Active projects at LEMI

Solid-state batteries enable energy storage systems with enhanced safety, achieved by replacing flammable liquid electrolyte to nonflammable solid electrolyte, and high energy density, due to the theoretical compatibility with high specific capacity electrodes.

However, translating promise of solid-state batteries into practical reality remains challenging. Both cathode-electrolyte and anode-electrolyte interfaces sufferer from electro-chemo-mechanical instabilities, causing formation of detrimental secondary phases and physical separations (crack, fracture, delamination void formation, etc.). 

Moreover, reactions at each interface can impact the other interface (cross-talk), which makes the system even more complex.

Our research also directly tackles critical engineering challenges relevant to the commercialization of solid-state batteries.

Manufacturing hurdles—specifically the scalable production of thin, pinhole-free solid-electrolyte films and the maintenance of interfacial stability—currently impede high production yields. Furthermore, to maximize performance and reliability while minimizing battery degradation, the development of sophisticated Battery Management Systems (BMS) uniquely tailored for solid-state batteries is absolutely necessary.

To realize high-performance solid-state batteries necessitates, we need to achieve both fundamental scientific understanding of interfacial behaviors and resolve critical engineering challenges in manufacturing and operation. 

At LEMI, we achieve this through a holistic, integrated research philosophy. Specifically, we develop multi-modal characterization (microscopy, spectroscopy, etc.) and analysis platforms to capture the dynamic evolution of material properties under operando conditions, enabling quantitative correlation with critical battery performance metrics (capacity, overpotential, and impedance) and long-term reliability.

We will take special considerations to achieve high-resolution spatial distribution of the material properties (chemistry, concentration, etc), thermodynamic properties (temperature, properties, stress and strain, etc), and their collective impact on battery performance and reliability.

To achieve this, we will develop advanced experimental capabilities and algorithms to quantify and analyze inhomogeneity across the interfaces, enabling a precise understanding of its influence on system behavior.

We are not going to stop at just understanding interfacial behaviors; we will implement active control systems. This involves building sensor-controller-actuator setups capable of actively managing system behavior based on real-time property analysis. This approach allows us to find rational optimization pathways that maintain the system within a desired, stable operational regime. 

Furthermore, we will also consider the economic aspects and complexity necessary for applicability to consumer products, positioning our research for high potential technology transfer.