Fast and Cooperative Ion Transport in Polymer-Based Electrolytes (FaCT)

The overarching goal of the Energy Frontier Research Center on Fast and Cooperative Ion Transport in Polymer-Based Materials (EFRC FaCT) is to understand and control fast, correlated ion and proton transport at multiple length and time scales. The aim is to build a predictive, data-driven mechanistic model of ion transport in polymers and polymer-ceramic composites to enable the targeted design of next-generation energy storage and conversion materials. This proposal has two main thrusts: Thrust 1: Unveil the mechanisms driving correlated alkali ion and proton transport in polymers; with the goal of understanding and realizing new mechanisms of superionic conductivity (Li⁺, Na⁺, H⁺) in polymer-based materials, and Thrust 2: Elucidate the microscopic mechanisms controlling collective ion transport along and across polymer–ceramic interfaces, to design modified interfaces with reduced ion diffusion barriers. Crosscutting will be rational design through computation, theory, and materials informatics, which will leverage fundamental knowledge obtained from the other research activities to enable rational design of fast ion conducting polymer and polymer-ceramic membranes and electrolytes.