Katarina Cicvarić

Research & Skills

I am a chemist with a PhD in Electrochemistry and Materials Science, specialising in energy storage technologies with a particular focus on lithium-ion and solid-state lithium metal batteries. My research focuses on understanding the fundamental electrochemical and materials processes that govern battery performance, safety, and long-term stability.

My previous work investigated the influence of pulsed fast-charging protocols on the electrochemical behaviour and cycling performance of solid-state lithium metal batteries. In particular, I studied the dynamic interactions at lithium metal–solid electrolyte interfaces, including ion transport, interphase formation, lithium deposition morphology, and dendrite suppression under high-current pulsed charging conditions. I employed electrochemical characterisation and advanced analytical techniques to uncover the mechanisms that control interfacial stability and degradation during fast charging.

Currently, my research focuses on lithium-ion batteries, where I combine operando X-ray and neutron diffraction with electrochemical characterisation to investigate the structural evolution of electrode materials during battery operation. By correlating crystallographic changes with electrochemical performance, I seek to understand degradation mechanisms at the crystal lattice level and elucidate lithium distribution within the electrodes throughout cycling. These insights will contribute to the development of more durable and higher-performing lithium-ion battery systems.

• X-ray/Neutron diffraction