Merfeld Joins Thought Leaders on the Frontiers of Materials Manufacturing

Merfeld Joins Thought Leaders on the Frontiers of Materials Manufacturing

From the development of novel technologies to better materials utilization, exciting progress is being made in the pursuit of lower cost, safer, longer-lasting, and faster charging batteries. Much of it is the result of collaboration between manufacturers, universities, and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories.

That work, as well as the challenges and opportunities in the energy storage space, are the focus of Frontiers in Materials Manufacturing: The Future of Energy Storage, a webinar sponsored by Argonne National Laboratory. Glen Merfeld, Albemarle’s Vice President & Chief Technology Officer, Lithium, was among the participants.

Along with other industry thought leaders, Glen discussed some of the game-changing discoveries and innovations — including those involving Albemarle’s work with lithium.

One project, in partnership with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, entails creating single crystalline, nickel-rich cathode materials that can contribute to longer life, longer range batteries for use in electric vehicle (EV) applications.

Another, being conducted in conjunction with Argonne National Laboratory, focuses on a more cost-effective process for producing lithium hydroxide, a raw material needed for all lithium-based batteries. The innovative processing technology could potentially be used for lithium extraction and recycling as well.

Yet another project with Argonne features the technically challenging but extremely promising use of electrodeposition in creating advanced lithium metal anodes.

However, it’s the integration of data science that Glen says may hold the key for both Albemarle and the energy storage industry. Capturing, aggregating and analyzing data from disparate sources can increase the understanding of what’s technically and physically possible in the processing of lithium, and in the creation and application of lithium materials. That knowledge can then be linked to what matters commercially — including sustainability — to drive innovation, overcome challenges, and meet existing and emerging market needs.

Watch Glen’s presentation now to get the full story.