It’s National Battery Day! Texas ChE engineers are innovating and improving battery life + capabilities through their research and work. Leading the charge:
Professor Brian Korgel's lab is developing next-gen battery technologies to move us beyond a reliance on lithium; think sodium or potassium ion batteries, that would complement lithium-ion battery technologies and could be integrated into existing energy systems; thus, diversifying materials sourcing, improving supply chain stability and increasing energy security for the nation.
Professor Charles Buddie Mullins’ research group and Ziqing Wang, PH.D. student, focus on electrolyte modification and interfacial engineering in lithium and sodium-ion batteries. They are developing low-temperature electrolytes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries to enhance their viability in extreme conditions, advancements that contribute to more efficient and longer-lasting energy storage systems, crucial for renewable energy integration and next-gen battery technologies.
Assistant Professor Kent Zheng’s group focuses on controlling crystal formation inside battery electrodes (electrochemical crystallization phenomena). His research aims to enable "beyond-Li-ion" battery chemistries using cost-effective, earth-abundant elements, such as Zn, Al, and Fe. These developments would provide more sustainable and cost-effective energy storage solutions.
#texasengineering | Energy Institute, The University of Texas at Austin | Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin
