(Invited) Carbon in Electrochemical Energy Storage

Carbon materials play a pivotal role in the realm of electrochemical energy storage. Their significance stems from the diverse applications they find based on surface chemistries and morphologies. In batteries, various carbons serve as electrochemical active materials, hosting structures and additives. For instance, fluorinated carbon emerges as an excellent cathode material for primary batteries. Fine-tuning the C/F ratio on cabron surfaces allows customization of the power/energy ratio, catering to specific applications. Graphene, with its ability to self-assemble into hierarchical structures, has proven to be an ideal oxygen electrode. Porous nanocarbon structures are commonly employed to host sulfur, although addressing challenges at the electrode level is imprative for further processing. Carbon additives become essential components in cathode or anode materials for Li-ion batteries. Establishing a continuous electronic conductive network using a minimal amount of carbon in electrodes is a constant pursuit, aiming to reduce parasitic weight at the cell level. This talk wil ldelve into the fundamental roles that carbon play in various systems, such as Li/CFx, Li/O2, Li-S and advanced Li-ion batteries to underscore the crucial role of carbon in advancing battery technologies.