Research
The University of South Carolina has been working on batteries in a variety of ways since the 1980s. Because of this, USC researchers bring a broad perspective and expertise in electrochemical engineering, chemistry, and materials to solve problems for federal, state, and industrial partners.
Projects range from materials development using coin cells through safety testing of large format batteries to understanding behavior through experiments and theory. CIBI is actively involved in understanding the thermal behavior of cells, packs, and modules.
CIBI develops electronic components such as battery management systems and EV chargers. The team is ready and excited to work with existing and new partners to create innovation in battery science and technology for applications from mobility devices, EVs, and grid-scale storage.
Materials and Chemistry
CIBI excels in the field of battery materials and chemistry. Our team of scientists and engineers uses electrochemical systems, and our labs are filled with advanced tools letting us discover new materials, create better batteries, and improve the sustainability and performance of energy solutions.Through careful testing and teamwork across disciplines, we help the global push for cleaner, more reliable energy sources.
Our commitment to quality is shown in our many publications in respected scientific journals, 
our partnerships with industry leaders, and our dedication to training the next generation of innovators. Our goal is a world powered by safe, efficient, and eco-friendly energy storage solutions.
Cell Performance & Degradation
USC faculty and students stand at the forefront of battery testing, specializing in evaluating and understanding battery performance across a wide range of chemistries and operating conditions. We use methods to track batteries' state of charge and state of health. We use innovative characterization techniques to analyze and understand cell degradation mechanisms.
These insights allow our team to design and develop next-generation solutions, contributing to the advancement of energy storage.
Simulations
In addition to its skills and knowledge in battery chemistry, materials, and testing, USC is also a leader in battery simulations. We are at the cutting edge of developing comprehensive models that span the nanoscale, cell level, and pack level. Our ability to simulate battery behavior encourages understanding of electrochemical processes and thermal dynamics.
This expertise allows for the optimization of battery performance and longevity. By integrating these models with real-world data, CIBI continually improves the predictability and reliability of battery systems, setting new standards in the field.
Safety
Battery safety testing is another core area of research at CIBI. We specialize in understanding how impacts of various geometries (e.g., round, flat) and punctures lead to cell failure. Our team has a deep understanding of thermal runaway phenomena, which is supported by sophisticated modeling techniques.
Housing a large facility dedicated to destructive testing, we can accommodate both cell and pack-level assessments. This setup ensures that our testing not only meets but exceeds industry standards, providing crucial insights and advancements in battery safety.
Recycling
Battery recycling is a critical component of supply chain circularity, addressing both environmental and economic challenges. USC faculty and students have designed innovative recycling concepts for industry partners. We conduct extensive research on the processing of batteries and battery black mass, reaching advancements in process decarbonization, hydro-based processes, and direct recycling.
Our efforts contribute to reducing the environmental footprint of battery disposal and enhancing the sustainability of battery production, ensuring that valuable materials are efficiently recovered and reused. Our commitment to researching recycling technologies will lead to a more sustainable and circular economy.
Electronics & Integration
Understanding how batteries are integrated into power systems is crucial for optimizing energy efficiency and reliability. CIBI researches power conversion, advances in EV chargers, and the development of digital twin technologies. We also develop new battery management systems, moving from full physics representations to algorithms that are efficiently deployable in real systems.