Vicky Doan-Nguyen
Vicky Doan-Nguyen
Thu, Jan. 12, 2017, 3:15pm - 4:15pm
Frick Chemistry Laboratory, Taylor Auditorium
ADVANCED OPERANDO CHARACTERIZATION OF DESIGNER MATERIALS FOR ENERGY APPLICATIONS
Performance improvements in electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage and conversion rely upon in-depth understanding of the structure-property relations that evolve upon cycling. Nanostructured materials can be tailored to enhance metrics such as gravimetric capacity for energy storage or catalytic activity for energy conversion. However, challenges remain in elucidating chemical and structural transformations that occur upon cycling. In this talk, I will discuss the use of advanced structural characterization techniques to guide materials design for enhanced performance in energy applications. In particular, I will demonstrate the use of complementary advanced operando synchrotron X-ray scattering as well as ex-situ X-ray spectroscopy and electron microscopy to elucidate structural evolution in electrode materials for Li-ion batteries and electroreduction of oxygen. Local structure probes in these case studies bridge form and function to provide insight into the design of advanced materials with enhanced structural stability.