The Battery and Energy Storage pillar develops advanced electrochemical energy-storage systems for transportation, aerospace, defense, critical infrastructure and grid applications. Research focuses on improving battery safety, charging performance, operational reliability and performance under extreme temperatures.

Researchers study battery materials, electrolytes and electrochemical interfaces using experimental and computational approaches. Purdue research spans lithium-ion, sodium-ion, potassium-ion, zinc-ion and lithium-sulfur battery systems, along with emerging electrochemical energy-storage technologies.

By connecting fundamental battery science with engineering, testing and real-world applications, the pillar is advancing technologies designed to operate safely and reliably under demanding conditions.

Advancing Battery Innovation and Safety

Purdue combines materials synthesis, electrochemical testing, and advanced characterization to study next-generation battery systems. Researchers investigate how materials and interfaces behave under demanding conditions, including fast charging and extreme temperatures. This research connects fundamental electrochemistry with real-world operating challenges. Purdue's ViPER research group holds a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the lowest temperature, −100 °C, at which a lithium-ion battery has been charged.

Battery and Storage Pillar Key Outcomes

Improve battery performance under extreme operating conditions
Advance safer, and faster-charging and more reliable battery technologies
Develop new electrode and electrolyte and interface materials for next-generation energy storage
Prepare students & researchers for leadership in battery science & electrochemical engineering