Development of molecular vapor deposition methods for high integrated battery/device systems

This project will develop new technologies related to plasma deposition coatings and new conformal thin film processes for functional industrial applications and will specifically develop integrated battery solutions with devices. Lithium-ion and Na-ion battery technology, using electrode coatings deposited via Molecular Vapor Deposition (MVD), will be used as the power source for devices including wearables, MEMRistors, Sensors and Power Devices. Molecular vapor deposition (MVD) is a coating technique which can deposit very thin (few nm) and conformal films on a variety of substrates including those relevant in electrochemical applications such as metallic foils, composite particulate electrodes and oxide-based surfaces. MVD coatings can also be used in advanced packaging and passivation of devices.
The aim of the research is to exploit the capability and flexibility of MVD to grow functional thin films that conform to complex substrates for application in next generation rechargeable batteries, sensors, MEMRistors and other MEMS and Power devices - to demonstrate an integrated power source / device application. Coatings of dielectrics, metals, organics and hybrid organic-inorganic polymers will all be designed and incorporated into the integrated systems. The challenges are to interconnect and isolated the power sources with the devices to provide an ergonomic, lightweight and cost-effective system. Integrated systems could be used in everything from health diagnostics to smartphones.
The outcomes are multiple and include (i) building a fundamental understanding of the effect of tailored surface coatings on a variety of substrates, (ii) characterising the physical and electrical properties of MVD functional coatings and their deposition methodology (iii) to widen the applications of MVD techniques in coatings for batteries, medical devices, sensors, MEMRistors and power devices and (iv) to develop an integrated demonstrator system.

The CDT will produce 50 graduates with doctoral level knowledge and research skills focussed on the development and manufacture of functional industrial coatings. Key impact areas are:

Knowledge
- The development of new products and processes to address real scientific challenges existing in industry and to transfer this knowledge into partnering companies. The CDT will enable rapid knowledge transfer between academia and industry due to the co-created projects and co-supervision.
- The creation of knowledge sharing network for partner companies created by the environment of the CDT.
- On average 2-3 publications per RE. Publications in high impact factor journals. The scientific scope of the CDT comprises a mixture of interdisciplinary areas and as such a breadth of knowledge can be generated through the CDT. Examples would include Photovoltaic coatings - Journal of Materials Chemistry A (IF 8.867) and Anti-corrosion Coatings - Corrosion Science (IF 5.245), Progress in Organic Coatings (IF 2.903)
- REs will disseminate knowledge at leading conferences e.g. Materials Research Society (MRS), Meetings of the Electrochemical Society, and through trade associations and Institutes representing the coatings sector.
- A bespoke training package on the formulation, function, use, degradation and end of life that will embed the latest research and will be available to industry partners for employees to attend as CPD and for other PGRs demonstrating added value from the CDT environment.

Wealth Creation
- Value added products and processes created through the CDT will generate benefits for Industrial partners and supply chains helping to build a productive nation.
- Employment of graduates into industry will transfer their knowledge and skills into businesses enabling innovation within these companies.
- Swansea University will support potential spin out companies where appropriate through its dedicated EU funded commercialisation project, Agor IP.

Environment and society
- Functionalised surfaces can potentially improve human health through anti-microbial surfaces for health care infrastructure and treatment of water using photocatalytic coatings.
- Functionalised energy generation coatings will contribute towards national strategies regarding clean and secure energy.
- Responsible research and innovation is an overarching theme of the CDT with materials sustainability, ethics, energy and end of life considered throughout the development of new coatings and processes. Thus, REs will be trained to approach all future problems with this mind set.
- Outreach is a critical element of the training programme (for example, a module delivered by the Ri on public engagement) and our REs will have skills that enable the dissemination of their knowledge to wide audiences thus generating interest in science and engineering and the benefits that investments can bring.

People
- Highly employable doctoral gradates with a holistic knowledge of functional coatings manufacture who can make an immediate impact in industry or academia.
- The REs will have transferable skills that are pertinent across multiple sectors.
- The CDT will develop ethically aware engineers with sustainability embed throughout their training
- The promotion of equality, diversity and inclusivity within our cohorts through CDT and University wide initiatives.
- The development of alumni networks to grow new opportunities for our CDT and provide REs with mentors.