(4mi) Polymer ? E-Chem: Molecular-Scale Understanding and Design of Polymers for Electrochemical Devices

As the global transition towards renewable energy continues to advance, there is an imperative to expedite the integration of electricity as the predominant power source across manufacturing, the grid, and transportation sectors. Electrochemical (E-Chem) devices, such as batteries and electrodialyzers, play a pivotal role in facilitating this transition. Polymers constitute significant components within these systems, serving as binders, separators, and electrolytes. However, unlike their inorganic counterparts, the selection of polymers for use in E-Chem devices has predominantly been confined to off-the-shelf options. Consequently, our understanding and control of the structure-property relationships of these polymers remain limited.

Drawing upon my expertise in (1) polymer synthesis and (2) materials and E-Chem device characterization, my research group aims to design ion-selective and electrochemically stable functional polymers tailored for E-Chem applications. We aim to generate molecular insights that elucidate the intricate interactions among ions, electrons, solvents, and polymers within these systems.

Specifically, my research interests encompass:

1. Development of cation-specific membranes for critical mineral separation.
2. Design of ion-selective separators for aqueous batteries.
3. Accelerated material discovery of oxidative stable non-fluorinated membranes.