2026 New Initiative Grant
Thomas Mallouk, Ph.D. (PI) Vagelos Professor in Energy Research, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania
Andrew Rappe, Ph.D. (Co-PI) Blanchard Professor of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania
The Search for Solid-State Hydroxide Ion Conductors
Abstract
We propose a two-year research program that will combine theory and experiments to discover and study new solid-state hydroxide ion (OH-) conductors. This project grows from our recent serendipitous discovery of OH- conductivity in silver oxide (Ag2O), a crystalline compound that has been known for over 200 years. Ionic conductivity in Ag2O arises from a dynamic mechanism that is often encountered in transition metal catalysis but has previously been unknown for crystalline solids. This research project is organized around the question of whether Ag2O is unique, or if other structurally and electronically similar materials might have similar properties as ionic conductors. We will combine large crystallographic database searches with accurate computational simulations of OH- transport in metal oxides. Promising candidates will be down-selected for synthesis and experimental characterization. This project will broaden the research capabilities of both the Mallouk and Rappe groups, and it could also enable the discovery of more robust and efficient materials for renewable energy conversion and storage.