Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have become ubiquitous as energy storage devices for mobile electronics, electric vehicles, and are beginning to be used for electric grid-scale energy storage. Lithium-ion batteries offer higher efficiencies, energy density, and longer life compared to incumbent technologies such as lead-acid and nickel metal hydride. Applications in which LIBs are used are continuing to demand better performing batteries at lower cost, which requires improvement in electroactive materials. This dissertation investigates the low temperature synthesis and modification of LiCoPO4 as a potential high-voltage and therefore higher energy density polyanion cathode material for LIBs, as well as a new class of interdigitated metal foil anodes which promises to be an inexpensive, higher energy density, alternative to graphite. Chapter 1 is a brief introduction to lithium-ion batteries and the principle of operation of intercalation type electrochemical energy storage devices. The components of lithium ion batteries are introduced, specifically the anode, cathode, separator, and electrolyte. Some of the shortfalls of the current technologies are discussed and areas of research interest are highlighted. Chapter 2 is a brief overview of the various experimental methods that are generally applicable to more than one of the subsequent chapters. Methods which are specific to a given study are discussed in their respective chapters. Chapter 3 presents work on the low temperature microwave-assisted solovthermal synthesis (MW-ST) of three unique polymorphs of LiCoPO4, specifically the polymorphs belonging to the Pnma, Cmcm, and Pn21a space groups. Prior to this work, only the Pnma polymorph had been reported via MW-ST method, and electrochemistry had not yet been reported for either the Pn21a or Cmcm polymorph. The dependence of the polymorphs on both the water content, and ammonium hydroxide content of the solvent was shown. Although, the electrochemistry of both the Pn21a and Cmcm polymorphs was found to be inferior to the Pnma polymorph, the ability to synthesize phase pure materials was crucial to conducting the work presented in chapters 4 and 5. Chapter 4 presents the aliovalent substitution of V3+ for Co2+ in LiCoPO4 via a low-temperature MW-ST process. Substitution of up to 7% vanadium for cobalt was demonstrated and verified by changes in the lattice parameters with vanadium content. Both the ionic and electronic conductivity of LiCoPO4 was enhanced with increasing vanadium substitution, which was attributed to the introduction of both charge carriers as well as inter-tunnel cobalt vacancies. Finally, the first cycle capacity was enhanced (from 69 mAh/g to 115 mAh/g) as well as the capacity retention over cycling. Chapter 5 demonstrates a novel technique of MW-ST assisted coating of a thin (2-5nm) conformal coating of LiFePO4 on vanadium substituted LiCoPO4. Although the vanadium substitution was able to independently increase the performance of LiCoPO4, the materials still suffers from severe side reactions with the electrolyte. The coating of LiFePO4 effectively raises the Fermi energy of the cathode material above the high occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of the electrolyte preventing side reactions and increase the coulombic efficiency to nearly 100%. Chapter 6 introduces a novel method of producing high surface area, electrically conductive, metal nanofoams via a MW-ST process. Nickel, copper, and silver metal nanofoams are made via an inexpensive yet scalable process whereby metal acetates are reduced by polyglycol under microwave irradiation. The nanofoams were characterized via BET, SEM, XRD, EDS, and TEM. The nanofoams have potential uses in many clean energy applications, particularly lithium-ion batteries. Chapter 7 introduces a new framework for making a new class of high capacity, low-cost alloying anodes for lithium ion batteries. A novel interdigitated metal foil anode (IMFA) in which a nanosized active material, such as tin, is interdigitated with an electrically conductive matrix, such as aluminum, is presented. The foils are formed by the rolling of a eutectic Al-Sn alloy into a foil, which is an extremely cheap and scalable process. The anodes demonstrate an approximately 70% increase in capacity compared to graphite over 100 cycles, at reasonably fast rates (C/5), and high coulombic efficiency (>99%). Finally, Chapter 8 gives a brief overview of the results of the prior work and proposes areas for future research

Introduction to Electromagnetic Waves with Maxwell???s Equations Discover an innovative and fresh approach to teaching classical electromagnetics at a foundational level Introduction to Electromagnetic Waves with Maxwell???s Equations delivers an accessible and practical approach to teaching the well-known topics all electromagnetics instructors must include in their syllabus. Based on the author???s decades of experience teaching the subject, the book is carefully tuned to be relevant to an audience of engineering students who have already been exposed to the basic curricula of linear algebra and multivariate calculus. Forming the backbone of the book, Maxwell???s equations are developed step-by-step in consecutive chapters, while related electromagnetic phenomena are discussed simultaneously. The author presents accompanying mathematical tools alongside the material provided in the book to assist students with retention and comprehension. The book contains over 100 solved problems and examples with stepwise solutions offered alongside them. An accompanying website provides readers with additional problems and solutions. Readers will also benefit from the inclusion of: A thorough introduction to preliminary concepts in the field, including scalar and vector fields, cartesian coordinate systems, basic vector operations, orthogonal coordinate systems, and electrostatics, magnetostatics, and electromagnetics An exploration of Gauss??? Law, including integral forms, differential forms, and boundary conditions A discussion of Ampere???s Law, including integral and differential forms and Stoke???s Theorem An examination of Faraday???s Law, including integral and differential forms and the Lorentz Force Law Perfect for third- and fourth-year undergraduate students in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, applied maths, physics, and computer science, Introduction to Electromagnetic Waves with Maxwell???s Equations will also earn a place in the libraries of graduate and postgraduate students in any STEM program with applications in electromagnetics.

The performances of current electrical energy storage systems (both batteries and electrochemical capacitors) are not capable of meeting the ever-increasing demands of emerging technologies. This is because batteries often suffer from slow power delivery, limited life-time, and long charging time whereas electrochemical capacitors suffer from low energy density. While extensive efforts have been made to the development of novel electrode materials, progress has been hindered by the lack of a profound understanding on the complex charge storage mechanism. Therefore, the main objective of this research is to develop novel electrode materials which can exhibit both high energy and power density with prolonged life-time and to gain a fundamental understanding of their charge storage mechanism. \r : \r : First, nanostructured, thin, and conformal coatings of transition metal oxides have been deposited onto three-dimensional porous substrates of current collectors to form composite electrodes. The structures and compositions of the oxide coatings are further altered by a controlled annealing process and characterized by electron microscopy and spectroscopy, laboratory X-ray diffraction, gas adsorption analysis, and in-situ and ex-situ synchrotron-enabled X-ray diffraction and absorption spectroscopy. The structural features have also been correlated with the electrochemical behavior of the transition metal oxides as an electrode in an electrochemical capacitor. It is found that the electrochemical performance of the composite electrodes depends sensitively on the composition, nanostructure, and morphology of the oxide coatings. When optimized, the electrodes displayed the highest energy and power density with excellent cycling life among all materials reported for electrochemical capacitors. Finally, new charge storage mechanisms have also been proposed for the novel electrode materials based on insights gained from in-situ synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy.

This book examines the synthesis of graphene obtained from different natural raw materials and waste products as a low-cost, environmentally friendly alternative that delivers a quality final product. Expert researchers review potential sources of natural raw materials and waste products, methods or characterization, graphene synthesis considerations, and important applications. FEATURES Explores the different approaches to the synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) from natural and industrial carbonaceous wastes Outlines the modification and characterization methods of GO and rGO Addresses the characterization methods of GO and rGO Details applications of GO and rGO created from natural sources Graphene is a multidisciplinary material with applications in almost every sector of science and engineering. Graphene from Natural Sources: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications is a noteworthy reference for material scientists and engineers in academia and industry interested in reducing costs and employing green synthesis methods in their work.

The field of molecular materials research looks at the preparation and characterization of potentially useful materials with enhanced physical, chemical, and biomedical properties. Molecular Materials: Preparation, Characterization, and Applications discusses the cutting-edge interdisciplinary research in the area of advanced molecular-based materials. This book explores multiple aspects of molecular materials, including their synthesis and characterization, and gives information on their application in various fields.

Discover a new generation of organic nanomaterials and their applications Recent developments in nanoscience and nanotechnology have given rise to a new generation of functional organic nanomaterials with controlled morphology and well-defined properties, which enable a broad range of useful applications. This book explores some of the most important of these organic nanomaterials, describing how they are synthesized and characterized. Moreover, the book explains how researchers have incorporated organic nanomaterials into devices for real-world applications. Featuring contributions from an international team of leading nanoscientists, Organic Nanomaterials is divided into five parts: Part One introduces the fundamentals of nanomaterials and self-assembled nanostructures Part Two examines carbon nanostructures from fullerenes to carbon nanotubes to graphene reporting on properties, theoretical studies, and applications Part Three investigates key aspects of some inorganic materials, self-assembled monolayers, organic field effect transistors, and molecular self-assembly at solid surfaces Part Four explores topics that involve both biological aspects and nanomaterials such as biofunctionalized surfaces Part Five offers detailed examples of how organic nanomaterials enhance sensors and molecular photovoltaics Most of the chapters end with a summary highlighting the key points. References at the end of each chapter guide readers to the growing body of original research reports and reviews in the field. Reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of organic nanomaterials, this book is recommended for researchers in chemistry, physics, materials science, polymer science, and chemical and materials engineering. All readers will learn the principles of synthesizing and characterizing new organic nanomaterials in order to support a broad range of exciting new applications.

This edited book is devoted to different electrochemical aspects of nano materials. This comprehensive reference text is basically divided in 3 parts: electrochemical synthesis routes for nanosized materials, electrochemical properties of nano materials and electrochemical characterization methods for nanostructures. The Handbook is a reference work to chemists and materials scientists interested in the nano aspects of electrochemistry. The chapters are written by a number of international experts in the field and the content will assist members of both electrochemical and materials communities to keep abreast of developments in the field.

A state-of-the-art reference, Metal Nanoparticles offers the latest research on the synthesis, characterization, and applications of nanoparticles. Following an introduction of structural, optical, electronic, and electrochemical properties of nanoparticles, the book elaborates on nanoclusters, hyper-Raleigh scattering, nanoarrays, and several applications including single electron devices, chemical sensors, biomolecule sensors, and DNA detection. The text emphasizes how size, shape, and surface chemistry affect particle performance throughout. Topics include synthesis and formation of nanoclusters, nanosphere lithography, modeling of nanoparticle optical properties, and biomolecule sensors.

With the proliferation of electronic devices, the world will need to double its energy supply by 2050. This book addresses this challenge and discusses synthesis and characterization of carbon nanomaterials for energy conversion and storage. Addresses one of the leading challenges facing society today as we steer away from dwindling supplies of fossil fuels and a rising need for electric power due to the proliferation of electronic products Promotes the use of carbon nanomaterials for energy applications Systematic coverage: synthesis, characterization, and a wide array of carbon nanomaterials are described Detailed descriptions of solar cells, electrodes, thermoelectrics, supercapacitors, and lithium-ion-based storage Discusses special architecture required for energy storage including hydrogen, methane, etc.