Andrea Macrelli
PhD thesis title: Nanostructured thin-film materials for next-generation batteries
Academic Tutor: Valeria Russo
Academic Supervisor: Andrea Li Bassi and Carlo Spartaco Casari
PhD cycle: 36° (see all student profiles of the same cycle > LINK)
BSc: Materials Engineering and Nanotechnology, Politecnico di Milano
MSc: Materials Engineering and Nanotechnology, Politecnico di Milano
Energy for Motion grant for “Conference Award” awarded by the Energy Department of Politecnico di Milano (2022)
Thesis abstract
My PhD research activity deals with nanostructured materials for next-generation batteries. Starting from the synthesis of thin films by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and their complete characterization by microscopic and spectroscopic techniques (also in operando), the final aim of my work is the comprehension of the structure-properties relation and the understanding of the electrochemical behaviour of the material. In particular, I focus on cathode materials for rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (especially manganese oxides and zinc manganites) and on solid electrolytes for all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries.
Personal interest in my research theme
The most interesting aspect of my experimental PhD activity is the possibility of directly control the material growth and nanostructure by tuning the synthesis parameters and to be able to monitor the material modifications down to the nanoscale using several characterization techniques. In addition, the development of novel and optimized materials and the understanding of their complex electrochemical mechanisms is extremely relevant for the realization of innovative, more efficient, safe, and sustainable energy storage devices.
