Projects / Programmes
Operando characterization techniques for novel batteries
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.04.01 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Materials science and technology |
Inorganic nonmetallic materials |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P401 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Electrochemistry |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.05 |
Engineering and Technology |
Materials engineering |
Batteries, IR and Raman spectroscopy, mechanism, new methode, metal-organic batteries, Li-rich materials, metal-sulfur batteries
Researchers (1)
| no. |
Code |
Name and surname |
Research area |
Role |
Period |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
35504 |
PhD Alen Vižintin |
Chemistry |
Head |
2019 - 2021 |
0 |
Organisations (1)
| no. |
Code |
Research organisation |
City |
Registration number |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
0104 |
National Institute of Chemistry |
Ljubljana |
5051592000 |
10 |
Abstract
Our planet and society demands sustainable solution to reduce the strain on the environment while meeting the growing energy demands. Thus, it is imperative that we reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, if we are to combat climate change and place our energy system on secure, economical and sustainable footing. Electrical energy storages i.e. batteries are a key player for this forthcoming energy revolution. As new materials and novel technologies move into the marketplace and are expected to increase the energy density and to function for increasingly longer lifetimes, has shown a need to develop new analytical methods, which are optimized to probe specific battery chemistries to gain knowledge about the involved mechanism, degradation processes during prolong operation and allow real-time (operando) monitoring of the battery state-of-health in a non-invasive and non-destructive way.
For the future use of next-generation batteries, some game changing young technologies are attractive, i.e. metal-sulfur batteries (Li, Mg anodes), metal-organic batteries (are versatile (Li, Na, Mg, Ca and Al anodes can be used), low-cost and sustainable) and lithium rich materials (high gravimetrical capacities end high energy densities) for lithium-ion batteries.
The present project addresses the need to develop new and universal operando analytical methods based on vibrational spectroscopy (ATR-IR and Raman) to probe the different reactions in the novel young technologies for next-generation batteries. With this novel operando tools we aim to reduce the time for the production of new cathode materials and electrolytes, which usually is a consuming process and typically many years are required to get high performance cathode materials / electrolytes and to understand the involved processes inside the battery. Here is proposed a novel operando analytical method that is: i) straightforward, ii) does not require expensive and limited accessible synchrotron facilities, iii) is based on ready-to-use laboratory machines (IR and Raman spectrometers) and iv) will serve as an operando analytical tool for enabling deeper insights into the materials electrochemical mechanism and electrolyte degradation, thus facilitate to reduce the time of new cathode materials and electrolytes research. The new methodology based on operando ATR-IR and Raman spectroscopy will allow probing of phenomena that have not been tackled or have rarely been addressed, due to a lack of analytical tools, such us, quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the redox mechanism in organic cathode, Li-rich materials and metal-sulfur batteries, to study the material and electrolyte degradation during longer cycling and to understand the formation and composition of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) films on the electrode surface.
Significance for science
The project will introduce a new methodology based on operando ATR-IR and Raman spectroscopy for investigation of the reactions inside novel batteries during operation. The new methodology will allow probing of phenomena that have not been tackled or have rarely been addressed, such us:
Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the redox active sites in organic cathode materials with different anodes (Li, Mg, Ca, Al) and insight into reaction kinetics occurring in organic materials as a function of current density. Furthermore, it will allow the evaluation of the material degradation (organic, Li-rich cathode materials, metal-sulfur batteries) during longer discharge/charge processes. This will allow for a faster and synthesis in a better systematic way for next generation cathode materials with higher performance and less degradation.
Insight into electrolyte degradation at higher potentials and during longer discharge/charge processes. The electrolyte is a key component inside the battery for a safer and better working. With the understanding of the electrolyte degradation, better and safer electrolytes will be formulated
It will allow to probe and determine the composition of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) films on the electrode surface. The exact composition and the way how the SEI is formed on the surface and effect metal anodes is important for the safety and performance of batteries with high energy densities. With the knowledge of the components of SEI and how they affect the metal anodes, an artificial engineering will be possible.
Insight into the anionic redox reaction in Li-rich materials, will help to understand and open new ways to prepare new Li-rich cathodes materials for future Li-ion batteries
Novel insight in the evolution of the metal polysulfides in metal-sulfur batteries. Such insight will allow better understanding of the issues and designs of Li-S and Mg-S batteries.
From the project it is expected to publish at least some of the results in high quality indexed peer-reviewed publications (for example: Nature, Science ASC journals family (JACS, Chem. Mater, ACS Nano, ACS Energy Lett.)) and international patents. The high importance for fundamental studies of battery reactions with vibrational spectroscopy techniques it was shown in our recent work published and highlighted by the editor in Nature Communication, which in this project proposal will be further develop and perfected for applications and characterizations of different battery components.
Significance for the country
The project will introduce a new methodology based on operando ATR-IR and Raman spectroscopy for investigation of the reactions inside novel batteries during operation. The new methodology will allow probing of phenomena that have not been tackled or have rarely been addressed, such us:
Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the redox active sites in organic cathode materials with different anodes (Li, Mg, Ca, Al) and insight into reaction kinetics occurring in organic materials as a function of current density. Furthermore, it will allow the evaluation of the material degradation (organic, Li-rich cathode materials, metal-sulfur batteries) during longer discharge/charge processes. This will allow for a faster and synthesis in a better systematic way for next generation cathode materials with higher performance and less degradation.
Insight into electrolyte degradation at higher potentials and during longer discharge/charge processes. The electrolyte is a key component inside the battery for a safer and better working. With the understanding of the electrolyte degradation, better and safer electrolytes will be formulated
It will allow to probe and determine the composition of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) films on the electrode surface. The exact composition and the way how the SEI is formed on the surface and effect metal anodes is important for the safety and performance of batteries with high energy densities. With the knowledge of the components of SEI and how they affect the metal anodes, an artificial engineering will be possible.
Insight into the anionic redox reaction in Li-rich materials, will help to understand and open new ways to prepare new Li-rich cathodes materials for future Li-ion batteries
Novel insight in the evolution of the metal polysulfides in metal-sulfur batteries. Such insight will allow better understanding of the issues and designs of Li-S and Mg-S batteries.
From the project it is expected to publish at least some of the results in high quality indexed peer-reviewed publications (for example: Nature, Science ASC journals family (JACS, Chem. Mater, ACS Nano, ACS Energy Lett.)) and international patents. The high importance for fundamental studies of battery reactions with vibrational spectroscopy techniques it was shown in our recent work published and highlighted by the editor in Nature Communication, which in this project proposal will be further develop and perfected for applications and characterizations of different battery components.
Most important scientific results
Interim report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
