Gao Liu, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab

Bio:

Dr. Gao Liu is a Senior Scientist and Group Leader of the Applied Energy Materials Group at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. He is a Fellow of the Electrochemical Society and the Royal Society of Chemistry. Dr. Liu earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Michigan State University in 2001. With over 25 years of experience in electrical energy storage, his research integrates synthetic chemistry, composite engineering, and electrochemistry to address interdisciplinary challenges in energy generation, storage, and utilization. Dr. Liu's lab employs advanced diagnostics to elucidate fundamental issues in energy systems and utilizes synthetic techniques to develop materials that enhance system performance. He pioneered research on multifunctional conductive polymer adhesives and has made significant contributions to understanding polymeric binder behavior in composite electrodes, enabling the rational design of functional binders for novel storage chemistries. His current research spans electrode binders, silicon, sulfur, and lithium metal materials, electrode engineering, electrolytes and additives, and solid-state conductors. Beyond energy storage, Dr. Liu also conducts materials and engineering research in building resiliency, the circular economy, and advanced manufacturing. He has authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications and holds over 28 granted patents.

Abstract:

A Two-Decade Quest: Advancing High Energy Density Batteries Through Electrode Binder Innovation

Over the past two decades, my research group has focused on the structural design and engineering of functional materials for high-energy electrical energy storage systems. Drawing upon fundamental macromolecular chemistry and materials science, a significant portion of our work centers on the critical role of polymer electrode binders and composite electrode architectures in lithium-ion and next-generation battery technologies. The rapid evolution of the battery industry relies heavily on innovations at the interface and microstructural level.

This seminar will delve into the fundamentals of functional electrode binders, highlighting recent advancements in multifunctional conductive polymers engineered for dual ion- and electron-transport in high-capacity silicon (Si) anodes. Silicon, with its high theoretical specific capacity (4200 mAh/g), offers a transformative alternative to conventional graphite (370 mAh/g). However, severe volume expansion (∼300%) during lithium insertion and extraction poses mechanical and electrochemical challenges to structural integrity and cycle life.

This presentation will explore how tailor-made conductive polymer binders mitigate these degradation pathways by providing robust adhesion, mechanical adaptability, continuous transport pathways, and stabilized solid-electrolyte interphases (SEI). We will discuss the underlying molecular design principles and synthetic strategies used to customize binder functionalities, examine their interactions with active alloy materials, and evaluate the resulting electrochemical performance in composite electrodes. Ultimately, this talk illustrates how molecular-level materials innovation serves as a primary lever for enabling next-generation energy storage.