Artificial mixed-conducting composites with tailored electrochemical properties for energy storage and energy conversion

• Applicant: Dr. Matthias Thomas Elm
• Subject Area: Physical Chemistry of Solids and Surfaces, Material Characterisation
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 512108624

The project aims at the preparation of artificial composite materials with mixed ionic and electronic conducting properties, which are of great interest for many applications in the field of energy storage and energy conversion. The composites are prepared by the deposition of an electron-conductor on the surface of porous oxides, which conduct oxygen ions or lithium ions by means of atomic layer deposition. The mixed-conducting composites are characterized by a high number of electron-conductor/ion-conductor interfaces, which can have a tremendous influence on charge transport and charge storage in the material system. In the project, the properties of the electron-conductor/ion-conductor interfaces are therefore comprehensively characterized and their impact on the transport and storage properties of the composites in examined. The project aims at a detailed understanding of the influence of the interfaces on the electrochemical properties of the composite materials in order to use these interface effects specifically for the development of electrochemical components for energy applications.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants