QF Fellow and Associate Seminar: Emma Latchem

Using NMR Spectroscopy to Understand Transport and Reaction Mechanisms in Aqueous Batteries 

Abstract: To facilitate the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources on the electricity grid, there is a need for new low-cost energy storage. Unlike established technologies, such as lithium-ion batteries, rechargeable aqueous batteries can be made cheaply and on a large scale, using Earth-abundant and non-toxic materials. Though this makes them well suited to grid-scale applications, their operational lifetime still needs to be improved if they are to be considered an economically viable solution. Capacity decay can result from side-reactions between the anode and cathode materials, which is driven by unwanted electrolyte transport known as 'crossover'. Here, we use NMR spectroscopy to study how the addition of low-cost additives can impact this transport and speciation in solution. To complement these studies, we have developed a new electrochemical test cell that enables us to study the impact of these low-cost additives on battery performance. Using a combination of NMR spectroscopy and electrochemical testing, we hope to develop a structure-property understanding of how these additives influence performance. Ultimately, these fundamental studies will facilitate the design of new longer-lasting aqueous batteries.