Purdue’s ViPER Group innovates high-energy-density, long life-cycle rechargeable lithium metal batteries

The Purdue Bell Tower.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. —

Research conducted by Purdue University’s Vilas Pol Energy Research (ViPER) Group shows promise for developing high-energy-density rechargeable lithium-metal batteries and addressing the electrochemical oxidation instability of ether-based electrolytes.

The research was published in the Feb. 10 issue of Nature Communications, a peer-reviewed, open access, scientific journal published by Nature Portfolio. Zheng Li, a graduate research assistant in the Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, was the lead author.

The focus of the ViPER Group is the design and fabrication of high-capacity materials for next generation safer lithium-ion, lithium-sulfur, sodium-ion, solid-state and ultralow temperature battery systems.

More information can be read on the Davidson School of Chemical Engineering website.

Media contact: Kayla Wiles, wiles5@purdue.edu 

Research News

PhD student W. Grant Dierking

33 students capture competitive NSF research fellowships; 13 achieve honorable mentions

August 17, 2026

Gateway arch at Purdue University

2 Purdue AI research projects selected among the first Genesis Mission awards

August 12, 2026

Graphic stating Purdue as No. 1 most recognized public university in U.S. for third straight year.

Purdue named most recognized public university in U.S., No. 4 overall in Global University Visibility rankings

August 10, 2026

Two individuals hold a small dinosaur figurine and a horseshoe crab model in their hands.

Dinosaur-killing asteroid also created a dust cloud that insulated Earth, ‘charbroiling’ Cretaceous creatures

July 28, 2026