Designing Chemical Disorder in Solid-State Superionic Conductors

Project: Research project

Project Details

Description

Phenomenological coupling between physical properties arises in crystalline solids, as dictated by symmetry and the chemistry of materials. This coupling however often hinders materials innovation by limiting materials design degree, for example, the well-known tradeoff between lithium (Li) conductivity and voltage stability in crystalline Li superionic conductors. Chemical disorder present in non-crystalline solids can offer new functionalities to materials properties that are restricted in crystalline solids. Non-crystalline solids, through flexibility in composition, have the potential to shift the paradigm of functional materials design. However, how non-crystalline solids form, transform, and function remains unclarified due to the lack of long-range structural descriptors, making it extremely challenging to rationalize materials development. In light of this clear motivation, the goal of this project is to establish unified materials design principles and synthesis guidelines for non-crystalline solids. Specifically, we will investigate non-crystalline Li superionic conductors for electrochemical solid-state energy storage by 1) elucidating how short-range structures and chemistry govern macroscopic Li transport and electrochemical stability and 2) monitoring how chemical disorder evolves under mechano-chemical activation. To achieve this goal, we will combine solid-state chemistry, synchrotron experiments, and electrochemistry to synthesize, characterize, and assess non-crystalline Li superionic conductors. Successful outcomes of this project will allow a transformational step forward in designing complex non-crystalline materials, providing pivotal solutions to discover non-crystalline Li superionic conductors and expand the frontiers of materials chemistry.
StatusActive
Effective start/end date1/07/2230/06/27

Fingerprint

Explore the research topics touched on by this project. These labels are generated based on the underlying awards/grants. Together they form a unique fingerprint.