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Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters Paper Published
The latest work from our group "Reversible Zinc Electrodeposition at −60 ℃ Using a Deep Eutectic Electrolyte for Low-Temperature Zinc Metal Batteries" was published today. In this work we demonstrate an electrolyte with a deep-eutectic point to enable reversible zinc electrodeposition down to temperatures of -60 ℃. We make electrolytes in different ratios of [EMIm]TFSI with gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) which are probed electrochemically to determine their macroscopic properties, and further analysed at the molecular level via NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to explain the differences in performance from an atomistic approach.
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Journal of Magnetic Resonance Paper Published
Our new study of aluminium-organic batteries, entitled "Revealing Impacts of Electrolyte Speciation on Ionic Charge Storage in Aluminum-Quinone Batteries by NMR Spectroscopy", is now out in the Journal of Magnetic Resonance. This is a detailed analysis of the ionic charge storage mechanisms in aluminium-quinone batteries where we begin by detailing the speciation of three different Lewis acidic ionic liquid or ionic liquid analogue electrolytes by liquid-state NMR, we then use solid-state NMR to determine the nature of the complexed ions upon electrochemical discharge in each electrolyte. We further use DFT calculations to both determine the most favorable electroactive cation generation pathways and to link the experimentally derived NMR quadrupolar parameters to a physical basis of ion interaction with different quinone structures. Finally, we also validate our hypothesised mechanisms with targeted experiments, proving the function of various ionic species.
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BES 2022
The 4th battery and energy storage conference, taking place this year in CUNY's very own Advanced Science and Research Center building, was a fast-paced and highly engaging few days. Great talks from many people with a variety of topics - from space applications, to cutting edge recycling techniques.
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ECS 2022
ECS 2022 was a nice conference with lots of engaging talks, including from Nobel Laureate Prof. Stan Whittingham, who even stopped by the student mixer to mingle with the student members of ECS. It was great to meet a lot of new people, especially finally being able to meet people in person.
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Journal of Physical Chemistry C Paper Published
My debut first-author paper came out today, "Molecular-Scale Elucidation of Ionic Charge Storage Mechanisms in Rechargeable Aluminum–Quinone Batteries". This study puts forward an in-depth analysis of charge storage mechanisms in aluminium-quinone batteries that we expect to be generalisable for all anthraquinone-based materials paired with aluminium-metal anodes in Lewis acidic chloroaluminate electrolyte.
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ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Paper Published
Our paper in collaboration with the Juchen Guo group (UC Riverside): "Performance Leap of Lithium Metal Batteries in LiPF6 Carbonate Electrolyte by a Phosphorus Pentoxide Acid Scavenger" was published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces today. This work is a culmination of excellent performance of lithium metal batteries and deep, mechanistic understanding.
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Global NMR Discussions Twitter Conference 2022
I presented a poster at the Global NMR discussions Twitter conference and had a good time learning some new things and engaging with some more of the NMR community.
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RMC 2022
I had a great week at RMC 2022 in the Colorado Rocky Mountains where I met and connected with a number of wonderful people and great scientists. I feel very grateful to have been awarded a travel stipend to support my attendance so I could discuss the groundbreaking understanding we have been developing in aluminum-organic batteries!
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ACS Chemistry of Materials Paper Published
Our ACS Chemistry of Materials paper entitled "Soluble Electrolyte-Coordinated Sulfide Species Revealed in Al–S Batteries by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy", led by Dr. Rahul Jay and Dr. Ankur Jadhav, was published. The study probed the different species present through solid-state NMR techniques on a multiphase sample containing both solid and liquid and species. Click into this post for the link.
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ENC 2022 Conference
It was a great experience attending my first in-person ENC, and what a huge difference it makes to get to be with everyone in person again! I heard a number of interesting talks, saw some great poster presentations, and met many new, wonderful, and fascinating people. Can't wait for the next one!