Research on Characterization and Simulation of Concentrated Electrolytes in the Monroe Research Group, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford

Parameterization of thermodynamic and transport properties can be used in conjunction with phenomenological models to shed light on how electrolyte design can improve battery performance. For example, one seeks to limit concentration polarization which induces high overpotentials that affect rate capability, cell efficiency, and degradation. We set out to provide a suite of techniques rooted in concentrated-solution theory to accurately characterize battery electrolytes. By experimentally validating the property measurements we can ultimately make accurate predictions of the response to applied currents or voltages. When coupled with full cell models, a completely characterized electrolyte allows for the optimized management and exploration of novel battery designs across a wide range of conditions.