Grant: Strategic Projects - Group

The proposed research will address fundamental materials challenges of components in rechargeable Li-air batteries using a multi-pronged approach. The work will also extend to Li-S and metal-air batteries that rely on similar ""integration chemistry"" concepts. We will identify the key materials phenomena that limit the performance of these systems, and develop approaches that exploit this knowledge to develop novel battery architectures and chemistries. There are many aspects that must be addressed to achieve improved function and performance. Our work will focus on developing: a) targetted conductive nanoporous materials as electrode frameworks to enable rechargeability of the battery; b) novel redox catalysts for the reduction of oxygen, and oxidation of the reaction products using a combined experimental and theoretical approach; c) functional electrolytes to enhance solubility of the reaction products; d) negative electrodes that overcome the safety concerns of metallic lithium. Charge/discharge efficiency, rate capability, volumetric capacity are the key criteria for such large-scale energy storage. Overcoming the technological and scientific challenges would provide a step shift in realizing the potential of integration chemistry batteries. The hierarchical porous structures proposed here, coupled with unique nanostructured catalysts, ionic liquid and organic electrolytes, and multi-scale modeling techniques, will help address some of these issues and lead the way forward to next generation energy storage systems.