2024 Spring Featured Research
Dr. Cho Kyeongjae
Dr. Kyeongjae Cho (KJ)
To test their solution, the team established a robotics-based lab to manufacture battery prototypes and evaluate the synthesis processes of the newly designed pillared LiNiO2 cathodes. They plan to refine the manufacturing process and scale up production, eventually producing hundreds of batteries per week. This new understanding of LiNiO2’s degradation could lead to longer battery life for various products, including phones and electric vehicles. Published in the journal Advanced Energy Materials, the study represents a significant step towards overcoming the barriers to the commercialization of LiNiO2 batteries. The team’s findings could pave the way for longer-lasting lithium-ion batteries, making them more viable for a range of applications. Other researchers involved in the study include Fantai Kong PhD’17; Patrick Conlin PhD’22; Dr. Taesoon Hwang, research scientist in materials science and engineering; and Dr. Seok-Gwang Doo of the Korea Institute of Energy Technology.
Dr. Kyeongjae Cho and PhD student, Matthew Bergschneider at the University of Texas at Dallas and other researchers, have identified the reason behind the degradation of lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO2) batteries, a potential material for next-generation lithium-ion batteries. The team discovered that a chemical reaction involving oxygen atoms in LiNiO2 leads to instability and cracking. To address this, they proposed reinforcing the material by adding a positively charged ion, creating “pillars” to strengthen the cathode. This breakthrough could remove a key barrier to the widespread use of LiNiO2 batteries.
Assistant Professor Kanad Basu, Dr. Robert Baumann and Dr. Rodolfo Rodriguez Davila’s Groups:
Blast Off! Unveiling the Secrets of Microcontrollers in Space
Assistant Professor Kanad Basu (ECS), Dr. Robert Baumann (Director of Radiation Effects and Reliability at CHESS/MSE), and Dr. Rodolfo Rodriguez Davila (Research Scientist, CHESS/MSE) are guiding Abhinay Dwadasi (ECS) on a mission to conquer the harsh realities of space for microcontrollers (MCUs). Abhinay’s master’s thesis, fueled by a generous gift from Texas Instruments’ MCU business unit, delves into the impact of heavy ion single event effects (SEEs) on these vital components.
MCUs are the brains behind countless systems, from everyday appliances to cutting-edge spacecraft. In orbit, they control power, process sensor data, and manage motors—essential tasks for any space mission. But the space environment is a hostile place. Bathed in a constant barrage of high-energy particles, MCUs face a relentless threat.
Imagine particles with energies millions, even billions, of electron volts! They easily pierce spacecraft shielding and wreak havoc on sensitive electronics. While Lower Earth Orbit (LEO) is nteeming with energetic electrons and protons, it’s the rarer, heavier ions that pose the greatest threat to MCUs. These cosmic bullets can cause data glitches, memory errors, unexpected resets, and even catastrophic failures.
To unravel these cosmic mysteries, Abhinay is harnessing the power of the Texas A&M University Cyclotron Institute’s heavy ion beams. These ion beams simulate the punishing radiation of space, accelerating experiments and allowing researchers to pinpoint MCU weaknesses and predict on-orbit failure rates. Check out the image of the MCU evaluation board with the MCU die exposed to the heavy ion beam (coming from the aluminum tube on right), and the photo of TI MCU expert Harish Janakiraman (who provided critical technical insight / support for this project), Dr. Baumann, and Abhinay during a recent test campaign!
This is just the beginning! With secured funding for instrumentation and beam time, the team is poised to expand the research, developing and refining new test methods for a wide range of MCUs. Calling all aspiring space system electronics experts! If you’re a recent engineering or physics graduate with a passion for digital systems, PCBs, programming, and a solid foundation in digital and analog electronics, and you dream of pushing the boundaries of space exploration and spacecraft development, Dr. Baumann (robert.baumann@utdallas.edu) wants to hear from you!
Dr. Laisuo Su
Dr. Laisuo Su and his group have made a ground-breaking discovery on the development of solid-state electrolytes for next-generation batteries.
This study explores a surprising effect that happens when two solid materials are combined in a way that enhances their ability to transport charged particles. Imagine mixing two ingredients in a recipe and unexpectedly getting a result that is better than either ingredient alone. In solid-state batteries, which use solid materials instead of liquids to move charge, improving this movement is key to making batteries more efficient and powerful. We found that when mixing a solid electrolyte with another solid, the interface between the two materials created an electric effect called a “space charge layer.” This effect boosted the movement of ions beyond what either material could achieve alone. This discovery suggests a new way to design better solid electrolytes by carefully choosing materials that interact in a way that enhances ionic movement, potentially leading to better-performing solid-state batteries.
More information about this article can be found here.
