Events Calendar

AME Department

Speaker: Dr. Katerina Aifantis, European Research Council Grantee, Deptartment of Mechanics; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece; and Adjunct Assistant Professor Department of Physics Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan

Talk Title: Nanostructured Anodes for Next Generation Li-Ion Batteries - -

Abstract: The current and future applications of secondary Li-ion batteries range from powering cell phones and electric vehicles to biomedical devices. Extensive work is, therefore, being performed on further improving their lifetime and cyclability. Experimental research has yielded that Sn and Si can provide three-to-ten times the capacity of commercially used graphitic anodes. What inhibits the commercialization of such anodes, however, is the 300% volume expansion, and subsequent fracture, that Sn and Si experience upon maximum Li-insertion. This fracture is minimized by embedding nanosized Sn and Si in a matrix. In the present talk it will be shown how electrochemical cycling, transmission electron microscopy, and continuum mechanics can be employed to develop design criteria that predict the most optimum matrix material, as well the Sn particle size and inter-particle spacing, that will significantly limit fracture. Nanostructured Sn-based anodes will be shown that have a 100% capacity retention for 400 cycles.

Host: Andrea Hodge

Location: Seaver Science Library (SSL) - 150

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: April Mundy