(2lq) Design of Fast-Charging Anode Interphase Based on the Understanding of Ion and Electron Transport

My research interests encompass four main areas of focus:

1. Fast-charging metal batteries at room temperature, specifically examining the charging characteristics and performance of batteries using metals like lithium and zinc. The aim is to develop efficient charging strategies that can significantly reduce charging time while maintaining battery stability.

2. Exploring self-sufficient metal-air batteries, such as lithium-air and zinc-air batteries, that can operate independently in atmospheric air. These batteries offer the advantage of high energy density and are of interest for various applications where extended and autonomous operation is required.

3. Investigating the mechanism behind polymer interphase to promote stable metal electrodeposition. Understanding the behavior and properties of the interphase formed during metal electrodeposition is crucial for enhancing the reversibility and durability of metal-based batteries.

4. Exploring the application of flow batteries in robotic systems. Flow batteries, known for their scalability and long cycle life, have great potential in powering robotic systems that require reliable and long-lasting energy storage solutions.

Overall, my research endeavors revolve around advancing the understanding and development of fast-charging metal batteries, self-sufficient metal-air batteries, stable metal electrodeposition, and the integration of flow batteries into robotic systems.

*Research Experience

I am currently a Ph.D candidate advised by Prof.Lynden A.Archer at Cornell University, working on the battery-related projects mentioned above.

*Future Research

My thoughts on future research directions are as follows:

1. In-depth exploration of the long-cycle self-sufficient air battery system and its practical applications: Although air batteries have experienced significant development, their progression towards practical use has been slow. One limiting factor is that sensitive air batteries, such as lithium-oxygen and sodium-oxygen batteries, heavily rely on pure oxygen environments. Achieving stable and safe operation of air batteries in ambient air would be a major breakthrough for high-energy-density metal-air batteries. My future plans involve: (a) Investigating oxygen-repellent protective layers, such as metal or polymer coatings, to isolate air, particularly oxygen and carbon dioxide, while facilitating the conduction of metal ions. This discovery could prolong the reversible cycling performance of air-sensitive metal electrodes. (b) Studying oxygen-deficient solid electrolytes, particularly polymer electrolytes, for their potentials in self-sustaining air battery systems.

2. Exploring air-stable and unstable electrolyte metal-air batteries, such as zinc-air and aluminum-air batteries: The chemical and electrochemical corrosion between the metal and electrolyte poses a significant challenge for these types of air batteries. Investigating ways to improve their reversible cycling performance at high capacities will be crucial.

3. Effectively integrating self-sufficient air battery systems with robotic systems: Combining a high-performance, large-capacity air battery with a robotic system in an effective and seamless manner is an interesting challenge. Currently, I am working on combining flow batteries with robots, as flow batteries can provide energy to robots without occupying additional space. In the future, applying self-sufficient air battery systems to robotic systems could greatly enhance the working hours and overall performance of robots.

*Publications

[1] Jin S, Yin J, Gao X, Sharma A, Chen P, Hong S, Zhao Q, Zheng J, Deng Y, Joo YL, Archer LA. Production of fast-charge Zn-based aqueous batteries via interfacial adsorption of ion-oligomer complexes. Nature Communications. 2022 Apr 27;13(1):2283.

[2] Jin S, Shao Y, Gao X, Chen P, Zheng J, Hong S, Yin J, Joo YL, Archer LA. Designing interphases for practical aqueous zinc flow batteries with high power density and high areal capacity. Science Advances. 2022 Sep 28;8(39):eabq4456.

[3] Jin S, Chen PY, Qiu Y, Zhang Z, Hong S, Joo YL, Yang R, Archer LA. Zwitterionic Polymer Gradient Interphases for Reversible Zinc Electrochemistry in Aqueous Alkaline Electrolytes. Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2022 Sep 16;144(42):19344-52.

[4] Jin S, Deng Y, Chen P, Hong S, Garcia‐Mendez R, Sharma A, Utomo NW, Shao Y, Yang R, Archer LA. Solid‐Adsorbed Polymer‐Electrolyte Interphases for Stabilizing Metal Anodes in Aqueous Zn and Non‐Aqueous Li Batteries. Angewandte Chemie International Edition. 2023 Apr 24;62(18):e202300823

[5] Hong S*, Jin S*, Deng Y, Garcia-Mendez R, Kim KI, Utomo N, Archer LA. Efficient Scalable Hydrothermal Synthesis of MnO2 with Controlled Polymorphs and Morphologies for Enhanced Battery Cathodes. ACS Energy Letters. 2023 Mar 13;8(4):1744-51.

[6] Li C, Jin S, Archer LA, Nazar LF. Toward practical aqueous zinc-ion batteries for electrochemical energy storage. Joule. 2022 Aug 17;6(8):1733-8.

[7] Jin, Shuo, Hong, Shifeng, Deng, Yue, Gao, Xiaosi, Joo, Yong Lak, Archer, Lynden. Self-sufficient metal-air battery systems enabled by solid-ion conductive interphases. Faraday Discussions. Received.

[8] Shuo Jin, Xiaosi Gao, Yue Deng, Pengyu Chen, Shifeng Hong, Rong Yang, Yong Lak Joo*, Lynden A. Archer*. Fast-charge, long-duration storage in lithium batteries. Submitted to JOULE.

[9] Xu Liu†, Shuo Jin†, Yiqi Shao, Autumn Pratt, Duhan Zhang, Kiki Lo, Yong Lak Joo, Lynden A. Archer, Robert F. Shepherd*. A jellyfish robot that powers itself with the multifunctional aqueous energy system. In preparation.

[10] Shuo Jin, Xiaosi Gao, Shifeng Hong, Yong lak Joo, Lynden A. Archer^*. Slow electron transport interphase for fast-charge Lithium metal batteries. In preparation.