Research

Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion

We do materials science on the synthesis, development, and understanding of materials for energy storage and conversion, particularly focused on rechargeable batteries technologies. Main specialty domains include inorganic synthesis, materials chemistry, crystallography, spectroscopy, microscopy, in situ and operando methods, etc. Key focus areas include 

• Cathodes for lithium-ion batteries: layered oxides; anion-redox cathodes.
• Anodes for lithium-ion batteries: graphite; silicon.
• Cathodes for sodium-ion batteries.
• Anodes for sodium-ion batteries: hard carbon.
• Solid electrolyte for Li- and Na- solid state batteries.
• etc. 

Science of Materials Synthesis and Chemical Processing

We explore unique methods for the synthesis and processing of functional and energy materials. This is coupled with development of advanced characterizations so that materials, synthesis, and processing can be studied ex situ, in situ, operando, and inline. We unravel the key processes underlying the results of synthesis and processing so as to enable efficient and effective exploration, optimization, and control. 

Key focus areas include 

• Advanced diffraction-based methods.
• Advanced X-ray and visible light spectroscopic methods.
• Electron microscopy-based approaches.
• Thermal and other materials characterization methods.
• Machine learning and AI integration.