Understanding Solid-Electrolyte Interphases (SEIs) in Aluminium-Ion Batteries

The phenomenon of poor coulombic efficiency in the first cycle in Al-graphite batteries is poorly understood. In this recent study, we found it to be caused by the formation of a solid-electrolyte interphase, in a similar fashion to graphite anodes in lithium-ion batteries. Using electrospun carbon nanofibers as a model material with tunable crystallinity, the cause was found to be linked to the presence of surface defects in the cathode material, and is further amplified by high surface area. The simple use of a binder polymer, however, is able to mitigate the issue by shielding the surface defects from direct contact with the electrolyte.

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Core/Sheath C/V2O5 Nanofibres: Enabling Mixed-Ion Intercalation

A new nanofibrous material, consisting of a conductive carbon core and an external layer made of vanadium oxide, has been studied as a cathode for aluminium-ion batteries. The material enables a mixed-ion intercalation mechanism, resulting in the alternating insertion of Al3+ and AlCl4in the V2O5 and carbon layers, respectively. This is a highly desirable feature for cathode materials which may increase the energy density of future batteries by optimising the utilisation of the electrolyte.

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Improving Performance and Cost Effectiveness of ORFBs

Organic redox flow batteries have the potential to be a low cost, large scale energy storage option for renewables integration, since organic active material availability is dependant on earth abundant elements. However, current ORFB systems do not comply to the cost per energy density requisite of the global market. A new platform of electrolytes has been developed which can increase ORFB performance in terms of cell voltage and energy density. These electrolytes are made of cheap, easily available chemicals and are much safer than the current standards in terms of low corrosivity and flammability. Moreover, this totally new class of electrolytes are also fundamentally interesting media for all electrochemical systems, which adds a theoretically pressing aspect to the project.