Ion and Molecular Transport in Solid Electrolytes Studied by NMR

Area of Science:

• Solid-state chemistry and materials science.
• Physical chemistry and spectroscopy.

Background:

• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is a primary technique for studying molecular structures and dynamics.
• Solid electrolytes, including ion-exchange membranes and composite materials, are critical for energy storage applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the application of various NMR techniques for investigating solvation and ion mobilities in cesium acid sulfate and phosphate solid electrolytes.
• To elucidate the relationship between transport channel morphology, ionic hydration, and ion/solvent mobility.

Main Methods:

• High-resolution NMR, solid-state NMR, NMR relaxation, and pulsed field gradient NMR.
• Utilized NMR probes include ¹H, ⁷Li, ¹³C, ¹⁹F, ²³Na, ³¹P, and ¹³³Cs.

Main Results:

• Detailed analysis of transport channel morphology, ionic hydration, and interactions between charge groups and mobile ions.
• Comparison of self-diffusion coefficients for protons and various cations (Li⁺, Na⁺, Cs⁺) with ionic conductivity data.

Conclusions:

• NMR provides critical insights into the microscopic mechanisms of ionic transfer in solid electrolytes.
• Understanding these mechanisms is key to optimizing the performance of solid electrolytes in devices.