Congratulations to Dr. Yao, the 14th PhD in Our Group!
Jan 24. 2025
Congratulations to Dr. Zeyi Yao, who finished his Ph.D. defense in this morning, and became the 14th Ph.D. in our group!
Project Selections for FOA 3105: Critical Material Innovation, Efficiency, and Alternatives (Set 2)
Dec 12, 2024
Direct Upcycling of Mixed Ni-Lean Polycrystals to Single Crystal Ni-Rich Cathode Materials. Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Worcester, Massachusetts), with project partner Koura, to develop an upcycling approach where pure or mixed nickel (Ni)-lean polycrystal cathode materials will be reused to produce a higher quality product by converting them to Ni-rich single crystal cathode materials, which will help to ensure a robust supply chain for the battery industry. The process will implement a one-step molten salt method to convert spent polycrystalline Ni-lean cathodes into single-crystal Ni-rich cathodes, which could then be applied to either pure or mixed cathode streams without additional sorting and separating steps. After discharging, shredding or dismantling, and separation of cathode and anode, the mixed spent Ni-lean cathode materials could be converted to Ni-rich single-crystal cathode materials, which exhibit improved capacity and stability compared to the commercial materials. This process will also further reduce the battery material and reduce carbon dioxide emissions of the battery industry. If successful, the project will revolutionize lithium-ion battery recycling technologies, increasing U.S. competitiveness in the global lithium-ion battery industry.
DOE Funding: $1,000,000
Non-DOE Funding: $0
Total Value: $1,000,000
WPI Secures $1.2M for Clean Iron and Steel Innovation
April 30, 2024
WPI has been awarded a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) under the Revolutionizing Ore to Steel to Impact Emissions (ROSIE) program. The DOE funding aims to propel advancements in zero-process-emission ironmaking and ultra-low life cycle emissions steelmaking.
Led by Yan Wang, William Smith Foundation Dean’s Professor of Mechanical Engineering, alongside collaborators Brajendra Mishra, Kenneth G. Merriam Distinguished Professor of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, and the Director of the Metal Processing Institute, and Adam Powell, associate professor of mechanical and materials engineering, the team will delve into manufacturing technologies for low-carbon electrolyzed iron powder. This specialized powder is integral to the production of iron-silicon electrical steel, a crucial component in various industries.
This initiative underscores the urgency for cleaner iron and steel production methods in the United States. With mounting concerns over environmental impact and climate change, transitioning to low-emission steelmaking processes is imperative. The ROSIE program represents a significant step towards achieving this goal.
WPI’s project is among the 13 selected nationwide, with a combined funding allocation of $28 million. By fostering innovation and research in sustainable steel production, initiatives like ROSIE pave the way for a greener, more resilient industrial landscape. In addition to WPI, Phoenix Tailings (Woburn, MA), Form Energy (Somerville, MA) and Tufts University received grant funding.
In a press release issued by the Massachusetts Governor’s Office, Maura Healy and Senator Edward Markey say these awards celebrate Massachusetts as a leader in clean energy.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Tapped as a Partner in a Groundbreaking Hydrogen Recycling Consortium
March 15, 2024, BY COLLEEN WAMBACK
Worcester Polytechnic Institute will be part of a newly announced consortium aimed at advancing sustainability and innovation within the hydrogen industry. The Hydrogen Electrolyzer and Fuel Cell Recycling Consortium (H2CIRC) will be led by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) and supported by a $50 million federal grant over five years, with a goal of clean hydrogen production while solidifying American leadership in the sector.
As a member of the consortium, WPI’s work will be led by Yan Wang, William B. Smith Professor of Mechanical & Materials Engineering and a trailblazer in the materials recovery sector. WPI will focus on developing the recycling process for fuel cells and electrolyzers.
“Our institute’s longstanding commitment to sustainability and our deep-rooted expertise in clean technologies uniquely position us to help accelerate this crucial endeavor,” said Wang. “The ultimate success of the collective research will significantly lower the energy intensity, greenhouse gas emissions, and overall environmental impact required for manufacturing fuel cells and electrolyzers.”
In addition to WPI, H2CIRC includes partners across the value chain of electrolyzers and fuel cells, such as the University of Delaware, Plug Power, The Chemours Company, Cummins, Johnson Matthey, Nel Hydrogen, Heraeus Precious Metals and General Motors, LLC. The consortium aims to develop innovative solutions that will significantly reduce the cost of clean hydrogen production while enhancing environmental sustainability.
For more information about H2CIRC and WPI’s involvement, please visit the AIChE website.
BAYH-DOLE COALITION SELECTS WPI PROFESSOR YAN WANG AS AN INAUGURAL “FACE OF AMERICAN INNOVATION”
August 16, 2023
Yan Wang, the William Smith Foundation Dean’s Professor of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), has been named to the Bayh-Dole Coalition’s inaugural “Faces of American Innovation.” Wang is among just five individuals to be recognized with the American Innovator Award by the Coalition, which consists of “a diverse group of innovation-oriented organizations and individuals committed to celebrating and protecting the Bayh-Dole Act.” The awardees were chosen for their cutting-edge work in helping turn early-stage scientific discoveries into products that benefit people and the planet.
Professor Wang’s lab developed a lithium-ion battery recycling technique capable of collecting and reusing 98% of critical metals from discarded batteries. The process is only 10% as carbon-intensive as conventional lithium-ion manufacturing. WPI worked with Wang to patent the invention in 2012, and a spin-off company has since licensed the patent for commercial development.
“I am deeply honored to receive this award for my work in the field of lithium-ion battery recycling,” said Wang. “This recognition underscores the critical importance of sustainable technology solutions that address our planet’s pressing challenges. Through collaborative efforts, we are forging a path towards a greener future, where innovation and environmental stewardship intersect to create lasting impact.”
“Professor Wang’s immense contributions to lithium-ion battery manufacturing and recycling exemplify the spirit of innovation and discovery that the Bayh-Dole Coalition deeply values,” said Joseph P. Allen, executive director of the Bayh-Dole Coalition. “Without visionary innovators like Professor Wang and the ingenious tech transfer system established by the Bayh-Dole Act, many promising early-stage discoveries would fail to reach their full potential.”
WPI’s Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) has licensed over 60 patents to companies working to transform early-stage research findings into marketable products. During the 2023 academic year alone, the OTC received 63 invention disclosures and inked seven patent licensing agreements. In the last 10 years, start-ups licensing patents from OTC have created over 330 jobs and have raised over $1 billion in follow-on funding.
“Without visionary innovators like Professor Wang and the ingenious tech transfer system established by the Bayh-Dole Act, many promising early-stage discoveries would fail to reach their full potential.”
– Joseph P. Allen, executive director of the Bayh-Dole Coalition
On Wednesday, September 13, Wang will join four co-awardees in accepting the inaugural Bayh-Dole Coalition American Innovator Award at a Washington, D.C., ceremony. Other awardees include the following:
- Dr. Katalin Karikó, a University of Pennsylvania biochemist who helped develop the mRNA platform behind the Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines.
- Dr. Dennis Liotta, an Emory University professor and chemist whose work aided the development of effective treatments for both HIV and Covid-19.
- Dr. Carol Mimura, a University of California at Berkeley technology transfer official who helped commercialize the Nobel-winning research that led to the revolutionary cancer immunotherapy Yervoy.
- Peter Stern, an entrepreneur who leads a Columbia University spinout that aims to revolutionize LiDAR Technology.