Publication date: 10th April 2024
Li-ion batteries are ubiquitous; powering our cell phones, tablets, and laptop computers. Yet, fundamentally, we’ve exclusively relied on materials that adopt the same ordered rock salt structure type for over 20 years. During the time, we have continually optimized the performance of these materials to the point that we are rapidly approaching the theoretical limits on energy density. So where do we go from here? This talk will present an overview of the work our group has done to develop a deeper understanding of the fundamental structural and compositional requirements to effectively move charge through the solid state and discuss nascent work to develop reversible F-ion insertion hosts that function at room temperature. We will begin with an overview of the new design principles that must be applied in designing F-ion batteries and go on to highlight two major structural families that have been developed. We will conclude with a discussion of some of the challenges surrounding electrolyte development.