Single Atom Catalysts and Atomic Scale Design of Interface for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage

用于电化学能量转换和存储的单原子催化剂和原子尺度界面设计

• 批准号: RGPIN-2019-06617
• 负责人: Sun, Xueliang
• 金额: $ 4.66万
• 依托单位: University of Western Ontario
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2020
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2020-01-01 至 2021-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=715477
• 关键词: Single; Atom; Catalysts; Atomic; Scale

There is a growing awareness that nanotechnology will have a profound impact on energy generation and storage. Dr. Sun will continue to use his expertise in nanotechnology to address critical challenges in fuel cells and solid-state Li batteries but, in next six year, his work will highlight even smaller scales from nano scale to atomic scale in this proposal. The objective of this proposed proposal is to lead a vigorous research program that builds on atomic layer deposition (ALD) and molecular layer deposition (MLD) techniques for energy applications. This proposal covers fundamental studies in two themes: (i) single atom materials as novel catalyst for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells; and (ii) atomic scale design and engineering of interface for next-generation all solid-state batteries. An important aspect is to apply various advanced characterization techniques (including in-situ/operando) for the fundamental understanding. The Discovery Grant (DG) supports fundamental studies and basic science while Dr. Sun's other funding supports more applied studies and practical applications. For PEM fuel cells, cost and durability are two major roadblocks that have to be overcome before the PEMFC system can become economically viable. The cost of Pt-based still accounts for a big percentage of the cost of fuel cells but Pt is still the best catalysts in fuel cells. Therefore, the development of a low cost and stable catalyst with ultra-low Pt loading will provide us the means to reduce the cost and performance gaps towards commercial viability. Single atom catalyst is a very promising choice but its controllable synthesis and stability need to be well addressed. The two specific objectives in this area include: (i) synthesis of single-atom or cluster Pt-based catalysts by ALD, and (ii) stabilization of single atom catalyst by design of stabilizers and support of the catalysts. It is expected that the single atom catalysts will be ideal materials for providing a higher catalytic performance, high catalyst utilization, high durability, and a longer fuel cell operational life. All solid-state batteries (SSBs) have been attracting more than ever research and industrial interests recently. The advantages of SSBs are safer and higher energy density. However, there are still some key challenges including interfacial issues and metal protections in SSBs. The two specific objectives are: (i) stabilizing the interface between electrodes and electrolytes for solid-state Li batteries; and (ii) protection of Li/Na metals for all solid-state batteries. It is expected that the outcome of this project will go towards aiding the production of stable and long-life solid-state batteries. The successful completion of the program will be of benefit to Canadian industry, and to the global nanotechnology community by accelerating the fuel cell and solid-state battery commercialization process while simultaneously reducing environmental pollution.

人们越来越认识到纳米技术将对能源产生和储存产生深远影响。孙博士将继续利用他在纳米技术方面的专业知识来解决燃料电池和固态锂电池的关键挑战，但在未来六年中，他的工作将在该提案中强调从纳米级到原子级的更小尺度。 该提议的目标是领导一项强有力的研究计划，该计划以原子层沉积（ALD）和分子层沉积（MLD）技术为基础，用于能源应用。该提案涵盖两个主题的基础研究：（i）单原子材料作为质子交换膜（PEM）燃料电池的新型催化剂； (ii)下一代全固态电池接口的原子级设计和工程。一个重要的方面是应用各种先进的表征技术（包括原位/操作）来获得基本的理解。发现基金（DG）支持基础研究和基础科学，而孙博士的其他资助则支持更多的应用研究和实际应用。 对于 PEM 燃料电池来说，成本和耐用性是 PEMFC 系统在经济上可行之前必须克服的两个主要障碍。铂基的成本仍然占燃料电池成本的很大比例，但铂仍然是燃料电池中最好的催化剂。因此，开发具有超低 Pt 负载量的低成本且稳定的催化剂将为我们提供缩小成本和性能差距以实现商业可行性的方法。单原子催化剂是一个非常有前途的选择，但其可控合成和稳定性需要很好地解决。该领域的两个具体目标包括：（i）通过 ALD 合成单原子或簇铂基催化剂，以及（ii）通过设计稳定剂和催化剂载体来稳定单原子催化剂。预计单原子催化剂将成为提供更高催化性能、高催化剂利用率、高耐久性和更长燃料电池运行寿命的理想材料。 最近，全固态电池（SSB）比以往任何时候都吸引了更多的研究和工业兴趣。 SSB的优点是更安全、能量密度更高。然而，SSB 仍然存在一些关键挑战，包括界面问题和金属保护。这两个具体目标是：（i）稳定固态锂电池的电极和电解质之间的界面； (ii) 保护所有固态电池的锂/钠金属。预计该项目的成果将有助于生产稳定且长寿命的固态电池。 该计划的成功完成将加速燃料电池和固态电池的商业化进程，同时减少环境污染，从而使加拿大工业界和全球纳米技术界受益。