Enabling and advancing novel functional materials under extreme conditions for energy applications

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We propose to develop a comprehensive research program involving chemistry and materials science under extreme conditions that addresses challenges and applications in energy conversion and storage. Chemistry and materials research under extreme conditions, such as at high pressures, represents a vibrant frontier interdisciplinary area. In particular, the production of functional materials with novel structures and properties by using high pressure that are otherwise inaccessible under ambient conditions, demonstrates strong promise for potential applications of these materials especially in clean energy. The tremendous advances of the high-pressure techniques, especially those involving diamond anvil cells, optical micro-spectroscopy, as well as synchrotron based structural characterization probes, have enabled new challenging questions in high-pressure science to be addressed. The long-term vision of our materials research under extreme conditions is to 1) produce functional materials with novel structures and optimize their properties; 2) understand the mechanisms of pressure tuned properties to facilitate rational design of novel materials; and ultimately 3) provide guidance for larger scale production for practical applications in energy storage and conversion. For that, my research program will be exemplified in the following four themes: 1) Pressure tuning of functional materials for energy devices such as solar cells and lithium ion batteries; 2) Development of chemical energy storage materials such as hydrogen storage materials and disruptive energetic materials; 3). High-pressure photochemical synthesis of energy carrying materials or functional materials; and 4) Structural tuning of Metal organic Framework (MOF) materials for greenhouse gas storage. Overall, my proposed research program provides an excellent training platform for highly qualified personnel by providing cutting-edge scientific and technical expertise as well as transferable professional skills. The next generation materials scientist will ultimately contribute to Canada's strategic research area of novel materials and clean energy applications.