2020

INTERVIEWS

Passion and Process in Battery Research: Harnessing Nature's Bounty
Chunmei Ban, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder

For many years at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Chunmei Ban worked on materials science for battery applications. Now she works on the chemistries and manufacturing techniques for energy storage materials and systems at the University of Colorado, Boulder as an associate professor of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering Program. The move to academia happened as much for the future of science as for the work itself. 

“We need more people who have the passion and are passionate about research,” says Ban. “Most people think research is boring, but I think as long as you start to really dig in, it’s a really fun and meaningful thing.” 

Ban wanted to encourage the next generation of researchers—especially women and minorities—and she feels academia is the perfect place to do it. 

Chumei Ban spoke with Battery Power Online about the future of solid-state batteries, what the battery market needs, and what inspires her. Read the full article on Battery Power Online.

Ban will be presenting on Synchronized Electrospinning and Electrospraying Technique for Manufacturing of All-Solid-State Lithium-Ion Batteries on Thursday, April 2.

 

2017

INTERVIEWS

R&D and Manufacturing Challenges and Energy Density Improvements for Low-Cost Lithium-Ion Batteries
David L. Wood, III, Ph.D., Roll-to-Roll Manufacturing Team Lead & Fuel Cell Technologies Program Manager, Energy & Transportation Science Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
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Grid-Connected PV Systems, Off-Grid Applications, Stationary Battery Storage and Optimization Potential
Matthias Vetter, Ph.D., Head, Electrical Energy Storage, Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
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Silicon as a Graphite Alternative, Performance Degradation Mechanisms and Maximizing Battery Longevity
Daniel P. Abraham, Ph.D., Materials Scientist, Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division, Argonne National Laboratory
Read the Interview



2016

PODCASTS

Why Batteries Suck

Yi Cui, Ph.D., Associate Professor, David Filo and Jerry Yang Faculty Scholar, Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University
This podcast highlights Dr. Yi Cui’s attempts to create a smaller-size, higher-energy super-battery that doesn’t explode – by adding more lithium.
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From Exxon to NECCES: Understanding the Science, Improving the Batteries

M. Stanley Whittingham, D.Phil., Director & Distinguished Professor, Chemistry and Materials, Binghamton University
M. Stanley Whittingham of Binghamton University speaks to Cambridge EnerTech on January 28, 2016. Dr. Whittingham will give his featured presentation during Track 1: Battery R&D at the International Battery Seminar & Exhibit, March 21-24 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Topics Include: the NorthEast Center for Chemical Energy Storage’s efforts to understand all possible reactions in lithium batteries, operando studies for research on cell-level chemical reactions and energy densities, the battery's technical evolution since the 1970s and potential future developments.
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The Regulatory Horizon and Harmonization of Battery Standards

Cindy Millsaps, President & CEO, Energy Assurance LLC
Cindy Millsaps of Energy Assurance LLC speaks to Cambridge EnerTech on January 11, 2016. Ms. Millsaps will be presenting during Symposium 1: Battery Safety at the International Battery Seminar & Exhibit, March 21-24 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Topics Include: evolving standards for cell and battery manufacturers, IEC 62133, future regulations, the lack of – and need for – harmonized battery standards and more.
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