Mechanistic study of tellurium/carbon cathode in liquid and solid-state lithium-tellurium batteries

Lithium-tellurium (Li-Te) batteries provide higher volumetric energy density than current lithium-ion batteries and are considered as one of the most promising energy storage technology for emerging applications in electric vehicles, implantable medical devices, and Internet of things. The development of stable tellurium/carbon (Te/C) cathodes is the key towards durable Li-Te batteries. However, the reaction mechanism of Te/C with Li ions remain unknown due to complexity involved from the porous carbon, pore size, and the type of electrolytes, limiting the design of practical Li-Te batteries with high energy and power densities. This collaborative project between the University of British Columbia (Canada) and National Cheng Kung University (Taiwan) will fill this knowledge gap by using advanced in-situ characterization techniques to track real-time reactions between Te/ C and Li ions. The new knowledge obtained in this project will not only advance fundamental understanding on solid-state chemistry, but also accelerate the development and commercialization of Li-Te batteries for practical applications .

Faculty Supervisor:

Jian Liu

Student:

Partner:

National Cheng Kung University

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Clean Technology; Nanotechnology; Green/Alternative Energy

University:

The University of British Columbia - Okanagan

Program: