Core/shell structures for Li-ion capacitorsAbbasi, Rabail Badar (Avtor) Dominko, Robert (Mentor) Lithium-ion capacitorCore-shell structureAmorphous titanium dioxideCopperActivated carbonLithium-ion battery anodePrelithiationLithium ion capacitor (LIC) is an interesting category of energy storage systems, which combines an electrode from a lithium ion battery (LIB) and an electrode from an electrical double layer capacitor (EDLC). The resulting hybrid energy device exhibits rapid charge/discharge capability, long cycle life and high energy density. The widescale usage of LICs is limited however, due to the inherent low concentration of Li-ions present within it. As such, prelithiation technologies have been developed and implemented with varying levels of success. However, all approaches involve an additional measure to be undertaken, which introduces its own challenges. The most optimal solution is to remove the need for prelithiation completely. In this thesis, we propose a method of eliminating the requirement of prelithation by designing a core-shell structure for the anodic active material, with the shell being the material responsible for electrochemical activity, and the core facilitating electronic conductivity. Amorphous titanium dioxide (α-TiO2), a well-researched anode material, is used as the shell, while copper (Cu), a highly conductive metal, is used as a core; Cu@TiO2. Three wet chemistry-based approaches are undertaken to synthesize the anodic material. The best performing anodic material exhibited a specific capacity of ~ 151 mAh g-1, measured in a half cell against Li foil. The anode was then tested in a LIC against cathode with activated carbon as the active material. The resulting LIC showed high specific capacity and stable cycling behaviour up to 1000 cycles at 2.5 A g-1, with a coulombic efficiency of ~ 98.8%. Rate capability tests also showed relatively high stability of the anode material at low to high current rates. The results of this thesis open up potential avenues for further research focused on designing anode structures for LICs.20222022-09-29 11:25:01Magistrsko delo/naloga141441sl