XULA-UChicago Partnership for Research and Education in Innovative Composite Materials

The Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) between Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) and the University of Chicago (UChicago) Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) is a collaborative initiative to broaden participation in materials science and engineering careers. This program focuses on engaging underrepresented undergraduate students in transformative research, preparing them for specialized careers in the field. With a national emphasis on achieving energy independence, the project’s research addresses critical challenges in developing advanced materials for high-energy-density battery systems. These efforts aim to enhance ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability in solid electrolytes, paving the way for innovations in rechargeable battery technologies that improve cyclability and energy density for portable energy storage applications.

Beyond the research, the program emphasizes education and outreach, establishing initiatives to inspire and train the next generation of materials scientists. A new K-12 teacher training program will introduce materials science into classrooms, while summer academic enrichment programs at XULA will further engage students. Additionally, a community outreach effort integrates materials science with art to spark interest among K-12 students. By combining cutting-edge research with robust educational initiatives, the XULA-UChicago PREM aims to advance materials science while creating pathways for underrepresented minorities to excel in STEM fields.

This project is supported by co-funding from the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), the HBCU-UP program in the Division of Equity for Excellence in STEM, the Directorate for STEM Education, and Sustainable Chemistry from the Office of Strategic Initiatives in the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences. Through this multi-faceted approach, the PREM seeks to foster innovation and expand access to opportunities in materials science and engineering.

Xavier University of Louisiana
University of Chicago
Thrust 1

Structure-Property Relationships in Polymer-Based Composite Materials

This thrust explores the structure-property relationships of polymer composites incorporating organic ionic plastic crystals (OIPCs), a novel class of materials combining long-range crystalline order and localized molecular motion. The research investigates the thermal and mechanical properties of OIPCs for applications in solid-state energy storage, electrochromic devices, and gas separation. It also includes the development of 3D-printed polymer/OIPC composite materials to further enhance their functionality.
Thrust 2

Composite Materials for Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries

This thrust focuses on designing advanced composite materials for solid-state lithium metal batteries. Key objectives include synthesizing and characterizing redox-active bis(naphthoquinones), modeling lithium intercalation mechanisms, and studying interfacial reactions between bis(naphthoquinone)-based cathodes and solid polymer electrolytes. Additionally, researchers are preparing solid polymer electrolyte ionogels with a partially fluorinated polymer matrix to improve ion transport, electrochemical stability, and battery cyclability.

People