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U.S. DoE Funds IUPUI Study to Improve Battery Energy, Life, Range

The United States Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s (EERE) Vehicle Technologies Program, through Argonne National Laboratory, recently awarded researchers at the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI more than $100,000 to conduct a rechargeable lithium metal battery study that could lead to revolutionary changes in the battery and electric vehicle industries.

The research program, led by Dr. Jian Xie, is developing new materials which allow lithium metal to be recharged without shorting caused by dendrite formation—a crucial breakthrough to advance this technology. This breakthrough builds on an innovative concept and materials design patented through IUPUI’s partner organization, the Indiana University Research & Technology Corporation (IURTC).

This new technology could lead to a completely new type of lithium battery with much higher energy density than current lithium ion batteries—up to twelve times as much. This advancement from today’s Li-ion battery could have a revolutionary impact on portable electronics (iPhone, iPad, laptop, etc.), transportation (Electric Vehicles and HEV), defense (unmanned vehicles, laser weapon systems, etc.) and other applications.

“Our School is competing at the highest levels,” said Dr. David Russomanno, Dean of the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI. “Dr. Xie’s groundbreaking work is yet another example that our faculty are not only effective teachers and scholars, but they are also premier researchers, making an impact in their fields alongside leaders from the Department of Energy and other National labs.”

This research program builds on the School’s ever-increasing involvement in energy-related fields. Students, faculty and industry alike benefit from the resources of the Lugar Center for Renewable Energy and the energy research and advancements made by the School’s premier faculty. Students may also enroll in the new B.S. in Energy Engineering degree, a one-of-a-kind program designed to develop the next generation of alternative energy experts.

www.engr.iupui.edu