Electrochemical Energy Storage For A Sustainable Energy Future
Abstract
The widespread integration of renewable, intermittent energy sources such as wind or solar is dependent upon the development of efficient large-scale energy storage systems for load-levelling the electric grid. Similarly, the acceptance of electric vehicles hinges on the availability of intermediate scale, safe, low-cost energy storage batteries that can provide long driving ranges. In this context, it is widely acknowledged that traditional Li-ion batteries are starting to approach their limits. This talk will present a perspective on the challenges, and opportunities for future strategies for electrochemical energy storage. The topics will encompass promising new developments in Li metal batteries, solid state batteries, holistic approaches towards electrolytes for Li-sulfur cells, and advances in Li-oxygen batteries that double the cell capacity and provide close-to-theoretical reversible electron transfer. Such step-changes require tailor-designed materials for the electrodes, and new electrolyte strategies. These topics will be the subject of the presentation along with our unfolding new understanding of the underlying material chemistries.
