Atomic-Level Insights into Battery Systems via Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) 

Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is an atomic-level method to determine the chemical structure, 3D structure and dynamics of solids and semi-solids. NMR is particularly useful for studying the local environments of nuclei in materials, including lithium ions in battery electrodes. EPR, on the other hand, is used to study the spin properties of unpaired electrons in materials, providing information on the electronic structure and redox reactions that occur in battery systems. These advanced spectroscopic techniques provide valuable information on the atomic-scale structure and dynamics of battery materials. By combining these techniques with other advanced characterization methods, I can gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental processes that govern battery performance and develop more efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions.

I incorporate advanced characterization methods to obtain atomic-level insights into the mechanisms of operation and degradation in battery systems. I synthesize and manufacture new materials, perform electrochemistry, and employ state-of-the-art multimodal atomic-level tools, including solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SS-NMR) spectroscopy, pulsed-field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance measurements (PFG NMR), electrophoretic NMR (eNMR), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray spectroscopy/imaging techniques (XAS, XANES, EXAFS, computed micro-tomography, XRF), as well as high-resolution X-ray and neutron diffraction. Our unique solid-state NMR instrumentation spans 700 MHz, 500 MHz, and 400 MHz superconducting magnets with Bruker spectrometers and an array of new probes from Phoenix NMR. To complement our experimental work, we also conduct electronic structure calculations and numerical simulations, working closely with simulation collaborators and national labs.

In addition to state-of-the-art NMR and EPR, I have access to a range of other techniques, such as X-ray synchrotron studies, neutron diffraction, infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopy, advanced cryogenic electron microscopy (Cryo-EM), cryogenic Focused Ion Beam SEM (Cryo-FIB-SEM), gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry. These complementary methodologies offer unique information on battery systems and help to further deepen our understanding of these complex systems. 

Atomic-Scale Materials and Manufacturing for Clean Energy

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