Studying dynamics in alternative energy advanced materials using solid-state NMR spectroscopy

我们的研究计划集中在应用先进的高分辨率固态核磁共振(核磁共振)方法来表征离子导体的结构-性质关系。感兴趣的两个领域是用于燃料电池膜的质子导电材料和用于锂离子电池的无机正极材料。在这项提议中，我们扩展了我们的兴趣，包括两种新型的质子导体，即固体酸和离子液体。所有这些材料都被实现清洁、便携能源的共同目标联系在一起。使用固态核磁共振，我们能够探索支配离子传输的分子尺度的机制和过程；在使用质子或锂离子导体时，这是速度限制步骤。我们预计这些结果将影响这些领域新的、改进的材料的设计和开发。

Our research program focuses on the application of advanced, high-resolution solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) methods to characterize structure-property relationships in ion conductors. The two areas of interest are proton-conducting materials for fuel-cell membranes, and inorganic cathode materials for lithium ion batteries. In this proposal, we extend our interest to include two new types of proton conductors, namely solid acids and ionic liquids. All of these materials are linked by the common goal of achieving clean, portable sources of energy. Using solid-state NMR, we are able to probe the molecular-scale mechanisms and process which govern ionic transport; the rate-limiting step in the use of either proton or lithium ion conductors. We expect that these results will impact the design and development of new, improved materials in these areas.