Low cost high energy density anode for stationary energy storage

Completed

Other Power and Storage Technologies(Energy storage)

Basic and strategic applied research

PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Chemistry)

Not Cross-cutting

Dr J Darr
Chemistry
University College London

Standard

EPSRC

01 August 2016

31 July 2017

12 months

£98,782

Energy

London

Energy : Energy

Dr J Darr, Chemistry, University College London

This project is to investigate the feasibility of bulk synthesis of a low cost high energy density anode for sodium ion batteries (NIB). Specifically, the research will involve synthesis of nanoparticle materials (at UCL) which will then be made into small rechargeable sodium ion batteries and tested in SHARP uk labs. The project will then involve scale-up of the highest performing materials and they will be made into larger cells which will validate the materials on scale-up. Until recently, NIB technology had been neglected and work focussed on Li ion based systems. Developments in materials chemistry and electrode fabrication are necessary to ensure NIB is a commercially viable alternative to Li ion batteries (LIB). The invention of new materials for use as anodes in these batteries is an important step in preparing the technology for market. We have identified a range of materials which we believe are suitable for use as high energy density anodes. We propose to synthesise a number of these materials, using state of the art synthesis facilities, and subject the new materials to extensive testing and optimise the most suitable materials for use in an energy storage device. As well as developing an optimised anode material for NIB (as well as validate new manufacturing facilities up to pilot plant scale) we anticipate that the materials developed as part of this project are likely to find uses in other technologies, both new and existing, e.g. LIB and supercapacitors

23/08/16