Research Overview • SSI Lab (Patro Group)

Our laboratory focuses on experimental solid-state ionics research with a primary emphasis on understanding ionic transport in solid materials and developing functional ionic materials for energy storage and chemical sensor applications. We tackle fundamental and applied questions relating to charge transport, nonlinear conductivity, dielectric relaxation, and defect structures in ionic solids.

We work with a diverse set of material systems — from fast-ion conducting solid electrolytes for Na-ion and F-ion batteries, to glassy ionic materials and thin-film electrolytes. Our experiments are guided by thermodynamic and mechanistic understanding of the underlying ionic and electronic transport phenomena.

Research Areas

Solid-State Ionics & Charge Transport

We investigate charge transport and glassy dynamics of glass-forming ionic liquids at higher electric fields using impedance spectroscopy. Nonlinear conductivity measurements elucidate frequency dependence of higher-order conductivity coefficients.

Fast Ion Conducting Solid Electrolytes

We synthesise and characterise fast ion conducting solid materials for energy storage applications, including solid electrolytes for all-solid-state Na-ion and F-ion batteries.

Nonlinear Conductivity

We measure nonlinear conductivity at higher electric fields, studying frequency dependence of higher-order conductivity coefficients and charge transport phenomena in complex ionic systems.

Defect Structure of Oxide Materials

We study defect structures of oxide materials under different thermodynamic conditions (temperature and oxygen partial pressure) to understand their influence on ionic and electronic transport.

Nanostructured & Glassy Electrolytes

Ionics of nano-structured materials, thin films, glassy and polymer electrolytes — including dielectric studies, relaxation mechanisms, and their role in energy storage devices.

Solid-State Ionic Devices

We fabricate and characterise solid-state ionic devices such as batteries and chemical sensors. Current projects include development of fluoride-ion battery solid electrolytes and the SRM-Amararaja energy storage center.

Key Experimental Techniques
Structural Characterisation
  • X-ray Diffraction (XRD) — operando & ex situ
  • Rietveld Refinement
  • Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
  • Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
  • Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS)
  • Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
Electrochemical Analysis
  • Galvanostatic Charge-Discharge (GCD)
  • Cyclic Voltammetry (CV)
  • Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS)
  • Rate Capability Testing
  • Long-term Cyclic Stability Evaluation
  • Ionic Conductivity Measurements
Research Funding

Our research is supported by national funding agencies and industry including:

  • Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) — DST-SERB SRG Grant
  • Department of Science & Technology (DST)
  • Amara Raja Batteries Ltd. (ARBL) — Industrial Consultancy Project
  • SRM University AP — Seed Grant and Internal Funding