Project description
Powering ultrafast charge dynamics in batteries
Understanding ultrafast charge dynamics is key to improving electrochemical energy devices like batteries yet remains poorly understood at nanoscopic interfaces. Critical challenges include electrode capacity loss from unstable charge-transfer states, chemical imbalances at electrode-electrolyte interfaces slowing fast charging, and sluggish ionic movement in solid materials. Addressing these barriers, the ERC-funded FemtoCharge project pioneers the use of femtosecond spectroscopy and operando battery science to unravel these ultrafast processes. By revealing optimal charge-transport pathways, solvation mechanisms and ion-hopping dynamics, FemtoCharge aims to revolutionise battery material design and develop cutting-edge tools for probing deeply buried charge phenomena. This innovative approach could redefine battery performance, offering a blueprint for future electrochemistry breakthroughs.
Objective
Charge dynamics lie at the crux of electrochemical energy devices, and in-particular batteries, impacting everything from durability to capacity. On mesoscopic time (ns to s) and length scales (nm to mm) we have a good understanding of charge transport related phenomena in batteries. However, when it comes to faster femtosecond/picosecond processes and those at nanoscopic interfaces, our insight remains limited. This is a critical problem. In this regime lie:
(a) the individual electronic/structural steps in the redox chain that can cause electrode capacity loss via charge-transfer to inactive/unstable states
(b) (de)solvation processes that inhibit fast charging through chemical imbalances at electrode/electrolyte interfaces
(c) sluggish ionic hops limiting the use of many solid-electrolyte and electrode materials
In FemtoCharge, I will take the conceptual leap needed to elucidate ultrafast interfacial dynamics in batteries, by merging femtosecond spectroscopy/microscopy and operando battery science. My novel approach is based on my pioneering work to optically image ultrafast spatio-temporal dynamics, and their coupling to structure, in nanomaterials, and probing in the complex solid/liquid environment of batteries. I will leverage this approach to:
1. uncover optimal electronic/structural pathways for charge-transport in current and developing electrode materials
2. quantitatively reveal potentials and solvation mechanisms at electrode/liquid electrolyte interfaces
3. use lattice vibrations to manipulate ion-hopping in solid electrodes/electrolytes
I will deliver blueprints for building new electrode/electrolyte battery materials, strategies for external stimuli-based tuning of battery charge-transport and game-changing operando tools for characterising charge-dynamics, particularly when they are stochastic or deeply buried. Ultimately, the fundamental insights and new techniques of FemtoCharge will make controlling charges the future of electrochemistry.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences chemical sciences electrochemistry
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2024-STG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
CV4 8UW COVENTRY
United Kingdom
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