Washington State University issued the following news release:
By Tina Hilding, College of Engineering and Architecture
Tracy (Jianying) Ji, a Ph.D. student in Washington State University's School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, has been recognized as the Boeing and Flightglobal Engineering Student of the Year (http://www.flightglobal.com/page/achievement-awards/2012/boeing-engineer) (ESOYA). It is the first time that a WSU student has received the prestigious award.
Boeing and Flightglobal have held the ESOYA competition since 2005 as a way of encouraging students in aerospace engineering. Open to any engineering student around the world, competitors are judged on the potential impact of their research on the aerospace industry.
After receiving a master's degree at Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ji came to WSU in 2009 to pursue her Ph.D. Ji is working to develop a new type of battery that would be lighter, safer and more environmentally friendly than current lithium ion batteries.
Boeing has been working to develop an all-electric airplane, in which more electronics will be powered through battery technology. The technology, however, remains a limiting factor.
Ji is working to develop a new electrolyte for batteries that is made out of an environmentally friendly soy protein. Electrolytes are the part of the battery that allow for the movement of electrons between the anode and the cathode to create electricity. Usually, electrolytes are liquid acid solutions. The electrolyte solution can leak and create a fire hazard.
"In some portable electronics, the batteries can reach temperature as hot as 200 degree Celsius -- hot enough to cook eggs," says Zhong. "That's a big safety concern."
Ji's soy protein-based electrolyte is solid and lighter weight than traditional electrolyte materials. In combining the soy protein with more traditional electrolyte materials, she was able to produce high conductivity, while producing a material that could be disposed of more easily. It also could reduce overall battery weight.
"The safety issue can be solved, and the battery is lightweight and more environmentally friendly," says Zhong. "This work is very practical and highly needed in industry."
Contact: Tina Hilding, WSU College of Engineering and Architecture, 509/335-5095, [email protected]
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