Unlocking Transformative Electrochemical Systems Through Solid-State Ceramic Conductors

The Focus Group “Unlocking Transformative Electrochemical Systems Through Solid-State Ceramic Conductors” involves Dieter Schwarz Courageous Research Grant holder Prof. Fikile Brushett (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and his host Prof. Jennifer Rupp (Solid-State Electrolytes, TUM School of Natural Sciences).

This Focus Group seeks to conceptualize, synthesize, and integrate solid-state conductors with high conductivity and perfect-selectivity into electrochemical energy systems. Through modeling and experiment, we aim to expand the library of fundamental knowledge on the behavior of solid-state conductors in contact with liquid electrolytes, to establish design criteria for competitive embodiments, and to pioneer proof-of-concept prototypes that illustrate the transformative potential of this approach. We are inspired by the following questions. How does the (electro)chemical environment impact the conductivity, stability, and selectivity of an ion-conducting solid-state ceramics interfacing with a compositionally-dynamic, multi-component liquid electrolyte? What structure-property relationships describe the rates and mechanisms of ion transport across the conductor and how can the rate determining processes be controlled by tuning of interfacial and bulk characteristics? Can dimensionally-stable, continuous, and dense films and tapes of ceramics be manufactured and incorporated into flow cells that enable durable operation at high current, high efficiency, and with no crossover?