SEMINAR LMGP - 16/12/2024 - Nicola H. Perry

" Defect-Informed Development of Ionic and Mixed Conductors for Energy Applications  "

Nicola H. Perry, Associate Professor

Materials Science & Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

 visiting LMGP (Monica BURRIEL)

Abstract

Solid-state electrochemical devices, including fuel cells, electrolyzers, and all-solid-state batteries offer attractive energy conversion and storage options but require further materials development to boost performance. In the constituent ionic materials, defect-mediated properties – particularly chemical expansivity, catalytic activity, and ionic conductivity – ultimately govern efficiency and durability. Therefore, we approach materials design and discovery with a view to tailor defect chemical behavior among ionic and mixed conductors hosting mobile O, H, Li, or Na. This presentation will demonstrate both systematic, in-situ experiments on model compositions and high-throughput screening methods to uncover design principles and materials that can improve the kinetics or stability. Specific examples will focus on developing near-zero-chemical strain electrodes and membranes for chemo-mechanical stability, electrodes with rapid oxygen exchange kinetics, and super-ionic conductivity, by tailoring defect populations and their crystal chemical environments. Routes to non-equilibrium defect control in the context of low-thermal-budget processing and new, defect-focused rapid screening strategies will also be explored.

Short Bio/CV

Nicola H. Perry received her Ph.D. from Northwestern University (NU) in 2009. After postdoctoral positions at NU, Kyushu University (KU), and MIT, she served as a World Premier Initiative assistant professor in the International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research (at KU) and a Research Affiliate at MIT. She joined UIUC in 2018, where she leads a solid-state ionics research group and teaches related classes. She also leads the Interdisciplinary Research Group “Photo-Ionics” in the Illinois MRSEC and the “Near Equilibrium Interfaces” team in the HEISs EFRC. She is an elected Councillor Representing America in the International Society for Solid-State Ionics and on the editorial board of Phys. Rev. Mater. Research recognitions include a DOE Early Career Award, NSF CAREER Award, J. Bruce Wagner Jr. Award (ECS), Edward C. Henry and Richard M. Fulrath Awards (ACerS), and a Principal Investigator Development in Sustainability Award (ACS).