Xia Li, PhD, EIT

EDUCATION

2012-2016    Ph.D., Mechanical and Materials Engineering,  Western University, Canada

2009-2012    M.S., Material Physics & Chemistry, Nankai University, China

2005-2009    B.Eng., Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, China

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Safe and high energy all-solid-state batteries

Secondary Li-ion, Na-ion, Li-sulfur, and Na-sulfur batteries

Sustainable organic molecules based batteries

Synchrotron radiation techniques for energy materials

Atomic and molecular layer thin film deposition techniques 

CHME 6101 Advanced Battery Materials and Technologies (4 credits)

Description: Topics include a review of the principles of batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors; electrodes and electrolytes; thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, transport phenomena, electrostatics and phase transformations of various energy storage materials, particularly lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells; and experimental methods to study key parameters of energy storage materials, focusing on a materials science approach. A project is required.

Component(s): Lecture

CHME 6981 Chemical Engineering Research Protocols and Safety (4 credits)

Description: The purpose of this course is to provide the tools to conduct research in chemical engineering in a safe and professional manner. The course provides all the safety training necessary for chemical engineering research. Students are also trained in Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for chemical engineering research, and on how to respond in the case of chemical accidents, including first aid. Additional topics are covered on a rotating basis and may include safety regulations in the chemical industry, automation of chemical experiments, chemical and material data collection and usage, chemometrics, chemical process simulation, molecular modelling tools, advanced research and publication strategies, proposal writing, etc. A seminar is held, where each student is required to present. A project is required.

Component(s): Seminar

Notes: This course is marked on a pass/fail basis.

CHME 6911 Topics in Chemical Engineering I- Clean Energy: Science and Technology (4 credits)

Description: This course aims at developing students’ knowledge of clean energy based on different energy storage and conversion systems. Students will be familiar with fundamentals, materials design, characterization and evaluation, and industrial applications of different energy storage and conversion systems. The course also brings together some of the world's most preeminent researchers in the clean energy field to share their knowledge and expertise. Several important energy storage and conversion systems will be introduced, such as electrochemistry, hydrogen, solar, etc. Projects and final reports are required.

Component(s): Lecture

Notes: This course is co-teaching with Dr. Karim Zaghib.

2023

1.  Z Yang , Q Yu , A Thinphang-nga , X Li*. Development of carbon materials for sulfur cathodes in inorganic-based solid-state lithium–sulfur batteries. Canadian Journal of Chemistry, doi.org/10.1139/cjc-2023-0012 (Award Lecture)

2.  A Nizami , Z Yang , S Deng, R Li, X Li*, X. Sun. Catalytic conversion of polysulfides by atomic layer deposition derived titanium nitride for high‐performance lithium‐sulfur batteries, Electrochemical Science Advances, 2023, e2200013. (Special issue: From Spark to Lightning –Young and Future Leaders in Electrochemistry)

3. A Zaker, S Hammouda, J Sun, X Wang, X Li, Z Chen. Carbon-based materials for CO2 capture: their production, modification and performance. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 2023, 3, 109741.

4. Q. Yu , Y. Hu, Z. Yang , Y, Nie, S. Deng, X. Sun, Z. Ye, X Li*. Recent Strategies and Perspectives to Mitigate Cathode Dissolution in Organic Batteries. (Submitted). 

5. Z. Yang , A. Thinphang-nga , T. Petal, A. Nizami ,J. Oh, G. Peslherbe, X Li*. Interface design of sulfur cathodes via polyurea-based self-healing polymers in Li-S batteries. (Submitted). 

6. F. Zhao, Q. Yu , A. Yaghtin , X Li*, X. Sun. Chemical visualization of interfacial reaction between Li-ion cathodes and sulfide electrolytes. 2023 (Submitted)

7. Q. Yu , Y. Zhao , A. Nizmi , K, Zaghib, S. Deng, X Li*, X. Sun. In-situ X-ray absorption spectroscopic techniques for rechargeable lithium batteries research: From liquid to solid. (Ready for submission)

8. A. Yaghtin , A. Nizami , K. Zaghib, S. Deng, X Li* Development of polyanion cathodes in solids-state batteries: Challenges and strategies. (Ready for submission)

9. Z. Yang , A. Thinphang-nga , S. Deng, X Li* Tailoring the porous structure effect of carbon hosts of sulfur cathodes in sulfide-based solid-state Li-S batteries. (Ready for submission).

2022

10. C. Xing, H. Chen, S. Qian, Z. Wu, A. Nizami , X Li*, S. Zhang, C. Lai. Regulating liquid and solid-state electrolytes for solid-phase conversion in Li-S batteries. CHEM, 2022, 8, 1201-1230. 

2021

11. M. He, X Li, W. Li, M. Zheng, J. Wang, S. Ma, Y. Ma, G.g Yin, P. Zuo, X. Sun. Immobilization and kinetic promotion of polysulfides by molybdenum carbide in lithium-sulfur batteries. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2021, 411, 128563. 

12. M. He, X Li, N. Holmes, R. Li, J. Wang, G. Yin, P. Zuo, X. Sun. (2021). Flame-Retardant and Polysulfide-Suppressed Ether-Based Electrolytes for High Temperature Li-S Batteries. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2021, 13, 38296. 

13. M. He, X Li, X. Yang, C. Wang, M. Zheng, R. Li, P. Zuo, G. Yin, X. Sun. Realizing solid-phase reaction in Li–S batteries via localized high-concentration carbonate electrolyte. Advanced Energy Materials. 2021, 11, 2101004. 

14. S. Deng, Q Sun, M Li, K Adair, C Yu, J Li, W Li, J Fu, Xia Li, R Li, Y Hu, N Chen, H Huang, L Zhang, S Zhao, S Lu, X Sun. Insight into cathode surface to boost the performance of solid-state batteries. Energy Storage Materials, 2021, 35, 661-668.

15. Y. Xiang, X. Li, Y. Cheng, X. Sun, Y. Yang. Advanced Characterization Techniques for Solid State Lithium Battery Research. Materials Today, 2020, 36, 139-157. (Review, First co-author)

16. M. He, X. Li, Xiaofei Yang, C. Wang, M. Zheng, R. Li, P. Zuo, G. Yin, X. Sun. Realizing Solid-Phase Reaction in Li–S Batteries via Localized High-Concentration Carbonate Electrolyte. Advanced Energy Materials, DOI: 10.1002/aenm.202101004. 

17. J. Liang, S. Hwang, S. Li, J. Luo, Y. Sun, Y. Zhao, Q. Sun, W. Li, M. Li, M. Banis, X. Li, R. Li, L. Zhang, S. Zhao, S. Lu, H. Huang, D. Su, X. Sun. Stabilizing and understanding the interface between nickel-rich cathode and PEO-based electrolyte by lithium niobium oxide coating for high-performance all-solid-state batteries. Nano Energy, 2020, 78, 105107. 

18. W. Xiao, Q. Sun, J. Liu, B. Xiao, X. Li, P.-A. Glans, J. Li, R. Li, X. Li, J. Guo, W. Yang, T.-K. Sham, X. Sun. Engineering surface oxygenated functionalities on commercial carbon toward ultrafast sodium storage in ether-based electrolytes. ACS applied materials & interfaces, 2020, 12, 37116.

19. X. Li, J. Liang, M. Banis, J. Luo, C. Wang, W. Li, X. Li, Q. Sun, Y. Hu, Q. Xiao, T.-K. Sham, L. Zhang, S. Zhao, S. Lu, H. Huang, R. Li, X. Sun. Totally compatible P4S10 n cathodes with self-generated Li pathways for sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries. Energy Storage Materials, 2020, 28, 325. 

Before Join Concordia 

20. C. Wang, J. Liang, S. Hwang, X. Li, Y. Zhao, K. Adair, C. Zhao, X. Li, S. Deng, X. Lin, X. Yang, R. Li, H. Huang, L. Zhang, S. Lu, D. Su, X. Sun. Unveiling the critical role of interfacial ionic conductivity in all-solid-state lithium batteries. Nano Energy, 2020, 72, 104686. 

21. S. Deng, Y. Sun, X. Li, Z. Ren, J. Liang, K. Doyle-Davis, J. Liang, W. Li, M. Banis, Q. Sun, R. Li, Y. Hu, H. Huang, L. Zhang, S. Lu, J. Luo, X. Sun. Eliminating the detrimental effects of conductive agents in sulfide-based solid-state batteries. ACS Energy Letters, 2020, 5, 1243. 

22. F. Zhao, Q. Sun, C. Yu, S. Zhang, K. Adair, S. Wang, Y. Liu, Y. Zhao, J. Liang, C. Wang, X. Li, X. Li, W. Xia, R. Li, H. Huang, L. Zhang, S. Zhao, S. Lu, X. Sun. Ultrastable anode interface achieved by fluorinating electrolytes for all-solid-state Li metal batteries. ACS Energy Letters, 2020, 5, 1035. 

23. J. Liang, N. Chen, X. Li, X. Li, K. Adair, J. Li, C. Wang, C. Yu, M. Banis, L. Zhang, S. Zhao, S. Lu, H. Huang, R. Li, Y. Huang, X. Sun. Li10Ge(P1–xSbx)2S12 Lithium-Ion Conductors with Enhanced Atmospheric Stability. Chemistry of Materials, 2020, 32, 2664.

24.  J. Liang, Y. Sun, Y. Zhao, Q. Sun, J. Luo, F. Zhao, X. Lin, X. Li, R. Li, L. Zhang, S. Lu, H. Huang, X. Sun. Engineering the conductive carbon/PEO interface to stabilize solid polymer electrolytes for all-solid-state high voltage LiCoO2 batteries. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 2020, 8, 2769.

25.  X. Li, et al. Unravelling the Chemistry and Microstructure Evolution of a Cathodic Interface in Sulfide-Based All-Solid-State Li-Ion Batteries. ACS Energy Letters, 2019, 4, 2480. 

26. C. Wang, X. Li, et al. Manipulating Interfacial Nanostructure to Achieve High‐Performance All‐Solid‐State Lithium‐Ion Batteries. Small Methods 2019, 1900261. (First co-author)

27. S. Deng, X. Li, et al. Dual-functional Interfaces for Highly Stable Ni-Rich Layered Cathodes in Sulfide All-Solid-State Batteries. Energy Storage Materials, 2019, DOI: 10.1016/j.ensm.2020.01.009.  (First co-author)

28. Y. Zhao, M. Amirmaleki, Q. Sun, C. Zhao, A. Codirenzi, L. Goncharova, C. Wang, K. Adair, X. Li, X. Yang, F. Zhao, R. Li, T. Filleter, M. Cai, X. Sun. Natural SEI-inspired dual-protective layers via atomic/molecular layer deposition for long-life metallic lithium anode. Matter, 2019, 1, 1215. 

29.  X. Li, et al. Suppressing Corrosion of Aluminum Foils via Highly Conductive Graphene-Like Carbon Coating in High-Performance Lithium-Based Batteries. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2019, 6, 32826. (IF: 8.5) (Highlighted by “Canadian Light Source”, “Western News”, “London Free Press newspaper”)

30. S. Deng, B. Wang, Y. Yuan, X. Li, Q. Sun, K. Doyle-Davis, M. Banis, J. Liang, Y. Zhao, J. Li, R. Li, T.-K. Sham, R. Shahbazian-Yassar, H. Wang, M. Cai, J. Lu, X. Sun. Manipulation of an ionic and electronic conductive interface for highly-stable high-voltage cathodes. Nano Energy, 2019, 65, 103988. (IF: 15.5)

31.  X. Yang, X. Gao, Q. Sun, S. Jand, Y. Yu, Y. Zhao, X. Li, K. Adair, L.‐Y. Kuo, J. Rohrer, J. Liang, X. Lin, M. Banis, Y. Hu, H. Zhang, X. Li, R. Li, H. Zhang, P. Kaghazchi, T.‐K. Sham, X. Sun. Promoting the Transformation of Li2S2 to Li2S: Significantly Increasing Utilization of Active Materials for High‐Sulfur‐Loading Li–S Batteries. Advanced Materials, 2019, 31, 1901220. 

32. C. Wang, K. Adair, J. Liang, X. Li, Y. Sun, X. Li, J. Wang, Q. Sun, F. Zhao, X. Lin, R. Li, H. Huang, L. Zhang, R. Yang, S. Lu, X. Sun. Solid‐state plastic crystal electrolytes: effective protection interlayers for sulfide‐based all‐solid‐state lithium metal batteries. Advanced Functional Materials, 2019, 29, 1900392. (

33. X. Li, J. Liang, J. Luo, C. Wang, X. Li, Q. Sun, R. Li, L. Zhang, R. Yang, S. Lu, H. Huang, X. Sun. High‐Performance Li-SeSx All‐Solid‐State Lithium Batteries. Advanced Materials, 2019, 1808100. 

34. X. Yang, X. Li, K. Adair, H. Zhang, X. Sun. Structural Design of Lithium-sulfur Batteries: From Fundamental Research to Practical Application. Electrochemical Energy Reviews, 2018, 1, 239. (First co-author, High Citation Paper from Web of Science)

35. X. Li, et al. A High-energy Sulfur Cathode in Carbonate Electrolyte by Eliminating Polysulfides via Solid-Phase Lithium-Sulfur Transformation. Nature Communications, 2018, 9, 4059. (IF: 11.9) (Highlighted by “CTV News London”, “Western News”, “Canadian Light Source news on facebook”, “Green car congress”)

36. X. Li, J. Liang, W. Li, J. Luo, X. Li, X. Yang, Y. Hu, Q. Xiao, W. Zhang, R. Li, T.-K. Sham, X. Sun. Stabilizing sulfur cathode in carbonate and ether electrolytes: Excluding long-chain lithium polysulfide formation and switching lithiation/delithiation route. Chemistry of Materials, 2018, 31, 2002. 

37. T. Zhang, X. Li, E. Asher, S. Deng, X. Sun, J. Yang. Paper with Power: Engraving 2D Materials on 3D Structures for Printed, High‐Performance, Binder‐Free, and All‐Solid‐State Supercapacitors. Advanced Functional Materials, 2018, 28, 1803600. 

38. C. Wang, Y. Zhao, Q. Sun, X. Li, Y. Liu, J. Liang, X. Li, X. Lin, R. Li, K. Adair, L. Zhang, R. Yang, S. Lu, X. Sun. Stabilizing interface between Li10SnP2S12 and Li metal by molecular layer deposition. Nano Energy, 2018, 53, 168. 

39. X Li, X Sun. Interface design and development of coating materials in lithium–sulfur batteries. Advanced Functional Materials 2018, 28 (30), 1801323.

40. C. Wang, Q. Sun, Y. Liu, Y. Zhao, X. Li, X. Lin, M. Banis, M. Li, W. Li, K. Adair, D. Wang, J. Liang, R. Li, L. Zhang, R. Yang, S. Lu, X. Sun. Boosting the performance of lithium batteries with solid-liquid hybrid electrolytes: Interfacial properties and effects of liquid electrolytes. Nano Energy, 2018, 48, 35. 

41. J. Liang, Q. Sun, Y. Zhao, Y. Sun, C. Wang, W. Li, M. Li, D. Wang, X. Li, Y. Liu, K. Adair, R. Li, L. Zhang, R. Yang, S. Lu, H. Huang, X. Sun. Stabilization of all-solid-state Li–S batteries with a polymer–ceramic sandwich electrolyte by atomic layer deposition. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 2018, 6, 23712. (2018 Journal of Materials Chemistry A-HOT Papers)

42. X. Yang, Y. Yu, X. Lin, J. Liang, K. Adair, Y. Zhao, C. Wang, X. Li, Q. Sun, H. Zhang, X. Li, R. Li, H. Zhang, X. Sun. Multi-functional nanowall arrays with unrestricted Li transport channels and an integrated conductive network for high-areal-capacity Li–S batteries. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 2018, 6, 22958. 

43. X. Li, J. Liang, X. Li, C. Wang, J. Luo, R. Li, X. Sun, High-performance All-solid-state Li-Se Batteries Induced by Sulfide Electrolytes, Energy & Environmental Science, 2018, 11, 2828. 

44. Y. Zhao, Q. Sun, X. Li, C. Wang, Y. Sun, K. Adair, R. Li, X. Sun. Carbon Paper Interlayers: A Universal and Effective Approach for Highly Stable Li Metal Anodes. Nano Energy, 2018, 43, 368. 

45. Y. Zhao, L. Goncharova, Q. Sun, X. Li, A. Lushington, B. Wang, R. Li, F. Dai, M. Cai, X. Sun. Robust metallic lithium anode protection by the molecular‐layer‐deposition technique. Small Methods, 2018, 2, 1700417. 

46. S Deng, B Xiao, B Wang, X Li, K Kaliyappan, Y Zhao, A Lushington, R Li, X Sun. New insight into atomic-scale engineering of electrode surface for long-life and safe high voltage lithium ion cathodes. Nano Energy 2017, 38, 19-27.

47. Q. Sun, J. Liu, X. Li, B. Wang, H. Yadegari, A. Lushington, M. Banis, Y. Zhao, W. Xiao, N. Chen, J. Wang, T. K. Sham, X. Sun. Atomic Layer Deposited Non-Noble Metal Oxide Catalyst for Sodium-Air Batteries: Tuning the Morphologies and Compositions of Discharge Product. Advanced Functional Materials, 2017, 27, 1606662. (VIP paper)

48. Z Song, W Liu, N Cheng, MN Banis, X Li, Q Sun, B Xiao, Y Liu, A Lushington, R Li, L Liu, X Sun. Origin of the high oxygen reduction reaction of nitrogen and sulfur co-doped MOF-derived nanocarbon electrocatalysts. Materials Horizons, 2017, 4, 900-907

49. C Zhao, C Yu, MN Banis, Q Sun, M Zhang, X Li, Y Liu, Y Zhao, H Huang, S Li, X Han, B Xiao, Z Song, R Li, J Qiu, X Sun. Decoupling atomic-layer-deposition ultrafine RuO2 for high-efficiency and ultralong-life Li-O2 batteries. Nano Energy, 2017, 34, 399-407

50. J. Li, C. Liu, X. Li, Z. Wang, Y. Shao, S. Wang, X. Sun, W. Pong, J. Guo, T. K. Sham. Unraveling the Origin of Visible Light Capture by Core-shell TiO2 Nanotubes. Chemistry of Materials, 2016, 28, 4467. 

51. Y. Zhao, Z. Song, X. Li, Q. Sun, N. Cheng, S. Lawes, X. Sun. Metal Organic Frameworks for Energy Storage and Conversion. Energy Storage Materials, 2016, 2, 35. (Cover page, High citation paper from Web of Science)

52. X. Li, A. Lushington, Q. Sun, W. Xiao, J. Liu, B. Wang, Y. He, K. Nie, Y. Hu, Q. Xiao, R. Li, J. Guo, T.-K. Sham, X. Sun. Safe and Durable High-Temperature Lithium-sulfur Batteries via Molecular Layer Deposited Coating. Nano Letters, 2016, 16, 3545. (Highlights by “Canadian Light Source Annual Report”, “Phys.org”, “IEEE Spectrum”, “Green car congress”)

53. X. Li, Q. Sun, J. Liu, B. Xiao, X. Sun. Tunable Porous Structure of Metal Organic Framework Derived Carbon and the Application in Lithium-sulfur Batteries. Journal of Power Sources, 2016, 302, 174. 

54. Q. Sun, H Yadegari, M. Banis, J. Liu, B. Xiao, X. Li, C. Langford, R. Li, X Sun. Toward a sodium–“air” battery: revealing the critical role of humidity. J. Phys. Chem. C 24 (2015) 13433-13441.

55. N. Cheng, M. Banis, J. Liu, A. Riese, X. Li, R. Li, X. Sun. Extremely Stable Platinum Nanoparticles Encapsulated in a Zirconia Nanocage by Area-Selective Atomic Layer Deposition for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction. Advanced Materials, 2015, 2, 277. (High Citation Paper from Web of Science)

56. H. Yadegari, M. Banis, B. Xiao, Q. Sun, X. Li, A. Lushington, B. Wang, R. Li, T.-K. Sham, X. Cui, X. Sun. Three-dimensional nanostructured air electrode for sodium–oxygen batteries: a mechanism study toward the cyclability of the cell. Chem. Mater. 2015, 27, 3040. 

57. Q. Sun, H. Yadegari, M. N. Banis, J. Liu, B. Xiao, B. Wang, S. Lawes, X. Li, R. Li, X. Sun. Self-stacked nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes as long-life air electrode for sodium-air batteries: Elucidating the evolution of discharge product morphology. Nano Energy 12 (2015) 698. 

58. N. Cheng, M. Banis, J. Liu, A. Riese, X. Li, R. Li, X. Sun. Extremely stable platinum nanoparticles encapsulated in a zirconia nanocage by area‐selective atomic layer deposition for the oxygen reduction reaction. Adv. Mater. 2 (2015) 277. ( Highly cited paper from Web of Science)

59. H. Yadegari, Y. Li, M. Banis, Xia Li, B. Wang, Q. Sun, R. Li, T.-K. Sham, X. Cui, X. Sun. On rechargeability and reaction kinetics of sodium–air batteries. Energy Environ. Sci. 2014, 7, 3747. 

60. X. Li, A. Lushington, J. Liu, R. Li, X. Sun. Superior Stable Sulfur Cathodes of Li-S Batteries Enabled by Molecular Layer Deposition. Chemical Communications, 2014, 50, 9757. 

61. X. Li, X. Li, M. Banis, B. Wang, A. Lushington, X. Cui, R. Li, T. -K. Sham, X. Sun. Tailoring Interactions of Carbon and Sulfur in Li-S Battery Cathode: Significant Effects of Carbon-Heteroatom Bonds. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 2014, 2, 12866. 

62.  X. Li, X. Sun, Nitrogen-Doped Carbons in Li-S Batteries: Materials Design and Electrochemical Mechanism. Frontiers in Energy Research, 2014, 2, 49. (Invited review)

63. X. Li, J. Liu, B. Wang, M. Banis, B. Xiao, R. Li, T. -K. Sham, X. Sun. Nanoscale Stabilization of Li-sulfur Batteries by Atomic Layer Deposited Al2O3. RSC Advances, 2014, 4, 27126. 

64. B. Xiao, X. Li, Xia Li, B Wang, C Langford, R Li, X Sun, Graphene nanoribbons derived from the unzipping of carbon nanotubes: controlled synthesis and superior lithium storage performance. J. Phys. Chem. C 2013, 118, 881.

65. X. Li, C. Lai, C. Xiao, X. P. Gao. Enhanced High Rate Capability of Dual-Phase Li4Ti5O12-TiO2 Induced By Pseudocapacitive Effect. Electrochimica Acta, 2011, 56, 9152. 

66. C. Lai, Y. Dou, X. Li, X. Gao. Improvement of the high rate capability of hierarchical structured Li4Ti5O12 induced by the pseudocapacitive effect. J. Power Sources 2011, 11, 3676.