Bruce's primary research interests are in the fields of materials chemistry and electrochemistry; with a particular emphasis on energy storage materials for lithium and sodium batteries. He is interested in the fundamental science of ionically conducting solids and intercalation compounds, the synthesis of new materials with new properties or combinations of properties, understanding these properties and exploring their applications in energy storage. Although ionically conducting solids represent the starting point for much of his research, he has extended his interests beyond the confines of this subject alone. His current research interests include cathode materials, solid state batteries and the Li-air battery.
Bruce has published over 390 papers in this area and has been recognized as a Highly Cited Researcher by the Web of Science Group each year since 2015.[5]
Solid state batteries
All solid state batteries have the potential to revolutionize the electric vehicles of the future. Replacing the flammable organic liquid electrolyte currently used in Li ion cells with a solid will enable the use of an alkali metal anode which will increase energy density and improve safety. Bruce's interests are in understanding the fundamental processes that are taking place and those, such as void and dendrite formation, which ultimately lead to failure of the cell.[6][7] Until 2023 Bruce led the Faraday Institution's SOLBAT project[8] which aims to "break down the barriers which are preventing the progression to market of solid-state batteries." He now leads the project's workpackage on the anode.[9][10]
Intercalation Compounds
Lithium intercalation into solid hosts is the fundamental mechanism underpinning the operation of electrodes in rechargeable lithium batteries. He seeks to synthesise new lithium intercalation compounds with unusual properties or combinations of properties. He is especially interested in cathode materials for Li and Na ion batteries. Recently his work in this area has been concerned with compounds which can store additional charge, beyond the transition metal redox capacity, by participation of oxygen in reversible anionic redox processes, including the formation of molecular oxygen in the solid.[11][12][13][14] Bruce leads WP1 of the Faraday Institution's CATMAT project.[15]
Lithium-air battery
Peter G. Bruce is one of the initiators of the Lithium-air battery. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery has revolutionised portable electronics, it will be key to electrifying transport and to delivering secure and stable renewable electricity. However the highest energy density possible for Li-ion batteries is insufficient to meet future demands. The Li-air battery has the potential to transform energy storage and has the highest theoretical energy density of any known battery technology. His research focuses on understanding the fundamental processes underpinning its operation. Recent work has included investigating the kinetics of redox mediators and their use in Li-air cells.[16]
^House, Robert A.; Maitra, Urmimala; Pérez-Osorio, Miguel A.; Lozano, Juan G.; Jin, Liyu; Somerville, James W.; Duda, Laurent C.; Nag, Abhishek; Walters, Andrew; Zhou, Ke-Jin; Roberts, Matthew R.; Bruce, Peter G. (9 December 2019). "Superstructure control of first-cycle voltage hysteresis in oxygen-redox cathodes". Nature. 577 (7791): 502–508. Bibcode:2019Natur.577..502H. doi:10.1038/s41586-019-1854-3. PMID31816625. S2CID209165537.
