Shineui Hwang

(Advisor: Prof. Meilin Liu)

will defend a master’s thesis entitled,

Surface Modification of Nb Oxide Anode Materials via Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) for Lithium-ion Batteries

On

Friday, December 1st at 12:00 p.m.

Virtually via MS Teams at:

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join

Abstract

Batteries used for energy storage applications increasingly require higher power and energy densities, with ambitious performance goals such as rapid charging and sustained performance over long-term cycles. Nb-based oxide anode materials, which offer high rate capability, significant volumetric capacity, and stable intercalation with minimal volume expansion, have emerged as promising candidates for next-generation energy storage applications. Due to limited electronic conductivity, however, their potential for electrochemical energy storage has primarily been demonstrated in electrodes with low mass loading (~1 mg cm−2). In this study, a carbon layer is applied to the surface of Nb-based oxides using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to create a highly interconnected conductive network. This network enhances electron transport in electrodes with a practical mass loading of approximately 8 mg cm−2. In addition to optimized charge transport, the enhanced mechanical strength of the carbon–Nb oxide composite prevents direct contact between the electrode and liquid electrolyte, thereby reducing structural degradation over extended cycles. Systematic optimization of the thickness and quality of the carbon layer in the composite resulted in improved charge transport and reduced structural degradation, enabling high-rate capabilities and excellent stability at high mass loading of active electrode materials. This advancement represents a significant step towards realizing the practical application of Nb-based anode materials in lithium-ion batteries.

Committee

• Prof. Meilin Liu – MSE (advisor)
• Prof. Hamid Garmestani – MSE
• Prof. Hailong Chen – ME/MSE