Lithium-based solid-state Electrolytes with eXtended Interfacial Integrity via 4D printing

Objective

The European Commission’s Green Deal targets climate neutrality and at least a 55% cut in net greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, accelerating the shift to an electricity-based society. Achieving this requires safe, high-energy storage; solid-state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs) are crucial. Their promise comes from pairing solid electrolytes with lithium metal, which enables high energy density and safety benefits. Yet practical deployment remains limited by three bottlenecks: low ionic conductivity, progressive loss of solid–solid interfacial contact, and poor machinability of brittle solid electrolytes. LEXI4D tackles these barriers by developing composite electrolytes with self-healing and shape-memory (SHSM) functionality and by using high-resolution multi-material vat photopolymerization (MM-VPP) to print heterogeneous bilayers and architectured structures that enhance ion transport, preserve interfacial contact, and avoid post-machining. By embedding SHSM behavior, LEXI4D moves from 3D to 4D printing: printed electrolytes can recover and adapt their shape after damage or strain under mild thermal stimuli, maintaining intimate electrode–electrolyte contact and extending battery lifetime. The project will be hosted at the University of Pisa under Prof. Tamburrino with co-supervisor Prof. Bertei, uniting advanced manufacturing and electrochemistry. Secondments at Politecnico di Torino (Prof. Bodoardo) and Lithoz GmbH (Dr. Schwentenwein) will strengthen polymer design for SHSM functionality and MM-VPP know-how. Industrial input from Dr. Jari Liimatainen (Pulsedeon Oy) ensures relevance to next-generation lithium battery manufacturing. Together, this team will reinforce Europe’s leadership across the battery value chain. Beyond scientific impact, the training, network, and results will strengthen my academic trajectory toward a tenure-track position.