The University of Texas at Austin received a three-year, $392,642 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation's Mathematical and Physical Sciences program to develop a predictive understanding of ion transport in polymer electrolyte materials. Through computational simulations, the researchers will study dynamical ion correlations that influence ion motion in polymer electrolytes and ionic liquids used in battery and water purification applications. The simulations aim to identify design parameters that exploit ion correlations to enable higher conductivities and ion selectivity. Outcomes will inform the development of polymeric battery electrolytes for more sustainable energy storage. The university will integrate findings into course materials and recruit undergraduate and high school students for research experiences to broaden participation in computational materials science.
Generated 1/6/24, 3:50 PM