Research Projects

Continuum Modeling of Rechargeable Batteries

Our work focuses on developing mathematical models to describe the physics of various rechargeable battery systems. Models are augmented with data science techniques to estimate parameters and test hypotheses. Once validated against electrochemical measurements and detailed characterization, these models are employed to design experiments to learn more about systems of interest and to optimize performance.

High Concentration Electrochemistry

“Water In Salt” Electrolytes have gained interest in the battery community due to a widening of the solvent stability window, enabling even aqueous Li-ion batteries. Understanding the transport properties of these systems is important for optimization.

Interconnects beyond Cu: Investigation of single crystal metal interconnects

The scaling of integrated circuit (IC) chips with each new technology node has resulted in performance and reliability issues that are associated with the use of polycrystalline copper interconnects. In addition to increased interconnect resistance with aggressive dimensional scaling, Cu resistivity rises as the critical dimension of interconnects approaches the electron mean free path of Cu (39 nm at room temperature).

Microneedles for the Inner Ear

The cochlea is one of the most challenging places in the body for drug delivery, due to its size and inaccessibility. Drug delivery is only possible through a delicate membrane covered portal: the Round Window Membrane. We make precision microneedles capable of creating controlled perforations on this membrane. Two photon polymerization lithography is used to build 3D polymeric molds with supreme accuracy and precision. These molds are then back-filled electrochemically with copper to produce fully metallic microneedles.

Minimal Architecture Zinc Bromine Battery

This project is a reimagining of the zinc bromine cell with a direct focus on low cost for viability in the grid scale energy storage market. With better models and physical intuition for the system we are creating a high performance, long duration cell without any of the high cost chemical and mechanical components typically seen in other zinc bromine battery designs.