Research
Contact
Dr.Yang Zhao
Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 6B9, Canada
Office: SEB 2053A
E-mail:yzhao628@uwo.ca
E-mail:yzhao628@uwo.ca
Tel: 519-661-2111 x 81478
Research
Research Interests
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| Atomic layer deposition (ALD) and molecular layer deposition (MLD) provide powerful, precision-controlled approaches for interfacial engineering for batteries. By enabling conformal, ultrathin, and chemically tunable coatings on complex electrode surfaces, ALD/MLD can be used to stabilize both cathode–electrolyte and anode–electrolyte interfaces. On the cathode side, artificial interfacial layers can suppress electrolyte decomposition, mitigate transition-metal dissolution, reduce surface reconstruction, and improve Na⁺ transport across the interface. On the anode side, ALD/MLD-derived coatings can regulate solid-electrolyte interphase formation, inhibit parasitic reactions, accommodate volume change, and enhance interfacial compatibility with liquid or solid electrolytes. Through rational control of coating composition, thickness, and hybrid organic–inorganic chemistry, ALD/MLD offers a versatile platform to understand and design stable electrode interfaces for high-performance and long-life batteries. |
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| Solid-state sodium-ion batteries are particularly attractive because they combine the intrinsic resource advantages and low cost of sodium with the enhanced safety potential of nonflammable solid electrolytes. They also offer a promising route to overcome limitations of conventional liquid-electrolyte sodium batteries, including electrolyte leakage, unstable interphases, dendrite-related failure, and restricted operating conditions. Our work on solid-state sodium-ion batteries focuses on the integrated development of solid electrolytes, engineered interfaces, and practical device architectures. A central direction is the design of new solid-state electrolytes, including halide-based materials and dual-/multiple-ion framework systems, to achieve high Na⁺ conductivity, wide electrochemical stability, and improved chemical compatibility with electrode materials. In parallel, we use interface engineering strategies to regulate cathode–electrolyte and anode–electrolyte contacts, reduce interfacial resistance, suppress side reactions, and improve mechanical/electrochemical stability during cycling. By coupling electrolyte discovery with targeted interfacial modification and full-cell device integration, this theme aims to advance safe, long-life, and high-performance solid-state sodium-ion batteries. |
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| Sodium–sulfur batteries are attractive next-generation energy-storage systems because they couple earth-abundant, low-cost sodium and sulfur with high theoretical energy density, but their practical performance is limited by polysulfide shuttle, sluggish reaction kinetics, unstable interfaces, and safety challenges. Our work on sodium–sulfur batteries spans both liquid and solid-state systems, with a central focus on controlling interfacial chemistry to enable high sulfur utilization, long cycle life, and improved safety. For liquid batteries, we develop interface design strategies to suppress polysulfide dissolution and shuttle behavior, stabilize the sulfur cathode and sodium anode interfaces, and promote efficient redox conversion. For solid-state sodium–sulfur batteries, our efforts emphasize mechanistic understanding of sulfur reaction pathways, solid–solid interfacial evolution, and ion/electron transport within confined sulfur hosts. |
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| Advanced characterization is essential for revealing the structure–chemistry–property relationships that govern battery performance, degradation, and safety. We intensively use synchrotron-based X-ray and in-situ/operando synchrotron techniques to track phase evolution, local coordination changes, interfacial chemistry and reactions, and dendrite formation under realistic battery operating conditions. These measurements are complemented by XPS, TOF-SIMS, solid-state NMR, electron microscopy, AFM, Raman spectroscopy, etc., to provide multiscale insights into composition, morphology, interfaces, and reaction pathways. Together, these tools establish a mechanistic understanding that guides rational electrolyte design, interface engineering, and device optimization for high-performance batteries. |
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Battery recycling is increasingly important as the rapid growth of electric vehicles and grid-scale energy storage creates rising demand for critical materials, lower-cost manufacturing, and environmentally responsible end-of-life battery management. Our work on battery recycling focuses on developing sustainable strategies for both solid-state battery components and conventional cathode materials. For solid-state batteries, we emphasize recycling and regeneration of solid-state electrolytes. In parallel, we develop direct recycling approaches for different cathode chemistries, including LCO, NMC, and LFP, aiming to repair crystal structures, replenish lost lithium, restore electrochemical activity, and retain the value of the original cathode framework without complete elemental breakdown. |
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