(School of Physics and Materials Science) On April 23, Professor Stefano Passerini, Member of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina and Fellow of the International Society of Electrochemistry (ISE), was invited to deliver a speech at Qianhu Forum 29. The distinguished scholar presented an academic lecture entitled “Na-ion and Na-metal Batteries: From Basic Research to Industrial Breakthroughs” to faculty members and students.
Starting with the challenges facing global energy storage, Professor Passerini systematically analyzed the limitations of renewable energy sources such as solar photovoltaic and wind power in energy storage, and then introduced the key role of alkali metal batteries in addressing the problem. He focused on the innovative solution of sodium-seawater battery technology using seawater resources, elaborated in detail how to achieve high-performance energy storage through low-cost seawater battery design, and shared latest research advancements in this field. The lecture was closely linked to international research hotspots. Through detailed experimental data and typical case analyses, it vividly demonstrated the full-chain innovation path of sodium-based batteries from basic research to industrial application, and provided a professional outlook on future technology development trends.
In the Q&A session, Professor Passerini communicated with students on critical issues in sodium battery technology and had an in-depth discussion on various questions including the “sodium storage mechanisms and charging voltage in seawater batteries” and the “electrolyte design in sodium batteries”. The lecture significantly enhanced the audience’s understanding of the fundamental principles underlying sodium-ion and sodium metal batteries and helped them have a deeper understanding of core scientific challenges including electrolyte material development and interfacial stability modulation, providing theoretical guidance and methodological reference for scientific research practice.
More than 200 faculty members and students from the School of Physics and Materials Science and other departments attended the lecture.
The research of Professor Stefano Passerini covers key areas such as polymer electrolytes, ionic liquids, and high-performance electrode materials, with applications in lithium/sodium batteries, supercapacitors, and medical sensors. Professor Passerini enjoys high reputation in electrochemistry and is recognized as a global trailblazer who greatly promoted the development of ionic liquids and sodium-ion battery development. He has published more than 1,200 academic papers (H-index: 139, citations exceeding 73,000), 11 co-authored scholarly monographs and book chapters, and 31 granted patents. Professor Passerini serves as co-editor of the Encyclopedia of Electrochemical Power Sources and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Power Sources. His outstanding contributions have been recognized internationally: he was elected a Fellow of the Electrochemical Society (ECS) in 2020, a Member of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina in 2019, an ESI Highly Cited Scientist in 2015-2018 and 2020-2021, and a Fellow of the International Electrochemical Society (ISE) in 2015. In 2012 he received the Electrochemical Society Battery Division Research Award.
Editors: Xu Hang, Tu Jinfeng, Zhu Wenfang, Xu Han
