Daniel Hallinan Jr., Ph.D., (left) and Michael Patrick Blatt, Ph.D., pose with samples in a lab in the Aero-Propulsion, Mechatronics & Energy (AME) building at FAMU-FSU College of Engineering in Tallahassee, Florida on June 3, 2025. The team is researching the blending of polymers to create safe solid-state batteries. (Scott Holstein/FAMU-FSU College of Engineering)
Groundbreaking study validates predictive models for safer, high-energy lithium metal batteries
A transformative study led by FAMU-FSU College of Engineering researchers has unveiled critical insights into precision polymer blends that could accelerate the development of advanced solid-state battery materials, marking a significant milestone in the quest for safer, high-energy density lithium metal batteries.
The research, published in the prestigious American Chemical Society journal Macromolecules, focused on innovative blends of polyethylene oxide (PEO) and a charged polymer known as p5. The findings reveal that even minimal amounts of charge can dramatically alter how these materials mix, behavior that aligns with previously developed theoretical models and offers a robust framework for predicting when polymer blends will remain uniform or separate into distinct phases.
Advancing Theoretical Understanding Through Experimental Validation
“Understanding how these two polymers mix is essential for designing materials that are both stable and functional,” said co-author Daniel Hallinan, associate professor of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering. “Our findings show that charge concentration and electrostatic strength are key levers in tuning polymer behavior and provide experimental evidence of something previously only theorized.”
The research team’s systematic approach involved examining mixtures with different ratios of PEO and p5 across a comprehensive range of proportions. Their investigations revealed that when creating mixtures predominantly composed of PEO with minimal p5 content, the materials exhibited phase separation into two distinct components. However, as researchers increased the p5 concentration, the mixtures transitioned to form uniform, single-phase materials.
This work validates sophisticated mathematical models that predict how compositional changes in polymer blends affect their thermal behavior across different temperature ranges. The research team pinpointed critical temperature thresholds where these materials transition between solid and liquid states, providing essential parameters for materials design applications.
Implications for Next-Generation Battery Technology
“Our study validated a set of equations that predicts the behavior of polymer blends,” explained study co-author Michael Patrick Blatt, a former doctoral student. “This may accelerate the discovery of new electrolytes by eliminating unsuitable polymer combinations before they are synthesized or blended. This is a step toward smarter, more sustainable materials design. With better models, we can create better materials faster.”
The research is particularly significant for advancing lithium metal battery technology, where PEO and similar polymer electrolytes play pivotal roles in solid-state battery architectures. These solid-state systems, which utilize solid materials rather than flammable liquid electrolytes, represent a transformative approach to energy storage, offering enhanced safety profiles and improved efficiency compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries.
Addressing Critical Safety Challenges in Energy Storage
Hallinan illustrated the technological evolution with a compelling analogy: “It’s like moving from an oil-burning lantern to a candle. Candles are more portable and simpler in design, which is why you can still find them in almost every household in America, while very few homes have oil-burning lanterns.”
Developing improved polymer electrolyte materials addresses fundamental challenges in meeting the escalating demands of energy storage across modern technological applications. As battery technology continues to evolve toward safer, more efficient solutions, this research contributes essential knowledge for creating stable, high-performance materials.
“Energy storage, particularly through batteries, is a limiting factor in many technologies our society relies on today,” Hallinan emphasized. “Items like smartphones, electric vehicles, drones and space probes all depend on improved battery performance. There is a long list of technologies that would benefit from longer-lasting and safer batteries.”
The Evolution Toward Solid-State Battery Systems
Contemporary battery technology is experiencing a fundamental shift toward solid-state designs, moving away from the volatile and hazardous solvents prevalent in today’s commercial batteries. This transition favors composite electrolyte systems that combine soft polymers with hard inorganic materials, creating hybrid architectures that leverage the advantages of both components.
These composite electrolytes integrate soft polymer electrolytes—such as the blends investigated in this research—with hard inorganic powders. Hallinan’s laboratory has been actively collaborating with Oak Ridge National Laboratory to develop advanced polymer binders capable of creating thin, flexible electrolyte membranes for practical applications.
“The exciting next step is to shift from the nonconductive binder we have been using to our blend electrolyte, allowing ions to move freely through all parts of the composite,” Hallinan noted, highlighting the potential for seamless ionic transport throughout the entire battery system.
Collaborative Research Excellence and Strategic Partnerships
The research exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, drawing expertise from faculty and graduate students across the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and the FSU Department of Chemistry. The team integrated diverse specializations to address complex materials science challenges.
Hallinan and Blatt collaborated with joint college professor Rufina Alamo, whose expertise in polymer crystallization significantly impacts material properties and performance characteristics. The research team also included FSU Associate Professor Justin Kennemur, who developed the specialized p5 polymer that enhances lithium ion mobility in battery systems, contributing to faster charging capabilities.
The project received substantial support from the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy within the Vehicle Technologies Office, along with additional funding from the National Science Foundation, demonstrating the strategic importance of this research in advancing national energy storage capabilities.
Future Directions and Technological Impact
This breakthrough research positions FAMU-FSU College of Engineering at the forefront of materials science innovation, contributing essential knowledge to accelerate the development of next-generation energy storage systems. By providing validated predictive models for polymer blend behavior, the work enables more efficient materials design processes and reduces the time and resources required for developing new battery technologies.
The implications extend beyond academic research, potentially influencing industrial applications across multiple sectors including electric vehicles, consumer electronics, aerospace and renewable energy storage. As the global transition toward electrification accelerates, such fundamental research becomes increasingly critical for developing the safe, efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions that will power our technological future.
Editor’s Note: This article was edited with a custom prompt for Claude Sonnet 4, an AI assistant created by Anthropic. The AI optimized the article for SEO discoverability, improved clarity, structure and readability while preserving the original reporting and factual content. All information and viewpoints remain those of the author and publication. This disclosure is part of our commitment to transparency in our editorial process. Last edited: July 14, 2025.
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