An Argon-filled “glove box” in the IBM Research Battery Lab, which is used to prepare air-sensitive battery materials such as lithium metal anode and electrolyte formulations, both of which were used in this new battery design. Courtesy: IBM Research

By Young-Hye Na, Manager of Advanced Battery Research Program, IBM Research-Almaden, US

Our world has no shortage of problems to solve. We now stand at a critical juncture for global action to address our most pressing challenges; from the COVID pandemic to climate change and so much more.

IBM has long recognized the urgency to find more sustainable solutions to tackle these problems (The Urgency of Science). For the first time in history we have the right tools at our disposable to do so. AI (artificial intelligence)—combined with advanced computing and access to enormous volumes of data via a secure and open hybrid cloud—can significantly accelerate the process of scientific discovery and the creation of more sustainable materials for use across a broad range of industries, including energy and batteries. 

Better batteries for cleaner energy

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Topic Close-up #4

Deadline for Submitting Abstracts: April 23, 2021

Symposium I05: Advanced Manufacturing for High-Temperature Materials and Devices

Society Awards

Henry B. Linford Award for Distinguished Teaching

ECS recognizes excellence in teaching in subject areas of interest to the Society through this award. Winners receive a silver medal and plaque with a bronze replica thereof; US $2,500; complimentary ECS biannual meeting registration for the award recipient and a companion; dinner in the recipient’s honor, and ECS Life Membership. Nomination deadline: April 15, 2021

Vittorio de Nora Award in Electrochemical Engineering and Technology Award

Distinguished contributions to the field of electrochemical engineering and technology are acknowledged by this award. It consists of a gold medal and plaque with a bronze replica thereof; US $7,500; complimentary ECS biannual meeting registration for the award recipient and a companion; dinner in the recipient’s honor; and ECS Life Membership. Nomination deadline: April 15, 20201 (more…)

IOP Publishing—the Society’s digital publishing partner—invites the ECS community to enjoy the complimentary March issue of Physics World, the world’s leading physics magazine. Don’t miss open access to features from acclaimed physicists and science writers, comprehensive news and analysis, and incisive opinion pieces, along with valuable career advice, reviews of the best new books, and updates on the latest research breakthroughs and physics-based technologies.

A potent partnership

Every month Physics World is sent to all members of the Institute of Physics (IOP), one of the largest physical societies in the world. The Electrochemical Society entered into a partnership with IOP and its publishing branch, IOP Publishing, over a year ago. Together, the two organizations have over 200 years of expertise in scientific publishing excellence. IOPscience hosts the ECS Digital Library and the ECS Webinar Series is available on the Physics World website. (more…)

Dr. Stephen Harris
Lawrence Berkeley Lab
Materials Sciences Division

Date: March 24, 2021
Time: 1000h PDT / 1300h EDT
Sponsor: TBD

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Guest blog by Sujan Shrestha, PhD, Applications Engineer, Admiral Instruments

This is a guide for electrochemists interested in understanding and validating the DC accuracy of their potentiostats. To begin, it’s important to understand how to properly interpret the specifications of the potentiostat to calculate the expected accuracy of current and voltage measurements. Keep in mind that accuracy, precision, etc., also depend on the device under test (DUT). A reliable measurement can’t be obtained from a DUT whose electrochemical properties are in constant flux. (more…)

ECS and the ECS Pacific Northwest Section presented Prof. Xiulei “David” Ji’s webinar, “Aqueous Battery Chemistry: Considerations from a Reaction’s Perspective” on March 4, 2021. His answers to questions following the presentation are provided below. The webinar is now available for viewing.

Xiulei “David” Ji is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Oregon State University, U.S. His research focuses on design principles of materials chemistry for electrochemical energy storage. Ji received a 2016 NSF CAREER Award and was a Web of Science Group Highly Cited Researcher in 2019 and 2020. He is currently an Associate Editor of Carbon Energy. He completed his PhD in Materials Chemistry at the University of Waterloo, Canada, in 2009. From 2010-2012, he was an NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of California, Santa Barbara, U.S.

“Aqueous Battery Chemistry: Considerations from a Reaction’s Perspective” summarizes five dimensions of considerations for the design of storage battery chemistries from a chemical reaction’s point of view. Different types of batteries including rocking-chair batteries, dual-ion batteries, and reverse dual-ion batteries are discussed. Ji also reviews recent conceptual advances on storage batteries that employ non-metal charge carriers such as proton, ammonium, halides, and superhalides.

Watch Now (more…)

ECS is proud to announce the Journal of The Electrochemical Society and ECS Journal of Solid State Science and Technology articles that received the most full-text downloads in 2020. Enjoy these articles which are listed below.

Stay connected with ECS publications to access more innovative and influential research at the forefront of electrochemical and solid state science and related technologies. (more…)

Nominations now accepted

Application deadline: April 15, 2021

The Henry B. Linford Award for Distinguished Teaching was established in 1981 for excellence in teaching in subject areas of interest to The Electrochemical Society.

The award consists of a silver medal and plaque with a bronze replica, both bearing the recipient’s name. Recipients also receive US $2,500; complimentary meeting registration for the award recipient and a companion; a dinner held in the recipient’s honor during the designated meeting; and Life Membership in the Society. The award is presented at a designated Society meeting. At that meeting, the winner is asked to deliver an address on a subject related to the contributions for which the award is presented. (more…)