Research Projects

The advancement of sodium(Na)-ion batteries is gaining momentum due to their low cost and high abundance. However, the interfacial resistance between the solid electrolyte and electrode materials is a major issue. To address this, flexible materials are being developed and tested for their applications in battery technology. Currently, flexible electrolyte materials are synthesized from organic or composite polymers. However, no material provides superior properties for efficient electrolyte for Na-ion batteries. This proposal aims to develop a flexible material from water-soluble inorganic glass materials, specifically from water-soluble phosphate glass. The structural properties of the glasses and flexible materials will be evaluated using Raman, XPS, and MAS-NMR spectroscopic techniques. The major issue with water-based electrolyte materials is electrolysis, which produces H2 and O2 gasses and destroys electrode materials. To enhance the electrochemical stability window (ESW) of water-based electrolytes, a hybrid solvent consisting of water and organic liquid will be used. Glass-based flexible electrolyte materials have advantages such as good interfacial reaction and mechanical integrity with electrode materials. The mechanical properties of electrolyte materials will be characterized using AFM and nano/micro indentation tests. To evaluate the suitability of flexible electrolyte materials for battery applications, a Na-ion battery will be fabricated using suitable electrode materials and current collectors. The fabricated cell will be characterized to evaluate the charge-discharge profile, ESW, and electrode profile reliability.