Morphogenic Interfaces (MINT)

The Defense Sciences Office (DSO) at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative research proposals for the application of morphogenesis to design electrochemical interfaces. The Morphogenic Interfaces (MINT) program seeks to enhance the persistence of high performance electrochemical systems by developing self-regulating interfaces that exploit detrimental local gradients to preserve interface function. To achieve this, MINT approaches should minimize irreversible morphological degradation that occurs at the functional interface between different materials in batteries and surface protection coatings/alloys. Proposed research should (1) develop mathematical models that can precisely predict the evolution of interface morphology informed by novel in operando characterization of electrochemical interfaces, (2) design/discover novel interface materials that can self-regulate their morphology and function, and (3) demonstrate the application of these interface materials to realize persistent, high performance electrochemical systems. Specifically excluded is research that primarily results in evolutionary improvements to the existing state of practice.