Strength testing the next generation of energy storage batteries
Lithium-ion batteries that can be charged and discharged at high rates can play a critical role in stabilising electricity grids that draw power from a large fraction of renewable energy generators. These devices can blur the distinction between supercapacitors and batteries and may also find applications in electrical power buffering for mass transport systems.
Our research focuses on modelling and electrochemically-characterising the reactions and processes that occur with charge storage in order to understand the physical limitations to fast charging and discharging. This can lead to the development of new energy storage materials and charging regimes for the next generation of batteries.