The storage of energy and the improvement of battery systems has become one of the most important fields of science in the last decades. Especially rechargeable Li-ion batteries promise good results by showing a capability to store 2-3 times the energy per unit weight and volume compared to conventional rechargeable batteries. Nevertheless great efforts are necessary to increase the low life time of portable electronic devices (cell phones, laptops), to solve the problems of temporal fluctuating supply with energy of renewable energy resources, like wind power and solar cells, and to extend the small operating distance of electric vehicles.

To achieve higher capacities and higher power densities as well as to overcome current technological limitations, new materials and especially new nanomaterials need to be investigated. The downscaling of the materials increases the efficiency of Li-ion batteries. An improved compensation of the volume stress generated by the storage or retrieval of lithium can lead to an increase of the cycle life, while higher surface areas permit a higher electrolyte/active material-contact area and facilitates a higher charge/discharge rate. Additionally short distances for lithium-ions and charge carriers (electrons) offer a higher current density.

Therefore our research focus is set on nanomaterials, especially nanostructured materials for rechargeable Li‑ion batteries, to improve the long-term stability and increase the lasting cycle life. In addition, host materials like graphene can further improve the efficiency of battery systems. Because of its high mechanical stability and flexibility, it can stabilize the active material during the cycling processes. Furthermore, enhanced charge carrier transport is expected based on the high electric conductivity of graphene.

Graphene-SnO₂ nanocomposites can be synthesized in a fast and simple one-step microwave reaction by reducing graphene oxide (GO) with Sn²⁺ ions in aqueous solution. Due to the simultaneous reduction of GO and oxidation of Sn²⁺, a homogeneous distribution of SnO₂ nanoparticles on graphene nanosheets can be achieved. The enhanced electrochemical stability of the material can mainly be attributed to the high mechanical strength of graphene that acts as a buffer material compensating the tremendous volume stress accompanied by the electrochemical cycling reactions. (e.g. R. Müller, S. Mathur, Nanostructured Materials and Nanotechnology VII 2013)

Another approach to Li-Ion battery materials persued by the working group Mathur is the fabrication of 1-D nanofibres through electrospinning. The electrospun fibres provide active materials which have less grain boundaries, thus enabling the efficiency of charge carrier transfer which is generated within the electrodes. Improved life-cycle, higher storage capacity and improved safety with better intercalation of Li-ions have also been observed with such fabricated fiber materials.

Hollow α-LiFeO2 and composite α-LiFeO2/C nanofibers were prepared as self-supported 3D architectures of ceramic fibers by single-step electrospinning of metal alkoxide sols. After a spinnable sol isprepared it can be deposited as nanofibers by electrospinning. The in-situ received fiber mats deliver interconnected non woven 3D ceramic networks that effectively buffer huge volume changes during the cycling processes, leading to better capacity retention compared to other nanostructures such as particles and films. (e. g. M. Büyükyazi, S. Mathur, Nano Energy 2015)