Investigating Materials and Printing Techniques for Solid-State Electrolytes in Next Generation Batteries

This project will focus on solid-state electrolytes for energy storage devices. It will investigate the challenge of replacing current generation liquid electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries with a solid-state alternative. This may allow for a multitude of advantages, most notably a battery with a higher energy density, a lower combustibility, faster recharging and a longer cycle life. These will be especially important during the current transition away from petrol/diesel vehicles towards electric alternatives where energy density and safety are paramount. Investigations will centre on the development and characterisation of new solid-state electrolyte materials (primarily from the promising lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide system), as well as possible methods to develop these materials from inks so that they can be printed.