Project Description

The ability of sodium ions to intercalate into highly defective disordered structures contradicts the basic paradigm of intercalation chemistry that intercalation reactions occur only in ordered structures. Achieving reversible and multiple insertion of Na+ into disordered matrices is a challenge whose solution will not only set a new direction in chemical sciences, but could also lead to a radical improvement in energy storage efficiency.

The main objective of the project is, by combining experimental and theoretical methods, to study the mechanisms of incorporation of Na+ ions into non-graphitized carbon materials purposefully obtained from selected lignin-rich raw materials. The originality is that "hard" carbons (HCs) are selected as model systems, whose structure and properties can be modified by the type, chemical and thermal processing of bio-waste materials. The work plan is built following the logical relations of the research, so that to fulfill a complete cycle: from the selection of raw materials rich in lignin and the targeted synthesis of HCs from them, through the detailed characterization of the microstructure, texture and functional groups of HCs, theoretical modeling of Na+ reactions with carbon models, electrochemical characterization combined with ex-situ analytical methods, to got inside into Na+ intercalation mechanisms. The research team is composed on the principle of "complementarity-synergism" and consists of young researchers and senior scientists. The obtained results will be published in reputable journals. The project is a complex fundamental research with an interdisciplinary focus, and the cumulative effect on the research will give impetus to the development of various fields of chemistry, ecology and agricultural sciences. It is in line with the country-specific priority thematic "Clean technologies, circular and low-carbon economy", which also determines its good prospects for development after its successful implementation.