Ritu Manickavelu, Graduate Student, Wagner Lab & Michael Scarberry, Graduate Student, Wagner Lab, Graduate Students, GW Department of Chemistry

Fri, 11 April, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am

The Department of Chemistry Presents, via Online and In-person Presentation: Ritu Manickavelu, Graduate Student, Wagner Lab & Michael Scarberry, Graduate Student, Wagner Lab, Graduate Students, GW Department of Chemistry

Ritu Manickavelu, Graduate Student, Wagner Lab, GW Department of Chemistry

Investigating Super Concentrated Electrolytes for Enhanced Stability in Li–O₂ Batteries

Lithium–oxygen (Li–O₂) batteries are considered promising candidates for next-generation energy storage systems due to their high theoretical energy density and specific capacity. However, their practical deployment is challenged by significant issues such as electrolyte decomposition, large overpotentials, and poor cycling efficiency. One promising strategy to mitigate these issues is the use of super concentrated electrolytes, which can enhance electrolyte stability, modulate Li⁺ solvation structures, and influence discharge product morphology. This project investigates the electrochemical behavior of Li–O₂ systems using super concentrated electrolytes, focusing on how salt concentration affects oxygen species reactivity, lithium peroxide (Li₂O₂) formation, and overall cell reversibility. As a first step, we examine carbonate-based solvents, specifically propylene carbonate (PC), with varying concentrations of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI). Electrochemical studies are complemented by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to analyze product morphology and surface chemistry. This presentation will highlight the rationale behind using super concentrated systems, current findings with carbonate electrolytes, and future directions involving alternative solvents and expanded spectroscopic analysis to advance electrolyte design for Li–O₂ batteries.

Bio

Ritu Manickavelu received her B.S. in Microbiology, Chemistry, and Botany and her M.S. in Analytical Chemistry from India. She worked as a Research Assistant at the Indian Institute of Science, focusing on sodium-ion batteries, including nanostructured anodes and full-cell stabilization. In 2022, she joined the Chemistry Department at The George Washington University and began working towards her Ph.D. under the guidance of Dr. Michael Wagner. Her current research focuses on electrolyte stability and interfacial chemistry in lithium-oxygen battery systems

Michael Scarberry, Graduate Student, Wagner Lab, GW Department of Chemistry

Novel Graphite Synthesis from Carbon Ore to Make a Carbon Neutral Future

The growing demand for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles and energy storage has driven a significant need for high-purity graphite, a critical material in battery anodes. Current graphite production relies on two primary sources: synthetic graphite, derived from fossil fuel precursors through energy-intensive, high-temperature processing, and natural graphite, which requires environmentally harmful mining and chemical purification. Both methods have significant carbon footprints and supply chain vulnerabilities, with over 70% of global graphite production concentrated in China. This presentation explores an alternative approach—using carbon ore, specifically lignite, as a precursor for synthetic graphite production. Lignite is an abundant, low-cost, and underutilized carbon source that offers advantages such as high carbon content, existing mining infrastructure, and potential co-product recovery. However, its high ash content and heterogeneous composition present challenges that must be addressed before graphitization. By developing a cleaner, cost-effective synthetic graphite production method, we aim to address supply chain challenges and support the global transition to sustainable energy storage solutions.

Bio

Michael Scarberry is a graduate student in the GW Chemistry Department's Wagner Lab, where he researches syntheticgraphite production methods using coal and various biomass carbon sources. With a current focus on methods ofpreparing the precursor carbon for the graphitization process that lead to higher efficiency or cleaner products. He earnedhis undergraduate degree from the College of Wooster in Ohio, where he focused on photochemistry and the oscillatoryBelousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction. His research interests lie at the intersection of materials science and sustainablecarbon utilization.

Where

Science & Engineering Hall 800 22nd Street, NW Washington DC 20052

Room: B1220

Contacts

Chemistry Department

[email protected]

(202) 994-6121