Scalable fabrication of on-chip Li CO2 batteries for efficient electrocatalysts screening and energy storage mechanism study

The gradual depletion of fossil fuels and continuous emissions of greenhouse gas are two major energy and environmental problems that confront the world. To solve these worldwide issues, the UK becomes the first major economy to pass the net-zero emissions law. The new target requires the UK to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050. Thus, how to maximise the electrical energy supplies and balance the CO2 emissions becomes a critical issue to realise the low carbon society. Metal-CO2 batteries, with the dual characteristics of both effective CO2 fixation and advanced energy storage/conversion, will be perfectly aligned with the national strategy in clean energy and sustainability. Among different metal-CO2 batteries, Li-CO2 batteries are considered the best candidates due to their high theoretical specific energy density (~1800 Wh/kg) and relatively high discharge potential (~2.8 V). However, the development of Li-CO2 batteries is still in its infancy stage. This project aims to make advancements in Li-CO2 batteries with a focus on screening efficient cathode electrocatalysts and studying reaction mechanisms.
The high charge potential and unclear reaction mechanisms of current Li-CO2 batteries results in its poor reversibility and short cycle life. Therefore, massive efforts need to devote to find efficient catalysts and understand the comprehensive mechanisms. This project proposes a versatile screening and in situ characterisation platform for rapid screening of highly efficient electrocatalysts and in-depth studying of reaction mechanisms. This project details a specific method to fabricate on-chip Li-CO2 batteries. Combine a unique four-electrode circuit with advanced high-resolution characterisation methods, the structure-property relationship and underlying mechanism of Li-CO2 batteries will be revealed, which could further guide the optimisation of Li-CO2 batteries.
Project partners NPL (in situ characterisations), Johnson Matthey (materials and batteries) and QinetiQ (manufacturing and batteries) will provide essential know-how in order to help achieve the project aims: to fabricate on-chip Li-CO2 batteries prototype; to select optimal electrocatalysts; to construct in situ characterisation platform and uncover the underlying mechanism; to optimise the performance of Li-CO2 batteries.
This project is the natural result of the PI's expertise in the scalable fabrication of on-chip devices, rational design of electrocatalysts and battery, and in situ electrochemical characterisations. The framework of the proposed work will be underpinned by extensive energy materials characterisation expertise and infrastructure, as well as extensive expertise and facilities in battery manufacturing and testing at the University of Surrey.

This project aims to further the advancement of Li-CO2 battery technology. The project will lead multidisciplinary research to enable the tuning of materials for improved performance and faster development of Li-CO2 battery technology.
The successful delivery of this project will lead to the production of on-chip Li-CO2 batteries prototype and future commercialisation of this technology, which provides a cheaper, cleaner, safer and sustainable energy storage solution. Moreover, the versatile in situ characterisation platform from this research could contribute to the understanding of reaction mechanism and optimisation of performance in metal-air/CO2 batteries. Besides, those on-chip batteries could also be incorporated with flexible substrates or other electronic components, making it a multifunctional system for wearable and implantable electronics.
Commercial beneficiaries of the research (wealth generation in 10 - 25 years) will be companies in the UK and worldwide in, or part of, the supply chain for renewable energy, catalyst or electronics companies. More specifically, in the 5 - 15 years window, the UK industry will directly benefit if the outcomes of the research lead to more developed and focussed academic-industry collaborations (Innovate UK / Knowledge Transfer Partnerships). The potential IP that could be generated in the area of energy storage and carbon capture will yield opportunities for spin-out companies, providing employment opportunities and adding value to the UK economy.
Societal benefits will include, for example:
- balance the CO2 emissions and maximise the electrical energy supplies to meet the net-zero target by 2050;
- large-scale employment of renewable energies and thus the transition to a low carbon society;
- enhancement of the UK's energy security and environmental sustainability.
In the short-term (1-3 years), this project will provide highly skilled researchers who will have developed multidisciplinary skills and will have experienced a broad range of technological fields that are important for R&D programmes required for market innovation for Li-CO2 battery technology and beyond.
The PI will benefit from several new collaborations with NPL, Johnson Matthey and QinetiQ, in addition to the above-established collaborations associated with the PI's current research programmes. The UK-based and international partners are committed to supporting aspects of this project within their research capacity. Further collaboration with leading groups and the development of multidisciplinary research projects will be fostered during this project.