Date of Completion

12-12-2013

Embargo Period

12-12-2013

Keywords

Nickel Oxide, Electrochemistry, Carbonate, Room Temperature, Lithium-ion Batteries, Anode, Current Pulse Relaxation, Diffusivity, Identical-Location TEM, Conductivity

Major Advisor

Dr. William E. Mustain

Associate Advisor

Dr. Yu Lei

Associate Advisor

Dr. Radenka Maric

Associate Advisor

Dr. Steven Suib

Associate Advisor

Dr. Brian Willis

Field of Study

Chemical Engineering

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy

Open Access

Open Access

Abstract

In this thesis, nickel oxide was investigated as an electrocatalyst and electrode material in both aqueous and non-aqueous media. The effects of morphology resulting from several different synthesis techniques were examined for the electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol in alkaline media and the Li+ mass transport in lithium-ion batteries. Effects of environment changes, including electrocatalyst/electrode additives and choice of media, were also investigated to determine their influence on the reactivity and mechanism for the oxidation of organics such as methane and methanol. For the conversion of methane at room temperature, an array of oxygenate products were identified and theoretical reaction pathways and mechanisms were proposed. Using the current pulse relaxation technique, Li+ diffusion coefficients were obtained, and a two-phase parallel resistance model was developed to deconvolute the diffusivity through multiple phases in nickel oxide anodes during lithium-ion battery charging. Identical-location transmission electron microscopy was also used to observe degradation of individual anode particles, and the importance of conductivity in addition to structure was examined.

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