Research

The Obrovac lab conducts research and development on advanced battery materials and new synthesis methods. We design new materials that can store large amounts of energy for next generation Li-ion batteries. 

Our research includes the design and synthesis of new chemistries and highly engineered particles with core/shell structures, internal porosity, embedded nanoparticles, composition gradients, external coatings, etc. We also develop new synthesis and manufacturing methods that can produce highly complex active particles for Li-ion batteries sustainably and at a large scale.

Sustainable Synthesis: 

A main goal of our research is to create battery materials that not only have higher performance than current materials, but are also made more sustainably and at a lower cost. This means reducing or eliminating wastewater in materials processing and also utilizing more sustainable resources

Dry Particle Microgranulation (DPMG)

Dry granulation is an attractive, low-cost, high-yield method in which small particles may be aggregated into larger particles for multiple applications in various industries. The dry particle micro-granulation (DPMG) method allows for submicron particles to be granulated into monodisperse 10 um particles of specific shape and size at an unprecedented 100% yield with no waste. In the Li-ion battery space, metal oxide cathode and engineered core-shell metal oxide cathode particles can be synthesized using DPMG. In addition, particles of unique shape and other physical characteristics can also be made using DPMG allowing for increased flexibility to synthesize highly engineered and unique particles.

Click here to read more about the DPMG Process