Energy storage is a key technology in the global energy transition to cleaner sources and to mitigate climate change. Batteries with application-tailored performance characteristics are needed for an increasing number of applications, such as for electric vehicles (EVs) and grid-scale storage. These batteries must be high energy, long duration, low cost, use non-critical and sustainably sourced materials, and able to be recycled. This challenge requires the development of new battery materials (electrodes, electrolytes, and separators) and a clear understanding of how these materials behave in devices. It also necessitates that battery materials, cells, and modules are designed for recycle.
Our research combines materials chemistry and electrochemistry to investigate the links between the structure and properties of materials for electrochemical energy storage applications. Our goal is to use this understanding to develop new materials for transformational energy storage technologies.
We use state-of-the-art characterisation techniques, including electrochemical methods (potentiometry, EIS, GITT), X-ray techniques (XRD, XAS, XPS), NMR spectroscopy, electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), and DEMS/OEMS.
Lithium-ion batteries are currently the leading storage chemistry across many sectors, such as for EVs and grid-scale storage. However, basic research is still required to improve the lifetime, performance, and safety of lithium-ion batteries.
Our research is focused on new materials that are sustainable, low-cost, and high-energy. The aims of our projects are to (1) explore the interfacial reactivity at the electrolyte-electrode interface, (2) understand the key modes of degradation in full cells, and (3) develop novel materials-based solutions that facilitate improved long-term performance and overall battery safety.
Sodium-ion batteries are attracting significant attention because of the relative abundance of raw materials, their environmental-friendliness, safety, and low price. However, the storage capacity and long-term performance of sodium-ion batteries are currently limited by the properties and performance of the positive electrode and adverse interfacial reactions at both electrodes.
Our projects investigate the interfacial and bulk properties of electrodes and electrolytes for sodium-ion batteries with a focus on understanding the reaction mechanisms and degradation pathways. We study how the positive electrode properties (composition, surface coatings, dopants) and the electrolyte solution properties (composition, solvents, salts, additives) can be tuned to improve the lifetime, performance, and safety of sodium-ion batteries.
If you would like to collaborate, visit, or join our group, please contact Wesley Dose via email: wesley.dose@sydney.edu.au
