projects
Current and completed projects
current projects
"Electrochemical hydrogen generation – electrolysis of solutions and electrode materials for hydrogen-based electrochemical energy converters"
Project Objective:
Development of electrode materials for the electrochemical generation of hydrogen from solutions and materials for hydrogen-based electrochemical energy converters.
Project Tasks:
Project Objective:
Development of electrode materials for the electrochemical generation of hydrogen from solutions and materials for hydrogen-based electrochemical energy converters.
Project Tasks:
- Select new catalytic systems (including 2D materials) and investigate their influence on reducing overpotential and increasing the efficiency of the hydrogen evolution process.
- Develop new materials and compositions for a metal hydride electrode with high specific capacity and stability, including those based on hydrogen absorbents of Kazakhstan origin.
- Refine the technology for manufacturing electrodes using various additives to achieve high reversibility, power, phase stability, and reduced self-discharge.
- Select and optimize a suitable cathode to work in tandem with the metal hydride anode, and conduct comprehensive tests of the complete cell.
- Conduct an economic efficiency assessment of using the developed catalysts based on 2D materials in electrolysis processes.
"Introduction of a battery recycling culture in Kazakhstan and the development of technologies for extracting valuable components from spent Li-ion batteries, including ‘green’ technologies"
Project Objective:
Applied research on the extraction of valuable components from spent lithium batteries using environmentally friendly mechanochemical, sonochemical, electrochemical, hydrochemical, and solvochemical methods, with the creation of a cost-effective technology and a pilot plant.
Project Tasks:
Project Objective:
Applied research on the extraction of valuable components from spent lithium batteries using environmentally friendly mechanochemical, sonochemical, electrochemical, hydrochemical, and solvochemical methods, with the creation of a cost-effective technology and a pilot plant.
Project Tasks:
- Create a culture of collecting and recycling batteries/accumulators in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
- Develop methods for dismantling various types of lithium batteries to ensure the safe separation of their components. Sort different types of batteries.
- Develop a battery testing procedure for secondary use.
- Create a unit for the safe discharge of batteries and optimize the discharge process.
- Develop methods for processing components of spent lithium batteries using self-propagating high-temperature synthesis in a flow-through SHS reactor.
- Determine the optimal parameters and methods for preparing the material for further leaching after pre-treatment.
- Develop new methods for separating the components of spent lithium batteries using physical and chemical methods. Develop a method for the direct regeneration of cathode materials.
- Determine the thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of leaching lithium battery components in aqueous and non-aqueous solutions before and after mechanoactivation.
- Develop and manufacture a pilot plant for producing commercial products from spent lithium batteries with a capacity of 200 kg of batteries per day.
"Development of new metal-organic framework structures for 'Needle Trap' devices for the determination of volatile organic pollutants in environmental objects"
Project Objective:
To develop and synthesize new metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for the creation of highly effective "Needle Trap" Devices (NTDs) capable of accurately determining the concentrations of VOCs in environmental objects (air, water, and soil). The project aims to improve the selectivity and sensitivity of VOC analysis, as well as to ensure the accessibility and practicality of monitoring methods, which will enhance the level of environmental control and human health protection.
Project Tasks:
Project Objective:
To develop and synthesize new metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for the creation of highly effective "Needle Trap" Devices (NTDs) capable of accurately determining the concentrations of VOCs in environmental objects (air, water, and soil). The project aims to improve the selectivity and sensitivity of VOC analysis, as well as to ensure the accessibility and practicality of monitoring methods, which will enhance the level of environmental control and human health protection.
Project Tasks:
- Synthesis and characterization of MOFs. To synthesize and comprehensively investigate two types of metal-organic frameworks (the classic ZnMOF-74 and a new ZnMOF-74a), optimizing conditions to obtain particles of a specified size.
- Development of "Needle Trap" devices. To integrate the synthesized MOFs into the design, engineer and manufacture NTD prototypes, and optimize their design parameters for maximum sorption capacity.
- Optimization of sampling. To investigate the influence of key factors (temperature, humidity) and develop protocols for the effective sampling of VOCs from air, water, and soil.
- Development of an analysis methodology. To optimize the conditions for thermal desorption of VOCs from the MOF surface for subsequent GC-MS analysis and to evaluate the reusability of the devices.
- Theoretical modeling. To develop theoretical models of adsorption/desorption, study competitive adsorption, and construct isotherms for a deep understanding of the interaction mechanisms between VOCs and the sorbent.
- Method validation. To conduct a full validation of the developed method, assessing its accuracy, sensitivity, selectivity, and detection limits, and to compare it with existing analogues.
- Testing and implementation. To test the methodology on real environmental objects, assess the influence of matrix effects, and develop practical guidelines for the use of the created NTD devices.
completed projects
"Investigation of the Nature of Poor Cyclability in Metallic Lithium Battery Anodes"
Project Objective:
To identify the influence of the corrosion film's inhomogeneity and its other properties on charge transfer processes across it and on the formation of lithium dendrites during cycling.
Obtained Results:
Project Objective:
To identify the influence of the corrosion film's inhomogeneity and its other properties on charge transfer processes across it and on the formation of lithium dendrites during cycling.
Obtained Results:
- A theoretical model was proposed to describe the corrosion process, based on the assumption that all the free energy of the chemical reaction in the corrosion process is expended on reactant transport.
- The results obtained in this work are of a fundamental nature and can be used in the practical development of high-energy lithium systems, particularly in the creation of lithium-ion batteries with a metallic lithium anode.
- The interpretations of charge transfer and diffusion processes during the formation of corrosion films, as well as the quantitative model of the corrosion process proposed as a result of this work, are deeply fundamental in character and have no analogues.
"New Intercalation Materials for Sodium-Ion Batteries"
Project Objective:
To synthesize and test new electrode materials for sodium-ion batteries.
Obtained Results:
Project Objective:
To synthesize and test new electrode materials for sodium-ion batteries.
Obtained Results:
- Cationic Substitution Materials Synthesized: Materials with the general formula K(2−x)NaxMn2(SO4)3 and a langbeinite structure were synthesized. It was determined that this crystal structure is only maintained when potassium is substituted by sodium up to a limit of x ≤ 1.0. Subsequent electrochemical tests showed that sodium ions do not intercalate into these materials.
- Anionic Substitution Materials Developed: Materials with the general formula NaFe(SO4)1.5(A)0.5 were developed, where the substituting anions (A) were SO4, SeO4, HPO4, and PO3F. X-ray phase analysis and neutron diffraction confirmed the successful incorporation of the dopants into the structure. The original material, NaFe(SO4)2, exhibited the best discharge capacity (63 mAh/g at a current of 0.1C).
- Cathode Active Mass Optimized: The optimal method for applying the conductive layer was determined, and the influence of various conductive additives on the kinetic and capacity characteristics of the NaFe(SO4)2 cathode material was studied.
- Battery Prototypes Fabricated and Tested: Full-cell prototypes in a "pouch-cell" format were assembled using the best cathode materials. The prototype with the NaFe(SO4)2 cathode demonstrated a practical capacity of 60 mAh/g, while the one with the NaFe(SO4)1.5(PO3F)0.5 cathode showed a capacity of 40 mAh/g at a current of 0.1C.
"Sodium Batteries for Large-Scale Energy Storage in Kazakhstan's Renewable Energy Sector"
Project Objective:
To develop and fabricate an optimized prototype of a sodium battery based on an aqueous electrolyte for large-scale energy storage. The project involves the synthesis, optimization, modification, and testing of cathode and anode materials, the selection of an electrolyte with a wide stability window, and the selection of current collectors.
Obtained Results:
Project Objective:
To develop and fabricate an optimized prototype of a sodium battery based on an aqueous electrolyte for large-scale energy storage. The project involves the synthesis, optimization, modification, and testing of cathode and anode materials, the selection of an electrolyte with a wide stability window, and the selection of current collectors.
Obtained Results:
- Aqueous Electrolyte Optimized. An electrolyte composition based on sodium perchlorate was selected, providing a wide electrochemical stability window (up to 2.5 V) at near-saturation concentrations. This is a key factor in increasing the cell's operating voltage.
- Cathode Material Developed. Various iron hexacyanoferrates were synthesized and investigated. The most effective material was chosen, possessing high capacity, stability, and the ability to charge/discharge rapidly, thanks to an improved synthesis method.
- Stable Anode Material Synthesized. A carbon-coated NaTi2(PO4)3 (NTP) was produced, which significantly improved its conductivity. The material demonstrated good capacity (81 mAh/g) and high stability during prolonged cycling, retaining 80% of its capacity after 150 cycles.
"Hybrid Electrodes Based on MXene and an Intercalation Material for Ultrafast Energy Storage Devices with Aqueous Electrolytes"
Project Objective:
To develop and investigate the fundamental principles of how hybrid electrodes function, based on MXene material with a high specific double-layer capacitance component (a capacitor material) and an added fast Faradaic transformation (an intercalation material for batteries).
Obtained Results:
Project Objective:
To develop and investigate the fundamental principles of how hybrid electrodes function, based on MXene material with a high specific double-layer capacitance component (a capacitor material) and an added fast Faradaic transformation (an intercalation material for batteries).
Obtained Results:
- Key Electrode Components Synthesized. Stable suspensions of the two-dimensional material Ti3C2Tx MXene were successfully obtained, and the intercalation material NaTi2(PO4)3 (NTP) was optimized, achieving a particle size of ~500 nm and a specific capacity of 80 mAh/g.
- Aqueous Electrolyte Optimized. It was determined that highly concentrated salt solutions of 10 M NaClO4 and 14 M LiCl provide the widest electrochemical stability windows—2.6 V and 2.5 V, respectively. This is critical for increasing the device's energy density.
- New MXene/TiO₂ Hybrid Material Developed. The effect of controlled oxidation of MXene to form titanium dioxide (anatase) nanoparticles on its surface was discovered and investigated. It was shown that this hybrid possesses enhanced electrochemical activity and better rate capabilities compared to the original MXene.
- Final Hybrid Electrode Fabricated. A flexible, free-standing electrode based on MXene/NaTi2(PO4)3 was successfully created using vacuum filtration, confirming the promise of the developed approach.
"Establishing the Mechanism of Influence of Modifying Coatings on the Active Material of Sodium-Ion Battery Cathodes on Intercalation Kinetics"
Project Objective:
To identify the influence of the properties of a modifying surface coating on poorly conductive particles of a cathode active material on the charge transfer processes across it during reversible intercalation into the material's phase, as well as to develop a model of this process and perform its simulation.
Obtained Results:
Project Objective:
To identify the influence of the properties of a modifying surface coating on poorly conductive particles of a cathode active material on the charge transfer processes across it during reversible intercalation into the material's phase, as well as to develop a model of this process and perform its simulation.
Obtained Results:
- Cathode Materials Synthesized. Cathode materials based on sodium sulfates and fluorophosphates were produced and structurally characterized. Initial tests showed their low electrochemical activity due to poor intrinsic electronic conductivity.
- Electrode Preparation Optimized. A material processing methodology was developed, which includes intensive milling to reduce particle size (down to 1.3 µm) and prolonged homogenization of the cathode mixture with conductive additives (for up to 10 hours).
- Electrochemical Performance Improved. It was established that the optimized processing dramatically improves the charge/discharge characteristics. This is achieved by ensuring the full involvement of all particles in the electrochemical process and significantly reducing polarization.
- Kinetic Parameters Determined. Key parameters, such as diffusion coefficients and charge transfer resistance, were determined using the cyclic voltammetry method. This allowed for a quantitative assessment of the positive influence of the modifying coatings on the materials' performance.
"Synthesis and Investigation of a Composite Based on a Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) for its Application as an Anode Material in Sodium-Ion Batteries"
Project Objective:
To develop a method for synthesizing a MOF composite as an anode material with high electrical conductivity, capacity, and durability for its further application in Na-ion batteries; to investigate the electrochemical processes on it and develop a charge transfer model.
Obtained Results:
Project Objective:
To develop a method for synthesizing a MOF composite as an anode material with high electrical conductivity, capacity, and durability for its further application in Na-ion batteries; to investigate the electrochemical processes on it and develop a charge transfer model.
Obtained Results:
- MOF Synthesized and Characterized. The metal-organic framework ZnMOF was successfully synthesized using a hydrothermal method. Its crystal structure and thermal stability were confirmed by X-ray phase analysis (XRD) and thermogravimetry.
- Anode Composite Created and its Stability Determined. A composite material based on ZnMOF and a conductive carbon additive was produced. It was established that the material cycles stably in a saturated sodium perchlorate solution but is prone to rapid degradation in alkaline electrolytes.
- Kinetic Characteristics Evaluated. Effective diffusion coefficients were determined using the cyclic voltammetry method. The data obtained indicate high mobility of sodium ions within the composite's structure, which is a key factor for ensuring rapid charging and discharging.
"The Role of Electrically Conductive Surface Coatings on Cathode Materials of Sodium-Ion Batteries in Charge Transfer Processes"
Project Objective:
To identify the charge transfer mechanism during the intercalation/deintercalation of sodium in cathode materials modified by applying electrically conductive surface coatings to the particles of the initial substance, and to determine the influence of the nature of the conductive additives on the characteristics of cathode composites for sodium-ion batteries.
Obtained Results:
Project Objective:
To identify the charge transfer mechanism during the intercalation/deintercalation of sodium in cathode materials modified by applying electrically conductive surface coatings to the particles of the initial substance, and to determine the influence of the nature of the conductive additives on the characteristics of cathode composites for sodium-ion batteries.
Obtained Results:
- A New Cathode Composite Was Developed. A method was created for producing a composite based on NaFe(SO4)2 using molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) as an electrically conductive coating. A detailed mechanism for the intercalation process in such systems was also proposed.
- A Mathematical Model Was Created. A single-particle model was developed in the COMSOL Multiphysics environment, which describes in detail the charge transfer processes in cathode materials coated with a conductive additive.
- The Theory Was Confirmed by Modeling. The proposed charge transfer mechanism was confirmed through calculations. The modeling revealed a key relationship between the coating thickness and intercalation efficiency and also allowed for the study of the system's behavior in various electrochemical modes.
"Development of Anode Materials Based on Prussian Blue Analogues for Aqueous Sodium-Ion Batteries"
Project Objective:
To develop, synthesize, and optimize a high-capacity anode based on the hexacyanometallate family for aqueous sodium-ion batteries, which can be used in ultrafast and high-energy-density energy storage devices.
Obtained Results:
Project Objective:
To develop, synthesize, and optimize a high-capacity anode based on the hexacyanometallate family for aqueous sodium-ion batteries, which can be used in ultrafast and high-energy-density energy storage devices.
Obtained Results:
- A New Anode Material Was Proposed. The possibility of using silver hexacyanoferrate, Ag4[Fe(CN)6], as an anode was demonstrated for the first time. It was established that charge storage in this material occurs via an effective conversion reaction mechanism.
- A Stabilization Method Was Developed. An original method for increasing the material's stability was proposed by adding an iron salt (FeCl3) to the electrolyte. This prevents the dissolution of the active component and keeps it on the electrode surface during cycling.
- High Durability Was Demonstrated. The optimized anode material showed high stability during long-term testing, maintaining an average specific capacity of 58 mAh/g over 500 charge/discharge cycles at a high current of 200 mA/g.
"Optimization of an Innovative Synthesis Method for Aluminized Titanium Carbide as a Primary Material for Producing 2D MXene Materials (Ti3C2, Ti2C)"
Project Objective:
To optimize the synthesis methodology for MAX phases (Ti3AlC2 and Ti2AlC) by selecting the optimal composition of initial components and technological conditions (temperature, time) to obtain a product with high purity and maximum yield. The tasks also included conducting a comprehensive physicochemical analysis of the synthesized materials and establishing the influence of precursor pressing on the reaction mechanism.
Obtained Results:
Project Objective:
To optimize the synthesis methodology for MAX phases (Ti3AlC2 and Ti2AlC) by selecting the optimal composition of initial components and technological conditions (temperature, time) to obtain a product with high purity and maximum yield. The tasks also included conducting a comprehensive physicochemical analysis of the synthesized materials and establishing the influence of precursor pressing on the reaction mechanism.
Obtained Results:
- MAX Phases Were Synthesized Using Various Precursor Ratios (TiC:Ti:Al, Ti:C:Al, and Ti:C:Al4C3). It was established that the maximum yield of the main component (~60%) is achieved when using the TiC:Ti:Al ratio for the synthesis of Ti3AlC2.
- Temperature and Time Regimes for Synthesis Were Optimized. The maximum product yield (67.2%) was recorded at a temperature of 1350°C and a synthesis time of 2 hours. It was found that a further increase in temperature reduces the product yield due to the evaporation of aluminum.
- A Method for Increasing the Purity of the Final Product Was Developed. It has been shown that coating the precursors with a protective layer of aluminum oxide allows for an increase in the content of the target MAX phase to 80–85%, which brings the material's quality closer to that of commercial analogues.
- The Particle Size Distribution of the Obtained Product Was Determined by Laser Analysis. It was established that the material has an uneven distribution of particle sizes, ranging from 1 to 150 µm.
"Development of an Innovative Aqueous Electrolyte for High-Energy Metal-Ion Batteries"
Project Objective:
To develop the composition of an innovative aqueous electrolyte for metal-ion batteries with improved characteristics. The project's tasks included the physicochemical analysis of solutions containing chaotropic components to select and optimize a composition that ensures the maximum reduction of water activity at the electrode surface and expands the electrochemical stability window.
Obtained Results:
Project Objective:
To develop the composition of an innovative aqueous electrolyte for metal-ion batteries with improved characteristics. The project's tasks included the physicochemical analysis of solutions containing chaotropic components to select and optimize a composition that ensures the maximum reduction of water activity at the electrode surface and expands the electrochemical stability window.
Obtained Results:
- It was established that the dependence of the specific electrical conductivity of solutions on the concentration of NaClO4 and LiCl salts is described by a second-order equation, allowing for the precise modeling of their ionic conductivity.
- The key influence of salt concentration on the electrolyte's electrochemical stability window (ESW) was identified. For a 10 M NaClO4 solution, an expansion of the ESW to 3.2 V was achieved, which is attributed to the effective binding of water molecules during ion hydration.
- The influence of various organic additives (1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, DMF, DMSO, acetonitrile, etc.) on the electrolyte's properties was investigated. A linear relationship was established between the water activity in the system and the additive's donor number, which opens a path for the targeted control of electrolyte properties.
- The electric double-layer (EDL) capacitance on carbon electrodes was determined using cyclic voltammetry. It was found that the EDL capacitance increases with rising salt concentration, which is related to a decrease in the Debye length and a denser packing of ions at the electrode surface.
"Development of High-Capacity Anode Materials Based on Conductive Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for Metal-Ion Batteries"
Project Objective:
To develop high-capacity anode materials based on conductive metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for a new generation of metal-ion batteries. The project's tasks included optimizing the synthesis method and electrode fabrication, investigating the kinetics of electrochemical processes, and evaluating the contributions of different charge storage mechanisms (Faradaic and capacitive) to the total specific capacity.
Obtained Results:
Project Objective:
To develop high-capacity anode materials based on conductive metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for a new generation of metal-ion batteries. The project's tasks included optimizing the synthesis method and electrode fabrication, investigating the kinetics of electrochemical processes, and evaluating the contributions of different charge storage mechanisms (Faradaic and capacitive) to the total specific capacity.
Obtained Results:
- MOF Synthesis Method Optimized. Solvothermal, thermal, hydrothermal, and co-precipitation methods were tested. It was established that the hydrothermal method at a temperature of 120 °C is the most effective for obtaining the target MOF-74 (Mn2(DSBDC)) structure.
- Physicochemical Analysis of Synthesized Materials Performed. X-ray phase analysis (XRD) confirmed that the obtained structure fully corresponds to the target Mn2(DSBDC) phase. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated the sample's high thermal stability up to 228 °C.
- Anode Materials Fabricated and Tested. Electrode materials were created based on the synthesized MOFs (MgMOF-74, ZnMOF-74, CuMOF-74). The anode based on ZnMOF-74 demonstrated the best electrochemical performance, with a practical capacity of 180 mAh/g on the 5th charge/discharge cycle.
- Charge Storage Mechanism Determined. Analysis of the charge/discharge curves showed that a mixed charge storage mechanism is realized in the developed materials, which includes both Faradaic (intercalation) and non-Faradaic (capacitive) processes.
Contacts
Visiting hours 9.00-18.00, Mon-Fri
• Mal'chik Fedor Igorevich is a leading “researcher”, head of the laboratory “Electrochemical Production Technologies”.
• Phone: +7 707 244 2236
• Е-mail: frodo-007@mail.ru
• Phone: +7 707 244 2236
• Е-mail: frodo-007@mail.ru
•Address: Almaty city, Al-Farabi Avenue 71/23
