High Entropy Materials for Energy and Electronics
Nanomaterials | Solvents | Polymers | Molten salts
Sustainable and safe energy storage systems
Improving battery performance is no longer just about energy density—it also requires careful consideration of safety, sustainability, and long-term reliability. This research focuses on developing battery systems that are inherently safer and more environmentally responsible, through the design of non-flammable electrolytes, stable electrode interfaces, and materials with reduced toxicity. Strategies include the use of advanced polymer and high-entropy electrolytes, as well as interface engineering to suppress dendrite growth and thermal runaway. At the same time, emphasis is placed on material selection and system design that enable recyclability and reduced environmental impact. The goal is to create battery technologies that are not only high-performing, but also safe and sustainable in real-world applications.
Green Battery Recycling
Driven by the need to reduce resource loss and environmental impact, green recycling of spent batteries is emerging as a key component of sustainable energy systems. Conventional methods often rely on strong acids or high-temperature processes, which can be inefficient and environmentally burdensome. In this work, high-entropy solvent systems are explored as a new platform for selective and tunable extraction of critical elements from complex battery chemistries. By leveraging the compositional diversity and synergistic interactions within these solvents, it becomes possible to control solvation environments, ion transport, and separation pathways. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding how entropy-driven solvent design influences recovery efficiency, selectivity, and the quality of regenerated materials.
Advanced architectures for next-generation energy storage devices
The performance of energy storage systems is increasingly constrained by how materials are arranged and integrated, rather than by their intrinsic properties alone. This research focuses on designing and fabricating advanced electrode architectures that improve ion transport, mechanical stability, and energy density at the device level. High-resolution techniques such as electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing are used to construct precisely controlled three-dimensional structures, enabling miniaturized, flexible, and mechanically robust batteries. By tailoring geometry, porosity, and interfacial contact, these architectures aim to enhance charge transfer and reduce transport limitations. The work seeks to establish clear relationships between fabrication, structure, and electrochemical performance for scalable next-generation devices.
Sustainable Electrochemical Reduction and Conversion
Electrochemical reduction provides a promising route to transform persistent pollutants and low-value molecules into useful products using renewable electricity. This research focuses on the conversion of carbon dioxide, nitrate, and emerging contaminants such as PFAS, where conventional treatment methods are often inefficient or energy-intensive. By tailoring catalysts, electrolytes, and local reaction environments, the work aims to improve selectivity, energy efficiency, and long-term stability. Particular attention is given to the role of interfacial processes and competing reactions that limit performance. The broader goal is to develop electrochemical systems that can simultaneously support resource recovery and environmental remediation in a sustainable manner.
Multifunctional Polymer Composites for Next-Generation Electronics
With the rapid growth of flexible and compact electronics, there is an increasing need for materials that can deliver multiple functions without adding complexity or weight. Multifunctional polymer composites provide a practical solution by integrating conductive and thermally active nanomaterials into soft polymer matrices. These systems can simultaneously offer electromagnetic interference shielding, heat dissipation, and mechanical flexibility. A key challenge lies in achieving stable and well-connected networks while maintaining processability and durability. This work focuses on understanding how interfacial interactions and hierarchical structures govern performance, with the aim of developing lightweight, scalable materials for next-generation electronic and energy devices.