Dr. cand. Anita Cymann-Sachajdak 

The demand for portable gadgets and environmentally friendly transportation is skyrocketing, leading to a booming battery industry. While lithium-ion batteries have been the technology of choice, concerns about limited resources and ethical mining practices are driving the search for alternatives. Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), due to the abundance of sodium, now offer a promising solution. However, SIBs pose challenges due to the stability of their electrode-electrolyte interface.

In this project I delve into the fascinating world of battery interfaces to unlock their secrets and improve battery performance. Using advanced techniques like scanning electrochemical microscopy (to prepare maps of the battery's electrode surface) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to find out what grows there, I aim to understand the intricate chemistry of the interface. My objectives include characterizing the interface, pinpointing degradation mechanisms, developing strategies for stabilization, and evaluating performance enhancements. I want to answer the question: Why is the battery losing its capacity over time and how can we avoid this?

I want my research to pave the way for next-generation batteries that are more efficient, longer-lasting, and environmentally sustainable. By unraveling the mysteries of battery interfaces, we can unlock the true potential of energy storage and power the future with clean and reliable technologies.