Kilowatt-producing devices are needed for mobile power, including electric vehicles. To achieve this breakthrough in scale-up, research must produce engineering improvements, as well as new materials, to dissipate heat more effectively. Research at the center includes evaluation of new fibrous and composite materials to build pathways for heat dissipation.
Hydrides are alloys containing nickel, rare-earth metals, aluminum and manganese.
Hydrogen storage capacity can be manipulated by choosing the right amorphous compositions. Alternative hydrogen storage media may be hydrides of aluminum and boron, carbon and certain organic compounds. The center is involved in these and other aspects of battery and hydrogen storage research in cooperation with government laboratories and industry.