Advanced Materials for Novel Energy Storage Technologies Beyond Lithium-Ion Batteries

新的可充电电池技术在取代锂离子电池(LIB)向下一代电子、电动汽车和电网储能应用方面发挥着重要作用。它们解决了以下挑战：(I)能量密度，LIBS的能量密度已经达到极限；(Ii)LIBS的成本，由于锂资源的不均匀分布，正在稳步增加；以及(Iii)安全，LIBS因电解液中的易燃有机溶剂而遭受火灾风险。因此，我研究的长期目标是开发超越传统LIBS的新的充电电池技术，包括Li-S电池、Na/Mg/Al离子电池和水基锌离子电池。Li-S化学实现了极高的理论能量(LIBS为2,600 Wh kg-1)，而利用其他碱性离子，如Na+，Mg2+和Al3+，可以有效缓解由于它们的高丰度而导致的Li短缺。使用低成本和安全的水基电解液的水基电池也是很有前途的替代品。特别是，基于锌离子的电池由于在水中的稳定性、低成本和低氧化还原电位提供高能量而具有优势。先进的电极能量材料是提高比容量、循环性能和倍率性能的关键。因此，本研究的短期目标(未来5年)是：(I)设计和开发具有所需形貌和结构的新型纳米结构能源材料；(Ii)研究和分析这些材料在锂-S、Na/Mg/Al-离子和水基锌离子电池中的电化学行为；(Iii)在分子水平上了解这些材料的电化学插入/拔出机理，并将其电化学性能与材料的微观结构和纳米结构联系起来。研究将集中于建立有利于离子/电子转移、电荷分离和氧化还原反应的微结构，特别是发生在电极内或电极和电解液界面上的反应。将特别关注通过将性能与材料性能相关联来理解电化学行为。该研究项目将在横跨材料科学、纳米技术和清洁能源技术的广泛领域提供顶级的HQP培训。这项研究的实施将为与研究人员、行业合作伙伴和投资者进行全球合作创造许多机会。这一研究项目的成功不仅将使电池、电子、汽车和制造等相关行业受益，还将创造短期和长期就业机会，使加拿大在快速增长的市场中处于领先地位。这些电池技术的实现将减少温室气体排放，为所有加拿大人提供重大的社会和环境效益。

New rechargeable battery technologies play an important role in replacing lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) towards next-generation electronics, electric vehicles and grid energy storage applications. They address the challenges of (i) energy density, that of LIBs has already reached the limit; (ii) the cost, that of LIBs is steadily increasing due to the uneven distribution of Li resources; and (iii) the safety, where LIBs suffer from fire risks arising from the flammable organic solvents in electrolyte. Therefore, the LONG-TERM OBJECTIVE of my research is to develop new rechargeable battery technologies beyond conventional LIBs, including Li-S, Na/Mg/Al-ion, and aqueous Zn-ion batteries. Li-S chemistry enables an extremely high theoretical energy (2,600 vs. 440 W h kg-1 of LIBs), while utilizing other alkaline ions such as Na+, Mg2+, and Al3+ can effectively mitigates Li shortage due to their high abundance. Aqueous batteries utilizing low-cost and safe water-based electrolytes are also promising alternatives. Particularly, Zn2+ based batteries are advantageous owing to the stability in water, low cost, and low redox potential providing high energy. Advanced electrode energy material is critical to improve the electrochemical performance in terms of specific capacity, cyclability, and rate capability. Hence, the SHORT-TERM OBJECTIVES (next 5 years) of this research are: (i) to design and develop novel nanoarchitectured energy materials with desired morphologies and structures; (ii) to study and analyze electrochemical behaviors of these materials for Li-S, Na/Mg/Al-ion, and aqueous Zn-ion batteries; (iii) to understand electrochemical insertion/de-insertion mechanisms of these materials at the molecular level, and to correlate the electrochemical performance with the materials' microstructures and nanoarchitectures. Research will focus on building microstructures which favor ions/electrons transfer, charge separation, redox reactions especially occurring within the electrode or at the interface of electrode and electrolyte. Special focus will be given to understand electrochemical behaviors by correlating the performance with materials properties. This research program will provide top-leveled HQP training in broad areas spanning materials science, nanotechnology and clean energy technologies. The execution of this research will create many opportunities for global collaborations with researchers, industrial partners and investors. The success of this research program will not only benefit related industries such as battery, electronics, automobile, and manufacturing, but also create both short- and long-term jobs, which positions Canada as a leader in the rapidly growing markets. The realization of these battery technologies will reduce greenhouse gas emission, providing significant social and environmental benefits to all Canadians.