Research Digest — 2026-07-27¶
Solid Electrolytes & Roadmaps¶
1. Sustainable solid-state polymer electrolyte based on PEO-xanthan gum blends¶
Source: J. Power Sources (S0378775325026928) · 📅 2026-07-01 · ↗ Open paper
Investigates PEO blended with xanthan gum (a natural polysaccharide) as a sustainable solid polymer electrolyte. Reports improved thermal and electrochemical properties compared to pure PEO, demonstrating a bio-based approach to SPE design.
Relevance to DENG.Group
Relevant to Naibing Wu's polymer electrolyte simulation work. The blend approach introduces new structural complexity that could be explored via MD simulation. The sustainability angle is useful for grant narratives.
2. Multiscale Engineering of PEO Electrolytes for High-Voltage Lithium Metal Batteries¶
Source: PMC (PMC13023716) · 📅 2026-06-20 · ↗ Open paper
Demonstrates engineered PEO electrolytes enabling stable lithium metal battery operation at 30°C without liquid plasticizers, through multiscale structural engineering. Addresses the classic tradeoff between ionic conductivity and mechanical strength in PEO-based systems.
Relevance to DENG.Group
Relevant to Naibing Wu's polymer simulation work. The multiscale engineering approach provides experimental validation targets for MD simulations and design principles for next-gen polymer electrolytes.
Grain Boundaries & Interfaces¶
3. Atomic-scale study of the influence of grain boundary defects on ionic conductivity¶
Source: Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. (d6cp00695g) · 📅 2026-07-10 · ↗ Open paper
Atomistic investigation of how specific GB defect structures affect ionic conductivity in solid electrolytes, using MD simulations to quantify the activation energy barriers at different GB configurations.
Relevance to DENG.Group
Methodologically aligned with Cheng Peng's approach. The GB defect-conductivity relationships provide benchmarks for validating simulation setups and interpretation frameworks.
4. Decoupling chemo-mechanical degradation for scalable solid-state batteries¶
Source: Adv. Mater. (adma.73413) · 📅 2026-07-15 · ↗ Open paper
A systematic review of chemo-mechanical failure mechanisms in SSBs through advanced operando characterization. Connects atomic-scale degradation processes to macroscopic failure modes, providing a framework for designing mechanically robust interfaces.
Relevance to DENG.Group
Highly relevant to Umang Agarwal's interface work and the group's broader chemo-mechanical modeling efforts. The operando characterization insights can inform and validate simulation predictions.
Dendrite Growth & Phase Field¶
5. Phase-field model for dendrite evolution in a lithium-ion battery (ECS Meeting 2026)¶
Source: ECS Meeting Abstracts (MA2026-011144) · 📅 2026-01-01 · ↗ Open paper
Presents a 3D mesoscopic phase-field model for dendrite dynamics spanning length scales from 10^-9 to 10^-6 m and timescales from milliseconds to weeks. Addresses the multiscale challenge of capturing dendrite evolution under realistic cycling conditions.
Relevance to DENG.Group
Relevant to Shoutong Jin's work. The 3D multiscale approach and timescale bridging methodology could inspire new directions in the group's dendrite modeling efforts.