Research Projects

Solid-state batteries (SSBs) are a promising option for the next generation of electronic devices due to their increased safety and high energy and power densities. Traditional sodium ion batteries have electrolytes that are liquid, and solid-state sodium batteries have electrolytes that are solid. Batteries usually have four parts: the cathode, the anode, the electrolyte, and the separator. In solid batteries, solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) can serve as both the electrolyte and the separator. But there are still some problems that need to be solved before SSEs can be made. These problems include a high ionic conductivity (10 to 2 S cm-1), chemical stability when combining anode and cathode materials, the appropriate electrochemical stability window, mechanical properties, etc. The electrochemical performance of a solid-state battery is determined by the solid-solid interface between electrode and solid electrolyte materials. To overcome all these challenges, we are introducing a polymer-based membrane in this proposal i.e., poly (vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoro propylene (PVDF-HFP) and Na ion conducting chalcogenides (SSEs). In this proposal, the overall objective of the project is to develop mechanically stable solid-state (SSEs) and solid-polymer (SSPEs) for all-solid-state sodium-ion batteries (ASSIBs). In an argon-filled glove box, this SSPE can be sandwiched between high energy density cathode and Na foil as a counter/reference electrode. The present study will involve the use of new Na-ion conducting solid electrolytes as well as solid polymer electrolytes that comprise polymers such as for (PVDF-HFP).