Materials Science & Engineering graduate student Wenlong Li, along with Mechanical Engineering graduate students Ayrton Yanyachi and Junyi Xia and under the direction of Dr. Yijin Liu, have published a collaborative paper that focuses on the charging protocols used in consumer electronics and electric vehicles. Also contributing to the paper were former MS&E student Dr. Yixian Wang, TMI-affiliate David Mitlin, and Mechanical Engineering professors Ofodike Ezekoye and Junmin Wang.
The article looks at varying charging methods, such as pulse charging and multi-stage charging, to understand how well they work from a mechanistic perspective. It explains the science behind how batteries respond during charging, including changes in materials, heat generation, and performance limits. It also highlights modern tools like real-time monitoring and data-driven models that could lead to smarter, more universal charging strategies in the future.
The team found that, at the microscopic level, changes inside battery materials during charging can cause stress and wear, while at the larger scale, managing heat is critical to prevent damage and safety risks. Current testing often happens in controlled labs, but real-world conditions—like temperature swings and varied usage—must be considered to make charging systems more reliable.
Future solutions will rely on smarter technologies, including advanced sensors that monitor battery health in real time and adjust charging to prevent problems like overheating or material breakdown. Artificial intelligence will also play a big role by analyzing data to optimize charging speed and efficiency. Combining these innovations—better materials, realistic testing, smart sensors, and AI—will pave the way for fast-charging systems that are safe, efficient, and long-lasting, supporting the growth of electric vehicles and energy storage.
Additional authors include Dr. Kejie Zhao of Purdue University (who was a guest TMI Seminar speaker this past fall), Saravana Kuppan of Rivian Automotive, Jigang Zhou of General Motors, Yanfei Li and Jie Xiao of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and Piero Pianetta of the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource.
For more on the specific types of charging methods tested and their findings, read "Mechanistic Considerations for Battery Charging Protocol Design" in Advanced Energy Materials.
