Abstract: Solid-state batteries (SSBs) offer the potential for enhanced safety and higher energy density compared to conventional lithium-ion systems, but their practical implementation is hindered by challenges in materials compatibility, environmental stability, and scalable manufacturing. In this work, I will present a systematic study of sulfide-based solid electrolytes, addressing critical aspects from fundamental interactions to electrode integration. We first investigate the chemical interactions between sulfide electrolytes, polymeric binders, and processing solvents, identifying reaction pathways that influence ionic conductivity and interfacial stability during slurry-based electrode fabrication. The air stability of the sulfide electrolyte is further examined under controlled exposure conditions to understand degradation mechanisms and define processing constraints. To enable scalable manufacturing, a solvent-free dry film fabrication approach for sulfide electrolytes is developed, with emphasis on its effects on microstructure, mechanical integrity, and electrochemical performance. Additionally, we explore the co-rolling of solid electrolytes with composite cathodes as a strategy to improve interfacial contact and structural uniformity. This method facilitates the fabrication of high-loading electrodes while significantly reducing the external stack pressure required for stable operation. Overall, our study provides integrated insights into sulfide electrolyte behavior and processing, offering practical pathways toward high-performance, manufacturable solid-state battery systems.


Bio: Zheng Chen received his Ph.D. at UCLA in 2012 under the supervision of Prof. Yunfeng Lu in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. His Ph.D. work mainly related to design and synthesis of nanostructured materials for electrochemical energy storage devices. From 2013-2016, he was a postdoctoral associate working with Prof. Zhenan Bao in Chemical Engineering and Prof. Yi Cui in Materials Science and Engineering at Stanford University, where his work focused on functional polymer materials for enhanced energy density, longer cycling lifetime and improved safety of batteries.

Chen received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Tianjin University in China. He was awarded a Student Science Talented Award (Tianjin University, 2007), Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Self-Financed PhD Students Studying Abroad (2011), MRS Graduate Student Silver Award (2011) and Department Outstanding Graduate Award (UCLA, 2012). Chen’s research focuses on materials development for applications in electrochemical energy, flexible devices and sustainable environment. He will teach courses across the core Chemical Engineering disciplines.