Agilent Presents Solutions Innovation Research Awards to Drexel University and Prairie View A&M University Researchers

Scientists recognized for their innovative work in advanced materials research

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today announced the selection of Distinguished Professors Michel Barsoum and Yury Gogotsi at Drexel University and Professor Ananda Amarasekara at Prairie View A&M University as recipients of an Agilent Solutions Innovation Research Award (SIRA). The three honorees will receive separate awards for their research into materials to advance energy storage technology.

Environmental issues related to decades of fossil fuel use have sharply highlighted the need for more efficient and durable batteries. Creating global energy resources that are both renewable and sustainable presents a significant technical challenge: developing new materials to improve the performance, longevity, and recyclability of commercial energy storage solutions.

Professors Barsoum and Gogotsi are recognized for their efforts to develop nanomaterials for battery/electrochemical energy storage applications, including the development and study of MXenes – a new class of 2D materials made from transition metals – which they co-discovered in 2011. Professor Barsoum’s award includes a one-year loan of an Agilent 8900 ICP-QQQ system; Professor Gogotsi’s award consists of a one-year loan of an Agilent 5900 ICP-OES system.

Professor Amarasekara is recognized for his research into renewable electrical energy storage technologies and sustainable biofuels – specifically, developing a new energy-efficient and inexpensive method for recovering valuable metals from spent Li-ion batteries. Professor Amarasekara’s award consists of a one-year loan of an Agilent 7900 ICP-MS system.

Keith Bratchford, vice president and general manager of Agilent's Atomic Spectroscopy Division commented of the significance of the awards: “Agilent is proud to acknowledge the groundbreaking work of Professors Michel Barsoum, Yury Gogotsi, and Ananda Amarasekara. In a world seeking sustainable solutions and better energy storage, advanced materials and battery research hold immense importance; it is the catalyst for innovations that will reshape industries and drive technological advancements. By delving into advanced materials and battery technologies, we lay the groundwork for a more sustainable and resilient future. Agilent is proud to be a part of this transformative journey, with our atomic spectroscopy products playing a pivotal role in enabling and advancing crucial research in these areas.”

Professor Barsoum stated: “We are excited about this award. The Agilent 8900 ICP-QQQ system is a critical piece of equipment we now need to continue and enhance our research on advanced energy storage technology.”

Professor Gogotsi added: “The Agilent ICP optical emission spectrometer will allow us to quickly analyze trace elements in water. Its availability will facilitate the development of MXene membranes for water desalination and purification, as well as energy storage and harvesting. ICP metals analysis will also allow us to control the removal of lithium and other ions from MXenes when we wash and delaminate them, thus improving the purity of new 2D materials that we discover and develop in our lab.”

Professor Amarasekara stated: “We are encouraged by this award and continued collaboration with Agilent. The loaned instrument will be put to good use in our Li-ion battery recycling project as well as in environmental science research programs. The experience gained using this ICP-MS will be useful in developing our future research plans and departmental analytical instrument inventory.”

Agilent established the SIRA initiative in 2023 to stimulate innovative and impactful use of its products to help solve pressing scientific problems in academia. These awards underscore Agilent’s commitment to facilitating university research and enhancing awareness of and access to its portfolio of analytical solutions.

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