Grant: Strategic Projects - Group

The objective of this proposed research will apply nanotechnology to address the key challenges in development of high performance lithium ion batteries used for electric vehicles. Through creative and innovative applications of novel nanocoating materials, Western's Dr. Sun/Dr. Sham and GM Canada will collaboratively advance high stable Li ion battery technologies. This innovative research program will take full advantage of Dr. Sun's expertise in nanotechnology and Dr. Sham's synchrotron for energy storage. It is expected the techniques developed will significantly lower costs and improve stability of Li ion batteries - which could then be transferred to GM's electric vehicles. The goals of this research are apply advanced atomic layer deposition (ALD) coating technique to deposit various ultra-thin and uniform coatings on LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 cathode materials to address the challenge of Mn dissolution, while significantly increasing durability in Li ion batteries. An important aspect is to apply advanced in-situ synchrotron technique to understand reactions between cathodes/anodes and electrolytes for better design electrode materials. These goals represent novel approaches to meet future automotive requirements for Li ion batteries. 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 Li ion battery commercialization process and by directly reducing environmental pollution.