Joseph Pancrazio, vice president for research and innovation and a professor of bioengineering at UT Dallas, signed the agreement on July 28 at the university with Erik K. Webb, director of Sandia’s Energy Security Innovation Center, and Catherine Jereza, assistant secretary for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity. Their collaboration reflects a growing effort by universities, national laboratories and federal agencies to shorten the path between laboratory research and technologies capable of operating under real-world conditions. That transition is particularly challenging in energy, where devices must function reliably at large scale, withstand fluctuating demand and remain safe over years of operation.

The need for such advances is being driven by the rapid transformation of the electric grid. Electricity consumption is increasing as transportation, industry, buildings and data infrastructure become more dependent on electric power. At the same time, solar and wind generation introduce variability because their output changes with weather and time of day. Energy storage systems can help balance that variability by absorbing electricity when supply is abundant and releasing it when demand increases. Power electronics, including inverters, converters and control systems, provide the hardware and software needed to regulate the movement of electricity between batteries, renewable generators, transmission networks and consumers.

A resilient grid requires more than simply adding generation capacity. It must respond quickly to disturbances, prevent local failures from spreading and maintain stable voltage and frequency as thousands of distributed devices connect to the network. Modern power electronics can perform many of these tasks by converting electricity between direct current and alternating current, adjusting voltage levels and coordinating energy flows in milliseconds. Advanced control systems can also allow batteries and other resources to operate as a coordinated network rather than as isolated devices. However, these technologies must be validated under demanding conditions before they can be trusted in critical infrastructure, making large-scale testing a central element of the new partnership.

Researchers at UT Dallas’ Batteries and Energy to Advance Commercialization and National Security facility, known as BEACONS, will work with Sandia experts specializing in electric-grid security and energy technologies. Their research is expected to address the development and commercialization of battery systems as well as the manufacturing processes required to produce them at scale. Battery performance depends on a complex interaction of chemistry, materials structure, thermal management and electronic control. Scientists must improve energy density and charging speed while limiting degradation, overheating and the use of scarce or expensive raw materials. Manufacturing research is equally important because a promising laboratory cell can face substantial obstacles when it is produced consistently in large volumes.

The collaboration will also support a planned test bed where researchers can evaluate energy technologies at larger scales than are typically possible in a university laboratory. A test bed can connect individual components—such as battery modules, power converters and grid-control systems—into an integrated experimental environment. This allows researchers to measure how devices respond to rapid changes in load, intermittent generation, faults and communication failures. Testing at this stage can reveal problems that remain hidden in small-scale experiments, including thermal bottlenecks, control instability, unexpected interactions between components and vulnerabilities that could compromise grid security.

Sandia’s role brings national-laboratory expertise in energy security, infrastructure resilience and the behavior of complex electrical systems. The laboratory’s researchers study how the grid can continue operating during equipment failures, extreme weather, cyber incidents and other disruptions. Combining that expertise with UT Dallas’ research in advanced energy systems could help produce technologies designed with security and reliability from the beginning rather than added after development. The approach is increasingly significant as the grid becomes more distributed and digitally controlled. Every connected inverter, battery and sensor can improve flexibility, but each also introduces new technical and operational challenges that must be managed.

The agreement is also intended to expand the energy-technology workforce. A test bed would give students and researchers experience with equipment and operating conditions that more closely resemble those found in utilities, manufacturing plants and national infrastructure. Such training can include battery diagnostics, power-converter design, grid modeling, system integration, safety procedures and data analysis. The need for this expertise is growing as the United States seeks to strengthen domestic production of batteries and other energy technologies. Training scientists and engineers alongside industry and government partners could help address shortages of specialized workers while ensuring that new technologies are developed with commercial and national-security requirements in mind.

Jereza described the agreement as an example of the country’s ability to translate scientific innovation into domestic manufacturing opportunities that can transform the electricity system. Webb emphasized that a secure and efficient grid will require both technological progress and workforce development, while Pancrazio said the partnership combines UT Dallas’ strengths in advanced energy systems with Sandia’s expertise in storage, power electronics and grid technologies. Together, the institutions aim to create a framework in which researchers, students, companies and government agencies can test ideas, identify engineering barriers and advance the solutions most likely to strengthen grid reliability.

BEACONS was launched in 2023, supported by a $30 million award from the U.S. Department of Defense to establish an Energy Storage Systems Campus at UT Dallas. The campus is intended to support battery research, technology development and collaboration with industrial partners. The new memorandum expands that mission by linking the university’s battery and manufacturing capabilities with Sandia’s national work on energy security and grid performance. If successful, the collaboration could help move emerging storage and power-conversion technologies from controlled laboratory demonstrations toward validated systems capable of supporting a more flexible, resilient and secure electric grid.

Subject of Research: Energy storage, battery technologies, power electronics, energy conversion, electric-grid security and workforce development.

Web References:
https://research.utdallas.edu/about/staff/leadership
https://research.utdallas.edu/
https://be.utdallas.edu/
https://beaconsusa.org/

UT Dallas To Lead $30 Million Battery Technology Initiative

Image Credits: The University of Texas at Dallas

Keywords

Batteries; energy storage; power electronics; energy conversion; electric grid; grid security; renewable energy; solar energy; wave energy; electrical engineering; materials engineering; Sandia National Laboratories; University of Texas at Dallas; BEACONS; laboratories; scientific research.

Harnessing the power of advanced electron microscopy and scanning thermal probe methodologies, the research team delved into the atomic architecture of the bismuth-antimony-telluride alloy, a paradigmatic thermoelectric material widely employed for its ability to convert waste heat into electrical energy. Their detailed analysis illuminated previously overlooked microstructural phenomena, focusing in particular on the distribution and alignment of edge dislocations—minute defects traditionally considered mere imperfections but now revealed as crucial modulating agents of phonon scattering and thermal resistance.

Conventional wisdom posited that the thermal conductivity of heterogeneous materials was primarily dictated by the nature and scale of their compositional mixing. However, the QUT team’s findings challenge this narrative, demonstrating that the random spatial arrangement of edge dislocations plays a far more pivotal role in impeding heat flow. These dislocations, scattered in disordered orientations throughout the uneven matrix, act as formidable barriers that disrupt the smooth propagation of phonons—the primary heat carriers in non-metallic solids—thus dramatically suppressing thermal conduction.

By systematically comparing samples with varying degrees of compositional ordering, the researchers observed a striking correlation: materials exhibiting greater randomness in the distribution of bismuth- and antimony-rich domains consistently manifested lower thermal conductivity values. This phenomenon cannot be solely attributed to compositional disparity but is intricately linked to the scattering effects induced by the erratic alignments of dislocation lines. The team’s innovative approach to visualizing and quantifying these defects at such an unprecedented resolution has opened an entirely new dimension in materials science.

The implications of this discovery transcend academic curiosity, heralding tangible advancements for industrial applications where thermal management is paramount. From the optimization of thermoelectric generators—devices that convert heat differentials directly into usable electricity—to the enhancement of thermal insulation materials designed to conserve energy in buildings and aerospace technology, the ability to precisely engineer defect landscapes could revolutionize performance metrics and energy efficiencies.

Leading the project, Professor Zhi-Gang Chen highlighted that this newfound understanding not only enriches the fundamental physics of heat transport but also establishes actionable design principles for fabricating materials with tailor-made thermal properties. By manipulating the formation processes and spatial arrangements of edge dislocations, materials scientists can now strategically attenuate thermal conductivity while preserving other crucial mechanical and electrical characteristics, a feat that was elusive under traditional defect engineering paradigms.

First author Siqi Liu emphasized that this structural insight reframes the design philosophy of thermoelectric materials, shifting attention from mere compositional engineering to the orchestration of microstructural inhomogeneities at the nanoscale. “Our work illustrates that it is not just the materials’ composition but the geometric and statistical configuration of their defects that governs thermal behavior,” Liu explained. “This paradigm shift opens a new target for controlling heat flow with atomic precision.”

The study’s success was borne out of the integration of sophisticated experimental techniques capable of probing local chemical and thermal variations with atomic fidelity. Scanning thermal probes mapped heat flow with exquisite spatial resolution, while electron microscopy unveiled the arrangement of various compositional domains and their associated dislocations, enabling a comprehensive correlation between structure and thermal transport phenomena.

Moreover, the findings resonate across a spectrum of scientific disciplines and industries, promising to influence the development of novel materials beyond thermoelectrics. For instance, the ability to modulate heat conduction via controlled defect alignment could inspire breakthroughs in thermal barrier coatings, semiconductor device cooling, and even gas storage materials where thermal management influences storage efficiency and safety.

With the release of their comprehensive research article titled “Alignment of edge dislocations – the reason lying behind composition inhomogeneity induced low thermal conductivity,” published in Nature Communications, the QUT team invites the scientific community to explore the manifold applications and theoretical interpretations of their discovery. This work stands as a testament to the power of combining atomic-scale imaging with thermal characterization to solve complex material science challenges.

Looking forward, the team is committed to extending these insights by experimenting with alternative compounds and synthesis methods to refine control over dislocation patterns. Such endeavors aim to unlock new classes of materials that optimize energy conversion processes, reduce environmental footprints, and enhance the sustainability of future technologies.

In sum, the identification of randomly aligned edge dislocations as a fundamental structural mechanism driving low thermal conductivity reshapes our understanding of heat transport in compositionally inhomogeneous materials. This breakthrough not only enriches scientific knowledge but equips engineers and designers with novel strategies to tune thermal properties, paving the way for innovations that could profoundly impact energy harvesting and thermal management technologies worldwide.

Subject of Research: Not applicable

Article Title: Alignment of edge dislocations – the reason lying behind composition inhomogeneity induced low thermal conductivity

News Publication Date: 5-Nov-2025

Web References:
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-64749-5

References:
Liu, S., Liu, W-D., Lyu, W., Yue, Y., Gao, H., Li, M., Shi, X-L., Chen, Z-G. (2025). Alignment of edge dislocations – the reason lying behind composition inhomogeneity induced low thermal conductivity. Nature Communications. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-64749-5

Image Credits: QUT

Keywords

Electricity, Thermoelectricity, Energy

A recent study conducted by Rizehbandi, Khalili, and Ghauri delves into the intricate relationship between the composition of DAILs and their distinct characteristics. Their evaluation particularly emphasizes the effect of varying fluorine atom contents within the ionic liquids. Fluorine, being a highly electronegative element, plays a pivotal role in modulating the interactions within the ionic liquid, thereby influencing its properties such as viscosity, conductivity, and stability.

The significance of this research lies in the systematic exploration of how the introduction of fluorine atoms alters the molecular interactions within DAIL structures. The study employs a comprehensive methodology that involves synthesizing a series of dianionic ionic liquids with different fluorine contents. Through a series of experimental tests, the researchers meticulously measured the physical properties of each variant, allowing for a thorough comparison of behavior across the different compositions.

One of the most compelling findings of this research is the pronounced impact that fluorine content has on the viscosity of DAILs. As fluorine atoms are introduced in increasing quantities, noticeable changes in fluidity are observed. This has direct implications for applications such as electrochemical devices, where lower viscosity can lead to enhanced ion mobility and, consequently, improved performance in energy storage systems like batteries and supercapacitors.

Moreover, the study also addresses the thermal stability of the synthesized DAILs. Thermal stability is a critical factor in determining the usability of ionic liquids under various operating conditions. The introduction of fluorine was found to enhance the thermal stability of certain ionic liquid formulations, making them more applicable for high-temperature applications such as heat transfer fluids or high-performance lubricants.

In addition to viscosity and thermal stability, the study investigates the electrical conductivity of the DAILs. Conductivity is a core property for any ionic liquid that is intended for use in electrochemical applications. The research reveals that the incorporation of fluorine affects the dissociation of ions within the liquid, leading to variations in ionic conductivity. This property is vital for optimizing the efficiency of electrolytes in batteries and other energy conversion systems.

The implications of these findings extend beyond basic science and touch upon key technological advancements. For instance, with an ever-increasing drive towards sustainable energy solutions, understanding how to tailor ionic liquids for specific applications could pave the way for more efficient energy storage systems. By fine-tuning the fluorine content in DAILs, researchers can engineer more effective materials that meet the demands of modern energy systems.

These insights contribute to a broader understanding of ionic liquids and their behavior, setting the stage for future research aimed at uncovering additional properties and potential applications. The innovative approach employed by Rizehbandi and his colleagues not only enhances our knowledge of DAILs but also ignites a discussion on the importance of molecular design in the development of advanced materials.

Further studies will likely explore the relationship between fluorine content and other properties not yet analyzed, such as solubility characteristics and interactions with other solvents or materials. As scientists continue to dissect the complexities of ionic liquids, the role of fluorine and its impact on liquid properties will become an increasingly vital area of investigation.

In conclusion, the groundwork laid by this study represents a significant stride toward harnessing the unique properties of dianionic ionic liquids. As researchers delve deeper into the molecular intricacies of these compounds, the potential for groundbreaking applications in various sectors—ranging from energy to pharmaceuticals—will undoubtedly expand. Ultimately, understanding how to manipulate the building blocks of DAILs could lead to a new frontier in material science, with implications that resonate far beyond the laboratory.

The path forward in this exciting field will be marked not only by continued exploration of fluorine’s effects but also by interdisciplinary collaboration that bridges theoretical research and practical application. Through concerted efforts among chemists, material scientists, and engineers, the vision of utilizing DAILs in everyday applications may soon become a reality.

As the scientific community reflects on these findings, the pursuit of knowledge in the realm of ionic liquids remains ripe with potential. The journey to optimize DAILs is just beginning, and with this foundational research, the future of advanced ionic materials seems brighter than ever.

Subject of Research: Evaluation of characteristics and properties variation of dianionic ionic liquids (DAILs) upon change on fluorine atom contents.

Article Title: Evaluation of characteristics and properties variation of some dianionic ionic liquids (DAILs) upon change on their fluorine atom contents.

Article References: Rizehbandi, M., Khalili, B. & Ghauri, K. Evaluation of characteristics and properties variation of some dianionic ionic liquids (DAILs) upon change on their fluorine atom contents. Ionics (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11581-025-06786-0

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11581-025-06786-0

Keywords: Dianionic Ionic Liquids, Fluorine Content, Viscosity, Thermal Stability, Electrical Conductivity, Ionic Liquids, Electrochemical Applications, Energy Storage Systems.