Yang earned his doctorate in chemical engineering from Florida State University. At ORNL, he leads projects focused on next-generation batteries and sustainable energy-conversion technologies, such as advanced redox flow batteries, high-energy solid-state batteries and electrochemical carbon dioxide conversion. His work addresses critical knowledge gaps in energy storage technology, aiming to improve energy density, efficiency and sustainability by using low-cost, noncritical materials. Yang wants to develop a state-of-the-art redox flow battery that harnesses carbon dioxide as a renewable fuel, turning environmental problems into energy solutions. Redox flow batteries differ from traditional lithium-ion batteries in their ability to scale energy capacity independently of power capacity, making them ideal for large-scale energy storage applications.

“Imagine a world where our battle against climate change is powered by the very agent of its cause — carbon dioxide — turning a harmful greenhouse gas into a source of clean, sustainable energy,” Yang said. 

IGNIITE 2024 supports the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America plan by boosting research and development that underpins U.S. leadership in energy innovation and global decarbonization. The awards support research across a spectrum of energy applications, including advanced energy storage, fusion reactor technology, carbon-negative concrete, power electronics for grid reliability, critical material recovery, energy-efficient water desalination and plastic recycling.

“ARPA-E’s program seeks to speed urgently needed solutions,” said Cynthia Jenks, ORNL’s associate laboratory director for physical sciences. “We’re proud of Guang and Andrew in receiving support for their innovative projects, which can help the United States lead in solving major energy challenges.” 

Yang and Westover will be honored with the other awardees July 9 at a reception at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. 

UT-Battelle manages ORNL for DOE’s Office of Science. The single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, the Office of Science is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit energy.gov/science. — Dawn Levy

This Oak Ridge National Laboratory news article "ARPA-E IGNIITE award launches new initiatives of ORNL researchers Yang and Westover" was originally found on https://www.ornl.gov/news