Electrochemical Science

The Electrochemical Science group studies the synthesis, structure, and transport properties of materials at the interface between electroactive materials and either a liquid or solid electrolyte.

The Electrochemical Science group emphasizes materials synthesis, design of next generation electroactive materials, and structure-property relationships in electrochemical energy storage systems with an emphasis on developing an understanding of the transport of cations across electrochemical interfaces.

$Transformation of thermodynamically less stable vaterite (shown in green) into stable calcite (shown in blue), preserving the internal fragments commonly seen in vaterite (shown in cross sections for both phases). The beam represents X-rays for Bragg Coherent Diffraction Imaging as it probes the internal nanoscopic crystal particles of the calcite. (Image by Argonne National Laboratory.)$

Materials Synthesis: We collaborate across Argonne in the areas of materials design and synthesis, crystal growth, thin-film deposition, and electrochemical evaluation. Areas of interest include energy storage materials (cathode, anode, solid electrolytes), three dimensional electrode structures, new electrolytes, and identification of new materials.

Transport studies are an important part of the work we do across our groups research programs. As an electrochemical materials and characterization group, the movement of cations (anions) across boundaries is a key aspect of much of our efforts. We utilize a variety of methods to track cation (anion) movement including variable temperature multinuclear NMR, impedance spectroscopy, and blocking electrode studies, to gain a better understanding of the role of defects, structure, and local environment on the observed properties.

Photo-Assisted Electrochemistry The interaction of white light and lithium-ion battery cathodes has been found to enhance the rate capability of materials in an electrochemical cell. This project uses detailed characterization methods, cell design, and modeling efforts to better understand the observation that the rate capability of an electrochemical cell can be enhanced by interactions with white light.

Across Argonne, we are active members of

Silicon Consortium Program (SCP) EERE (VTO): SCP is focused on identifying and solving the underlying causes of performance fade and its relationship to calendar life in Li-ion cells that contain silicon as a component of the anode. The program is a collaboration between Argonne, Oak Ridge, Pacific Northwest, Sandia National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
Sodium-ion batteries (LENS): Consolidated into the new EERE-funded Low Cost Energy Storage-Ion (LENS) Consortium our sodium-ion cathode work is a key focus of the effort. Our focus is on the development and understanding of next generation materials systems based on the design and formulation of the next generation of sodium-ion cathode materials. (https://www.anl.gov/lens)
Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Recycling (ReCell) : We combine new synthetic approaches with an understanding of the role of processing, sample history, and defect chemistry to identify new routes to reestablishing the electrochemical performance of recycled lithium-ion battery cathode materials. The program is a collaboration Argonne, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Michigan Technological University, and the University of California at San Diego.
Evaluation of Battery Materials Supply Chains: EEREs (VTO) The EVALS program is a consortium between Argonne, Idaho National Laboratory (INL), and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The effort seeks to identify strategies that utilize domestic resources to meet future battery material needs.