Our research is focused on the design and development of new advanced functional materials for high-performance energy storage technologies. In order for our society to rely more on green renewable energy sources, e.g., solar and wind power, and to transition from internal combustion engine-based cars to fully electric vehicles, new energy storage devices superior to those of current technologies are needed. The science and engineering of advanced materials certainly remain at the forefront of finding viable solutions to the complex energy-related issues. For such large-scale energy storage devices, new Li-ion battery chemistries with an emphasis on cost, safety, and energy density are being pursued in our laboratory.

We also focus on developing new electrochemistries beyond lithium technology that are more sustainable and affordable. Examples of these post-Li-ion batteries are Na-ion, Mg-ion, Zn-ion, Ca-ion, and Al-ion systems.

Our research encompasses a wide range of activities:
• Design and synthesis of novel nanostructured materials
• Advanced chemical, structural, and physical characterization
• Materials processing and fabrication of prototype electrochemical devices
• Electrochemical measurements and thorough investigation of the physical properties
• Fundamental understanding of the structure-property-performance relationship of materials
• Further improvement of new materials for the next generation rechargeable batteries and energy-related applications