Battery and Ultracapacitor electrodes mapping by in situ spectroscopy

The primary focus of the project is to enhance the efficiency of carbon and MnO2 based printed ultracapacitor electrode by mapping the electroactive sites using in situ Raman spectroscopy. The chemical and morphological properties of the printed electrodes play an important role to ensure efficient charge transfer during operation. The role of electrode and electrolyte materials, dimensions and geometries and 3D architectures via mapping of the edge and planar sites will ascertain the electrochemical activity of electrodes. Mapping of the ion distribution throughout the electrode will provide a better mechanistic understanding and optimized geometry (3D printed fractural and planar electrodes) that will increase the number of active sites within the electrode materials.
In parallel, the same experimental approach will be adopted to map the Na and Li ion distribution throughout a metal sulphur battery positive electrode by in situ Raman spectroscopy. This will enable a better understanding of the mechanism of polysulfide shuttle phenomena in relationship of geometry and electrode 3D architecture and allow for investigation of the electrode/electrolyte interface.

The key aims of the project are to investigate printed electrode electroactive sites to optimise electrode geometries and architecture by mapping electrochemically inactive/active electrode areas in order to optimise printing processes to improve mass loading of electroactive materials consequently leading to an increase of specific energy density and reduce excesses electroactive materials. Key tasks will include:
- Designing a new electrode 3D architecture and identify suitable geometries for Ultracapacitor, Sodium ion and Lithium-Sulphur electrodes
- Raman mapping of active sites of Ultracapacitor, Sodium ion and Lithium-Sulphur fractal and planar printed electrodes
- Development of In Situ Raman methodology within SU laboratory
- Identification of electrochemically active and non-active areas of fractal and planar printed electrodes
- Reduction of material mass by increasing the amount of electrochemically active sites on the electrode
- Optimisation electrode geometries and architecture leading to patents
- "Blue book" providing a detail information of electroactive sites of different geometries and architectures of printed electrodes.

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.