IMAGE:Arunkumar Subramanian, Ph.D., works with the nanobot, a co-integrated device created on silicon chips, which includes a lithium cell and a nanoelectromechanical resonator for charge capacity measurements. view more

Credit: Kate Vinnedge, School of Engineering

A Virginia Commonwealth University professor has received a five-year, $505,000 award from the National Science Foundation to make lithium-ion batteries -- which power electric vehicles and portable electronic devices -- far more efficient, sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Arunkumar Subramanian, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering in the School of Engineering, will use the grant to deliver technological advances that reduce the cost and carbon footprint of Li-ion batteries by extending their lifespan. He will simultaneously research alternative battery materials that are both nontoxic and more abundant.

"If you look at electrical energy storage solutions that are used in today's electric vehicles and portable electronic devices, you would find that lithium-ion batteries is the technology of choice," Subramanian said. "But if you want to make this technology truly sustainable and environmentally benign, then we need to be able to reduce its cost, as well as its carbon footprint as compared to energy derived from other sources such as fossil fuels."

Subramanian plans to address these goals by extending the lifespan of Li-ion batteries made from sustainable electrode materials, which are derived from the nontoxic manganese oxide material system.

"This project is likely to result in transformative innovations for the battery industry, which in turn will impact a whole host of consumer devices and cars," said Ram Gupta, Ph.D., a professor and associate dean for research in the School of Engineering.

An overarching goal of the project, "Sustainable Solutions for Li-ion Batteries through Cycle-Life Improvements in Nanostructured, 'Green' Cathodes," is to maximize the environmental benefits of electric cars.

"Electric vehicles are one alternative for reducing fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas production for sustainable transportation needs," according to the project's abstract. "Electric vehicles require rechargeable batteries that balance the electrical energy storage and power delivery needs, and these batteries must have a lifespan sufficient to reduce cost and achieve true carbon footprint reduction. Furthermore, batteries should be manufactured from sustainable materials to minimize environmental impact."

The award is from National Science Foundation's Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program, which provides the foundation's most prestigious awards in support of junior faculty who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through outstanding research, excellent education and the integration of education and research within the context of the mission of their organizations.

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VCU researcher receives NSF grant to extend lifespan of Li-ion batteries