Electrochemical Systems

Decarbonisation of the energy system is a national and global imperative. Our research supports fundamental electrochemistry device development through a better understanding of the reaction and degradation mechanisms in  current and novel systems, supported by advanced test, characterisation and modelling tools, from atoms to device length scales.

• Energy storage: boosted capacity, energy density and durability, with reduced cost,  minimised dependence on rare minerals and closed-loop ecosystem.
• Energy vectors: transformative access to green
  hydrogen to support regional economies, foundation industries, deployment of renewables, decarbonisation of heat and heavy transport – including rail and shipping. Longer-duration/inter-seasonal storage.
• Chemicals: new sustainable chemical synthesis and routes for production of zero and negative-carbon feedstocks.

• Advanced lithium- and sodium-ion batteries: cathode materials, current collectors, binders, cell packaging and degradation control
• Composite cathodes for solid-state batteries
• Lithium-sulphur and lithium-air for highest energy density, modified high porosity carbon materials
• New redox active molecules, membranes and encapsulants
• Decreasing reliance on rare materials, improving regeneration and end-of-life reuse
• Enhanced lifetime performance and reduced cost of ownership
• New catalysts and materials systems for:
  • highly active and selective reduction of carbon dioxide and nitrogen
  • sustainable thermochemical synthesis
  • high- and intermediate-temperature electrolytic production of hydrogen

Close cooperation with Faraday Institution (Faraday Battery Challenge), with support to businesses and the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC). Building on extensive  roadmapping with business and across academia, supported by the Institute of Physics and the Institute for Manufacturing. UK integration with major industry and SME programmes. Activity complementary to networks like Supergen. Working with the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, Energy Systems Catapult, and H2FC Supergen.