Battery Materials
Mechanistic studies with model electrodes
Fundamental studies of Li-ion storage in electrode materials is critical for the further development of high-performance next generation Li-ion batteries. The complex composition and rough morphology of typical electrodes makes it challenging to gain scientific insights. Our research focuses on developing model electrodes with well controlled chemical composition and morphology in thin film form. These model systems facilitate advance characterization methods and allow us to achieve mechanistic understanding of Li-ion storage in electrode materials.
Surface engineering of solid electrolytes
The properties of solid electrolytes surface play an important role in determining the performance of Li-metal batteries. In this regard, we apply different methods, especially physical vapor deposition, to modify the surface properties of Li-electrode and solid electrolyte materials. We evaluated the properties of the modified electrode materials through both chemical and electrochemical characterization. The current research efforts focus on Li anode coating materials for Li-metal batteries and nitride coatings for sulfide solid electrolytes
Selected Publications
A Review on Lithium Phosphorus Oxynitride
LaCoste, J.D., Zakutayev, A. and Fei, L.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry C (2021) DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.0c10001
Improving Interface Stability of Si Anodes by Mg Coating in Li-Ion Batteries.
Li, Z., Stetson, C., Teeter, G., Norman, A., Ha, Y., Tremolet de Villers, B.J., Huey, Z., Walker, P., Han, S.D., DeCaluwe, S.C. and Jiang, C.S.,
ACS Applied Energy Materials, 3 11534 (2020)
LaCoste, J., Li, Z., Xu, Y., He, Z., Matherne, D., Zakutayev, A., Fei, L.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 12, 40749 (2020)
Chemistry of Electrolyte Reduction on Lithium Silicide.
Xu, Y., Wood, K., Coyle, J., Engtrakul, C., Teeter, G., Stoldt, C.R., Burrell, A. and Zakutayev, A.,
The Journal of Physical Chemistry C 123, 13219 (2019)
Contacts
Andriy Zakutayev