Structure and Properties of Halogen-Graphite Intercalation Electrodes for Low-Cost and High-energy Li-ion Batteries

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"Structure and Properties of Halogen-Graphite Intercalation Electrodes for Low-Cost and High-energy Li-ion Batteries" This 5-year research program proposed here aims at systematically understanding a revolutionary transition-metal-free positive electrode for high-energy lithium-ion batteries (LIB). This program would be a crucial part of Dalhousie -- Tesla partnership that seeks lower-cost and higher-energy LIB technologies as the next-generation energy storage solution for electric vehicles (EVs) and sustainable green energy. As the Tesla Canada Chair in the Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science at Dalhousie University, I will build a research group and lead this research program. Even though I successfully demonstrated the feasibility and potential of this electrode, the underlying material physics on its core component, so called "halogen-graphite intercalation compound", currently remains unknown. With the support of this grant, we will employ or build up some cutting-edge methods to systematically investigate the crystal structure, electronic structure, kinetics, and thermodynamic stability of this material family. By collaborating with theorists, theoretical modeling will be conducted based on our experimental finding to explain and predict new physical phenomena. Upon completion of this program, we would expect to obtain fundamental insights on the formation and evolution of this halogen-graphite intercalation electrode. Moreover, I have full access to one of the world's leading battery research laboratories established under the leadership of Dr. Jeff Dahn. All the significant findings from this research will be leveraged in electrochemical cells for potential optimization of this new LIB electrode. Current state-of-the-art LIBs depend on expensive transition metals (nickel, cobalt, manganese, etc.), hindering further improvements in energy density and cost reduction as demanded by the exploding global market. With the guidance of this program, the successful commercialization of this new electrode that only relies only on the earth abundant materials would offer solutions to our energy and environmental challenges, benefiting both the battery research community and the general public in Canada and rest of the world. Fundamentally, the broader investigation on this unique "halogen-graphite intercalation compound" that we propose here will cover more aspects of this material, which will probably reveal new and novel phenomena in condensed matter physics. More significantly, this program funded by NSERC will create great research opportunities, as well as a diverse and inclusive environment for highly qualified personnel from all backgrounds and genders to access the training in condensed matter physics and LIB research.