Solid-state lithium metal batteries
Research Seminar Series
-
Date
13 Jul 2026
-
Organiser
Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, PolyU
-
Time
14:00 - 15:30
-
Venue
DE306
Speaker
Prof. Chen-Zi Zhao
Remarks
If you have enquiries regarding E-certificate after the seminar, please contact david.kuo@polyu.edu.hk.
Summary
The combination of lithium metal anodes and lithium-rich manganese-based cathodes is widely regarded as one of the most promising routes toward next-generation high-energy-density batteries. However, their practical implementation remains hindered by interfacial side reactions associated with oxygen activity at high voltages and the instability of lithium metal anodes. In this presentation, I will discuss our recent efforts in electrolyte and interfacial design for high-energy lithium metal batteries. By constructing anion-rich solvation structures and developing electrolyte systems with enhanced oxidative stability, we regulate electrode–electrolyte interfacial chemistry to improve oxygen redox reversibility, mitigate parasitic reactions, and promote more stable lithium plating/stripping behavior. These strategies enable lithium metal batteries with cell-level energy densities exceeding 600 Wh/kg while maintaining favorable cycling stability and safety. In addition, fluorine-free high-voltage electrolyte designs are explored in response to growing PFAS-related concerns, offering potential insights for the development of next-generation high-energy-density solid-state lithium batteries.
Keynote Speaker
Prof. Chen-Zi Zhao
Associate Professor
Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University
Dr. Chen-Zi Zhao is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Tsinghua University. Her research focuses on solid-state lithium batteries, with particular interests in the structure, dynamics, and transport phenomena at electrochemical solid–solid interfaces. She studies both fundamental aspects of lithium-ion transport and interfacial reactions, as well as applied strategies for high-energy-density, high-safety energy storage systems. Her work includes the development of in situ polymerized electrolytes, composite lithium metal anodes using 3D scaffolds and engineered interphases, and lithium-rich manganese oxide cathodes compatible with solid-state electrolytes. Dr. Zhao received her B.Eng. and Ph.D. from Tsinghua University and was a Visiting Scholar at Cornell University. Her research has been published in Nature, Nature Chemistry, Science Advances, PNAS, and JACS, and has been cited over 25,000 times. She has been recognized as a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher for four years.
You may also like
