My research project focuses on the synthesis, structural evaluation, and property optimization of glassy solid electrolytes for their use in all solid-state batteries (SSB). My objective is to create a SSB that is safer than their liquid electrolyte counterparts that can be used for space or vehicular technologies. More explicitly, my project explores the development of a new class of Glassy Solid Electrolytes (GSEs), a mixed oxy-sulfide-nitride (MOSN), which has the potential to overcome the conductivity, cost, and stability disadvantages of current solid electrolytes (SEs) needed for an all SSB. This unique class of materials exhibits high ionic conductivities of the sulfide glasses, improved chemical stability due to the inclusion of oxide glasses, and improved electrochemical stability when in contact with lithium metal because of the addition of oxy-nitride glasses. I hope to find an electrolyte that can be easily synthesized, optimized, and then placed into a SSB design to test the capabilities of these electrolytes.
Victor Torres – Iowa State University
Student: Victor Torres, graduate student in Materials Science and Engineering, Iowa State University
Research Mentor: Steve W. Martin
Synthesis, Structures, and Properties of New Mixed Oxy-Sulfide-Nitride Glassy Solid Electrolytes
2023-2024, Graduate