Research Interests

Interface morphogenesis in solid-state batteries

Solid-state batteries (SSBs) with metal anodes have emerged as promising candidates for next-generation energy storage technologies, offering higher energy density and improved safety. However, achieving a stable lithium (Li) metal-solid electrolyte (SE) interface remains a persistent challenge, as nonuniform electrodeposition can lead to morphological instabilities and filament growth. We demonstrate mechanics-coupled morphogenesis of the Li-SE interface during plating at zero external pressure, where chemo-mechanical interactions drive self-organized patterns analogous to growth processes observed in biological systems. By investigating the interplay between mechanics-dependent kinetics and stress-driven transport, we show how different electrochemical, thermodynamic, and mechanical descriptors can synergistically tailor a self-regulating interface morphology and suppress filament growth. We are also studying morphogenic interfaces in solid and liquid alloy anodes.

Movie S1.avi

Movie S2.avi

Solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) interactions in sodium metal batteries

Sodium (Na) metal batteries have attracted recent attention due to the low cost and high abundance of Na. However, these batteries face challenges such as dendrite growth and low Coulombic efficiency. These issues have been majorly attributed to the formation of a heterogeneous solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) at the anode interface. We study how the electrochemical and structural heterogeneities in SEI influence the reaction distribution and electrodeposition morphology at the Na metal/electrolyte interface. The rate of interfacial growth and onset of failure is determined by the electrochemical and mechanical attributes of the SEI, including ionic conductivity, morphology, Young’s modulus, and fracture toughness.

Multiphase flows through constricted microchannels

Pressure-driven droplet flows through a straight channel are mainly governed by viscous and interfacial forces. The droplet either attains a steady shape, undergoes breakup or fragments into smaller droplets over time. Previous studies have shown that the evolution of droplet depends on various physical parameters such as capillary number, viscosity ratio and drop size. However, the geometry of the constricted channel also heavily influences the droplet shape, flow properties and onset of different multiphase phenomena. The variation in constriction dimensions, such as length and depth, alters the deformation of droplet and can induce breakup/fragmentation. The constriction shape determines the size, velocity and aspect ratio of the droplet as it enters and exits the constriction.

Video of our work featured in the APS DFD Gallery of Fluid Motion!