Controlling Electrodeposition Processes at the Nanoscale with Well-Ordered Nano-Structured Electrolytes

Introduction

Even though electrodeposition processes have been used since the nineteenth century, it is remarkably challenging to control their behaviour on the nanoscale. To the naked eye, deposited metal surfaces appear homogeneous, yet their morphology at the nanoscale is anything but smooth, with ramified metal structures (dendrites) forming on their surface.

Importance of Nanoscale Control

The utility of electrodeposition for advanced technologies such as NextGen high-energy metal batteries is proportional to our ability to control metal growth at the nanoscale. In theory, this requirement may be accomplished through nanoscale control over ionic processes.

Current Challenges

Due to the lack of appropriate material systems, it appears that examining and validating this hypothesis, much less meeting its requirements, is currently beyond reach.

Vision of NanoDep

NanoDep envisions a future in which these requirements are met by the development of nano-structured electrolyte systems with well-ordered conductive and nonconductive nanodomains. Our early results suggest that we may be able to completely prevent uncontrolled dendritic formation by designing structured electrolytes that allow nanoscale regulation over local ionic transport processes.

Goals of NanoDep

The goals of NanoDep are to:

1. Uncover the behaviour of uncontrolled nanoscale electrodeposition processes within nano-structured electrolytes.
2. Prevent them.
3. Apply these newly acquired insights to the construction of a "real-world" system.

Methodology

To accomplish these goals, we will develop a novel in-situ electrochemical platform for investigating the spatiotemporal electrodeposition behaviour in well-ordered nano-structured model electrolytes.

Translation to Real-World Applications

The model system insights and guidelines will be translated into "real-world" macroscale batteries using advanced molecular engineering and self-assembly methods.

Conclusion

The successful development of well-ordered nano-structured electrolytes represents an important step toward NextGen high-energy metal batteries based on fully regulated electrodeposition processes.