STRUCTURE-FUNCTION RELATIONSHIP OF ADVANCED NANOOXIDES FOR ENERGY STORAGE DEVICES

The main objective of the project is focused on the development of novel and sophisticated chemical routes towards energy harvesting materials within multidisciplinary oriented approach in the field of solid state chemistry. Basic concept includes (i) to obtain well-defined complex oxide materials by starting from well designed precursors, (ii) to utilize phenomena at the solid interfaces, particularly those between inorganic – organic solids, (iii) to utilize unique features of non-conventional processes, i.e. mechanical activation and microwave technology, and (iv) to characterize the products under well-defined and reproducible conditions, without restriction to the properties of the end use, e.g. the capacity fade of the complete Li-ion and Na-ion batteries. The target materials include (i) Li- and Na- containing nanocrystalline complex oxides mostly with structure of spinels, garnets, pyroxenes, olivines and orthosilicates and (ii) partially reduced and partially anion exchanged oxide nanoparticles (SiO2, SnO2 and TiO2). Non-conventionally synthesized oxides are expected to possess modified/enhanced structural and electrochemical properties. In the context of the project, special effort will be focused on the systematic study of the structure-related functional properties directly connected towards energy storage applications. The final goal of the project is the optimization and prediction of the real structure of the products possessing e.g. the highest possible Li+ (Na+) ion conductivity by systematically introduced additives and the application of preparative processes of highest precision. Kex words: Li- and Na-ion batteries; nanocrystalline oxides; cyclic voltammetry