Collaborative Research: Harnessing Operando Plasma to Control Electrochemical Reactions in Metal Halide Conversion Materials

This project improves the efficiency of energy storage systems by using plasma, a highly reactive ionized gas, to accelerate chemical reactions in energy-storage materials. Many of these materials exhibit slow reaction rates that limit their performance, efficiency, and practical application. By investigating how plasma influences these reactions, the project advances strategies to enhance the speed, efficiency, and affordability of energy-storage technologies. The research employs accessible experimental approaches that facilitate broad dissemination and understanding of the results. Improved energy-storage systems are essential for supporting the integration of clean and sustainable energy sources. In addition to its scientific contributions, the project provides educational opportunities through virtual reality experiences, internships, and hands-on learning activities focused on plasma science and energy technology. Collaborative efforts with researchers and educators advance understanding of plasma–material interactions and promote broader engagement in science and energy research through outreach to schools and the public. Overall, the project contributes to the development of next-generation energy-storage technologies while helping to inspire and train future scientists and engineers. This project harnesses the unique capabilities of plasma to enhance the electrochemical performance of energy materials, with a particular focus on metal-air conversion cathodes. These cathodes, including FeOx-based materials, are promising candidates for next-generation energy storage technologies because of their low cost and high energy-storage capacity; however, their practical application remains constrained by sluggish reaction kinetics resulting from slow electron-transfer rates and high activation barriers. The project investigates the complex interactions between plasma-induced electron energy distribution functions (EEDFs) and electrochemical surface reactions to enable precise control of reaction pathways and accelerate redox processes. By integrating plasma physics, materials science, and electrochemistry, the work advances a fundamental understanding of plasma–material interactions and their influence on electrochemical performance. An operando plasma cell enables real-time monitoring and control of the plasma environment, allowing direct correlation of plasma characteristics with electrochemical behavior. This approach supports the development of plasma-assisted electrochemical processes and provides new pathways for improving energy-storage technologies. The broader impacts of the project include enhancing energy efficiency and reducing costs across applications such as energy storage, fuel cells, and catalysis. By bridging plasma physics and electrochemistry, the project contributes to the design of next-generation electrochemical reactors that incorporate plasma to accelerate redox reaction kinetics and improve overall system efficiency. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria. NSF Award ID: 2608124 | Program: 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT | Principal Investigator: Hongtao Zhong | Institution: Michigan State University, EAST LANSING, MI | Award Amount: $304,420 View on NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/show-award/?AWD_ID=2608124 View on Research.gov: https://www.research.gov/awardapi-service/v1/awards/2608124.html