Major advances in rechargeable batteries require the discovery and characterisation of new materials. It is clear that a complete understanding of the properties of electrode and electrolyte materials for both Li- and Na-ion batteries requires fundamental knowledge of their underlying structural, ion diffusion and surface properties on the atomic- and nano-scales. In this context, advanced materials modelling [1] combined with structural and electrochemical techniques are now powerful tools for investigating these properties. This talk will highlight recent studies [2,3] in the following areas: (i) structural and mechanistic insights into fast lithium-ion conduction in Li₄SiO₄-Li₃PO₄ solid electrolytes; (ii) ion diffusion pathways in polyanionic cathode materials such as Li-sulfates (e.g. LiFeSO₄OH) and Na-phosphates (e.g. Na₂FePO₄F, NaFePO₄).

References

[1] M.S. Islam; C.A.J. Fisher, Chem. Soc. Rev., 43, (2014) 185.

[2] Y. Deng et al., J. Amer. Chem. Soc., 137 (2015) 9136.

[3] S.M. Wood et al., J. Phys. Chem. C., 119 (2015) 15935.