This award supports cooperative research between Hellmut Eckert of the University of California at Santa Barbara, and Michel Ribes and Annie Pradel of the University of Montpellier. The objectives are to determine the structural characteristics of ionically conductive chalcogenide glass using modern solid state NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) techniques. The French investigators will synthesize these glasses. Dr. Eckert will characterize the synthesized materials using state-of-the art solid state NMR techniques. The work will assist in the development of more efficient synthesis of glassy materials suitable for solid electrolyte application in solid state batteries. The project will benefit from the French investigators unique and innovative expertise in glass synthesis. They are the world leaders in ultra fast quenching methodology which is used in glass synthesis. The U.S. investigator has been innovative in applying NMR techniques to the structural study of glass. This combined effort will advance our understanding of the microstructure of these glasses and result in improved and more efficient synthesis of glasses with high conductivity.
