BSc (SFU), MSc, PhD (Dal)

Advanced batteries are crucial for the development of new green technologies. Electrified vehicles require batteries that are inexpensive, safe, have a long life time and store a large amount of energy per unit volume. Electricity grids and renewable energies, such as wind, tidal and solar power, require inexpensive, safe, long-life batteries for load leveling during periods of high/low energy generation or use. Current battery technologies do not meet all the requirements needed for widespread implementation of these technologies.

Our research is focused on developing new practical metal-ion battery chemistries based on low-cost and abundant raw materials, such as sodium and magnesium. This work includes new energy storage materials development including intercalation materials, nanostructured compounds and amorphous metal alloys. In addition the synthesis and electrochemistry of new nonaqueous electrolyte systems will be investigated. Students involved in this work will use a variety of synthesis techniques for new materials development including high temperature solid state methods, reactive ball milling, melt spinning, sol-gel methods, and topotactic synthesis. Students will also use methods such as electrochemical measurements, x-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, calorimetry and thermal analysis are used to characterize these new materials. Besides the field of battery materials, these skills are widely sought in many advanced materials industries.

Ultimately, the goal of our project is to develop safe and inexpensive, but high energy density battery chemistries that can be used as power sources in electric vehicles or electric grid storage systems. Our lab works in collaboration with 3M, giving students an opportunity to interact directly with industry in this important field.

Visit our lab:  Obrovac Group