Austin Choi, ChE PhD student, is awarded a DOE SMART Scholarship for battery research

Austin Choi, fourth-year PhD student at the Purdue University Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, has received the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) scholarship for his research on battery materials tailored for specific defense applications. This prestigious scholarship provides Choi with full tuition coverage, annual stipends, internships, and guaranteed civilian employment with the DOD, specifically at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division.  

Choi's research centers on developing more sustainable methods for electricity storage, with a focus on potassium-ion batteries and fast-charging batteries. Due to the economic and sustainable ease of mining potassium, potassium-ion batteries hold promise for affordable high-energy storage solutions. Choi aims to develop materials that enhance the performance of potassium-ion batteries by extending their cycle life and optimizing their energy storage and release efficiency.  

"While it is common to think about the ongoing climate crisis from the perspective of generating electricity renewably such as with wind and solar power, what is often less mentioned is the accompanying need to store that electricity sustainably as well," shared Choi. "Technologies such as pumped-storage hydroelectricity and flywheels have been around for a while, but batteries are emerging as the clear frontrunner in the electrical storage race." 

Though potassium-ion batteries have lower energy density than their lithium-ion counterparts, they have great potential in grid-scale renewable energy storage, where density is less of a concern. Choi’s work is advancing the feasibility of integrating potassium-ion batteries into these systems. 

"Batteries as a field, more so than a lot of other STEM disciplines, lends itself to very fast adoption of newly discovered materials or trends, which is evidenced by the incredibly rapid improvement and proliferation of lithium-ion batteries in everyday life. It can often be overwhelming how quickly the battery field can progress, but I also find it to be one of the most exhilarating aspects of being involved in it too." 

Beyond the technical merits, Choi’s passion for his field drives him. He views the urgent need for innovation in energy production, consumption, and sustainability as a key motivator for his research.  

(Left to right) Professor Thomas Adams, Austin Choi - SMART Scholarship recipient, Professor Vilas Pol, and Professor Leon Robert in the lab at the Davidson School of Chemical Engineering.

Choi attributes much of his academic and professional growth to the mentorship of Vilas Pol, Professor of Chemical Engineering, who encouraged him to pursue various opportunities. He also acknowledges Thomas Adams, Adjunct Professor of Nuclear Engineering, Leon Robert, Professor of Engineering Practice in Chemical Engineering for mentorship and broadening his perspectives during his DOD tenure, Ethan Adams, a PhD graduate, and SMART Scholar in the Vilas Pol Energy Research Group (ViPER), and the entire ViPER group, for playing a significant role in his success within the PhD program. 

“Austin’s achievement aligns perfectly with my passion for generating high-quality manpower development for the DoD, especially in critical areas like battery science and engineering for national security," said Professor Pol. "I am confident that he will excel in this program, contributing significantly to our nation's defense capabilities through his expertise in energy storage technologies." 

Upon completing his degree, Choi will return to the Naval Service Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane Division in Crane, IN, where he previously interned through the Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program (NREIP) under Thomas Adams.

“It was a pleasure to work with Austin during his NREIP summer internship on developing fast charge niobium technology and a roadmap for transitioning the technology into a DoD system with an understanding of required performance and safety testing and certification. Energy storage for Defense applications and platforms often encounter extreme environments and power demands, and Austin brings the necessary knowledge and skills to advance electrification of systems and platforms in the Navy and DoD,” said Professor Adams.

About the Smart Scholarship

The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program, sponsored by the Department of Defense, is a combined educational and workforce development opportunity for STEM students that focuses on building future DOD leaders with hands-on knowledge and integrative innovation across several disciplines.