U.S.-France Cooperative Research: Structural Evolution of Layered Intercalculation Materials for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries: First Principles Modeling and Experiments

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, Cambridge MA

Investigators

Abstract

0003799 Ceder This three-year award for U.S.-France cooperative research involves Gerbrand Ceder of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Claude Delmas of the Institut de Chimie de la Matiere Condensee de Bordeaux in Bordeaux, France. The collaboration addresses synthesis, characterization, and modeling of electrode materials. In particular, the behavior, electrochemical and structural properties of lithium insertion materials and phase transformation of layered transition-metal oxides will be investigated. Lithium based systems are considered a promising technology for rechargeable batteries as a clean, inexpensive, portable form of power storage. The US group brings to this collaboration theoretical expertise in using first principles computations to predict properties of lithium insertion materials. This is complemented by the experimental capabilities of the French group in phase transitions, in synthesis and NMR studies of lithium based materials. This award represents the US side of a joint proposal to the NSF and the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS). NSF will cover travel funds and living expenses for the US investigator and graduate student. The CNRS will support the visits of French researchers to the United States.