The Battery Lab

Thirty years ago, even the most seasoned battery experts could not have foreseen the rapid advancements and strategic shifts that would define today’s battery industry. Yet, by examining both the historical evolution and current state of battery technology, we can glean valuable insights into the innovations that lie ahead.In this episode, we’re joined by Oliver Gross, Senior Fellow in Electrical Energy Technology at Stellantis, who brings over three decades of expertise to an in-depth discussion on the critical advancements shaping the future of energy storage. Oliver delves into the transformative potential of high-voltage systems, manufacturing innovations, and alternative battery chemistries.Listeners will learn:How solid-state batteries could redefine safety protocols and energy density standards.The advantages of 800V systems and their influence on EV efficiency and performance.The pivotal role of X-ray diffraction in advancing battery research and ensuring product quality.Emerging alternatives to lithium-ion, such as sodium-ion and lithium-sulfur, for a more sustainable energy future.

In this episode, we break down the essential steps and strategies for efficient battery recycling, helping manufacturers to streamline the battery production value chain. Learn from Mr. Thomas Schaefer, VP of Global Lithium Business Development at Ecobat, how they recover valuable materials, reduce costs, and optimize processes. With Ecobat’s years of expertise in lead and lithium battery recycling process and Mr. Schaefer’s background in material science and business development, you’ll gain insights into the cost-sensitive business of battery material recycling in the rapidly evolving battery industry.Listeners will learn:How Ecobat’s pre-treatment process recovers valuable materials and minimizes waste.Why lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries are gaining traction in the market.The ethical and logistical challenges involved in sourcing cobalt and nickel.

As the electric vehicle industry accelerates toward a sustainable future, the questions about how to enhance design and manufacturing processes become more pressing.In this episode, Gustavo Cibrian, Product Portfolio Manager at Ennovi joins host Tim Bradow. They explore the complexities of electric vehicle design, focusing on the issues of battery size, grid challenges, and innovations in emergent interconnect technologies as potential solutions. They also address how advancements like lamination technology are overcoming the limitations of traditional materials, enabling the scalability and flexibility needed for large-scale battery systems.Listeners will learn:The role of lamination technology in managing large battery systems, offering a scalable solution that maintains structural integrity even in the most demanding environments.The potential of wireless Battery Management Systems (BMS) in improving EV sustainability, enabling precise monitoring and repair at the cell level, and enhancing vehicle safety.How innovative interconnect systems are tackling design challenges like size and grid efficiency, paving the way for more efficient and reliable EVs.

In today's discussion, we’re diving into the innovative world of lithium-sulfur batteries with Dr. Rodrigo Salvatierra, Chief Science Officer and co-founder of Zeta Energy. Rodrigo shares his wealth of experience in advanced battery materials from academia to co-founding Zeta Energy. Together, Tim and Rodrigo shed light on the pioneering of lithium-sulfur technology and discuss how Zeta Energy is at the forefront of revolutionizing battery technology for the growing electric vehicle market.Join us as we discuss:How Zeta Energy’s unique chemistry addresses key industry challenges like minimizing dendrite formation and sulfur leaching to improve cycle life, achieving high energy density, and eliminating transition metals to reduce costs and environmental impacts.Manufacturing advancements to produce 3D structured metallic anodes featuring lithiated vertically-aligned carbon nanotubes.The promising picture of efficient, scalable battery solutions is imperative for meeting the growing demands of the electric vehicle market. 

Today, only 1% of the vehicles in the US are electric. What are the underlying reasons, and what does it take to electrify the other 99% of the market?To explore these questions, we are joined by Dr. William Fitzhugh, Co-Founder & CEO of Adden Energy. He shares his expert insights on the development of solid-state batteries and his company’s groundbreaking tri-layer separator to mitigate lithium dendrite growth, and 3D anode protector layer technologies that are reshaping the battery industry. Dr. Fitzhugh also discusses the future of electric vehicle battery chemistries and the challenges of scaling new technologies from the lab to the road.We also discuss:Strategies for differentiation in the market based on features like fast charging, bidirectional charging, longevity, and cost.How Adden Energy utilizes XRD to enhance the research and development of solid-state batteries and how it should be used more for quality control of battery materialsThe potential for solid-state technologies to revolutionize various electric vehicle applications, including passenger cars, long-haul trucking and fleet vehicles

In today's episode, we have a detailed and technical conversation with Dr. Supriya Koul, a material scientist specializing in advanced battery materials, characterization, metallurgy, and microscopy. Dr. Koul shares valuable insights on various topics, including the role of X-rays in battery analysis, the challenges and opportunities in the battery industry, and the advancements in battery technology. As the world transitions to green technology and electric vehicles, the cost of battery production becomes a critical factor. Dr. Koul delves into the cost challenges, the importance of integrating electric vehicle charging in our daily lives, and the need for a domestic supply chain for lithium-ion batteries. Join as we discuss:Battery technology challenges and commercializationImportance of X-ray technology in battery researchTalent shortage in the battery industrySupply chain challenges and recyclingFuture directions and advancements in battery technologyReach out to the host, Tim Bradow, with potential guest requests or episode ideas on LinkedInFor the latest in X-ray Diffraction Techniques and Solutions, visit Battery | Rigaku Global WebsiteTo make sure you never miss an episode of The Battery Lab, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Just search for “The Battery Lab” in your favorite podcast player.

Join us for a new episode of The Battery Lab with our guest Roberto Scipioni, an energy storage expert and material scientist with over 10 years of experience in research of energy conversion and storage technologies. Roberto works for SINTEF Energy Research, a not-for-profit company in Norway, that is dedicated to innovative energy solutions. Join us for a conversation regarding: ElectrochemistrySupporting grid-scale energy storageThe benefits of flow batteriesImportance of analytics during battery research and manufacturingCommercializing new battery technologyExtending Battery Life with hybrid batteriesReach out to the host, Tim Bradow, with potential guest requests or episode ideas on LinkedInFor the latest in X-ray Diffraction Techniques and Solutions, visit Battery | Rigaku Global WebsiteTo make sure you never miss an episode of The Battery Lab, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Just search for “The Battery Lab” in your favorite podcast player.

Dr. Wan Si Tang Ph.D. is an expert in advanced battery manufacturing. She is the Team Leader at the Battery Innovation Center, an experimental materials chemist, and an expert in Energy Storage and Conversion, with experience working with electrochemical cells, hydrogen storage, and crystallography. In this episode Dr. Tang will discuss: Pushing battery technology forwardBattery cell innovationCommercialization of battery technologyReach out to the host, Tim Bradow with potential guest requests or episode ideas on LinkedInFor the latest in X-ray Diffraction Techniques and Solutions, visit Battery | Rigaku Global WebsiteTo make sure you never miss an episode of The Battery Lab, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Just search for The Battery Lab in your favorite podcast player.

In this episode, host Tim sits down with Aaroh Kharaya, Director of Energy Storage Engineering at Primergy Solar, to discuss:-the impact of battery-based energy storage on the grid-industry changes in batteries to optimize photovoltaic (PV) energy storage-the technical challenges of complex, grid-scale energy storageAaroh sheds light on the grid-scale battery chemistries deployed in the past and discusses potential future chemistries and improvements in battery performance. He also shares insights on technology trends in the stationary battery industry and the growing importance of modularization of battery energy storage systems (BESS). Tune in to this episode to learn about the exciting developments in solar energy storage technology!To make sure you never miss an episode of The Battery Lab, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Battery Lab in your favorite podcast player.

In this episode of The Battery Lab, host Tim Bradow interviews Dr. Ehsan Faegh, a Sr. Battery Scientist at Imprint Energy. They discuss the unique ultra-thin, flexible, zinc-based batteries manufactured by Imprint Energy. Dr. Faegh explains how zinc-based batteries compare to traditional alkaline and Li-ion batteries, and the advantages and disadvantages of aqueous electrolytes in zinc-based batteries. He also talks about how Imprint Energy addresses issues like dendrite growth, shape change, passivation, and corrosion/hydrogen evolution. They discuss the applications of the thin, flexible, zinc-based batteries and how Imprint Energy’s ZinCore batteries are generally used as primary cells (non-rechargeable), but can be used as secondary cells (rechargeable) at low charging rates and low depth of discharge. Dr. Faegh also explains the manufacturing process of these batteries using printing technology, and how they can be manufactured at standard ambient conditions. Listeners will gain insights from an industry expert about cutting-edge research and advancements in battery technology and manufacturing. To make sure you never miss an episode of The Battery Lab, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the website. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Battery Lab in your favorite podcast player.