Zero volume change Li-rich 3D cathodes for solid-state batteries

All solid-state batteries could increase the energy density and safety of Li-ion batteries, however, they typically require very high external pressures to maintain contact between the functional materials inside them. Cathode materials which do not change volume when lithium is extracted and reinserted offer one of the few routes to overcome particle disconnection at the positive electrode, but there are currently few suitable candidates known.

This PhD project aims to realise new zero-volume change cathodes from the emerging class of Li-rich three-dimensional (3D) materials. These materials have a rocksalt crystal structure with different types of local ordering between the Li and transition metal ions. By understanding how the local structure influences the lattice parameter changes during charge and discharge, we will develop a deeper understanding of volume change in Li-rich 3D cathodes. This will lead to new zero-volume change cathodes and solid-state batteries with improved performance under low/no external pressure conditions.

This project will be supervised by Prof Robert House and Prof Mauro Pasta within the Department of Materials, University of Oxford and will form part of the 3D-CAT and SOLBAT Faraday Institution research projects. This project is joint-funded by the Faraday Institution and by Nissan and will involve industrial co-supervision.

This project is fully funded for UK/home status students. Please contact robert.house@materials.ox.ac.uk for more details.