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

我们建议制定一个涉及极端条件下化学和材料科学的综合研究计划，以解决能量转换和存储方面的挑战和应用。极端条件下的化学和材料研究，如高压，代表了一个充满活力的前沿跨学科领域。特别是，利用高压生产具有新结构和性能的功能材料，这些材料在环境条件下是无法获得的，这表明了这些材料特别是在清洁能源方面的潜在应用的巨大前景。高压技术的巨大进步，特别是那些涉及金刚石砧细胞、光学微光谱学以及基于同步加速器的结构表征探针的技术，使高压科学中的新挑战问题得以解决。我们在极端条件下材料研究的长期愿景是：1)生产具有新颖结构的功能材料并优化其性能；2)了解压力调谐特性的机制，以促进新材料的合理设计；最终3)为大规模生产提供指导，用于储能和转换的实际应用。为此，我的研究计划将以以下四个主题为例：1)太阳能电池、锂离子电池等能源器件功能材料的压力调谐；2)化学储能材料的发展，如储氢材料和破坏性能材料；3)。载能材料或功能材料的高压光化学合成；4)用于温室气体储存的金属有机骨架（MOF）材料的结构调整。总的来说，我提出的研究项目通过提供前沿的科学技术知识和可转移的专业技能，为高素质人才提供了一个良好的培训平台。下一代材料科学家将最终为加拿大的新材料和清洁能源应用战略研究领域做出贡献。

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.