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EN3182 Battery Materials Design and Cell Manufacturing

This course focuses on lithium-ion battery technology, emphasizing the electrochemical processes at electrode surfaces and within bulk materials. Students will explore the synthesis and characterization of lithium-ion materials, electrode engineering, and battery manufacturing techniques. Students will gain the ability to critically evaluate media and scientific publications about electrochemical energy storage. Topics include slurry formulation, electrode coating and calendaring, and cell form factors (coin, cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch). A focused section will address Department of Defense (DoD) applications, where material selection and ruggedization are essential for operational energy systems in extreme environments.

Cross Listed Courses

none

Prerequisite

• Prerequisites: o EN3180 – Battery Acquisition and Modeling o EN3181 – Battery Operation and Models o EN3100 – Fundamentals of Energy; instructor permission. • Recommended Preparation: Undergraduate-level general chemistry, introductory physics, introductory materials science, and thermodynamics.

Corequisite

none

Lecture Hours

4

Lab Hours

0

Course Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate foundational knowledge of battery operation, electrochemistry, and key performance metrics - Includes understanding voltage, capacity, C-rate, efficiency, and cell potential.

  • Analyze battery materials and components—including anodes, cathodes, electrolytes, and separators—and evaluate their impact on performance, safety, and degradation - Covers material structures, trade-offs, failure modes, and ruggedization for defense applications.

  • Apply characterization, testing, and manufacturing techniques to assess battery behavior and optimize cell design - Includes electrode formulation, pouch/cylindrical/prismatic cell fabrication, and quality control.

  • Critically evaluate scientific literature on battery technologies and communicate technical findings effectively - Develops skills in literature review, paper analysis, and materials mapping.

  • Explore emerging battery chemistries and technologies, assessing their potential for future energy storage applications - Includes solid-state, lithium metal, lithium sulfur, sodium ion, and other next-gen materials.