Research

Projects include materials of interest such as silicon anodes, solid electrolyte incorporation, and lithium metal cells. RIT BDC can partner with companies as an academic partner on SBIR and STTR grants to develop novel designs.

RIT BDC is a coalition member of New Energy New York, which was a winner of the Economic Development Authority Build Back Better Regional Challenge to establish a national hub for battery innovation, manufacturing, and workforce development in upstate NY. RIT will focus on hands-on battery design and manufacturing training for energy storage workforce development. Training will include workshops, certificate programs, and online training.

Dr. Ganter and Dr. Leggiero’s research focuses on improving lithium ion battery performance through the incorporation of nanomaterials with a goal of increasing energy density while maintaining sufficient power, cycle life, and safety. Pushing the energy density of lithium ion batteries goes beyond the synthesis of better anode or cathode materials, and requires a system level engineering approach to how batteries are designed and assembled. Designing electrodes for high energy density applications can be achieved using proper electrode engineering to increase specific capacity while decreasing inactive mass in the cell.

Federal Funding Agencies:

• U.S. Economic Development Administration
• Department of Energy
• U.S. Air Force/Department of Defense
• National Science Foundation
• NASA