Development of Future Power Distribution and Delivery Networks

Energy storage technologies have been developed vigorously in recent years. They have made great progress in many aspects, such as energy density, rateability, safety, and stability. The development of battery technology has made profound changes in our society. For example, the development of electric vehicles and their continuously increased cruising range have provided people with experiences that are entirely different from traditional gasoline-based vehicles. Advances in battery technology, especially those in large battery packs that have been driven by demands from electric vehicles, have provided the dynamic momentum for continuous development. On a separate development, the battery industry has also started to focus on coming up with viable pathways toward large-scale energy storage. Previously, the most commonly used large-scale energy storage through pumping water has been bounded by many geographical restrictions which can be alleviated by the more convenient electrochemical energy storage. It’s foreseen that this market demand will also generate new requirements for battery technologies.

The HKICE energy storage team carries out research on a wide span of battery technologies. From the development of lithium-rich cathode materials, silicon/carbon anode materials, and solid-state batteries with high cycling stability and enhanced energy density, to the development of aqueous electrolyte-based batteries with ultimately safe performance to ensure enhanced safety in energy storage. We also investigate sodium-ion batteries for potential cost reduction and flexible batteries for applications in wearable electronics. Supported by the unique transmission electron microscope that possesses ultra-high time and space resolution, we conduct fundamental studies on the electrochemical kinetics and the evolution of the electrode material structure. Combining this with theoretical simulations, it allows us to understand the underlying mechanisms of material structural changes at the atomic level. In addition to smaller-scale laboratory research, HKICE also promotes the development of practical applications for the technologies developed. Besides research, our team has an extensive network of industrial companies in the Greater Bay Area, which enables us to jointly develop better batteries for electric vehicles, large-scale energy storage, wearable electronics, and other applications. We envisioned providing the communities with safe, stable, and environmentally friendly energy storage solutions, to enable the sustainable development of modern society. 

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