At the Battery Research and Innovation Hub, our team of academics and research engineers work with industry to translate research into outcomes. We recently caught up with Dr Mojtaba Eftekharnia to learn more about his work as a Senior Battery Engineer.
What is your current research focus?
My research focuses on upscaling advanced battery technologies, tackling the challenges with precision to unlock their full potential.
What real-world impact will this research make?
This research in battery manufacturing will have a profound real-world impact by advancing energy storage solutions, leading to more efficient and sustainable technologies. For example, improved batteries can enhance electric vehicle performance and reduce emissions, support renewable energy integration by storing solar and wind power more effectively, and power portable electronics with longer-lasting, quicker-charging batteries. These advancements will drive progress in clean energy, reduce environmental impact, and support technological innovation.
What makes you passionate about this area?
What motivates me in my research is the transformative potential of battery technologies, which enhance renewable energy systems, reduce fossil fuel reliance, and power cutting-edge innovations.
Battery research motivates me because it drives a sustainable future, powering everything from clean energy systems to cutting-edge tech, leading us to a greener, more connected world.
What are your biggest career highlights?
During my career I have:
- Conceptualized and designed a robotic stacker for battery electrode-separator assembly
- Discovered the failure mode of separators in advanced lithium-metal batteries
- Investigated the impact of external compression on the performance of advanced lithium-metal batteries
- Employed machine learning to predict the cycle life of lithium-metal batteries
What inspired you to start your career in battery technology?
I never intended to pursue a career in battery technology, but after conducting a short-term project in the field in 2015, I discovered both my passion and its great potential.
Why did you decide to join IFM?
The Electromaterials group at IFM is a world-renowned and leading research team, pioneering advancements in battery technologies. Their innovative work inspires my enthusiasm and dedication to this exciting field.
When you are not at work, what are you doing?
I am more of an outdoor person. You can find me in my garage making things, in the garden tending to plants, in the nearby ranges hiking, or at a campsite enjoying nature.
Describe your dream holiday – what would you do and where would you go?
Road trips always excite me. I would love to spend a few months on the road exploring different continents, with South America as my first destination.