Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of Texas at Austin received a $306,539 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering program (CFDA 47.041) awarded on March 1, 2026, with an ultimate completion date of February 28, 2029. This collaborative research initiative focuses on developing and validating quasi-solid-state electrolytes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries designed to prevent dendrite formation—needle-like metal structures that degrade battery performance and lifespan. The research deliverables include the design of quasi-solid electrolytes incorporating swelling clay particles with tuned physical and chemical properties to regulate zinc ion transport and deposition behavior.

The project's primary products consist of specialized in-situ battery cell designs enabling three-dimensional X-ray imaging of zinc nucleation, growth, and degradation during operational conditions, along with machine learning methodologies for analyzing large image datasets to detect nucleation events, identify growth patterns, and recognize failure indicators. These research outputs are intended to advance understanding of interfacial metal growth dynamics and support the development of safer, longer-lasting, and more cost-effective energy storage systems using abundant, low-risk materials. The research directly contributes to NSF Engineering's mission of fostering innovation and excellence in engineering research to strengthen the Nation's economic competitiveness and quality of life.