Batteries and advanced microelectronic devices are two of the most important technologies today. In this talk, I will share the common materials physics concepts shared among these two critical technologies. First, I will present our research on resistive random-access memory, a type of emerging memory cell that stores information using ions. Our work shows how composition phase separation among these ions enables such memory cells to retain information over time. Next, I will present our research on the use of microfabricated electrodes to measure lithium reaction and diffusion rates in individual Li-ion battery particles. Using these electrodes, we show that the microcracks in polycrystalline battery particles are necessary for the rapid charge and discharge of battery particles. Our work shows the crucial role of ion transport among these two important technologies.

Biography: Yiyang Li is an Assistant Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Michigan. He received his BS in Electrical Engineering at Olin College, a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering at Stanford University, and was a Harry Truman Fellow at Sandia National Laboratories. Prof. Li conducts research combining electrochemistry, microelectronics, and data science. He received the Intel Rising Star Faculty Award in 2022.