When Kincaid Graff arrived at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, he set out to answer a big question: how can we watch batteries work in real time?
The Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering doctoral student recently completed a stint as a visiting graduate student at the lab through the Department of Energy’s Office of Science Graduate Student Research Program. His work focused on answering his big question with insights not typically visible with common X-ray or electron techniques.
During his time at the lab, Graff’s research aimed to track dynamic changes within battery materials using neutrons. He successfully developed a novel electrochemical cell specifically designed for neutron penetration and scattering. His hands-on research included the intricate fabrication of sodium-ion layered transition metal oxides, meticulously casting them into thick positive electrodes, and engineering a unique “jelly-roll” cell.
Upon the successful creation of this “jelly-roll” cell, Graff, alongside his Oak Ridge National Laboratory mentor, Jue Liu, cycled these batteries while simultaneously exposing them to a neutron beam. This allowed them to track diffraction patterns and precisely correlate these results with structural changes occurring within the material.
Graff described the most rewarding aspect of his research as “fabricating the electrochemical cell, performing neutron powder diffraction on it, and seeing (somewhat) reasonable data.” Witnessing the tangible results of months of intensive labor filled him with excitement for future experiments on the same system, he said. The transformative experience at the lab has significantly shaped his long-term research interests and career aspirations.
“It made me realize that I would like to work in a national laboratory, as I appreciated the work culture,” Graff said.
At Boise State, Graff conducts his graduate studies within the Electrochemical Energy Materials Laboratory under the guidance of Professor Hui “Claire” Xiong. The lab is dedicated to developing functional electrode materials with precisely controlled properties to address critical challenges in energy storage and conversion.
Their research specifically zeroes in on understanding the structure, chemical and electrochemical stability, and growth mechanisms of interfaces and interphases within various electrochemical systems, including advanced rechargeable batteries.
Professor Xiong noted Graff’s substantial grow as a researcher upon his return from the program.
“The top notch neutron facilities in the Spallation Neutron Source at ORNL as well as the expertise from the beamline scientist Jue Liu could only make this possible as the method is not established yet,” Xiong said. “Participating in the program at ORNL helped Kincaid grow as a graduate student to do independent research and get exposure to state-of-the-art facilities, as well as, interact with scientists.”
Graff plans to continue his collaboration with his program mentor over the years ahead as he continues his studies and research alongside Xiong at Boise State.