Research And Innovation

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Binders are the “glue” that holds battery electrodes together, but their role extends far beyond simple adhesion. Our research explores how binders control the formation, stability, and performance of battery electrodes through their effects on structure, mechanics, and charge transport. We combine chemistry, materials science, electrochemistry, and advanced characterization techniques to understand these relationships and develop next-generation battery materials. Students in our group gain interdisciplinary training while contributing to solutions for sustainable energy storage.

Understanding why batteries succeed or fail requires tools that can observe materials while they are operating. Our research develops and applies advanced characterization methods to study electrochemical materials across multiple length scales, from molecular interactions to complete battery electrodes. We develop techniques including operando spectroscopy, scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), and electron microscopy to reveal how structure, transport, and degradation evolve during battery operation. 

Our expertise in electrochemical materials, characterization, and mechanism-driven design enables us to address a broad range of industrial challenges. We work with partners to identify the fundamental materials and manufacturing limitations that constrain product performance and then develop targeted solutions grounded in scientific understanding. This approach has led to collaborations ranging from sustainable battery manufacturing and electroplating technologies to commercialization of new battery-binder materials through licensing and startup partnerships with CPPA Binder. While much of our current work focuses on batteries, the tools and approaches we develop are applicable to a wide range of electrochemical technologies, including sensors, coatings, catalysis, corrosion protection, and energy-conversion systems. Through collaborative research, we help partners accelerate innovation, reduce development risk, and translate new materials concepts into practical technologies.