Organic Polymer Electrolyte Research Articles

Gel polymer electrolytes based on sulfonamide functional polymer nanoparticles for sodium metal batteries.

In this work, we investigate the development of polymer electrolytes for sodium batteries based on sulfonamide functional polymer nanoparticles (NaNPs). The synthesis of the polymer NaNPs is carried out by emulsion copolymerization of methyl methacrylate and sodium sulfonamide methacrylate in the presence of a crosslinker, resulting in particle sizes of 50 nm, as shown by electron microscopy. Then, gel polymer electrolytes are prepared by mixing polymer NPs and different organic plasticizers including carbonates, glymes, sulfolanes and ionic liquids. The chemical nature of the plasticizer resulted in different effects on the sodium coordination shell, which in turn impacted the properties of each membrane as investigated by FTIR. The transport properties were investigated by EIS and solid-state NMR. Among the organic gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs), the system comprising NaNPs and sulfolanes achieved the best ionic conductivity (1.1 × 10-4 S cm-1 at 50 °C) and sodium single-ion properties while for the ionogels, the best ionic conductivity was obtained by NaNPs mixed with pyrrolidinium-FSI IL (4.7 × 10-4 S cm-1 at 50 °C). From sodium metal symmetrical cell cycling, the use of ILs as plasticizers proved to be more beneficial for SEI formation and its evolution during cell cycling compared to the systems based on NPs and organic solvents. However, NPs + PC led to lower cell overvoltage than NPs + ILs (<0.4 V vs. >0.5 V). This study shows the potential of using Na-sulfonamide functional polymer nanoparticles to immobilize different plasticizers and thereby obtain soft-solid electrolytes for Na metal batteries.

Carboxymethyl cellulose organic gel polymer electrolyte enabling high performance of germanium-air batteries in a wide operating temperature range from −10 °C to 80 °C

Carboxymethyl cellulose organic gel polymer electrolyte enabling high performance of germanium-air batteries in a wide operating temperature range from −10 °C to 80 °C

Development and Characterization of Hybrid Inorganic-Organic Solid Electrolytes for Their Application in Solid State Sodium Batteries

In recent years sodium-ion batteries (SIB) have received significant attention from academia and industry. Switching the charge carrier inside the battery from lithium to sodium enables the use of non-critical, widely available, affordable resources and in turn offers the potential for low-cost batteries. One drawback of SIB is their lower energy-density compared to state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries. [1] To increase the energy density of sodium-based batteries, researchers are exploring strategies to implement sodium metal anodes because of their high specific capacity (1165 mAh g-1) and low redox potential (- 2.71 V vs standard hydrogen electrode). One of these strategies is the development and application of solid states electrolytes (SSE) that are compatible with sodium metal. In addition to an increased energy density, SSE might also offer safety improvements due to the absence of flammable liquid solvents and an increased thermal stability window. [1]Among these SSE there are organic solid polymer electrolytes (SPE) and inorganic ceramic electrolytes (ISE). Both types of SSE offer certain advantages and disadvantages. While SPE enable a good contact to the electrodes due to their flexibility and are easily produced, they lack in ionic conductivity at ambient temperatures (typically < 10-4 S cm-1). ISE in turn achieve room temperature ionic conductivities in the range of 10-3 S cm-1. Furthermore, they possess a very high tensile strength which might help with preventing internal short circuits due to dendritic sodium metal puncturing the separator. However, owing to their rigidity and brittleness it is challenging to produce mechanically robust, thin separator membranes and achieve a good contact with the electrodes without high stack pressures. [2] To compensate for these disadvantages research has been conducted into the hybridization of SPE and ISE. [3]In this work we produced hybrid inorganic-organic solid-state electrolytes via introducing fine NaSICON (Na superionic conductor, Na1+xZr2SixP3-xO12) particles and sodium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide salt (NaTFSI) into a crosslinked polyether-based polymeric host structure. The hybrid electrolytes were analyzed for their temperature dependent ionic conductivity, electrochemical stability window and compatibility with sodium metal anodes. We could show that the addition of NaSICON to the polymer electrolyte can have a beneficial effect on the ionic conductivity in the measured temperature range (e. g. increase from 0.8 mS cm-1 to 2 mS cm-1 at 80 °C). Nonetheless, significantly lower ionic conductivity at lower temperatures is observed. Preliminary impedance analysis revealed an interface resistance between the NaSICON and polymer electrolyte, that might interfere with unlocking the high ionic conductivity of the NaSICON at room temperature. Additionally, the plating-stripping capability was improved for the hybrid electrolytes, while the electrochemical stability towards oxidation was maintained. Overall, we show that combining NaSICON with polyether-based SPE has beneficial effects. We also highlight remaining challenges for further development of these hybrid electrolytes for their successful application in solid state sodium batteries.[1] Huang, J.; Wu, K.; Xu, G.; Wu, M.; Dou, S.; Wu, C.; Recent progress and strategic perspectives of inorganic solid electrolytes: fundamentals, modifications, and applications in sodium metal batteries. Chemical Society reviews 2023. DOI: 10.1039/d2cs01029a.[2] Vasudevan, S.; Dwivedi, S.; Balaya, P.; Overview and perspectives of solid electrolytes for sodium batteries. Int J Applied Ceramic Tech 2023, 20 (2), 563–584. DOI: 10.1111/ijac.14267.[3] Su, Y.; Xu, F.; Zhang, X.; Qiu, Y.; Wang, H.; Rational Design of High-Performance PEO/Ceramic Composite Solid Electrolytes for Lithium Metal Batteries. Nano-micro letters 2023, 15 (1), 82. DOI: 10.1007/s40820-023-01055-z.

Na3Zr2Si2PO12-Polymer Composite Electrolyte for Solid State Sodium Batteries.

The integration of the flexibility of organic polymer electrolyte and high ionic conductivity of the ceramic electrolyte is attempted in search of efficient and safer battery. Composite solid polymer electrolyte (CSPE) provides high ionic conductivity with a sustainable thin film of electrolyte having the synergistic effect of ionic liquid and active inorganic filler. The CSPE is synthesized by the solution cast technique using Na3Zr2Si2PO12 (NZSP) as ceramic and poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) with Salt-Ionic liquid as polymer electrolyte. X-ray diffraction (XRD) of CSPE includes amorphous nature due to the polymer part as well as crystalline peaks of ceramic NZSP, simultaneously. The prepared CSPE sample shows homogeneous and interconnected surface morphology is observed by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows electrolyte is thermally stable up to 200 °C and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) reveals decrease in degree of crystallinity due to NZSP addition in the CSPE. By complex impedance spectroscopy (CIS), room temperature ionic conductivity of the prepared CSPE is found ~1.03 mS/cm. The dielectric behaviour of the prepared electrolyte is also studied to investigate the ion dynamics within the sample. The cationic transference number is 0.53 and the electrochemical stability window (ESW) of the CSPE is 4.9 V which is suitable for sodium solid-state batteries applications.

Ceramic Rich Composite Electrolytes: An Overview of Paradigm Shift toward Solid Electrolytes for High‐Performance Lithium‐Metal Batteries

AbstractExploiting the synergy between organic polymer electrolytes and inorganic electrolytes via the development of composite electrolytes can suggest solutions to the current challenges of next‐generation solid‐state lithium‐metal batteries (SSLMBs). Depending upon a mass fraction of inorganic fillers and organic polymers, composite electrolytes are broadly classified into “ceramic‐in‐polymer” (CIP) and “polymer‐in‐ceramic” (PIC) categories, inheriting distinct structure and electrochemical properties. Since the stability and electrochemical characteristics of the inorganic phase are superior to those of the organic phase for lithium‐ion conduction, applying lithium‐enrich active filler in PIC seems more promising. The inorganic phase preserves the primary migratory channels in the PIC electrolyte, while the viscoelastic properties attempt to be introduced from the organic binder or host. The present work overviews the studies on state‐of‐the‐art PIC electrolytes, the fundamental mechanism of ionic conduction, preparation methods, and current progress in materials development for SSLMBs. In addition, the modification strategies for improving the electrode–electrolyte interface are also emphasized. Moreover, it further prospects the current challenges and effective strategies for the future development of PICs‐based CPEs to accelerate the practical application of SSLMBs. This review examines the progress and outlook of PIC‐based electrolytes for next‐generation lithium batteries.

Interfacial Reconstruction Unlocks Inherent Ionic Conductivity of Li‐La‐Zr‐Ta‐O Garnet in Organic Polymer Electrolyte for Durable Room‐Temperature All‐Solid‐State Batteries

AbstractRigid‐flexible coupled composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs, e.g., polyethylene oxide/Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12, PEO/LLZTO) hold the promise of integrating the respective merits of organic polymer electrolyte and inorganic ceramic fillers to achieve better all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs), but commonly suffer from poor synergistic effect owing to the ionically/electronically resistive layer on the ceramic surface. Representatively, the Li2CO3 passivation layer‐isolated LLZTO not only contributes minimally to the Li+ conduction in PEO/LLZTO CPE, but also narrows the available electrochemical window. Herein, an interfacial reconstruction strategy is disclosed based on mild liquid‐phase chemical reaction and subsequent self‐assembly, allowing the detrimental Li2CO3 to fully react with succinic anhydride (SA), and simultaneously constructing a robust ultra‐thin lithium succinate (SALi) ionic conductor shell to eradicate its regeneration. Accordingly, the obtained PEO/LLZTO@SALi (PLS) CPE shows a high room‐temperature ionic conductivity (1.2 × 10−4 S cm−1), a wide electrochemical window (4.8 V), a notable Li+ transference number (0.37), as well as nonflammability and exceptional compatibility with Li metal in Li/Li symmetric cells (2000 h at 0.2 mA cm−2). More encouragingly, the Li/PLS CPE/LiFePO4 full ASSB maintains an ultrahigh capacity retention of 84.3% after 1400 cycles at room temperature. This work propels the design of high‐performance CPEs through the interfacial modulation of inorganic ceramic fillers.

In Situ Hybrid Crosslinking Polymerization of Nanoparticles for Composite Polymer Electrolytes to Achieve Highly‐Stable Solid Lithium–Metal Batteries

AbstractThe composite solid electrolyte, which combines the advantages of inorganic conductors and organic polymer electrolytes, has become a crucial strategy for the construction of solid‐state batteries. However, the physical deposition and agglomeration of traditional composite fillers seriously affect their structural uniformity and ion transport performance, and the construction of uniform and stable composite electrolytes is still an insurmountable challenge. Herein, a strategy of in situ hybrid crosslinking polymerization of TiO2 nanoparticles is proposed for highly stable polymer composite electrolytes (NHCPE) with an ultrahigh ionic conductivity of 1.74 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 25 °C, and a high lithium‐ion transference number of 0.725. These properties enable the composed lithium symmetric battery to be stably deposited/plating off at 0.5 mA cm−2 for more than 1000 h. Moreover, the assembled LFP|PDOL@nanoTiO2|Li battery exhibits a superior specific discharge capacity of 142.6 mAh g−1 at 1 C and 25 °C, and an ultrahigh capacity retention rate of 90% after 1000 cycles. The proposed PDOL@nanoTiO2 NHCPE greatly inhibits the defects of easy agglomeration of composite electrolytes, solves the problems of easy decomposition, low thermal stability, and poor safety of polyether electrolytes, and opens up a new way for the design and industrial application of high‐stability composite polymer electrolytes.

In Situ Polymerization Inhibiting Electron Localization in Hybrid Electrolyte for Room‐Temperature Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries

AbstractHybrid solid electrolytes (HSEs) have attracted much attention due to their advantages as both inorganic and organic polymer electrolytes. However, the organic/inorganic interfacial space charge layer has a great barrier to the transport of Li+ in the HSE. Here, an in situ polymerization layer is proposed on garnet‐type particles, working as the coherent region to eliminate the space charge layer at the organic/inorganic interfaces by inhibiting electron localization. The conjugate hybridization of fillers weakens the aggregation of particles, induces the dissociation of Li salt, and provides high‐throughput Li+ transport pathways at the ceramics/polymer interface. Furthermore, the continuous Li+ conduction networks are connected by the coherent region between inorganic fillers and polymer chains. The fabricated HSE exhibits a high ionic conductivity of 0.47 mS cm−1 and ion migration numbers of 0.78 at room temperature. The 3D Li//Li systematic battery assembled with the HSE delivers a high critical current density (CCD) of 2.0 mA cm−2. Meanwhile, the 4.5 V NCM811//Li batteries achieve a prolonged operation of 500 cycles at 0.5 C. The Li//LiFePO4 batteries demonstrate superior capacity retention of 96.4% at 1 C after 500 cycles.

Technological Advances and Market Developments of Solid-State Batteries: A Review.

Batteries are essential in modern society as they can power a wide range of devices, from small household appliances to large-scale energy storage systems. Safety concerns with traditional lithium-ion batteries prompted the emergence of new battery technologies, among them solid-state batteries (SSBs), offering enhanced safety, energy density, and lifespan. This paper reviews current state-of-the-art SSB electrolyte and electrode materials, as well as global SSB market trends and key industry players. Solid-state electrolytes used in SSBs include inorganic solid electrolytes, organic solid polymer electrolytes, and solid composite electrolytes. Inorganic options like lithium aluminum titanium phosphate excel in ionic conductivity and thermal stability but exhibit mechanical fragility. Organic alternatives such as polyethylene oxide and polyvinylidene fluoride offer flexibility but possess lower ionic conductivity. Solid composite electrolytes combine the advantages of inorganic and organic materials, enhancing mechanical strength and ionic conductivity. While significant advances have been made for composite electrolytes, challenges remain for synthesis intricacies and material stability. Nuanced selection of these electrolytes is crucial for advancing resilient and high-performance SSBs. Furthermore, while global SSB production capacity is currently below 2 GWh, it is projected to grow with a >118% compound annual growth rate by 2035, when the potential SSB market size will likely exceed 42 billion euros.

(Invited) Solid State Hybrid Inorganic Organic Polymer Electrolytes for Advanced Sodium Secondary Batteries

The large-scale rollout of electric vehicles, smart grids and portable electronics is expected to require an amount of energy storage devices that the Li-ion technology alone will not be able to satisfy. In this concern, a quest for novel electrochemical energy storage technologies has started [1]. Sodium secondary batteries appear to be a good choice due to: (i) the high availability of raw materials; (ii) the low cost of sodium; (iii) the low sodium standard reduction potential; and (iv) the similarity between the chemistries of sodium and lithium, which facilitates the transition between the two technologies. Up to date, the best-performing electrolytes for the reversible deposition of sodium are based on organic solvents, which suffer from safety concerns and a poor stability towards sodium metal. Thus, research activities in this field are devoted to the development of safe and stable solid state electrolytes able to efficiently transport Na+ ions.Inspired by the pioneering work done by Di Noto and co-workers [2-4], herein we present a family of hybrid inorganic-organic polymer electrolytes (HIOPEs) for advanced solid state sodium secondary batteries. The initial HIOPE is obtained by means of a reaction between zirconium ethoxide and polyethylene glycol (PEG400). The resulting material is doped with sodium perchlorate as source of Na+ ions. In this system a 3D network is obtained, where inorganic zirconium metal nodes are interconnected by means of organic PEO chains. The latter ensure flexibility to the overall structure. Na+ ions are coordinated by and exchanged between the oxygen atoms of the ethereal functionalities of PEO chains. In addition, to guarantee a good structural stability, positively charged Zr nodes partially coordinate perchlorate anions, thus raising the sodium transference number. After doping with the poly(ethylene glycol) dimethyl ether (PEGDME250) plasticizer, a room temperature conductivity higher than 10-4 S cm-1 is demonstrated. An advanced study of the thermal and structural properties of the proposed materials is presented, with a particular focus on the interactions established between the different chemical species and complexes composing the HIOPEs. The conduction mechanism is elucidated starting from the results obtained in a wide range of temperatures from broadband electrical spectroscopy studies. Taking all together, this study offers insights on the application of non-traditional solid state electrochemical functional components as replacements for conventional solvents in the emerging field of sodium secondary batteries. Acknowledgments The project “Interplay between structure, properties, relaxations and conductivity mechanism in new electrolytes for secondary Magnesium batteries” (Grant Agreement W911NF-21-1-0347-(78622-CH-INT)) of the U.S. Army Research Office. The project “ACHILLES” (prot. BIRD219831) of the University of Padua. The project “VIDICAT” (Grant Agreement 829145) of the FET-Open call of Horizion 2020. The project TRUST (protocol 2017MCEEY4) of the Italian MIUR funded in the framework of “PRIN 2017” call.

Stable quasi-solid-state lithium-organic battery based on composite gel polymer electrolyte and compatible organic cathode material

High-performance organic small-molecule electrode materials are troubled with their high solubility in liquid electrolytes. The construction of quasi-solid-state lithium organic batteries (LOBs) using gel polymer electrolytes with high mechanical properties, compromised ionic conductivity, high safety, and eco-friendly is an effective way to inhibit the dissolution of active materials. Herein, two hexaazatriphenylene (HATN)-based organic cathode materials (HATNA-6OCH3 and HATNA-6OH) are synthesized and then matched with polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP)-based gel polymer electrolytes to construct quasi-solid-state LOBs. Thanks to the enhanced interfacial compatibility between organic cathode material and gel polymer electrolyte, HATNA-6OH with compatible hydroxyl group shows the enhanced electrochemical properties compared with HATNA-6OCH3. Further, the electrochemical performance is improved when HATNA-6OH is combined with a gel polymer electrolyte modified with a succinonitrile (SN) plasticizer (GPE-0.4SN), including a high specific capacity of 153.3 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1 and a good reversible capacity of 88 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 200 mA g−1. In addition, the good electrochemical properties and lithium-ion storage mechanism of HATNA-6OH have been elucidated using density functional theory (DFT) and spectral characterizations.

Electrospun derived polymer-garnet composite quasi solid state electrolyte with low interface resistance for lithium metal batteries

Polymer garnet composite electrolyte is a promising stable electrolyte to replace the hazardous/unstable liquid electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries due to their synergistic advantage of solid organic polymer electrolytes and inorganic ceramic electrolytes. Herein, we report polymer blend-based garnet composite quasi solid state electrospun electrolytes for lithium metal batteries. To be specific, Ta doped lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide, Li6·4La3Ta0·6Zr1·4O12 (LLZTO) incorporated with poly (vinyldine fluoride-hexafluro propylene) (PVdF-HFP)/poly butyl methacrylate (PBMA) electrospun membrane as the composite electrolyte, named as Ta-ESM and similarly, LLZTO free electrolyte named as ESM. The inclusion of LLZTO into the polymer matrix enhances the room temperature ionic conductivity from 9.924 × 10−4 (ESM) to 4.858 × 10−3 S cm−1 (Ta-ESM) along with lithium-ion transference number (0.61). Furthermore, polymer garnet composite electrolytes (Ta-ESM) restraint the growth of lithium dendrites, confirmed by the time-dependent impedance method and galvanostatic cycling technique. We have demonstrated the charge-discharge behaviour of lithium-metal battery using LiFePO4 cathode and lithium metal anode using Ta-ESM electrolyte, delivering 178 mA h g−1 at 0.1C and cyclability of 100 cycles. The high electrolyte uptake (582%) and porosity (64.1%) in Ta-ESM help achieve fast ionic migration and thus attain stable cycling.

Ionic Compatibilization of Polymers.

The small specific entropy of mixing of high molecular weight polymers implies that most blends of dissimilar polymers are immiscible with poor physical properties. Historically, a wide range of compatibilization strategies have been pursued, including the addition of copolymers or emulsifiers or installing complementary reactive groups that can promote the in situ formation of block or graft copolymers during blending operations. Typically, such reactive blending exploits reversible or irreversible covalent or hydrogen bonds to produce the desired copolymer, but there are other options. Here, we argue that ionic bonds and electrostatic correlations represent an underutilized tool for polymer compatibilization and in tailoring materials for applications ranging from sustainable polymer alloys to organic electronics and solid polymer electrolytes. The theoretical basis for ionic compatibilization is surveyed and placed in the context of existing experimental literature and emerging classes of functional polymer materials. We conclude with a perspective on how electrostatic interactions might be exploited in plastic waste upcycling.

High-performance solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor based on Co3V2O8/carbon nanotube nanocomposite and gel polymer electrolyte

Binary metal oxides have promise in several fields due to their tunable structure properties and high stabilities. Moreover, gel polymer electrolytes allow the fabrication of solid-state supercapacitors. In this work, to get higher specific capacitances in solid-state supercapacitors, Co3V2O8/carbon nanotube (Co3V2O8/CNT) nanocomposite with porous structure is proposed as the positive electrode material with appropriate morphological feature. The improved charge transfer rate at the electrode surface and quick ion diffusion due to the interconnected mesoporous channels of Co3V2O8/CNT nanocomposite result in extraordinary specific capacitance of 1959.92 F g−1 at the current density of 1 A g−1. The performance of the proposed electrode is investigated in various electrolytes including aqueous, organic, and gel polymer electrolytes. Finally, a hybrid asymmetric solid-state device is constructed with Co3V2O8/CNT as positive electrode, activated carbon (AC) as negative electrode, and polyvinyl alcohol/H2SO4 (PVA/H2SO4) as gel polymer electrolyte. The specific capacitance for the device is 120.17 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 and the energy density of 37.55 Wh kg−1, which is higher than the capacitance for the KOH and organic electrolyte-based devices. The solid-state device with gel polymer maintains excellent cycling stability with retention of 95.26% after 3000 cycles.

Vertically Heterostructured Solid Electrolytes for Lithium Metal Batteries

AbstractSolid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) have been regarded as the most attractive candidate for safe and high‐energy lithium (Li) batteries of the next generation. However, the inability of current SSEs to keep up with the performance requirements of batteries is significantly affected by complex factors, especially ionic conductivity, mechanochemical properties, and coupled ion/electron reaction at the electrified interfaces. Strategies in solid electrolyte chemistries and technologies are put forward to overcome these challenges while widening the breadth of possible applications. Among them, vertically heterostructured solid‐state electrolytes (HSE) are constructed as a most promising strategy, which can take advantage of individual SSE layers together and rationalize the stability and compatibility of electrodes. This review comprehensively summarizes the specific features of the HSE based on the current knowledge of SSE failure modes. Additionally, a detailed review of the recent progress on the HSE design in terms of organic polymer electrolytes and inorganic electrolytes is generated. Finally, the advantages and drawbacks of the design strategies are discussed. New perspectives about HSE are proposed as well.

Crosslinked Polymer‐Brush Electrolytes: An Approach to Safe All‐Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries at Room Temperature

AbstractInvited for this month's cover picture is the group of Zi‐Hao Guo from South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China. The cover picture demonstrates a room‐temperature lithium metal battery enabled by all‐solid‐state organic polymer electrolytes with crosslinked short‐brush architecture, and the future world powered by next‐generation high‐energy solid‐state batteries. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/batt.202100319.

Cover Picture: Crosslinked Polymer‐Brush Electrolytes: An Approach to Safe All‐Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries at Room Temperature (Batteries &amp; Supercaps 2/2022)

The Front Cover demonstrates a room-temperature lithium metal battery enabled by all-solid-state organic polymer electrolytes with crosslinked short-brush architecture, and the future world powered by next-generation high-energy solid-state batteries. More information can be found in the Research Article by X. Ji, X. Zhou, Z.-H. Guo and co-workers.

Advances in solid lithium ion electrolyte based on the composites of polymer and LLTO/LLZO of rare earth oxides

AbstractComposite solid electrolyte is a promising solution for the development of new generation of safe and high‐performance all‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs). It combines both the advantages of inorganic electrolyte and organic polymer electrolyte, having high ionic conductivity, mechanical strength, good contact with the electrodes and high processability. In the recent decades, rare earth oxides have attracted wide attentions from researchers because of their high ionic conductivity. China is abundant in rare earth resources, so has a good chance to provide the world with high quality rare earth containing functional materials. This review paper focuses on the recent progress in the studies of composite solid electrolyte of polymer and rare earth containing lithium lanthanum zirconium and lithium lanthanum titanium oxides, and gains insights into the challenges in the field, and hopefully helps in the rational design of high performance electrolyte for the development of ASSLBs.

(Invited) In situ muon spin relaxation for probing ion diffusion in lithium batteries

All solid-state batteries present highly promising opportunities for safer energy storage. High ionic conducting solid electrolytes may overcome some of the limitations of organic polymer electrolytes, where safety concerns limit the electrochemical stability window, to provide a way to increase energy densities in a safe manner. However, resistance to ion mobility across the solid-solid electrode-electrolyte interface remains a bottle-neck to be overcome in realising this technology. The synthetic approach employed can potentially influence conductivities (and hence battery performance) exhibited by solid electrolytes and this talk will detail our efforts to maximise these properties through developments in our synthetic and characterisation approaches. Recent synthetic results on systems such as the NASICONs and perovskites where electrodes and electrolytes with similar crystal structures are applied in an effort to lattice match across the interface, will be discussed. Comprehensive characterisation methods which employ multiple experimental techniques to simultaneously probe lithium-ion diffusion on different length and time scales will be presented, with particular attention to recently developed in situ muon spin relaxation measurements aimed at interrogating ion diffusion across the electrode-electrolyte interface. These results will showcase how careful synthetic design can enable performance and a comprehensive analysis provides greater insight into materials properties.

Development and exergoeconomic evaluation of a SOFC-GT driven multi-generation system to supply residential demands: Electricity, fresh water and hydrogen

In this study, a novel multi-generation system is proposed by integrating a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)-gas turbine (GT) with multi-effect desalination (MED), organic flash cycle (OFC) and polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyzer (PEME) for simultaneous production of electricity, fresh water and hydrogen. A comprehensive exergoeconomic analysis and optimization are conducted to find the best design parameters considering exergy efficiency and total unit cost of products as objective functions. The results show that the exergy efficiency and the total unit cost of products in the optimal condition are 59.4% and 23.6 $/GJ, respectively, which offers an increase of 2% compared to exergy efficiency of SOFC-GT system. Moreover, the system is capable of producing 2.5 MW of electricity by the SOFC-GT system, 5.6 m3/h of fresh water by MED unit, and 1.8 kg/h of hydrogen by the PEME. The associated cost for producing electricity, fresh water and hydrogen are 3.4 cent/kWh, 37.8 cent/m3, and 1.7 $/kg, respectively. A comparison between the results of the proposed system and those reported in other related papers are presented. The diagram of the exergy flow is also plotted for the exact determination of the exergy flow rate in each component, and also, location and value of exergy destruction. Finally, the capability of the proposed system for a case study of Iran is examined.