(Invited) Polymer Electrolytes and Metal Anodes: Ion Transport and Interfacial Impedance

Advances in energy storage devices are required for the widespread implementation of intermittent renewable electricity generation technologies such as photovoltaics and wind power. In addition, electrification of transportation will allow for the substitution of liquid fossil fuel energy with renewably sourced energy. Energy storage platforms based on more abundant resources are essential for sustainable solutions. High energy density storage devices with enhanced safety are also needed. In this talk, I will discuss our research on polymers for next generation batteries based on lithium metal and magnesium metal anodes. Flowable polymer electrolytes that can be married with porous current collectors are compared with crosslinked polymer electrolytes and conventional flat electrodes. Metal deposit morphology is found to be strongly influenced by polymer electrolyte bulk properties as well as interfacial properties.