Publication Date

12-2015

Date of Final Oral Examination (Defense)

6-12-2015

Type of Culminating Activity

Thesis

Degree Title

Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering

Department

Materials Science and Engineering

Major Advisor

Hui (Claire) Xiong, Ph.D.

Advisor

Jeunghoon Lee, Ph.D.

Advisor

Dmitri Tenne, Ph.D.

Abstract

Batteries are ubiquitous in daily life. Sodium-ion batteries have the potential to become inexpensive alternatives to the current market products such as Lithium-ion batteries. TiO2 nanotubes have proven potential as an anode for Na-ion batteries. Electrolytes made by NaClO4 salt and carbonate-based solvents make up commonly used electrolytes in sodium ion battery research. We used electrochemical and physical characterization tests to evaluate the optimum electrolyte for this anode material in the Na system. We determined that the ClO4- ion decomposes at the TiO2 surface and promotes the formation of an unstable solid electrolyte interphase. A salt more stable than NaClO4 needs to be researched in the electrolyte for future use with TiO2 anodes in sodium-ion batteries.

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