Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

The proposed project targets the development of advanced nanostructured coating materials that address challenges of formation of lithium (Li) dendrite of metal lithium used in next-generation Li ion batteries for energy storage. This innovative research project will take full advantage of Dr. Sun's expertise in nanotechnology for clean energy. It is expected that the techniques developed will significantly protect metal lithium of next-generation Li ion batteries such as solid-state batteries and Li-sulfur batteries. The goals of this research are to apply the advanced atomic layer deposition (ALD) and molecular layer deposition (MLD) coating techniques to deposit various coatings on lithium metal materials to address the challenge of formation of lithium dendrite to significantly increase durability of Li ion batteries. An important aspect is the understanding and control of reactions between coatings and lithium metal. The highly stable and protected Li anode developed in this project will be used to develop the next generation of advanced solid-state battery systems with high energy densities (such as all-solid-state Li ion batteries, Li-S batteries and solid electrolyte-based Li-Air battery). Successful completion of the proposed project will provide benefits to Canadian industry and the nanotechnology community by transferring new knowledge, expertise and technologies to Canadian energy and nanotechnology industries, by accelerating the next-generation Li ion battery commercialization process, and by directly reducing environmental pollution.