Recently a rapid technological progress in various fields of industry and daily life has been driven by miniaturization of electronics. Components such as medical devices, logic and memory circuits, and various sensors have been drastically reduced to smaller dimensions with vastly improved performance. Limited performance of batteries is one of the most critical problems to be tackled for sustainable technological advances and to allow for further development of novel and future technologies.

The purpose of this project is to develop and investigate 3D structured all solid state full lithium-
ion battery with solid polymer electrolyte and to provide pioneering studies on the interface processes between anode and solid polymer electrolyte during cycling.

The advancement of different technologies, including wearable electronics, requires the development of multifunctional free-standing mats, as they can be directly used without additional processing or coating procedures. Among different materials, metal phosphides/sulfides/nitrides (MexAy, where Me = transition metals, e.g., Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, and A = P, S, and N) are attractive multifunctional compounds that have a vast potential application, including energy storage. On the other hand, their synthesis in the form of nanostructured free-standing mats is complicated and expensive. In this project, the free-standing carbon composite nanofiber mats of different compositions and based on metal phosphides/sulfides/nitrides (MexAy, where Me = transition metals, e.g., Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, and A = P, S, and N) will be synthesized by facile and cost-effective method, comprised of electrospinning with heat treatments and applied as multifunctional materials for energy storage devices and beyond.

The idea of the project is to develop and synthesize new multifunctional carbon composite nanofibers composed of metal phosphides/sulfides/nitrides as free-standing mats for energy storage applications and beyond. The general formula of the materials is MexAy, where Me = transition metals, e.g., Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, and A = P, S, and N.

The problem that the project aims to solve is simplifying the synthesis procedure of nanostructured highly-demanded composite materials using water-soluble polymers by electrospinning with heat treatments. The application of the prepared materials is expected to improve the performance of energy storage/conversion systems owing to unique nanostructure and compositions.

Lithium-sulfur batteries are recognized as next-generation energy storage systems due to high theoretical capacity of 1675 mAh g-1 and specific energy density of 2600 Wh kg-1. However, for their stable operation, there are unresolved problems: low electrical conductivity of sulfur and its species, active material loss and cell’s volumetric expansion during prolonged charge/discharge. Graphene aerogels with high surface area, porosity and electrical conductivity can serve as matrices for uniform deposition of large amounts of sulfur. 2D MXene possesses high electrical conductivity and polarity, making them promising candidates for the formation of matrices that can chemically bind sulfur and its species.

The goal of the project is to develop and study various electrically conductive matrices with high surface area and porosity based on graphene aerogels and their composites with MXene for application as a host for sulfur cathode and separator modifier, and to improve electrochemical performance and lifetime of lithium-sulfur batteries.

Due to the increase in atmospheric pollution, including various toxic gases, the effective detection of pollutants has become a crucial objective over the last years. Harmful and toxic gases are usually detected by gas sensors based on optical, acoustic, and metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) sensors. Among them, MOS sensors are in high demand for industrial sectors due to their low cost, wide temperature range operation capability, as well as effectiveness in the detection of a variety of toxic gases. Furthermore, toxic gases are also a serious safety issue for energy storage systems. Achieving a high level of safety and reliability is especially important for lithium-ion batteries (LIB), which release various toxic substances during thermal dispersal resulting in a fire. Thus, this research targets the synthesis of novel highly sensitive gas sensors based on MOS (ZnO, SnO2 and WO3) by the methods of magnetron sputtering and electrospinning with doping transition metal to determine harmful and toxic gases in low concentration.

The project goal is the development of highly sensitive miniaturized gas sensors based on a polycrystalline MOS and to enhance their morphological, electrical and optical properties, as well as to increase the sensitivity and response time to toxic gases, such as NOx and COx. In this regard, the development of highly sensitive gas sensors are to be used in gas environment monitoring systems, monitoring of the atmosphere ecological conditions, as well as in the ore mining and oil-and-gas industries.

Project goal: The project goal is to synthesize of multilayer CGPE with improved performance for 3D lithium-ion batteries to provide pioneering studies on the interface processes between anode and CGPE during cycling.

Project description: The project aims changing the strategy to develop new multilayer gel polymer electrolytes (GPE) with improved performance for 3D lithium-ion batteries. Conformal non-pin-hole multilayer coating of a unique 3D structured anodes will be provided by electrophoretic deposition method.

Project facilitators:
PI - Aliya Mukanova, Leading Researcher
Co-PI - Arailym Nurpeissova, Leading Researcher
Nurbolat Issatayev, Researcher
Moldir Arkharbekova, Junior Researcher
Yerzhigit Serik
Yessimzhan Rayimbekov, Researcher
Yelnury Baltash, technician

Realisation period: 2023-2025

Expected results: The expected result is to develop GPE elctrolyte with improved ionic conductivity by electroforetic method and establish the dependencies between of electrochemical processes in 3D batteries with the multilayer GPE with a long life, as well as to develop the scientific foundations of the composite materials in electrochemistry. Publication of the articles according to the requirements.

Methodology: The widely accepted scientific methods are used for the project implementation, such as electroforetic deposition, scanning electron microscopy, raman spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, galvanostatic cycling, cyclic voltammetry, etc.

Co-financing: Institute of Batteries LLC

Project goal: The project goal is to synthesize nanocomposite 3D thin film electrodes for high performance lithium-ion batteries.

Project description: In this project we synthesize nanocomposite α-Fe2O3-NiO-Ni2N, α-Fe2O3-ZnO-Zn2N and α-Fe2O3-SnO2-SnN thin film electrodes by RF magnetron sputtering technique on in-plane type 3D current collectors. The synergetic effect between α-Fe2O3, NiO/ZnO/SnO2 and Ni2N/Zn2N/SnN is expected which may lead to development of a new way to enhanced cycling stability and rate capability

Project facilitators:
PI - Aliya Mukanova, Leading Researcher
Yessimzhan Rayimbekov, Researcher
Mukagali Yegamkulov, Junior Researcher
Yerkem Kanatbekkyzy, Junior Researcher
Zhansaya Bakhytzhanova, technician
Ayazhan Bekmakhanova, technician
Yelnury Baltash, technician

Realisation period: 2023-2025

Expected results: The expected scientific outcomes include establishing developing new thin film electrodes with improved electrochemical performance and a long cycle life, creating the theoretical underpinnings of composite materials in electrochemistry as well as study the dependensies of the electrochemical performances of 3D microbatteries with the parameters of synhesis of the thin film anodes. Publication of the articles according to the requirements.

Methodology: The widely accepted scientific methods are used for the project implementation, such as electroforetic deposition, scanning electron microscopy, raman spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, galvanostatic cycling, cyclic voltammetry, etc.

Co-financing: Institute of Batteries LLC

Contacts: aliya.mukanova@nu.edu.kz

Project goal: he main goal is to improve the electrochemical properties of polyanion compounds and Ge-based alloying anode materials for lithium-ion batteries as electrochemical energy storage systems of potential coupling with alternative energy sources. Furthermore, obtaining new fundamental insights for the further development of such materials is aimed.

Project description: The project focuses on the development of nanofibrous polyanion cathodes based on compounds with the general formula LixMy(XO4)z (where X is a nonmetal such as P, S, B, or Si, and M is a transition metal) and Ge-based anodes (e.g., Ge, GeO2, GeS2, GeP3) with enhanced electrochemical performance for lithium-ion batteries, combining advanced synthesis, comprehensive characterization, and fundamental studies to enable their integration with alternative energy systems.

Project facilitators:
PI - Ayaulym Belgibayeva, Leading researcher
Arailym Nurpeissova, Leading researcher
Uldana Kydyrbayeva, Junior researcher
Samal Berikbaikyzy, research assistant
Yrysgul Sagynbay, research assistant
Gulderaiym Turarova, research assistant

Realisation period: 2023-2025

Expected results: The project is expected to yield advanced nanofibrous cathode and anode materials with understood formation and electrochemical mechanisms, enabling high-performance lithium-ion batteries and resulting in publications and presentations in recognized scientific platforms.

Methodology: The methodology involves synthesizing nanofibrous polyanion cathodes and Ge-based anodes via electrospinning with optimized heat treatment, followed by comprehensive physical (XRD, XPS, FTIR, Raman, SEM, TEM, BET, CHNS), electrochemical (CV, EIS, galvanostatic cycling), and ex-situ characterizations to elucidate composite formation mechanisms and lithiation/delithiation behavior.

Contacts: ayaulym.belgibayeva@nu.edu.kz

Project goal: The goal of the program is to develop innovative materials technologies and energy storage systems for the green economy based on local raw materials and their integration with various devices.

Project description: The program is aimed at developing advanced energy storage systems based on innovative materials, as well as integrating and testing them with various devices for various sectors of the green economy. Development of materials based on local raw materials to promote the principles of deep processing of minerals for the sustainable production of materials and energy.

Project facilitators:
PI - Zhumabay Bakenov

Realisation period: 2023-2025

Expected results: Within the program, a competitive base for research and development of world-class technologies in a rapidly developing and critical industry should be created for the sustainable development of our community - energy storage systems, green technologies for obtaining and storing energy and training international-level specialists capable of solving complex problems of the industry.

Methodology: The widely accepted scientific methods are used for the program implementation, such as electroforetic deposition, scanning electron microscopy, raman spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, galvanostatic cycling, cyclic voltammetry, etc.

Co-financing: FaradayFactoryJapan LLC

Contacts: arailym.nurpeissova@nu.edu.kz

Project goal:The goal of the research project is to develop an efficient and cost-effective technology for two-stage solid-phase production of multi-element doped LiFePO4 cathode materials with improved electrochemical properties for use in LIB.

Project facilitators:
PI – Nurzhan Umirov, Leading researcher
Batukhan Tatykayev, Leading Researcher
Natalya Khan, Senior Researcher
Abylay Abilkhan, Junior Researcher
Kamila Akhmetova, Junior Researcher
Sultan Abilkairov, Junior Researcher
Aruzhan Baitokova, Research Assistan

Realisation period: 2023-2025

Expected results: A new solid-phase technology will be developed for an efficient and cost-effective way to obtain multi-element doped LiFePO4 cathode materials with improved electrochemical properties for use in LIB.

Methodology: The project focuses on the development of nanostructured LiFePO₄/C cathode materials and their doped analogues for lithium-ion batteries using solid-state synthesis involving mechanical activation and thermal treatment. The use of mechanically activated solid-state synthesis enables control over particle size and uniformity, prevents aggregation, and improves carbon coating distribution. A range of doped compounds containing Mn, Co, V, Ni, and others will also be investigated to enhance electrochemical performance. Physicochemical properties will be studied using XRD, SEM, TEM, and TGA-DSC-MS, while electrochemical characteristics will be evaluated by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic testing in half-cells.

Co-financing: «Aman Technologies» LLP

Contacts: nurzhan.umirov@nu.edu.kz

Fabrication of versatile nanocomposite materials for advanced energy storage systems

Project goal: The goal of this project is to develop and produce advanced high performance nanocomposite materials for next generation rechargeable batteries for renewable energy and electric vehicles using nanotechnology approaches and design efficiency to realize the synergistic effect of metal nanoparticles and metal oxide nanoparticles.

Project description: Nanocomposites of metal oxides and metal nanoparticles are promising compounds for Li-S batteries and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), providing enhanced electrochemical performance. Incorporating high-capacity metal oxides, such as SnO2 and TiO2, with metal nanoparticles (e.g., Au, Ag, Cu) results in superior lithium capacity. Metal nanoparticles act as conductive pathways, improving electron conductivity for faster lithium ion transport. This technology addresses issues such as volume expansion and agglomeration, enhancing cycle stability. The synergistic combination of metal oxides and nanoparticles utilizes their unique properties, forming conductive networks for efficient electron transport.

Project facilitators:
PI Professor Stavros Poulopoulos
Nurzhan Baikalov, Senior Researcher
Dias Bekeshov, Junior Researcher
Alas Alaskhanov, Junior Researcher
Emmanuel Siaw, Junior Researcher

Realisation period: 2023-2025

Expected results: The proposed project will develop multifunctional nanocomposite materials for Li-S batteries, LIBs and SIBs using engineering and nanotechnology design approach, which will contribute to the development of innovative and high performance rechargeable batteries with improved cycling life. The uniqueness of the project and the strategies used in it guarantee a very high scientific and socio-economic effect. Research will culminate in the development of prototype Li-S batteries, LIBs, and SIBs.

Methodology: This project aims to develop advanced nanocomposite materials for lithium-sulfur, lithium-ion, and sodium-ion batteries. Using nanotechnological design, metal and metal oxide nanoparticles will be explored for their synergistic effects to enhance electrochemical performance. In Li-S batteries, these materials will serve as catalysts and reservoirs for sulfur species, improving charge/mass transfer and LiPS retention. For LIBs and NIBs, they will function as anodes with enhanced ion storage and transport. The project combines theoretical modeling and experimental synthesis to optimize material properties and system performance.

Co-financing: Institute of Batteries LLC

Contacts: nurzhan.baikalov@nu.edu.kz