Research

Various experimental and theoretical techniques are used to study materials of great fundamental and application interest. Current research is primarily engaged in the design, synthesis, testing, and understanding of advanced thermoelectric materials and Li-ion battery materials for energy conversion and storage, which include

(1) electron and phonon transport of thermoelectric materials,

(2) thermodynamic stability, atomistic structural arrangement, electronic band structure, and lattice dynamics of nanocomposites,

(3) degradation mechanisms of advanced Li-ion battery materials.

Facilities

Thermoelectrics

      10-800 K Transport Measurement System                                 2-300 K Transport Property Measurement System

                  Equiped with a 9T Magnet                                                           

                Netszch DSC 404 F1 (27-1500 C)                                                                  Ulvac ZEM-3 (27-1200 C)

                 Hitachi TM3000 SEM                                                                           Induction Heater      

                    Arc Melter                                                                                                      Furnaces

                        Plasma Sintering System                                                                                   Oven

                Glove Box for Thermoelectrics                                                                       

Li-Ion Battery

                  Battery Cycler and Thermal Chamber                                                          Crimper for Cell

                       Precision Electric Rolling Press                                                               Vacuum Oven

                                    Roll Jar Mill                                                             Glove Box for Li-Ion Battery

Sponsors

   National Science Foundation                 Department of Energy 

               General Motors                           Kyocera Corporation

                Washington State Strategically Targeted Academic Researchers