Azad who works as a research fellow for the project EMPOWER, has completed 1 out of 4 years into the project period.
The interdisciplinary project funded by UiO: Energy and Environment aims at developing an encompassing long-term strategy on sustainable batteries. The project runs from 2022-2026, and it comprises 6 interconnected so called work packages.
By answering its overarching research question: "How can EV batteries empower the transition to a net-zero energy system in Norway?", EMPOWER will develop an encompassing long-term strategy towards sustainable EV batteries.
Prepared a review article and designed a microgrid
-In this work, I have prepared a review article titled “Mapping the Electric Vehicle Battery Value Chain in Norway”, and I am currently designing a microgrid that integrates waste EV batteries with renewable energy sources, in collaboration with Aalborg University, Azad says.
Her recent work was featured at forskning.no: Kan vi gjenbruke batterier fra elbiler? in June 2024.
Azad’s work package lead is Senior Lecturer, Matylda N. Guzik (UiO). Her EMPOWER project leader is Associate Professor, Marianne Zeyringer (also UiO). She has regular meetings with Guzik, and meets the "EMPOWER group" every six weeks.
- I find these meetings very useful in my everyday work, says the researcher.
PhD research focused on the development of lithium silicides as anode materials for high-temperature batteries
At the age of 28, Atia Azad has a remarkable background in the field of renewable energy systems. She completed her PhD in Chemistry at the University of St Andrews in November 2023, under the supervision of Professor John T. S. Irvine and Dr. Richard Gover from Atomic Weapons Establishment( AWE). Her research focused on the development of lithium silicides as anode materials for high-temperature batteries. The results were used for thermal modelling studies at AWE. The findings were also submitted to the Journal of Materials Chemistry A and are currently under peer review. The article is titled “High-Temperature Behaviour of Lithiated Silicon (Li13Si4 and Li7Si3) Anodes: A Powder Neutron Diffraction Study.”
Conducted research on the ionic conductivity of new liquid crystal polymers
Azad earned her Master’s in Chemical Engineering from the University of Aberdeen in June 2019. During her studies, she conducted research on the ionic conductivity of new liquid crystal polymers, specifically targeting their application in direct methanol fuel cells. Her research Interests are: Li-ion batteries, energy storage, silicon anodes and anode materials for batteries.
Takes pride in mentoring students
In addition to her research work into the project EMPOWER, Azad supervises master students at the Department of Technology Systems.
- I co-supervised one student in 2024, who completed a thesis titled “Challenges with Handling End-of-Life Lithium-Ion Batteries in E-Scooters: The Norwegian Perspective.” This year, I am co-supervising two students.
- I take pride in mentoring students and watching them grow into confident researchers, she says.
-What is your plan after finishing the Postdoc period in 2026?
- I am open to continuing a research career in academia, or transitioning into an industry role. I want to continue working with energy storage and the energy transition. My dream job is to work in a research-focused role, such as a Professor or R&D team lead. 1o years from now, I might be working with energy storage in Asia.
The future looks bright. Good luck with all of your future plans, Atia!