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Understanding the Mechanics of Polymeric Materials in Emerging Electronic Applications – From Molecular Scale to Application

Applicant Dr. Lukas Michalek
Subject Area Polymer Materials
Experimental and Theoretical Physics of Polymers
Solid State and Surface Chemistry, Material Synthesis
Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials
Preparatory and Physical Chemistry of Polymers
Term from 2021 to 2024
Project identifier Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 456522816
 
Final Report Year 2024

Final Report Abstract

During the Walter Benjamin Programme, I was working on the advancement of understanding the structure-property relationship of polymeric materials for emerging technologies. The main focus was set on the development of precise characterization methodologies for thin film systems via advanced atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. The goal was to develop a new way to directly measure and map the morphology and material properties beneath the surface. Different procedures for precision physical removal of the surface layers like ion-milling (Ar-beam, focused-ion-beam, and gas-cluster-ion-beam), and tip-based nanomachining were being developed to reveal sub-surface layers. Especially the tip-based nanomachining approach allowed high precision control of the removed surface layers and revealed sub-surface information with only minimal changes in the underlying structure. Furthermore, I investigated the in-situ solid electrolyte interface (SEI) formation and properties via electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (EQCM-D) and in-situ AFM, allowing real-time characterization without air exposure. The study investigates the relationship between the SEI mechanics and cycling performance of lithium metal anodes, finding that cyclability correlates better with the inelastic properties, specifically creep, of the SEI rather than its Young's modulus. Low-performing electrolytes produce SEIs with significant creep, proposed to result from increased organic content, suggesting that the influence of SEI mechanics on lithium deposition is more complex than simple mechanical suppression of wiry lithium morphology. EQCM-D experiments involved Li plating and corrosion studies, with efforts to establish a standard procedure for in-situ testing of viscoelastic properties inside battery materials.

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