Reaction mechanism of scavenger polymers inside batteries

Next generation batteries need to have ultra-high-performance while being robust, sustainable and safe.

These requirements can only be achieved with a proper control of the battery chemistry at the cell level and mitigating the degradation reactions that lead to battery failure.

The aim of this project is to design scavenger polymer binders that enable high energy density batteries with long cycle life and to understand the reaction mechanism that happens during battery operation.

Firstly, homopolymers with only one scavenger molecule will be synthesized to understand their properties and ability to scavenge specific side products in batteries.

Afterwards, several scavenger molecules will be incorporated into one polymer to further improve the efficiency of these materials.

Finally, the interaction between the scavenger polymers and the side products will be studied outside and inside the battery during operation.

The novelty and scientific outcomes of this project will be to understand: (1) the structure-property relationship and reaction mechanism between scavenger molecules in the polymer and side products; (2) feasibility to incorporate several scavenger molecules into one polymer; and (3) how to control the battery chemistry at the cell level to extend the cycle life of high energy density batteries.