Research at the Feifei Lab
Learn more about our interdisciplinary work that involves in the aspects of surface chemistry, materials science, mechanical engineering, etc., With a special emphasis on innovative intergrated energy systems.
In-situ, multi-modality diagnostic techniques
Failure Mechanisms & Manufacturing Challenges in Battery Systems
Manufacturing strategies for next generation lithium-based batteries
The advancement in novel manufacturing techniques like 3D printing has enabled the assembly of different solid electrolytes (polymeric, inorganic, and composites) in a more advanced geometric configuration that could potentially achieve the requirement for complex-shaped or micro/nanoscale batteries. In our review article, some challenges associated with manufacturing solid electrolytes via 3D printing such as air/moisture sensitivity of samples, printing resolution, scale-up capability, and longterm sintering for inorganic solid electrolytes have been put forward.
(Hanrui Zhang and Mert Ulusel)
Novel Catalysis Systems Using 2D Materials
IR and XPS analysis
Two-dimensional (2D) materials have shown great potential in gas sensing and catalysis applications, due to their large surface area, flexibility, robustness, and unique interactions with atoms and molecules. Understanding the underlying mechanism of gas adsorption and catalytic reactions over 2D materials is a frontier field. Both Ambient Pressure X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (APXPS) and in-situ Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS) have become powerful characterization tools for studies in gas adsorption behaviors and heterogeneous catalysis. Real-time monitoring of charge transfer process, catalytic intermediates and products can be achieved by APXPS. Surface adsorbed species on 2D materials can be detected by DRIFTS.
(Jiawei Lai)
Surface/Interface Science in Electrochemistry
Electrochemical double layer structure
The electrode-electrolyte interface governs the kinetics and reversibility of all electrochemical processes. Elucidating the dynamics and heterogeneity of electrical double layer (EDL) is crucial, where a variety of essential electrochemical processes occur, e.g., electrostatic adsorption, specific adsorption, metal plating/stripping, intercalation, electrocatalysis and the formation of permanent interphases. We aim to reveal the full picture of complex EDL structure by understanding the ionic distribution across interface, interfacial potential profile, and associated nanoscale dimension. Further correlating the EDL structure with electrochemical behaviors opens a new world for future electrolyte design.
(Jianwei Lai and Lingzi Meng)