Sulfur‑Rich Polymer/2D Composites for Stable Solid–Electrolyte Interfaces in Li Metal Batteries - College of Engineering - Purdue University

Project Description

It is hypothesized that the development of stable solid–electrolyte interfaces (SEI) is essential to fully realize long‑cycle lithium (Li) metal batteries. Conventional electrolytes typically form fragile SEI layers, leading to uncontrolled dendrite growth and severe interfacial instability. To overcome these limitations, we propose sulfur‑rich polymer/2D materials composites as multifunctional interlayers capable of regulating Li deposition and promoting robust SEI chemistry. The sulfur‑containing polymers are hypothesized to introduce reactive sites that tailor interfacial ion transport and suppress parasitic side reactions, while the 2D architectures provide mechanical reinforcement and promote uniform charge distribution at the Li surface. These synergistic contributions are expected to yield a uniform, flexible, and ionically conductive SEI that effectively mitigates dendrite penetration and reduces electrolyte consumption. Electrochemical testing validates this hypothesis, with cells integrating the composites displaying enhanced Coulombic efficiency, reduced interfacial resistance, and significantly longer cycling in Li|Cu and Li|Li configurations. Full‑cell studies paired with high‑capacity cathodes confirm the practical benefits under lean electrolyte and high‑areal‑capacity conditions. This work advances the hypothesis that sulfur‑polymer/2D composites constitute scalable and rationally designed interfacial materials for future Li metal anodes. Purdue investigators Professors Vilas Pol and Partha Mukherjee, with significant expertise in Li metal batteries, lead this effort jointly. 

Start Date

March 2026

Postdoc Qualifications

PhD in Materials engineering, Chemical engineering or mechanical engineering 

Co-advisors

Prof. Vilas Pol, vpol@purdue.edu
https://engineering.purdue.edu/ViPER/pol.html

Prof. Partha Mukherjee, mukher28@purdue.edu
https://engineering.purdue.edu/ETSL/

Bibliography