Science on Interfacial Ion Dynamics for Solid State Ionics Devices

Newsletter Vol.2
September 2020

Interface lonics toward
Sustainable Society
2019 – 2023 Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas

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Preface | Contents

Preface
The second year of “Interface Ionics” began in April 2020, and wewelcomed 21 two-year publicly offered researchers from 16 universities andinstitutes to the Interface Ionics project. We continue to advance “Interface
Ionics” through the fusion of different academic research fields, promotionof young researchers, cultivation of international friendships, andcollaborations with national projects already underway (NEDO SOLiD-EV,
JST ALCA-SPRING, and MEXT Fugaku Program).
Thank you for your support. We wish you good health during these very
difficult conditions.
Yasutoshi IRIYAMA, Principal Investigator
Nagoya University

Contents

New Members
Publicly Offered Researchers / 2020.4-2022.3
		 Model Interface (Gp-A01)

3

Advanced Analysis (Gp-A02)

4

Computational & Data Science (Gp-A03)

5

Design of Functional Interface (Gp-A04)

6

Research Assistants (Student Researchers)

7

Research Achievements
		 Model Interface (Gp-A01)
Advanced Analysis (Gp-A02)

8
9

		 Computational & Data Science (Gp-A03)

10

Design of Functional Interface (Gp-A04)

11

Activity Reports
		 International Conferences Partially Supported
		 by the “Interface Ionics” Project

12

International Training Program

13

Symposium and Seminar

15

New Members 3

New Members
Publicly Offered Researchers
2020.4 – 2022.3
In April 2020, we welcomed 21 new “publicly offered research” members, who will contribute to our project with their
proposal-based research!

Gp-A01 Model Interface
Yuta Kimura
Assistant Professor / Tohoku Univ. / Solid State Ionics, Material Mechanics
Mechanical stress can significantly affect the interfacial properties of solid state ionics
materials (SSIMs). My research aims to quantitatively evaluate the influence of stress onmaterial/interfacial properties of SSIMs and to provide deeper insights into their interfacial
phenomena.

Kota Suzuki
Assistant Professor / Tokyo Inst. of Technology / Solid State Chemistry
My research applies model systems, which allow reaction mechanisms to be understood,
to solid state battery interface analysis. As model systems, crystalline electrode/amorphousor crystalline solid electrolytes with nano-scale flat interfaces will be constructed by various
thin-film fabrication techniques.

Takayuki Doi
Professor / Doshisha Univ. / Electrochemistry
My research group introduced a solid electrolyte interphase between a Si thin film
electrode and a solid electrolyte to improve interfacial Li+ transfer. My study investigates the
structure and composition to elucidate factors that enable rapid interfacial ion transfer anda highly concentrated accumulation of ions.

Wataru Norimatsu
Associate Professor / Nagoya Univ. / Surface Structure Physics and Properties
My research investigates the intercalation and desorption phenomena of Li ions in highquality large-area epitaxial graphene samples. Using atomic force microscopy and Raman
spectroscopy, how and from where Li ions are intercalated will be revealed.

Munekazu Motoyama
Lecturer / Nagoya Univ. / Electrochemistry, Electrodeposition
My study aims to elucidate the chemical and crystallographic properties of highly
lithiophilic oxide solid electrolyte surfaces at the atomic and molecular levels. The final goal
is to develop a theory for the a priori design of solid oxide electrolytes for stable Li plating/
stripping cycles.

4

New Members

Gp-A02 Advanced Analysis
Ryotaro Aso
Associate Professor / Kyushu Univ. / Electron Microscopy, Nanostructure Analysis
The objective of my study is to reveal the relationship between structural strain/distortionand ion diffusion at solid state ionic interfaces by a combination of operando atomicresolution scanning transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy,
and electron energy-loss spectroscopy.

Tetsuroh Shirasawa
Senior Researcher / AIST / Surface Science, Surface Diffraction
My study strives to reveal the ion transport dynamics relevant to battery performanceusing high-speed surface X-ray diffraction to investigate structural changes of theelectrolyte–cathode interfaces of solid state lithium ion batteries.

Yasuto Noda
Assistant Professor / Kyoto Univ. / Solid State NMR, Solid State Chemistry
The purpose of my study is to develop solid state high-resolution NMR methods that cananalyze the solid state battery interface and the modulation of the space-charged andinter-diffusion layers.

Takuya Majima
Associate Professor / Kyoto Univ. / Ion Beam Science, Radiation Physics and Chemistry
To reveal the ion transport and storage behavior near the interfaces of solid state ionics
materials (SSIMs), my study strives to directly observe the spatial (depth) distribution oflithium atoms and ions near the interface using time-of-flight elastic recoil detection analysis(TOF-ERDA) with MeV-energy heavy-ion beams.

Takuya Masuda
Group Leader / NIMS / Electrochemistry, Surface Science
My research applies in situ electrochemical X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to solid
electrolyte-electrode interfaces under bias applications to correlate the depth profile of theelemental composition and electronic states across hetero/homo junctions to interfacial ion
dynamics.

Kentaro Yamamoto
Research Assistant Professor / Kyoto Univ. / Inorganic Materials Chemistry
The purpose of my study is to observe structural changes at the solid-solid interface
during the ion transportation reaction using operando time-resolved X-ray reflectivity and toclarify the relationship between the structural changes and ion transport at the interface.

New Members 5

Gp-A03 Computational & Data Science
Yasunobu Ando
Senior Researcher / AIST / Computational Materials Science, Materials Informatics
My main goal is to accelerate the fitting process for measured data of interfacial ion
transport such as thermally stimulated depolarization current and electrochemical
impedance spectroscopy by applying a data-driven method called the “Spectrum-Adapted
Expectation-Maximization Algorithm.”

Shusuke Kasamatsu
Assistant Professor / Yamagata Univ. / Device Physics, Ab initio Thermodynamics
My research aims to provide a consistent picture of electrochemical solid-solid interfaces
considering the huge configurational degrees of freedom of carriers and dopants, as well as
the electrochemical potential of ions and electrons in electrodes.

Ryo Kobayashi
Assistant Professor / Nagoya Inst. of Tech. / Computational Materials Science
The goal of my project is to understand the mechanism of grain boundary resistance on
ion migration in solid state electrolyte materials from an atomic point of view. This project
employs a high-throughput method to produce force fields, which my group developed, in
molecular dynamics simulations.

Koji Shimizu
Assistant Professor / Univ. of Tokyo / DFT, Machine Learning Potential, Surface
Scattering
Analyzing structural factors and compositional variations with the aid of DFT calculations
and machine learning, my project investigates ion dynamics across electrode–solid
electrolyte interfaces to clarify the atomic scale origin of interface resistance.

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New Members

Gp-A04 Design of Functional Interface
Atsushi Inoishi
Assistant Professor / Kyushu Univ. / Inorganic Materials, Solid State Ionics
The “in situ formed electrode,” which is formed on the solid-electrolyte may reveal
different interface information compared with the typical solid state cell. My study examinesinterfacial resistance using a “single-phase battery,” which is a battery made from a single
material.

Shimpei Ono
Research Scientist / CRIEPI / Inorganic Materials, ElectrochemistryElectric field control of material properties is a longstanding issue in solid state science. In
this project, my group explores a new window of extreme charge doping by simply laminating
electric double layer electrets to search for and control novel states of matter.

Teruo Kanki
Associate Professor / Osaka Univ. / Nano-Material Physics
My research objective is the development and principle analysis of an exotic transistor andthe control of proton motion by an electric field at VO2 channel interfaces. This will lead toswitching and memory functions with structural transformation between insulating HVO2
and metal-like VO2.

Takashi Tsuchiya
Principal Researcher / NIMS / Solid State Ionics
My study will tackle the development of novel physical property tuning devices based on
the principles of solid state ionics by focusing on electric carrier accumulation mechanisms(e.g., redox, electric double layer effect) in the vicinity of solid (electrode)-solid electrolyte
interfaces.

Kan Hatakeyama-Sato
Assistant Professor / Waseda Univ. / Polymer Chemistry, Materials Informatics
My research focuses on emerging glassy-type solid-polymer electrolytes composed ofcharge-transfer complexes. Their ion transport processes have yet to be elucidated, but
optimal interface design should be a key to achieve organic conductors with superionicproperties.

Tomohiro Fukushima
Assistant Professor / Hokkaido Univ. / Nanomaterials Chemistry, Photoelectrochemistry
My project aims to hybridize the metal nanostructure with an ion conductor through theutilization of molecular level interactions and light-induced polarization to create stimuli
responsive ion conductivity for interfacial ion dynamics in electrochemical devices.

New Members 7

Research Assistants (Student Researchers)
Koki Nakano
Doctoral Student / Nagoya Inst. of Tech. / Inorganic Materials, Computer Science
My undergraduate major was in inorganic material science. After joining the laboratory, I
have focused on computer simulations of Li-ion battery materials. This opportunity has
provided me with valuable knowledge and experience. In particular, it has allowed me tointeract with professors and senior researchers in various fields such as physics, informatics,
and materials science. Currently, my main research theme is the search for high-performance
Li-ion conductors. To effectively and efficiently search for such materials, my strategy is toleverage recent improvements in computer hardware to accurately predict a material’s
physical properties and to use state-of-the-art informatics methods such as artificial
intelligence (AI) in order to extend the explorable material space.

Takuya Kimura
Doctoral Student / Osaka Prefecture Univ. / Inorganic Materials, Ionic Conductors
To realize all-solid-state batteries, the electrolyte must possess certain characteristics
such as fast ion conduction, good ductility, and high stability in air. My research has focusedon both anions that form lattices and central cations in solid electrolytes. Although there aremany studies on oxide and sulfide electrolytes, few studies have examined nitride electrolytes.
I have clarified that the ionic conductivity of a nitride electrolyte, Li2CN2, is significantly
increased to 1.1×10−6 S cm−1 at 25°C by amorphization similar to oxide and sulfide systems. In
addition, the Li2CN2 electrolyte has a higher ductility than typical lithium-ion conducting
oxide Li3BO3 glass. Since amorphous nitrides should exhibit excellent properties as solid
electrolytes, I would like to continue researching them.

Akira Nasu
Doctoral Student /Osaka Prefecture Univ. / Inorganic Materials, Active Materials
My research interests are mainly the development and characterization of active materials
for all-solid-state sodium batteries with a high capacity and reversibility. In particular, I havefocused on transition metal sulfides containing sodium as an active material. I worked on a
structural modification of Na2TiS3 for favorable sodium insertion/extraction by amechanochemical or melt quenching process. The newly developed cation disordered phaseof Na2TiS3 shows a high capacity of 280 mAh g-1, corresponding to its theoretical capacity. To
further improve the capacity and reversibility, I would like to analyze the structural andelectrochemical changes of the active materials during charging/discharging. I also plan tocharacterize the elastic properties of active materials in all-solid-state cells and the interfacialability related to ionic transfer and reactivity between active materials and solid electrolytes.

8Research Achievements

Research Achievements
2020.1 – 2020.6

Gp-A01 Model Interface
Oxide-based all-solid-state lithium batteries (SSBs)
using Li+ conductive solid electrolyte sheets wereprepared as a model SSB. The model SSBs have been
partly analyzed by Gp-A02, especially the electrode/solid electrolyte interface. They will be analyzed
multilaterally in the next term.
In addition, fundamental ion dynamics analysis
systems around solid electrolyte/polymer electrolyte
interfaces, metal/solid electrolyte interfaces, andelectrode/solid electrolyte interfaces (from a chemical
reactivity perspective) were newly developed.
Preparations of both epitaxial thin film electrodes

and single crystalline solid electrolyte sheets wereindividually investigated. These will be combined withthe above-mentioned research and advanced analysis
in Gp-A02.

Highlight

The Active Interface of Ta-Doped Li7La3Zr2O12 for Li Plating/Stripping
Revealed by Acid Aqueous Etching
Motoyama M, Tanaka Y, Yamamoto T, Tsuchimine N, Kobayashi S, Iriyama Y
ACS Appl. Energy Mater. (2019) 2: 6720-6731.
AbstractAll-solid-state lithium batteries incorporating oxidebased solid electrolytes have attracted much attention
as a promising battery system for enabling highly
reversible Li metal anodes. However, the cycling stabilityof Li plating/stripping reactions at higher charging/discharging rates on garnet-type solid-state electrolytes
must be improved to realize a practical Li metal anodefor solid-state batteries. Here, we report that a short acidetching procedure performed in ambient air signiﬁcantly
activates the Ta-doped Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZT) surface
compared to polishing under inert gas atmospheresuch as dry Ar. It has been believed that Li7La3Zr2O12(LLZ) and related doped LLZ solid electrolyte surfaces
need to be mechanically polished in dry Ar before thecell fabrication to remove Li2CO3 and LiOH that arepresent on the surface. However, a commonly usedmechanical polishing procedure is found to form a thinelectrochemically inactive layer on the LLZT surface,whereas a short acid etching procedure (e.g., HCl)removes the inactive layer, and the acid-etched LLZT
exhibits excellent cycling stability. [Reproduced withpermission of the American Chemical Society.]

Li/solid electrolyte interface, academia-indusry collaborating works

Research Achievements

Gp-A02 Advanced Analysis
This group strives to understand unique iontransport/storage phenomena at solid state interfaces
using comprehensive analyses. We have been
establishing/improving various novel and advanced
analytical techniques, and systematically applying
them to typical model solid state interfaces such as awell-defined film electrode on a solid electrolyte andglass-ceramics electrolytes, which were supplied by
Gp-A01 and Gp-A04. Based on the results obtainedin collaboration with the theoretical calculations andsimulations conducted by Gp-A03, we will establish
scientific principles that enable the design of highperformance solid state interfaces.

Highlight 1

Nanoscale determination of interatomic distance by ptychography-EXAFS
method using advanced Kirkpatrick-Baez mirror focusing optics
Hirose M, Shimomura K, Higashino T, Ishiguro N, Takahashi Y
J. Synchrotron Rad. (2020) 27:455-461.
Abstract
This work demonstrates a combination technique of
X-ray ptychography and the extended X-ray absorption
fine structure (ptychography-EXAFS) method. The
EXAFS of MnO is derived from the reconstructed
images of X-ray ptychography. The nanoscale bondlengths of the first and second coordination shellsof MnO are determined. The present approach has
great potential to elucidate the unclarified relationshipamong the morphology, electronic state and atomic
arrangement of inhomogeneous bulk materials withhigh spatial resolution.

Highlight 2

Development, Structure, and Mechanical Properties of Sulfide Solid
Electrolytes
Ohara K, Sakuda A, Hayashi A
Encyclopedia of Materials: Technical Ceramics and Glasses (Available Online 5 June 2020)
Abstract
Through recent research and development, some solid electrolytes
with ionic conductivity on the order of 10 -2 S cm-1 have also been
discovered. On the other hand, to obtain satisfactory performance withthese solid electrolytes, it is important to construct a suitable interface
between the electrode active material and the solid electrolyte in an
all-solid-state battery and to maintain the interface during long-term
charge discharge cycles. Attention must also be paid to the mechanicalproperties, which are closely related to the interface phenomena, andthus the Young’s moduli of sulfide solid electrolytes are focused on.
From the knowledge obtained so far, the further development of solid
electrolytes is expected.

910Research Achievements

Gp-A03 Computational & Data Science
To construct a theory for “Interface Ionics,” Gp-A03
introduces computational and data science strategies.
Equilibrium/steady states and dynamics of electrons
and ions around solid-solid interfaces are investigatedusing multiscale computational approaches through
DFT (density functional theory) level and continuum

models. In addition, data-driven AI science approaches
are implemented to elucidate large-scale structureproperty relations in the observed images and spectra.
Through these findings and deep collaborations withthe other groups (A01, A02, and A04), a new theoreticalframework for “Interface Ionics” will be established.

Highlight 1

Arrangement in La1/3NbO3 Obtained by First-Principles DFT with Cluster
Expansion and Monte Carlo Simulation
Yang Z, Ward RE, Tanibata N, Takeda H, Nakayama M, Asaka T
J. Phys. Chem. C (2020) 124[18]: 9746-9754.
Abstract
A LixLa(1-x)/3NbO3 is an A-site-deficient perovskite
material known to exhibit structure-dependent ionic
conductivity. In this work, multiscale simulation
has been carried out to investigate La/vacancy
arrangement in La1/3NbO3. The computational results
indicated two possible modulated structures for theLa-rich layers were discovered first time, which shows
good accordance with experimental electron diffraction
patterns. These should help the rational nanostructure
design of Li ion conductive ceramics. [Reproduced withpermission of the American Chemical Society.]

Highlight 2

STEM-EELS analysis of the interface structures of composite ASS-LIB
electrodes fabricated via aerosol deposition
Yamamoto Y, Iriyama Y, Muto S
J. Am. Ceram. Soc. (2020) 103[2]: 1454-1462.
AbstractAll-solid-state (ASS) lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are conventionallyfabricated by sintering the component materials at high temperatures.
Herein, we examined the nanometric interface structures of composite
ASS-LIB electrodes fabricated using an aerosol deposition (AD) method,with a particular focus on the structures of Li+-conductive glass-ceramicsolid electrolyte Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 (LATP), which we analyzed using
combined scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy
loss spectroscopy. The interface structure of a nonannealed composite
could not be explained by the main crystal phase of pristine LATP particles
or their surface structure. A composite annealed at 400°C exhibited an
LATP/LCO interface structure, providing superior contact and possibly
improving the electrochemical properties of the ASS-LIB composite
accordingly. [Reproduced with permission of John Wiley & Sons.]

Research Achievements

Gp-A04 Design of Functional Interface
Gp-A04 designs innovative solid state ionics
materials (SSIMs) through interface engineering. By
increasing the concentration of grain boundaries,
charge carriers are efficiently accumulated in
SSIMs. A detailed mechanistic study revealed
that the migration kinetics of charge carriers is
influenced by the presence of grain boundaries
in the particles. The collaborative study withmembers of Gp-A03 has further clarified thetheoretical aspects of detailed charge accumulation
mechanisms.

Highlight

Activation and stabilization mechanisms of anionic redox for Li storage
applications: Joint experimental and theoretical study on Li2TiO3–LiMnO2
binary system
Kobayashi Y, Sawamura M, Kondo S, Harada M, Noda Y, Nakayama M, Kobayakawa S, Zhao W, Nakao A, Yasui A,
Rajendra H B, Yamanaka K, Ohta T, Yabuuchi N
Materials Today (Available Online 25 March 2020)
Abstract
A binary system of Li2TiO3 –LiMnO2 is systematicallyexamined by joint experimental and theoretical studies
as electrode materials for Li storage applications.
Increase in a fraction of Li2TiO3 effectively activatesanionic redox, and thus holes are reversibly formed on
oxygen by electrochemical oxidation. Such holes areenergetically stabilized through π-type interaction with
Mn t2g orbital as suggested by theoretical calculation.
However, excess enrichment of Li2TiO3 fractionsin this binary system results in the oxygen loss as
an irreversible process on delithiation because of a
non-bonding character for Ti–O bonds coupled withthe formation of O–O dimers, which are chemicallyand electrochemically unstable species. Additionally,
detailed electrochemical study clearly shows that

Li migration kinetics is relatively slow, presumably
coupled with low electronic conductivity. Nevertheless,nanosizing of primary particles is an effective strategy
to overcome this limitation. The nanosized sample
prepared by mechanical milling delivers a large reversible
capacity, ~300 mA h g−1, even at room temperature andshows much improved capacity retention. Formationand stabilization of holes for the nanosized sample
are also directly evidenced by soft X-ray absorption
spectroscopy. From these results, factors affecting thereversibility of anionic redox as emerging new chemistry
and its possibility for energy storage applications are
discussed in more details. [Reproduced with permissionof Elsevier.]

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Activity Reports

Activity Reports
International Conferences Partially Supported by the “Interface Ionics” ProjectThe 2nd World Conference on Solid Electrolytes for Advanced Applications
Sep. 23-27, 2019

The 2nd World Conference on Solid Electrolytes for
Advanced Applications: Garnets and Competitors washeld at Shizuoka Convention & Arts Center, “Granship,”
Shizuoka, Japan from 23–27 September 2019, and“Interface Ionics” partly supported the conference.
This conference provided an unparalleled opportunity
to gather leading international scientists, engineers,and scholars to discuss diverse aspects of science,technology, and applications of solid-state electrolytes.
This conference featured a plenary talk, 4 keynote
talks, 26 invited talks, 45 poster presentations, and 157
participants from 11 countries. These presentations
enabled the delegates to network and exchange ideas
with their professional peers and acclaimed experts.
On the first day, Prof. Werner Weppner from Kiel
University gave a plenary talk about “Requirements forsolid-state electrolytes and electrodes for practicalapplications: A solid state electrochemist’s view on
garnets and competitors”. After that, Prof. Ryoji Kanno
from the Tokyo Institute of Technology gave a keynote
talk about “Lithium solid electrolytes with sulfide-typematerials based on the LGPS structure”. Later, thefundamentals of lithium conduction inside the grain
and around grain boundaries of garnets and competitors
such as perovskite-type structures and glassy materials
were discussed from experimental and theoretical
approaches.
On the second day, Prof. Jürgun Janek from Giessen
University gave a keynote talk about “The lithium metal
anode on solid electrolytes”. Afterwards, interfacial ion
dynamics such as Li/solid electrolyte interfaces,
cathode/solid electrolyte interfaces, solid electrolyte/

Prof. Yasutoshi Iriyama (chairman), Nagoya Univ.
Lect. Munekazu Motoyama (chief of secretariat), Nagoya Univ.

polymer electrolytes, analysis technologies, and atheoretical understanding were discussed.
On the third day, Dr. Kazunori Takada from NIMS
talked about “Interfaces in Solid-state Batteries” as a
keynote talk. Later, the discussion gradually shifted
toward the application of these batteries based on afundamental understanding of composite solid
electrolytes and fabrication processing.
After lunch on the third day, we took excursions to
the Horaikyo-Bridge, the Japanese Tea Museum, andKunozan Toshogu. That evening, we went to a banquet
at Nihondaira Hotel, which is a landscape museum. The
banquet began with a toast by Prof. Yamamoto. Then

Activity Reports
the participants enjoyed international friendship andthe wonderful nighttime view from the hotel. During thebanquet, five students were recognized as part of theposter award ceremony.
On the final day, Dr. Shinji Nakanishi from Toyota
Motor Co. talked about “The study of all-solid-statelithium ion batteries at Toyota.” Recent studies on thedevelopment and analysis of large-sized all-solid-statebatteries and a future prospect SSB were discussed.
This 2nd conference focused mainly on all-solid-statebatteries as an advanced application. To improve theperformance of solid-state batteries, better solid
electrolytes are needed. Thus, cutting-edge researchon solid electrolytes was introduced and discussed. On
the other hand, solid-solid interfacial ion dynamics
remains a mystery. As the chairman of this conference,
I hope that the 3rd conference, which will be held in the
United States in 2021, deepens the discussion ofinterfacial ion dynamics.

International Training Program

Visiting Prof. Jürgen Janek in Germany and Tromso, Norway for Petite
Workshop on Defect Chemical Nature of Solids
Oct. 15-22, 2019
Thanks to the financial support from a Grant-in-Aid
for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas “Science on
Interfacial Ion Dynamics for Solid State Ionics Devices,”
I visited my international collaborator, Prof. Jürgen
Janek (Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany) on
15–18 October 2019, and participated in the “Petite
Workshop on Defect Chemical Nature of Solids” held at
Tromsø, Norway (19–22 October 2019). Here, I briefly
summarize my international experiences.
My international collaboration with Prof. Janekon electrochemical phenomena at solid electrolyte
interfaces began in 2017. To date, we have demonstrated
ionic rectification (asymmetric ionic current-voltage
relationship) at the hetero-junction of two dissimilaroxide ion conductors: an interstitial oxygen conductor
and an oxygen vacancy conductor. However, themechanism of the asymmetricity has yet to berevealed. During our most recent visit, we had deep
discussions about the functionalities of the “spacecharge layer” and the “ionic depletion layer” at solid
electrolyte interfaces. These topics are closely related
to the aim of our research project “Interface Ionics” andmay contribute to advances in all-solid-state batteries.
Our discussions were very fruitful as we engaged inbrainstorming sessions and shared research ideas andplans. To reveal the mechanism of ionic rectifications,
I personally expect future collaborations with A-02

Short break in the botanical garden of JLU.

Assoc. Prof. Takashi Nakamura, Tohoku Univ.

Oceanview from the conference venue in Petite workshop at Tromsø Norway.

group members who possess sophisticated analyticaltechniques.
After the research discussion in Germany, I went
to Norway and participated in the Petite workshop. I
gave a talk about the influence of oxygen deficiencies
on electrochemical processes of Li-rich cathodematerials. The lively post-presentation discussion withother researchers led to valuable comments, which arereflected in our recent manuscript.
Electrochemical phenomena at the solid electrolyte
interface was one of the main topics in the workshop.
Through conversations, I strengthened my belief thatthe very small electronic conduction through the solid
electrolyte is not negligible and affects electrochemical
phenomena at solid electrolyte interfaces. Thisidea is well accepted in high-temperature solid
electrolyte systems. In contrast, mobile electrons
are rarely considered in an all-solid-state battery
community. I believe the combination of conventional
high-temperaturesolid-stateelectrochemistry,
semiconductor engineering, and conventional (liquidstate) electrochemistry will be important in the“Interface Ionics” project and the development of solidstate ionics devices.
Finally, I would like to express my deepest
appreciation for the support and the great opportunity
for international collaboration.

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14

Activity Reports

International Training Program

Visiting the University of Maryland and NIST in Washington D.C. andDaytona Beach, Florida for ICACC 2020
Jan. 21-Feb. 1, 2020
I traveled to the U.S. for the International Training
Program of “Interface Ionics” from January 21–31,
2020. I visited two research facilities in Washington
D.C. and attended the annual international conferenceof the American Ceramics Society in Daytona Beach,
Florida.
In Washington, I visited the University of Maryland,College Park on January 22nd. Specifically, I toured
the laboratory of Prof. Liangbing Hu, who is working
on all-solid-state lithium batteries. I also had theopportunity to interact with Prof. Chunsheng Wang andothers working on all-solid-state lithium batteries. The
University of Maryland campus is huge, and I got loston my way to Prof. Hu’s office. I had originally planned
to meet with Assoc. Prof. Yifei Mo, but unfortunately he
was not feeling well.
On January 23rd and 24th, I visited the National
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). At NIST, I
met with Dr. Thomas P. Moffat and Dr. Andrei Kolmakov.
I enjoyed walking through the NIST facility, where theinstruments that once set the standards for various
physical quantities such as mass, length, electric
potential, and magnetic field strength were on display.
I had a great time talking with the staff of Dr. Moffat’sgroup about their research projects. Dr. Moffat also set
up a seminar for me to present my research. I also had
the opportunity to hear about the employment situationof NIST research staff, the research fields that the
U.S. government is focusing on, and other informationthat is difficult to obtain without visiting in person.
Moreover, I toured the neutron facility owned by NIST,
where research teams from all over the world come to
conduct experiments. During my tour, a group from UC
California, Berkeley was performing measurements onpolymers. A memorable moment was when a Physicistof the Center for Neutron Research at NIST, Dr. Joseph
A. Dura, said he fully supports conducting joint research
together if the opportunity arises!
On January 25th, I traveled to Daytona Beach, Florida
to attend the 44th International Conference and Expoon Advanced Ceramics and Composites (ICACC 2020),
where I gave an invited talk. I was able to catch up withold friends and researchers from other countries. I

Lect. Munekazu Motoyama, Nagoya Univ.

The Univesity of Maryland, College Park

Dr. Kolmakov

Prof. Hu

Prof. Wang

Dr. Moffat

Daytona Beach, FL

also met many new people. These were my first visits
to Washington D.C. and Daytona Beach. I met many
people and had a very meaningful two weeks. I am very
grateful to the “Interface Ionics” project for giving mesuch a great opportunity.

Activity Reports

Symposium and Seminar

The 1st “Interface Ionics” Seminar in Narita, Chiba prefecture
Dec. 22-23, 2019

The 1st “Interface Ionics” seminar was held in Narita,
Chiba prefecture on December 22–23, 2019. Thisseminar offered a platform to discuss the latest
findings in interfacial ion dynamics and to enhancecollaborations in the research project of “Interface
Ionics”. The seminar attracted 64 attendees, 1 plenary
lecture, 2 keynote talks, 4 invited talks, and 9 short oralpresentations.
The plenary lecture given by Prof. Shu Yamaguchi(National Institution for Academic Degrees andQuality Enhancement of Higher Education) provided
an overview of “Nanoionics,” a project included
as part of the Scientific Research on Priority Areas(2004–2009). Subsequently, the remaining issues
concerning interfacial ion dynamics were addressed in

Assoc. Prof. Masashi Okubo, The Univ. of Tokyo

detail. Afterwards, Prof. Amezawa (Tohoku University)and Prof. Tateyama (National Institute for Materials
Science) presented state-of-the-art understandings
and experimental/theoretical techniques to addressthese issues and to achieve the goal of the project.
Furthermore, to stimulate collaborations, a wide rangeof modern synthesis/analysis/calculation techniques
were explained in invited talks given by Prof. Tanaka,
Prof. Kuwata, Prof. Inoue, and Prof. Kan. To recognize
outstanding students/post-docs, two young students
were awarded “Interface Ionics” awards.
The 1st “Interface Ionics” seminar provided a great
opportunity to foster research cooperation. We are
grateful to all of the speakers and attendees.

“Interface Ionics” Award Winners
Mikio Yasunaga, Master course student / Tohoku Univ.
I enjoyed participating in this workshop and learning about frontier science oninterfacial ion dynamics for solid state ionics devices with leading researchers inJapan. During the workshop, I also presented my recent works obtained by scanningelectrochemical microscopy (awarded the Platinum Prize). This experience helpedme recognize the importance of student research on interfacial ion dynamics–related
studies. Even for students like me, there is lots of unveiled potential at the interface tostudy. I would like to make use of this precious experience in my future work.

Kota Motohashi, Ph. D. candidate / Tohoku Univ.
I am very honored to receive the ”Interface Ionics” Award 2019 Gold Prize. I would
like to recognize the great support from Prof. Amezawa, Assoc. Prof. Nakamura,
Assis. Prof. Kimura, and my colleagues. My research topic is the development offluoride-ion conductors, especially new materials prepared by a mechanochemical
method. I presented my research on the fundamental knowledge of interfacial
phenomena at the ”Interface Ionics” meeting. I plan to keep studying and working
hard for “Interface Ionics” and the society of solid state ionics.

15

Newsletter vol.2
Publisher/Contact
Office for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas:
Science on Interfacial Ion Dynamics for Solid State Ionics Devices
TEL: +81-52-789-3576
E-mail: office@int-ionics.material.nagoya-u.ac.jp
https://interface-ionics.jp/en/index.html

Date of issue: September 2020