Resnick Institute Seminar

Seminar given by Ping Liu Ph.D.

Overview:

Energy storage is an enabling technology for both vehicle electrification and grid storage, two large-scale applications essential for realizing a sustainable energy future. Following an introduction to ARPA-E, this presentation will give an overview of the energy storage portfolio at ARPA-E, which consists of a diverse set of electrochemical energy storage technologies with potentials for dramatically increased performance and reduced cost. Long calendar and cycle life is a common performance requirement for both stationary and transportation applications. This life requirement often drives the cost of the systems. Using examples from both ARPA-E projects and my own previous work, we will discuss the fundamental chemistry and materials principles that govern battery life, paying special attention to the importance of the electrode/electrolyte interface. Currently, high specific energy batteries, e.g., lithium ion, are being used for electric vehicles. These batteries usually have unstable interfaces that are the sources of capacity decay and limited life. We show how cell and system designs can provide engineering solutions to minimize degradation. The presentation concludes by discussing opportunities in new electrochemical systems with more stable interfaces that may offer much longer life and lower cost.