We seek to understand the fundamental principles governing ion transport in solids and translate this knowledge into the design and synthesis of new ionic materials. Our research spans crystals, glasses, and polymers, with a focus on how local structures and their vibrational and reorientational motions influence ion diffusion and mechanical properties. By combining structural characterization, spectroscopy, and transport measurements with computational collaborations, we investigate the relationships between structure, dynamics, and material properties.

Building on these insights, we explore new compositions and structural motifs, particularly in glasses and inorganic molecular materials. We develop synthesis strategies that account for both thermodynamic and kinetic factors to realize these designs and control their properties. Our goal is to create ionic materials that combine fast ion transport with tailored mechanical behavior and processability, providing a foundation for advances in energy storage and ionic devices.

We develop solid-state lithium and sodium batteries by addressing the coupled electrochemical and mechanical challenges at solid–solid interfaces. Our research focuses on maintaining intimate electrode–electrolyte contact, accommodating electrode volume changes during cycling, and establishing effective ion and electron transport pathways within composite electrodes. Through these efforts, we seek to understand how interfacial reactions and evolving contact conditions govern battery performance and stability.

We combine interface engineering with electrode processing to enable reliable operation under low stack pressure. In particular, we explore how the viscoplasticity of inorganic molecular electrolytes can improve conformal contact and electrode fabrication. These strategies support the integration of high-capacity electrodes, including lithium and sodium metals, lithium- and manganese-rich cathodes, disordered rock-salt materials, and conversion-type electrodes. Our goal is to translate advances in ionic materials into practical solid-state batteries with high energy density and scalable manufacturing processes.

We explore how ion transport and relaxation dynamics can be translated into functional devices for sensing and interaction. Our research connects the molecular design of ionic conductors with device architectures that convert thermal and mechanical stimuli into distinguishable electrical signals. In particular, we use ion relaxation dynamics to decouple temperature and strain responses, enabling multimodal perception in deformable electronic skin.

Building on these principles, we develop soft sensing materials and devices that combine stretchability, mechanical robustness, and self-healing capabilities. Our work extends from electronic skin to tactile feedback systems that support stable robotic grasping, linking material properties with sensing and control. Looking ahead, we aim to expand ionic device functionalities toward memory and information processing by controlling ion redistribution and its coupling with electronic responses.