From Model to Realistic Systems: Designing Solid Electrolyte Interphases for Li-ion Batteries and Electrolysers

• Applicant: Dr. Isabel Pantenburg
• Subject Area: Physical Chemistry of Solids and Surfaces, Material Characterisation ; Physical Chemistry of Molecules, Liquids and Interfaces, Biophysical Chemistry
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 562975939

A fundamental understanding of the solid electrolyte interphases (SEIs) in electrochemical systems constitutes a vast unused potential in the advancement of devices such as electrolysers and batteries. Insight on processes at SEIs is the key to a systematic design of targeted chemistries to prolong lifetime and increase performance of existing technologies, and even to discover entirely new ones. The proposed project will build up this overarching understanding and use it to create improved SEIs in three steps: 1 We will study model systems, in which different interphase processes are isolated and thereby create a map/library of their mechanisms. To cover a wide range of processes, the model systems are based on two diametrically different systems from two traditionally separated fields, i.e. A Li-ion battery and B water electrolyser anodes. 2 In the next step, we will close the gap between model and applied systems by tailored bridging systems, which are representative of the realistic system, while remaining analyzable. 3 Once we have thereby identified and understood the relevant processes in complex realistic interphases, we will apply this knowledge to control them. In this final step, we will create improved battery and electrolyser interphases, which depending on our findings, will be based on a) modification of the electronic structure of the electrode, changing SEI b) composition or c) morphology, and/or d) chemical modification of the SEI. In addition to these targeted improved systems, with our results, we aim to prove the concept that the same principles apply for all types of electrochemical interphases. Therefore, our fundamental understanding of interphase processes will contribute to the development of any electrochemical system such as lithium-ion and post lithium battery technologies, fuel cells, electrolysers, and dye-sensitized solar cells, and will thereby be a master key in an efficient clean energy transition.

• DFG Programme: WBP Fellowship
• International Connection: Netherlands, Slovenia
• Hosts: Professor Dr. Marc Koper; Dr. Dusan Strmcnik