St Andrews leads the way in battery technology with new Chair in Energy
In early 2024, the University strengthened its commitment to renewable energy innovation with the appointment of a new Chair in Energy: Professor Venkataraman Thangadurai, who joined St Andrews from the University of Calgary, Canada. Professor Thangadurai holds a Faraday Institution Adjunct Professorial Fellowship. This fellowship is designed to attract leading battery scientists to the UK and promote new talent in energy storage research.
Professor Thangadurai specialises in designing and preparing novel solid electrolytes that exhibit fast oxide ion, lithium ion, and sodium ion conduction, as well as mixed ionic-electronic conduction in inorganic crystal structures. His work focuses on improving battery performance, safety, and longevity by exploring new solid electrolytes, electrode materials, and interfaces. His research seeks to address key challenges in energy storage and accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy technologies, including electric vehicles.
As the new Chair in Energy at St Andrews, Professor Thangadurai brings his expertise to the University’s School of Chemistry. His leadership will significantly enhance the University’s research capabilities, advancing sustainable energy solutions and creating opportunities for technological spin-offs and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs). This strategic appointment aligns with St Andrews’ goal to drive global energy sustainability through cutting-edge research and innovation.
Professor Thangadurai’s work will focus on the future of battery technology, playing a pivotal role in tackling the climate emergency by improving energy storage solutions. These solutions are essential for integrating renewable energy sources like solar and wind into the power grid.
He will also collaborate with colleagues from the School of Chemistry, including Professor John Irvine CBE, as part of the Faraday Institution’s NEXGENNA project. This initiative accelerates the development of sodium-ion batteries through a multidisciplinary approach, from fundamental chemistry to scale-up and cell manufacturing. The project aims to commercialize high-performance, low-cost sodium-ion batteries with long cycle lives and enhanced safety.