Wachsman, Eric
Director, Maryland Energy Innovation Institute
William L. Crentz Centennial Chair in Energy Research
Distinguished University Professor
President, Electrochemical Society
Fellow, American Ceramic Society
Fellow, Electrochemical Society
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Maryland Energy Innovation Institute
EDUCATION
Ph.D., Stanford University, 1990
BACKGROUND
Dr. Eric D Wachsman, an expert on solid state batteries and solid oxide fuel cells, is the Director of the Maryland Energy Innovation Institute (MEI2), and the William L. Crentz Centennial Chair in Energy Research with appointments in both the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Maryland. He received his Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering from Stanford University, and his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley.
Before joining the University of Maryland, he spearheaded the creation of the Florida Institute on Sustainable Energy at the University of Florida, and served as a senior scientist at SRI International.
His research is focused on solid ion-conducting materials and electrocatalysts, including the development of solid state batteries, solid oxide fuel cells and electrolysis cells, ion-transport membranes, and solid state gas sensors, with over 270 publications and 35 patents/patent applications. To date, three companies have been founded based on these technologies.
He has contributed to the next generation of electrochemists having graduated 34 PhD and 30 MS students, supervised 38 postdocs and research scientists, and mentored several junior faculty. Of these, three have gone on to receive ECS awards. His involvement with students includes founding and serving as Faculty Advisor for ECS student chapters at both the University of Florida and the University of Maryland, with the Maryland chapter winning Outstanding ECS Student Chapter Awards in 2013 and 2017, and ECS Student Chapter of Excellence in 2014, 2015, and 2016.
Dr. Wachsman is a frequent invited panelist on fuel cell and hydrogen energy research, ranging from the US Department of Energy “Fuel Cell Report to Congress” and “Basic Research Needs Related to High Temperature Electrochemical Devices for Hydrogen Production, Storage and Use,” to the National Science Foundation “Workshop on Fundamental Research Needs in Ceramics,” NATO “Mixed Ionic-Electronic Conducting (MIEC) Perovskites for Advanced Energy Systems,” and the National Academies “Global Dialogues on Emerging Science and Technologies.” He also serves on numerous boards and was appointed by the Governor to the Board of Directors of the Maryland Clean Energy Center. He is a Fellow of The Electrochemical Society (2008) and the American Ceramic Society (2012), and an elected member of the World Academy of Ceramics (2017).
HONORS AND AWARDS
- Distinguished University Profess, 2021
- World Academy of Ceramics, 2017
- Carl Wagner Memorial Award, The Electrochemical Society, 2017
- Sir William Grove Award, International Association for Hydrogen Energy, 2014
- Pfeil Award, The Institute of Materials, Minerals, and Mining, 2014
- Outstanding Invention of 2013, University of Maryland, Office of Technology Licensing
- Fuel Cell Seminar & Exposition Award, 2012
- HTM Outstanding Achievement Award, The Electrochemical Society, 2012
- Fellow of The American Ceramic Society, 2012
- Fellow of The Electrochemical Society, 2008
- Rhines Chair Professor of Materials Science & Engineering, 2008-2009
- University of Florida Research Foundation Professor, 2005-2008
- Materials Science & Engineering Faculty Excellence Award, 2007-2008
- Materials Research Society, Top 5 Hot Talks/Cool Papers, Spring 2007 Meeting
- University of Florida Faculty Achievement, 2007
- NASA Johnson Space Center Achievement Award, 2007
- Materials Science & Engineering Faculty Excellence Award, 2006-2007
- Materials Science & Engineering Faculty Excellence Award, 2005-2006
- Materials Science & Engineering Faculty Excellence Award, 2004-2005
- Progress in Ceramic Basic Science: Challenge Toward the 21st Century, The Basic Science Division, The Ceramic Society of Japan, 1996
- Xerox Achievement Award, 1984
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- Board of Directors, The Electrochemical Society
- Board of Directors, Maryland Clean Energy Center
- Councilor, Florida Section of the American Ceramic Society
- Past chair, ECS High Temperature Materials Division
- American Chemical Society
- Editor-in-chief, Ionics
- Former associate editor, Journal of the American Ceramic Society
- International Society for Solid State Ionics
- Materials Research Society
For more information on Dr. Wachsman's research groups, click here.
The Wachsman research lab is developing ceramic materials and processing methods to enable high-power, solid-state, lithium-ion batteries. Conventional lithium-ion batteries contain liquids that necessitate the use of heavy, protective components. By contrast, this technology uses no liquids and offers greater abuse tolerance and reducing weight. Dr. Wachsman's technology also has the potential to help reduce manufacturing costs using scalable, ceramic fabrication techniques that does not require dry rooms or vacuum equipment.
Dr. Wachsman's advances in fundamental ionic transport and electrocatalysis have revolutionized solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC's), ion transport membranes, and solid state sensors. SOFC's convert fuels directly into electricity, water and CO2, offering exciting applications in utility scale and automobile energy storage. Ion transport membranes are key to syn gas production systems. Solid state sensors provide an inexpensive, rugged sensor that offers a high temperature tolerance and long life span in applications such as NOx detection in combustion exhaust.
The research significantly contributes to the long-term goals of renewable energy, energy storage, fuel flexibility, and low emissions.
For detailed project descriptions, please visit Professor Wachsman's web site
For a complete list of publications, please visit Professor Wachsman's web site
Recent Publications
286. "Effects of surface chemical potentials on cation segregation", Ostrovskiy, Eugene and Huang, Yi-Lin and Wachsman, Eric D., J. Mater. Chem. A (2021), Vol. 9, pp. 1593-1602, DOI:10.1039/D0TA08850A.
285. "Amorphous-Carbon-Coated 3D Solid Electrolyte for an Electro-Chemomechanically Stable Lithium Metal Anode in Solid-State Batteries", Hua Xie, Chunpeng Yang, Yaoyu Ren, Shaomao Xu, Tanner R. Hamann, Dennis Wayne McOwen, Eric D. Wachsman, and Liangbing Hu, Nano Letters 2021 21 (14), 6163-6170, DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c01748
284. "Transition from perovskite to misfit-layered structure materials: a highly oxygen deficient and stable oxygen electrode catalyst", Saqib, Muhammad and Choi, In-Gyu and Bae, Hohan and Park, Kwangho and Shin, Ji-Seop and Kim, You-Dong and Lee, John-In and Jo, Minkyeong and Kim, Yeong-Cehol and Lee, Kug-Seung and Song, Sun-Ju and Wachsman, Eric D. and Park, Jun-Young, Energy and Environmental Science, 2021, Vol. 14, pp. 2472-2484, DOI: 10.1039/D0EE02799E
283. "Computation-guided discovery of coating materials to stabilize the interface between lithium garnet solid electrolyte and high-energy cathodes for all-solid-state lithium batteries", Adelaide M. Nolan, Eric D. Wachsman, and Yifei Mo, Energy Storage Materials, 2021, Vol. 41, pp. 571-580, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensm.2021.06.027
282. "Controlling exsolution with a charge-balanced doping approach", Samuel A. Horlick, Yi-Lin Huang, Ian A. Robinson, Eric D. Wachsman, Nano Energy, Volume 87, 2021,
ISSN 2211-2855, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nanoen.2021.106193
281. “Methane-to-Aromatics in a Gas Recycle Methane Reactor/Hydrogen Membrane Separator,” M. Sakbodin, E. Schulman, Y. Pan, E.D. Wachsman, and D. Liu, Catalysis Today, on-line https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cattod.2020.06.028 (2021).
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Methane converted to higher value commodity chemicalsConvocation to Shine Spotlight on Faculty, Staff Accomplishments
Six Clark School faculty and staff will be honored at UMD's 38th annual Convocation on Sept. 15, 2021.Maryland Engineering ranked #12 public undergraduate program in the country
For the third consecutive year, the Clark School's rises in U.S. News & World Report ranking.Ion Storage Systems received US Advanced Battery Consortium award
MEI2 start up continues to growPecht, Wachsman Named Distinguished University Professors
The title is a recognition of excellence, impact, and significant contribution to the nominee's field, knowledge, profession, and/or practice.Eric Wachsman Elected President of Electrochemical Society
Wachsman’s appointment effective June 10, 2021 for a two-year term.Building Energy Innovation in Maryland
Engineering Market MomentumClark School Innovators Honored with Invention of the Year Award Nominations
Among the nine 2021 Invention of the Year nominees, four are led by or include Clark School researchers.UMD Researchers to Design Greener Aircraft Engine
Professors Christopher Cadou and Eric Wachsman are developing a hybrid system for commercial aircraft.Standing with our Asian-American Community
The Clark School community stands united with our Asian, Asian-American and Pacific Islanders colleagues.CREB Kicks Off 2021 with Meeting to Discuss Future of Battery Research
The virtual meeting aimed to bolster battery technology under extreme conditions.14 Mtech-affiliated companies named to Maryland’s list of 20 hottest innovative start-ups
Maryland’s Future 20 is a list of startups that have the potential to be the state’s next major business success story.UMD Makes U.S. DOE Solar District Cup Finals
The Solar District Cup challenges multidisciplinary student teams to design and model optimized distributed energy systems for a campus or urban district.Two Maryland Energy Innovation Institute Start-Ups Named to Governor’s Future 20 List
Ion Storage Systems and InventWood hailed as talented innovatorsARL to Fund $30M in Equipment Innovations for Service Members
UMD announces with the U.S. Army Research Lab agreements in additive manufacturing and battery research.University of Maryland leads team awarded $7.2M from Army Research Lab
Advancing Transformational Army BatteriesUMD Engineering Receives $22.8M from U.S. Army to Collaboratively Advance Additive Manufacturing Technology
The University of Maryland College Park's research partnership with the U.S. Army Research Laboratory will establish an ecosystem for revolutionary additive manufacturing technology and concepts to expedite national readiness and response.Dean Briber Honors Faculty with Research, Teaching Awards
Each year, the dean of the University of Maryland’s A. James Clark School of Engineering honors exemplary faculty members for their dedication to excellence in research and teaching.Energy Start-Up Continues to Make Waves
Ion Storage Systems highlighted in SiliconRepublicMEI2 leads U.S. side of $18.4M U.S.-Israel Energy Center focused on Energy Storage
Project will Develop Lithium and Sodium Metal Solid State Batteries for Advanced Energy Storage ApplicationsIon Storage Systems Says Its Ceramic Electrolyte Could Be a Gamechanger for Solid-State Batteries
A superthin electrolyte with three layers could deliver safe, fast-charging batteries
New Report Recommends a Path for the Future of Maryland’s Clean Energy Economy
Comprehensive report on the future of clean energy innovation in Maryland delivered today to Governor HoganMEI² Receives Two New Innovative Vehicle Technology Awards
DOE Awards UMD/MEI2 $2M for Advance Battery TechnologyUMD Alumna Receives PECASE Award, Highest Honor Given by U.S. Government to Early Career Scientists
Ashley Ruth was honored at a ceremony on July 25, 2019.MEI2 Launches First Start-Up in Incubator
Maryland Energy Innovation Institute officially launched its first start-up company, Ion Storage Systems.UMD/MEI2 Energy Innovation Featured at ARPA-E 2019
ARPA-E Marks 10 Years of Technology InnovationUMD Energy Start-Up receives $8M investment
Ion Storage Systems partnering with Alsop LouieEnergy Start Up Places 3rd in Battery Competition
Ion Storage Systems one of 5 outstanding finalists in LG Chem Battery ChallengeWachsman and Wang “Battery 500” Awards selected for Phase II
DOE greenlights 2 UMD awards in second roundMEI2 Awards $5K to Local Start-Up at 2018 Clean Energy Summit
Ion Storage Systems wins Innovation ShowcaseWachsman and group overcome high resistance, low capacity solid-state battery barriers
UMD research paves the way for commercially viable safe batteriesEven in Trump era, green energy innovation is sparking, not sputtering
Breaking barriersWachsman Elected Vice-President of Electrochemical Society
3-year appointment commences May 20182018 ARPA-E Summit to Showcase UMD Innovations
UMD Energy Innovation Technologies dominate2018 Engineering Sustainability Day
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The institute was created to turn research breakthroughs into commercial, clean energy solutions.Professor Eric Wachsman elected to World Academy of Ceramics
WAC names new inducteesEric Wachsman to Receive 2017 Wagner Memorial Award
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The Department of Energy awards UMD research on safer, better Lithium-ion battery technology as part of a $137 million investment in vehicle efficiency.Fourth Consecutive Win for UMD Electrochemical Society Student Chapter
University of Maryland Electrochemical Society Students win Student Chapter Award for the fourth year in a row.UMD has Largest University Showing at 2016 ARPA-E Summit
UMD researchers showcase transformative energy research at ARPA-E Energy Innovation SummitHu wins 2015 Junior Faculty Outstanding Research Award
Shows "promise [for] significant and lasting impact" in nanoscienceUMD Students Win Third Consecutive Electrochemical Society Student Chapter Award
University of Maryland Electrochemical Society Students win Student Chapter Award for the third year in a row.Gates Foundations awards UMD project to address world sanitation problems
UMD researchers receive award for the tri-generation of heat, power, and potable water from waste.University of Maryland Researchers Accept NASA Mission: Build a Better Battery for Space Exploration
UMD researchers awarded NASA funding for advanced energy storage technologyCYC Students Learn About Sustainable Energy
The University of Maryland Center for Young Children (CYC) Tour UMERCRedox Named Best Green Company in Maryland for 2015
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Materials Science professors receive awards from the Md. Academy of Sciences and Md. Science Center.DOE Invests in UMERC Battery Research
Researchers receive $1.2 million to study solid-state Li-ion batteries.UMERC's Advanced Energy Storage Technology Selected by NASA
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The goal of the project is to further advance Redox's high-performance fuel cells and drive them to market-readiness for a broad range of applications.Using Solar Energy to Make Safer Drinking Water
Wachsman Wins Pfeil Award for work on new photocatalyst.Clark School Faculty Recognized at Celebration of Innovation and Partnerships
Clark School researchers sweep three categories for 2013 Invention of the YearUMD-Designed WaterShed to Open at Pepco Sustainability Center Dedication
WaterShed sustainable structure was the winner of the 2011 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.The Quest for a Better Battery
UMD Invention of the Year Finalists Charge AheadInternational Association for Hydrogen Energy Honors Wachsman for Fuel Cell Research
Professor receives 2014 Sir William Grove Award.25 Kilowatts in a Redox Box: Affordable Fuel Cell, Cheaper Power
MIT Technology Review highlights Wachsman's plan to reduce grid strain and energy costs.UMD Researchers Awarded Two ARPA-E Grants for Electric Vehicle Energy Storage Systems
Eric Wachsman and Chunsheng Wang receive funding to create innovative batteries for electric vehicle energy storage systems.UMD Energy Innovations Featured Prominently in the News
Clark School energy research, including solid oxide fuel cells and wood battery, featured in variety of mainstream media outlets.Meet the Potential Future of Electricity Generation
Redox Power Systems, UMD develop breakthrough fuel cells to provide efficient, affordable electricity.Electrochemical Society Student Chapter Wins Chapter Award
Young group named ECS' first Outstanding Student Chapter.Wachsman Talks Fuel Cells on "Ceramic Tech Today" (VIDEO)
American Ceramic Society blog features talk on role of solid oxide fuel cells in nation's energy strategy.UMD Students Visit Congress to Raise Visibility for Science, Engineering and Technology
UMD's Student Chapter of the Electrochemical Society met with Congress on March 12-13 to show value of R&D funding.Rubloff Co-Authors Major DoE Report on Emerging Energy Technologies
Publication focuses on opportunities in mesoscale science.Wachsman Wins Fuel Cell Seminar & Energy Exposition Award
Energy Center director honored for work to commercialize fuel cells.Wachsman Elected Fellow
American Ceramic Society honors professor's work in fuel cell development.Wachsman Receives Outstanding Achievement Award
Clark School fuel cell expert honored by Electrochemical Society.UM $75K Business Plan Competition Winners Announced
Clark School teams win alumni category, Warren Citrin Social Impact Award.Foundation Supports Gore's Efforts to Improve Fuel Cells
MSE graduate student named ARCS Hesse Endowment Fellow.2012 Energy Research Fellows Announced
Hulka, Hendricks awards will fund diverse sustainable energy research projects.Want Fuel Cells? Think Outside the Hydrogen Tank
Energy expert advocates investing in "the other fuel cell" to reduce reliance on fossil fuels now, not in decades."Twenty-Year Window of Opportunity"
DOE official calls for "game-changing" technologies at opening of University of Maryland Energy Research Center.Gov. O'Malley Taps Wachsman for Clean Energy Board
UMERC director appointed to Board of Directors of the Maryland Clean Energy Center.175 Percent More Efficient Refrigeration
Clark School team develops "smart" alloy for cooling systems.Clark School Honors Its Own
Annual Honors & Awards ceremony recognizes stellar students.Electric Chevrolet Volt Visits Clark School
Raffled test drives, presentations put focus on technology and sustainability.Clark School Names First UMERC Director
Fuel cell expert, national panelist Eric Wachsman to lead energy research efforts.- American Ceramic Society, 2012
- Electrochemical Society, 2008