Gang Yang

• Build pilot line of fabricating high energy density Li-ion pouch cells with patented Si technology; • Design and develop a flexible process for producing the core Silicon materials; • Scale up the lab synthesis process to pilot scale (a few tons per day); • Fabricate full cells (several Ah capacity) by paring different cathodes (NCM, LFP, NCA) with patented Si based anode for potential customers; • Systematically test battery performance and investigate degradation mechanism.

NSF I-Corps prepares scientists and engineers to extend their focus beyond the laboratory, and broadens the impact of select, NSF-funded, basic-research projects. It teaches NSF grantees to identify valuable product opportunities that can emerge from academic research, and offers entrepreneurship training to participants by combining experience and guidance from established entrepreneurs through a targeted curriculum. I-Corps programs also help researchers translate discoveries into technologies with near-term benefits for the economy and society. I identified UAV is our initial target market and advanced our efforts in interviewing UAV users/experts, UAV manufacturers, UAV battery manufacturers, and UAV distributors to develop a proper business model for our proprietary Lithium battery technology.

• Designed and prepared nanoparticles with controllable morphology and coating using wet- chemical or CVD method for Li-ion and Li-S battery electrodes. • Synthesized a variety of carbon and silicon based nanomaterials with desired micro-structures and surface functionalities, and made into slurry to coat current collectors for battery electrodes. • Carried out battery failure analysis using materials characterization e.g. XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, EDS, Raman, FTIR, UV-vis, TOF-SIMS, to analyze the evolution of SEI and electrode materials. • Studied batteries degradation with electrochemical techniques like CV, EIS, and battery cycler. • Performed battery abuse testings and tear downs, and prepared in-depth technical reports. • Authored SOPs for battery and other lab testing equipments and trained new users. • Collaborated with a leading Li-ion battery OEM to build a pilot line for high energy density cells. • Led a team to develop, optimize, and implement the iPhone-size battery demo fabrication. • Designed and synthesized non-precious metal based catalysts for fuel cells. • Invented and patented a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) based process to produce a new material - carbon nanotube sponge (a self-standing sponge-like material composed of randomly oriented multi-wall carbon nanotubes) in bulk quantity and with low cost. • Synthesized carbon nanotube sponge/polymer composite with controllable thermal transfer property. • Characterized materials with XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, EDX, Raman, FTIR, UV-vis, BET, TGA, etc. • Systematically tested batteries and fuel cells performance with CV, EIS, RDE, and battery tester (Arbin, Landt, etc).

• Assisted an undergraduate research group in designing multi-stack PEM fuel cells. • Instructed undergraduate researchers in assembling and testing the multi-stack PEM fuel cells. • Mentored undergraduate students in research and presentation of multi-stack PEM fuel cells to power an RC car, which was presented at the 2014 AggiE-Challenge Showcase.

• Investigated and evaluated the condensation issue in cartridge labeling processes. • Proposed detailed solutions for the condensation issue in cartridge labeling processes. • Evaluated checkweigher settings for insulin cartridge packaging (ICP) lines. • Established a comprehensive, detailed step-by-step comparison of ICP lines from different sites. • Created an operational qualification (OQ) checklist for different machines on ICP lines.

• Designed multi/single-wall carbon nanotubes directly grown on carbon fibers. • Optimized carbon nanotubes to achieve desired electrochemical and mechanical properties. • Implemented carbon fiber/carbon nanotube composite materials as Li-ion battery electrodes. • Conducted benchmark electrochemical tests.

• Optimized synthesis of large-pore mesoporous materials, e.g. SBA-15 and MCM-41, by using isooctane as a pore expanding agent. • Characterized various materials using XRD, BET, SEM, and TEM. • Modified mesoporous samples using tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) and tested their CO2 adsorption capacity by CO2 temperature programmed desorption and adsorption isotherms. • Enhanced the efficacy of target gas adsorption and desorption using the pressure swing method.