Advanced Energy Systems

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Thrust 2: Advanced Energy Storage

  • Thrust 2 aims to investigate the use of antimony in advanced energy storage applications

  • Conventional lithium-ion storage systems have a range of shortcomings, including: limited lifespan, tendency to overheat and supply chain constraints with heavy reliance on Chinese sources cobalt /graphite

  • Potential application to improve performance in sodium-ion and lithium–ion battery chemistries

  • Well suited for long-cycle, stationary grid storage

  • Thrust 2 closely aligned with Department of Energy (DOE) focus on alternate chemistries to conventional lithium-ion technology

Property Benefit of Antimony
Alloying capacity Hosts multiple Li/Na/K ions per atom; higher theoretical capacity than graphite
Conductivity Metallic conductivity improves charge transfer
Cycling stability Alloy phases can be stabilized with nanostructures or composites
Low-cost & abundant Lower cost pathway; avoids China-dominated supply
Liquid metal compatibility Functions as liquid cathode in Ca–Sb or Mg–Sb systems