Geaney Research Group

Materials for Energy Storage

Group Overview

The Geaney Group is working on developing new materials for energy storage applications. The research is focused on Li-ion and beyond Li-ion batteries.

Recent Publication Highlights

Link to Paper
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 22307-22316
Link to Paper
Nano Lett. 2019, 19, 12, 8829–8835
Link to Paper
ChemSusChem 2019, 12,4516 –4521
Link to paper
Chem. Commun., 2019,55, 7780-7783
Link to Paper
J. Electrochem. Soc. 2019 166 A2784

Examination of the performance of colloidal WSe2 nanocrystals as anodes for lithium-ion batteries. Demonstrating the role of crystal phase and morphology in determining performance. Collaboration with UGhent


The study examines Cu15Si4 nanowires as a conductive scaffold/host for amorphous Si active material. The anode architecture allows for long term cycling stability by accommodating structural changes in the active Si.

Report examining the use of lignin derived carbon nanofibers as Li-ion battery anodes. The role of the biopolymer used in determining porosity and Li-ion storage capacity was details. Collaboration with Dr Maurice Collins.
 
Using a textured Cu foil for direct growth of Ge nanowires leads to significant performance enhancement compared to planar stainless steel current collectors. The areal capacity and cycling stability are dramatically enhanced and linked to increased stability of the active material during cycling.

Full cell testing of Ge nanowire anodes shows the impact of cell preconditioning, voltage windows and cathode capacity excess. The findings also demonstrate that half-cells may underestimate the rate performance of promising anode materials.