TUM: Tom Nilges
UofA: Jonathan Veinot
Doctorial Candidates: Claudia Ott

We will examine the role of copper and other elemental additives in combination with active materials like phosphorus and pnictides in the electrode process and identify the mechanism and the source of the stabilization. This will certainly lead to propertyoptimization of these particular systems. We will examine the C@Cu - black phosphorus case as a model system. Nanoscale C@Cu particles will allow for an optimal Cu-distribution throughout the electrode and provide ready access to Cu in the first electrochemical cycles. We will attempt to maximize the capacity up to the theoretical limit of approximately 2596 mAh g-1 - an 8-fold increase over conventional graphite anodes. We will identify the underlying mechanism and the role of Copper for the utilization of black P and the reversibility of the conversion reaction of black P with Li to Li₃P during operation. In the case of red or violet P, reacting in the same way via conversion to Li₃P, a reversible  onversion has not been observed. Finally findings will be extended to other pnictide systems.