NORMAL — Alabama A&M University has received a nearly $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to lead cutting-edge research in energy storage technology. The four-year project will focus on improving thin film solid-state batteries – a safer, longer-lasting alternative to traditional batteries.
The DoD-funded research, titled “Size Effects on the Efficiency of the Rechargeable Li and Na Thin Film Solid State Batteries,” will be led by Dr. Satilmis Budak (principal investigator) and co-investigators Drs. Zhigang Xiao, Mebougna Drabo, and Aschalew Kassu.
Key elements of the project include:
- Exploring how battery size impacts performance in lithium-ion (Li-ion) and sodium-ion (Na-ion) thin film solid-state batteries
- Fabricating and testing batteries in various sizes using cutting-edge technology and methods
- Training and mentoring six graduate and nine undergraduate students from STEM fields
- Creating new pathways into STEM careers for students from low-income backgrounds
- Building on prior research supported by a previous DoD equipment grant
Solid-state batteries are considered the next big advancement in energy storage due to their safety, stability, and potential to power future defense systems and consumer electronics…