Vertically Aligned Nanocomposite Thin Films for Micro-Battery and Nanoionic Applications
type: CreativeWork
description: High energy and power density rechargeable micro-batteries are a necessity for powering the next generation of flexible electronics, internet of things and MedTech devices. In theory, significant improvements in the capacity, current and power densities of micro-batteries would result if 3-dimensional architectures were used, as they have both enhanced interdigitated component interface areas and shortened ion diffusion path lengths. Vertically aligned nanocomposite (VAN) films, an example of a thin film 3D architecture, have shown promise in solid oxide fuel cells devices displaying enhanced ionic conductivity, reduced areal surface resistances and improved cell performance by enhancing the interfacial surface area. These VAN attributes may be transferable to solid-state micro-batteries, enabling improvements in the aforementioned battery properties, while also compensating for intrinsic low diffusivity due to nanoscale path lengths. VANs can be grown with high control of the crystallographic and interface orientation and act as a scaffold to stabilize challenging phases; hence, systems can be optimized to maximize capacity and performance, particularly when working with materials with anisotropic properties. Thus, VANs may allow a wider selection of materials to be utilised in miniaturised batteries. In the first part of this thesis, two battery based vertically aligned nanocomposite thin films are presented. The first system, a LL(Nb,Ti)O-(Ti,Nb)O₂ VAN, showcases the essential physical properties of a VAN film that could be incorporated into an all solid-state battery. Namely, high Li⁺ ionic conductivity and distinct regions of electron conducting nanocolumns embedded in an insulating matrix. The second system, a LiMn₂O₄-SrRuO₃ VAN, is comprised of LiMn₂O₄ cathode nanocolumns embedded in a SrRuO₃ current collecting matrix. This system exhibits high discharge capacities and excellent rate performance. It is demonstrated that the cycling performance is dependent on…
abstract: High energy and power density rechargeable micro-batteries are a necessity for powering the next generation of flexible electronics, internet of things and MedTech devices. In theory, significant improvements in the capacity, current and power densities of micro-batteries would result if 3-dimensional architectures were used, as they have both enhanced interdigitated component interface areas and shortened ion diffusion path lengths. Vertically aligned nanocomposite (VAN) films, an example of a thin film 3D architecture, have shown promise in solid oxide fuel cells devices displaying enhanced ionic conductivity, reduced areal surface resistances and improved cell performance by enhancing the interfacial surface area. These VAN attributes may be transferable to solid-state micro-batteries, enabling improvements in the aforementioned battery properties, while also compensating for intrinsic low diffusivity due to nanoscale path lengths. VANs can be grown with high control of the crystallographic and interface orientation and act as a scaffold to stabilize challenging phases; hence, systems can be optimized to maximize capacity and performance, particularly when working with materials with anisotropic properties. Thus, VANs may allow a wider selection of materials to be utilised in miniaturised batteries. In the first part of this thesis, two battery based vertically aligned nanocomposite thin films are presented. The first system, a LL(Nb,Ti)O-(Ti,Nb)O₂ VAN, showcases the essential physical properties of a VAN film that could be incorporated into an all solid-state battery. Namely, high Li⁺ ionic conductivity and distinct regions of electron conducting nanocolumns embedded in an insulating matrix. The second system, a LiMn₂O₄-SrRuO₃ VAN, is comprised of LiMn₂O₄ cathode nanocolumns embedded in a SrRuO₃ current collecting matrix. This system exhibits high discharge capacities and excellent rate performance. It is demonstrated that the cycling performance is dependent on…
author: Lovett, Adam
language: eng
keywords: Composite, Electrochemistry, Epitaxy, Nano science, Thin Film, Batteries
license: https://apollo8-f-pro.lib.cam.ac.uk/bitstreams/f4987689-d8aa-40f6-a6b7-a29087ec8696/download
license: https://www.rioxx.net/licenses/all-rights-reserved/
date published: 2022-12-17
date modified: 2026-07-22T22:24:31Z
provider: Cambridge University
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: University of Cambridge

PropertyValue
property ID: DOI
value: 10.17863/CAM.105466