How are next-generation batteries and fuel cells powering a cleaner future?

Dr Chun Ann Huang focuses on developing new materials for battery electrodes and electrolytes, alongside manufacturing processes designed to improve the capacity and efficiency of next-generation energy storage devices. Her research spans lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries, and supercapacitors — technologies that can be used in a variety of applications to support safer, longer-lasting, and more cost-effective energy solutions.

Emerging battery systems like these could improve the adoption of electric mobility and grid-scale storage of renewable energy, thanks to better performance, greater stability, and more sustainable production methods.  

To understand and optimise these materials, Dr Huang’s group uses advanced electron microscopy and spectroscopy tools available in the Department of Materials at Imperial College London. These include techniques like time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), which enables detailed mapping of elements within battery components. “These facilities are important,” she explains, “as they reveal the materials properties that link to their energy storage performance.” 

Similarly, Professor Stephen Skinner investigates two key research streams. The first involves developing new materials for electrochemical cells, including solid oxide cells used in fuel cells and electrolysers. The second focuses on understanding how these materials perform under real operating conditions, whether in solid-state batteries or solid oxide cells. 

His work supports technologies that can reduce emissions in major sectors — for example, electrolysers that generate green hydrogen or high-efficiency fuel cells to power data centres. 

Like Dr Huang, Professor Skinner’s team relies on advanced facilities to push this research forward. His team draws on a wide range of materials characterisation and testing facilities, including tools in the Department of Materials at Imperial College London, as well as national research facilities such as the Physical Science Database Service, Diamond Light Source and UK Neutron Spallation Source, and international research facilities across Europe, the US, and Asia. 
 
He comments: “At Imperial, we are fortunate to have exceptional capability,” he says. “We use the structural characterisation suite, STEM, SEM, XRD, SIMS, LEIS, APT, and correlate this with transport measurements. We are able to probe ion transport through our isotopic labelling facility and assess performance using electrochemical testing.” 

Dr Huang is keen to highlight that collaboration is central to her approach. “Collaboration is extremely important in accelerating breakthroughs because we need a variety of technologies, not just batteries, but also fuel cells, solar energy, and others, to transition to net zero,” she says. 

“Each technology has its own advantages and disadvantages. There is no silver bullet for any single technology to solve the world’s energy problems.” 

Professor Skinner agrees and highlights that collaboration, both interdisciplinary and international, is essential for developing research in these areas. 

“No single lab can do this alone. To develop these breakthroughs requires the insights of materials scientists and engineers, design engineers, data science specialists, chemical engineers…” 

“We have excellent partnerships with colleagues throughout Europe, in the US, Japan, and Asia. It is vital that we also work with industry to address what their key challenges are.”