Aluminium sulfur hybrid energy storage: Designing advanced cathode and anode materials for next-generation high-energy and high-power energy storage

Electrochemical energy storage is pivotal in the widespread distribution of renewable energy, playing a key role in decarbonizing energy demand and supporting the European Green Deal. Next-generation energy storage systems aim to combine high-energy and high-power in a single unit, which can be achieved through the hybridization of batteries and supercapacitors. This proposal presents a unique aluminium-sulfur (Al-S) hybrid energy storage system by developing an S loaded doped-carbon composite as the battery-type cathode and a surface-modified porous MXene as capacitor-type anode, with an Al-based ionic liquid electrolyte. Al-based energy storage is chosen for its abundance and high theoretical energy via a three-electron redox mechanism. The high-capacity S/doped-carbon cathode will build on Prof. Magda Titirici’s (host) pioneering work in carbon materials, while the high-power pseudocapacitive MXene anode will be developed following the researcher’s recent breakthroughs in 3D MXene-based supercapacitor electrodes. The proposed hybrid device is projected to achieve energy densities of 150-200 Wh/Kg and power density of >10 kW/Kg, surpassing state-of-the-art performance metrics. In-depth multiscale characterizations, including in situ UV-Vis and X-ray absorption techniques, will be employed to understand the mechanisms and key factors governing the energy storage performance of the device. The research will be conducted under the guidance of Prof. Magda Titirici, a globally recognized expert in carbon and energy materials, within the world-class facilities of Imperial College. The researcher’s extensive experience with MXene materials for energy storage further strengthens this proposal. This interdisciplinary research aims to advance European energy research, support EU energy independence, and contribute to the development of next-generation Key Enabling Technologies for applications in renewable energy, consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and industries.