Mission Statement

To understand and provide control of transport properties in complex battery systems with respect to multiple length scales, from molecular to mesoscale (m2m); to minimize heat and maximize work of electrical energy storage devices.

At its essence, energy is the sum of heat and work: ΔE = q + w. As such, the ultimate goal for any energy storage system is to maximize useful work (w) and minimize the generation of waste heat (q). During the operation of an energy storage system, ions and electrons are transported over multiple size domains where the sum of these processes leads to complex physics. Resistance evolves over time due to phase changes in the solids and changes in the composition and structure of the interfaces. These complicating factors must be considered to derive the full panoply of information needed for rational design and predictive modeling of materials useful in energy storage systems. While inefficiency can be approached at the macro level, emphasizing bulk parameters and bulk methods cannot fully interrogate or address the inherent heterogeneity of ion and electron flux contributing to the local resistance within an electrode and at the interfaces. In order to develop the capability to predict and ultimately control energy storage systems, these inefficiencies must be understood not just as a bulk property (heat), but rather as localized resistance at the molecular to mesoscale (m2m) levels.

The goal of the m2m EFRC is to enable deliberate design of materials and components to achieve higher performing, longer life, and safer energy storage systems through acquisition of new fundamental knowledge about ion and electron transport and electron transfer properties of energy relevant materials, over multiple length scales, across interfaces and over time. The expected research outcomes are that the Center will provide the conceptual approaches to predict materials properties, processing outcomes, and functional characteristics which determine conduction and electron transfer properties, including the complexities of interfaces and time. The information gained will enable design of materials and systems to bridge the gap between theoretical energy content and functional energy delivery.