Research into next-generation lithium ion batteries

UNSW SMaRT Centre researchers' have developed a novel carbon material, called "microzonal carbon" synthesized from waste hard rubber as a new type of anode material for next-generation lithium ion batteries (LIBs).

In a study published by Advanced Energy Materials, the research found that the electrochemical properties of microzonal carbon can be attributed to its unique hybrid carbon structure, resulting in fast ion diffusion, high electronic conductivity, and the ability to form a stable interphase. 

The key finding is that this new material derived from waste presents new insights into the electrochemical behavior of microzonal carbon as an anode material in next-generation of LIBs, and continues to build on SMaRT's work in using wastes as feedstock for remanufacturing and new products, to enhance sustainability and create a circular economy as the world seeks to debarbonise.

The research was undertaken under SMaRT’s Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Research Hub into Microrecycling of Batteries and Other Consumer Wastes.

Electrochemical energy storage devices (EESDs) are the backbone in the rapid progress of renewable energy, electrification of automobiles (e.g., EVs), and industry electrification. 

Commercial graphite anode-based LIBs comprised of non-aqueous electrolyte are one of the most widely used EESDs in the energy market. 

Recently graphite has been flagged as one of the critical materials for national security as well as industrial application. 

The surging demand for graphitic carbon in EESDs has created critical challenges in the demand-supply dynamics within the supply chain of graphitic material. 

This has led to research towards the discovery of alternative or renewable resources of carbon materials to provide a potential solution for the pressure on the supply chain of graphitic carbon. 

A number of materials have been investigated and these are summarized in in the published report, with graphite included as a bench making comparison. 

In this study, SMaRT demonstrated microzonal carbon derived from waste hard rubber has strong potential for used as a carbon-based anode for rechargeable Li-ion batteries.