Scientific Research Goal: Integrate the fields of materials science, electrochemistry, and solid-state mechanics to understand the mechano-electrochemical phenomena underlying the manufacturing and operation of ceramics for advanced electrochemical technologies.

Scientific Research Vision: Fundamental knowledge advances electrochemical energy storage systems such as; solid-state and electrical grid batteries.

Problem:

  • The continued reliance on internal combustion engines (ICE) for transportation is rapidly depleting fossil fuels reserves, changing the climate, and impacting air quality.

  • What replaces ICE technology must dramatically reduce AND eventually eliminate the net reliance on fossil fuels.

  • The supplanting technology must be sustainable and accessible to ALL while achieving performance, cost, and safety parity with ICE technology.

Solution

Compared to ICE, electrochemical technologies are significantly more efficient in converting chemical energy into mechanical energy.  Li-ion batteries are the leading electrochemical technology to power EVs, but issues remain such as; “range anxiety”, cost, safety, and sustainability.

Hence, there is clear motivation to develop a new generation of batteries for EVs with high performance (>400 Wh/kg and >1,200 Wh/L), low cost (<$80/kWh), long cycle life (>>1000 cycles), and improved safety.  Moreover, achieving the widespread adoption of EVs will require substantially higher electrical grid capacity.  While electrical power generation from wind and solar is expanding, complementarity, low cost (<$10/kWh) electrical energy storage lags behind in maturity. 

To transition from the untenable reliance on fossil fuels to a sustainable energy future, there is a great unmet need to develop advanced batteries for EVs  and grid storage.