Electrolyte transport and thermodynamic properties are crucial determinants of a battery’s rate capability. We have recently introduced a novel technique that measures salt concentration as a function of position and time during polarization using operando Raman microspectroscopy and fits the time-resolved concentration gradients to equations from concentrated solution theory1-4. We call this technique Operando Raman Gradient Analysis (ORGA). In this project, the student will expand the capabilities of ORGA to correlate bulk transport and thermodynamic properties with the characteristics of the solid–electrolyte interphase, paving the way for intelligent electrolyte design5.
References
Fawdon, J., Ihli, J., Mantia, F. L. & Pasta, M. Characterising lithium-ion electrolytes via operando Raman microspectroscopy. Nat. Commun. 12, 4053 (2021).
Zhao, J. et al. Transport and Thermodynamic Properties of KFSI in TEP by Operando Raman Gradient Analysis. ACS Energy Lett. 1537–1544 (2024).
Olbrich, L. F., Jagger, B., Ihli, J. & Pasta, M. Operando Raman Gradient Analysis for Temperature-Dependent Electrolyte Characterization. ACS Energy Lett. 3636–3642 (2024).
Zhao, J. et al. Impact of concentration-dependent transport properties on concentration gradients. J. Electrochem. Soc. 172, 080507 (2025).
Jagger, B. & Pasta, M. Solid electrolyte interphases in lithium metal batteries. Joule 7, 2228–2244 (2023).
The description above outlines a possible new research project being offered to prospective new postgraduate students.
For full details of all postgraduate research projects available for new students and how to apply, please see postgraduate projects available.
Note that post-doctoral research positions are advertised under "Work with Us"