Nano@Tech: Pathways to Improved Performance of Electrochemical Systems through an Understanding of Dynamic Materials Processes
Prof. Matt McDowell
School of Mechanical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology

Abstract: Dynamic materials processes such as phase transformations, corrosion, and nucleation/growth can play key roles during operation of devices for electrochemical energy storage and conversion; often, these processes are not well understood at the nanoscale. In situ experiments, which involve characterization of materials under realistic electrochemical environments, can provide unique insight into the operation of materials within devices. This talk will show how in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and other ex situ techniques have revealed important nanoscale transformation and degradation mechanisms in two different electrochemical systems, lithium-ion batteries and solar fuels devices. Together, the results demonstrate the importance of understanding materials behavior in energy systems, and they provide guidelines for engineering improved electrochemical devices.

Bio: Dr. Matthew McDowell joined Georgia Tech in the fall of 2015 as an assistant professor with a joint appointment in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and the School of Materials Science and Engineering. Prior to this appointment, he was a postdoctoral scholar in the Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the California Institute of Technology. Dr. McDowell received his Ph.D. in 2013 from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Stanford University, and he received his B.S. from Georgia Tech in 2008. He has published 47 scientific papers and has given over 30 presentations on his work. Dr. McDowell has received a variety of awards, including the Materials Research Society Graduate Student Gold Medal and the R.A. Huggins Dissertation Award at Stanford.