ChE Seminar: "Hope for Higher Ion Velocities in... Nitash P. Balsara, University of California, Berkeley

The need for safe electrolytes in lithium batteries is crucial due to safety issues with current lithium-ion batteries. Nonflammable polymer electrolytes, mixtures of polymers and salt, offer a potential solution. However, the rate of lithium ion transport is too slow for practical use. In this presentation, I will explore the factors that limit ion transport in polymers. The performance of electrolytes relies on the current of the working ion when an electric potential is applied. The ion velocity plays a vital role since the current is proportional to the concentration and velocity of the working ion. We will discuss methods for predicting ion velocities using Newman’s concentrated solution theory. The continuity equation is also important in the presence of ionic current.