Xiwen Gong and Angela Violi receive funding to drive commercial potential in sustainable transportation

The Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC) Advanced Transportation Innovation Hub at the University of Michigan recently awarded over $1.5 million to 15 research projects aimed at driving commercial potential in advanced transportation technologies. Among the recipients are Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering Xiwen Gong and Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Chemical Engineering Angela Violi.

Advancing solar technology: Xiwen Gong’s perovskite solar cells

Xiwen Gong’s research addresses the challenges in the large-scale production of perovskite solar cells, which offer significant advantages over traditional silicon photovoltaic panels. Gong’s project aims to create low-cost, large-scale perovskite solar cells with high efficiency and stability needed for potential applications in the electric and hybrid vehicle and industry.

The project focuses on optimizing the fabrication of high-quality perovskite thin films using advanced techniques like spray coating and blade or slot-die coating. Additionally, it aims to enhance the stability of perovskite solar cells by improving both the perovskite materials and the hole-transporting materials to strengthen their long-term operational stability.

“The feedback from the oversight committee was inspiring, offering insights from industrial perspectives essential for translating our perovskite solar cell technology into a market-ready solution,” Gong said. “I am extremely excited to receive the funding from MTRAC. This funding uniquely supports innovation in research by providing strong mentorship in addition to the funding.”

Perovskite solar cells like this one, made by Xiwen Gong’s group, could make solar energy cheaper and more environmentally friendly—but they degrade faster than silicon. In a study published in the journal Matter earlier this year, the team discovered how to make the black perovskite film last longer. Image credit: Zhengtao Hu, Gong Lab, University of Michigan.

Previous research has shown that perovskite solar cells can achieve competitive efficiency in lab settings on a small scale, indicating their potential as a renewable energy solution in transportation. Gong’s team successfully created perovskite solar cells with a high efficiency using a lab-scale spin coating technique.

This project aims to enhance perovskite solar cells by increasing their size while maintaining over 25% efficiency and ensuring long-term stability. By making solar cells more economically viable for transportation, the low-cost integration of perovskite-based panels onto various surfaces, such as charging stations and vehicle exteriors, could support the transportation industry in transitioning to a more sustainable future.

Driving innovation with machine learning: Angela Violi’s AI-Driven fuel design software

Angela Violi’s project focuses on the development of a software tool utilizing machine learning to expedite the design of sustainable aviation fuels. Her approach aims to reduce reliance on costly and time-consuming experimental evaluations, guaranteeing sustainable aviation fuels properties align seamlessly with aircraft engine requirements.

“Receiving this funding is incredibly exciting and a true game-changer for our project. This financial support is instrumental in transforming our research into a commercially viable product,” Violi said. “With these resources, we will prioritize developing a user-friendly platform, integrating robust data management systems, and establishing strategic partnerships to ensure the successful adoption of our optimization tool. We are incredibly grateful for the support.”

Diagram demonstrating the SAF process and how artificial intelligence software is used to optimize the design of sustainable aviation fuels. Image credit: Violi Lab.

The project involves developing a machine learning model to predict the properties of sustainable aviation fuels based on their chemistry and other relevant data. To improve the accuracy and predictive capabilities of this model, the team integrates simulation tools and use optimization techniques to identify sustainable aviation fuels compositions that balance various properties while minimizing environmental impact.

Violi’s team includes Postdoctoral Researcher Mohammad Al-Radaideh and collaborator Majdi Radaideh, Assistant Professor in the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences.

Mentorship and industry connections

MTRAC provides awardees with commercialization resources and support, including industry partner connections, coaching, and access to an advisory board. Finalists pitch their proposals to an oversight committee of technologists, entrepreneurs, and venture capitalists, who offer mentorship to all projects.

Celebrating its seventh year, the MTRAC Advanced Transportation Innovation Hub continues to enhance lives through transportation and mobility innovations.