We are delighted to announce the return of the STFC Network in Batteries and Electrochemical Devices.

The meeting will be held on the Royal Institution in London on the 18th November 2022 .

The meeting will feature invited talks from researchers in academia, research facilities and industry on the theme of batteries and other electrochemical energy storage and conversion technologies. Previous STFC conferences have been very popular, providing a high quality of talks in a welcoming environment that has seeded many collaborations. We’re really delighted to be able to begin hosting them again after a hiatus for the last two years.

Please register on Eventbrite to attend.

We are delighted to announce the next in series of our webinars.

Please join us this Friday (6th November) @1400 for an insightful talk by Dr Robert Weatherup; Associate Professor at the Department of Materials at the University of Oxford

Title: Looking below the surface: Probing battery interfaces in action

Abstract: Understanding the chemical reactions that occur at electrochemical interfaces is critical to selecting and designing improved materials for energy storage, corrosion prevention, and chemical synthesis. Soft X-ray spectroscopies can provide powerful element- and chemical-state-specific information with the required nanometer-scale interface sensitivity, but have traditionally required high vacuum conditions, impeding studies of interfaces under realistic liquid environments. I will introduce several membrane-based approaches we have developed over recent years to bridge this pressure gap, enabling operando x-ray photoelectron and absorption spectroscopy (XPS/XAS) of solid-liquid interfaces. These rely on reaction environments sealed with X-ray/electron-transparent membranes, that can sustain large pressure drops to the high-vacuum measurement chamber. I will show how these membrane-based approaches can be applied to study the chemical evolution of electrode-electrolyte interfaces including solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation in Li-ion batteries. I will also give a perspective on future directions that will enable these techniques to be extended to ever more realistic materials systems and operating conditions.

To register, please follow this link.

As we all adjust to social distancing in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the STFC Batteries Network is taking steps to stay connected through online engagement with an expanded webinar programme. If you have any suggestions for us or if we can offer you any specific assistance, please let us know. 

We are delighted to announce the return of our webinars.

Please join us next Friday (23rd October) @1400 for an insightful talk by Prof Emma Kendrick; Chair of Energy Materials at the School of Metallurgy and Materials at the University of Birmingham

Title: From Pigments to Batteries

Abstract: Here I will introduce how I moved from pigment related research to fuel cells and then batteries and how the a functional ceramic can be used in many different types of applications. Although very dissimilar in application, the requirement to understand the structure-property relationships and the stability within a composite is not so very different. I will talk a little about how I moved from a pigment to a battery scientist, and then focus more on the recent work we have been doing on optimisation of sodium-ion battery technologies. Recent work looks at some of the manufacturing questions around sodium compared to lithium, and in particular optimisation of the life-time through electrode, electrolyte and formation methods.

To register, please follow this link.

As we all adjust to social distancing in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the STFC Batteries Network is taking steps to stay connected through online engagement with an expanded webinar programme. If you have any suggestions for us or if we can offer you any specific assistance, please let us know. 

We are delighted to announce the next in series of our webinars.

Please join us next Friday (21st August) @1400 for an insightful talk by Dr Donal Finegan from the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

Title: Understanding the limitations of fast charging Li-ion batteries

Fast charging lithium ion batteries are critical for enabling electric vehicles that can charge in competitive times with refuelling combustion engine vehicles. When choosing a battery, one faces a tri-lemma of energy-density, power-density, and lifetime, where choosing two often sacrifices the third. Li-ion batteries for electric vehicles, where high-energy density is critical for range, suffer accelerated capacity fade when charged quickly. In this talk, experiments that focus on diagnosing multi-scale transport limitations in both the positive and negative electrodes will be discussed. High-speed depth profiling X-ray diffraction applied for quantifying dynamic lithium concentration gradients in graphite electrodes during fast charging reveal severe electrode-scale transport limitations, while the occurrence of unfavourable Li plating on the graphite demonstrates solid-state transport limitations on the particle scale. Important features to consider for modelling multi-scale transport limitations will be highlighted, including complexities of sub-particle architectures. Laboratory-based techniques to map sub-particle architectures for image-based simulation will also be covered.

To register, please follow this link.

As we all adjust to social distancing in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the STFC Batteries Network is taking steps to stay connected through online engagement with an expanded webinar programme. If you have any suggestions for us or if we can offer you any specific assistance, please let us know. 

We are delighted to announce the next in series of our fortnightly webinars.

Please join us on Friday (24th July) @1400 for an insightful talk by Dr Rosa Arrigo from the University of Salford, and diamond Light source.

Title: Unravelling Materials Chemistry and Catalysis: My Research Journey using Synchrotron Light

Abstract: The challenge of realizing a technological breakthrough in modern industrial chemistry and heterogeneous catalysis is often related to the design of materials with optimized structural and compositional characteristic to maximize efficiency, selectivity and stability for a given reaction. The phenomenology of high-performance catalysts is often rationalized by drawing parallels between the structure of the catalyst and its catalytic function. This can be done, for instance, by evaluating the performance of catalysts with precisely tuned structural and morphological features (size, shape, phase).  In the last two decades, a molecular level understanding of the interfacial chemistry involved, with focus on conditions in which catalytic activity is manifested and lost, has become very popular as a rational approach towards the design of functional materials. With the advent of even more sophisticated in situ suites for materials characterization at large-scale users’ facilities, this research line is now more accessible to the broader scientific community and together with computational approaches has made significant contributions to the current scientific landscape. [1]

I became fascinated by this research line very early in my career and made it my primary scientific focus. Due to its multidisciplinary character, this research required me to develop skills and expertise across several disciplines (physics, chemistry, engineering) in different research environments also on an international level.  In this talk, I will narrate my experience as scientist and synchrotron user presenting examples of projects, [2-4] in which the detailed multi-technique characterization of catalytic materials afforded a deeper understanding of the catalytic reactivity of materials of relevance in green chemistry and energy. I will also discuss challenges and limitations.  

To register, please follow this link.

As we all adjust to social distancing in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the STFC Batteries Network is taking steps to stay connected through online engagement with an expanded webinar programme. If you have any suggestions for us or if we can offer you any specific assistance, please let us know. 

References

[1] R. Arrigo, A. Logsdail, L. Torrente-Murciano, Highlights from Faraday Discussion on Designing Nanoparticle Systems for Catalysis, London, UK, May 2018, Chemical Communications, 2018, DOI: 10.1039/C8CC90324G

[2] a) R. Arrigo, M. E. Schuster, S. Abate, S. Wrabetz, K. Amakawa, D. Teschner, M. Freni, G. Centi, S. Perathoner, M. Haevecker, R. Schloegl, Dynamic of Pd on NCNT in the Direct Synthesis of H2O2, ChemSusChem 7 (2014) 179–194; b) R. Arrigo, M. E. Schuster, S. Abate, G. Giorgianni, G. Centi, S. Perathoner, S. Wrabetz, V. Pfeifer, M. Antonietti, R. Schlögl, Pd Supported on Carbon Nitride Boosts the Direct Hydrogen Peroxide Synthesis, ACS Catal. 6, 2016, 6959–6966. (IF~9.3)

[3] a) A. Klyushin, et al, In: Wandelt, K., (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Interfacial Chemistry: Surface Science and Electrochemistry, vol. 1, 2018, pp 615–631. ISBN: 9780128097397; b) V. Pfeifer et al, Chem. Sci., 2017, DOI: 10.1039/C6SC04622C; R. Arrigo, M. Haevecker, M. E. Schuster, C. Ranjan, E. Stotz, A. Knop-Gericke, R. Schloegl, In-situ Study of Water Electrolysis over Pt by NAP-XPS, Angewandte Chemie International Edition 52 (2013) 11660–11664.

 [4] C. Genovese, M. E. Schuster, E. K. Gibson, D. Gianolio, V. Posligua, R. Grau-Crespo, G. Cibin, P. P. Wells, D. Garai, V. Solokha, S. Krick Calderon, J. Velasco Velez, C. Ampelli, S. Perathoner, G. Held, G. Centi, R. Arrigo*, Operando X-ray absorption fine structure study of the electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide over Ferrihydrite on nitrogen-doped carbon, Nature Communications 9, 2018, doi:10.1038/s41467-018-03138-7

We are delighted to announce the next in series of our fortnightly webinars.

Please join us on Friday (10th July) @1400 for an insightful talk by Prof Martin Owen Jones from ISIS Neutron and Muon Source.

Title: Using neutron to characterise energy materials

Abstract: The ISIS neutron spallation facility is a world-leading center for neutron scattering. The technique is applicable to a great diversity of subjects spanning condensed matter physics, engineering, materials science, chemistry and soft matter. ISIS has a formidable selection of elastic and inelastic neutron scattering instruments to study the physical properties solids and liquids by a number of techniques that include diffraction, total scattering and molecular spectroscopy. In addition, complex sample environment apparatus may be utilized with these instruments that allows materials to be studied under controlled gas environments as a function of temperature, pressure and gas flow. Here we discuss the application of these instruments and various sample environments to materials challenges within the field of energy materials, describe some recent experiments and highlight the capabilities of the ISIS facility in tackling energy materials challenges.

To register, please follow this link.

As we all adjust to social distancing in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the STFC Batteries Network is taking steps to stay connected through online engagement with an expanded webinar programme. If you have any suggestions for us or if we can offer you any specific assistance, please let us know. 

We are delighted to announce the next in series of our fortnightly webinars.

Please join us on Friday (26th June) @1400 for an insightful talk by Dr Rhodri Jervis from the Department of Chemical Engineering at University College London (UCL).

Title: X-ray Tomography as a Tool for Characterisation of Redox Flow Battery Electrodes

Abstract: Redox flow batteries (RFBs) are seen as a promising technology for grid-scale storage given their rapid reversibility and separation of power and energy capacities, the latter being dependent purely on the volume of electrolyte utilised in the device. Most RFBs employ carbon fibre based electrodes that act as both the reaction surface for redox half-reactions and the diffusion medium through which the electrolyte is flowed. Understanding of the microstructure of the carbon electrodes is therefore vital in order to understand how the batteries behave under different conditions. 

Recently, the potential of X-ray imaging as a diagnostic tool for the performance of carbon felts has been demonstrated, and the use of structural information obtained from X-ray computed tomography (CT) in modelling of the pressure drop at varied compression has been explored. X-ray CT has also recently been used in the characterisation and modelling of electrospun fibrous mats with fibre sizes much smaller than those used in commercially available carbon felts.

In this talk I will discuss the use of in situ X-ray CT for the determination of various parameters such as porosity, tortuosity factor and pore size distribution of flow battery materials. In addition, the Lattice Boltzmann method is applied to structures obtained from X-ray CT of electrospun carbon fibre mats in order to understand the fluid flow properties of the electrode materials from their microstructure. 

To register, please follow this link.

As we all adjust to social distancing in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the STFC Batteries Network is taking steps to stay connected through online engagement with an expanded webinar programme. If you have any suggestions for us or if we can offer you any specific assistance, please let us know. 

We are delighted to announce the next in series of our fortnightly webinars.

Please join us on Friday (12th June) @1400 for an insightful talk by Dr Gareth Hinds from the National Physical Laboratory (NPL).

Title: Electrochemistry: an underpinning science with important practical applications

Abstract: Electrochemistry is the science of the interconversion of chemical and electrical energy. It dates from the late 18th century from the pioneering work of Galvani and Volta and underpins a host of technological applications including batteries, fuel cells, electrolysis, corrosion protection, electroplating, metal refining, biosensors and chemical analysis. Despite its huge practical significance the subject continues to be under-represented in university teaching and tends to fall between the cracks of chemistry, electrical engineering and materials science. This looks set to change now that electrochemical technologies are paving the way for large scale storage and use of renewable energy in the battle against climate change and air pollution.

In this talk I will try to give you a flavour of what is involved with a career in electrochemical research at NPL, where the focus is on the application of fundamental science to real world engineering problems. I will take you through the journey from postdoctoral fellow studying electroplating to a career at NPL working on corrosion, fuel cells, electrolysers and batteries. Examples of the translation of this research to industrial application will be highlighted, with an emphasis on the impact on economic prosperity and quality of life. Finally, I will give my thoughts on future trends and what needs to be done to support UK government priorities going forward.

To register, please follow this link.

As we all adjust to social distancing in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the STFC Batteries Network is taking steps to stay connected through online engagement with an expanded webinar programme. If you have any suggestions for us or if we can offer you any specific assistance, please let us know. 

We are delighted to announce the continuation of our fortnightly webinar series.

Please join us on Friday (29th May) @1400 for an insightful talk by Prof Magdalena Titirici the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London.

Title: Towards a more sustainable energy materials future

Abstract: Advanced materials are 17% of UK GDP with a £170 billion annual turnover. However, the way UK currently sources and processes advanced materials is based on unsustainable practices. It includes the use of fossil fuel precursors emitting around 47% of the total CO2 in the UK, along with scarce and geologically hindered raw materials. It was estimated that roughly 50% of the global CO2emissions come from resource extractions while being also responsible for 80% global biodiversity loss according to the UN. Renewable bio-based resources processed into functional materials for modern technology-dependent economy will offer the much-needed transition to a sustainable society. This will lower CO2 emissions, helping UK to reach the targeted zero emissions by 2050 while generating high value advanced materials and boosting high-performance technologies.

Materials sustainability is particularly important when building future energy storage and conversion technologies. Such energy technologies are crucial to ensure the transition towards a zero emissions society but are relying heavily on materials. We must therefore address the fine balance between the development of emerging energy technologies and the materials we use to build them. Today, scarce metals are the most important components of energy storage and conversion systems. Cobalt and graphite are in the cathodes and anodes of Li-ion batteries. With the accelerated development of Li-ion battery technologies, there is a huge demand not only for Cobalt and graphite but also for Li itself, which is geographically confined to Bolivia Chile and Argentina.  Hence, we need innovative energy storage technologies beyond Li. Iridium and Platinum are the catalysts of choice for H2 production from water and its utilization in fuel cells to generate clean electricity. The current available supply for these metals cannot sustain the expansion of such technologies at a global scale. We need alternative electrocatalysts and sources for H2 production and H2 use in fuel cells. Gallium, Tellurium, Indium are used in solar cells and photocatalytic systems for solar fuel production. These materials are scarce, and alternatives must be sought for the next generation of solar panels and photocatalytic systems.

In this talk I will present some of our innovations in the design of sustainable materials to be efficiently utilized in energy storage and conversion technologies. Examples will range from efficient and sustainable batteries beyond Li to alternative catalysts to Pt for fuel cell’s cathodes as well as alternative biowaste sources to water for the production of affordable and clean H2. A new family of photoactive nanomaterials made from biomass, i.e carbon dots, will also be discussed for potential use in solar H2 production. 

To register, please follow this link.

As we all adjust to social distancing in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the STFC Batteries Network is taking steps to stay connected through online engagement with an expanded webinar programme. If you have any suggestions for us or if we can offer you any specific assistance, please let us know. 

We are delighted to announce the start of our fortnightly webinar series.

Please join us this Friday (15th May) @1400 for an insightful talk by Dr Sam Cooper from the Dyson School for Design Engineering at Imperial College London.

Title: Pores for thought: Designing electrode microstructures using machine learning (and reflections on my early career)

Abstract: In this talk I aim to give an honest description of my (short) career journey to date and share my thoughts on what the best uses of my time as an early career researcher were. I’ll explain why I focused on the topics I did and how I got involved in various project along the way. Finally, I’ll be showcasing some of the recent work from my phenomenal team in the Dyson School, including solid-solid interfaces, electrode microstructural design and, most recently, machine learning.

Reference:

“Pores for thought: Generative adversarial networks for stochastic reconstruction of 3D multi-phase electrode microstructures with periodic boundaries”

Andrea Gayon-Lombardo, Lukas Mosser, Nigel P. Brandon, Samuel J. Cooper. npj Computational Materials (Accepted - 2020).

This webinar is aimed at early career researchers; however, all members are welcome to attend.

To register, please follow this link: https://ucl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_a7ik9BMtSPGrFNJB_mIaTQ

As we all adjust to social distancing in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the STFC Batteries Network is taking steps to stay connected through online engagement with an expanded webinar programme. If you have any suggestions for us or if we can offer you any specific assistance, please let us know. 

We are delighted to announce our first ever beam time workshop. Join us for a day at the Faraday Institution at Harwell research complex for talks on best practice in application writing, preparing for beam time, Synchrotron and Neutron source capabilities, and the research that can be done in batteries and electrochemical devices. There will be talks from two beamline scientists and two academics, as well as tours of both facilities: Diamond Light Source and ISIS Neutron and Muon Source.

The workshop will take place at the Faraday Institution.

This workshop is aimed at first time users.

Places are limited and assigned on a first come first serve basis. Please sign up here to register -sold out

Workshop schedule:

The meeting will be held on 18th December 2018 at The Royal Institution in London. The meeting includes key note speeches on current research challenges in batteries and fuel cells, as well as presentations on the latest development at STFC facilities and user presentations of their applications to research in electrochemical energy devices.

Sign up here.

Meeting Schedule:

To engage with industrial researchers interested in the application of large scale facilities research, we have organised a focused meeting from 10am-4pm on January 15th 2014, at the Rutherford Appleton Lab (Harwell, Oxfordshire).

The event will be held at the Research Complex at Harwell, based on the RAL site – directions can be found here.

Downloads

Industry Day Programme