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Present Research Interests

1. Understanding, development, and optimization of all-solid-state alkali metal (Li & Na) batteries and battery components using solid electrolytes.

Assessment of the kinetic stability of solid electrolytes under practical limits, concerning the choice of electrochemically active/nonactive components and operational conditions is the key focus here. Such studies are not only crucial for the device level integration of breakthrough solid electrolytes; they may shed light on unanticipated and unique phenomena of fundamental importance.

2. Development of novel inorganic and polymeric solid electrolytes with superior Li+/Na+ conductivity.

In the inorganic phase space, the aim is to develop novel compounds with dynamically and/or statically disordered structures (superionic conductors); in the polymer space, the development of single-ionic conducting membranes based on inexpensive polymers is the primary focus.

3. Aqueous rechargeable Zn (anode) batteries for large-scale (grid-storage, renewable, home) stationary storage applications.

Here, the motivation is to take our initial breakthrough forward through the understanding of failure mechanisms, electro-chemical optimization, and scale-up to foster the technology's commercial prospect.

4. Operando electrochemical analysis of battery materials and all-solid-state cell development for operando (X-ray and spectroscopy) analysis.

Mechanistic understanding of battery electrode materials is the key to improving their properties and hence, the battery performance. Operando/in-situ analyses of battery electrodes can provide a real-time understanding of the battery working principle and degradation mechanism of batteries. The focus in this area is to use a versatile operando electrochemical cell (home-made and validated) to elucidate key performance bottlenecks in some technologically important battery chemistries. Improvement and optimization of the cell design for broader applications is another important direction.

Research Output

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=MHValy8AAAAJ&hl=en

Opportunity for Doctoral (PhD) & Masters (Honors) Research

Exciting and challenging battery research projects are available for doctoral and master's and bachelor (A/B/C) thesis

Scholarship opportunities for domestic and international students.

Domestic: https://research.unsw.edu.au/domestic-research-scholarships

International: https://research.unsw.edu.au/international-research-scholarships

Specialized PhD programs and fellowships: https://research.unsw.edu.au/phd-programs

To apply and for further details, please reach d.kundu@unsw.edu.au