This $384,954 Project Grant awarded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering program (CFDA 47.041) to Drexel University aims to fabricate and study spatially heterogeneous solid polymer electrolytes for solid-state battery applications. The key project objectives are: 1) Fabricating patterned solid polymer electrolytes (PSPE) with controlled spatial heterogeneity using soft lithography; 2) Understanding the nucleation and growth mechanisms of lithium and sodium metal at the electrode-PSPE interface; and 3) Developing educational modules and mentoring students across multiple academic levels. This research addresses fundamental challenges in solid-state battery technology by systematically decoupling local mechanical, chemical, and electrochemical effects at the electrode-electrolyte interface. The knowledge gained will benefit future battery design and enable safer, more efficient energy storage solutions. The project period runs from Sep 1, 2024 to Aug 31, 2027 and does not involve any sub-awards.
Generated 1/28/25, 10:12 AM