As the demand for diverse energy sources grows, the need for efficient energy storage systems becomes crucial. The University of Chicago's electrochemist Chibueze Amanchukwu is at the forefront of this challenge, working to develop sustainable battery technologies. His lab employs artificial intelligence and machine learning alongside experimental methods to create cost-effective and safe energy storage solutions.
Amanchukwu, a Neubauer Family Assistant Professor at UChicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, explained the significance of electrochemistry: "Electrochemistry uses electricity to drive chemical reactions. You can get electricity in a clean, sustainable manner from solar and wind, and then you can use that electricity to drive chemical reactions within a battery."
Graduate students Hrishikesh Srinivasan and Ke-Hsin Wang contribute significantly to the research efforts in Amanchukwu's lab. They focus on designing new battery chemistries with innovative electrolyte designs. Amanchukwu highlighted their approach: "We focus on designing new battery chemistries enabled by new electrolyte design... We are interested in creating safe electrolytes that have no volatile or flammable organic solvents."
The team is also making strides in CO2 capture technology by developing methods to convert carbon dioxide into fuels and chemicals using novel electrolytes inspired by battery research. "We’re interested in how you take carbon dioxide from the air and combine that with water to make fuels and chemicals," Amanchukwu noted.
The lab's innovations extend beyond just chemistry; they aim for practical applications that could transform energy systems globally. Amanchukwu expressed his motivation: "I have a young child. I have to start thinking about what her future will look like... When things are really inexpensive, everybody can incorporate them."
The University of Chicago provides a supportive environment for this pioneering work through its partnership with Argonne National Laboratory, fostering collaboration without competition among researchers focused on related subjects.
Srinivasan shared his personal connection to climate change issues: "I’m from Houston, and when Hurricane Harvey hit in 2017... That’s when I started thinking about climate change more seriously." He joined UChicago because it offers unique resources and partnerships conducive to impactful research.
Wang emphasized the collaborative nature of their work: "The University of Chicago is a really cool hub for electrochemistry... We can all discuss the science together without competing."
Overall, Amanchukwu's lab is committed to addressing global energy challenges through innovative research in electrochemistry.