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.
High-energy density battery chemistries are required for the most challenging applications such as long-range electric vehicles. These demands require a move beyond Li-ion batteries; bringing alkali metal anodes and sulfur cathodes into focus. In AMPEiRE a range of high-performance lithiophilic host structures and interlayers have been developed for Li metal anodes, which help to mitigate operational hurdles such as dendrite formation and short circuiting. On the cathode side, focus is on high-performance and sustainable S host structures. Bioderived carbon materials can be used to circumvent the poor electrical conductivity of S and unlock its high capacity.
Research Outputs
- 'Lithiophilic Nanowire Guided Li Deposition in Li Metal Batteries' Small 2022 https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202205142
- 'Marine waste derived carbon materials for use as sulfur hosts for Lithium-Sulfur batteries' Bioresource Technology https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2024.131065
- 'Lithiophilic interlayer driven ‘bottom-up’ metal infilling in high current density Li-metal anodes' Journal of Materials Chemistry A. https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01072H