Oxford University launches new Centre for Energy Materials Research

Published by

Tom Kilkelly

Oxford Healthtech Labs is based at the University of Oxford

The University of Oxford's Department of Materials has launched a new state-of-the-art facility: the Centre for Energy Material Research (CEMR).

This new facility will support the development of materials that will be used to combat the climate crisis.

Comprising five floors of the university's recently refurbished Rex Richard's building, the CEMR will host experimental and computational scientists who will be working on the various aspects of energy storage and conversion.

Vice-chancellor at the University of Oxford Professor Irene Tracey said: '‘Our future energy needs must be met in ways that consider natural resources and human welfare. And the University’s substantial research strengths cover the many disciplines which are needed to ensure a just and fair energy transition for us in the UK and globally. This capability enables vital collaborations, from access for SMEs to major partnerships with industry and other institutions. I wish my colleagues every success in this vitally important endeavour.’'

The CEMR will offer a huge range of characterisation, analytical, and synthesis equipment, enabling an interdisciplinary approach to energy research materials. One of the big potential advancements the CEMR makes possible is in the field of electrochemical storage devices (batteries). The centre's capabilities support all aspects of battery research, including the issue of sustainably sourcing key materials in the battery supply chain whilst reducing their environmental impact.

Associate Professor Robert Weatherup, who uses advanced modelling and characterisation techniques to understand how and why lithium-ion batteries degrade over time, said: ‘The world-leading capabilities available in the CEMR for producing, handling, and characterising energy materials have really helped accelerate our research on understanding lithium-ion battery degradation and developing new catalysts for converting waste carbon dioxide to useful chemicals. We're particularly fortunate to have a suite of cutting-edge X-ray characterisation capabilities, that allow us to look at the processes occurring in these materials during operation, helping to better understand the origins of their performance.’

The launch of the CEMR was attended by a wide variety of representatives from a plethora of industry, policy, and research organisations. Funding for the CEMR was provided by UKRI, the Henry Royce Institute, the Faraday institution, the Wolfson Foundation, and the University of Oxford.

Tom Kilkelly

Tom Kilkelly started working as a freelance journalist for The Business Magazine following his graduation from UCL in 2022. During his studies Tom became very interested in the works of Irish authors including Samuel Beckett and Flann O'Brien (Brian O'Nolan). His current role as a freelance business reporter is his first exposure to the world of business journalism. Working at TBM has given Tom the chance to really get to grips with the goings-on in the business hive that is the South East.