Novel electrode materials and educational resources for Li-/Na-ion batteries

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Driscoll, Elizabeth Helen ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9096-9568 (2022). Novel electrode materials and educational resources for Li-/Na-ion batteries. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This thesis describes a breadth of novel materials for Li- and Na-ion batteries, before considering novel educational resources to explain characteristics and operation of these types of battery.
Initial focus is given towards high power Nb containing anodes for fast charge Li-ion battery application, from the synthesis and characterisation of these materials towards fabrication of suitable coatings for electrochemical testing. Niobium-based containing electrodes have increased in interest due to their inherent stability at high charging rates, while also having significantly higher gravimetric capacities. In particular this body of work will highlight novel materials: Nb22CuO56 and Nb9Ti1.5W1.5O30 (monoclinic C2/m), and their respective performance in a half coin cell architecture. The motivation of Cu doping is towards improved electrical conductivity, while doping with Ti and W (usually doped separately) has the opportunity to deliver performance similar to W-doped systems while reducing the overall cost. Consideration towards optimising the latter material is highlighted, with the identification of phase transformation noted upon ball-milling these materials. Towards ease of recycling and reducing the overall toxicity of cell manufacture, methodologies towards producing electrodes utilising water-based ‘green’ binders is considered for Nb9Ti1.5W1.5O30 using the conventional CMC/SBR dual binder system, before exploring the use of iota-carrageenan – as an alternative to PVDF.
The latter part of this thesis will then explore a range sulfate-based Na-ion cathode materials. Building on prior work of the established ion-size relationship influencing
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structure preference of alluaudite-type and bimetallic sulfate systems, mixed-metal substitution is considered to exploit this relationship further to mitigate the use of toxic dopants (i.e. selenate). The discovery of a novel Na-Ti-SO4-OH system (the first of its kind) is also highlighted within this section.
The final part of this work will describe a series of engaging educational resources to explore and aid the understanding of Li-ion batteries – most notably the development and impact of ‘Battery Jenga’ will be highlighted, which stands as the first resource to effectively explore the operation of this type of battery, while remaining accessible and hands-on to a range of different audiences.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):