BATT CAVE
Electrifying Experts
Lin Ma
By Eric Butterman
“My group explores sustainable battery technology, especially at the material level,” said Lin Ma, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering. “This technology has been successful in cell phones and electric vehicles; the results, however, are limited.”
While lithium and cobalt, extracts of natural elements, are used extensively for battery production, renewable energy sources — such as sun, tide and wind — currently provide limited options. At the core of the work Ma is leading is the development of new ways to make energy storage technology more sustainable.
“Sodium-based options are primary to being able to store renewable energy, so that is a focus,” said Ma, who teaches courses such as Materials Science in Battery Technology and Thermodynamics.
As his team’s work progresses, Ma sees clear intersections with that of other BATT CAVE units. “There is tremendous opportunity for interdisciplinary research,” he said. “The work underway that comes immediately to mind are battery pack systems and mechanical failure mechanisms for certain chemistries. The potential for collaboration and continued learning is very exciting.”
‘Metal-ion batteries are the core of my doctoral program and have given me a greater appreciation of how to tackle energy and environmental challenges with sustainable material and electrochemical techniques. This BATT CAVE research experience is building limitless possibilities for m future as a materials science engineer.’
– Rishvandhiga Jayakumar, Ph.D. student, mechanical engineering
Meet the BATT CAVE Team
Groundbreaking research, curriculum and collaborations are fueling North Carolina’s ascent as a hub for EV and battery production. BATT CAVE researchers — and their graduate students — are driving solutions regarding next-generation batteries for vehicles, smart cities and intelligent systems.
Tiefu Zhao
Power Transformer
Artur Wolek
Remote Controller
Amir Ghasemi
Self-driving Director
Anthony Bombik
Battery Authority
ELECTRIFYING INNOVATION
Batt Cave: Electrifying Experts
Lin Ma
By Eric Butterman
“My group explores sustainable battery technology, especially at the material level,” said Lin Ma, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering. “This technology has been successful in cell phones and electric vehicles; the results, however, are limited.”
While lithium and cobalt, extracts of natural elements, are used extensively for battery production, renewable energy sources — such as sun, tide and wind — currently provide limited options. At the core of the work Ma is leading is the development of new ways to make energy storage technology more sustainable.
“Sodium-based options are primary to being able to store renewable energy, so that is a focus,” said Ma, who teaches courses such as Materials Science in Battery Technology and Thermodynamics.
As his team’s work progresses, Ma sees clear intersections with that of other BATT CAVE units. “There is tremendous opportunity for interdisciplinary research,” he said. “The work underway that comes immediately to mind are battery pack systems and mechanical failure mechanisms for certain chemistries. The potential for collaboration and continued learning is very exciting.”
‘Metal-ion batteries are the core of my doctoral program and have given me a greater appreciation of how to tackle energy and environmental challenges with sustainable material and electrochemical techniques. This BATT CAVE research experience is building limitless possibilities for m future as a materials science engineer.’
– Rishvandhiga Jayakumar, Ph.D. student, mechanical engineering
Meet the BATT CAVE Team
Groundbreaking research, curriculum and collaborations are fueling North Carolina’s ascent as a hub for EV and battery production. BATT CAVE researchers — and their graduate students — are driving solutions regarding next-generation batteries for vehicles, smart cities and intelligent systems.
Tiefu Zhao
Power Transformer
Artur Wolek
Remote Controller
Amir Ghasemi
Self-driving Director
Anthony Bombik
Battery Authority