Summary
- Cornell researchers created a porous crystal design for safer solid-state lithium-ion batteries
- The crystal has one-dimensional nanochannels for smooth ion transport
- The crystal achieved high ionic conductivity of up to 8.3 × 10-4 siemens per centimeter
- The crystal can potentially be used for water purification and bioelectronic circuits
- The research was supported by Cornell Engineering’s Engineering Learning Initiatives and involved collaborations with other institutions and research centers
Article
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a porous crystal that can uptake lithium-ion electrolytes and transport them smoothly via one-dimensional nanochannels. This design could lead to safer solid-state lithium-ion batteries. The project was led by Yu Zhong, assistant professor of materials science and engineering, and the lead author of the paper is Yuzhe Wang ’24. The team fused together macrocycles and molecular cages to create a crystal that allows ions to move through smoothly.
Conventional lithium-ion batteries use liquid electrolytes, which can form spiky dendrites that can cause the battery to short out or even explode. Solid-state batteries are safer, but they face challenges due to slower ion movement through solids. The researchers aimed to design a porous crystal that would provide a smooth pathway for ions to travel through, with weak interactions to prevent sticking. The crystal also needed to hold enough ions for high ion concentration.
Supported by a grant, Wang fused macrocycles and molecular cages together to create a nanoporous crystal with one-dimensional channels for ion transport. The crystal achieved a record high ionic conductivity of up to 8.3 × 10-4 siemens per centimeter. Collaborations with researchers specializing in microscopy and simulations helped the team better understand the structure and interactions within the crystal. The material could have applications beyond batteries, including water purification and bioelectronic circuits.
The unique geometry of the fused macrocycle-cage molecules has opened up new possibilities for creating nanoporous materials with various applications. The researchers are continuing to explore different molecules and structures to expand the potential applications of this technology. The research was supported by Cornell’s Engineering Learning Initiatives and involved collaborations with researchers from other institutions. The team utilized resources from the Cornell Center for Materials Research and the Columbia University Materials Research Science and Engineering Center.
Overall, the research at Cornell University has led to the development of a novel crystal structure that could revolutionize the design of lithium-ion batteries, making them safer and more efficient. The fusion of macrocycles and molecular cages has produced a porous material with high ionic conductivity, allowing for smooth ion transport. This breakthrough could have implications beyond battery technology, including water purification and bioelectronic circuits. The researchers are excited about the potential for further innovation in nanoporous materials.
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