Better Ion Transport Through Polymer Chemistry: Polymer Electrolytes and Ion-conducting Membranes

Electrochemical processes in devices like solar cells, fuel cells, lithium batteries, and water desalination systems rely on the safe, efficient, and robust transport of anions and cations between electrodes — all made possible by polymer chemistry!

Join two experts working on advances in polymer technology for use in the next generation of ion transport systems. First, Alexei Sokolov, ORNL/UT Governor’s Chair and Professor of Chemistry and Physics at the University of Tennessee, will introduce you to this exciting time of progress in the field of polymer electrolytes.

Then, Michael A. Hickner, the Craig A. Rogerson Endowed Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at Michigan State University, will zoom out to describe how mechanically tough polymer membranes with high ionic conductivity control the flow of electrolytes in the ion transport system.

What You Will Learn

• Fundamentals of ion transport in polymers
• Recent achievements in design of polymer electrolytes with high ionic conductivity
• Advantages of polymer-based solid-state batteries
• Synthesis of acidic and basic polymers for use in ion-conducting membranes
• The role of water in conduction of protons and hydroxide anions
• Key applications for ion-containing polymers

Meet the Experts

Alexei Sokolov, ORNL/UT Governor's Chair, Professor of Chemistry and Physics, Chemical Sciences Division, University of Tennessee

Michael Hickner, Craig A. Rogerson Endowed Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University & Associate Editor, ACS Applied Energy Materials

X. Chelsea Chen, R&D Staff Polymer Scientist, Oak Ridge National Laboratory