Project Details
The management of interfaces and their interplay with electrolytes and development of sustainable electrode materials are grand challenges in developing advanced energy storage systems. To address these challenges, the overarching goal of this project is to establish a comprehensive understanding of fundamental chemistry principles, with a focus on tailoring the chemical composition, functionality, and architecture of electrodes and electrolytes, thus driving advancements in the field of next generation energy storage. To accomplish this overarching goal, the project is organized around three specific aims: (1) Design localized concentrated ionic liquid electrolytes: This involves the strategic combination of ionic liquids and molecular solvents to investigate how heterogeneous environments created by high concentration ionic-liquid electrolytes can be fine-tuned to comprehend the components that stabilize reactive interfaces at both low and high voltages. (2) Control solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation via interface synthesis: We will explore the molecular construction of interface structures through electrochemical functionalization and autonomous layer-by-layer (LbL) synthesis methods, with the ultimate goal of deciphering descriptors to tailor the stability of electrode interfaces. (3) Tailor interfaces and ion-storage chemistry through organic framework materials: In this aspect of the project, we will focus on designing organic framework polymers to impact the energy storage mechanisms and interfacial structures. Specifically, we will investigate the fundamental design rules of 2D layered organic polymers in controlling these critical aspects.
