Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8981-881X
Date of Award
8-31-2026
Document Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Chemistry/Green Chemistry
First Advisor
Niya Sa
Abstract
The increasing demand for safe, sustainable, and high-performance energy storage systems has driven significant interest in multivalent-ion batteries, including aluminum, magnesium, and zinc-based systems. These technologies have attracted attention due to their high theoretical energy densities, natural abundance, low cost, and environmentally benign nature. However, their development remains hindered by a limited fundamental understanding of electrolyte development and interfacial processes at the electrode–electrolyte interface, where complex electrochemical interactions govern battery performance and stability.
This thesis investigates electrode–electrolyte interactions in both a novel aluminum electrolyte and divalent magnesium and zinc systems. Beginning with the development and characterization of a novel aluminum ionic liquid electrolyte, this work expands to examine the interfacial dynamics that govern electrochemical kinetics and mass accumulation in multivalent electrolyte systems. The results reveal the significance of electrolyte speciation and ionic interactions in determining electrochemical kinetics and interfacial stability. More broadly, this work examines coupled faradaic and non-faradaic processes, including ion migration, adsorption, solvation, and interphase formation, which collectively influence interfacial reaction mechanisms and kinetics. Through the use of electroanalytical and in situ characterization techniques, this thesis establishes a foundational understanding of multivalent battery interfaces to support the design of high-performance electrolyte systems for future energy storage applications.
Recommended Citation
Gates, Leslie, "Electrolyte Development and Interfacial Reactions at Multivalent Metal Anode for Next Generation Energy Storage Systems" (2026). Graduate Masters Theses. 993.
https://scholarworks.umb.edu/masters_theses/993
Comments
Free and open access to this work is made available to the UMass Boston community by ScholarWorks at UMass Boston. Those not on campus and those without a UMass Boston campus username and password may gain access to this work through Interlibrary Loan. If you have a UMass Boston campus username and password and would like to download this work from off-campus, click on the “Off-Campus Users” button.