TIE Affiliation

Environmental Research Fellowship

Research

Energy storage research and design has been a focal point for the advancement of renewable energy technologies, such as electric hybrid vehicles (EHVs) and remote solar and wind farms, typically accomplished by means of lithium-ion batteries. Recently, lithium metal batteries have received attention due to their ability to provide up to 2-3 times the energy density relative to existing lithium-ion batteries on the market today, creating the potential to develop a lighter, more compact battery. Lithium metal batteries utilize a high capacity lithium metal anode that is inherently unstable and requires optimization of the electrolyte-anode interface to fabricate a safe and long-lasting battery. My research aims to investigate the stability of a lithium metal battery utilizing our laboratory-developed solvate ionogel electrolyte comprised of a cost-effective ionic liquid, namely a solvate ionic liquid, that possesses low volatility that diminishes the risk of a fire.

Biography

I am a Ph.D. candidate in Chemical Engineering. After graduating from the University of South Florida in 2012 with a B.S. & M.S. in Chemical Engineering, I worked for a year at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center researching micro-capsule coatings for the Space Shuttle program. I am an aspiring entrepreneur who recently founded Lithio Storage, a startup focused on commercializing batteries that offer enhanced safety and energy density for consumer electronics and electric vehicle applications.