Berlin University Alliance (BUA) (Seminar) X-Student Research Group: Cracks in Action – Fatigue Failure in Solid Electrolytes for Future Batteries

Cracks in Action – Fatigue Failure in Solid Electrolytes for Future Batteries

A project-course (as part of the X-Student Research Groups) at the Institute of Material Science and Technology, Technische Universität Berlin

Description:

Solid-state batteries are a promising next-generation energy technology, offering improved safety and energy density. However, their ceramic electrolytes are brittle and prone to cracking under repeated mechanical or electrochemical cycling. This student research group investigates the early stages of fatigue failure in solid electrolytes through a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach. Students will explore how microstructure and stress contribute to crack formation—by assembling and cycling simple Li–solid electrolyte–Li cells, conducting mechanical tests (e.g. nanoindentation), analyzing material microstructures (e.g. CT), or modeling stress fields and crack initiation. Depending on their interests, participants can focus on experimental work, literature analysis, or finite element simulation. The group is open to Bachelor’s and Master’s students in materials science, physics, mechanical engineering, computer science or related fields. No prior experience with batteries is required—just curiosity and enthusiasm for materials under stress.

Project leader: Liu Yang (Contact: liu.yang@tu-berlin.de und shajia.a.ali@tu-berlin.de)

Language of the Group: English

Dates: Weekly Tuesdays 9:00-11:00 and, if necessary, 12:00-14:00 (depending on the scope of the content), first meeting, October 14, 2025

Room of the Group:  EB 131a or lab-based by team, Fachgebiet Werkstofftechnik, Technische Universität Berlin, Str. des 17. Juni 145, 10623 Berlin

Further information:

·       Information on participation in an X-Student Research Group

·       Module description X-Student Research Groups

Cracks in Action – Fatigue Failure in Solid Electrolytes for Future Batteries

A project-course (as part of the X-Student Research Groups) at the Institute of Material Science and Technology, Technische Universität Berlin

Description:

Solid-state batteries are a promising next-generation energy technology, offering improved safety and energy density. However, their ceramic electrolytes are brittle and prone to cracking under repeated mechanical or electrochemical cycling. This student research group investigates the early stages of fatigue failure in solid electrolytes through a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach. Students will explore how microstructure and stress contribute to crack formation—by assembling and cycling simple Li–solid electrolyte–Li cells, conducting mechanical tests (e.g. nanoindentation), analyzing material microstructures (e.g. CT), or modeling stress fields and crack initiation. Depending on their interests, participants can focus on experimental work, literature analysis, or finite element simulation. The group is open to Bachelor’s and Master’s students in materials science, physics, mechanical engineering, computer science or related fields. No prior experience with batteries is required—just curiosity and enthusiasm for materials under stress.

Project leader: Liu Yang (Contact: liu.yang@tu-berlin.de und shajia.a.ali@tu-berlin.de)

Language of the Group: English

Dates: Weekly Tuesdays 9:00-11:00 and, if necessary, 12:00-14:00 (depending on the scope of the content), first meeting, October 14, 2025

Room of the Group:  EB 131a or lab-based by team, Fachgebiet Werkstofftechnik, Technische Universität Berlin, Str. des 17. Juni 145, 10623 Berlin

Further information:

·       Information on participation in an X-Student Research Group

·       Module description X-Student Research Groups