Synthesis and Characterization of Multi-functional Thio- and Selenoborate Network as Potential Superionic Conductors

This research project aims to:apply solvothermal synthesis and powder X-ray diffraction to access and characterize open-framework sulfur and selenium-boron anionic systems with lithium counterions; special emphasis is placed on polythio- and polyselenoborate systems because of the potentially larger pore size and lower charge density, which can potentially promote the conductivity of the lithium cation;incorporate organic linkers to expand the pores and to enrich the relevant functionalities for potentially optimizing the lithium ion conductivity; andincorporate a multifunctional organic linker with polyethylene oxide (PEO) side chains to further assist the uptake and the mobility of lithium ions.