A Multiweek Experimental Project Bringing Real-World Lithium Batteries into a Third-Year Undergraduate Analytical Chemistry Laboratory

Abstract

Lithium (Li)-ion batteries have transformed modern life by creating a rechargeable world through their applications in electronics, vehicles, and energy storage. Despite their cutting-edge reputation, the essential chemistry and mechanisms behind batteries are based on principles that have been evolving for over 250 years. It is essential for undergraduate students to understand the chemistry and engineering of batteries, yet current curricula often lack comprehensive coverage. To address this educational gap, we designed a multiweek experimental project embedded within the "Analytical Chemistry Lab" for third-year undergraduate students. Weekly activities are designed to align with the concepts covered in the prior year of "Analytical Chemistry" course. This project involves a series of experiments preparing battery materials, assembling coin cells, and evaluating their electrochemical cycling performance. Specifically, students fabricate the three main components of battery systems-polymer electrolytes, electrodes, and liquid electrolytes-and assemble Li metal coin cells. Throughout the project, students submit weekly laboratory reports, deliver a 7 min presentation, and take an exam to assess their understanding of each experiment. This hands-on experience allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world battery applications, emphasizing the interdisciplinary nature of the task. The ultimate pedagogical goal of this multiweek experimental project is to demonstrate the practical application of academic knowledge, bridging the gap between theoretical learning and real-world scientific practices.