Ultrafast crystallization of sodium ion-conducting glass ceramics by the Flash (Sinter) Crystallization technique

• Grant number: 24/02488-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2024
• End date: April 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Ana Candida Martins Rodrigues
• Grantee: Guilherme Victor Ferreira da Silva
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/07793-6 - CEPIV - Center for Teaching, Research and Innovation in Glass, AP.CEPID

Abstract

Recently, an innovative technique for glass crystallization called Flash (Sinter) Crystallization has been introduced, which involves simultaneous control of an applied electric field and electric current during the crystallization process. This approach has shown remarkable potential in producing Li+ conductors solid electrolytes glass-ceramic with NaSICON structure, resulting in materials with higher ionic conductivities when compared to those obtained through conventional methods. In this project, the application of this technique will be explored in the manufacturing of solid-state glass-ceramic electrolytes with NaSICON structure, now targeting the conduction of Na+ ions for use in sodium batteries. The hypothesis presented here suggests that using an electric field during the crystallization of glass ceramics with Na1.8Al0.8Ge1.2(PO4)3 (NAGP) composition may favor the attainment of superior electrical conductivities compared to that obtained by conventional methods. Additionally, the notable high processing speed achieved by this technique, along with the requirement for substantially lower temperatures than those needed in traditional crystallization methods, distinguishes Flash (Sinter) Crystallization as having the potential to become a new method for obtaining NaSICON solid electrolytes conducting Na+ ions.