The Institute of Energy Materials and Devices focuses on fundamental scientific issues, core materials and device technologies, and industrial-scale implementation in electrochemical energy storage and conversion. It operates a full chain research system that integrates basic research, in situ characterization, and engineering translation to accelerate the development of efficient, low carbon, and safe energy technologies. Research areas including:
(1) Energy Storage Materials and Devices
The Institute develops high performance materials and integrated devices for next generation lithium ion, sodium ion, supercapacitor, and solid state batteries—covering electrode materials, electrolytes, and functional binders. It also conducts research on flexible and wearable energy storage systems.
(2) Energy Conversion Materials and Devices
Research focuses on hydrogen production via water electrolysis, electrochemical CO₂ reduction, and fuel cell reactions. Efforts include electrocatalyst design, interfacial engineering, and mechanistic studies, as well as fabrication of gas diffusion layers and catalyst supports. The Institute also explores solar energy conversion technologies.
(3) Characterization and Simulation of Energy Materials and Devices
The Institute develops advanced in situ spectroscopic techniques to probe dynamic structural, interfacial, and charge transport processes at molecular and mesoscopic scales. Combined with first principles calculations, molecular dynamics, and data analytics, these approaches establish structure performance correlations that guide material design, device optimization, and system efficiency improvement.
The Institute has undertaken over 50 national level projects (including NSFC and National Key R&D programs) with total funding exceeding RMB 100 million, gaining strong academic recognition in the field. It maintains long term strategic partnerships with top universities, research institutes, and leading enterprises, facilitating joint R&D, talent development, and technology transfer. Leveraging its proprietary technologies, the Institute has spun off a carbon based energy storage materials company, successfully translating laboratory innovations into marketable products and fostering an integrated research development commercialization ecosystem.