Bridging insights between ion transport in battery electrolytes and membranes

Ion transport is central to both hydrated polymers for water filtration and dry polymers for electrochemical applications such as batteries. While remarkable progress has been made in the development of polymeric battery electrolytes and hydrated membranes for both desalination and energy applications (e.g., fuel cells, electrolyzers, and solar fuel generators), further progress hinges on developing fundamental insights into mechanisms of ion solvation/solubility and diffusion that are the foundations of ion permeability and ionic conductivity. Developing this insight requires bridging understanding among both dry and hydrated membranes. I will discuss both our efforts to develop superionic membranes that operate in a rigorously dry state for battery applications and also the effects of hydration on ion conduction in both superionic and ionic polymer electrolyte systems.