用研究和实际应用。 对于PEM燃料电池，成本和耐久性是PEMFC系统在经济上可行之前必须克服的两个主要障碍。铂基催化剂的成本仍然占燃料电池成本的很大比例，但铂仍然是燃料电池中最好的催化剂。因此，开发具有超低Pt负载量的低成本和稳定的催化剂将为我们提供降低成本和性能差距的方法，以实现商业可行性。单原子催化剂是一种非常有前途的选择，但其可控合成和稳定性需要很好地解决。这一领域的两个具体目标包括：（i）通过ALD合成单原子或簇合物Pt基催化剂，以及（ii）通过设计稳定剂和催化剂载体来稳定单原子催化剂。预计单原子催化剂将是提供更高催化性能、高催化剂利用率、高耐久性和更长燃料电池工作寿命的理想材料。 全固态电池（SSB）最近比以往任何时候都吸引了更多的研究和工业兴趣。SSB的优点是更安全和更高的能量密度。然而，仍然存在一些关键挑战，包括SSB中的界面问题和金属保护。两个具体目标是：（i）稳定固态锂电池的电极和电解质之间的界面;（ii）保护所有固态电池的Li/Na金属。预计该项目的成果将有助于生产稳定和长寿命的固态电池。 该计划的成功完成将有利于加拿大工业，并通过加速燃料电池和固态电池的商业化进程，同时减少环境污染，使全球纳米技术社区受益。

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 critical challenges in fuel cells and solid-state Li batteries but, in next six year, his work will highlight even smaller scales from nano scale to atomic scale in this proposal.**** The objective of this proposed proposal is to lead a vigorous research program that builds on atomic layer deposition (ALD) and molecular layer deposition (MLD) techniques for energy applications. This proposal covers fundamental studies in two themes: (i) single atom materials as novel catalyst for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells; and (ii) atomic scale design and engineering of interface for next-generation all solid-state batteries. An important aspect is to apply various advanced characterization techniques (including in-situ/operando) for the fundamental understanding. The Discovery Grant (DG) supports fundamental studies and basic science while Dr. Sun's other funding supports more applied studies and practical applications.**** For PEM fuel cells, cost and durability are two major roadblocks that have to be overcome before the PEMFC system can become economically viable. The cost of Pt-based still accounts for a big percentage of the cost of fuel cells but Pt is still the best catalysts in fuel cells. Therefore, the development of a low cost and stable catalyst with ultra-low Pt loading will provide us the means to reduce the cost and performance gaps towards commercial viability. Single atom catalyst is a very promising choice but its controllable synthesis and stability need to be well addressed. The two specific objectives in this area include: (i) synthesis of single-atom or cluster Pt-based catalysts by ALD, and (ii) stabilization of single atom catalyst by design of stabilizers and support of the catalysts. It is expected that the single atom catalysts will be ideal materials for providing a higher catalytic performance, high catalyst utilization, high durability, and a longer fuel cell operational life.**** All solid-state batteries (SSBs) have been attracting more than ever research and industrial interests recently. The advantages of SSBs are safer and higher energy density. However, there are still some key challenges including interfacial issues and metal protections in SSBs. The two specific objectives are: (i) stabilizing the interface between electrodes and electrolytes for solid-state Li batteries; and (ii) protection of Li/Na metals for all solid-state batteries. It is expected that the outcome of this project will go towards aiding the production of stable and long-life solid-state batteries.**** The successful completion of the program will be of benefit to Canadian industry, and to the global nanotechnology community by accelerating the fuel cell and solid-state battery commercialization process while simultaneously reducing environmental pollution.******