Electrochemical Energy storage

Teacher(s)

Vlad Alexandru;

Language

English

Main themes

This course will describe the basic principles of design and operation of electrochemical energy storage cells. Different systems will be discussed but the main focus will be on Li/Na-ion chemistries, supercapacitors as well as beyond Li-ion cells. Chemistry, materials, mechanism and theory associated with the electrochemical processes during battery operation will be mainly covered. Manufacturing processes, industrial as well as recent commercial trends will be also discussed. The main topics covered are: theoretical concepts (basic electrochemistry and materials science concepts), the properties of electrode materials in relation to their role in the energy storage, the role of nanoscience in this field, surface and interface processes.

Aims

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	This course introduces important concepts in the field of electrochemical energy storage. At the end of the course, the student will be able to: describe the different families or types of electrochemical energy storage systems that are already in use or are foresees in future use; provide a rationale for the structure-property selection of battery materials, discuss the mechanisms and reactions at play necessary for efficient energy storage systems operation; explain and rationalize the properties of battery materials and establish composition-structure-property relationships; and illustrate the importance of electrochemical energy storage for current societal challenges (energy, environment, mobility, etc.).

Content

1. Introduction and important theoretical concepts - primary, secondary and Li-ion chemistries.
2. Overview of Li-ion battery chemistry, assembly and operation - production processes, aging mechanisms, calendar-life prediction based on modeling.
3. In connection with point 2, an exhaustive overview of cathode and anode chemistries - main families of materials, their synthesis methods and illustration of their application in a Li-Ion cell.
4. Electrolyte classes, function and properties - liquids, ionic liquids, solid-state.
5. The role of surfaces and interfaces.
6. Challenges for next generation chemistries - Na-ion, Li-Sulfur, Li-air, all solid-state, ...
7. Supercapacitors - operation principle, structure, advantages challenges.

Teaching methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

The course will be mainly given on the board using powerpoint slides.

Evaluation methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

Students will be assessed on the basis of a written exam covering topics discussed over the entire class.

Online resources

A copy of the course slides will be made available on Moodle.

Bibliography

Walter van Schalkwijk, Bruno Scrosati, “Advances in Lithium-Ion Batteries”, 2002, Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers

Faculty or entity

CHIM