Differential Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry for Online Detection and Quantification of Gas Evolution in Energy Storage and Conversion Systems

本提案要求采购一套差示电化学质谱分析系统。DEMS系统是一种最先进的工具，可以对复杂能源系统中产生的气体进行高灵敏度、时间分辨率和定量测量。它将用于加强不列颠哥伦比亚省大学工程与化学系能源储存和转换领域领先研究项目的研究创新和学生培训。 能源储存和转换技术在可再生能源的部署、加拿大经济的脱碳和减少温室气体排放方面发挥着关键作用。气体析出，即，气体中间体、产物和副产物的产生或转化发生在许多能量储存和转化系统中，并且可显著影响它们的耐久性、安全性和效率。一个值得注意的例子是锂离子电池的爆炸是由气体的积聚引起的，例如O2、H2、C2H4、CO等，在滥用条件下重复循环。了解这些系统中气体生成的根本原因对于制定应对策略和预防灾难性灾害至关重要。然而，由于涉及复杂的反应、低浓度的气体和密封系统，检测和量化这些能源系统中的气体析出仍然极具挑战性。 DEMS系统将能够在这些复杂的能源系统中对具有高灵敏度和时间分辨能力的气体进行实时定量分析。这些宝贵的信息将精确地绘制出这些气体是如何产生或转化的，从而帮助我们设计和开发更安全、更耐用、更高效的能源储存和转化技术。DEMS设备所实现的研究不仅将加速清洁技术的开发和商业化，而且还将推进基础分析和界面科学的知识。研究创新对于为所有加拿大人提供更环保和更好的生活方式至关重要。

This proposal requests the purchase of a differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS) system. The DEMS system is a state-of-the-art tool that allows high-sensitive, time-resolved, and quantitative measurements for gases generated in complex energy systems. It will be used to enhance research innovation and student training for leading research programs in energy storage and conversion in the Engineering and Chemistry Department at the University of British Columbia. Energy storage and conversion technologies play critical roles in the deployment of renewable energy, the decarbonization of the Candian economy, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Gas evolution, i.e., the generation or conversion of gaseous intermediates, products, and by-products, occurs in many energy storage and conversion systems and can significantly affect their durability, safety, and efficiency. One notable example is the explosion of lithium-ion batteries caused by the build-up of gases, such as O2, H2, C2H4, CO, etc., over repeated cycling under abuse conditions. Understanding the root causes of gas generation in these systems is critical for developing counter strategies and preventing catastrophic disaster. However, it remains extremely challenging to detect and quantify the gas evolution in these energy systems due to the complex reactions involved, low concentration of gases, and sealed systems. The DEMS system will enable real-time quantitative analysis of gases with high sensitivity and time-resolvability in these complex energy systems. This invaluable information will map out precisely how these gases are produced or converted, and therefore help us design and develop safer, more durable, and more efficient energy storage and conversion technologies. The research enabled by the DEMS equipment will not only accelerate the development and commercialization of clean technology but also advance the knowledge in fundamental analytical and interfacial science. The research innovations are vital for enabling a greener and better lifestyle for all Canadians.