Neeraj Sharma from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney won the Early Career Researcher of the Year award in physical sciences. The award was given to Sharma's work on lithium-ion batteries found in electronic devices, electric vehicles and the grid. He was also honored for his study of next-generation battery systems such as environmentally friendly sodium-ion batteries.
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NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian recently presented Sharma – from the UNSW School of Chemistry – with the award at Government House in Sydney. “To improve the next generation of technologies, we require better performance at a lower environmental cost,” Sharma said in a press release. He is considered one of the global leaders in using neutron and X-ray scattering techniques to study materials for next-generation lithium-ion batteries.
“My work explores lithium-ion batteries – discovered in electronic devices, electric vehicles and structures – as well as next-generation battery methods such as sodium-ion batteries,” he explained. “I find the study of sodium-ion batteries especially fascinating, and we have been developing new electrodes for these operations.”
By focusing on electrochemical reactions in batteries, Sharma's goal is to better understand how the composition and structure of electrodes at the atomic level can impact battery performance. So what is the ultimate goal of Sharma's research?
“We can facilitate and improve the adoption of electric vehicles, ensure that batteries are recycled, transmitting a minimal environmental impact and
abandon fossil fuels for energy generation and transportation. There is a vital opportunity to shape the way we exist in the future,” said Sharma.
To this end, Sharma's research team is also exploring:
- Solid-state batteries , which use solid electrodes and an electrolyte, rather than the liquid or polymer gel electrolytes found in lithium-ion batteries. Although more expensive, solid-state batteries are typically safer.
- High energy density lithium-sulfur batteries that are rechargeable, cost-effective and have higher energy density compared to lithium-ion batteries.
- Dual-function solar batteries that store solar energy
- Alternative methods for recycling
Sharma was not alone in his award. UNSW researchers have won half of the science and engineering awards offered by the NSW Premier, including the top prize of NSW Scientist of the Year.
“These successes will inspire more Indian academics to take up meaningful research professions,” said Amit Dasgupta, country head, UNSW, India. UNSW Engineering will begin offering new streams from February 2020, including those in renewable energy, mining engineering and petroleum engineering.
Additionally, the university is finalizing a new robotics program that should also be available next year. “Students in India will find these programs exciting. We want more meritorious students from the region to practice for the Future of Change scholarships, which are fully available to Indian students,” Dasgupta added.
