Project description
Developing new electrolytes for better lithium batteries
Lithium-ion batteries have revolutionised portable electronics, offering a rechargeable solution to traditional batteries. They use lithium ions moving between the anode and cathode and have a long cycle life. The electrolytes that mediate ion movement are usually either liquids or solids, each with different properties. A new kind of phase-independent electrolyte works in both solid and liquid form but only carries negative ions. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the Li-PIEs project will create an electrolyte that can carry lithium ions. Researchers will study how molecular structure influences conductivity to design high-performance, phase-independent electrolytes. The project is expected to open new avenues for safer, more efficient energy storage technologies.
Objective
I propose combining organic synthesis, theoretical modelling, and materials science to develop a fundamentally new type of lithium- conducting electrolyte. Electrolytes are a vital part of modern life – for example, they are key components of the lithium-ion batteries powering personal electronics and electric vehicles. The electrolyte acts as the medium to transfer charges between the electrodes and its properties and performance depends on the type of material used. Different requirements associated with different sizes and types of devices is driving the development of new electrolyte materials.
Traditionally, these materials are classified as either solid- or fluid-phase electrolytes, and the mechanisms of charge transfer differ between the two phases. Recently, a new type of electrolyte has been developed by the host PI that can function as either a solid or liquid electrolyte without losses in performance – they are phase-independent electrolytes (McGonigal et al., Science, 2024, accepted). However, these materials transport anions, while most batteries require cation-conducting electrolytes (e.g. lithium ions). To harness the potential of this new class of electrolytes, this concept must be adapted to apply to cation-conducting electrolytes, and this requires the development of new
molecular designs, their synthesis and characterisation.
I will use DFT to model the structure and assembly of cyclopentadienide anions to identify candidates that have suitably diffuse charge and flexible structures to act as phase-independent electrolytes. I will then synthesise the top candidates and characterise their phase transition temperatures, phase structures, and lithium-ion conductivities. The relationship between molecular structure and the material properties will be developed to allow for the rational design of phase independent electrolytes. This will generate new research directions for the development of high-performing organic electrolytes.
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.
- social sciences social geography transport electric vehicles
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry alkali metals
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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.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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.
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-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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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.
OX1 2JD Oxford
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.