KINGSTON, R.I. [Aug. 3, 2022] — Brett Lucht, professor of chemistry at URI, has been named a Fellow of the Electrochemical Society (ECS) for his pioneering research on the chemistry of lithium-ion batteries.

Lucht is one of 15 engineers and scientists worldwide in this year’s class of fellows. Fellows are recognized for their “contributions to the fields of electrochemistry and solid-state science and technology, and for service to the Society,” according to an announcement by the society.

Lucht’s research focuses on extending the life and boosting the performance of lithium-ion batteries, which are widely used in everything from cell phones to cars. In particular, Lucht explores the chemistry of the electrolytes, the liquid medium that conducts lithium ions between a battery’s electrodes. His work has shed new light on the interface between electrolytes and electrodes, which plays a key role in performance, as well as the rate at which batteries degrade with repeated charging and discharging cycles.

In 2020, Lucht won a contract with Brookhaven National Lab to study the performance of batteries at low temperatures. Cold temperatures reduce the conductivity of battery electrolytes, reducing operating time and increasing charging time. Lucht is working to understand exactly why that happens, with the aim of designing new electrolytes that work better in the cold.

Lucht has published over 170 manuscripts, two book chapters and holds nine patents. He has been an invited or keynote speaker at over 100 companies, universities, national laboratories, and international conferences.

In addition to his research, Lucht has mentored more than 100 students including over 40 graduate students, 30 undergraduate students, 20 postdoctoral fellows, along with several visiting students. He is currently an associate editor for the Journal of Electrochemical Society and is the Vice Chair of the Battery Division of the ECS. He joined the URI faculty in 1998.

“I am very excited to be named a Fellow of the Electrochemical Society,” Lucht said. “It is a great honor to be recognized as a distinguished member of the Society and for my technical contributions to the field.”