Ion Regulation in Solids for Emerging Energy Applications

Date: 2022/05/06 - 2022/05/06

Academic Seminar: Ion Regulation in Solids for Emerging Energy Applications

Speaker: Dr. Jiayu Wan

Time: 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m., May 6th, 2022 ( Beijing Time)

Location: via feishu

Abstract

Energy storage has revolutionized our lives, enabling the wireless society we live in today and playing an essential role in creating a sustainable future. Despite its ubiquitous adoption, however, the Li-ion battery (LIB) -- the best electrochemical energy storage technology so far -- has yet to realize its full potential. In this talk, I will attempt to answer two questions related to LIBs: (1) How can we tackle the challenges in developing high energy density LIBs and catch up with the demanding requirements posed by applications such as electrified transportation? (2) What are the unique features of LIB chemistry and how can we utilize them beyond energy storage?

In the first part of the talk, I will discuss next generation all-solid-state batteries that can potentially provide energy densities far superior to their conventional counterparts. Focusing on materials design and innovation, I will discuss how an ultrathin, flexible solid-state electrolyte may address the dilemma between high energy/power density and safety in LIBs. In the second part, I will introduce how I may utilize LIBs as a tool for imbuing materials with unprecedented physical/chemical properties. Through extreme doping, an abnormal and simultaneous increase of optical transmittance and electrical conductivity can be realized in atomically thin films. These insights showcase novel aspects of LIBs, leading to tremendous opportunities in fundamental and applied materials research for a sustainable and smart future.

Biography

Dr. Jiayu Wan’s research blends the worlds of solid-state chemistry and solid-state physics for renewable energy applications. Jiayu did his postdoc research with Prof. Yi Cui and Prof. Zhenan Bao at Stanford University, focusing on developing solid-state electrolytes for high performance and intrinsically safe energy storage systems. Prior to Stanford, he obtained his Ph.D. under the supervision of Prof. Liangbing Hu in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park. At Maryland, his research focused on manipulating and understanding the interactions of ions, electrons, photons and phonons in energy materials. Jiayu obtained his BS from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in 2011. Dr. Wan has authored over 60 research papers in Science, Nature Nanotechnology, Nature Energy etc. with citation >7500 (google scholar). He has received multiple awards for his research including the Dorothy M. and Earl S. Hoffman Award from the American Vacuum Society in 2015 and the Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Students Studying Overseas in 2016, and among the list of world’s top 2% scientists (2021) by Stanford University. Jiayu was invited to give more than seminars in research institutions and conferences, and he is a lead symposium organizer of the 2022 ACS fall conference. Jiayu also serves as youth editorial board member of Materials Today Energy, Carbon Energy, Sustainable Materials, and Rare Metals.