Oxygen-mediated (self-)rechargeable organic batteries

Climate change and energy crisis are the main societal challenges of modern times, and are expected to plague the humanity for next decades. The exploitation of secure, clean and efficient renewable energy technologies can enable the humanity to cope with these two major issues. Li-ion batteries, are one such key technology that can realize this. In this proposal, we are dedicated to explore and advance a new type of concept – the oxygen-mediated, self-rechargeable organic battery (SoloBat) - by combining the reaction chemistry of lithium-organic batteries, lithium-oxygen batteries, and spontaneous oxidation of organic battery materials by the molecular oxygen. We first set out to have a comprehensive study of the oxygen-mediated lithium-organic battery system and afterwards, combine the oxygen catalysts and organic cathode materials to construct and test the 'SoloBat' prototype systems. Specifically, clarifying the exact reaction chemistry of oxygen-mediated lithium-organic battery, establishing screening principles for organic cathode materials and oxygen catalysts, and constructing a 'SoloBat' system that can achieve a good cycling stability of more than 300 cycles are the main objectives in this project. By combining my strong expertise in the field of lithium-oxygen batteries with the excellent background of Host supervisor on organic battery materials, effective implementation of the project is foreseen. Besides, we anticipate that the successful completion of this project will lead to a new sustainable battery technology for rescue equipment and battling the climate change and energy crisis, and set off a wave of research on this concept, as well as provide great opportunities for me to reach a position of professional excellence and independence.