Special Seminar: “Mechanistic Interactions in Energy Storage Materials and Architectures”

Abstract: 

Renewable energy sources are a key enabler for the adoption of a decarbonized infrastructure to combat climate change and improve sustainability. However, the output from renewable energy sources fluctuates; therefore, the power grid relying on these intermittent energy sources struggles to match supply and demand. Hence the “need for energy storage” is higher for renewable sources than their non-renewable counterparts. A diverse portfolio of energy storage solutions has been proposed for the transportation and electricity sectors. Among these, sodium (Na)-ion batteries show enormous potential for application in large-grid storage systems due to material abundance, sustainability, and low production costs. In this talk, I will discuss the fundamental mechanistic interactions that underlie the disparate degradation modes in Na-ion battery electrodes and establish a bridge between the electrochemical signature and materials transformation at scales. I will also delineate the critical role of liquid electrolytes in interphase formation, electrodeposition behavior in alloying and Na-metal electrodes, and the implications in safety characteristics. Additionally, I will shed light on the mechanical behavior and active material utilization of electrodes through an appropriate mathematical framework cognizant of reaction-diffusion-stress with microstructural features in the Lithium (Li)-ion battery electrodes. In summary, the primary goal of my talk will be to provide a mechanistic exploration of thermo-mechano-electrochemical interactions in the energy materials and architectures of Na-ion and Li-ion battery systems in the context of long-duration energy storage solutions.

Bio: 

Susmita Sarkar is a Ph.D. candidate in the School of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University. Her research focuses on exploring material science, chemistry, and mechanics to design and manufacture next-generation energy storage devices and improving the performance, reliability, and yield of the existing battery chemistries. She received several awards, including the Bilsland Dissertation Fellowship and Ben M. Hillberry Graduate Scholarship from Purdue University, Best Presentation Award in Student Battery Slam in the Electrochemical Society (ECS) meeting, Outstanding Graduate Student Member (IEEE, St. Louis section), and was selected as a Rising Star in Mechanical Engineering, organized by MIT. She is also the founding President of the ECS student chapter at Purdue University, and under her leadership, the chapter received the Chapter of Excellence Award by ECS. She was awarded the Hommert Engineering Excellence Fellowship and Outstanding Service Award from Purdue College of Engineering for her community engagements and contribution to diversity.