Strategic synthesis and local scale characterisation of new materials for energy storage

In recent years, our group has been developing microwave-assisted routes to functional materials which present a faster, lower energy synthetic methodology. By combining this approach with the use of new single-source precursors, we have established guided routes to high quality nanoparticles for use as electrodes in Li- and Na-ion batteries. I will present our latest results in the preparation of nanostructured electrodes, as well as solid electrolytes in our attempts to realise safer, higher energy density all solid-state batteries. To intimately understand the structure-property-function relationships in these materials, we make full use of a host of physical characterisation tools and facilities-based local structure techniques including muon spin relaxation, total scattering methods and x-ray absorption spectroscopy. Such methods allow us to monitor, in detail, lithium diffusion processes and magnetic ordering in these nanoparticles, together with changes in local structure. The combination of this variety of techniques builds a more complete picture of such complex materials and is of huge importance in elucidating mechanistic information.