Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

Over the past decades, the global energy shortage related to the consumption of fossil fuels has become a major concern leading to the demand for alternative clean energy sources. Li-ion batteries (LIBs) have been developed and are one of the most promising energy storage systems, particularly for portable electronics and even electrical vehicles (EVs). However, the enormous demand for LIBs are dependent on the availability of Li resources, and Li is not regarded as an abundant element in the Earth's crust. Unfortunately, the costs of Li compounds have also rapidly increased in the past years, resulting in increased prices for LIBs. Due to the high abundance, low cost, and suitable redox potential of sodium (Na), Na batteries are considered as the ideal alternatives and complementarity to conventional Li-ion batteries (LIBs), especially for large-scale energy storages application. Among different Na batteries systems, solid-state Na batteries (SSNBs) are the most promising candidates due to the high energy density and high safety by replacing the flammable liquid electrolytes into non-flammable solid-state electrolytes (SSEs). However, the current development of SSNBs is still mostly limited by interfacial phenomena and other key basic scientific and technical issues. The long-term objective of this proposed research program is to apply nanotechnology and nanomaterials to address the challenges for next-generation solid-state Na batteries with high energy density, safety, and low cost. The research program builds on a couple of aspects of materials design and synthesis, mechanism understanding, battery device fabrication. The long-term objective will be achieved through the following short-term objectives in two themes: i) synthesis of high ionic conductive, good air stability, and electrode compatible sulfide-based Na SSEs; ii) synthesis of new halide-based Na SSEs; iii) stabilization of the interface between electrodes and SSEs by atomic layer deposition (ALD)/molecular layer deposition (MLD); iv) anode-free electrode design; and v) deep understanding of the interface chemistry in SSNBs. 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 development of solid-state Na batteries and by directly reducing the environmental pollution. Furthermore, two MESc students, and three PhD students will be trained and prepared for key positions in the fast-growing EV market, which will help alleviate the inevitable critical shortage of skilled local personnel in the battery field.