High energy density positive insertion electrodes for next generation lithium-ion batteries

This thesis focuses on the synthesis and characterization of high energy density materials for cathode applications in lithium ion batteries with a strong emphasis on the application of microwave-assisted synthetic strategies which can be utilised in order to reduce processing times. The structural and transport properties arising from modifications to the materials aimed at suppressing material degradation, have also been investigated here. Synthesised materials presented here have been characterised and analysed using laboratory based techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical cycling studies, with more advanced central facility based experiments conducted on some materials including neutron diffraction, pair distribution function analysis and X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements to provide detailed structural properties and muon-spin spectroscopy studies which probe ion transport properties. Such analysis is conducted to more fully understand the structure-property relationships that ultimately underpin the functionality of these battery materials.