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Background
Harry was born in north London and received an Upper Second-Class Honours degree (BSc) in Chemistry and a Distinction (MSci) in Electrochemistry from the University of Southampton in 2017 and 2018 respectively. After completing a dissertation that focused on varying the ionomer membrane of fuel cells at Southampton, he decided to continue his research in energy storage devices at UCL.
Research Summary
Title: 3D and 4D Characterisation of dilated lithium-ion battery electrode microstructure using in-situ dilatometry and X-ray tomography
Harry’s research is focused on the degradation of lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) and is affiliated with the Faraday Institution. Using in-situ dilatometry to investigate the dilation of elected LiB anode materials such as graphite and silicon during operation (e.g. standard lithiation cycling) and collating the findings with various experimental techniques that can explain the dilation observed. There is quite substantial dilation during the operation of a LiB electrode that can limit the performance and lifetime of the device. A number of factors contribute to the changes in electrode volume such as initial particle size, distribution, operating temperature, active material content, elected binder, load profile and cycling conditions.
Through a variety of electrochemical and imaging techniques, encompassing tomography driven 3D reconstructions of internal morphologies, the aim is to better understand the mechanisms driving the volume expansion of LiB electrodes with a view to inhibiting this degradation pathway and possibility predicting its impact on electrochemical performance loss of LiBs.
List of conferences
Poster presentation – H. Michael, P. Shearing, 3D and 4D Characterisation of Dilated Lithium Ion Battery Electrode Microstructure using In-situ Dilatometry and X-ray Tomography, STFC Batteries conference, 2019.
Poster presentation – H. Michael, P. Shearing, 3D and 4D Characterisation of Dilated Lithium Ion Battery Electrode Microstructure using In-situ Dilatometry and X-ray Tomography, LEMD conference, University College London, 2019.