RotoLyte · Designing molecular rotations in solid electrolytes for high-performance batteries

Designing molecular rotations in solid electrolytes for high-performance batteries

The transition to a green and sustainable future relies heavily on advanced energy storage and conversion technologies, such as batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells. At the heart of these technologies are electrolytes—materials through which ions move. Liquid electrolytes, used in current state-of-the-art devices like lithium-ion batteries, offer high ionic mobility but come with significant drawbacks including toxicity, flammability, and limited safety. Solid electrolytes promise better safety, but their ionic conductivities are often too low for practical applications. There is a growing need for new materials that combine the best of both worlds—high ion mobility with enhanced safety. Project RotoLyte aims to tackle this challenge by exploring the unique properties of plastic crystals, a class of materials with both solid-like and liquid-like characteristics. Specifically, these materials feature rotationally mobile polyanions that allow for the fast movement of Li+ or Na+ ions, while maintaining the safety and stability advantages of solid-state electrolytes. This duality could make plastic crystals ideal candidates for next-generation solid-state batteries, offering high performance, safety, and operational flexibility. The overarching goal of RotoLyte is to understand the fundamental mechanisms behind ionic conductivity in plastic crystals and to leverage this knowledge to design more efficient and stable solid electrolytes. The project is divided into three main objectives: 1. Developing new methodologies to study these complex materials. 2. Identifying the structural and dynamic factors that govern plastic crystalline behavior. 3. Demonstrating the practical application of these materials in electrochemical devices, such as high-performance batteries. By addressing key knowledge gaps in this emerging field, RotoLyte is expected to pave the way for breakthroughs in energy storage technologies, contributing to the European Green Deal's mission of "Climate-neutral and Smart Cities." The development of high-performance, safe batteries could facilitate energy storage solutions that are crucial for integrating renewable energy sources, thus supporting the EU's strategic objectives of decarbonization and energy independence.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union