Topic: Dual Design Strategies for Solid-State Electrolytes: Zeolite-Based and Flame-Retardant Polymer Systems for High-Performance Lithium-Metal Batteries

Lecturer: Jae Hyun Kim, Professor from Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology

Time: January 12th, 2026, 16:00, UTC+8

Venue: Room 301, State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology For Materials Synthesis and Processing

Biography: Jae Hyun Kim is Principal Researcher and Professor in the Division of Energy & Environmental Technology at Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) in Daegu, Korea. His past research experience includes the study and fabrication of ZnO-based diluted magnetic semiconductors and thin films, as well as the development of large-area TFT-LCD panels. His current primary research interest is developing novel materials for energy applications with the emphasis on Si, perovskite, and CIGS solar cells, hybrid photovoltaics, reduced graphene oxide and quantum dots, Li-ion batteries/capacitors, and solid-state electrolytes. He has published over 110 SCI journal papers and holds over 36 registered patents. He was a recipient of the Promising scientist from Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers (2012), the GPVC DAEJOO AWARD from KPVS (2022), and the Excellent researcher from DGIST (2022). He currently serves as the President of the Korea Photovoltaic Society (2025) and Vice President of the Materials Research Society of Korea (2024).

Abstract: Solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) composed solely of ceramics or polymers face intrinsic limitations that hinder their widespread application in lithium-metal batteries (LMBs). Polymer electrolytes provide mechanical flexibility and good processability but suffer from low ionic conductivity at room temperature, whereas ceramic electrolytes offer high ionic conductivity and thermal stability but exhibit brittleness and poor interfacial compatibility. To address these trade-offs, we investigated two complementary design strategies: (i) zeolite-based composite electrolytes that enhance ionic transport and interfacial stability through structural and chemical tunability, and (ii) flame-retardant polymer electrolytes that ensure intrinsic safety while maintaining high ionic conductivity and mechanical integrity. In the first approach, zeolite-based composite solid electrolytes were developed by utilizing the material’s tunable porosity and abundant Lewis acid sites, which promote Li⁺ migration and facilitate stable electrode-electrolyte interfaces. The integration of zeolite into polymer matrices led to increased Li⁺ transference numbers and mitigated interfacial degradation, effectively bridging the performance gap between conventional polymer and ceramic electrolytes. In the second approach, a nonflammable polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based polymer electrolyte was formulated using decabromodiphenyl ethane as a flame-retardant additive and a triple-layered structure to reinforce mechanical stability. This design achieved high ionic conductivity (1.5 mS cm⁻¹at 60℃), anodic stability up to 4.8 V, and strong flame resistance. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that zeolite integration and flame-retardant polymer design offer two synergistic routes toward safe, high-performance solid-state electrolytes for next-generation lithium-metal batteries.

Rewritten by: Mei Mengqi

Edited by: Liang Muwei, Li Tiantian

Source: State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology For Materials Synthesis and Processing