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Faculty and Student Teams Program

questioning Project Descriptions

Argonne National Laboratory
 The Chemical Engineering Division

Requesting applications from science or engineering faculty members at institutions serving students underrepresented in science, engineering, mathematics and technology to work on the following projects.

LITHIUM BATTERY DEVELOPMENT

Advanced lithium batteries are a key enabling technology for use in advanced transportation applications like hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).  Commercially available HEVs use Ni/MH batteries to assist the engine during acceleration and to capture regenerative braking energy. However, the cost and life of Ni/MH batteries are at least partially responsible for the slow growth of the HEV market over the last 4-5 years.  Ni/MH batteries are a mature technology and little opportunity exists for further improvements.

An Argonne chemist prepares to test a "pouch" cell.


High-power lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries offer the most promise as a replacement energy storage technology for Ni/MH batteries in these applications.

Since 1998, Argonne has been leading a DOE-funded multiple-laboratory R&D program to help the industrial developers of high-power Li-Ion batteries to overcome key barriers to their commercialization for these applications.  The key barriers include:

  • 15-year calendar life
  • $20/kW cost
  • Operation over -30oC to +52oC temperature range
  • Adequate abuse tolerance for use in transportation applications

The focus of the Argonne-led program is to:  (a) develop a fundamental understanding of the factors that limit life, inherent abuse tolerance, and low-temperature performance;
(b) apply this knowledge to the development of low-cost and more stable cell materials and components; (c) develop and demonstrate more stable cell chemistries based on these new materials; and (d) transfer this information to industrial battery developers.

Argonne ’s work encompasses all aspects of this program.  We thoroughly characterize new materials available from material suppliers worldwide; identify those that offer the most promise and study their performance, life, and safety in small cells; where necessary develop better materials; implement the best materials and cell chemistries into high-power cells (via an industrial manufacturer);  conduct accelerated aging tests, abuse tests, and post-test diagnostics on these industrially built cells; and apply models (where appropriate) to help understand the controlling mechanisms.  These studies involve the use of numerous electrochemical, chemical analysis, and physical analysis techniques and equipment, with an emphasis on surface analyses.  Depending on the areas of expertise of the faculty member and students, potential projects include characterization of new electrode materials, post-test diagnostic studies on aged electrodes, and use of electrochemical characterization techniques, as well as lab-scale electrode and cell fabrication.

Applicants Responsibilities and Relationship to Project

Applicants will work collaboratively with the project research team at the Laboratory for up to 10 weeks during the year starting during the summer of 2006. Summer and academic year visits to Argonne Lab may be scheduled by mutual agreement between the Research Project Directors at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) and the successful applicant. Faculty will be expected to identify students from their campus to participate in the Undergraduate Research Participation programs offered by the Department of Energy at ANL. Ideally, faculty will provide some mentorship and/or advising support to students during the summer research activities. It is expected that the faculty member will become an integral part of the research team working on this project and will support the project through the academic year on her or his campus.

Qualifications of Ideal Candidate

Faculty: Ph.D. in chemistry, materials science, engineering, or related field.  Proven experimental abilities.  Established record of publication in field is preferred. Works well in a collaborative environment with students and other researchers. Currently teaches and collaborates with students in his/her field. Willing to work at ANL for an extended period (2-3 summer months, or longer).
Student: Working toward a BS in chemistry, materials science, or engineering, with strong interest in experimental research.  Works well in collaboration with faculty, other students, and researchers.  Willing to work at ANL for an extended period.

Support and Financial Commitments

See Financial Information.

For More Information contact:

Harold W. Myron
Director
Division of Educational Programs
Argonne National Laboratory
E-mail: hmyron@dep.anl.gov
Phone: 630-252-4114

 Linda Phaire-Washington
Senior Program Leader
Division of Educational Programs
Argonne National Laboratory
E-mail: washington@dep.anl.gov
Phone: 630-252-1751


http://www.dep.anl.gov