In 2022, the UW’s mechanical engineering department added assistant professor Eric Kazyak to its ranks. Kazyak graduated from the University of Maryland with a mechanical engineering degree in 2014 and completed his doctorate at the University of Michigan in 2020. The College of Engineering announced the opening of the Kazyak Lab in late 2023, which focuses on long-term, scalable energy storage options that don’t rely on harmful resource extraction processes. Instead, Kazyak and his team hope to discover a sustainable battery system that will reliably support electric vehicles (EV) and power grids using abundant and environmentally friendly materials. Keep reading to learn how his efforts fit into today’s clean energy market.
Chief area of expertise:
My research is focused on understanding and improving performance of both state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries and next-generation technologies like solid-state and beyond-lithium batteries. We leverage advanced characterization methods and precise control of interfacial chemistry to overcome challenges with fast charging, cycle life, safety, and cost.
On the UW Now, I’ll Discuss:
I will discuss the impacts of an EV transition on society and the environment, along with how ongoing research and development will continue to improve battery performance for EVs, as well as the timeline and potential implications of these improvements.
One Thing I’d Like Viewers to Remember Is:
EVs are already a great option for many (not all) drivers and offer significant benefits from a sustainability standpoint. As battery and vehicle innovations continue, performance will continue to improve in terms of range, charging rate, cycle life, low-temperature performance, and life-cycle emissions/impacts. This will include increasing use of earth-abundant chemistries such as lithium iron phosphate and sodium-ion batteries, along with next-generation solid-state lithium metal batteries.
To Get Smart Fast, Read:
- Alternative Fuels Data Center: All-Electric Vehicles (U.S. Department of Energy)
- “Fifty years of lithium-ion batteries and what is next?” (MRS Bulletin)
- EV News Daily
- Out of Spec Podcast
