| Project Detail |
"The project PAHsSIB aims to advance binder-free anode development for battery current collectors, focusing on sustainable sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). It seeks to overcome challenges in SIB anodes by using polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) via Pulse Reverse Electrodeposition (PRE). The project has four main goals: 1) Develop a scalable PRE method for stable PAH-based films with a yield exceeding 90%, 2) Customize film properties for optimal Na+ storage, 3) Enhance hierarchical PAH film porosity with asphaltene, and 4) Investigate PAH-based films as binder-free SIB anodes and prototyping as a proof-of-concept.
PAHsSIB responds to the need for alternative energy storage due to limited Li resources, ethical concerns, and safety issues in LIBs. SIBs, powered by abundant Na resources, offer a responsible solution but require improved electrode materials. Various materials have been explored, including metal alloys/oxides/sulphides and carbon-based materials. ""Janus"" nanographenes show promise but face properties and synthesis challenges. Hard carbons are crucial anode materials but their microstructure design remains unclear. The project also addresses solid electrolyte interphase formation to enhance SIB performance.
PAHsSIB combines synthetic techniques to control PAH-based anode growth overcoming the problems mentioned. Scalable electrochemical techniques and asphaltene waste materials are used to create porous hierarchical PAH-based anodes. It comprises four research work packages: 1) Fine-tuning the PRE method, 2) Designing non-planar PAHs-based films, 3) Creating hierarchical PAHs-based films from asphaltene, 4) Integrating PAHs-based anodes into SIB cell prototypes and evaluating performance.
In summary, PAHsSIB addresses challenges in energy storage by developing advanced binder-free SIB anodes and utilizing innovative methods and materials for improved performance (prototype cell: >250 mAh/g, >5000 cycles), scalability, and sustainability in SIBs." |
