Crystal chemistry of new inorganic materials for energy storage

Coordinator: Dr. Jean-Noel Chotard

Involved staff:

E. Baudrin, J-N. Chotard, M. Courty, A. Demortière, L. Dupont, C. Frayret, C. Masquelier, M. Morcrette, N. Recham, V. Seznec, V. Viallet

Our approach aims at developing close links between synthesis, physicochemical properties and structural properties, and has targeted many families of materials, mostly those with a "polyanionic" framework (phosphates, silicates, sulfates, borates). The strength of this activity is built on recognized expertise in crystal x-ray, neutron and electron powder diffraction studies. We have significantly reinforced our "large instruments" activities, with numerous experiments performed at SOLEIL Saclay, ALBA Barcelona and APS Argonne synchrotrons, and on neutron scattering at ILL, Grenoble. Simultaneously, we have decided to expand and consolidate our activites with the purchase of a four-circle single crystal diffractometer equipped with a microsource in January 2013.

These tools have allowed us to work on various activities:

1. Materials for hydrogen storage

- MSi Zintl phases for hydrogen storage

- Modification in thermodynamic properties

2. Crystal chemistry of transition metal (Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni) sulfates and fluorosulfates

3. Research and understanding of electrochemical reactivity mechanisms of new transition-metal (Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni) fluoro- and oxyphosphates

4. Synthesis and appraisal of new polyanionic structures: silicates, borates, oxalates, malonates, carbonates

5. Chemistry of structural defects in phosphates with a triphylite structure

6. Ongoing development of operando diffraction techniques inside batteries

7. Ionic conductors and inorganic electrodes for all solid state electrochemical devices

8. Electrode materials for Na-ion batteries