Research
Advanced Solid Polymer Electrolytes
US DOE, Office of Transportation Technology.
Lead Principal Investigator for this topic area of the Exploratory Technology Research Program. $275k for one year with renewal at similar levels in FY's 00-01. No publication restrictions. Research involves controlled synthesis and characterization of comb-branch polyether polymer electrolytes for use in high rate lithium/polymer batteries. In collaboration with Professor John Newman of UC Berkeley Chemical Engineering and Dr. Tom Zawodzinski of Los Alamos National Laboratory transference number and other appropriate electrochemical measurements on selected polymer-salt combinations will be made to elucidate trends based on polymer structure, molecular weight and resulting macroscopic properties (mechanical strength). Further collaborative arrangements have been made with Prof. Ratner at Northwestern University and researchers at North Carolina State University
Characterization of Failure Modes in Lithium Metal Batteries
Co-operative Research and Development Agreement with the U.S. Advanced Battery Consortium. $150k for one year with renewal for a multi-year collaborative research program is anticipated at greater funding levels.
Program is a continuation of a three year Work for Others contract with 3M Company under the U.S. Advanced Battery Consortium electric vehicle battery program to develop polymer electrolyte materials for lithium-polymer batteries ($300k/year) which concluded in January, 1999. Renewal. Program has publication restrictions, which prevents use of graduate students.
High Efficiency Polymer Light Emitting Diodes (LED) for Area Lighting Purposes
U.S. DOE, Office of Building Technology.
Investigation of the feasibility of phosphorescent dopants to yield LED systems with very high efficiency and with low costs. No publication restrictions. In collaboration with LBNL lighting group ( Steve Johnson)
Develop and test polymer electrolytes and construct electrochromic window devices
U.S. DOE, Office of Building Technology.
Under a program directed by Dr. M.D. Rubin. Funding varies with program need but averaged $50k in FY96. No publication restrictions.
Novel and Energy Efficient Co-factor Regeneration for Enzymatic Catalysis
$900k over three years, Advanced Energy Programs(AEP), U.S. DOE; initiated June 1997. Collaboration with Dr. R.H. Fish, LBNL. No publication restrictions.
Proposed research involves basic research on Cp*Rhodium organometallic catalysts for regiospecific NAD+ reduction, combined with incorporation of the catalyst in polymers to form biomimetic membrane systems for biosensors and enzymatic catalysis of renewable feedstocks for chemicals and fuel production. Total system analysis including scale-up, separations and economics included in the deliverables.
Electrochemical Acceleration of Bioremediation of Contaminated Soil
$96k/yr. Two years. LBNL Internal funds. Initiated October 1, 1997. In collaboration with the Center for Environmental Biotechnology directed by Dr. Terry Hazen.
Work investigates the effects of electrokinetic treatment of soils on indigenous microorganisms and seek to develop ways to accelerate biodegradation of intractable contaminants such as PCBs, explosives and TCEs. This program is conducted in collaboration with Geokinetics International, Inc., the leading company in electrokinetic remediation.