Research themes

Research on the development of high capacity and safe materials that can be incorporated into traditional Li-ion batteries to boost performance. Specific focus is on the development of high-capacity anodes (e.g silicon-based). Solid-state Li-ion battery development for enhanced safety is also being investigated.

The focus is to substantially increase the energy density of batteries to multiples of that achievable with conventional Li-ion. Research in this theme focusses on high-capacity systems such as Li metal anodes and sulphur-based cathodes. The goal is to enhance the cycle life and energy density of these chemistries to commercially relevant levels.

This research seeks sustainable and low-cost battery chemistries for important applications such as grid-scale energy storage of renewable energy. The focus of this theme is on abundant elements such as Na-ion, K-ion and Mg-ion. Additional investigations include redox flow batteries for large scale energy storage.

Research into materials for applications such as energy harvesting (e.g. piezoelectric, thermoelectric, photoelectric materials) is another focus of the centre. There is significant focus on electrocatalytic systems and the interface of materials and electrochemistry.

Research into advanced ex-situ, in-situ and operando characterization and monitoring of performance, morphological and phase changes in different battery chemistries. Modelling of materials and devices at different length scales is a key focus to understand phenomena occurring from atomistic to macroscopic scales.

Application of the principles of the circular economy to batteries and energy-related devices. Research into second-life applications for EV batteries and recycling is also a focus to ensure valuable and finite materials developed within the centre have the potential to circulate within the economy with minimal impact on the environment.