Grant: Strategic Projects - Group

The objective of this proposed research will apply nanomaterial and nanotechnology to address the key challenges in development of high performance sodium (Na) ion batteries as next-generation energy storage technology used for stationary and electric vehicles. Through creative and innovative fabrication and energy storage applications of novel 2D single layer/ultra thin black phosphorus (phosphorene) material, Western's Dr. Sun and Dr. Sham, McMaster's Dr. Botton, SFU's Dr. Eikerling and 3M Canada will collaboratively advance high performance Na ion battery technologies. This innovative research project will take full advantage of the Applicants' expertise in nanotechnology for batteries, synchrotron analysis, microscopy and simulation. It is expected the techniques developed will significantly lower costs and improve energy density of Na ion batteries based on the fact that black phosphorus has the highest theoretical capacity (2596 mAh g-1) as anode materials for Na ion batteries. The goals of this proposed research are to develop three methods to synthesize thin and single layer black phosphorus. Further, black phosphorus will be stabilized by atomic layer deposition (ALD) and molecular layer deposition (MLD) methods. Along with these methods will be the application of black phosphorus and its composites with graphene as an anode material for Na ion batteries. An important aspect of the proposed project is to understand the structure, morphology, composition and battery performance of black phosphorus by advanced characterization techniques (microscopy and synchrotron) with supplementary information provided by theoretical calculations. These goals represent novel approaches to create 2D nanomaterials and obtain high-performance Na 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 next-generation Na ion battery commercialization process and by directly reducing environmental pollution.*