An automated high-throughput robotic platform for accelerated battery and fuels discovery - DIGIBAT
Lead Research Organisation:
Imperial College London
Department Name: Chemical Engineering
Abstract
Batteries and electrocatalytic devices (i.e electrolysers, fuel cells) have multiple components spanning different length scales. The materials design space in these research fields is too large to be explored empirically. While experimental work can be directed by computational modelling to make this challenge more tenable, this is time consuming, and the number of tests/syntheses is still be too large on the experimental scale.
DIGIBAT will combine computational tools (e.g. atomistic and molecular modelling, process modelling, computer-aided design, machine learning algorithms, data science) and automated HT synthesis, characterisation and testing from atoms to devices to accelerate the discovery and optimisation of
new batteries and electrofuels.
Specifically, DIGIBAT will comprise three HT stations: Platform A dedicated to materials synthesis and characterisation, Platform B dedicated to HT electrodes manufacturing all the way to device manufacturing and Platform C dedicated to HT electrochemical testing for both batteries and electrocatalysts. DIGIBAT will be
paired with materials characterisation also applied in HT, including in operando characterisation. By executing data-rich experiments, DIGIBAT will increase the pace of innovation, while enhancing reproducibility by eliminating human errors.
The research enabled by ATLAS will target challenges related to: (1) the discovery and optimisation of new battery chemistries, (2) synthesising, optimising, and testing recycled battery materials; (3) Discovering precious metal free electrocatalysts for green H2 production and fuel cells; (4) Efficient N2 to ammonia and CO2 reduction to fuels and chemicals for electrocatalysts discovery
DIGIBAT will combine computational tools (e.g. atomistic and molecular modelling, process modelling, computer-aided design, machine learning algorithms, data science) and automated HT synthesis, characterisation and testing from atoms to devices to accelerate the discovery and optimisation of
new batteries and electrofuels.
Specifically, DIGIBAT will comprise three HT stations: Platform A dedicated to materials synthesis and characterisation, Platform B dedicated to HT electrodes manufacturing all the way to device manufacturing and Platform C dedicated to HT electrochemical testing for both batteries and electrocatalysts. DIGIBAT will be
paired with materials characterisation also applied in HT, including in operando characterisation. By executing data-rich experiments, DIGIBAT will increase the pace of innovation, while enhancing reproducibility by eliminating human errors.
The research enabled by ATLAS will target challenges related to: (1) the discovery and optimisation of new battery chemistries, (2) synthesising, optimising, and testing recycled battery materials; (3) Discovering precious metal free electrocatalysts for green H2 production and fuel cells; (4) Efficient N2 to ammonia and CO2 reduction to fuels and chemicals for electrocatalysts discovery
| Description | Johnson Matthey Battery Technology Centre |
| Organisation | Johnson Matthey |
| Department | Johnson Matthey Technology Centre |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | QMUL was responsible for the development of anode materials for Na-ion batteries from biomass derived precursors in terms of synthesis, characterisation and performance analysis. QM's involvement in the project was definitely beneficial as the vast expertise of Prof Titirici's in the synthesis of sustainable and low cost carbons with various characteristics (pore size, functionality, level of graphitisation) was constructive on the decision making on the progress of developing the anode materials and corresponding half cell testings. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Johnson Matthey's involvement in the LOCONIBs project was on the development of the cathode materials and the half and full cell testing. They have succesfully achieved the milestones set, which were: - To develop cathodes materials based on reduced or substitution of critical raw materials with more abundant, lower cost, elements while maintaining the performance - To develop a protocol to test sodium ion batteries - To investigate ways to maximise the electrochemical performance. |
| Impact | Significant results have been achieved in this one year long feasibility project for the development of low cost electrodes for sodium ion batteries. The promising results in terms of electrochemical performances show the materials's potential use as electrodes in Na-ion batteries and are believed to be close to the level required for practical applications. Significant knowledge and experience have been gained concerning materials preparation, scaling up and testing protocols. Additionally, the project was presented in UK Energy Storage (UKES) Conference and an entry was made for Rushlight Awards. Excellent feedback was received from both. A poster prize was achieved in UKES with the title of "Biomass-Derived Low Cost Negative Electrodes in Na-Ion Batteries." Three manuscripts are also being worked on to be published in specialised journals |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Many scientific conferences, MRS, ACS, MC-16, Commonwealth Conferences, etc |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | I have given over 150 talks at various conferences/events on disseminating my research results |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022,2023,2024 |