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Welcome to Dr. Sun's Nanomaterials and Energy Group

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Nanomaterials	Fuel Cells	Lithium Batteries

Nanomaterials

1. Development of Carbon Nanotubes and Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanotubes

This research focuses on the synthesis, characterization, structure and properties of carbon nanotubes and nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes, with an emphasis on the fundamental understanding of their growth mechanisms and structural control. Various chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods have been developed including (i) a floating catalyst CVD method (using a solid hydrocarbon source); (ii) an Ohmically heated and specially designed CVD method (using a gas hydrocarbon source); (iii) an aerosol-assisted CVD method (using a liquid hydrocarbon source); (iv) injection spray CVD method; and (d) a plasma-enhanced CVD (PECVD) method. The ultimate goal of this work is to build a scientific base for large-scale production of nanotube-based nanomaterials with the controlled structure and specific properties for applications in areas such as fuel cells, batteries, and sensing technologies.



2. Development of Nanowires and Nanotubes of Inorganic Materials

This research is to explore inorganic non-carbon, one-dimensional nanomaterials with solid and hollow nanostructures, such as nanowires and nanotubes. Again, the emphasis will be placed on controlled synthesis and developing a thorough understanding of the correlations between structure and property. The approaches we are using include chemical vapor deposition, template and solution-based routes. These new nanostructures also hold the key to the continuous progress toward electrochemical electrodes for fuel cells, batteries and sensors.




Fuel Cells

1. Nanomaterial-Based Low-Cost and High-Durability Fuel Cells

This research are to fabricate three-dimensional and highly efficient fuel cell electrodes by using advanced nanomaterials such as nanotubes and nanowires synthesized in Dr. Sun’s lab as supports for Pt-based nanoparticle electrocatalysts. It is expected that integrated three-dimensional nanotube-based and nanowire-based fuel cell electrodes will be ideal materials for providing a higher catalytic performance, high catalyst utilization, efficient mass transport, and a longer fuel cell operational life. This innovative research could significantly lower the cost (toward the commercially visible target) and improve the stability of fuel cells, thereby accelerating the fuel cell commercialization process.




Lithium Batteries

1. Electrode Nanomaterials for Lithium Ion Batteries

The research is aiming at developing electrode nanomaterials of high-performance rechargeable lithium ion batteries (LIBs) for electronic vehicles (EVs) and hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs). We are synthesizing various cathode and anode electrode materials at the nanoscale. The cathode materials include LiFePO₄ and carbon/ LiFePO_4.The anode materialsinclude carbon-based nanomaterials (e.g. graphene and carbon nanotubes), Sn-based and Si-based nanocompistes, and Li₄Ti₅O₁₂.

2. Lithium Air Batteries

The research is to develop (i) three-dimensional cathode structure (ii) efficient novel catalysts. The focus is on synthesis various nanostructures as catalysts and catalyst supports.

Welcome to Dr. Sun's Nanomaterials and Energy Group

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