Advancing Emerging Energy Storage for a Sustainable Future

Welcome to the Xu Research Group! We are a battery research group based in the Chemistry Department of University College London. Our research interest lies in the interface between materials science, electrochemistry, and solid-state chemistry, with a special emphasis on beyond-lithium battery chemistries and materials. There are three research themes in the group: intercalation chemistry of electrode materials, electrodeposition of metal anodes, and ion storage mechanism of conversion cathodes. We aim to use our knowledge and understanding to improve the performance of a range of beyond-lithium batteries.

Newton International Fellowship scheme (Royal Society) is now open to applications. Contact us if you are interested in carrying out the fellowship with our group and UCL Chemistry as your host.

News

03/2023 – Congratulations to Harry on his review article of Ca-ion battery anodes accepted by the RSC journal Materials Advances. It’s the first Ca paper of the group!

03/2023 – After more than one year of coordinating, writing and revising, the 2023 K-ion battery roadmap article is finally out online in JPhys Energy (IOP). Co-guest editted by Yang and Prof. Magda Titirici (Imperial) and involving >40 authors and >30 universities/institutions, the roadmap article covers many aspects of K-ion batteries (including a section of Prussian blue analogue cathodes written by Harry and Yang) and is an excellent reference platform for researchers working in the area, regardless of career stage. Have a read of our article and it’s open access!

02/2023 – Yang has won the STFCBatteries Early Career Award 2023. The project will be looking at using non-flammable electrolytes for K-ion batteries.

02/2023 – Matthew, Yudong and Wanjun gave their 1st year talks to their peers and academics. They all did a great job showcasing the diverse researh of beyond lithium batteries at the group!

01/2023 – Ajay’s paper “Enabling intercalation-type TiNb₂₄O₆₂ anode for sodium-ion and potassium-ion batteries via a synergetic strategy fo oxygen vacancy and carbon incorporation” has been accepted in SusMat. Congratulations!

01/2023 – Welcome Dr Pan He to join the group as a PDRA! He is funded by the EPSRC “Free-from” project focusing on sustainble battery technologies.

11/2022 – Yang gave an invited talk about using potassium Prussian blue cathodes in hybrid sodium-ion batteries at the STFC Annual Batteries & Electrochemical Energy Devices Meeting 2022.

09/2022 – Welcome three new PhD students Matthew Hopper, Wanjun Ren, and Yudong Luo. More interesting work for Na (Matthew), K (Wanjun) and Ca (Yudong) battery chemistries!