Faculty Directory

Wachsman, Eric

Wachsman, Eric

Professor
Director, Maryland Energy Innovation Institute
William L. Crentz Centennial Chair in Energy Research
Vice-President, Electrochemical Society
Fellow, American Ceramic Society
Fellow, ECS
Materials Science and Engineering
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Maryland Energy Innovation Institute
1206A Engineering Lab Building

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Stanford University, 1990

BACKGROUND

Prior to joining the A. James Clark School of Engineering as the founding director of the University of Maryland Energy Research Center, Professor Wachsman spearheaded the creation of the Florida Institute on Sustainable Energy at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Fla. Before pursuing his career in academia, he rose through the ranks from post-doctorate to senior scientist at SRI International. He has more than 180 peer reviewed publications, 75+ peer reviewed proceedings, and 25 patents on ionic and electronic transport in ceramics, their catalytic properties, and device performance.

Professor Wachsman is also a frequent invited panelist on fuel cell and hydrogen energy research, ranging from the U.S. Department of Energy "Fuel Cell Report to Congress" and "Basic Research Needs Related to High Temperature Electrochemical Devices for Hydrogen Production, Storage and Use," to the National Science Foundation "Workshop on Fundamental Research Needs in Ceramics," NATO "Mixed Ionic-Electronic Conducting (MIEC) Perovskites for Advanced Energy Systems,” and the National Academies “Global Dialogues on Emerging Science and Technologies." He is a member of the Board of Directors for both the Maryland Clean Energy Center (Governor appointed and Senate confirmed) and The Electrochemical Society.

HONORS AND AWARDS

  • World Academy of Ceramics, 2017
  • Carl Wagner Memorial Award, The Electrochemical Society, 2017
  • Sir William Grove Award, International Association for Hydrogen Energy, 2014
  • Pfeil Award, The Institute of Materials, Minerals, and Mining, 2014
  • Outstanding Invention of 2013, University of Maryland, Office of Technology Licensing
  • Fuel Cell Seminar & Exposition Award, 2012
  • HTM Outstanding Achievement Award, The Electrochemical Society, 2012
  • Fellow of The American Ceramic Society, 2012
  • Fellow of The Electrochemical Society, 2008
  • Rhines Chair Professor of Materials Science & Engineering, 2008-2009
  • University of Florida Research Foundation Professor, 2005-2008
  • Materials Science & Engineering Faculty Excellence Award, 2007-2008
  • Materials Research Society, Top 5 Hot Talks/Cool Papers, Spring 2007 Meeting
  • University of Florida Faculty Achievement, 2007
  • NASA Johnson Space Center Achievement Award, 2007
  • Materials Science & Engineering Faculty Excellence Award, 2006-2007
  • Materials Science & Engineering Faculty Excellence Award, 2005-2006
  • Materials Science & Engineering Faculty Excellence Award, 2004-2005
  • Progress in Ceramic Basic Science: Challenge Toward the 21st Century, The Basic Science Division, The Ceramic Society of Japan, 1996
  • Xerox Achievement Award, 1984

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

  • Board of Directors, The Electrochemical Society
  • Board of Directors, Maryland Clean Energy Center
  • Councilor, Florida Section of the American Ceramic Society
  • Past chair, ECS High Temperature Materials Division
  • American Chemical Society
  • Editor-in-chief, Ionics
  • Former associate editor, Journal of the American Ceramic Society
  • International Society for Solid State Ionics
  • Materials Research Society

 

Research Interests include: 

 

For more information on Dr. Wachsman's research groups, click here.


Profesor Wachsman has focused his career on developing advanced, efficient, energy conversion devices and technologies. His research is on ionic transport in solids and the heterogeneous electrocatalysis at their surface. This research includes the development of solid oxide fuel cells, gas separation membranes, solid-state gas sensors, the electrocatalytic conversion of CH4, and the post-combustion reduction of NOx using advanced ion conducting materials.

Most recently, his research group has made advancements in several fields related to ceramic ion conductivity, developing intermediate and low temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC's), ion transport membranes, and solid state sensors. Through this research, Professor Wachsman and his team have contributed to the fundamental understanding of electrocatalysis and fundamentals of ion transport.

For detailed project descriptions, please visit Professor Wachsman's web site

For a complete list of selected publications, please visit Professor Wachsman's web site

“High-rate lithium cycling in a ascalable trilayer Li-garnet-electrolyte architecture”, Gregory T. Hitz, Dennis W. McOwne, Lei Zhang, Zhaohui Ma, Zhezhen Fu, Yang Wen, Yunhui Gong Jiaqi Dai, Tanner R. Hamann,  Liangbing Hu, and Eric D. Wachsman (2018), Materials Today, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mattod.2018.04.004

“3D lithium metal anodes hosted in asymmetric garnet frameworks toward high energy density batteries”, Boyang Liu, Lei Zhang, Shaomao Xu, Dennis W. McOwen, Yunhui Gong, Chunpeng Yang, Glenn R. Pastel, Hua Xie, Kun Fu, Jiaqi Dai, Chaoji Chen, Eric D. Wachsman and Liangbing Hu, (2018), Energy Storage Materials, Vol 14, pp. 376-382. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensm.2018.04.015

“Three-Dimensional, Solid-State Mixed Electron–Ion Conductive Framework for Lithium Metal Anode”, Shaomao Xu, Dennis W. McOwen, Chengwei Wang, Lei Zhang, Wei Luo, Chaoji Chen, Yiju Li, Yunhui Gong, Jiaqi Dai, Yudi Kuang, Chunpeng Yang, Tanner R. Hamann, Eric D. Wachsman and Liangbing Hu, (2018), Nano Letters, 18(6), pp. 3926-3933, DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.8b01295

 

Power grid failures in a changing climate

MEI2 Director, Eric Wachsman, discusses grid storage and distribution with WJLA-ABC7

CREB Kicks Off 2021 With Bi-Annual Meeting to Discuss Future of Battery Research

The virtual meeting aimed to bolster battery technology under extreme conditions.

10 Maryland MSE Faculty Members Ranked in Top 2% of World Scientists

Report prepared by Stanford University experts.

UMD Makes U.S. DOE Solar District Cup Finals

The Solar District Cup challenges multidisciplinary student teams to design and model optimized distributed energy systems for a campus or urban district.

Two Maryland Energy Innovation Institute Start-Ups Named to Governor’s Future 20 List

Ion Storage Systems and InventWood hailed as talented innovators

ARL to Fund $30M in Equipment Innovations for Service Members

UMD announces with the U.S. Army Research Lab agreements in additive manufacturing and battery research.

Dean Briber Honors Faculty with Research, Teaching Awards

Each year, the dean of the University of Maryland’s A. James Clark School of Engineering honors exemplary faculty members for their dedication to excellence in research and teaching.

Energy Start-Up Continues to Make Waves

Ion Storage Systems highlighted in SiliconRepublic

MSE Ranked #23 by U.S. News and World Report

UMD’s Materials Science and Engineering Department hits #23 in U.S. graduate school rankings – its highest ranking yet.

MEI2 leads U.S. side of $18.4M U.S.-Israel Energy Center focused on Energy Storage

Project will Develop Lithium and Sodium Metal Solid State Batteries for Advanced Energy Storage Applications

Ion Storage Systems Says Its Ceramic Electrolyte Could Be a Gamechanger for Solid-State Batteries

A superthin electrolyte with three layers could deliver safe, fast-charging batteries

New Report Recommends a Path for the Future of Maryland’s Clean Energy Economy

Comprehensive report on the future of clean energy innovation in Maryland delivered today to Governor Hogan

MEI² Receives Two New Innovative Vehicle Technology Awards

DOE Awards UMD/MEI2 $2M for Advance Battery Technology

MEI2 Launches First Start-Up in Incubator

Maryland Energy Innovation Institute officially launched its first start-up company, Ion Storage Systems.

UMD/MEI2 Energy Innovation Featured at ARPA-E 2019

ARPA-E Marks 10 Years of Technology Innovation

UMD Energy Start-Up receives $8M investment

Ion Storage Systems partnering with Alsop Louie

Energy Start Up Places 3rd in Battery Competition

Ion Storage Systems one of 5 outstanding finalists in LG Chem Battery Challenge

Investing in Innovative Energy Technologies

2019 Energy Innovation Seed Grants awarded

Wachsman and Wang “Battery 500” Awards selected for Phase II

DOE greenlights 2 UMD awards in second round

MEI2 Awards $5K to Local Start-Up at 2018 Clean Energy Summit

Ion Storage Systems wins Innovation Showcase

Wachsman provides expert voice on Axios

Solid-state battery tech gaining momentum with automaker investments

Wachsman and group overcome high resistance, low capacity solid-state battery barriers

UMD research paves the way for commercially viable safe batteries

Clark School Partners with Korea Electronics Technology Institute to Advance Energy Technologies

UMD, KETI announce a five-year partnership to accelerate research and innovation of energy technologies.

UMD ARPA-E Innovations transitioning to commercial reality

Transforming energy research into useable technology

2018 ARPA-E Summit to Showcase UMD Innovations

UMD Energy Innovation Technologies dominate

UMD Researchers Create New Architecture for Solid-State Li-ion Batteries

Novel garnet-fiber textiles maintain desired electrolyte flexibility while enabling high-capacity Li-metal anodes. 

2018 Engineering Sustainability Day

Join us for an energetic discussion!

Inaugural Energy Innovation Seed Grants awarded

$100K grants promote energy innovation technology

UMD Researchers Seek to Improve 3D Microstructure Characterization at the Nanoscale

FIB/SEM utilized to perform nanotomography on solid oxide fuel cells.

Legislators, University Administrators Gather to Launch Maryland Energy Innovation Institute

The institute was created to turn research breakthroughs into commercial, clean energy solutions.

ChBE Researchers Develop Clean, Efficient Method of Natural Gas Conversion

Sakbodin, Liu and Wachsman have created a membrane reactor that converts methane gas into more valuable material.

Wachsman Recipient of 2017 Carl Wagner Memorial Award

Electrochemical Society honors UMD's Eric Wacshman

Gov. Hogan Signs into Law $7.5M Maryland Energy Innovation Institute at UMD

MSE/ChBE Professor Eric Wachsman will tak a lead role in its development.

7th Annual Engineering Sustainability Day focuses on Energy Storage

This year's theme focused on energy storage -  pervasive message that we should promote and advocate for scientists and the science.

UMERC exhibits large presence at 2017 DOE ARPA-E Energy Summit

UMERC  confirms its role as a leader in energy research, development, and innovation.

Gov Hogan Announces UMD’s Role in $65M Environmental Agenda

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has announced $7.5 million in funding to create the Green Energy Institute.

UMD Researchers Find Ultra-thin Solution to Primary Obstacle in Solid-State Battery Development

Clark School researchers are developing game-changing solid-state battery technology

Energy Research Center battery highlighted on CBS This Morning

CBS featured UMD innovative energy research on its national morning news show.

DOE Awards $1.25M to UMERC Researchers to Develop Safer, Better Batteries

The Department of Energy awards UMD research on safer, better Lithium-ion battery technology as part of a $137 million investment in vehicle efficiency.

Fourth Consecutive Win for UMD Electrochemical Society Student Chapter

University of Maryland Electrochemical Society Students win Student Chapter Award for the fourth year in a row.

UMERC Director Keynote Speaker at Battery Safety Conference in November

UMERC Director Eric Wachsman will deliver the Keynote Presentation at the 7th Annual Battery Safety Conference, Nov 3-4, 2016.

UMD has Largest University Showing at 2016 ARPA-E Summit

UMD researchers showcase transformative energy research at ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit

Hu wins 2015 Junior Faculty Outstanding Research Award

Shows "promise [for] significant and lasting impact" in nanoscience

UMD Students Win Third Consecutive Electrochemical Society Student Chapter Award

University of Maryland Electrochemical Society Students win Student Chapter Award for the third year in a row.

Gates Foundations awards UMD project to address world sanitation problems

UMD researchers receive award for the tri-generation of heat, power, and potable water from waste.

University of Maryland Researchers Accept NASA Mission: Build a Better Battery for Space Exploration

UMD researchers awarded NASA funding for advanced energy storage technology

CYC Students Learn About Sustainable Energy

The University of Maryland Center for Young Children (CYC) Tour UMERC

Fraik Wins Poster Award

Undergraduate presented work conducted at the University of Maryland Energy Research Center.

Redox Named Best Green Company in Maryland for 2015

The Maryland Incubator Company of the Year Awards Best Environmental/Energy Company to Redox Power Systems.

High Energy at Extreme Battery Center’s First Meeting

New research center expands scope and draws regional experts.

Wells and Hulka Fellowships Support Exciting Energy Technologies

Transformative student energy research is funded by the Wells and Hulka Fellowships.

Redox Fuel Cell Technology Highlighted in Gigaom Tech

Redox Fuel Cell Technology Highlighted in Gigaom, the leading global voice on emerging technologies.

UMERC Researchers Came Out in Force at the ARPA-E Summit

UMERC Faculty promoted their transformative energy research last week at the ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit

Wachsman’s Presentation on Water/Energy Relationships Featured in MRS Meeting Scene

Professor describes how each relies on, and is affected by, the other.

Hu, Leite Named Outstanding Engineer and Scientist of the Year (VIDEO)

Materials Science professors receive awards from the Md. Academy of Sciences and Md. Science Center.

Maryland Industrial Partnerships Program Approves 18 Technology Development Projects

Worth $4.7 million, the projects team Maryland faculty and companies to bring products closer to market.

DOE Invests in UMERC Battery Research

The Energy Department selects UMERC’s solid-state Li-ion battery research to advance efficient vehicle technologies

UMERC's Advanced Energy Storage Technology Selected by NASA

Energy storage research at UMERC has been selected by NASA to potentially power future space missions.

Using Solar Energy to Make Safer Drinking Water

Wachsman Wins Pfeil Award for work on new photocatalyst.

Hu, Wachsman Win Invention of the Year Award

MSE/UMERC professors team with U. Calgary to create advanced Li-ion batteries.

UMD Joins Partnership to End Water Insecurity

UMD is one of only six university members that will collaborate on solutions that demonstrate U.S. leadership on international water issues.

25 Kilowatts in a Redox Box: Affordable Fuel Cell, Cheaper Power

MIT Technology Review highlights Wachsman's plan to reduce grid strain and energy costs.

UMD Researchers Awarded Two ARPA-E Grants for Electric Vehicle Energy Storage Systems

Eric Wachsman and Chunsheng Wang receive funding to create innovative batteries for electric vehicle energy storage systems.

UMD Energy Innovations Featured Prominently in the News

Clark School energy research, including solid oxide fuel cells and wood battery, featured in variety of mainstream media outlets.

Meet the Potential Future of Electricity Generation

Redox Power Systems, UMD develop breakthrough fuel cells to provide efficient, affordable electricity.

Electrochemical Society Student Chapter Wins Chapter Award

Young group named ECS' first Outstanding Student Chapter.

Second ARCS Fellowship for Gore

Award supports grad student's continuing development of fuel cell technology.

Wachsman Talks Fuel Cells on "Ceramic Tech Today" (VIDEO)

American Ceramic Society blog features talk on role of solid oxide fuel cells in nation's energy strategy.

Eric Wachsman Chosen as Solar 2013 Conference Chair

Wachsman joins distinguised panel of advisory members.

Wachsman Wins Fuel Cell Seminar & Energy Exposition Award

Energy Center director honored for work to commercialize fuel cells.

Wachsman Elected Fellow

American Ceramic Society honors professor's work in fuel cell development.

Wachsman Pioneers Transformational Energy Technology

TAP-based Redox Power Systems offers future energy solutions.

Wachsman Tapped for Grid Reliability Panel

Clark School's Ayyub also provides testimony for roundtable on improving Maryland's electric distribution system.

Wachsman Receives Outstanding Achievement Award

Clark School fuel cell expert honored by Electrochemical Society.

Energy Team Turns in Strong Performance at $75K Business Plan Competition

RedOx takes second place in division, wins Warren Citrin Social Impact Award.

UM $75K Business Plan Competition Winners Announced

Clark School teams win alumni category, Warren Citrin Social Impact Award.

Foundation Supports Gore's Efforts to Improve Fuel Cells

MSE graduate student named ARCS Hesse Endowment Fellow.

2012 Energy Research Fellows Announced

Awards will fund diverse sustainable energy research projects

Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Research Sparks Media Coverage

Recent press release gets attention from Scientific American, others.

Want Fuel Cells? Think Outside the Hydrogen Tank

Energy expert advocates investing in "the other fuel cell" to reduce reliance on fossil fuels now, not in decades.

Energy Center Celebrates Grand Opening

Top federal and state energy advisors speak at event. Watch online.

UMERC Selected to Showcase Technology at 2011 ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit

University of Maryland Energy Research Center, Dow, Lockheed Martin to be featured at DC Event February 28 - March 2.

Gov. O'Malley Taps Wachsman for Clean Energy Board

UMERC director appointed to Board of Directors of the Maryland Clean Energy Center.

Wachsman on Fuel Cells Chosen for ACS Bulletin Cover Story

Article discusses current deployment, development challenges.

Electric Chevrolet Volt Visits Clark School

Raffled test drives, presentations put focus on technology and sustainability.

Wachsman to Deliver Pennergy Lecture

UMERC director invited to participate in UPenn's prestigious energy colloquium.

Clark School Names First UMERC Director

Fuel cell expert, national panelist Eric Wachsman to lead energy research efforts.

  • ACerS, 2012

  • ECS, 2008

Edit your faculty profile