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Research

Our Materials Science research is focused on understanding electrochemically functional materials such that we may make improved highly functional devices. We do not specialize in a particular class of materials or analyses; instead we perform whatever research is necessary to advance the state of the art in several technology areas including batteries, hybrid capacitors, fuel cells, catalysts, and solid state ionic systems.

Our Energy Policy research is focused on conducting quantitative (and sometimes experimental) analyses on important energy technologies that have a strong reliance on materials properties. Examples include (but are not limited to) batteries for plug-in hybrid/full electric vehicles (PHEV/EV), stationary energy storage technologies, grid-level systems, and materials commodity markets.

Ongoing or Recently Completed Projects Include:

Nano resolution in-situ imaging of dendrite and SEI formation in Li-ion battery electrodes
Materials and electrode systems for capacitive de-ionizaion
bio-compatible/digestible energy storage devices
Techno-economic comparison of different battery chemistries as applied in distributed microgrid applications
Na-intercalation cathode materials.
Methods to refresh the surfaces of degraged Li-ion electrode structures.
High surface area carbons for EDLC and surface adsorption-based electrodes.
Novel pseudocapacitive and intercalation electrode materials for Capacitive Deionization (CDI).
Costing and manufacturing analyses of Li-ion cells, modules and packs.
An analysis of the value of grid-scale energy storage in a combined wind farm/gas turbine system.
A study of Li-ion battery cell degradation when used in a PHEV/vehicle-to-grid duty cycle, as related to the economics of the V2G approach (in collaboration with Jay Apt).
In-situ examination of PHEV battery pack performance