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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number EP/I022570/2
Title Crossing Boundaries in Energy Storage
Status Completed
Energy Categories Energy Efficiency(Transport) 25%;
Other Power and Storage Technologies(Energy storage) 75%;
Research Types Basic and strategic applied research 100%
Science and Technology Fields PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Chemistry) 40%;
PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Metallurgy and Materials) 20%;
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Chemical Engineering) 40%;
UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation Not Cross-cutting 100%
Principal Investigator Professor P Bruce
No email address given
Chemistry
University of St Andrews
Award Type Standard
Funding Source EPSRC
Start Date 01 January 2014
End Date 30 April 2016
Duration 28 months
Total Grant Value £1,390,926
Industrial Sectors Transport Systems and Vehicles
Region Scotland
Programme Energy : Energy
 
Investigators Principal Investigator Professor P Bruce , Chemistry, University of St Andrews (99.995%)
  Other Investigator Professor J Irvine , Chemistry, University of St Andrews (0.001%)
Dr PA Connor , Chemistry, University of St Andrews (0.001%)
Professor D Gregory , Chemistry, University of Glasgow (0.001%)
Professor K Scott , School of Chemical Engineering & Advanced Materials, Newcastle University (0.001%)
Professor PJ (Peter ) Hall , Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield (0.001%)
Web Site
Objectives
Abstract Energy storage is more important today than at any other time in history. Approx. 25% of CO2 emissions arise from burning fossil fuels in transportation. It is widely acknowledged that decarbonising transport is imperative and involves electrification.The greatest challenge facing electrification of transport is energy storage. Although electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (EVs) will be with us in increasing numbers over the next decade, achieving a step change in driving range (e.g. the often stated Holy Grail of +300 miles) is impossible with the storage technologies available now and in the near term (lithium-ion batteries). Here we propose to investigate energy storage technologies far beyond the current horizon and with the potential to deliver a step change in performance of electric vehicles. We focus in particular on the Li-air battery, hydrogen and oxygen storage, in line with the scope of the call. These technologies fit into an overall vision for future hybrid EVs in which the Li-air battery, the hydrogen fuel cell (or perhaps ammonia fuel cell) and the reversible fuel cell (effectively a hydrogen-oxygen battery) play key roles. The Li-air battery has the potential to store far more energy than current generation lithium batteries but major hurdles remain to be overcome. Here we address some of the key hurdles facing a step change of Li-air batteries, opening the way to practical Li-air batteries in the longer term capable of a much extended driving range and available at lower cost than today and hence transforming transportation.Similarly we address the key challenge of hydrogen storage by a concerted series of approaches to identify the solid state stores that meet the criteria for a transformation in the mobile storage of hydrogen for transport. We also examine the radical concept of solid state oxygen storage using transition metal and peroxo compounds. Such stores would find applications as sources and sinks of O for the cathode in a Li-air cell or for a reversible fuel cell. By working together we break down the traditional boundaries between these research fields, enable the cross-fertilisation of ideas that may lead to innovative solutions to the problems of each field and train personnel in a culture of working across these boundaries
Publications (none)
Final Report (none)
Added to Database 29/10/14