Defining the Future of the Public Research University
Batteries in the lab are charged and discharged at different current densities and cut-off voltages — to be evaluated on energy density and cycling efficiency .
The information gained is critical for scientists in correlating the structures of the materials with the electrochemical performance of the batteries .
UC San Diego
A Battery of Solutions
To help ensure a low-carbon future , batteries will need to do more than charge faster , last longer and cost less — they will need to perform at the high voltages electric cars require . Two UC San Diego researchers — nanoengineer Shirley Meng , Ph . D ., and physicist Oleg Shpyrko , Ph . D .— are collaborating to address the challenge . Their work in the new Sustainable Power and Energy Center combines Meng ’ s expertise in battery research with Shpyrko ’ s X-ray imaging techniques to provide insights — at the nanoscale — on what happens inside a battery while it operates in real time . Ultimately , their findings will shape how battery developers design high-voltage lithium-ion batteries to reduce greenhouse emissions and the carbon footprint of vehicle transportation .
Shirley Meng , Ph . D .
The work at the Sustainable Power and Energy Center to better understand and protect the planet is also aligned with the sustainable operations on campus . UC San Diego ’ s renowned microgrid serves as the real-world test bed for the researchers to explore their green and advanced energy solutions .
Oleg Shpyrko , Ph . D .
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