Next Generation Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs) using Sustainable Seaweed Polymers
Supervisor: Dr Siobhan Stevenson
Industry Partner: Marine Biopolymers Ltd.
School: Chemistry
Description:
Background
In order to reach net-zero emissions by the UN goal of 2050, we need to radically alter the technology we use, and eliminate fossil fuels as early as possible. Renewable electricity is a solution, but its storage is challenging, especially for mobile applications such as vehicles. Limited range can be overcome with larger capacity batteries but this demands the design of new electrodes. Replacing graphite anodes with silicon in LIBs enables 10 times as much charge to be stored, but silicon experiences huge volume changes on (dis)charge, which causes anodes to crack and lose capacity on refuelling (recharging). Designing composite anodes with nanosilicon and bespoke polymers can mitigate this phenomenon, increasing capacity and extending battery life.
Aims
To create new silicon composite anodes for LIBs using tailored, biodegradable, seaweed-based polymers provided by our industrial partner MBL combined with nanostructured silicon synthesised in-house, to transform battery performance.