Carnegie Mellon University

Jeff Sakamoto

Solid-State Batteries: A Tech Talk by University of Michigan's Jeff Sakamoto

Join us for a tech talk on solid-state batteries by Jeff Sakamoto, professor of Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Macromolecular Science and Engineering at the University of Michigan. Sakamoto also serves as the solid-state battery lead at the University of Michigan Energy Institute.

Lunch available at 11:45 a.m.

Date and Location

Wednesday, February 5, 2020 from 12:00 PM to 1:15 PM
Bosch Spark Conference Room, 5201 Scott Hall | Carnegie Mellon University | 5000 Forbes Ave.|Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Abstract

There is tremendous interest in making the next super battery, but state-of-the-art Li-ion technology works well and has inertia in several commercial markets. Supplanting Li-ion will be difficult. Recent material breakthroughs in Li metal solid-state electrolytes could enable a new class of non-combustible solid-state batteries (SSB) delivering twice the energy density (1,200 Wh/L) compared to Li-ion. However, technological and manufacturing challenges remain. The discussion will consist of recent milestones and attempts to bridge knowledge gaps to include:

  • Stability and kinetics of the Li metal-solid electrolyte interface
  • Understanding and controlling an unusual phenomenon: Li metal penetration in solid electrolytes; how can something soft penetrate something hard?
  • Solid-state mechanics of Li metal and composite ceramic electrodes 

Despite the challenges, SSB technology is rapidly progressing. Multi-disciplinary research in the fields of materials science, solid-state electrochemistry, and solid-state mechanics will play an important role in determining if SSB will make the lab-to-market transition.

Biography

Professor Jeff Sakamoto has 20 years of experience studying and translating ceramic materials for electrochemical materials into energy technologies for terrestrial and space applications. He was a senior researcher at the Caltech Jet Propulsion Laboratory (2000-2007), a Professor at Michigan State University (2007-2014) and has been a Professor at the University of Michigan since 2014. 

The Sakamoto group synthesizes ceramic electrolytes, tests their electrochemical and mechanical properties, and develops manufacturing processes for solid state batteries. Sakamoto is a Kavli Frontiers of Science Fellow, and was a chair, organizer, speaker and delegate at the National Academy of Sciences Frontiers of Science and the National Academy of Engineering Frontiers of Engineering Symposia. Sakamoto received two Major Space Act Awards from the NASA Inventions and Contributions Board, is the primary contributor on 34 patents and received the Teacher-Scholar (2013) and Withrow Excellence in Teaching (2009) Awards at Michigan State University.

Directions

The Sherman and Joyce Bowie Scott Hall is located on the west side of Carnegie Mellon's Pittsburgh campus between Hamerschlag Hall and the FMS building, and adjacent to the west wall of Wean Hall. We recommend you park at the East Campus Garage on Forbes Avenue and walk to Scott Hall following the directions below. VIEW PARKING RATES

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