FUTURES EXPO SERIES
Solid state & materials chemistry group : all things batteries
> Collaborations with industry partners including Orica , Sicona , Kinaltek and Vecor .
> Pioneered the use of advanced characterisation tools for battery-based studies .
> Developed a sustainable and high energy density anode material for lithium-ion batteries .
Creating durable , high-capacity batteries for the future
Research project
The Solid State & Materials Chemistry Group develop better batteries . The core of their work lies in the synthesis and characterisation of new materials , such as metal acid , iron tartrate , which has twice the energy storage capacity of graphite anodes used in lithium-ion batteries and is significantly more sustainable . They also work with industry partners to test the performance of battery materials .
Battery degradation and survivability in the field are prominent concerns in the sector . The group use both invasive and non-invasive techniques to determine why batteries fail , or why materials within batteries degrade , and assess durability under different conditions .
Lithium-ion batteries are common due to their reliability and high energy density , however fluctuations in lithium supply and price present an opportunity to explore next-generation chemistries . The group is investigating sodium-ion , solid-state and lithium-sulphur batteries , which will act as the foundation for cheaper , safer and more energy dense batteries .
Overall , the group is dedicated to deepening their understanding of battery function . They apply a multifaceted approach to problem-solving , taking into account battery chemistry , partner requirements and the research question , and are eager to tackle challenges in the field .
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