UChicago PME Materials Special Seminar- Yuan Yang

Title: Material Designs for Solid-State Alkaline Metal-Sulfur Batteries and Isotope Separation

Alkaline metal (Li, Na, K)–sulfur batteries are promising candidates for next-generation energy storage due to their high energy density, abundant raw materials, and potential for low cost. However, conventional systems using liquid electrolytes face significant challenges, including polysulfide dissolution, sulfur volume expansion, poor conductivity of sulfide products, and the formation of alkaline metal dendrites. In the first part of this talk, I will discuss how solid electrolytes can be employed to address these limitations. Specifically, I will present the use of an insulating matrix to stabilize the sulfur cathode, enabling long cycle life in Li–S batteries, as well as a β-Al₂O₃–based strategy for achieving durable Na–S battery performance below 100 °C. Beyond energy storage, nuclear energy represents a compelling path toward long-term sustainability. Both nuclear fission and fusion require enriched isotopes, including lithium isotopes, for efficient operation. In the second part of this talk, I will highlight my group's recent studies in chemical and centrifugal isotope separation methods, with a focus on their potential for nuclear applications.