Ferro-Ionics: Driving Ionic Conduction with Ferroelectric Polarization in 2D Materials

Abstract

Abstract Approved for Public ReleaseControlling and enhancing ion transport in solid materials is necessary for the development of high-energy solid-state battery technologies, but conventional battery materials currently do not provide intrinsic and tunable control over ion conduction. Ferroelectric materials have been shown to enhance photogenerated charge separation1 and influence electrical charge movement in ferroelectric transistors2, but the full extent of the impact and influence on ionic conduction processes in batteries is not yet known. Ferroelectric materials are defined by an electrically reorientable internal dipole, which can act as a variable internal potential. The recent discovery of ferroelectricity in layered 2D chalcogenides3 presents a unique opportunity to create an electrolyte with a controllable built-in potential in order to determine the impact of ferroelectric polarization on ionic charge transport. We propose that using ferroelectric materials in battery systems would provide a means to control and enhance ionic charge transport, which could be beneficial for enhancing efficiency and improving safety of rechargeable battery systems. The work proposed here leverages our experience in the growth of 2D ferroelectric chalcogenides, 2D structural characterization, ferroelectric analysis, and solid-state electrochemistry. We will use these material systems to determine the impact of ferroelectric dipoles on ionic charge transport by testing the electrochemical properties of 2D films in tandem with ferroelectric response. Through a series of poling experiments (using an applied electric field to reorient the ferroelectric polarization), we will be able to determinehow structure and chemical composition evolve during electrochemical testing and relate to changes in ferroelectric polarization. The successful completion of this work will advance our understanding of how to improve ion conduction within materials. Furthermore,demonstrating ferroelectric-enhanced ionic transport has the potential to create an entirely new class of solid-state battery electrolytes and electrocatalysts. Approved for public release.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Apr 12, 2023
Source ID
N000142312367

Entities

People

  • Lauren Garten

Organizations

  • Georgia Tech Research Corporation
  • Office of Naval Research
  • United States Navy

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Electrochemical Engineering/ Fuel Cell Technologies
  • Materials Science and Engineering.
  • Quantum Dot Semiconductor Device Photonics and Graphene Optoelectronic Materials and THz Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Graphene