(3dh) Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) Assisted Lithium-Ion Conduction in Crystalline Solid Polymer Electrolytes

PEO based solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are safer compared to the highly flammable organic liquid electrolytes used in lithium-ion batteries. It is commonly believed that the crystalline regions of the polymer electrolyte act as insulators. The lithium ions travel through the amorphous regions only with the aid of polymer segmental motion. Thus, majority of the studies use different approaches to lower the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polymer, which makes the polymer electrolyte more flexible. The higher the flexibility, the higher the segmental motion and associated ionic conductivity. However, reduced Tg comes with the cost of compromised stiffness.

Lithium-metal battery has advantage over lithium-ion battery for progressing electric cars.The lithium-metal anode has 10 times higher capacity than the graphite anode currently used in lithium-ion battery. When liquid electrolyte is used with lithium-metal battery, Li dendrite forms on the surface of the anode, leading to a short-circuit in the battery and causing severe safety hazards. Polymer electrolyte can prevent the dendrite formation while being used in Lithium-metal battery, but it needs to have sufficient stiffness. Thus, it is crucial to investigate strategies to decouple ionic conductivity from polymer segmental motion.

Not all crystals are insulators. We explore PEO based polymer-salt co-crystals to increase both conductivity and stiffness. On their own these polymer-salt co-crystals are not highly conductive. To improve conductivity, we incorporate Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) as the nanofiller. We analyze the structure-conductivity relationship in detail with X-ray diffraction (XRD), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS).

Research Interests

For future research, I am interested in couple of areas. My first interest is to study structure-property relationship of polymer-based materials for diverse applications, such as drug delivery, antibody capture, water purification, and electronic devices.

My 2nd interest is to use my current characterization knowledge to study different types of materials. I have widely used XRD and DSC to analyze different crystalline phases in polymer electrolytes. I am keen to utilize these techniques to analyze protein structures for application in drug discovery research.

I am also interested to use statistical methods to design optimum formulations for polymer composite materials, for application in coatings and cosmetics.