Lee Johnson
Associate Professor of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Science
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Biography
Lee Johnson is an Associate Professor in Physical Chemistry with expertise in electrochemistry. He jointly leads the Nottingham Applied Materials and Interfaces Group with colleagues Darren Walsh and Graham Newton. Since 2012, his research interests have focused on the development of next-generation energy storage including lithium-air batteries, magnesium batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries and electrolyte solutions for nickel-rich and high-voltage lithium-ion cells. His research is supported by funding from EPSRC, the Supergen Energy-Storage Hub, and the Faraday Institution, where he is a co-investigator on the LiSTAR and Degradation projects. He received a MChem (Hons.) degree from Newcastle University in 2006 after which he completed a PhD in physical chemistry and electrochemistry at the University of Nottingham. In 2011 he was awarded a EPSRC Doctoral Prize. In 2012 he joined the research group of Prof Sir P.G. Bruce FRS (University of St Andrews 2012-2014, University of Oxford 2014-2017). In 2017 he was awarded a Nottingham Research Fellowship, closely followed by an EPSRC Fellowship. In 2019 he was promoted to Associate Professor.
Research Summary
Our research focuses on understanding the chemistry that underpins advanced batteries and how this understanding can be used to unlock a new generation of energy storage technologies. The approach… read more
Current Research
Our research focuses on understanding the chemistry that underpins advanced batteries and how this understanding can be used to unlock a new generation of energy storage technologies. The approach combines electrochemistry and a range of operando analytical methods.Lithium-ion batteries have revolutionised energy storage and the modern world. Demand is expected to exceed 400 GWh per annum by 2025. This mature technology is now a limiting factor in the performance of electric vehicles and portable electronics. Developing a new generation of energy storage devices able to provide improved energy, power, cost and sustainability metrics is a critical challenge for the UK. Notably, the UK's industrial strategy aims to make battery manufacturing and electrification of the automotive sector a major strand of the future UK industrial portfolio. Our research focuses on understanding the chemistry that underpins advanced batteries and how this understanding can be used to unlock a new generation of energy storage technologies for electrification of the automotive sector. The target is to enable alternative, sustainable technologies that can supersede the lithium-ion battery. Our approach to address these challenges combines materials chemistry and electrochemistry and is delivered in collaboration with leading stakeholders in the energy storage sector, including the Faraday Institution and the SUPERGEN energy storage hub.