Powering up solid state batteries: mastering the solid electrolytes

Solid-state batteries (SSB) using ceramic electrolytes and a lithium metal negative electrode are critical to move our society away from high-carbon energy. The ceramic electrolytes consist of micron sized grains separated by grain boundaries. These often nm sized boundary regions control the conductivity and the ability of the electrolyte to resist the impregnation if lithium metal when the battery is charged. Li metal ingress destroys the cell. We need to understand what is happening in these nm boundaries and then use the new knowledge we shall discover to master the solid electrolyte. You will have the opportunity to use advanced electron microscopy combined with electrochemical measurements to explore this new frontier in energy research.

This project is an IMAT CDT project with CDT funding and enquires should be addressed to the  IMAT CDT Programme Manager. However you can also select this project if applying for a DPhil in Materials.