GCSP research stipend | Spring 2026

Rapid Sintering of Printable Na-based Solid-state Electrolyte Films Using Open-air Processing

 Lithium-ion batteries pose environmental and cost challenges, motivating interest in sodium-based solid-state electrolytes, like NASICON (Na Super Ionic Conductor). This study examines how rapid thermal annealing (RTA) affects the conductivity and phase formation of NASICON thin films produced through an open-air blade coating process. Films are sintered using RTA with the environment made more oxidative to promote NASICON phase conversion. Film adhesion, uniformity, ionic conductivity, and crystal phase are evaluated using optical microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The goal is to fabricate high-quality NASICON films to enable scalable, low-cost manufacturing of sodium-based solid-state batteries.